Marine on St. Croix public meetings in 2020

City Council

The City Council will discuss the 2021 levy, reserve funds, and various business licenses. The meeting includes a public hearing regarding a request to vacate a portion of Cherry Street.

• Public hearing for Cherry Street vacation request (portion westerly of Fourth Street)
• Proposal from KPCG for telecommunications ordinance assistance not to exceed $5,000
• Setting of the 2021 Levy and approval of 2020 Reserve Funds
• Liquor license approval for Brookside and cigarette license for General Store
• Proposed compost charge increase

The City Council approved the vacation of a portion of Cherry Street for the Sandagers, the 2021 levy at $942,299.10 (a 0.29% decrease), and several licenses including short-term rental, tobacco, and liquor. They also approved a wireless communications contract with KPCG, a contractor pay request, and appointed new Planning Commission members.

• Approved Cherry Street vacation as per survey (5-0)
• Approved 2021 levy at $942,299.10 (5-0)
• Approved wireless communications contract with KPCG not to exceed $5,000 (5-0)
• Approved contractor pay request to Dresel Contracting for $152,430.48 (5-0)
• Approved short-term rental license for Schoolhouse Apartments (5-0)
• Approved annual tobacco license for Marine General Store (4-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved annual liquor license for Brookside Bar and Grill (5-0)
• Raised compost quarterly charge from $4 to $6 (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will review the proposed budget for the year 2021. The body is scheduled to set the 2021 levy at a subsequent meeting on December 10th.

• Proposed 2021 General Fund total income of $1,218,047.70
• Proposed 2021 General Expenses total of $481,378.75
• Proposed 2021 Public Safety Expense total of $145,128.11
• Proposed 2021 Hall Expense total of $23,050.00
• Proposed 2021 Roads Expense total of $57,100.00

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is meeting to provide a progress update on the Wireless Communications Ordinance. The body will also review and approve the Zoning Code for subsequent City Council review.

• Wireless Communications Ordinance progress update
• Zoning Code update and approval for Council review

City Council

The City Council will review a proposal for a wireless communications ordinance to address 4G and 5G technology. The agenda also includes a street vacation request from Brigid and Erik Sandager and various committee reports.

• Telecommunications ordinance consultant proposal: $152 per hour with a $5,000 cap
• Street vacation request for portions of St. Croix Trail North by Brigid/Erik Sandager
• MnDOT Partnership Contract Resolution
• Village Center Revitalization Project awarded to Dresel Contracting on September 10th

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is discussing updates to the Zoning Code and the Wireless Communications Ordinance. A proposal from KPCG, LLC to provide technical expertise for these updates is under review.

• Proposal from KPCG, LLC for telecommunications ordinance assistance with a $5,000 not-to-exceed cap
• Consultant billing rate of $152 per hour
• Proposed $100 lump sum fee for a coordinates map and spreadsheet of towers near the city
• Discussion of Wireless Communications Ordinance progress and Zoning Code updates
• Review of minutes from September 29 regular meeting and October 15 workshop

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is conducting a workshop to review and update various sections of the city's zoning code. Discussions include solar glare, vegetative cutting, tree preservation, and definitions for several terms.

• Review of solar glare language in section 404.7 (1) (a)
• Review of vegetative cutting requirements in section 510.6 (1) (a) & (b)
• Proposed addition of chicken language to the zoning code
• Review of definitions for Essential Services, Poultry, Residential Care Facilities, Steep Slope, Wetland, and STR
• Review of variance procedures in Section 311

City Council

The City Council is reviewing various municipal updates including a local road improvement project and a long-term stormwater maintenance agreement. Discussions also cover city properties, public safety grants, and urban forestry recommendations.

• Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) construction on Linden, Judd, Maple, and Parker streets
• Stormwater management facilities maintenance agreement with Carnelian-Marine-St. Croix Watershed District
• Village Hall heating proposal
• Public Safety grant approval
• Urban Forest tree planting recommendation

The City Council approved the purchase and installation of an air conditioning unit for the upstairs of Village Hall for $5,285 (paid from CARES funding) and a mini split heat pump for the main floor for $4,709 (paid from the Village Hall fund). The Council also approved a grant request for a washer and dryer for the fire department, a lot line adjustment for Mary Petersen, a $1,000 movie night in Burris Park, a 25-year watershed maintenance agreement, and several other routine items.

• Approved $5,285 A/C unit for Village Hall upstairs (CARES funding) and $4,709 heat pump for main floor (Village Hall fund) (5-0)
• Approved grant request for washer/dryer for fire department (5-0)
• Approved lot line adjustment for Mary Petersen as drafted by Landmark Surveying (4-0, Miller abstained)
• Approved spending up to $1,000 from holiday fund for a movie night in Burris Park (5-0)
• Approved 25-year maintenance agreement with Watershed District for ponds at Parker, Maple, and Oak Streets (5-0)
• Approved consent calendar including minutes, treasurer's report, and bills (5-0)
• Set Truth in Taxation meeting for December 1, 2020 at 6:00pm (5-0)
• Approved election judges for November 3, 2020 General Election (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will receive progress updates on the Wireless Communications Ordinance and various Zoning Code updates. The meeting includes a review of minutes from the August 25 regular meeting.

• Wireless Communications Ordinance progress update
• Zoning Code updates
• Review of August 25 regular meeting minutes

City Council

The City Council is deciding on the award for the Village Center Revitalization Project and setting the maximum tax levy for 2021. The body is also discussing long-term goals for public safety, roads, and infrastructure.

• Proposed contract award to Dressel Contracting Inc. for the Judd Street Revitalization Project in the amount of $1,213,161.05
• Proposed maximum 2021 levy set at $1,188,462.70, a 25.75% increase over 2020
• Resolution 200910-01 to approve a $750,000.00 State Transportation Fund grant for local road improvement (SAP 082-592-001)
• Discussion of Hall Rental Fee regarding Billy McLaughlin
• Variance request from Tim Casey

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider a variance request from Tim Casey to expand a nonconforming garage. The body will also receive progress updates on the city's zoning code and wireless communications ordinances.

• Public hearing for variance at 1051 Nason Hill Road North to add a 437 sq ft garage addition and a 560 sq ft studio building
• Short-Term Rental Ordinance recap
• Wireless Communications Ordinance progress update
• Zoning Code progress update

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is holding a workshop to review and discuss updates to the city's Zoning Code. The body will also determine next steps for the process.

• Review and discussion of Zoning Code updates

The Planning Commission held a zoning code workshop, making several preliminary edits to the draft code. They agreed to strike a provision restricting residential use on upper floors in commercial districts, and made various wording changes to sections on conditional uses, performance standards, and the Lower St. Croix River Overlay District. No final decisions were made; the review is ongoing and will be discussed at a future full commission meeting.

• Struck section 2(f)(6) restricting upper-floor residential in commercial districts
• Confirmed neon signage is not allowed
• Revised color language for structures visible from the river
• Struck sections 4-6 of 509.5 (schools, day care, residential care) from conditional uses
• Struck section 509.7 Prohibited
• Updated flood insurance rate map reference to 'most current' FEMA map
• Agreed to create a list of 'to do' items for further research

City Council

The City Council is reviewing a draft ordinance to regulate short-term rentals, requiring licenses and prohibiting dedicated vacation rentals. The body is also discussing infrastructure upgrades and land conservation support.

