Marine on St. Croix public meetings in 2023

City Council

The City Council will review a proposal to transfer the Jordan Bequest balance to an endowment at the St. Croix Valley Foundation. The meeting also includes discussion of a draft Joint Powers Agreement between the City and Washington County regarding library services.

• Discussion of transferring Jordan Bequest funds to St. Croix Valley Foundation
• Review of draft Joint Powers Agreement for community library services
• Approval of 2024 Levy
• Approval of Building Inspector Contract Renewal
• Approval of liquor license renewals for Brookside, Anna's Bistro, and Marine Brewing Co.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is reviewing ongoing revisions to the City's Zoning Code. Discussions include minimum lot sizes in the SFR district, side yard setbacks in the SC-VC district, and various use-specific standards.

• Discussion of minimum and maximum lot sizes for standalone lots versus neighborhood clusters
• Review of side yard setbacks in the SC-VC district
• Discussion of development standards including lighting, driveways, and parking
• Review of signage size limits for corner lots, for sale signs, and farm operations
• Setting a public hearing date for the updated Zoning Code

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is reviewing several revisions to the city's zoning code, including setbacks and impervious surface limits in the Village Center. Members are also discussing strategies to protect substandard structures in the Riverway, specifically regarding the Marine Landing site.

• Discussion of Village Center side yard setbacks and 75% impervious surface maximum
• Update on replacing substandard structures in the Lower St. Croix Riverway
• Review of proposed changes to PUD standards, home occupations, and signage
• Potential legislative exemption or variance strategies for Marine Landing at 10 Elm Street

City Council

The City Council is considering a two-year extension of a variance for 360 Robert Street. The variance allows for the construction of a single-family home and garage on a lot measuring 22,499 square feet, which is below the required 30,000 square foot minimum.

• Two-year extension request for Planning Case No. 102621-01
• Variance for single-family home and garage at 360 Robert Street

Planning Commission

The Commission is reviewing proposed revisions to the city's zoning code, including new standards for signage, parking, and use-specific regulations. The meeting also includes a request for a two-year variance extension for 360 Robert St.

• Variance extension request for 360 Robert St. to build a single-family home
• Review of Division 500 Use-Specific Standards, including parks and accessory structures
• Discussion on zoning code revisions regarding lighting, signage permits, and parking
• Update on Lower St. Croix Riverway regulations and substandard structures
• Review of lot size analysis and septic maps

City Council

The City Council will conduct a public hearing to review the work plan and discuss the RFP timeline. No specific projects or ordinances are listed for decision at this meeting.

• Review of the Work Plan
• Review of RFP Timeline

Economic Development Authority

The Economic Development Authority is reviewing the 2023/2024 Lease Aid and confirming annual base rent.

• $108,040 annual Base Rent confirmed for Marine Village School

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will discuss revisions to zoning code sections 100, 300, 400, 600, and 700. The meeting includes a review of development standards such as lighting and landscaping, as well as coordination with the Watershed District.

• Review of zoning code Divisions 100, 300, and 400
• Discussion of Division 600 development standards including glare, parking, and wetland preservation
• Discussion of Division 700 signage regulations regarding content-neutrality
• Update on lot size analysis and progress on septic maps
• Coordination with Carnelian-Marine-St. Croix Watershed District

City Council

The City Council will meet to set the 2024 maximum levy and review several infrastructure payments. The agenda includes updates on road maintenance, a cell tower lease discussion, and wildfire preparedness.

• Payment of $3,191.25 to Pearson Bros., Inc. for the 2023 Crack Fill and Seal Coat Project
• Setting the 2024 maximum levy
• Discussion regarding a cell tower lease
• Review of Broadway Street Micro Surfacing construction updates
• Approval of CMSCWD Ordinance Revision Funding

Mill Site Property Advisory Committee

The committee reviewed its accepted charge and members shared their backgrounds and perspectives on the site. No formal actions were taken or decisions made during this meeting.

City Council

The City Council will review a presentation regarding a grant for the Hollow and discuss next steps following the termination of Critical Connections Ecological Services' contract. The council is evaluating whether to proceed with the existing work plan, use portions of it, or consider a new proposal from Stantec.

