Afton public meetings in 2022
28 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Meeting
The Afton City Council adopted the 2023 budget and tax levies, approved a comprehensive plan amendment to allow two dwelling units in commercial buildings in the VHS-C Zone, and passed a one-year moratorium on THC product sales. The council also accepted site improvements for two subdivisions, approved a retaining wall material at 4102 River Road, and designated Majestic Pines Trail as a restricted road for construction vehicles.
- Adopted Resolution 2022-61 approving the 2023 Budget and Resolution 2022-62 approving the 2023 Tax Levies
- Adopted Resolution 2022-63 approving a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to allow two dwelling units in commercial buildings in the VHS-C Zone (3-1 vote)
- Adopted Ordinance 05-2022 placing a one-year moratorium on sale, testing, manufacturing, and distribution of THC products
- Accepted site improvements for St. Joseph Pines Subdivision (680 Neal Avenue) and Afton Business Park Subdivision (Hudson Road and Manning Avenue), reducing escrow/letter of credit amounts
- Approved PerMar security system upgrade for City Hall at a cost not to exceed $6,000
City Council
The Agriculture Preservation Committee will review and discuss multiple data sets mapped by the Washington Conservation District to identify and prioritize quality agricultural land for preservation. The committee may also discuss whether mapping multiple data sets on one map would be helpful. No decisions are scheduled; this is a discussion item.
- Review of agricultural land data sets mapped by the Washington Conservation District at no cost
- Discussion of maps showing parcel size, crop productivity index, 2021 crop data, highly erodible land, land protection score, and regenerative agriculture opportunities
- Potential discussion of combining multiple data sets on a single map
- Approval of minutes from May 12, 2022 meeting
Meeting
The Afton City Council voted to direct the city attorney to prepare a resolution for a 12-month moratorium on the sale of THC edibles, to be considered for approval at the December 20, 2022 meeting. The council also discussed a required upgrade to the City Hall security system, tabled that topic to the December meeting, and directed staff to bring a resolution restricting construction vehicles on Majestic Pines Trail without a city permit. Additionally, the council approved up to $3,000 for fencing along the western boundary of the wastewater treatment site to address trespassing from the Belwin Oxbow Trails.
- 12-month moratorium on THC edible sales directed for December 20 vote
- City Hall security system upgrade tabled to December 20 meeting
- Construction vehicles restricted on Majestic Pines Trail without city permit
- Up to $3,000 approved for fencing along western boundary of wastewater treatment site
- No update available on Afton entrance signs
Meeting
The Afton City Council approved several items including up to $2,500 for an ice rink in Town Square Park, a minor subdivision and variance, a nature center ordinance amendment, and 2023 liquor licenses for Afton House and Lumberyard Pub. They also tabled a retaining wall variance for more engineering plans and sent draft solar and comprehensive plan amendments to the Planning Commission for public hearings.
- Approved up to $2,500 for ice rink materials in Town Square Park
- Approved Charles and Susan Hipp minor subdivision at 1217 Indian Trail South
- Approved Nickolas and Jennifer Tamburo variance at 14648 57th Street South
- Tabled Ziton variance at 4102 River Road for retaining wall replacement
- Approved 2023 liquor licenses for Afton House and Lumberyard Pub
Meeting
The Afton Planning Commission discussed and recommended approval of a variance for a home addition, a lot line rearrangement, and a draft ordinance amendment to allow larger ground-mounted residential solar arrays. They also considered a Comprehensive Plan amendment to allow two dwelling units in commercial buildings in the VHS-C zone and a definition for 'Nature Center' in the zoning code.
- Nickolas & Jennifer Tamburo variance application for a 7-foot side setback at 14648 57th Street South
- Susan and Charles Hipp minor subdivision for lot line rearrangement at 1217 Indian Trail South
- Draft amendment to Solar Energy System ordinance to allow up to 3,000 sq. ft. ground-mounted residential solar arrays on lots up to 10 acres
- Draft language for Comprehensive Plan amendment to allow two dwelling units in commercial buildings in VHS-C zone
- Ordinance amendment defining 'Nature Center' as an allowed use with conditional use permit, permitting fee charging
Meeting
The Afton City Council approved variances for two new houses on River Road and tabled a retaining wall replacement request pending more information. The council also approved a $500 donation to Community Thread and a pension benefit increase for firefighters. Several items were continued to future meetings, including a nature center definition and dwelling units in commercial buildings.
