Forest Lake public meetings in 2022

Planning Commission

The Commission recommended a zoning text amendment for the MXR-1 District with specific requirements for rear yard setbacks and lot sizes. A proposed ordinance regarding Accessory Dwelling Units was tabled to gather more information. Two site plan reviews were approved.

• Approved site plan review for Forest Lake Pet Care PA (Unanimous)
• Approved site plan review for Community Helping Hands at 408 15th St SW (Unanimous)
• Recommended to Council approval of Ordinance No. 719 (MXR-1 District) with 30 ft. rear yard setbacks, max 8 units per building, and 5,000 sq. ft. minimum lot size for townhomes (Unanimous)
• Tabled Ordinance No. 718 (Accessory Dwelling Units) to acquire further information (Unanimous)

City Council

The City Council approved a one-year moratorium on new or expanded uses for intoxicating cannabinoids (CBD) and hemp-derived THC. Other actions included approving the 2023 fee schedule, new labor contracts for LELS Local 111 and 326, and an online permitting process improvement.

• Approved one-year moratorium on intoxicating CBD/THC sales, testing, manufacturing, or distribution (Unanimous)
• Approved 2023 Fee Schedule and Summary Resolution 12-12-22-08 (Unanimous)
• Approved Building Department Online Permitting Process Improvement not to exceed $46,060.00 (Unanimous)
• Approved Building Capital Repair and Replacement Matrix Proposal not to exceed $11,580.00 (Unanimous)
• Approved labor contracts for LELS Local 111 and LELS Local 326 for Jan 1, 2023 to Dec 31, 2025 (Unanimous)
• Approved hiring Angela Campbell as Administrative Assistant I – Accounts Payable at $27.72 per hour (Unanimous)
• Approved $200 donation for Police Department, $1,190 for Senior Center, and $500 for Senior Center (Unanimous)
• Approved amendments to zoning codes regarding Sealcoat and Stormwater Trunk Area Charge fees (Unanimous)

City Council

The City Council unanimously approved the 2023 General Fund Budget and Tax Levy. The council also approved resolutions regarding the use and transfer of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

• Approved Resolution 12-12-22-01 setting the 2023 Tax Levy and adopting 2023 Budgets (Unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 12-12-22-02 to elect the Standard Allowance under the ARPA Revenue Loss Provision (Unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 12-12-22-03 transferring ARPA dollars to the Water Fund (Unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Commission approved a site plan and an impervious surface variance for a Ford motor vehicle dealership. A site plan review for Culvers was also approved. A proposed zoning text amendment for electronic billboards was tabled.

• Approved Resolution 12-07-22-01 for Culvers Site Plan Review (Unanimous)
• Approved variance to increase allowed impervious surface to 81.05% for Ford dealership at 508 15th Street SW (5-1)
• Approved Resolution 12-07-22-02 Site Plan Review for Ford dealership at 508 15th Street SW (Unanimous)
• Tabled consideration of the Electronic Billboard Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment (Unanimous)
• Approved November 9, 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

City Council

The City Council approved a professional services agreement for the Arts in the Park event and accepted two donations for the Shop With A Cop program. The council also discussed proposed 2023 fee schedule changes and budget updates, including a projected levy reduction.

• Approved Arts in the Park Promoter Agreement with Woodrow McBride (Unanimous)
• Approved $1,000 donation from Tired Iron Collision Center for Shop With A Cop (Unanimous)
• Approved $100 donation from Voiture 44 for Shop With A Cop (Unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda including city bills, Timber Ridge II Letter of Credit Reduction No. 1, 2023 Volunteer Fire Assistance DNR Grant, and gambling permits (Unanimous)
• Approved minutes from November 14, 2022 meeting (3-0)
• Approved move to closed session for labor negotiations (Unanimous)

Economic Development Authority

The Economic Development Authority will consider approving minutes from September and October 2022, receive a Washington County workforce update, and discuss the City's Commercial Improvement Incentive Program. They will also review the Headwaters 123 concept and ghost platting grant application, and a proposal for downtown boat launch relocation and shoreline study. The meeting includes setting the 2023 schedule and receiving updates from the city, county, and chamber of commerce.

• Discussion of City of Forest Lake Commercial Improvement Incentive Program
• Headwaters 123 Concept/Ghost Platting and Grant Application for Washington County
• Downtown Boat Launch Relocation and Shoreline Study Proposal
• Washington County Work Force Update – Rick Roy
• 2023 Meeting Schedule Discussion

The Economic Development Authority adopted a new Commercial Improvement Incentive Program policy and approved a predevelopment grant application for the Headwaters 123 property. The board also approved a ghost plat alternative for the property pending the grant award. A proposal for a boat launch relocation study was tabled.

