Detroit Lakes public meetings in 2023

City Council

The City Council will consider adopting the final 2024 budget and the 2023 tax levy. The meeting also includes public hearings regarding downtown street and utility improvements and a liquor license for Pizza Ranch DL, LLC.

• Adoption of the final 2024 Budget and 2023 Tax Levy
• 2024 West Downtown Street and Utility Improvement Project plans
• Liquor license application for Pizza Ranch DL, LLC
• Conditional Use Permit for self-storage at 1397 Wenner Drive
• Building permit report for November 2023 with $2,777,214 in estimated value

The City Council approved the 2024 budget of $26,006,379 and a property tax levy of $7,244,158, an 11.22% increase from 2023. The vote was 8-2, with Aldermen Deraney and Dallmann dissenting. The council also approved a liquor license for Pizza Ranch, a conditional use permit for a self-storage facility at 1397 Wenner Drive, and first readings of ordinances on fences and accessory structure heights.

• Approved 2024 budget of $26,006,379 and tax levy of $7,244,158 (8-2)
• Approved 3.2% wine and Sunday liquor license for Pizza Ranch DL, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved conditional use permit for self-storage facility at 1397 Wenner Drive (unanimous)
• Approved variance for 20-foot rear setback at 535 Oak Street (unanimous)
• Approved variance for 20-foot front setback at 425 South Shore Drive (unanimous)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 519 amending fence regulations (unanimous)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 520 on accessory structure height (unanimous)
• Approved 2024 liquor licenses for 30 establishments (unanimous)

Meeting

The Planning Commission discussed potential amendments to the zoning ordinance regarding the height of accessory structures in residential districts. Members reviewed staff options to increase the current 14-foot midpoint height limit to accommodate resident needs for larger vehicle storage.

• Public hearing for a Planned Unit Development self-storage facility at 1397 Wenner Drive
• Variance request for a 20 foot rear yard setback at 535 Oak Street
• Variance request for a 20 foot front yard setback at 425 South Shore Drive
• Proposed ordinance amendment to revise Section 3 regarding fences
• Proposed ordinance amendment regarding the height of accessory structures

City Council

The Detroit Lakes City Council will hold public hearings on several assessment rolls, including the Terry St and Dandrew Subdivision Street and Utility Improvement Project, the Diseased Trees Control Project, and 2023 concrete and sidewalk improvements. They will also consider resolutions for road vacation, utility rate changes, bond sales, and various agreements and appointments.

• Public hearing and resolution to vacate a portion of Lake Boulevard near 1266 East Shore Drive
• Resolution adopting assessment roll for Terry St and Dandrew Subdivision Street and Utility Improvement Project
• Resolution approving 2024 Electric Rates and 2024 Water Rates
• Resolution accepting $2,414,220 sewer revenue note and $1,264,802 water revenue note from Minnesota Public Facilities Authority
• Resolution supporting grant application for West Lake Drive Phase 3 Project (Legion Rd to Washington Ave)

The City Council approved two loans from the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority: a $2,414,220 general obligation sewer revenue note (Series 2023B) and a $1,264,802 general obligation water revenue note (Series 2023C) for the Campbell and Linden projects. The council also adopted assessment rolls for the Terry Street and Dandrew Subdivision street and utility improvements, the 2023 concrete/bituminous/curb/gutter/sidewalk improvements, the Diseased Trees Control Project, and unpaid service charges for mowing/snow removal. Additionally, the council approved a conditional use permit and variance for Lakes Area Vineyard Church at 950 Longview Drive, deeded approximately 211 acres to the Detroit Lakes Development Authority, and set a public hearing for December 12, 2023, on the 2024 West Downtown Street and Utility Reconstruction project.

• Approved $2,414,220 sewer revenue note from Minnesota PFA (unanimous)
• Approved $1,264,802 water revenue note from Minnesota PFA (unanimous)
• Adopted assessment roll for Terry Street and Dandrew Subdivision street and utility improvements (unanimous)
• Adopted assessment roll for 2023 concrete, bituminous, curb, gutter, approaches, and sidewalk improvements (unanimous)
• Adopted assessment roll for Diseased Trees Control Project (unanimous)
• Adopted assessment roll for unpaid service charges (mowing/snow removal) for 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved amended conditional use permit and variance for Lakes Area Vineyard Church at 950 Longview Drive (unanimous)
• Deeded approximately 211 acres to Detroit Lakes Development Authority (unanimous)

Meeting

The Planning Commission is reviewing the current 14-foot height limit for accessory buildings and garages in residential districts. Staff is presenting options to increase these limits to better meet resident needs while maintaining neighborhood aesthetics.

