Afton public meetings in 2021
53 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Meeting
The City Council held a public hearing and approved the 2022 budget and tax levies. The body also decided on several infrastructure updates, including new speed limits and city office server replacements.
- Adopted Resolution 2021-71 (2022 Budget) and Resolution 2021-72 (2022 Tax Levies)
- Authorized $21,000 for replacement of city office servers and back-up system
- Approved $11,500 for a downtown street lights dimming system
- Established 20 MPH speed limit on Putnam Boulevard and varying limits (35-45 MPH) on 60th St
- Approved minor subdivision and lot line rearrangement at 14521 and 14539 Afton Blvd
Meeting
The Public Works Committee is meeting to discuss maintenance and budgeting for city infrastructure. The body will review service agreements and costs related to storm sewers and flood pumps.
- Storm sewer cleaning timing, cost, and budget
- Flood pumps service agreement
- Pervious paver service
- PEEWEECOPS related costs and budget
- Town Square Park maintenance discussion
Meeting
The Planning Commission reviewed a minor subdivision application to rearrange property lines at 14521 and 14539 Afton Blvd. The change aims to ensure the existing driveway and parking area are fully contained within one parcel and meet side yard setbacks. The Commission voted to recommend approval of this request.
- Minor subdivision for lot line rearrangement at 14521 and 14539 Afton Blvd
Parks Committee
The Parks Committee is meeting to discuss several ongoing projects, including the Meadow Ridge pollinator project, the pollinator trail at City Hall, Town Square Park improvements, and bike trail signage and extensions. The agenda includes approval of minutes from the October meeting and general business items.
- Meadow Ridge pollinator project: Stantec bid approved, ~$56,000 plus annual maintenance, grant application in November
- Pollinator Trail at City Hall: replanting completed, memorial bench and trees installed, future low grass prairie proposal
- Town Square Park: T-ball infield replaced with grass, no ice rink this year, possible relocation to Steamboat Park discussed
- Bike trails: map for Bjorn to annotate, signage for family friendly trail, possible extension along dike
- Discussion of recording meetings and featuring meeting notices in newsletter
Meeting
The City Council approved a new solid waste and recycling contract with Highland Sanitation. They also voted to provide $5,000 for the Afton-Lakeland School playground equipment upgrade.
- Approved Highland Sanitation contract for services from January 1, 2022, to June 30, 2026
- Approved $5,000.00 for Afton-Lakeland School playground equipment upgrade
- Approved Five Oaks Family Farm variance extension for 120 and 502 Stagecoach Trail
- Approved 2022 liquor license renewal for Afton House Inn
- Proposed a 4% engineering rate increase for 2022
City Council
The Agriculture Preservation Committee met to introduce members, establish their mission, and organize objectives for supporting sustainable agriculture in Afton. The committee's work is guided by the city's Comprehensive Plan to maintain a rural character.
- Introduction of committee members
- Review of committee mission and purpose
- Identification of actions to achieve committee objectives
- Establishment of next action steps
Parks Committee
The Afton Parks Committee will meet in person to discuss several park projects, including the Meadow Ridge pollinator project, the pollinator trail at City Hall, Town Square Park improvements, and bike trail signage and extensions. The agenda includes approval of minutes from the September meeting and general business items.
- Meadow Ridge pollinator project: Stantec bid selected, $54,000 for 3-year establishment, grant application in November
- Pollinator Trail at City Hall: replanting planned, memorial bench and trees dedicated, budget and concrete slab needed
- Town Square Park: grass replacement planned for fall, pavilion replacement bid over $120,000, cheaper rehabilitation suggested
- Bike Trails: map of city streets for Velo du Nord, signage for family-friendly trail behind city hall, possible extension along dike
Meeting
The City Council decided on several land-use matters, including a farm kitchen ordinance and a floodplain map revision. The body also updated the city fee schedule and designated Odell Ave as a restricted roadway.
