Marine on St. Croix public meetings in 2024

Meeting

The Lower St. Croix Management Commission Partnership Team met and approved the minutes from the October 29, 2024 meeting. They reviewed three land use decisions: the St. Croix Yacht Club dredging and beach renourishment project (CUP granted), the Osceola Apartments project (discussed, no action), and the Schmid stairway in Cedar Cliff (permit granted with conditions). The team also discussed a report on their reviews since 2018 but took no action on it.

• Approved minutes of October 29, 2024 (unanimous)
• Reviewed St. Croix Yacht Club CUP for dredging and beach renourishment (granted by St. Croix County)
• Reviewed Osceola Apartments project (no action taken)
• Reviewed Schmid stairway permit (granted with conditions by Pierce County)
• Discussed report on PT reviews since 2018 (no action taken)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is holding a workshop to review several zoning code items and the current work plan. Discussions include legislative protections for historic riverway buildings and lot area requirements for the SFU district.

• Legislative protections for historic riverway buildings
• Zoning code errata corrections
• Lot area requirements, specifically for the SFU district
• Regulations regarding ticketed events and home occupations
• Solar regulations

The Planning Commission held a workshop and set priorities for 2025, including addressing the agricultural moratorium, historic Riverway building protections, lot area requirements, solar ordinances, and zoning code corrections. They also appointed Anna Hagstrom as chair and Kristina Smitten as vice chair for 2025, and Chair Scott Spisak announced he would not renew his term.

• Appointed Anna Hagstrom as chair for 2025 (unanimous)
• Appointed Kristina Smitten as vice chair for 2025 (unanimous)
• Set 2025 priorities: agricultural moratorium, historic Riverway protections, lot area requirements, solar, zoning errata
• Adjourned at 10:54 am (unanimous)

City Council

The Marine on St. Croix City Council will vote on two ordinances (181 and 182) to regulate cannabis in the city code and zoning code, with related resolutions. They will also consider the 2025 levy, two land-use requests (a variance for Lot 4, Block 2, Tanglewood and a conditional use permit for 2531 Jackson Trail), and several administrative items including appointment to the Planning Commission, re-appointment of the fire chief, and bids for the 2025 Street Improvement Project and Village Hall remodel.

• Cannabis Ordinances 181 and 182 with Resolutions 241212-01 and 241212-02 amending city and zoning codes
• Variance request for Lot 4, Block 2, Tanglewood to allow garage in front of house and exceed setback
• Conditional Use Permit for a bathroom in an accessory building at 2531 Jackson Trail
• 2025 Street Improvement Project – approve plans, specs, authorize advertisement for bids
• Village Hall Remodel Bid Approval and appointment of Claudia Carr to Planning Commission

The Marine on St. Croix City Council approved two ordinances regulating commercial cannabis (Ordinances 181 and 182) and authorized their publication. They also approved the 2025 levy at $1,126,971.24, a 7.66% increase, and authorized a construction contract for the Village Hall remodel not to exceed $243,153.10. Additionally, they approved a variance for a new home at Tanglewood, a conditional use permit for 2531 Jackson Trail, and reappointed Glen Mills as Fire Chief.

• Approved Ordinance 181 (cannabis regulations) unanimously
• Approved Ordinance 182 (zoning cannabis regulations) unanimously
• Approved 2025 levy at $1,126,971.24 (7.66% increase) unanimously
• Authorized Village Hall construction contract to J White Builds not to exceed $243,153.10 unanimously
• Approved variance for Lot 4, Block 2, Tanglewood (case 20241126-01) unanimously
• Approved conditional use permit for 2531 Jackson Trail (case 20241126-02) unanimously
• Reappointed Glen Mills as Fire Chief for second two-year term unanimously
• Approved plans and authorized bid for 2025 street improvement project unanimously

City Council

The City Council will review the proposed budget for the year 2025 and discuss potential additional changes. The council intends to set the 2025 levy at a subsequent meeting on December 12th.

• Review of Proposed Year 2025 Budget
• Discussion of 2025 levy to be set December 12th

Planning Commission

The Marine on St. Croix Planning Commission will hold three public hearings: two variance requests for a house and garage at Tanglewood Lane, a conditional use permit for a bathroom in an accessory structure at 2531 Jackson Trail, and guidelines for a cannabis/hemp ordinance including cultivation area limits. They will also discuss the Glacial Hills Regional Trail Long Range Plan and consider old business items from previous meetings.