• Approved Commercial Improvement Incentive Program Policy with 10% reimbursement cap at $5,000 (Unanimous)
• Approved Washington County CDA Predevelopment Grant Application (Unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 11-14-22-01 for Washington County CDA Predevelopment Finance Fund funding (Unanimous)
• Approved TLAL-LI Ghost Plat Alternative pending Washington County CDA Grant award (Unanimous)
• Tabled Expanded Boat Launch Relocation Study with TLAL-LI (Unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda with removal of item seven (Unanimous)
• Approved September 12, 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

City Council

The City Council approved the purchase of two Mack plow trucks for the 2024 budget and passed several ordinances regarding storm water, animal waste, and lake right-of-way vehicle limits. The council also certified delinquent utility accounts and approved the 2023 Cable Commission budget.

• Approved purchase of MY2025 Mack Single Axle Plow Truck for $289,208.45 (Unanimous)
• Approved purchase of MY2025 Mack Tandem Axle Plow Truck for $306,689.47 (Unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 11-14-22-02 to certify delinquent utility accounts (Unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 711 regarding animal waste (Unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 712 regarding storm water management (Unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 713 regarding vehicle limitations on lake adjacent right-of-way (Unanimous)
• Approved Cable Commission 2023 Budget (Unanimous)
• Approved one-year contract extension for Your Boat Club (Unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Commission approved septic system setback variances for a property at 10051 180th St N. Applications for the Shadow Creek Estates development were tabled pending further information. The board also discussed potential Comprehensive Plan code amendments regarding housing design and agricultural land use.

• Approved Resolution 11-09-22-01 for septic system variances at 10051 180th St N (3-0, 1 abstention)
• Tabled Shadow Creek Estates preliminary plat, PUD, zoning map, and Comprehensive Plan applications (4-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (4-0)
• Approved October 26, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)

Planning Commission

The Commission reviewed a preliminary concept plan for a mixed-use downtown development featuring residential units and a restaurant. Members also discussed potential comprehensive plan code amendments regarding residential density, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and agritourism. No formal votes were taken on these proposals.

• Approved the meeting agenda (Unanimous)
• Approved September 28, 2022 meeting minutes (4-1)

City Council

The City Council unanimously approved an increase from $12,000 to $15,000 for the 2023 July 4th fireworks display hosted by American Legion Post 225. They also approved a right-of-way vacation for an alley in Kings Forest Hills Addition, authorized plans for the 2023 Local Street Improvement Project, and approved three police vehicle purchases for 2023. All votes were unanimous (4-0) with Mayor Bain absent.

• Approved $15,000 for 2023 July 4th fireworks (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 10-24-22-01 vacating alley west of North Shore Circle North (4-0)
• Authorized plans and specifications for 2023 Local Street Improvement Project (4-0)
• Approved purchase orders for three police vehicles in 2022 for 2023 delivery (4-0)
• Approved Beltz Park professional services agreement with Bolton-Menk (4-0)
• Approved State of Minnesota-DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant Agreement (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda including bills, minutes, change order, and permits (4-0)

Economic Development Authority

The Economic Development Authority is reviewing the scope for a boat launch and shoreline enhancement study to guide downtown plan phasing. The body is also reviewing a proposed policy to rename and update the Downtown Incentive program to the Commercial Improvement Incentive Program.

• Boat Launch Study scoping including relocation, transient boat slips, and shoreline enhancement
• Review of the Commercial Improvement Incentive Program (CIIP) policy
• Proposed shift of the incentive program from an abatement to a grant
• Expansion of qualified zoning districts for grants to include MU-1, MU-2, B1, and NC
• Discussion of using remaining 2021 EDA budget funds for the boat launch study

Fire - Joint Powers Fire Board

The Joint Powers Fire Board is meeting to approve the operating budget and capital improvement plan. Discussions include wage increases and the replacement of Engine 1. The board will also address the annual Relief Association benefit increase.

• Annual Relief Association benefit increase
• Operating budget approval
• Wage increase approval
• Engine 1 replacement
• Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)

Economic Development Authority

This is a special meeting involving the City Council, Economic Development Authority, Planning Commission, Parks, Trails, and Lakes Commission, and Airport Commission. The document states that these groups may participate in discussion but will not be acting in a capacity to make decisions.

City Council

The City Council will consider awarding a project for the construction of Well 6 and Well 7. The body will also discuss the budget, capital equipment funds, and mobile food vendors.

• Project award for construction of Well 6 and Well 7
• Donation from Forest Lake Baseball Association for Kulenkamp Park improvements
• North Shore Circle Utility and Street Improvements payment and change order
• Airport Apron Expansion Project
• New hires for City Planner and Administrative Assistant I

City Council

The City Council will conduct public hearings regarding drainage, utility, and trail easement vacations for the Bridge Academy Project. Additionally, the council will begin discussions on the 2023 General Fund budget and preliminary levy.

