Afton public meetings in 2020
28 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Meeting
The Afton City Council held a special meeting to consider a resolution authorizing the city to apply for additional funding through the DNR Flood Hazard Mitigation Grant. The council approved the resolution unanimously. No other business was discussed.
- Adopted Resolution 2020-57 authorizing application for DNR Flood Hazard Mitigation Grant
Meeting
The Afton City Council held its regular meeting on December 15, 2020, adopting the final 2021 budget and tax levy, which includes a 3.5% increase in the General Fund Levy and a 3.93% increase in the Total Tax Levy. The council also discussed and acted on several items, including a sanitation fee increase request, a concept plan for the Blasko property, and enforcement of short-term rental violations.
- Adopted Resolution 2020-55 (2021 Budget) and Resolution 2020-56 (2021 Tax Levy) with 3.93% total tax levy increase
- Approved FEMA flood certification agreements for levee system on St. Croix Trail South
- Approved CPL grant application for restoration at 2318 St. Croix Trail with $55,000 estimated cost and 10% city match
- Approved 2021 liquor license renewal for Afton House Inn (4-1 vote)
- Voted to file criminal complaint against short-term rental violator at 12631 15th St., with two-year license suspension
Meeting
The Afton Planning Commission met remotely and considered a variance request from John and Kim Ziton to build a new house closer to River Road than allowed. The commission found no hardship and tabled the request to allow the applicants to revise their plans. They also discussed draft ordinance amendments on screening for lakefront accessory buildings and shared driveways for open space preservation.
- Variance request at 4102 River Road tabled to January 4 meeting
- Draft ordinance on screening requirements for accessory buildings on lakefront/streamfront lots
- Draft ordinance on open space preservation subdivision with shared driveways
- Public comments received from Jan Woodfill, Linda Tilton, and Linda Johnson opposing the variance
Meeting
The Afton City Council held a work session to tour the Blasko property at 14020 Valley Creek Trail, considering its preservation and acquisition. No decisions were made; the meeting was procedural and informational.
- Tour of Blasko property at 14020 Valley Creek Trail
- Discussion of preservation and acquisition of the property
Meeting
The Afton City Council held a regular meeting, approving a minor subdivision, discussing a potential acquisition of property along Valley Creek for conservation, and considering several ordinance amendments. The council also approved payments for downtown landscaping and road improvement planning, and discussed zoning enforcement staffing.
- Approved Resolution 2020-52 for minor subdivision at 1033 Indian Trail Path
- Discussed potential acquisition of property at 14020/14040 Valley Creek Trail for preservation
- Approved Ordinance 10-2020 requiring small project permits to prevent street damage, excluding agriculture
- Approved $3,881.50 payment to Great Northern Landscapes for downtown improvements, held until tree replacement confirmed
- Approved $2,500 for WSB to prepare 2021 road improvement bid package
Meeting
The Public Works Committee is meeting to discuss a potential street improvement project for 2021. The committee will also receive an update regarding bridges and culverts.
- Potential Street Improvement Project for 2021
- Update regarding bridges and culverts
Meeting
The Afton Planning Commission held a remote meeting to review a minor subdivision request, a sketch plan for a commercial subdivision, and a concept for open space preservation with shared driveways. They recommended approval of the minor subdivision and provided feedback on the sketch plan and shared driveway concept, asking staff to draft an ordinance amendment.
- Recommended approval of minor subdivision for lot line rearrangement at 1033 Indian Trail Path (Pamela D. Neary Rev Trust).
- Reviewed sketch plan for 63-acre industrial subdivision at Hudson Road and Manning Ave, creating 7 commercial lots.
- Discussed shared driveway concept for open space preservation, with conditions including maintenance agreements and conservation easements.
- Noted concerns about stormwater runoff, floodplain, and tree preservation for the sketch plan.
City Council
The City Council is reviewing the proposed 2021 budget, which includes a total tax levy increase of $92,891 (3.93%) to fund capital improvements and operational costs. The plan allocates funds for street and bridge repairs, increased police speed enforcement, and a new levy to address a legal judgment related to the Afton House. The document outlines specific impacts on property taxes and details the funding for the Sanitary Sewer system.