• Public hearing: two variances at Lot 4, Block 2, Tanglewood Ln – house beyond max front yard setback, garage in front of house
• Public hearing: conditional use permit for bathroom in accessory structure at 2531 Jackson Trl.
• Public hearing: Cannabis/Hemp Ordinance – cultivation area limits and guidelines
• Discussion: Glacial Hills Regional Trail Long Range Plan – support for City Council
• Review of prior meeting minutes (September and October 2024)

City Council

The City Council will vote on a comprehensive settlement agreement and the 2025 liquor license for Brookside Bar & Grill, and discuss the proposed $1 purchase of a 5,205-square-foot parcel at the Marine Mill State Historic Site. The council will also receive updates on the Drainfield Phase 2 bid, Village Hall remodel, and set a Truth in Taxation hearing for December 3rd.

• Approve comprehensive settlement agreement for Brookside Bar & Grill
• Approve 2025 Brookside liquor license
• Discuss $1 purchase of Mill Site parcel from Minnesota Historical Society for potential interpretive center, community building, or restrooms
• Receive bid for Drainfield Phase 2
• Receive Village Hall remodel update

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is reviewing draft regulations for cannabis businesses, including cultivation standards and odor management. The body is also considering variance requests for a property on Tanglewood Ln and a conditional use permit for a bathroom at 2531 Jackson Trl.

• Review of draft Cannabis/Hemp Ordinance Guidelines with a public hearing set for Nov. 26
• Variance requests for Lot 4, Block 2, Tanglewood Ln regarding house setback and garage placement
• CUP request for a bathroom in an accessory structure at 2531 Jackson Trl
• Review of the Glacial Hills Regional Trail Long Range Plan
• Review of the potential purchase of the Mill Site Parcel

City Council

The City Council will receive a presentation on the Glacial Hills Regional Trail long-range plan, discuss the 2025 street improvement project drainage issues, and consider approval of 2025 liquor licenses. Consent agenda items include an amended fee schedule, Resolution 241010-01, and approval of contractor payments for the crack fill and seal project. Various council committee reports on public safety, roads, personnel, parks, water/wastewater, and city properties will be presented.

• Approval of 2025 liquor licenses (old/new business)
• Amended fee schedule (consent calendar)
• Crack fill and seal contractor pay request (roads report)
• Discussion of 2025 street improvement project drainage issues (engineering update)
• Presentation on Glacial Hills Regional Trail long-range plan (citizens considerations)

Planning Commission

The Marine on St. Croix Planning Commission will review a preapplication for two variances on Tanglewood Lane (front yard setback and detached garage placement). They will also discuss the review process for the potential purchase of a parcel of the historic Mill Site from the Minnesota Historical Society for $1.00. Additionally, the commission will continue work on cannabis/hemp ordinance guidelines and receive an update on the comprehensive plan amendment.

• Preapplication for two variances at Tanglewood Lane: front yard setback for house and detached garage in front of house
• Discussion of review process for potential purchase of Mill Site parcel from MNHS for $1.00
• Continued discussion on cannabis/hemp ordinance guidelines, including maximum licenses and hours of operation
• Update on Comprehensive Plan Amendment—Met Council deemed proposed future land use change inconsistent with Diversified Rural designation
• Approval of August 27, 2024 meeting minutes

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is reviewing a draft ordinance to regulate cannabis businesses and zoning. The body is seeking City Council input on licensing limits, hours of operation, and the potential for a municipal cannabis store.

• Proposal to delegate cannabis retail registration and compliance checks to Washington County
• Recommendation to permit indoor cultivation, manufacturing, wholesale, and delivery in the Light Industrial District
• Recommendation to allow retail as a conditional or interim use in the St. Croix-Village Center District
• Proposed limit of one active cannabis retail business per 12,500 residents
• Proposal to use existing City Code Chapter 26 for temporary cannabis events

City Council

The City Council and Planning Commission are discussing a draft ordinance to regulate cannabis businesses. The body is reviewing zoning recommendations, registration processes, and operational guidelines for cannabis retail and cultivation.

• Proposal to delegate cannabis retail registration and compliance checks to Washington County
• Proposed limit of 1 active cannabis retail business per 12,500 residents
• Zoning recommendation: Indoor cultivation, manufacturing, wholesale, and delivery permitted in Light Industrial District
• Zoning recommendation: Retail as conditional or interim use in St. Croix-Village Center District
• Discussion on whether to allow a municipal cannabis store and set specific hours of operation

City Council

The Marine on St. Croix City Council will vote on an interim use permit for parking a school bus at 491 Maple Street, set the 2025 maximum property tax levy, and discuss a lawsuit by Brookside Bar and Grill against the city in a closed executive session. The council will also confirm the annual base rent of $131,400 for Marine Village School's lease and receive updates on crack fill/seal coating payments and a cannabis ordinance workshop.