- Approved Ordinance 08-2021 allowing farm kitchens as an accessory use to farms
- Approved payment of $26,675.65 to Gopher State Sealcoat Inc for the 2021 Crack Fill project
- Adopted Resolution 2021-66 updating the City's Fee Schedule
- Approved Resolution 2021-63 for a Rise Conditional Use permit at Afton Business Park
- Designated Odell Ave as a restricted roadway via Resolution 2021-67
Meeting
The Planning Commission reviewed a conditional use permit for a cooperative commercial warehousing facility and a residential variance. The body also began hearing a request to amend the zoning code to allow farm kitchens for value-added agricultural products.
- Recommended approval of a variance for a second-floor house addition at 4242 River Road
- Recommended approval of a conditional use permit for 12 buildings and 129 storage units at Afton Business Park lots 4 and 5
- Proposed zoning amendment to allow 'Farm Kitchen, Accessory' for value-added products at 13197 10th Street
Meeting
The City Council held a work session to discuss a proposed dog care facility at 14386 Hudson Road and potential uses for $340,000 in ARPA funds. Members also reviewed concerns from the Army Corps of Engineers regarding a proposed house at 3561 St. Croix Trail and its impact on the levee.
- Proposal for dog care facility at 14386 Hudson Road
- Potential uses for $340,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds
- Army Corps of Engineers concerns regarding proposed house at 3561 St. Croix Trail
- Update on prosecution of zoning violations
- Legal advice on size and location regulations for private signs
Parks Committee
The Afton Parks Committee will discuss updates on the Meadow Ridge Pollinator Project, a revised pollinator trail plan at City Hall, Town Square Park, and bicycling trails/signage. The committee will also consider two bids for the Meadow Ridge ecological restoration, with costs ranging from $25,000 to $54,000, and a $50,000 grant application.
- Meadow Ridge restoration bids: Landbridge ($25,000) and Stantec ($54,000) for 4.8-acre site at Oakgreen Circle S. and Nybeck Avenue S.
- Application for $50,000 Conservation Partners Legacy grant with Washington Conservation District
- Town Square Park: discussion on replacing picnic structure with more rentable structure, concerns about cost and historic esthetic
- Pollinator Trail at City Hall revised plan
- Bicycling trails/signage map proposal from Velo
Meeting
The City Council approved the proposed 2022 budget and tax levies, with a public hearing scheduled for December 21, 2021. The council also addressed infrastructure repairs and initiated a process to declare a developer in default regarding the Afton Creek Preserve.
- Approved proposed 2022 budget and tax levies (Resolutions 2021-59 and 2021-60)
- Approved $36,000 for Valley Creek Trail L8710 Bridge Project
- Approved $14,700 for Mt. Hope Road erosion/stormwater repairs
- Approved $3,500 for Coulee Ridge Road ditch and culvert repairs
- Approved after-the-fact variance for a parking pad at 3988 River Rd
City Council
The Afton City Council is reviewing the preliminary 2022 General Fund budget, which proposes a total property tax levy of $2,524,653, a 2.82% increase over the 2021 budget. The budget includes increases in professional services, public safety, and streets expenditures, and projects a fund balance of $356,826 by year-end 2022.
- Total property tax levy increase of $69,241 (2.82%) to $2,524,653
- Building permit fees projected to increase 41.1% to $139,000
- Fire & Ambulance Service budget up 3.2% to $288,605
- Police Service - County budget up 3.1% to $216,579
- Engineering fees budget up 47.8% to $39,900
Meeting
The Planning Commission held public hearings regarding two variance requests. One request for an after-the-fact parking variance was denied, while a request for residential setbacks was recommended for approval.
- Recommended approval of variance for a new house at 3561 St Croix Trail to allow a 27-foot rear yard setback and 38.5-foot setback from Kelles Creek
- Denied after-the-fact variance for two parking spaces at 3988 River Road
- Conditioned 3561 St Croix Trail approval on review by the Corps of Engineers regarding levee impact
Meeting
The City Council approved a variance and conditional use permit for a new commercial building at 3185 St. Croix Trail. The council also updated the Ag zone to allow farm wineries while denying a specific zoning code amendment. Additionally, the council approved the final payment for the 2021 Pavement Improvement Project.