- Total 2021 tax levy proposed at $2,455,912, an increase of 3.93% over 2020
- General Fund expenditures proposed at $1,379,068, up 2.9% from 2020
- Street Improvement Levy increased by $50,000 to $610,500 for pay-as-you-go funding
- New $12,000 debt service levy added to fund judgment in Afton House easement condemnation
- Additional police patrol expenses up $12,000 (240%) for speed enforcement
Meeting
The Public Works Committee is meeting to discuss damage to city streets caused by private projects. The meeting is being held remotely via Zoom.
- Discussion of damage to city streets by private projects
Meeting
The Afton City Council held a special meeting to discuss the 30th Street Improvement Project, specifically whether to use a lump sum price quote or unit pricing to determine the final project cost. Staff sought direction on this issue, and the Council agreed the pricing option must be clear before a project starts. The Council voted to use the lump sum price quote as the final project cost.
- 30th Street Improvement Project cost determination
- Decision to use lump sum price quote over unit pricing
- Discussion on pricing methods for smaller public works projects
Meeting
The Public Works Committee is meeting remotely via Zoom to conduct committee business. The primary focus of the meeting is public works projects and engineering assistance.
- Discussion of Public Works Projects and Engineering Assistance
Meeting
The Afton City Council approved an ordinance limiting firearm discharge on private property to 50 rounds per day, one hour per day, and one day every two weeks, with exceptions for hunting. The council also approved the 2021 preliminary budget and tax levy, continued extra speed patrols, and made several payments for road and sewer projects.
- Ordinance 05-2020: firearm discharge limited to 50 rounds/day, 1 hour/day, 1 day/2 weeks (passed 3-2)
- Resolution 2020-45/46: 2021 preliminary budget and tax levy adopted
- Pay Voucher No. 3 to Geislinger & Sons: $8,175.54 for River Road sewer improvements
- Payments to Executive Contracting Inc: $80,000 (Voucher 1) and $70,000 (Voucher 2) for 30th St project
- Payments to Tri County Services: $89,975 and $21,500 for 30th St culvert replacements
Meeting
The Afton City Council approved budget adjustments to reduce the 2021 tax levy increase to 3.93%, and discussed funding for legal costs related to the Afton House easement condemnation. The Council also agreed to accept a $14,900 quote for guardrail installation on 30th Street and to pay $80,000 of the 30th Street reclamation project cost early, with formal approvals to come at the September 15 meeting.
- 2021 proposed budget adjusted to reduce tax levy to 3.93%
- PFA loan debt service fund underfunded due to legal costs; internal funding options discussed
- Guardrail installation quote of $14,900 from H&R Construction accepted
- Early payment of $80,000 of $179,990 for 30th Street reclamation project approved
- Extra police patrols to be funded with CARES funds
Meeting
The Afton City Council met remotely to discuss two items: tree replacement requirements for a property at 1073 Indian Trail Path and the use of federal CARES funds for COVID-19-related upgrades. The council approved a 2:1 tree replacement ratio and required large evergreens for screening, and approved proceeding with all outlined CARES-funded projects.
- Approved 2:1 tree replacement ratio based on diameter-inches of trees removed at 1073 Indian Trail Path
- Required large evergreen trees (8-10 feet tall) for screening at top of bluff
- Approved CARES-funded projects including touchless faucets, water softeners, ion air purification, electronic spray sanitizer, website upgrade, and online payments
- Estimated costs: water softener $3,000, electronic spray sanitizer $1,800, online payments one-time $7,000
Meeting
The Afton City Council held its regular meeting virtually, approving a firearms ordinance amendment that limits discharge to one day every two weeks, 50 rounds per day, and 1 hour per day, with a public hearing set for August 31. The council also reconsidered a dangerous dog designation, approving a 'potentially dangerous' status with restitution, and took action on several administrative items including engineering contracts, an ordinance extension, and property violations.
- Ordinance 05-2020: firearm discharge limited to 50 rounds/day, 1 hour/day, one day every two weeks (passed 3-2)
- Approved WSB engineering services for 30th St Improvement Project, not to exceed $21,058
- Declared Sonderegger's dog 'potentially dangerous' and required restitution for ordinance violation (passed 3-2)
- Adopted Ordinance 07-2020 extending interim ordinance and moratorium to November 17, 2020
- Approved up to $13,000 for council chambers audio/visual upgrades, plus $5,000 for camera if eligible
Meeting
The Afton City Council held its regular meeting virtually, approving routine items and several contracts. The most significant action was voting 3-2 to send a draft ordinance regulating the discharge of firearms back to the Planning Commission for further review, with a new draft expected by October. The council also approved a dangerous dog designation, a $174,990 street reclamation project, and a speed limit reduction on 50th Street.