• Interim Use Permit for parking a class 6 school bus at 491 Maple Street (recommended for approval by Planning Commission)
• Set 2025 maximum levy (property tax discussion)
• Brookside Bar and Grill lawsuit against the city, including encroachment agreement and data practices demand
• Lease rent confirmation: Marine Village School annual base rent of $131,400 ($10,950/month)
• Cannabis ordinance joint workshop with Planning Commission scheduled for September 23

The City Council approved the maximum 2025 property tax levy at $1,145,822.56, a 9.46% increase over 2024. They also approved an interim use permit for parking a school bus at 491 Maple Street, a $33,910.25 payment to Allied Blacktop for crack fill and seal work, and a 5-foot stand exemption for William O'Brien's special hunt. The council moved the Mill Site proposal to the Planning Commission and held an executive session on the Brookside lawsuit, taking no action.

• Adopted 2025 maximum levy of $1,145,822.56 (9.46% increase) (unanimous)
• Approved Interim Use Permit for 491 Maple St. to park Class 6 commercial vehicle (unanimous)
• Approved payment #1 to Allied Blacktop for $33,910.25 (unanimous)
• Approved 5-ft stand exemption for William O'Brien 2024 special hunt (unanimous)
• Moved Mill Site proposal to Planning Commission for review (consensus)
• Approved consent calendar including minutes, treasurer's report, and bills (unanimous)
• Agreed to have City Attorney attend meetings, revisit in six months (consensus)
• Entered executive session to discuss Brookside lawsuit; no action taken

Mill Site Property Advisory Committee

The Mill Site Property Advisory Committee is recommending that the Marine on St. Croix City Council approve proceeding with the purchase of a parcel within the historic mill site from the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) for $1. The committee reviewed results of public engagement sessions held in July, which showed positive feedback and identified potential uses such as a museum, interpretive center, community building, and public restrooms. No final decision is being made at this meeting; the recommendation will go to the City Council on September 12, 2024, and the Planning Commission on September 24, 2024.

• Purchase price of $1 for a parcel within the historic mill site, with no historical artifacts found in archaeological surveys
• Public engagement sessions on July 29 and 31 drew 40 participants who supported acquisition and suggested uses like museum, interpretive center, and community building
• Land agreements considered include purchasing the entire site, a joint powers agreement, or purchasing just a parcel; the committee favors parcel purchase
• Regulatory considerations involve the Carnelian Marine St Croix Watershed District, Minnesota DNR, and State Historic Preservation Office
• MNHS will pay closing costs; city pays $52.65 for Washington County filing fees

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on an interim use permit for Bill Ries to park a school bus at 491 Maple Street, a use that predates a zoning code change. The commission will also continue work on cannabis ordinance guidelines, covering where cultivation, retail, and manufacturing are allowed. An update on the comprehensive plan amendments already approved by City Council will be provided.

• Public hearing for Interim Use Permit to park a class 6 vehicle (school bus) at 491 Maple Street
• Discussion on cannabis zoning: outdoor cultivation allowed in agricultural districts, indoor cultivation and manufacturing permitted in Light Industrial, retail as conditional use in St. Croix Village Center
• Update on Comprehensive Plan Amendments submitted to Metropolitan Council for administrative review
• Potential joint meeting with City Council in September to review draft cannabis ordinance

City Council

The Marine on St. Croix City Council will meet to consider several items including an update on a proposed interior renovation of City Hall (adding an accessible restroom, conference space, and renovated offices) and approval of a subcontractor for the Hollow Grant. The consent calendar includes a personnel handbook amendment resolution and acceptance of two $200 donations to the fire department. Engineering updates cover the 2025 street improvement project, drainfield control structure replacement, and other capital projects.

• Hollow Grant Sub-Contractor Approval (under Parks & Recreation)
• Resolution 20240808-01 (Personnel Handbook Amendment)
• Acceptance of two Fire Department donations ($200 each)
• City Hall interior renovation design proposal from Collaborative Design Group
• 2025 Street Improvement Project and Drainfield Control Structure Replacement updates

Planning Commission

The commission will discuss guidelines for a cannabis ordinance, including zoning districts, buffers, and licensing options. They will also consider an interim use permit for parking a commercial vehicle at 491 Maple St. A presentation on the Glacial Hills Regional Trail Long Range Plan is scheduled.