- Approved Resolution 2021-52 and 2021-53 for a commercial building at 3185 St. Croix Trail
- Approved Ordinance 07-2021 adding 'Farm Winery' as an allowed use in the Ag zone
- Approved Resolution 2021-55 vacating a utility easement at 5918 Oakridge Trail
- Approved minor subdivision applications for 623 Neal Ave S and 14441 30th St
- Approved final payment for 2021 Pavement Improvement Project, which finished $127,000 under budget
Meeting
The Public Works Committee is meeting to review road maintenance and cemetery upkeep. The body will discuss specific pavement and crack sealing projects for 2021.
- 2021 Pavement Improvement Project
- Crack Sealing Project for 2021
- Mount Hope Cemetery Maintenance
Meeting
The Afton Planning Commission held public hearings and voted to recommend approval of two minor subdivisions, a conditional use permit with variances for a new commercial building, and denied a proposed zoning amendment regarding viticultural areas. The commission also approved its agenda and prior meeting minutes.
- Recommended approval of Gary Anderson minor subdivision at 623 Neal Avenue (lot line rearrangement, no new lots)
- Recommended approval of Mike Osborn minor subdivision at 14441 30th Street (40 acres split into two 20-acre lots, 30-foot right-of-way easement dedication)
- Recommended approval of CUP and variances for Krista and Dan Dorgan at 3185 St. Croix Trail (new commercial building, 40% impervious coverage, shared parking with Afton Historical Society)
- Denied Cody Kaye zoning code amendment for viticultural areas (language too narrow, no perpetuity plan)
- Approved minutes of June 28, 2021 meeting
Parks Committee
The Afton Parks Committee will meet in person to discuss the Meadow Ridge Pollinator Project, Town Square Park, and bicycling trails/signage. A key item is the Town Square Park picnic shelter, with a wish list and a suggested maximum budget of $125,000 provided by the City Council for planning purposes.
- Town Square Park picnic shelter: Council-provided wish list and $125,000 budget upper limit
- Meadow Ridge Pollinator Project update
- Bicycling trails and signage discussion
- Approval of June 23, 2021 meeting minutes
Meeting
The City Council adopted a resolution to accept a bond bid from Old National Bank to fund an easement acquisition settlement. The council also discussed the solid waste RFP process and the allocation of American Rescue Plan funding.
- Adopted awarding resolution 2021-49 for Old National Bank bond bid at 1.05% with a $3,000 fee
- Determined solid waste RFP will only request pricing for weekly recycling collection
- Reported estimated American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding of $318,000
Heritage Preservation Commission
The Afton Heritage Preservation Commission is reviewing a design review application for a property in the city. The agenda consists of the application form, which requires details about the owner, applicant, project address, zoning, and a description of the request. No specific project details or decisions are listed.
- Design review application form for a project in Afton, MN
- Requires owner and applicant contact information
- Includes zoning classification and existing use of property
- Applicant must attach deed or proof of ownership
Meeting
The Afton City Council voted to deny a conditional use permit for an Impact Power Solutions solar project. The council also approved a variance for a property at 14040 Valley Creek Trail and adopted several new ordinances.
- Denied Impact Power Solutions Conditional Use Permit for a 4.8-acre solar project
- Approved Blasko variance application for 14040 Valley Creek Trail
- Approved $15,783.40 payment to OMG Midwest for 2021 Pavement Improvement Project
- Adopted Ordinance 04-2021 adding Cooperative Commercial Warehousing as an allowed use
- Adopted Ordinance 06-2021 requiring licensing for commercial tree service contractors
Meeting
The Afton City Council held a work session to discuss several items, including the results of a speed limit study on St. Croix Trail, planning for a new picnic shelter at Town Square Park, a proposed ordinance amendment to prohibit trapping in the Old Village/VHS District, and new state legislation on remote meeting participation. No final decisions were made; the council agreed to prepare an ordinance amendment for the next meeting and to continue shelter design work.