• Bridge Academy Project: Drainage and Utility Easement Vacation (Resolution 08-22-22-03)
• Bridge Academy Project: Trail Easement Vacation (Resolution 08-22-22-04)
• 2022-2023 Lift Stations and Forcemain Improvements Project property resolutions
• 2023 General Fund Budget presentation and preliminary levy discussion
• Fire Department surplus equipment disposal: 14 Halogen Streamlight Box Lights and 35 Motorola Pagers

City Council

The provided agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and notice of the meeting. No specific action items, discussion topics, or decisions are listed in the document.

City Council

The City Council will review a consent agenda including city bills and various licenses. The regular agenda includes discussions on budget workshop calendars and several subdivision resolutions.

• Resolution 08-08-22-01: Declaring surplus Motorola Model 2500 portable radios
• Resolution 08-08-22-02: Minor Subdivision at 402 8th ST SW (Ceman)
• Resolution 08-08-22-03: Minor Subdivision for Eve Forest Lake (PID 2003221210001)
• Third Lake Estates: Final Project Acceptance and Letter of Credit Reduction No 4
• Closed Session: Labor Negotiations pursuant to MN Statute Section 13D.03

Fire - Joint Powers Fire Board

The Joint Powers Fire Board will meet to review the budget and approve minutes from the June 30, 2022 meeting. The session includes a period for open discussion.

• Budget review

City Council

The City Council will review the Downtown Plan and a broadband grant application. The body is also deciding on the construction of Well No. 6 and Well No. 7 and a minor subdivision on 190th St N.

• Approval of Downtown Plan by Dan Undem and HKGI
• Midco Border to Border Broadband Grant Application
• Plans and specifications for construction of Well No. 6 and Well No. 7
• Daninger Minor Subdivision at 190th St N (PID 2803221430001)
• New off-sale liquor and tobacco licenses for Forever Green Liquors LLC dba Westlake Liquor Warehouse

City Council

The provided document contains only a notice of meeting location and quorum information. No specific business or topics are listed for discussion.

Fire - Joint Powers Fire Board

The Joint Powers Fire Board will discuss updates from the first quarter and potential changes to department staffing. The meeting also includes discussions regarding Engine 1 replacement and paid-on-call wages.

• Engine 1 replacement discussion
• Paid-on-call wage discussion
• Future department staffing discussion
• FLFD Relief Association audit discussion

City Council

The City Council will review the 2021 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and audit presentation. The body is also deciding on new hires for the police and finance departments and discussing a concept plan for the Veteran’s Memorial.

• Payment of $346,940.00 to Municipal Builders Inc for Water Treatment Plant No.4
• Payment of $302,364.16 to Meyer Contracting for North Shore Circle utility and street improvements
• New liquor licenses for Rancho Loco Grill & Bar and Speedway #4370
• Hidden Creek lot line adjustment
• Payment of $17,000.00 to Lakes Center for Youth & Families for 2022 contracted services

City Council

The City Council will decide on a rezoning request for 18440 Forest Road North and a moratorium on wetland banks. The body will also review several entertainment permits and a School Resource Officer agreement.

• Ordinance No. 710: Rezoning of 18440 Forest Road North
• Ordinance No. 709: Moratorium on Wetland Banks
• 2022-2025 School Resource Officer Agreement
• Donation of $500.00 from Dawn and Frank Thell for Fire Department General Use
• Payment of $141,353.35 to Municipal Builders Inc for WTP4 Pay Request #1

City Council

The Forest Lake City Council will review multiple resolutions including a partnership with MnDOT and a vehicle purchase. The meeting also includes discussion on street lighting for CSAH 33/Everton Ave.

• Resolution: Master Partnership Contract with Minnesota Department of Transportation
• Resolution: E2 Pumper/Tender Replacement Purchase
• Resolution: 794 15th St SW Site Plan Amendment
• Ordinance No. 707: Parkland Dedication Amendment
• Ordinance No. 708: Fee Schedule Amendment

City Council

The City Council, Economic Development Authority (EDA), and Downtown Technical Committee (DTC) will hold a joint workshop. The primary focus of the meeting is a discussion regarding the Downtown Plan led by Bruce Chamberlin of HKGI.

• Downtown Plan discussion with Bruce Chamberlin (HKGI)

City Council

The City Council will consider a preliminary plat and subdivision variance for Tietz Farm and a site plan amendment for McDonalds. The body will also discuss the 2023 preliminary budget and a parkland dedication fee ordinance.

• Tietz Farm Preliminary Plat and Subdivision Variance
• McDonalds Site Plan Amendment
• 2021-2022 Sanitary Sewer Lining Project Change Order No. 2
• Legal services payment to Hebert and Welch PA for $13,079.00
• Fire Safety USA Inc payment for $13,416.25

Fire - Joint Powers Fire Board

The Joint Powers Fire Board will meet to review 2021 activities and discuss the replacement of Engine 2. The board will also hold elections and approve previous meeting minutes.