- Firearms discharge ordinance sent back to Planning Commission (3-2 vote)
- Dangerous dog designation approved for dog that killed a pet goose (3-2 vote)
- 30th Street Reclamation Project approved for $174,990 to Executive Contractors, Inc.
- Speed limit reduced to 35 mph on 50th Street east of County Road 21
- Bridge inspection contract approved for up to $2,300 with WSB
Meeting
The Afton City Council approved final payments for the River Road Sanitary Sewer project and authorized $3,200 for a 30th Street culvert replacement. The council voted to hire 172 hours of additional speed and noise patrols from the Washington County Sheriff’s Department. Public hearings for firearm and barbed wire ordinances were moved to the July Planning Commission meeting.
- Approved Option #2 for 172 hours of additional speed/noise patrols (cost range $4,254 to $24,773)
- Approved final pay voucher to Capra Utilities for the River Road Sanitary Sewer project
- Approved $3,200 to replace the unusable section of the 30th Street culvert
- Moved public hearings for Ordinance 05-2020 (Firearms) and Ordinance 06-2020 (Barbed Wire) to July
- Approved replacement of dead trees in the boulevard at a cost not to exceed $3,300
Meeting
The Afton City Council discussed and directed staff on a draft ordinance amendment to limit firearm discharges, including a new definition of 'gun range' and a 20-round-per-day, one-day-per-month cap (except hunting and clay pigeon shooting). They also agreed with a Public Works Committee recommendation to seek price quotes for reclaiming 30th Street from Nybeck to the bridge, and discussed a proposed ordinance to restrict barbed wire fencing in certain zoning districts.
- Draft ordinance to limit firearm discharges to 20 rounds per day and one day per month (except hunting)
- Definition of 'gun range' as target/skeet shooting with more than 20 rounds per day and more than one day per month
- Exception for clay pigeon shooting: up to 100 rounds once per month over max 2 hours, if 1320 feet from nearest neighbor
- Council agreed to seek price quotes for reclamation of 30th Street from Nybeck to the bridge
- Draft ordinance to prohibit barbed wire fencing in VHS-C, VHS-R, Rural Residential, and Agriculture districts (with livestock exception)
Meeting
The Public Works Committee is meeting to conduct business regarding the 30th Street Improvement Project and a culvert replacement on 30th Street.
- 30th Street Improvement Project
- 30th Street culvert replacement
Meeting
The Afton City Council approved several construction contracts, including a $67,966 Valley Creek Bridge repair and a $89,975 culvert replacement on 30th Street, plus temporary road repairs. They also voted to reopen Town Square Park restrooms immediately, set a July 1 deadline for Afton Creek Preserve fixes, and heard public concerns about gunfire and a developer's compliance.
- Approved $67,966 contract to InSite Contracting for Valley Creek Bridge repairs
- Approved $89,975 for 30th Street culvert replacement, plus $28,281 for culvert half and up to $25,000 for guardrails
- Voted 3-2 to open Town Square Park restrooms immediately with signage and staff equipment
- Set July 1 deadline for incomplete Afton Creek Preserve work items
- Approved minor subdivision and variance for city-owned parcel at 2318 St. Croix Trail
Meeting
The Public Works Committee is meeting to review options and alternatives for several infrastructure projects. The discussion focuses on culvert replacement, drainage, and bridge work.
- 30th Street culvert replacement
- 50th Street drainage options
- Valley Creek bridge replacement options
- 30th Street repair/improvement alternatives
Meeting
The Afton City Council rejected all bids for the 2020 Pavement Improvement Project, citing high costs, and placed the project on hold. The body approved a $850,000 general obligation bond to fund the River Road Sanitary Sewer Project and authorized a $23,371 construction contract for that sewer work. Additionally, the council adopted a summary ordinance for short-term home rentals and approved a fire inspection ordinance for commercial buildings.
- Rejected all bids for the 2020 Pavement Improvement Project, with the lowest bid at $594,418 from OMG Midwest
- Approved $850,000 General Obligation Disposal System Bonds (Resolution 2020-25) for the River Road Sanitary Sewer Project
- Approved construction services from WSB for River Road Sanitary Sewer Improvements at a cost not to exceed $23,371
- Adopted Summary Ordinance 03-2020 for publication of the short-term home rental ordinance (4-1 vote)
- Approved Ordinance 04-2020 requiring fire inspections for commercial buildings
Meeting
The Public Works Committee is meeting via telephone to discuss various city maintenance projects and infrastructure updates. The agenda includes reviews of road bids, culvert repairs, and utility improvements.