- Speed limit on St. Croix Trail south of downtown increased from 30 MPH to 35 MPH
- Discussion of replacing Town Square Park picnic shelter, including amenities and budget
- Council agreed to prepare ordinance amendment to prohibit trapping in VHS District
- City Attorney summarized new legislation on remote meeting participation
Meeting
The Afton City Council held a work session to discuss several items, including a draft ordinance on storage uses in the I1-C zone, a punchlist for Afton Creek Preserve, forming an agricultural preservation committee, donation acceptance, use of American Rescue Plan funds for the Afton Historical Museum, and varying street light intensity in the Old Village. No formal decisions were made; these were discussion items.
- Draft ordinance on storage uses in I1-C zone discussed with Planning Commission feedback
- Afton Creek Preserve incomplete items and completion timelines discussed
- Proposal to form an Agricultural Preservation Committee
- Discussion on using American Rescue Plan funds for Afton Historical Museum
- Street light dimming options in Old Village, including Xcel Energy program
Meeting
The Afton Planning Commission held a public hearing and voted to recommend approval of a variance for rebuilding a house at 14040 Valley Creek Trail, despite concerns about hardship and abandonment. The commission also discussed a draft ordinance amendment regarding storage uses in the I1-C Industrial zone, with members split on whether to create a new ordinance for a specific co-warehousing proposal.
- Variance recommended for 14040 Valley Creek Trail to rebuild house at 52-foot setback vs. required 200 feet from creek
- Variance conditions require combining parcel with two adjacent parcels (PID# 16.028.20.23.0005 and 16.028.2-.23.0011)
- Public hearing held on draft ordinance amendment for storage uses in I1-C Industrial zone, including co-warehousing proposal with twelve 10,000 sq ft buildings
- Commission members expressed reluctance to create a special ordinance for one business
- Meeting held remotely via Zoom due to Covid-19 pandemic
Parks Committee
The Afton Parks Committee is meeting remotely via Zoom to approve minutes and discuss several park-related items. The main business includes updates on Town Square Park and Meadow Ridge, as well as a discussion on bicycling trails and signage. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.
- Discussion of Town Square Park
- Meadow Ridge update
- Bicycling trails and signage discussion
Meeting
The Afton City Council denied a variance for the Impact Power Solutions solar farm due to concerns about tree removal and steep slopes, but approved conditional use permits for two other solar projects (Sunvest and DIVOCSG) on the same site. The council also approved a variance for a lot line rearrangement and discussed a request for increased funding from the Youth Service Bureau.
- Denied variance for Impact Power Solutions solar farm (Resolution 2021-41xx) 4-1
- Approved CUP for Sunvest Solar on Lot 6 of Afton Business Park (Resolution 2021-43) 5-0
- Approved CUP for DIVOCSG solar garden on Lot 6 (Resolution 2021-44) 5-0
- Approved Duane Meyer variance for lot line rearrangement at 13852 50th St (Resolution 2021-40) 5-0
- Youth Service Bureau requested 3% increase in city contribution
Meeting
The Afton Planning Commission reviewed three solar garden applications and a variance request for a lot line rearrangement. The variance motion failed in a 3-3 vote, so the application will go to the City Council with a recommendation to deny. The commission recommended approval for three solar garden conditional use permits and one variance, with conditions.
- Variance for lot line rearrangement at 13852 50th St. failed 3-3, recommended denial
- Impact Power Solutions CUP and variance for solar garden at Manning Ave & Hudson Rd approved 6-0 and 5-1
- Sunvest Solar CUP for solar garden approved 6-0
- GRD Energy solar garden CUP approved (part of consolidated plan)
- Conditions include tree harvesting, 50-ft buffer, decommissioning financial security
Parks Committee
The Afton Parks Committee is meeting remotely via Zoom to approve the agenda and minutes from the April 28 meeting, then discuss updates on Town Square Park and Meadow Ridge. No decisions are listed on the agenda; items are for discussion only.
- Approval of minutes from April 28, 2021 meeting
- Discussion of Town Square Park
- Update on Meadow Ridge
Meeting
The Afton City Council approved a five-year contract extension with Highland Sanitation for solid waste and recycling, with annual increases of 3.5% for trash and 4.5% for recycling. They also approved a minor subdivision, an ordinance amendment on buffer yards, a speed trailer purchase, and ballfield improvements. The meeting was held virtually due to COVID-19.