• Engine 2 replacement
• 2021 Year in Review
• Board elections

City Council

The City Council will discuss a moratorium on wetland banks and review utility billing. The body is also set to decide on a mediated settlement agreement regarding Lighthouse Lofts, LLC v. City of Forest Lake.

• Donation of $7,200.00 from American Legion Post #225 to the Police Department for less lethal platforms
• Resolution 04-25-22-01 to transfer TIF funds to the Capital Improvement Fund
• Adoption of amended Room Use Policy and Room Use Fees
• FLAAA Athletic Facilities Use Agreement
• Payment of $474,441.90 to Bolton & Menk Inc for various engineering and construction projects

City Council

The City Council is meeting to continue and finalize the work of the Local Board of Appeals and Equalization. The session involves reviewing property value and tax assessment cases.

• Review of 75 property assessment cases, including write-in cases for Inland Forest Lake, ARFL LLC, TRFL LLC, and The Golden Rule Prop LLC

Cable Commission

The Forest Lake Cable Commission will meet to decide on a Tightrope system upgrade and board member matters. The body will also discuss wage range updates, performance reviews, and the hiring of Jennifer Witzman.

• Tightrope System Upgrade
• Approval of bills for January through April 2022
• Performance reviews and wage range updating
• New hire approval for Jennifer Witzman

City Council

The City Council, Economic Development Authority, and Downtown Committee are holding a group workshop. The primary purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Downtown Plan.

• Discussion of the Downtown Plan

City Council

The agenda consists of procedural items including a call to order and roll call. The Local Board of Appeals and Equalization is also scheduled to meet.

City Council

The provided agenda contains only procedural notice of the meeting. No specific action items, discussions, or decisions are listed in the document.

City Council

The City Council will hold a special meeting in a closed session. The discussion involves a confidential attorney-client matter concerning the case Lighthouse Lofts, LLC v. City of Forest Lake.

• Closed session for attorney-client discussion regarding Lighthouse Lofts, LLC v. City of Forest Lake

City Council

The City Council will consider airport lease rate adjustments and drainage improvement plans. The agenda also includes various licensing approvals and a new community development director hire.

• Resolution 03-28-22-01: 2023-2024 Airport Lease Rate Adjustments
• Lakes International Academy Project: 2022 Lease Revenue Refunding Bonds engagement letter
• Resolution 03-28-22-02: Airport Infield Drainage Improvement Grant, plans, and specifications
• New hire of Abbi Jo Wittness as Community Development Director
• Arts in the Park Musical Entertainment Promoter Contract

City Council

The provided agenda contains only procedural notice and location information. No specific action items, proposals, or discussion topics are listed.

City Council

The City Council will review the Birchwood Estates Preliminary Plat and PUD. The body is also deciding on project awards for water treatment and street improvements, as well as updating public works standards.

• Birchwood Estates Preliminary Plat and PUD
• Project award for 2022-2023 Lift Station and Forcemain Improvements
• Project award for Water Treatment Plant No. 4
• Project award for North Shore Circle Street & Utility Improvements
• 2022 Public Works and Engineering Standards

City Council

The City Council, Economic Development Authority, and Downtown Committee are holding a group workshop. The session focuses on a summary and directives of the Downtown Plan provided by HKGI.

• Review of Downtown Plan Summary and Directives by HKGI

City Council

The City Council, Economic Development Authority, and Downtown Committee Group will hold a workshop regarding the Downtown Plan. The meeting includes a summary and directives from HKGI.

• Downtown Plan Summary and Directives – HKGI

City Council

The City Council will consider several action items, including the Hidden Creek Preliminary Plat and the appointment of a new Finance Director. The body will also discuss precinct redistricting for elections and review various donations for the police and fire departments.

• Hidden Creek Preliminary Plat
• 2022 Local Street Improvement Project plans and specifications
• Donations to Fire Department: $50.00, $1,000.00, and $5,000.00
• Donation to Police Department: $5,000.00
• Demolition Escrow Agreement for 4851 217th St N

City Council

The City Council will consider several infrastructure bids, including the North Shore Circle Street & Utility Project and the 2022 Lift Station and Forcemain Improvements Project. The body will also review various business license renewals and a $1,000 donation for the Police Department.

• North Shore Circle Street & Utility Project: Approval of plans and authorization for bid
• 2022 Lift Station and Forcemain Improvements Project: Approval of plans and authorization for bid
• Resolution 01-24-22-01: $1,000.00 donation from Maranatha Assembly of God Church for Police Department General Use
• Beltz Park Master Plan: Authorization to obtain quotes
• Lot line consolidation/adjustment agreement for 6655 190th St N

City Council

The City Council meeting scheduled for January 18, 2022, was cancelled. No items were decided or discussed.