• Review of Jackson Meadow resident comments regarding the Hollow ecological work plan
• Discussion of potential Stantec proposal for future action
• Evaluation of $155,515 proposed budget for Hollow management, including $145,515 for invasive species removal and $10,000 for mature tree removal

The Council discussed the management of the Hollow property and a $198,000 grant. They agreed to a timeline for reviewing a proposal from Stantec, issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP), and holding a public hearing.

• Agreed to timeline: receive Stantec plan, issue RFP, and set public hearing date at September 14 meeting
• Agreed to share final plan and award RFP at the October meeting

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is reviewing ongoing revisions to the city's zoning code, including updates to divisions 100, 300, and 400. The commission is also addressing draft riverway regulations regarding substandard structures and lots. Additionally, staff provided an update on the progress of septic maps for lot size analysis.

• Update on zoning code revisions funded by up to $13,000 in Council-approved spending
• Review of draft riverway regulations regarding substandard structures and lots
• Discussion on 60% minimum area requirement for buildable lots without a variance
• Agreement to allow agriculture as a conditional use in all districts
• Postponement of the CUP pre-application for 331 Third St. indefinitely

The Commission approved the meeting agenda and the July 25 minutes. Members discussed a proposed cyclical review process for the zoning code and the formation of a Mill Site Committee. No new permits or zoning changes were decided.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved July 25 meeting minutes (3-0, 2 abstentions)

City Council

The Council reviewed the 2024 proposed budget, adjusting several line items for equipment, grants, and patrols. A maximum levy of $1,034,627.27, a 5.9% increase over 2023, is scheduled for approval at the September 14th meeting.

• Agreed to eliminate 2024 line items for a new skid steer and plow by using $15,000 from 2023 stormwater funds
• Removed proposed $7,000 mobile speed sign line item from budget
• Removed proposed $8,000 grant writer line item from budget
• Zeroed out proposed $15,000 extra patrol line item
• Reduced Parks and Rec building maintenance line item to $5,000
• Reduced Red Bridge line item from $5,000 to $2,000
• Suggested lowering 2024 stormwater line item to $4,000

City Council

The City Council will address a violation hearing for the Minich property at 280 Cherry Street regarding impervious surface limits. The meeting also includes discussions on downtown parking concerns, cannabis usage in public places, and special event permit insurance.

• Violation Letter Hearing: Christian/Annie Minich (280 Cherry St)
• Public Hearing: For Profit Concerts in Residential Districts
• Discussion: Cannabis Usage in Public Places
• Discussion: Downtown Parking Concerns and 2024 Summer Parking Plan
• Discussion: Special Event Permit Insurance

The Council accepted the City Attorney's recommendation to require the owners of 280 Cherry Street to remove unapproved impervious surfaces and record a restrictive covenant. The city also approved a payment for seal coating services. The Red Bridge item was removed from the agenda.

• Ordered removal of all impervious surface not approved in 2017 variance at 280 Cherry Street (5-0)
• Required elimination of at least 705 sq. ft. of impervious surface to compensate for garage and driveway overages at 280 Cherry Street (5-0)
• Required recording of a covenant with Washington County prohibiting additional impervious surface or structure expansion at 280 Cherry Street (5-0)
• Set deadline for 280 Cherry Street violations to be rectified by June 1, 2024 (5-0)
• Approved $33,036.25 payment to Pearson Bros, Inc. for 2023 crack fill and seal coat (5-0)
• Approved amended agenda removing the Red Bridge item (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is reviewing draft riverway regulations and ongoing zoning code audits. The meeting also includes a pre-application discussion for a bathroom installation at 331 Third St.

• CUP Pre-application: Bathroom in accessory structure at 33 and 331 Third St.
• Review of draft riverway regulations and DNR setback requirements
• Discussion of zoning code audit and reorganization priorities
• Update on Marine Mill Site zoning and development stipulations

The Commission reached a consensus to require conditional use permits for agriculture in all districts. Members also agreed to a 60% minimum area requirement for buildable lots without a variance. The body discussed riverway regulations and a preapplication for an accessory apartment.