- Approved Highland Sanitation contract extension with 3.5% trash and 4.5% recycling annual increases
- Approved minor subdivision for Jane & Carol Fritsch and Sotera Tschetter at 13681 15th St
- Approved Ordinance 03-2021 amending buffer yard requirements in industrial zones
- Approved purchase of TC Mini speed trailer from Traffic Calm for up to $7,500
- Approved ballfield renovation bid from Tri County up to $7,000
Meeting
The Afton City Council held a work session to discuss a proposed multi-building storage facility in the Afton Business Park, which staff says is not an allowed use in the industrial zone and would use steel siding, an unapproved exterior material. The council gave informal feedback and agreed to draft an ordinance amendment addressing the use and materials. They also received updates on zoning violation enforcement and a proposed 5-year contract extension with Highland Sanitation, including potential annual price increases of 4% (Bayport) and 3.44% (Forest Lake) for comparison.
- Review of Rise Company proposal for multi-building storage on two lots in Afton Business Park; use and steel siding not allowed per staff
- Council agreed to draft ordinance amendment on storage use, landscaping, and exterior materials
- Zoning violation enforcement updates from City Attorney Fritz Knaak
- Highland Sanitation 5-year contract extension update; annual price increase methodology discussed
- Contract price comparisons: Bayport 4% annual increase, Forest Lake 3.44%
Meeting
The Afton Planning Commission held public hearings and took action on several items. It recommended approval of a minor subdivision for two 20-acre lots on 15th Street, tabled three separate solar garden conditional use permit applications for the Afton Business Park due to incomplete information, and recommended changes to the industrial buffer yard ordinance. The meeting was held remotely via Zoom.
- Recommended approval of minor subdivision for two 20+ acre lots at 13681 15th Street (PID# 08.028.20.43.0001)
- Tabled Impact Power Solutions solar garden CUP and variance for Lot 6, Afton Business Park (PID# 06.028.20.24.0004)
- Tabled Sunvest Solar LLC and DIVOCSG 16 LLC solar garden CUPs for same Lot 6
- Recommended buffer yard ordinance changes: 100' minimum width, 90% opacity in 5 years, no irrigated lawn
- Recommended adding maintenance responsibility to CUP holder for buffer yards
Parks Committee
The Afton Parks Committee is reviewing updates on the Hudson Road development, including a $10,000 per lot park dedication fee and a proposed fee schedule update for commercial zoning parcels. They are also discussing the Meadow Ridge Pollinator Project and setting 2021 goals, including fixing the Town Square ballpark's flooding issues.
- Hudson Road development plat approved; $10,000/lot park dedication fee agreed
- City Council proposes updated park dedication fee schedule for commercial parcels
- MDOT plans 5-foot shoulder on Hudson Road; city requests 8-inch shoulder on south side
- Meadow Ridge Pollinator Project: two more bids received, more awaited
- Town Square ballpark: bids for top dressing, aggregate, sod/seeding; fence vine options
Meeting
The Afton City Council approved a conditional use permit for a medical supply industrial building, denied a requested reduction in the Afton Creek Preserve letter of credit, and approved several other items including a new liquor license, road repairs, and pay adjustments. The meeting was held virtually via Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Approved Resolution 2021-31 granting FOC LLC a conditional use permit for a medical supply industrial building on lot 3 of Afton Business Park, waiving buffer requirements
- Denied reduction of Afton Creek Preserve letter of credit from $602,477.03 to $489,000 until more improvements are completed
- Approved final plat and developer agreement for St. Joseph Pines subdivision at 680 Neal Ave, with park dedication fee set at $20,000
- Approved new liquor license for Lumberyard Pub at 3121 St. Croix Trail
- Approved 3% pay adjustment for city staff effective March 1, 2021
Meeting
The Public Works Committee is meeting to discuss the 2021 road work schedule and various maintenance items. Discussion topics include crack sealing, bridge and culvert projects, and drainage.