• Draft ordinance regulating short-term rentals (STR), prohibiting Type C dedicated rentals
• Approval of MnDOT Cooperative Agreement
• Discussion of sewer connection fees and P-1 Lift Station upgrade
• CARES Funding for internet and phone upgrades
• Request for verbal support for a conservation easement on the Peterson parcel

The City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 156, which regulates short-term rentals and prohibits unpermitted ones, with several amendments including adding accessory buildings to restricted locations and exempting Central Business District rentals. The council also set November 1, 2020 as the submission date for STR licenses. Other actions included approving a $137,989 P-1 lift station upgrade, a resolution accepting a MnDOT cooperative agreement, and prorating septic connection fees over five years.

• Adopted Ordinance 156 regulating short-term rentals (5-0)
• Set STR license submission date for November 1, 2020 (5-0)
• Approved P-1 station upgrade for $137,989 (5-0)
• Accepted Resolution 2008123-01 for MnDOT cooperative agreement (5-0)
• Approved prorating septic connection fees over 5 years (5-0)
• Approved 2019 reserve fund allocations (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 200813-01 for county grant funds (5-0)
• Approved consent calendar including minutes and bills (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is meeting to conduct a public hearing regarding a variance request for a detached garage. The body will also discuss progress on the Zoning Code and Wireless Communications ordinances.

• Public hearing for variance request at 400 Tanglewood Lane for a 16' x 40' detached garage
• Variance request for Tim Casey at 1051 Nason Hill North
• Progress update on Wireless Communications Ordinance
• Progress update on Zoning Code

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is reviewing a draft ordinance to regulate and license short-term rentals within the city. The proposed rules aim to preserve residential character by requiring owners to occupy their primary residences for more days than the property is rented.

• Public hearing regarding Short-Term Rental Ordinance
• Proposed prohibition of Type C (dedicated) short-term rentals
• Requirement for a city-issued license for all short-term rentals
• Limit of three short-term rental licenses per zoning district

The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council adopt the draft Short-Term Rental Ordinance, with several amendments. The amendments include removing the word "commercial" from the findings, adding definitions for "day" and "weekend," clarifying that the Schoolhouse Apartments are exempt from the owner-occupancy requirement, and strengthening language on inspections and license renewals. The recommendation was approved 5-0.

• Approved motion to recommend the STR ordinance to City Council with amendments (5-0)
• Amended ordinance to delete 'commercial' from findings and reword
• Amended ordinance to add definitions for 'day' and 'weekend'
• Amended ordinance to clarify Schoolhouse Apartments are exempt from owner-occupancy requirement
• Amended ordinance to clarify license term, annual expiration on December 31, and non-transferability
• Amended ordinance to strengthen language on city inspections and verification
• Amended ordinance to clarify information to be listed on the city website
• Amended ordinance to correct typo on page 1, adding 'd' to 'believed'

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is meeting to review and potentially approve a final draft of an ordinance regulating short-term rentals. The body will also review and discuss updates to the Zoning Code.

• Proposed Short-Term Rental Ordinance prohibiting dedicated vacation rentals (Type C)
• Proposed $1,000 fine for operating a short-term rental without a license
• Proposed limit of three short-term rental licenses per zoning district
• Proposed rental limits of 14 days per month and 72 days per year
• Review of Zoning Code updates

City Council

The City Council will review plans and specifications for Judd Street to approve bidding. The body will also consider a charitable gambling permit request for Brookside Bar and Grill and discuss CARES funding.

• Approval of plans and specifications for Judd Street to go out for bid
• Charitable gambling permit request for Brookside Bar and Grill
• Marine Mills Day music contract and outdoor permit approval
• Discussion of CARES funding
• Planning Commission public hearing date for Short Term Rentals (STR)

The City Council approved the plans and specifications for the Judd Street Revitalization project and authorized going out for bid, with all five members voting in favor. The council also approved a charitable gambling license change for Brookside Bar and Grill, allocated $1,500 for a Marine Mills Day performance, and moved forward on applying for CARES funding.

