One item at the meeting was the presentation of the League of Minnesota Cities City of Excellence Award to the City of Wyoming. Luke Fischer, the executive director of the League of Minnesota Cities, and Evan Vogel, the city administrator for Cambridge, presented the award. They commended the city for its age-friendly community garden project, a collaborative effort involving local government, the Chicago County statewide health improvement partnership, and M Health Fairview. The project was funded through an age-friendly Minnesota community grant and recognized for enhancing food access and creating an inclusive space, especially benefiting seniors and those with physical disabilities. The garden features accessible plots for residents with mobility challenges, fostering healthy food access and social connections within the community. The speakers lauded the project for its success and its role in improving residents’ quality of life.

Transitioning from the celebratory mood, the council delved into a heated discussion regarding a variance application for a fence at 26744 High Pilot Court. Kevin and Michelle Letson had erected a six-foot fence within a front non-buildable setback area, where only a 48-inch height is permitted. The fence, built without a required permit, sparked a debate around its placement and the necessity of moving it out of the road easement area. The planning commission had approved the variance with the condition that the fence be relocated to prevent future complications, as the easement was designated for road use. Council members debated the fairness of enforcing the fence’s relocation, considering the low probability of road development in that area.

The discussion became more complex when a council member highlighted the broader implications of permitting a fence without the appropriate documentation. They emphasized the need for compliance with permit requirements to avoid setting a precedent that could lead to further complications. The property owner, Mr. Letson, explained that he mistakenly believed a permit was not necessary based on online research. His explanation faced skepticism, particularly given his background in construction, which suggested he should have been aware of the permit requirements.

Neighboring residents, including Mr. Murdoch, voiced concerns about the impact of the fence on traffic flow and delivery access, citing complications for garbage trucks and delivery vehicles. Murdoch urged for the fence’s relocation to enhance traffic flow and alleviate access issues. The council deliberated on Resolution 25763, which aimed to approve the variance while stipulating that the fence be moved back 15 feet. A proposal to amend the motion to specify a 33-foot distance from the centerline of the property line was made, but procedural issues delayed further action.

In addition to the fence variance issue, the council also approved a major residential development plan for the Land Development Company of Wyoming LLC. The development, named Point North of Carlos Avery, is to be located on the former Greenwood Golf Course site. It includes plans for 30 single-family homes and a six-unit row home, aligning with the community’s comprehensive plan. The development also features a park board recommendation for a two-acre park, which is part of a total requirement for approximately four acres of park space. The proposal was approved with conditions, including the development of access points off Viking Boulevard and coordination for improvements along East Viking and Kettle River Boulevard.

Further, the council approved the promotion of Wyoming Police Officer Jack Breitbach to Sergeant, following the retirement of Sergeant Lance Beardsley. The promotion followed a rigorous selection process, and Officer Breitbach was recognized for his professionalism and fair treatment of the public. The council members also shared updates on their activities, including participating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly developed Fireside Park.