- 2021 road work schedule
- Crack sealing for 2021
- Bridge L8710 project
- Culvert C17 replacement
- River Road Drainage
Meeting
The Afton Planning Commission held a public hearing and recommended approval of a conditional use permit for a medical supply industrial building on a 6-acre site in the Afton Business Park. The commission also discussed and requested city council direction on reviewing landscape buffer requirements in the industrial zone. The meeting was held remotely via Zoom.
- Recommended approval of FOC LLC's CUP for a light manufacturing and warehousing facility at Lot 3, Block 1, Afton Business Park, south of Hudson Road and east of Mill Bay
- CUP conditions include building height reduced to 35 feet, future expansion requiring amended CUP, and buffer yard options
- Discussed 50-foot buffer requirement between industrial lots; motion to request council direction on reviewing buffer, screen, and setback requirements
- No public comments received during the hearing
Meeting
The Afton City Council held a work session to set priority goals for 2021 and discussed additional federal funding related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will be provided partly in spring 2021 and partly 12 months later, with a spending deadline of December 31, 2024. The Council considered possible uses and suggested reaching out to local groups to identify needs.
- Council established priority goals for 2021
- Discussed federal COVID-19 funding with spending deadline of Dec 31, 2024
- Suggested outreach to groups and organizations about funding availability
Parks Committee
The Afton Parks Committee is meeting remotely to approve minutes from January and February 2021. The body will discuss updates on the Hudson Road widening project, the Meadow Ridge prairie restoration, and the committee's goals for 2021. No new motions or decisions are listed on the agenda beyond these informational updates.
- Hudson and Manning Road update regarding MnDOT plans for shoulder widening
- Meadow Ridge Prairie Project update on bids and grant funding
- Discussion of 2021 Committee Goals including Town Square Park improvements
Meeting
The Afton City Council approved several land-use items, including a minor subdivision and variance at 14726 Afton Boulevard, a variance for commercial parking at 3395 St. Croix Trail, and an ordinance amendment allowing shared driveways on lots of 40 acres or more. They also approved contracts for road work, bridge and culvert replacements, and additional speed enforcement patrols.
- Approved Resolution 2021-24 for minor subdivision and variance at 14726 Afton Boulevard and adjacent parcel (PID# 21.028.20.42.0006)
- Approved Resolution 2021-25 for variance at 3395 St. Croix Trail to allow commercial use with up to 12 off-street parking spaces
- Approved Ordinance 02-2021 allowing shared driveways on new lots of 40 acres or more
- Approved Change Order #1 for 2021 Pavement Improvement Project and WSB construction services ($44,444 + $11,648)
- Approved bridge renovation (L8170, up to $30,000) and culvert replacement (C17, up to $12,500)
Meeting
The Afton Planning Commission held public hearings on a subdivision/variance application, a variance request for a commercial property, and an ordinance amendment on shared driveways. They recommended approval of the Osborn subdivision and the shared driveway ordinance, but recommended denial of the Myhers variance. The meeting was held remotely via Zoom due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Recommended approval of Osborn Subdivision and Variance at 14726 Afton Blvd (lot line rearrangement, no new parcels)
- Recommended denial of Myhers Variance Application at 3395 St Croix Trail (parking variances for potential commercial use)
- Recommended approval of Ordinance 02-2021 allowing shared driveways for lots 20 acres or more with conservation easement
- No reports or new business; only procedural items and council update
Meeting
The Afton City Council held a special meeting and approved a preliminary plat for a residential subdivision at 680 Neal Avenue, reducing the number of lots from six to four. They also set a park dedication fee of $10,000 per lot for the FOC subdivision and discussed amending the park dedication ordinance to treat industrial land like residential land. A goal-setting work session was scheduled.
- Approved Resolution 2021-17 for Tony Sonnen preliminary plat at 680 Neal Avenue, with conditions including septic inspection
- Set park dedication fee for FOC subdivision at $10,000 per lot
- Discussed amending park dedication ordinance to treat industrial subdivisions like residential
- Scheduled a work session for 2021 goal setting
Parks Committee
The Afton Parks Committee is meeting remotely via Zoom due to COVID-19. The agenda includes updates on the Hudson and Manning project, the Pollinator Trail, and Meadow Ridge, as well as setting committee goals. No decisions or votes are listed on the agenda.