• Approved May 30 meeting minutes
• Reached consensus to allow agriculture as a conditional use in all districts
• Agreed to 60% minimum area requirement for buildable lots without a variance
• Determined to draft an inquiry to the city attorney regarding DNR riverway regulations for historic structures

City Council

The agenda item provides a timeline of structural work performed on the Red Bridge since 1995. The record details specific repairs to concrete supports, bracing, and railing systems completed in 1995 and 2003.

• 1995: Installation of new concrete supports, bracing, and railing reinforcements
• 2003: Installation of a new vertical railing system and replacement of nails with bolts
• 2003: Sealing of base supports and application of new primer and paint

The Council approved several infrastructure projects, including a new salt shed and repairs to the settler's cabin. They also allocated additional funds for zoning code consulting and authorized a DNR grant application for invasive species removal.

• Approved $36,800 bid from Greystone Construction for new salt shed (All in favor)
• Approved $24,877 bid from All Access Construction for settler's cabin repairs (All in favor)
• Allocated up to $13,000 for Planning Commission consulting fees (All in favor)
• Authorized Gerry Mrosla to pursue a DNR Conservation Legacy grant application (All in favor)
• Approved entering into the Washington County Community Block grant agreement (All in favor)
• Approved June 8 minutes, June 23 Treasurer's Report, and July 13 bills (All in favor)

City Council

The City Council will review proposed guidelines for small wireless facilities to manage aesthetic requirements and public rights-of-way. The meeting also includes updates on DNR concerns regarding substandard structures and a review of the Planning Commission's recent activities.

• Approval of Proposed 5G Wireless Guidelines
• DNR comments regarding setbacks for structures like 'the Landing'
• Review of sewer capacity maps for lot size analysis in the Upper Village
• Approval of temporary liquor license for a street dance
• Update on MN Historical Society Grant for Red Bridge

The Council approved new 5G wireless communication guidelines and a tree planting plan for watershed basins. They also authorized payments for road seal coating and a cost-sharing agreement for sidewalk repairs.

• Approved 5G wireless communication guidelines
• Accepted Tom Heinz as a probationary fire fighter
• Approved $22,372.50 payment to Pearson Bro’s for crack fill and seal coat
• Approved $3,000 payment to Dressel contracting for sidewalk panels
• Approved tree and shrub planting plan for watershed basins
• Consensus to place temporary no parking signs on the west side of 3rd Street
• Approved May 11 minutes, May 23 Treasurer's Report, and June 8 List of Bills

City Council

Council members discussed expectations regarding transparency, communication, and decorum. They reached a consensus to begin submitting written committee reports to the City office one week prior to meetings for distribution. No formal votes were taken on other discussed items.

• Agreed to implement written committee reports starting with the June Council meeting

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will review updates regarding the St. Croix Riverway zoning code following discussions with the DNR. The meeting also includes a discussion on 5G wireless infrastructure guidelines and a lot size analysis related to sewer services.

• Update on St. Croix Riverway zoning code revisions
• Discussion of 5G draft infrastructure guidelines
• Review of lot size analysis and sewer service maps
• Planner's code audit prioritization

The Commission reached a consensus to move draft 5G wireless infrastructure guidelines to the City Council for approval. Members also discussed zoning code updates regarding substandard structures and the Marine Mill Site, and reviewed sanitary sewer maps.

• Approved agenda as amended (unanimous)
• Approved April 25 meeting minutes (4-0, 1 abstention)
• Consensus to pass 5G draft guidelines to Council for approval
• Agreed to keep Marine Mill Site zoning as Village Center with a stipulation that new development follows riverway rules

City Council

The City Council will consider an application for a street sweeping grant to reduce phosphorus discharge. The meeting also includes discussions regarding the development of an existing conditions plan for Mill Stream restoration and updates on local infrastructure projects.

