The meeting’s primary focus was the conditional use permit for Pinehaven Farms Haunted Hayride, located on Kettle River Boulevard. The permit application included several major events, such as a fall festival, haunted hayride, and a pumpkin trail, drawing thousands of visitors. This influx has resulted in traffic congestion, particularly at the East Viking Boulevard intersection, which has been identified as a bottleneck. Residents raised concerns about vehicles stacking on public roadways, hindering access to private properties, and creating dust and noise due to the gravel road conditions.

The council discussed recommendations from city staff and the planning commission to manage the traffic issues. A traffic study was proposed to better understand the events’ impacts on local roadways. Additionally, a traffic control plan was recommended to alleviate congestion, with staff emphasizing the need for improved traffic management and site access. One contentious condition involved attendance limits, with the city unwilling to increase visitor numbers until existing traffic issues are resolved. The applicant can request a modification to the conditional use permit once the issues are addressed, but the city cannot modify the permit unless a violation occurs.

Another point of debate was the requirement for paving the access road. The council discussed the seasonal business’s traffic impact. However, the applicant expressed concerns about the financial burden of paving, while city representatives emphasized that they wish to avoid using public funds for road improvements.

Further, the council addressed the ongoing maintenance of Kettle River Boulevard, which costs taxpayers approximately $57,000 over three years due to public works resources. The road serves not only the events but also local residents and businesses, raising questions about the disproportionate use of city resources for maintenance. Concerns were raised about the financial implications of bonding for road improvements, with questions about the fairness of residents subsidizing a business’s road.

In addition, the council reviewed the implications of a conditional use permit related to roadway maintenance and funding. The council emphasized the need to explore funding opportunities and a collaborative approach to address both immediate and long-term challenges presented by high traffic levels and road maintenance requirements. This approach aims to find a solution that does not impose excessive financial burdens on local property owners while ensuring the road remains functional for the business’s success.

The council also touched on a proposed park-and-ride system to help alleviate traffic concerns, similar to what is utilized at the Renaissance Festival. This system would encourage patrons to use available facilities, though it was noted that implementing such a system might not be a top priority.

Beyond the Pinehaven Farms discussion, the council decided to pause the rezoning process based on community feedback. Mayor Lisa Iverson emphasized that the planning commission had paused rezoning to reflect on residents’ concerns. The council agreed that it was not the appropriate time to proceed with rezoning, acknowledging numerous comments from residents expressing concerns about the proposed changes. The mayor directed city employees and commission chairs to communicate the council’s decision and extend thanks to the planning commission for their work.

The meeting also included discussions on community engagement initiatives, such as the “Mayor for a Day” and “Name the Plow” contests for 2025, aimed at involving the public, especially youth, in city operations. These projects intend to foster community spirit and engagement.