The meeting began with a discussion about Steve Johnson’s request to use his property on Main Street for the temporary commercial storage of RV units. This raised debate among the board members, as the current zoning ordinance for the C1 district does not explicitly allow this type of use. Concerns were voiced regarding the aesthetic impact and safety implications of storing multiple vehicles in a prominent downtown location. Some members highlighted the importance of preserving an inviting appearance for the downtown area, referencing zoning regulations designed to prevent such businesses from operating there due to spatial constraints.

During the dialogue, opinions varied. While some members expressed reluctance to approve the temporary use without additional information, such as a detailed map showing where the RVs would be parked, others suggested that an interim use permit could be a viable solution. This permit would allow temporary storage for a defined period while setting conditions to avoid establishing a precedent for similar future requests. The board also considered criteria like setback requirements but acknowledged the absence of a formal request from Johnson to proceed with any action.

The possibility of parking RVs along Main Street in an orderly manner was discussed, with members suggesting that it could be acceptable if setbacks of neighboring buildings were not exceeded. It was emphasized that further clarity from Johnson regarding his plans was necessary, with a suggestion for him to apply for an interim use permit to formalize his request. A timeline for this temporary use was considered, with a proposal to limit it until a specific date in the spring.

Transitioning to the fee schedule discussion, the board reviewed the city’s building and development fees, which have not been updated since 2022, with only minor adjustments to building fees in 2023. The conversation revolved around the possibility of increasing these fees to deter individuals from seeking variances if the intention is to minimize such applications. The proposed changes would see fixed fees, such as re-roofing permits, rise from $63 to $69. The board discussed the importance of balancing the need for city revenue with the costs incurred for inspections and staff time associated with processing permits.

The current staffing of inspections was highlighted, noting that the inspector travels from Plainview to Zumbrota, raising concerns about whether the fee structure sufficiently covers actual costs. The discussion also touched on aligning Zumbrota’s fee structure with those of nearby communities to maintain regional competitiveness. While no immediate action was required, members were encouraged to consider the proposals before the next meeting. A request was made to check with other communities, like Pine Island and St. Charles, about their fee proposals to better understand regional trends.

In addition to these discussions, the board addressed the need for reappointments on the Planning Commission, as several members’ terms were nearing completion. Members interested in continuing their service were asked to submit their intentions in writing for formal documentation. The commission, currently at its minimum required membership of five, highlighted the necessity of outreach for potential new members to maintain quorum and operational functionality.

The meeting also revealed a need for an ordinance revision, as a discrepancy regarding the role of the attorney as chair was deemed inappropriate. A consensus emerged that necessary changes should be proposed at future meetings. Additionally, the board acknowledged that the current structure allows for minimal representation, prompting discussions on expanding the membership base.