- Hudson and Manning update
- Pollinator Trail update
- Meadow Ridge update
- Committee goals discussion
Meeting
The Afton City Council held its regular meeting virtually, addressing several variance requests, a preliminary plat, and various administrative items. The council denied a variance for 690 Neal Ave, tabled a preliminary plat for the same property, approved a variance for a 10-acre parcel west of 2760 Nybeck Ave with conditions including dam repair, and approved a variance for 4102 River Road with a tree planting plan. They also awarded a construction contract for the 2021 pavement improvement project and approved a $20,000 contribution toward Blasko property acquisition costs.
- Denied variance at 690 Neal Ave (Resolution 2021-16) and tabled preliminary plat for amended version
- Approved variance for 10-acre property west of 2760 Nybeck Ave (Resolution 2021-18) with dam repair condition, 3-2 vote
- Approved variance at 4102 River Road (Resolution 2021-19) with tree planting plan, 3-2 vote
- Approved Ordinance 01-2021 on screening requirements for accessory buildings on lakefront/streamfront lots
- Awarded contract to OMG Midwest, Inc. for 2021 pavement improvement project (Resolution 2021-20)
Meeting
The Afton City Council held a work session to discuss updating the park dedication ordinance to cover commercial and industrial properties, adding streets to the 2021 pavement project due to favorable bids, and allocating a $325,000 General Fund budget surplus. They also reviewed a bridge and culvert planning spreadsheet and received an update on the Blasko property acquisition. No final decisions were made; most items are set for future meetings.
- Park dedication ordinance update for FOC Subdivision at Hudson Road and Manning Avenue
- 2021 Pavement Improvement Project: possible additional streets due to favorable bids
- General Fund favorable variance of $325,000 discussed for priority needs
- Blasko property acquisition/preservation concept plan update
- Bridge and culvert planning spreadsheet introduced by Council member Ross
Meeting
The Afton Planning Commission reviewed three public hearing items. It denied a variance for a six-lot subdivision at 680 Neal Avenue, then approved the preliminary plat with conditions that combine lots and limit the cul-de-sac length. It also denied a variance for a 10-acre lot without road frontage west of 2760 Nybeck Avenue. The commission recommended approval of an ordinance amendment on screening for accessory buildings on lakefront and streamfront lots.
- Denied variance for 6-lot 'Saint Joseph Pines' subdivision at 680 Neal Avenue (motion failed 2-6)
- Approved preliminary plat for same subdivision with conditions: combine lots 5 and 6, no stub street, cul-de-sac ≤1320 feet
- Denied variance for 10-acre lot (PID #17.028.20.43.0002) west of 2760 Nybeck Avenue (motion failed 4-4)
- Recommended approval of Ordinance 01-2021 on screening for accessory buildings on lakefront/streamfront lots (8-0)
- Recommended approval of variance for house redesign at 4102 River Rd (passed 7-1)
Parks Committee
The Afton Parks Committee is meeting remotely via Zoom to discuss three business items: a preliminary plat application for a 6-lot residential subdivision at 680 Neal Avenue, the Meadow Ridge Prairie Project, and other matters. The meeting is being held online due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Tony Sonnen Preliminary Plat Application for a 6-lot Residential Subdivision at 680 Neal Avenue
- Meadow Ridge Prairie Project
Meeting
The Afton City Council approved a preliminary plat for a 63-acre development, sent a River Road variance application back to the Planning Commission, and discussed the 2021 pavement improvement project. They also approved trash and recycling fee increases and several routine resolutions.