• Approved Judd Street Revitalization plans and specs (5-0)
• Approved going out for bid for Judd Street project (5-0)
• Approved charitable gambling license for Forest Lake Athletic Association (3-0, 2 unable to respond)
• Approved $1,500 for Riverside Hitman performance and outdoor music permit (5-0)
• Approved applying for CARES funding certification (5-0)
• Approved consent calendar including amended 6/11/20 minutes (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will review a draft short-term rental ordinance and set a public hearing date. The body will also address variance requests for accessory buildings and receive progress updates on the zoning code and a cell tower.

• Review of draft Short-Term Rental Ordinance
• Variance request for Dan Willenbring regarding an out building/garage
• Variance pre-application for Tim Casey regarding garage additions
• Progress update on Cell Tower
• Progress update on Zoning Code

The Planning Commission voted unanimously to set a public hearing for July 22 on the proposed short-term rental ordinance, and also decided to reinsert a 14-day maximum rental period per month. A public hearing was scheduled for a variance request at 400 Tanglewood Lane. The commission also discussed updates on wireless communications and zoning code work.

• Set public hearing for short-term rental ordinance for July 22, 7:30 p.m. (unanimous)
• Reinserted 14-day maximum per calendar month into short-term rental ordinance
• Set public hearing for variance request at 400 Tanglewood Lane for July PC meeting (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of May 26 regular meeting (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of June 2 workshop (3 ayes, 3 abstentions)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is holding a workshop to review and discuss updates to the zoning code. The body will also determine next steps for these updates.

• Review and discussion of zoning code updates

City Council

The City Council is meeting to approve a COVID-19 workplace and public safety plan. The body is also discussing long-term goals, cemetery expansion, and updates to the Village Center Revitalization Project.

• Adoption of the COVID-19 Preparedness Plan for workplace and resident safety
• Discussion of a new addition to the cemetery
• Review of the Village Center Revitalization Project engineering report
• Funding request from the Washington County Historical Society
• Proposed task force for River Wake

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a virtual workshop to review and discuss updates to the city's zoning code. The body will also discuss setting a date for a public hearing regarding a Short Term Rental Ordinance.

• Review and discussion of zoning code updates
• Discussion of public hearing date for Short Term Rental Ordinance

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will review a draft ordinance to regulate short-term rentals and consider a date for a public hearing. The body will also discuss updating the city code regarding communications infrastructure and provide a zoning code progress update.

• Draft short-term rental ordinance proposing a $1,000 fine for operating without a license
• Proposed short-term rental limits of 72 days per calendar year and a maximum of 3 licenses per district
• Discussion on bringing city code in line with cell tower and communications infrastructure needs
• Zoning code progress update

City Council

The City Council is discussing requests to vacate portions of Cherry Street and Linden Street. The body is also considering a Joint Powers Agreement for the Code Red emergency notification system and reviewing long-term city goals.

• Street vacation request for Cherry Street by Erik and Brigid Sandager
• Street vacation request for Linden Street by Todd and Stephanie Coursolle
• Code Red Joint Powers Agreement with Washington County Sheriff’s Office for $54.15 annually
• Proposed cancellation of the annual Art Fair
• Washington County Weed MOA

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is meeting virtually to review the current zoning code and discuss potential updates. The session is structured as a workshop to determine next steps for the code.

• Review and discussion of Zoning Code updates

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is meeting to review a draft ordinance regulating short-term home rentals, including licensing and occupancy limits. The body will also receive updates on the zoning code, cell towers, and the Mill Stream Cottages planned unit development.

• Draft Short Term Home Rental Ordinance proposing a $1,000 fine for operating without a license
• Proposed limit of four short-term rental licenses per district
• Proposed requirement for owners to inhabit rental dwellings for at least 30 days per year
• Proposed definition change for 'Significant Tree' in the Zoning Ordinance
• Grants for historic accessory buildings presented by Wendy Ward

The Planning Commission discussed updates to the draft short-term rental (STR) ordinance, including changes to definitions, background checks, and rental limits. The commission reached a consensus to have the STR committee return with options, including a proposed compromise of three rental properties per district and a 72-day annual cap. No formal vote was taken on the ordinance itself.