• Approval request for Lower St. Croix Partnership Enhanced Sweeping Grant (up to $5,000 annual reimbursement)
• Discussion of Mill Stream Existing Conditions Plan involving Emmons and Olivier Resources
• Engineering update: Broadway Street micro surfacing starting mid/late July
• Engineering update: Street Capital Improvement Plan seal coating tentatively scheduled for June 28th
• Review of Red Bridge inspection findings regarding rotten deck boards and structural monitoring

The Council reached a consensus to allow the Folk School to plant in the ground and paint a portable classroom. Representatives from Midco Communications discussed the cable TV franchise renewal and internet service expansion. The Planning Commission reported ongoing work with the DNR on zoning ordinance language.

• Approved Folk School request to plant in the ground (consensus)
• Approved Folk School request to paint portable classroom (consensus)
• Accepted meeting agenda as presented

Planning Commission

The Marine on St. Croix Planning Commission will discuss the Minnesota DNR's comments on the proposed Lower St. Croix Riverway zoning ordinance, including definitions, uses, setbacks, and a potential rezoning of the Marine Mill site. They will also review sewer maps for a lot size analysis and discuss draft 5G design guidelines. The meeting includes routine items like approving minutes from March 28.

• DNR comments on Lower St. Croix Riverway ordinance, including proposed rezoning of Marine Mill site from SC-VC to SC-UR
• Discussion of adding definitions for bluffline, conservancy, impervious surface, and ordinary high water level
• Review of sewer maps for lot size analysis
• Discussion of 5G draft guidelines
• Potential addition of vegetation cutting violation enforcement language

The Commission discussed DNR comments on the Lower St. Croix Riverway zoning draft, reaching consensus on several permitted uses and vegetative cutting language. Members also reviewed a general code audit and sewer maps for the Upper Village. No final ordinances were voted into law during the meeting.

• Approved agenda as amended (unanimous)
• Approved March 28 meeting minutes
• Reached consensus to list agriculture and public parks as permitted uses in SC-RR subdistrict
• Reached consensus to include DNR-suggested vegetative cutting language
• Reached consensus to change 'Zoning Administrator and Washington Conservation District' to 'Zoning Administrator and designee'
• Determined the City does not wish to rezone the Marine Mill to St. Croix - Urban Residential

City Council

The Marine on St. Croix City Council will meet to award bids for Broadway Street micro surfacing and a crack fill and seal coat project. The agenda also includes a public hearing for an additional liquor license and discussions regarding a cannabis bill moratorium.

• Awarding Broadway Street Micro Surfacing contract (lowest quote: $72,279.10)
• Awarding 2023 Crack Fill and Seal Coat Project contract (lowest quote: $50,750.00)
• Public Hearing for Additional Liquor License Consideration
• Discussion of Tree Ordinance Amendment
• Review of Brookside Bar and Grill music permit request

The Council approved two road maintenance contracts and authorized an emergency storm damage grant in partnership with Washington County. They also passed an ordinance amending the city code regarding nuisance and ash trees.

• Approved 2023 micro milling bid from Fahrner for $72,279.10
• Approved crack fill and seal coat bid from Pearson Bros. for $50,750
• Approved Emergency Storm Damage grant in partnership with Washington County
• Approved Resolution No. 220413-01, Ordinance No. 171 as amended (tree code updates)
• Denied request for authorization to receive bids for MnDOT right-of-way plantings

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is reviewing updates to the city's zoning code, including St. Croix overlay district language and lot size requirements. The body is also working on finalizing 5G design guidelines for future council approval.

• Update on draft St. Croix overlay district language and DNR feedback
• Discussion of 5G Design Guidelines draft
• Review of minimum lot size requirements in river and urban districts
• Proposed zoning code revisions regarding park uses in the Village Center

The Commission approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the February 28 regular meeting. No substantive zoning or policy changes were decided; the session focused on discussing ongoing zoning code reviews and future work plans.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved February 28 regular meeting minutes (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council is reviewing and approving a list of bills totaling $115,284.53 for March 2023. The agenda includes payroll for city staff, payments to vendors for services, supplies, and utilities, as well as a $41,775 school bond payment and an $8,400 auditor fee.