• Interim Use Permit for commercial vehicle parking at 491 Maple St. (applicant Bill Reis)
• Discussion and direction on cannabis and hemp ordinance guidelines
• Presentation of Glacial Hills Regional Trail Long Range Plan

Mill Site Property Advisory Committee

The Mill Site Property Advisory Committee held two community input meetings on July 29 and 31, 2024, to discuss the potential acquisition of the Mill Site parcel. Attendees overwhelmingly supported buying the property immediately, even with future use undetermined, to retain local control. Numerous potential uses were suggested, including a multipurpose community building, restrooms, parking, stormwater treatment, and historic relocations like the Stonehouse Museum. Concerns focused on financial impacts, maintenance costs, parking, regulatory issues, and ensuring the property remains city-owned.

• Overwhelming suggestion to buy the property now for $1, even if future use is unknown
• Proposed uses: restrooms, bike repair, history interpretive center, library, folk school, community center
• Possibility to move the Stonehouse Museum to the site (estimated cost $150,000–$200,000)
• Stormwater capture and treatment opportunity if excavation prohibition is lifted
• Concerns about tax impact, ongoing maintenance, and regulatory review by NPS and DNR

City Council

The City Council will consider a liquor license amendment for Brookside Bar and Grill and several Conditional Use Permit applications. The agenda also includes updates on road engineering, public safety fundraising, and the Multi-Generational Education District master plan.

• Liquor license amendment for Brookside Bar and Grill
• CUP application for 146 Kingfisher Lane accessory building
• CUP application for 18247 Sr. Croix Trail driveway
• $1,500 Lions donation for public safety equipment
• Village Hall balcony railing replacement

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will conduct public hearings regarding conditional use permits for 146 Kingfisher Lane and 18247 St. Croix Trail. The commission will also consider amendments to the Riverway and Future Land Use map. Additionally, a preapplication for commercial vehicle parking at 491 Maple is scheduled for review.

• Public hearing for accessory structure at 146 Kingfisher Ln.
• Public hearing for driveway longer than 200 ft at 18247 St. Croix Trail
• Public hearing for Comprehensive Plan amendments (Riverway and Future Land Use map)
• Preapplication for commercial vehicle parking at 491 Maple
• Discussion regarding cannabis/hemp timeline

City Council

The City Council will consider an on-sale liquor license amendment for Anna’s Bistro and a cell tower CUP amendment. The meeting also includes updates on engineering projects, such as street improvements and drainfield replacements, and reports regarding cannabis regulation timelines.

• On Sale Liquor License Amendment — Anna’s Bistro
• Cell Tower CUP Amendment
• STR Ordinance Workshop Review
• Drainfield Control Structure Replacement Project quotes due June 26
• Glacial Hills Regional Trail open house on June 17

Planning Commission

The Marine on St. Croix Planning Commission will consider scheduling June 25 public hearings for a Comprehensive Plan amendment affecting Riverway zoning and future land use maps. Commissioners are also reviewing conditional use permit applications for an accessory structure at Jackson Meadow Lot (146 Kingfisher Lane) and a driveway exceeding 200 feet at 18247 St. Croix Trail. These items address local development standards, property access rules, and historic building protections that affect nearby residents and landowners.

• Comp Plan amendments for Riverway zoning and Future Land Use map; public hearing set for June 25
• Conditional use permit application for an accessory structure at Jackson Meadow Lot (146 Kingfisher Lane); public hearing set for June 25
• Conditional use permit application for a driveway longer than 200 feet at 18247 St. Croix Trail; public hearing set for June 25
• Discussion on cannabis and hemp regulations, including background review and commission charge
• Review of city email account policies and legal protections for planning commissioners

City Council

The council will review quotes for road maintenance and authorize plans for a drainfield replacement project. The meeting also includes a request for an eight-foot fence permit at 1410 Quant Ave. Additionally, updates on street improvements and regional highway projects will be provided.

• Awarding the 2024 Crack Fill and Seal Contract
• Authorizing plans and specifications for the Drainfield Control Structure Replacement Project
• Conditional Use Permit for an eight-foot fence at 1410 Quant Ave
• MnDOT Landscape Design overview and funding resolution
• Cannabis Moratorium Amendment and STR Ordinance Review

Planning Commission

The Commission will hold a public hearing regarding an 8-foot fence request at 1410 Quant Ave. The meeting also includes applications for accessory structures and preapplications for driveway and outdoor dining permits. Additionally, the body will discuss protections for historic Riverway buildings.