• Approved minutes of April 9 emergency meeting as amended (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of February 24, 2020 meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned at 9:48 pm (unanimous)
• Agreed to hold a workshop before the May meeting to review draft Zoning Ordinance
• Requested city staff include Cell Tower Committee synopsis in May council packet
• Cell Tower Committee requests further direction from City Council on tower ordinance revision

City Council

The City Council is meeting to extend a temporary moratorium on short-term rentals due to COVID-19 disruptions. The body will also discuss city policies, long-term goals, and receive updates on public safety and road engineering.

• Ordinance No. 154: Extends the moratorium on short-term and transient rentals until August 30, 2020
• Washington County Weed MOA
• Credit Card and Travel Policy reviews
• Delegation of Authority Resolution
• Arbor Day Proclamation for April 24, 2020

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is meeting virtually to discuss delaying a public hearing for the Short-Term Rental Ordinance. This consideration is based on the Covid-19 pandemic and a proposed 60-day emergency extension of the moratorium on short-term rentals.

• Proposed delay of April 28 public hearing for Short-Term Rental Ordinance
• Proposed 60-day emergency extension of the short-term rental moratorium

The Planning Commission held an emergency meeting and voted unanimously to postpone the April 28 public hearing on the Short-Term Rental Ordinance due to COVID-19 gathering limits. The hearing will be rescheduled for a future date. The city council planned to extend the moratorium by 60 days at its next meeting.

• Postponed April 28 public hearing on Short-Term Rental Ordinance (7-0)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

City Council

The City Council held a workshop to discuss the current septic system, including potential upgrades, new connections, and financial options. No formal decisions were made; the council reached consensus to move forward with a proposal to change the code regarding City-owned ISTS systems, and discussed sending letters about sump pump inspections and a billing issue. Further discussion on the sewer capital improvement plan is scheduled for the August budget meeting.

• Consensus to move forward with code change for City-owned ISTS systems (no formal vote)
• Discussed sending letters to residents about sump pump inspections (no formal action)
• Discussed sending letter to resident about unpaid sewer charges (no formal action)
• Discussed drafting letter to Jackson Meadow HOA about system performance (no formal action)
• Tabled sewer capital improvement plan discussion until August budget meeting

City Council

The City Council will review a Planning Commission recommendation to allow a ground-mount solar array at 625 Pine Cone Trail. The body will also discuss long-term city goals and receive reports on public safety, roads, and water systems.

• Variance request for 16-panel solar array at 625 Pine Cone Trail
• One Day Liquor License request for May 3 fundraiser
• Letter of Intent for Marine Village School
• Pony Pride Month Proclamation request
• Board of Review meeting scheduled for April 7

The Marine on St. Croix EDA unanimously accepted a letter of intent from the Marine Village School to enter into a lease agreement for the elementary school. The authorizer currently has the application and it is expected to be accepted. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Accepted letter of intent from Marine Village School for elementary school lease (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will meet to conduct a public hearing regarding a solar panel variance. The body will also review a presentation for Mill Stream Cottages PUD and discuss cell towers and zoning code updates.

• Public hearing: Variance for solar panels at 625 Pine Cone Trail
• Mill Stream Cottages PUD presentation
• Setting a public hearing date for a Short-Term Rental Ordinance
• Zoning Code progress update
• Cell Tower review and discussion

The Planning Commission held a public hearing and unanimously recommended approval of a variance for Larry Whitaker to install a ground-mounted solar array at 625 Pine Cone Trail. The commission also set a public hearing date for a short-term rental ordinance and received updates on the Mill Stream Cottages PUD, zoning code progress, and cell tower discussions. The January 2020 minutes were approved with two revisions.