• $41,775.00 school bond payment to Security State Bank
• $8,400.00 auditor fee to CliftonLarsonAllen
• $2,778.88 planner services from HKGi
• $2,746.75 legal services from Johnson/Turner Legal
• $10,296.29 waste hauler fee to Waste Management

The Council adopted a resolution to amend the traffic ordinance regarding excessive vehicle noise and approved a maintenance agreement for stormwater facilities. They also accepted a Memorandum of Understanding with the Marine Library Association and scheduled a public hearing for a liquor ordinance amendment.

• Adopted Resolution 20230309-01 amending Chapter 13 Subd. 4 regarding traffic noise (All in favor)
• Approved maintenance agreement with Carnelian Marine Watershed District for stormwater facilities at Oak Street and Second Street (All in favor)
• Accepted Memorandum of Understanding with the Marine Library Association (All in favor)
• Scheduled public hearing for April 13 at 7:00pm regarding a second discretionary liquor license (All in favor)
• Authorized pricing to replace the fire hall siren (Consensus)
• Approved installation of a $130 dog waste bag post in Gazebo park for spring (Consensus)
• Approved February 9 minutes, February Treasurer's Report, March 9 bills, and Resolution No. 2023-02 (All in favor)

Planning Commission

The Marine on St. Croix Planning Commission will discuss draft St. Croix overlay district language and 5G design guidelines. The meeting also includes a recap of a February workshop with the City Council and a capstone project presentation.

• Update on draft St. Croix overlay district language
• Discuss 5G Draft Guidelines
• Recap February Workshop with City Council
• Maggie Raedeke's Capstone Project

City Council

The Planning Commission is reviewing zoning code changes to consolidate regulations for the Lower St. Croix District, including substandard lots and structures, vegetative cutting, and lot sizes in the SC-UR district. The commission is also discussing workplan items such as a solar ordinance and residential care facilities ordinance, as well as potential intersections with City Council priorities like Burris Park upgrades and cemetery expansion.

• Zoning code changes: Lower St. Croix District regulations moved into new Section 507, including SC-RR, SC-UR, and VC districts
• Substandard lots: City may determine buildable lot size percentage; lot size in SC-UR could be reduced from 1 acre to 20,000 sq ft
• Substandard structures: Only riparian lots considered substandard; exceptions added for structures not visible from river and for historic district
• Zoning map inconsistency: City may keep lots south of Butternut Falls Trail as SC-RR despite DNR's urban designation
• Vegetative cutting: Language added on vegetative replacement and reforestation

The Council and Planning Commission held a workshop to discuss potential changes to minimum lot sizes and zoning code updates. No formal votes were taken on zoning changes, though the body reached a consensus to hold joint meetings annually.

• Consensus reached to hold joint Council-Commission meetings annually
• Adjourned meeting at 7:23pm (Passed)

Planning Commission

The City Council and Planning Commission discussed reducing minimum lot sizes in river and non-river districts, with concerns about sewer capacity and septic requirements. The Commission also reviewed updates to the zoning code, 5G design guidelines, and several other planning topics including a proposed electric vehicle charger and cemetery expansion.

• Planning Commission seeks Council guidance on lowering minimum lot sizes; sewer and septic capacity are key constraints.
• Zoning code update for river districts sent to DNR on February 21; public hearing needed after state approval.
• 5G design guidelines delayed due to consultant's illness; Commission expects to finalize draft in next two months.
• Commission discussed potential issues with Burris Park picnic shelter, downtown greenspace plan, and cemetery expansion.
• Electric vehicle charger proposed at 41 Judd St. conflicts with state impervious surface rules.

City Council

The City Council will consider authorizing quotes for the 2023 Crack Fill and Seal Coat Project (budgeted at $81,000) and the 2023 Broadway Street Micro Surfacing Project. The council will also discuss a hall rental reduction request, receive updates on the Emerald Ash Borer right-of-way removal plan, and consider dissolving the Green Step Cities and Trails committees.