- Approved variance for O'Connor new house at 3786 River Road, allowing slope disturbance and reduced lot size (Resolution 2022-49)
- Approved variance for Lenzen/Lakkundi new house at 4500 River Road South, allowing grading on slopes over 12% (Resolution 2022-50)
- Tabled Ziton retaining wall replacement at 4102 River Road pending DNR and engineering review (Resolution 2022-51)
- Approved $500 donation to Community Thread from council contingency fund
- Approved Resolution 2022-53 increasing firefighter pension benefit from $4,350 to $4,775 per year of service
Meeting
The City Council met for a special meeting to review financial records. The council voted to adopt the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021.
- Adoption of the 2021 Audit Report
Meeting
The City Council approved the 2023 budget and tax levies, which include a 4.37% levy increase. The council also authorized a fee increase for trash disposal and approved a minor subdivision for lot line rearrangements.
- Approved 2023 Budget and tax levies (4.37% levy increase)
- Approved 18.4% increase in monthly residential and commercial trash disposal fees for 2023
- Approved Minor Subdivision for lot line rearrangements at 15901 Putnam Boulevard South and 2573 Stagecoach Trail
- Approved bridge safety inspection proposal not to exceed $2,450.00
- Appointed Susan Loomis to Natural Resources & Groundwater Committee and Nicholas Livingston to Parks Committee
Meeting
The City Council updated the speed limit on Odell Avenue to 30 mph and approved a simple subdivision at Trading Post Trail. The council also continued a variance application for River Road pending specific written confirmation from the applicants.
- Adopted Resolution 2022-40 changing the speed limit on Odell Ave to 30 mph
- Approved Resolution 2022-41 for a simple subdivision at 2771 and 2783 Trading Post Trail
- Approved a two-year extension of a Variance and Conditional Use Permit for 3185 St Croix Tr
- Continued the O’Connor variance application on River Road until the September meeting
- Appointed Elissa Thompson to the Natural Resources & Groundwater committee
Meeting
The Council reviewed several adjustments to the 2023 preliminary budget, including changes to patrol funding and road repair accounts. These revisions resulted in a projected overall property tax levy increase of 4.52%. Discussions also covered cemetery restoration, sewer operations, and county assessment costs.
- Increased extra patrols line item by $5,000 to $10,000
- Created a major road repair account with $40,000 from interest and ARPA funds
- Projected overall property tax levy increase of 4.52%
- Discussed annual $9,000 payments for Mt. Hope Cemetery restoration
- Discussed $15,000 budget line item for local sewer operations
Meeting
The City Council discussed the preliminary 2023 budget and directed staff to use one-time funds to keep the tax levy increase below 5%. The body also approved the purchase of a surplus skidsteer and adopted a resolution for temporary parking restrictions on River Road.
- Purchase of a 2019 DNR surplus skidsteer loader for $7,000
- Resolution 2022-38 authorizing temporary No Parking signs on northern River Road during community events
- Discussion of 2023 preliminary budget and use of ARPA funds to limit tax levy increases
- Proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment to allow up to two dwelling units in commercial buildings in the VHS-C zone
- Review of mid-year finances noting building permit revenue was substantially above budget
Meeting
The City Council denied a conditional use permit for the Kaye Hill Farm subdivision at 1754 Neal Ave. The council also adopted speed limit changes on Oakgreen Ave and authorized staff to seek quotes for Town Square Park improvements.
- Denied Resolution 2022-33 regarding a conditional use permit for 1754 Neal Ave
- Adopted Resolution 2022-37 changing the speed limit on Oakgreen Ave
- Authorized staff to obtain price quotes for Town Square Park fencing and basketball court replacement
- Appointed Jill Livingston to the Heritage Preservation Commission through March 31, 2025
- Appointed Ann Dieperink and John Kollmer to the Natural Resources and Groundwater Committee through March 31, 2025
Meeting
The Planning Commission reviewed an application to amend the Kaye Hill Farm Planned Agriculture Unit Development. The body also discussed potential groundwater protection priorities for future focus.
- Recommended approval of a conditional use permit for an amendment to the Kaye Hill Farm PAUD at 1754 Neal Ave
- Proposed groundwater protection measures including a moratorium on automated irrigation for new construction
- Discussion of septic tank inspection criteria and roadway salting practices
Meeting
The City Council approved a Conditional Use Permit for a nature center with hiking and mountain biking trails at 2167 Oakgreen Ave. The body also established new speed limits on Division Street and Croixview Ave S and approved several infrastructure repairs.
- Approved nature center CUP at 2167 Oakgreen Ave with usage limits and traffic sign conditions
- Resolution 2022-35: Speed limits set to 45 mph on Division Street and 25 mph on Croixview Ave S
- Approved gazebo repairs at Town Square Park not to exceed $4,800 and picnic shelter work not to exceed $2,600
- Approved short-term rental license for Chad Fredkove at 13288 10th St S
- Accepted bid from Farner Asphalt LLC for the 2022 street crackfill project
Meeting
The Planning Commission reviewed three land-use applications. It recommended approval for a nature center and a short-term rental license, while rejecting a request to amend a planned agricultural unit development.
- Recommended approval of a nature center with hiking and mountain biking trails at 2167 Oakgreen Ave S
- Recommended approval of a Type D short-term rental license at 13288 10th St S
- Denied a Conditional Use Permit to create a 5-acre agricultural lot at 1754 Neal Ave
- Proposed conditions for the nature center include a 25-person capacity limit and a 3-year permit renewal cycle
- Proposed ordinance amendment to add a definition for 'Nature Center' to the zoning code
Meeting
The Council met with the Washington County Sheriff to discuss speeding, noise, and zoning enforcement. Members also reviewed a proposal for luxury garage condos on Hudson Road and a request regarding residential units in the Old Village area.
- Meeting with Sheriff Starry regarding speeding, noise, and zoning enforcement
- Interview of Kelly & Lemmons and Eckberg Lammers for prosecution services
- Presentation of luxury garage condo proposal at 14386 Hudson Road
- Discussion of two residential units vs one unit in a commercial building in the VHS-C zone
- Approval of 'No Parking' signage at the Putnam Boulevard closure
Meeting
The City Council approved a resolution for Five Oaks Farm regarding a subdivision at 120 and 502 Stagecoach Trail. They also passed an ordinance to clarify the timeline for implementing variances.
- Resolution 2022-29: Approved amendment for Five Oaks Farm subdivision at 120 and 502 Stagecoach Trail
- Ordinance 01-2022: Approved to clarify the timeline for implementation of a variance
- Resolution 2022-28: Approved as part of the consent agenda for 4M Fund Transfers
- Bridge project: Scheduled to begin after school is out
City Council
The committee discussed a draft report on agricultural land preservation and reached a consensus to submit it to the City Council. Members discussed land classification impacts on taxes and potential funding for land surveys. A memo from the City Administrator noted that the City Council approved a no-cost mapping analysis of quality agricultural land from the Washington Conservation District.
- Review of Afton Ag Land Preservation report (v 1.5)
- Discussion of zoning ordinance changes to facilitate ag land preservation
- Proposed mapping analysis of quality ag land provided at no cost by Washington Conservation District
- Discussion of agricultural easements and the need for outside funding sources
Meeting
The City Council met for a special meeting to conduct a performance review of the City Administrator. The council also reviewed proposals for municipal legal services.
- City Administrator performance review conducted in closed session
- Selection of firms for municipal legal services interviews on May 4
Meeting
The City Council approved several land-use items including a wireless tower antenna array and a garage variance. Most notably, the council approved rezoning 14698 Afton Boulevard to Agricultural and granting a conditional use permit for a farm winery to allow wholesale hard cider sales.
- Dish Network antenna array addition at 12501 Hudson Road South
- Garage variance for 12770 4th Street South
- Rezoning of 14698 Afton Boulevard from Rural Residential to Agricultural
- Farm winery conditional use permit for 14698 Afton Boulevard
- Small gatherings and events conditional use permit for 3390 St. Croix Trail
Meeting
The City Council held a work session to set priority goals for 2022 and discuss various city policies. The Council also addressed pending litigation regarding tree removals and considered changes to the subdivision process.
- Closed session discussion of pending litigation regarding illegal tree removals at 1073 Indian Trail Path
- Discussion of Ag Preservation Committee tools for preserving agricultural land
- Agreement to develop a policy for objective, non-political City Newsletter articles
- Direction to draft an ordinance amendment for small lot simple subdivisions
Meeting
The City Council approved a proposal to upgrade internet service in four underserved areas using a combination of City and County ARPA funds. The body also selected MSA for planning services and adjusted election ward boundaries based on 2020 Census data.
- Approved $100,000 for Comcast internet upgrades in Trading Post Trail, Valley Creek Trail, Swede Hill Drive, and Ozark/Oxbow areas
- Established a 20 MPH speed limit on 50th Street South and River Road South east of Quadrant Avenue South
- Selected MSA firm for planning services (lead planner rate $90/hr)
- Adopted Resolution 2022-20 to re-establish election ward boundaries and polling places
- Authorized agricultural land mapping analysis at a cost not to exceed $2,500
City Council
The Agriculture Preservation Committee is reviewing various mechanisms to protect agricultural lands in Afton. Members are evaluating options such as purchasing easements, mitigation strategies, and zoning incentives to establish a formal preservation plan.
- Discussion of purchasing agricultural easements from landowners
- Review of 1:1 mitigation and development right transfers
- Evaluation of PLCD incentive and requirement provisions
- Proposal for a City Agricultural Preservation Fund via tax or levy
- Consideration of an Agricultural Easement-Ag Zoned Land bonus PID
Meeting
The City Council decided on several land-use variances and renewed a building inspection contract. The body also discussed groundwater protection and scheduled a work session to review contracted services RFPs.
- Approved vacation of drainage and utility easements for Rise at Afton Business Park (Resolution 2022-14)
- Approved variance for a new house at 14740 Valley Creek Trail South (Resolution 2022-15)
- Approved one-year variance implementation extension for 4102 River Road (Resolution 2022-16)
- Renewed building inspection services contract with Stensland Inspection Services through December 31, 2024 (Resolution 2022-17)
- Renewed 2022 liquor license for Lumberyard Pub
City Council
The committee is meeting to debrief a presentation on Dakota County's land conservation and discuss a proposed ordinance amendment from Cody Kaye. The proposal seeks to create a 'Farm Legacy' clause to allow smaller parcels for specialty crops like vineyards and orchards.
- Debrief of Al Singer's presentation on Dakota County Ag Preservation Program
- Discussion of Cody Kaye's proposed Farm Legacy Ordinance Amendment
- Review of specialty crop definitions and parcel requirements (minimum 5 acres)
- Discussion of potential property tax differentiation for land conservation
Meeting
The City Council approved a minor subdivision for a lot line rearrangement and a short-term home rental license. The body also designated city officials for 2022 and selected an auditing firm.
- Approved minor subdivision for lot line rearrangement at 13852 50th Street
- Approved conditional use permit for short term home rental license at 3602 St. Croix Trail
- Designated WSB as City Engineer for 2022
- Designated Holstad and Knaak, PLC as City Attorney and Prosecuting Attorney through January 31, 2023
- Accepted proposal from Oberloh and Oberloh, LTD for auditing services for fiscal years 2021, 2022, and 2023
City Council
The committee will hear a presentation and participate in a Q&A with Al Singer regarding the Dakota County Farmland and Natural Areas Preservation Program. Members will also work to identify and prioritize next action steps for the committee.
- Presentation and Q&A with Al Singer, Dakota County Ag Preservation Program
Meeting
The City Council held a work session to interview NAC and MSA for planning services. Members also discussed infrastructure projects, internet upgrades, and a new pedestrian crossing.
- Interviews with NAC and MSA regarding proposals for planning services
- Agreement to move forward with a pedestrian crossing at 31st Street and St. Croix Trail
- Discussion of federal infrastructure funding for Putnam Boulevard bridge and EV charging stations
- Discussion of using ARPA funds for internet upgrades in four areas