• Public hearing: 8-foot fence at 1410 Quant Ave
• CUP application: accessory structure at Jackson Meadow Lot
• Preapplication: driveway longer than 200 ft at 18247 St. Croix Trail
• Preapplication: outdoor dining at 140 Judd Street
• Discussion: protections for historic Riverway buildings

City Council

The City Council will review the final report regarding the 2024 Drainfield System Evaluation. The agenda also includes updates on street improvement projects and a proposal for tree replanting near Brookside property.

• Final Report on 2024 Drainfield System Evaluation
• Quotes for 2024 Crack Fill and Seal Coat Project
• Availability of cemetery plots in Sections 24 and 25
• Tree removal and replanting proposal near Brookside property
• History QR Code Project Proposal

Planning Commission

The Marine on St. Croix Planning Commission will review variance applications for accessory structures at two residential properties and discuss a staff report on protecting historic buildings along the Lower St. Croix Riverway from new state setback rules. These items affect property owners seeking building permits and could change how substandard structures in the Riverway district are maintained or rebuilt.

• Pre-application for variance at 675 Pine Cone Trl for a 1,120 sq ft accessory structure (exceeds the 750 sq ft limit)
• Pre-application for variances at 280 Judd St for an 840 sq ft garage and total accessory space over 1,450 sq ft
• Staff report on a Comprehensive Plan amendment or legislative change to exempt historic Riverway structures from DNR rebuild setback requirements
• Discussion of the 2024 work plan covering ticketed events, home occupations, solar, cannabis, and lot size analysis

City Council

The Marine on St. Croix City Council is reviewing authorizations for road maintenance, including a $45,000 crack fill project and preparations for a $795,000 street improvement project. The council will also address a cannabis moratorium adoption and an encroachment agreement proposal for Parker Street.

• Authorization of quotes for the 2024 Crack Fill and Seal Coat Project ($45,000)
• Authorization of plans and specifications for the 2025 Street Improvement Project ($795,000)
• Adoption of a cannabis moratorium
• Encroachment agreement proposal for Parker Street
• North Meadow RFP authorization

Planning Commission

The commission will review pre-applications for a conditional use permit regarding an accessory structure at Jackson Meadow Lot and fence height at 1410 Quant Ave. The meeting also includes selecting an acting chair and reviewing the commission's work plan.

• Pre-application for accessory structure at Jackson Meadow Lot
• Pre-application for fence height at 1410 Quant Ave
• Selection of an Acting Chair
• Review of the Commission Work Plan

City Council

The council and planning commission will discuss shared workplan items including business and residential areas. The meeting includes discussion of a consultant planner for various city sites and updates to the planning commission workplan.

• Discussion of Business Occupations, Uses, Homes, and Residential Areas
• Consultant Planner availability for Mill Site, School Site, and Cemetery
• Planning Commission workplan update regarding DNR adoption and legislative relief
• Review of Revised Chapter 2
• Cemetery street Replat

Planning Commission

The bodies will discuss shared workplan items including business occupations and residential areas. The meeting includes a discussion regarding the use of a consultant planner for various city sites.

• Discussion of Business Occupations/Uses/Homes/Residential Areas
• Consultant Planner availability for Mill Site, School Site, and Cemetery
• Planning Commission workplan update
• DNR adoption follow up items
• Cemetery street Replat

City Council

The City Council is reviewing a comprehensive update to the Marine on St. Croix Zoning Ordinance, which includes new standards for the Lower St. Croix Riverway District. Additionally, the council will consider an amendment to Chapter 2 of the City Code regarding Planning Commission roles.

• Ordinance No. 176: Updated Zoning Ordinance covering land use, building size, and riverway standards
• Ordinance No. 175: Amendment to City Code Chapter 2 defining Planning Commission responsibilities
• Resolution No. 02082024-02: Publication of the new zoning ordinance by title and summary
• Planning Commission update: Approval of new member Lisa White

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will conduct a formal public hearing regarding updates to the City's zoning code. These revisions include changes to the St. Croix Riverway District, large vehicle parking regulations, and driveway paving standards.

• Public hearing for Zoning Code Amendments
• Review of draft changes to Chapter 2 of City Code
• Discussion of large vehicle parking on residential properties and public streets
• Proposed minimum driveway paving length of 50 feet
• Updated minimum parking stall width of 9 feet

City Council

The City Council is reviewing a Joint Powers Agreement with Washington County to provide library services at City Hall. The meeting also includes a proposal from the newly formed 'Stewards of Marine Mills History' regarding the Stone House Museum.

• Joint Powers Agreement with Washington County for library lockers and book returns at City Hall
• Proposal from Stewards of Marine Mills History regarding museum management
• Approval of 2024 Revised Fee Schedule
• Approval of 2023 Budget Fund Transfer
• Cell Tower Lease Approval