• Authorize quotes for 2023 Crack Fill and Seal Coat Project ($81,000 budgeted)
• Authorize quotes for 2023 Broadway Street Micro Surfacing Project (previous 2022 quote was $91,750.60)
• Discussion of Emerald Ash Borer removal plan for publicly owned ash trees, with a DNR grant of $8,500 to be used by June 2023
• Discussion of dissolving the Green Step Cities committee and the Trails, Open Space & Natural Resources committee
• Discussion of additional discretionary liquor license

The City Council voted to dissolve the Green Step committee and the Trails, Open Space and Natural Resources committee. The council also authorized quotes for road maintenance and adjusted the City Clerk's salary for state compliance.

• Dissolved Green Step committee (3-1)
• Dissolved Trails, Open Space and Natural Resources committee (3-1)
• Authorized Bolton Menk to obtain quotes for 2023 crack fill and seal coat project (All in favor)
• Authorized Bolton Menk to obtain quotes for 2023 Broadway Street micro surfacing project (All in favor)
• Increased City Clerk salary by $12.80 per month for state compliance (All in favor)
• Approved resident rate for Butch Thompson memorial event (All in favor)
• Approved January and February minutes, treasurer's report, and bills (All in favor)

City Council

The Council reviewed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Marine library association (MarLa). Council members discussed shifting utility costs, insurance, and upstairs space stipends to the library. The agreement was extended until April to allow for further negotiations.

• Extended the library MOU agreement until April
• Authorized Council members Pardun and Miller to negotiate terms and bring a final draft to Council

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will review and discuss a revised draft of the St. Croix River Overlay District code, which has been updated following meetings with the Minnesota DNR. Key topics include nonconformities, allowable uses, lot sizes, and vegetative cutting standards. The commission will also receive an update on 5G design guidelines and discuss a February workshop with the City Council.

• Review and discuss draft St. Croix River Overlay District language, including nonconformities, substandard lots, and allowable uses
• Update on 5G wireless infrastructure design guidelines
• Discussion of February workshop with City Council
• Maggie Raedeke's capstone project presentation on school and folk school concepts

The commission reviewed proposed updates to the zoning code to align the Lower St. Croix district with DNR requests. No final vote was taken on the zoning changes; the commission discussed lot sizes, land uses, and map discrepancies.

• Approved agenda as amended (unanimous)
• Approved November 29 meeting minutes (unanimous)

City Council

The Council reviewed and assigned members as liaisons to various city committees and categories. Members discussed the potential consolidation or decommissioning of the Green Step and Trails and Open Space committees, but deferred final decisions to a future Council meeting. A new Community Events category was created to replace the Holidays category.

• Created Community Events category to replace Holidays
• Assigned Nyenhuis and Ward as liaisons for Community Events
• Assigned Miller and Anderson to Public Safety
• Assigned Pardun and Anderson to Roads
• Assigned Pardun and Nyenhuis to Personnel
• Assigned Anderson and Ward to Parks and Rec
• Assigned Nyenhuis and Ward to Cemetery
• Assigned Pardun and Miller to Water/Wastewater and City Properties

City Council

The Marine on St. Croix City Council is approving a list of bills and payroll totaling $97,294.93 for January 2023. The agenda includes payments for employee salaries, vendor services, utilities, and other operational expenses. No other items are listed for discussion or decision.

• Payroll payments to employees including Lynette Peterson ($4,690.89), Tom Boesel ($5,507.13), and others
• Waste Management hauling service for December: $9,673.49
• Washington County Public Health 4th quarter environmental charge: $7,005.20
• Security State Bank federal withholding: $9,315.93
• Xcel Energy electricity and gas for multiple departments: $2,853.44

The City Council administered the Oath of Office to three newly elected members and one new EDA member. The Council also approved the adoption of EDA officers, with Bill Miller replacing Gwen Roden as Secretary.

• Approved the meeting agenda (4-0)
• Adopted EDA officers, appointing Bill Miller as Secretary (4-0)
• Approved 12/8/22 minutes, 12/22 Treasurer’s Report, 1/12/23 bills, Zoning Administrator's Report, Public Works Maintenance Report, and Planning Commission Minutes (4-0)