- 2020 road bids
- 30th street culvert and repair alternatives
- State grant for Steam Boat Park flood repair plan
- Museum sewer hookup
- Pately Bridge Road Repair
Meeting
The Afton City Council held an emergency meeting to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The mayor had already declared a local emergency, and the council voted to extend it via resolution 2020-19. They also discussed and approved holding future council meetings electronically or telephonically to maintain social distancing.
- Mayor adopted proclamation declaring local emergency due to COVID-19
- Resolution 2020-19 extending the emergency declaration, passed 5-0
- Council approved holding upcoming meetings electronically/telephonically
Meeting
The Afton Planning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend approval of a short-term rental ordinance, adding conditions that exclude children under 12 from guest counts, require bedroom counts to match county tax records, and allow license revocation for conflicting advertising. The commission also recommended approval of a variance for a home at 14186 Valley Creek Trail, with a condition to protect the creek during construction grading. No new business was discussed, and the meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.
- Recommended approval of short-term rental ordinance with three amendments (guest count, bedroom verification, advertising revocation).
- Recommended approval of variance for 14186 Valley Creek Trail, adding 'during construction grading' to condition #2.
- Discussed non-compliance fee schedule and enforcement tools, planning to review fee schedule and city attorney opinion next month.
- No reports or new business; public hearing on short-term rentals drew three speakers.
Meeting
The Afton City Council approved a minor subdivision and variance for Five Oaks Family Farm, awarded a $344,150 contract for the River Road sanitary sewer project, and adopted a resolution to preserve Valley Creek property. They also discussed a dispute over escrow charges with a developer, approved an interim moratorium on certain permits, and handled routine items like LED lighting upgrades and appointments.
- Approved Resolution 2020-15 for Five Oaks Family Farm subdivision at 120 and 502 Stagecoach Trail, creating three parcels with conservation easements and a donation to Belwin Conservancy.
- Awarded construction contract for River Road Sanitary Sewer to Geislinger & Sons for $344,150.
- Adopted Resolution 2020-15 identifying 2398 St. Croix Trail as high priority for preservation, partnering with Washington County and Belwin Conservancy.
- Adopted Ordinance 02-2020, a moratorium on permits for non-residential/non-agricultural principal structures in Ag, AP, and RR zones.
- Approved $54,000 transfer to legal reserve and $5,000 for IT needs from 2019 general fund surplus.
Meeting
The Afton Planning Commission held public hearings and voted on three variance applications. It recommended approval of a garage variance with conditions, recommended approval of a subdivision variance for a land donation to Belwin Conservancy, and tabled a home replacement variance for further discussion. The commission also elected officers and discussed future fees and a short-term rental ordinance.
- Recommended approval of Lisa Buck's variance for a detached garage, requiring setbacks and slope variances, with a condition to minimize slope grading.
- Recommended approval of Five Oaks Farm Subdivision variance at 120 and 502 Stagecoach Trail to create three parcels (73, 28, 139 acres), with a condition that park dedication fee is waived if Parcel 3 is donated to Belwin Conservancy within 24 months.
- Tabled Brooks variance at 14186 Valley Creek Trail to replace existing house and garage, citing setback concerns and need for more information.
- Elected Kris Kopitzke as Chair, Doherty as Vice Chair, and Doug Parker as Secretary.
- Discussed development of non-compliance fees and a draft Short Term Residential Rentals Ordinance, with a public hearing planned for March.
Meeting
The Afton Planning Commission held public hearings and recommended approval of a variance for the Biagini property and an amendment to the PLCD ordinance. They also discussed a draft short-term rental ordinance and requested council direction on enforcement fees. The meeting included routine approvals of minutes and the 2020 schedule.
- Recommended approval of Sue Biagini variance to move garage two extra feet (passed 7-1)
- Recommended approval of PLCD Ordinance Amendment (passed 7-1)
- Requested council direction to propose non-compliance fee schedule for zoning violations (passed 7-1)
- Discussed draft Short Term Residential Rentals Ordinance, to be revisited in February
- Set 2020 meeting schedule, moving September meeting to August 31