The primary focus of the meeting was the variance request submitted by Jacob Ker for the construction of a 440-square-foot shed/garage on his property on Jones Lane. The proposed structure would sit on a floating slab in the rear yard with a 5.7-foot setback from the property line. The city’s planning consultant, Rita Trap, provided a detailed overview of the application, noting that the property is located at the intersection of Jones Lane and Three Points Boulevard and has an existing single-family home with an attached two-car garage. The property has previously received a variance for a 6-foot fence due to traffic and topographical challenges.

Trap explained that the lot is classified as R1 residential and meets the size requirements for such a designation. The requested structure size is well within the allowable limits for accessory buildings. The variance request primarily stems from the lot’s topographical challenges, as any alteration to the land would require significant tree removal and grading. The planning staff recommended approval of the variance, with conditions to ensure no driveway access would be constructed towards Three Points Boulevard to maintain the street’s character.

During the discussion, commissioners inquired about various aspects of the proposal, including the height of the existing fence and the implications of the shed’s placement on snow removal and visibility. Jacob Ker emphasized that the proposed site for the new shed is lower than the road, making it less visible and minimizing required soil excavation and tree removal. He also mentioned that neighboring property owners had no objections to his proposal.

However, public comments from John Sundell, a neighbor residing on Jones Lane, brought forth concerns. Sundell expressed surprise at the variance request and recalled his own experience seeking a variance for his property remodel, which faced opposition from the Kers. He argued that economic considerations should not influence the determination of practical difficulty as per city code and questioned the fairness of granting the Kers another variance given the prior challenges they had presented during his requests.

In response to these concerns, the commission engaged in a thorough discussion about the necessity and implications of granting the variance. They examined alternative options for the Cers’ accessory structure, including adding onto the back of their garage or altering the structure’s layout. The commission emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency in their decisions regarding variance applications and debated the feasibility of shifting the proposed structure to align better with the existing house.

After extensive deliberation, a motion was made to approve the variance request, which included specific conditions and findings of fact. The motion received a second and was carried by the commission, despite expressions of concern about maintaining consistency in decision-making across different cases.

The meeting also addressed several other planning cases and community issues. A proposal for a deck replacement on Bay Ridge Road was discussed, with the staff recommending approval due to the unique circumstances surrounding the property. The proposed deck would be closer to the lake shore than the existing deck, but the design was carefully considered to avoid obstructing windows and to accommodate standard construction materials. The commission ultimately recommended approval to the city council for this planning case.

Additionally, an expansion permit for a remodel on Edgewater Drive was considered. The project involved a rear deck and family room, which led to the need for the expansion permit. The architect, Max Windmiller, assured the commission that the design aimed for a seamless integration of the new rear addition with the existing structure and would effectively reduce impervious surfaces. The commission moved to approve the expansion permit, with plans to present the recommendation to the city council soon.

Other topics discussed included the upcoming term expirations for several commission members and ongoing construction on Highway 15. The commission agreed to include clearer instructions in the upcoming newsletter about pedestrian and biker rights at crossings, particularly around Dakota Junction, to address safety concerns.

Updates from the Parks Department highlighted the success of the “Spirit of the Leges” event and announced an alternative event called “West Hacka Pet Palooza” scheduled for September 8th. The commission also discussed the active real estate market in Mound and the upcoming public hearing regarding the Minona Flats project.