• Discussion on current 14-foot height limit for residential accessory buildings
• Staff Option A: Increase height to 15 feet to the midpoint of the roof
• Staff Option B: Increase midpoint height to 16 feet with 12-foot sidewalls and 22-foot overall height
• Review of non-compliant garage at 421 North Shore Drive (15 feet 6 inches)
• Comparison of height regulations in Alexandria, Fergus Falls, Bemidji, Brainerd, and Perham

City Council

The Detroit Lakes City Council will hold public hearings on unpaid utility and fire protection assessments, and consider resolutions for street and utility improvement assessments. They will also vote on several land-use items, including a conditional use permit for a crematory, variances for fences and an accessory structure, and a road vacation. The council will consider accepting about $3.68 million in sewer and water revenue notes, plus various routine reports and licenses.

• Public hearings on unpaid streetlight, water, sewer, stormwater, and fire protection assessments
• Resolution to set assessment hearing for Terry St and Dandrew Subdivision Street and Utility Improvement Project
• Conditional Use Permit for crematory retort at 609 US Highway 10 East (David Donehower Funeral Home)
• Variance for 6-foot fence at 1266 East Shore Drive (Robert Kuehl)
• Sewer revenue note $2,414,220 and water revenue note $1,264,802 from Minnesota Public Facilities Authority

The council approved a conditional use permit for a crematory retort at 609 US Highway 10 East (David Donehower Funeral Home) with an added condition limiting the facility to one retort. The vote was 7-2, with Aldermen Deraney and Zeman dissenting. The council also denied a variance for a 16-foot-tall accessory structure at 1055 North Shore Drive, adopted several assessment rolls for unpaid utilities and fire calls, and approved multiple special event applications and mutual fire aid agreements.

• Approved conditional use permit for crematory retort at 609 US Highway 10 East with condition of no more than one retort (7-2)
• Denied variance for 16-foot-tall accessory structure at 1055 North Shore Drive (7-1)
• Adopted assessment roll for unpaid streetlights, water, sewer, and stormwater charges (unanimous)
• Adopted assessment roll for unpaid fire protection charges (unanimous)
• Set public hearing for street vacation at 1266 East Shore Drive (unanimous)
• Approved variance for 6-foot fence in front yard at 1266 East Shore Drive (unanimous)
• Denied variance for 6-foot and 4-foot fence at 1266 East Shore Drive (unanimous)
• Approved $2,414,220 PFA loan for sewer project and $1,264,802 PFA loan for water project (unanimous)

Meeting

The Detroit Lakes Planning Commission will hold public hearings on a conditional use permit for a crematory retort at a funeral home and two variance requests for fences and an accessory structure. They will also review a status report on previous variances and conditional use permits.

• Conditional Use Permit for crematory retort in detached garage at 609 US Highway 10 East (David Donehower Funeral Home)
• Variance for 6-foot front yard fence and 4-foot fence in Shore Impact Zone at 1266 East Shore Drive (Robert Kuehl)
• Variance for accessory structure over 14 feet tall at 1055 North Shore Drive (Scott and Kelly Shank)
• Variance/Conditional Use Status Report

City Council

The City Council approved the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan and set the preliminary budget and tax levy for 2024, with a public hearing scheduled for December 12, 2023. The council also approved a 4-way stop at Holmes St and Summit Ave, stop signs on Village Lane, and several special event permits. The DLCCC budget and rates for 2023-2024 were approved, and the council reappointed members to the Airport Commission and other boards.

• Approved 5-year Capital Improvement Plan (unanimous)
• Approved preliminary budget and tax levy for 2024 (7-2, Dallmann and Deraney dissenting)
• Approved 4-way stop at Holmes St and Summit Ave (8-1, Boeke dissenting)
• