Afton public meetings in 2023
27 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Meeting
The City Council approved the final 2024 budget and tax levies following a public hearing regarding property valuations. The council also passed ordinances regarding cannabis use in public spaces and snow disposal, and denied a waiver for a short-term rental moratorium.
- Adopted 2024 Final Budget (Resolution 2023-57) and 2024 Final Tax Levies (Resolution 2023-58)
- Passed Ordinance 12-2023 extending the moratorium on THC product sales, testing, and manufacturing
- Approved $6,612.00 payment to Geislinger and Sons for erosion control repairs
- Adopted Ordinance 13-2023 prohibiting cannabis use in public places and spaces
- Adopted Ordinance 14-2023 prohibiting the hauling and disposal of snow onto Afton property
Meeting
The Council discussed a proposal for wine tastings at farm wineries and reviewed potential business uses for the Marine Services District. Members also addressed extending a THC product moratorium and reviewing the City Code.
- Discussion of Cody Kaye's proposal for wine tastings at farm wineries
- Review of plumbing contractor and large animal vet clinic proposals at 599 Manning Avenue
- Proposed extension of moratorium on sale, testing, manufacturing, and distribution of THC products
- Plan to initiate an RFP process for engineering services after the first of the year
- Direction for staff to clarify DNR hunting regulations regarding Steamboat Park
Meeting
The Afton City Council approved levee erosion repairs up to $10,000 and hired the firm of Eckberg Lammers as the new prosecution attorney. Other items included approving liquor license renewals for local businesses and purchasing a speed trailer.
- Approved levee repairs not exceeding $10,000
- Hired Eckberg Lammers as new prosecution attorney
- Approved 2024 liquor license renewals for Afton House Inn and Lumberyard Pub
- Purchased TraffiCalm TC Mini Trailer System speed trailer for $8,633
- Adopted Resolution requesting flashing pedestrian crosswalk signs near Afton-Lakeland School
Meeting
The Public Works Committee is meeting to discuss infrastructure and utility matters. The agenda includes a review of a waterboil on the levee and stormwater system cleaning.
- Possible addition of two homes to city sewer system on River Road South
- Review of waterboil on the levee
- Stormwater system cleaning
City Council
The Natural Resources and Groundwater Committee is meeting to discuss groundwater and environmental updates. The body will review a final report on well testing for nitrates and coliforms and discuss preliminary plans for 2024.
- Final report on well testing for Nitrates and coliforms
- Kelles Creek update
- Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) status update
- Updates from Washington Conservation District and South Washington County Watershed District
- Updates from Middle St. Croix Water Management Organization and Valley Branch Watershed District
Parks Committee
The committee is reviewing updated levee planting proposals following a denied CPL Grant. The discussion includes various combinations of lettered areas to reach a minimum size of one acre.
- Review of proposed levee restoration areas A through H
- Discussion of area sizes ranging from 0.1 to 0.7 acres
- Proposal to reapply for the CPL Grant by November 9th
Meeting
The Planning Commission reviewed a variance request for an accessory building and discussed updates to the city's land use code. The commission recommended approval for a specific residential garage project to be sent to the city council.
- Recommended approval of variance for a 2,000 square foot garage at 12671 10th St S
- Discussion of reorganized land use code codified up to 2022 with a public hearing scheduled for December
Meeting
The Council discussed ordinances regarding cannabis use in public spaces and the provision of an ice rink at Town Square Park. They also reviewed recommendations for promoting small scale agriculture and addressed fire department concerns regarding private driveway bridge capacities.
- Discussion of cannabis regulations in public spaces
- Support for a 2023/2024 winter ice rink in Town Square Park
- Review of small scale agriculture promotion recommendations
- Safety discussion regarding private driveway bridges and large emergency vehicles
Meeting
The Council held a work session to discuss several items, including the 2024 proposed budget and Town Square Park improvements. They also reviewed a request from Afton House regarding turf replacement on 33rd Street.
- Discussion of 2024 budget items including pay adjustments and Public Safety Aid Funds
- Review of Afton House request to replace grass with permeable artificial turf on 33rd Street
- Discussion regarding use of SLFRF funds and Fire Department Capital Expenditures
- Review of the U of M Study for Town Square Park improvements
Meeting
The City Council approved amendments regarding exterior storage and shoreland vegetation protection. The council also addressed several land use applications, including a lot line rearrangement and a conditional use permit for a roadside stand.
- Approved Ordinance 11-2023 regarding exterior storage and definitions
- Approved Resolution 2023-41 for a roadside sales stand at 4433 Pateley Bridge Avenue South
- Approved Resolution 2023-42 for an Xcel Energy security fence at 12511 Hudson Road South
- Approved cleaning and pumping of wastewater treatment facility tanks up to $10,000
- Approved Ordinances 09-2023 and 10-2023 regarding shoreland vegetation preservation
Meeting
The City Council held a work session to discuss developing a structured process for addressing code violations. Members also discussed amending industrial zone uses and reviewed preliminary elements of the 2024 budget.
- Direction for City Attorney, staff, and Planning Consultant to develop a code enforcement plan
- Proposed ordinance amendment to add athletic training center use to industrial zones
- Discussion regarding adding medical and dental clinics to industrial zone uses
- Review of preliminary 2024 budget elements and upcoming levy approval timeline
Meeting
The Afton City Council approved amendments to the solar energy systems ordinance and updated the building permit fee schedule. The Council also authorized a technical services agreement with the Washington Conservation District and established new administrative civil citations.
- Approved Ordinance 04-2023 amending solar energy system screening requirements
- Adopted Ordinance 05-2023 authorizing administrative civil citations for City Code violations
- Established a schedule of civil fines via Resolution 2023-32
- Approved Technical Services Agreement with Washington Conservation District up to $2,500
- Adopted Ordinance 06-2023 updating building permit fees, including a $140 flat fee for most small projects
Meeting
The Planning Commission voted to amend the Solar Energy Systems Ordinance regarding ground-mounted arrays. The commission also discussed draft amendments for shoreland tree protection and replacement.
- Adopted amendment to Solar Energy Systems Ordinance 04-2023 regarding ground-mounted solar capacity and screening
- Discussed draft Shoreland Ordinance amendments including potential $2,000 civil penalty fees per illegally removed tree
- Reviewed updates on groundwater protection and well sealing information
Meeting
The City Council held a work session to review projected costs for the wastewater system and an overview of the 2024 budget. The Council also discussed potential regulations for cannabis use in public spaces following new state legislation.
- Discussion of increasing monthly sewer fees from $50 to $55 per unit in 2024
- Review of 2024 budget preparation and projected expenditure impacts
- Legislative update regarding broadband expansion funding and street improvements
- Discussion on establishing public space regulations for cannabis use
Meeting
The City Council held a work session to review updates to the building permit fee schedule and proposed ordinance revisions for commercial uses in industrial zones. Members also discussed regulations regarding shipping container storage and residential trailer parking.
- Proposed $140 flat fee for most small projects, with reroof, siding, demolition, and window fees ranging from $140 to $500
- Staff recommendations to allow veterinary clinics in industrial zones
- Discussion on allowing temporary shipping container storage with a specific timeline
- Review of ordinance language regarding dog boarding grooming and animal training facility requirements
City Council
The committee will review a report from a subgroup focused on supporting small-scale agricultural uses. Members will discuss options to promote local farms, including potential new markets and event ideas.
- Report from the subcommittee on supporting small scale agricultural uses
- Discussion on reinstating a downtown Farmer's Market
- Proposal for an 'Afton Open Farm Day'
- Proposal for an 'Old Village Night Market'
- Discussion regarding direct sales of farm products and refrigeration requirements
Meeting
The Afton City Council approved amended use permits for the Eastern Twin Cities Islamic Center and a preliminary plat for Capital Enterprise LLC. The council also authorized new warning signs on 30th Street and moved forward with a native prairie vegetation pilot project subject to specific conditions.
- Approved amended Conditional Use Permit for Eastern Twin Cities Islamic Center at 12585 Hudson Road S
- Approved preliminary plat application for Capital Enterprise LLC at 4857 Manning Ave S
- Authorized installation of warning and advisory speed signs on 30th St west of Trading Post Trail
- Approved native prairie vegetation pilot project subject to grant funding and Army Corps of Engineers approval
- Appointed Lori Jean Swanson to the Parks Committee
Meeting
The Afton City Council met to discuss several ordinance amendments regarding exterior storage, shoreland protection, and solar energy. The council also addressed maintenance for Mount Hope Cemetery and the Steamboat Park parking lot.
- Approved Gopher State Seal Coat Inc bid of $13,206.52 for 2023 street crackfill project
- Selected Septic Check as wastewater treatment facility operator at a first-year cost of $31,200
- Authorized $4,500 for maintenance and restoration of Mount Hope Cemetery
- Approved replacement of arborvitae at Steamboat Park parking lot not to exceed $1,500
- Referred Solar Energy Systems Ordinance Amendment to the Planning Commission for a public hearing
Meeting
The City Council approved several land use items, including a front porch variance and short-term rental permit. The council also adopted the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and updated the city fee schedule regarding sewer connections.
- Variance for a front porch at 4524 River Road South
- Short term home rental license for 12740 22nd Street South
- Xcel Energy staging area permit at 12511 Hudson Road South
- Authorization for 2023 crack fill and street patching projects
- Adoption of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan
Meeting
The Council approved a $100,000 contract with Tri-County to clean up debris from trees and limbs fallen in city right-of-ways following a recent storm. Additionally, the Council allocated $7,000 to the snow and ice account to address unplanned expenses for tree clearing and storm damage.
- $100,000 authorization for Tri-County to clean up debris from damaged trees in street right-of-ways
- $7,000 allocation to the snow and ice account for storm damage and tree trimming
- Approval of street signage installation for 50th Street Court South
- Authorization of $371.43 for participation in the East Metro Water Resources Education Program for 2023
- Denial of a proposal to remove fencing at Town Square Park
Meeting
The City Council held a work session to review the Middle St. Croix Regional Trail master planning process and discuss storm damage cleanup costs. The Council also received updates on St. Croix River flood projections and sanitary sewer service extensions.
- Middle St. Croix Regional Trail master planning presentation
- Discussion of storm damage cleanup costs and state emergency funding
- St. Croix River flood level projection update
- Sanitary sewer service extension request west of Pennington Avenue
- Proposed clarification to the Solar Energy Systems ordinance
Meeting
The City Council approved an ordinance to allow dwelling units in commercial buildings within the VHS-C district. They also authorized a 3.5% pay adjustment for several city staff positions and approved a variance for a retaining wall replacement at 4102 River Road.
- Ordinance 02-2023: Dwelling units in commercial buildings (VHS-C zone)
- Resolution 2023-15: Retaining wall replacement at 4102 River Road
- 3.5% pay adjustment for City Clerk, Office Assistant, Public Works Supervisor, and seasonal staff
- Hiring of Paul Sundstrom as part-time public works employee at $20/hr
- Funding for a concrete pad for a donated picnic table in Steamboat Park
Meeting
The Afton Planning Commission voted 6-2 to recommend approval of an ordinance amendment adding zoning regulations for dwelling units in commercial buildings in the VHS-C District, contingent on Met Council approval of the Comprehensive Plan amendment and clarification of fire code exit requirements. The commission also held a pre-application discussion on a Belwin Conservancy Conditional Use Permit and elected officers.
- Ordinance Amendment Ord 02-2023: zoning regulations for dwelling units in commercial buildings in VHS-C District, recommended 6-2
- Belwin Conservancy Conditional Use Permit pre-application discussion for operations at all Belwin sites
- Election of officers: Kris Kopitzke as Chair, Doug Parker as Secretary; Vice Chair tabled
- Groundwater Protection document sent to city council for future action
Meeting
The Afton City Council adopted Ordinance 01-2023, amending the Short Term Home Rental Ordinance with changes to suspension and revocation rules. The council also approved speed limit resolutions for 30th and 50th Streets, moved forward with a grant application for electric vehicle charging stations, and supported a conservation easement on a 40-acre parcel.
- Adopted Ordinance 01-2023 amending Short Term Home Rental Ordinance with revised suspension/revocation language
- Adopted Resolution 2023-11 setting speed limits at 45 MPH on 30th Street and parts of 50th Street, and 35 MPH on another segment of 50th Street
- Approved grant application for electric vehicle charging stations (2-1 vote)
- Adopted Resolution 2023-13 supporting a conservation easement on a 40-acre parcel at east end of 45th Street (PID# 26.028.20.32.0001)
- Appointed Jacob Edwards to the Planning Commission for a 3-year term
Meeting
The City Council held a work session to review a proposed site plan for the Belwin Oxbow Trails Hiking Area, including a trail plan, parking lot, picnic areas, and restroom. The Council agreed to consider funding a portion of the grant match for the improvements. Separately, staff requested Council feedback on an EV charging station grant application that would cover up to $7,500 for a single-port station or $15,000 for a dual-port station, with a 20% city match. Council members asked for additional cost and operational details to be provided at the next meeting.
- Council agreed to consider funding a portion of the grant match for the Belwin Oxbow Trails project
- Mayor prioritized boardwalks across the wetland area if funding is limited
- EV charging grant covers up to $7,500 for a single-port station or $15,000 for a dual-port station, with a 20% city match
- Council requested price quotes, electrical service costs, and operating/maintenance info for EV stations by the Feb. 21 meeting
Meeting
The Public Works Committee will review and discuss a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for operating the city's wastewater treatment facility and maintaining lift stations and the flood pump. The discussion will focus on ensuring all responsibilities and performance standards are included in the RFP. Proposals are due by January 27, 2023.
- Discuss draft RFP for operation of the City Wastewater Treatment Facility and lift stations
- Options for salt/sand container at Village Garage
- Discuss adding speed limit signage to 50" and 30" streets
- Brushing on Afton Hills Court
Meeting
The Afton Planning Commission discussed draft zoning standards allowing up to two residential dwelling units in commercial buildings in the VHS-C zone, including location, bedroom limits, and conditional use permits. No formal action was taken; the discussion was to guide future drafting of regulations. The meeting also included a groundwater protection update and was otherwise procedural with no public hearings or new business.
- Discussion of draft zoning standards for two dwelling units in commercial buildings in VHS-C Zone in downtown Old Village area
- Commission agreed dwelling units should not be in basements, could be on main floor rear, and require a Conditional Use Permit
- Suggested one off-street parking space per dwelling unit and one-year maximum lease term
- Groundwater Protection subgroup met with Natural Resources and Groundwater Committee to develop scoring spreadsheet
- Council member provided update on December 20 city council actions