• Recommended approval of solar array variance for 625 Pine Cone Trail (unanimous)
• Set public hearing for short-term rental ordinance for April 28, 2020, 7:30 pm (unanimous)
• Approved January 2020 minutes with revisions to 'sewer' and 'area of concern' (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Marine on St. Croix City Council and Planning Commission held a joint workshop to review a draft short-term rental ordinance. They reached a general consensus on several changes, including striking accessory building rentals, reinserting a misdemeanor violation clause, and setting a vehicle maximum of one per bedroom (up to four). The ordinance was sent back to the city attorney for revisions, with a public hearing scheduled for the April 28 planning commission meeting.

• Struck reference to two-year license term; licenses renew annually
• Updated insurance requirement to request policy number only
• Struck option for discretionary licenses in Section 5-I
• Struck Section 5-K (amplified music, trespassing, litter)
• Struck accessory building rentals from Section 5-H and definitions
• Added vehicle maximum of one per bedroom, up to four, to Section 5-J
• Reinserted 'Violation of Misdemeanor' clause in Section 6-A(2)
• Struck Section 6-B (complaint procedure from code)

City Council

The City Council will review long- and short-term goals and consider a request from Olivia Nienaber to partner on a 4-H OWLS bird habitat project. The meeting also includes reports from various city committees and the Planning Commission.

• Request for $424 donation to fund a 4-H OWLS bird habitat planting project
• Discussion of long and short term goals including Village Hall improvements and cemetery expansion
• Kennedy CUP update from the Planning Commission
• Review of the Marine on Saint Croix Fire and Rescue Department 2019 Annual Report
• Board of Review Meeting scheduled for April 7

The City Council approved a $424 allocation from the Park and Recreation fund to support Olivia Nienaber's OWLS bird habitat project, and accepted an $850 donation from the New Year's Eve party to the fireworks fund. The Council also approved a conditional use permit for Jane Kennedy's bathroom in an accessory building, and approved committee assignments as amended. The Judd Street road project is likely delayed to 2021 due to historic review and watershed issues.

• Approved $424 from Park and Recreation fund for OWLS bird habitat project (unanimous)
• Accepted $850 donation to fireworks fund from New Year's Eve party (unanimous)
• Approved conditional use permit for Jane Kennedy's bathroom in accessory building (unanimous)
• Approved committee assignments as amended (unanimous)
• Approved consent calendar including minutes, treasurer's report, and bills (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing regarding a conditional use permit for a bathroom in an accessory building. Members will also discuss a PUD proposal and a 2020 work plan.

• Public hearing: CUP for bathroom in accessory building at 760 Judd
• Set public hearing: Variance for solar panels at 625 Pine Cone Trail
• PUD proposal at 980 Rosabell
• Short-Term Rental Ordinance workshop scheduled for Feb. 19
• Cell Tower briefing

City Council

The City Council will discuss the approval of plans and specifications for the Village Center project and the appointment of Andy Lapos as Deputy Chief. The body will also review a cell tower presentation and a proposed participation waiver for the Marine Folk School.

• Recommendation for approval of Andy Lapos as Deputy Chief
• Approval of plans and specs for the Village Center Project
• Review of Marine Folk School participation waiver
• Cell tower presentation
• Approval of March Primary Election Judges

The City Council denied a proposal to build steps connecting the lower deck by the falls to the Village Hall deck, with a 3-1 vote. They also sent a cell tower proposal to the Planning Commission for further review, approved a grant application for open space restoration, and made several appointments and approvals.

• Denied Millsite steps project proposal (3-1)
• Sent cell tower proposal to Planning Commission (unanimous)
• Approved Jackson Meadow Natural Resource plan grant request (unanimous)
• Recommended Jeff Roach to Carnelian Marine Watershed District (unanimous)
• Approved Andy Lapos as Deputy Chief (unanimous)
• Drafted letter of support for Gateway Trail connection (unanimous)
• Approved election judges (unanimous)
• Approved consent calendar (unanimous)