The meeting’s most discussed topic was the annexation and development plans for the Too Marine project. Associate planner Ralph Keith presented this case, emphasizing its alignment with statutory requirements and consistency with a joint planning agreement with Oola County. The property, currently designated as low-density residential by the county, is set to be changed to a commercial designation with a zoning of Highway Business. This strategic location, situated north of Frier Cove, east of Glender Court, and southwest of Cano Creek Road, was deemed suitable for boat storage, catering to the area’s demand. Despite some commissioners expressing initial confusion over the jurisdiction of nearby properties, it was confirmed that adjacent areas were under city jurisdiction, facilitating the annexation. Public comment on this matter was opened, yet no audience members came forward to speak. The commission’s unanimous approval of the three ordinances related to Too Marine underscored broad support for the proposal, reflecting confidence in its potential economic benefits for the community.

Another focal point of the meeting was the Tracy Manor development, which seeks to address the need for senior housing in St. Cloud. The existing property has low-density residential designation with R1A zoning for single-family dwellings. The proposed change to medium-density residential with R4 zoning aims to accommodate 24 additional multifamily units for low-income seniors. An architect representing the Council on Aging plans to add a two-story building with an elevator. While the existing seven duplexes will remain, the project faces challenges due to space limitations and the proximity of wetlands. Despite these concerns, commissioners expressed a consensus on the necessity for such housing, approving the related ordinances unanimously. The project highlights a community effort to enhance living conditions for seniors, although its feasibility remains under scrutiny due to spatial constraints.

In addition to these projects, the commission reviewed other annexation requests, such as the Long Residence and the East Side Park property. The Long Residence involves a voluntary annexation by property owner James Long, who aims to preserve the agricultural status of his 17-acre land enclave. The commission’s approval of the annexation and subsequent zoning amendments allows the transition from County agriculture to City agriculture, while maintaining the future land use as residential. This decision aligns with Long’s intent to keep the area around Nova Road from overdevelopment, despite surrounding zoning changes.

The East Side Park property annexation also garnered attention, identified as AX24-0000001. It is consistent with statutory requirements and the joint planning agreement, featuring existing low-density residential land use with agricultural zoning. Staff confirmed that annexation would bring the property under city jurisdiction, impacting city taxation once finalized. Public input was solicited, yet no comments were made, and the ordinance passed with a 4-1 vote.

Additional annexations discussed included ordinance number 2024-71, which involved a property previously annexed by the same applicant, maintaining its agricultural zoning within the city.