- Approved Resolution 2021-09 for FOC preliminary plat on 63 acres (PID 06.028.20.24.0004)
- Sent John & Kim Ziton variance application at 4102 River Rd back to Planning Commission
- Approved 2021 Highland Sanitation fee increases: trash 1.5%, disposal 2.44%, recycling 4%
- Approved 2021 pavement project bids, with possible additions of 30th St, 32nd St, Pateley
- Approved simple subdivision for Jay and Korina Osborne at 3850 Oakgreen Ave and 40th St properties
City Council
The Natural Resources and Groundwater Committee will review Tony Sonnen's preliminary plat for a six-lot residential subdivision at 680 Neal Avenue, including a planning report that flags cul-de-sac length, accessory building setbacks, and tree preservation issues. The committee will also discuss well testing for nitrates and coliforms, perfluorochemicals, and updates from watershed districts. The meeting will be held remotely via Zoom due to COVID-19.
- Preliminary plat for 6-lot 'Saint Joseph Pines' subdivision at 680 Neal Ave
- Cul-de-sac length exceeds 1,320-ft limit; stub for future extension noted
- Accessory building on Lot 2 may be nonconforming; removal recommended
- Well testing for nitrates/coliforms (2019 and 2020) and PFC update
- Updates from watershed districts and city committees
Meeting
The Afton City Council convened virtually but discovered that the meeting link posted on the agenda was incorrect, preventing the public from joining. Mayor Bill Palmquist recommended adjourning, and the council voted 5-0 to continue the meeting to Friday, January 22, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. No other business was conducted.
- Meeting adjourned due to incorrect electronic meeting link
- Continued to Friday, January 22, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
- Agenda and prior meeting minutes approved 5-0 before adjournment
Meeting
The Afton City Council held a work session to discuss a proposed 2021 pricing increase for solid waste and recycling services from Highland Sanitation, including a five-year pricing matrix. They also discussed use and access to the southern parking area of Steamboat Park, agreeing to seek input from the Parks Committee, and debriefed on feedback from neighborhood and community meetings about the Blasko property preservation/acquisition concept plan. No formal decisions were made; the council provided direction on rates and next steps.
- Highland Sanitation proposed 2021 pricing increase and five-year pricing matrix for solid waste and recycling
- Steamboat Park southern parking area: council agreed to ask Parks Committee for input
- Blasko property preservation/acquisition concept plan: debrief on community feedback
Meeting
The Public Works Committee is meeting to review the 2021 Street Improvement Project. The body will also discuss a bridge and culvert spreadsheet.
- 2021 Street Improvement Project
- Bridge and Culvert Spreadsheet
Meeting
The Afton City Council held a special community meeting to gather public input on a concept plan for preserving and protecting the property at 14020 Valley Creek Trail and adjacent parcels. Residents raised questions about public access, funding, and land ownership. The meeting was informational only; no decisions were made.
- Community meeting on concept plan for 14020 Valley Creek Trail
- Adjacent property owners interested in purchasing ~6 acres along north edge
- Discussion of potential public access via bridge right-of-way easements
- Questions raised about funding sources and land ownership
Meeting
The Afton City Council held a special neighborhood meeting to gather public input on a concept plan to preserve and protect the property at 14020 Valley Creek Trail and adjacent parcels under the same ownership. Residents raised concerns about public access impacts on the property and neighboring properties, and discussed how best to protect the land. No decisions were made; the meeting was for feedback only.
- Neighborhood meeting on concept plan for 14020 Valley Creek Trail
- Public input on public access and preservation of the property
- Meeting held remotely via Zoom
- Approved agenda and adjourned 5-0
Meeting
The Afton Planning Commission met remotely and recommended approval of a preliminary plat for a 63-acre light industrial development at Hudson Road and Manning Avenue, subject to 19 conditions. The commission also recommended denial of a variance application for a home at 4102 River Road and discussed a draft ordinance on shared driveways.
- Preliminary plat for 63 acres in SE quadrant of Hudson Road and Manning Ave, light industrial, 6 lots, street names Mill Bay and Maple Court, recommended approval 8-1
- Variance application at 4102 River Rd for 12% slope disturbance and front setback, recommended denial 9-0
- Draft ordinance amendment regarding shared driveways for subdivisions discussed
- Park dedication fee added as condition 18; trail condition 15 struck
- Septic system on lot 6 must be demonstrated without affecting sensitive waterways (condition 17)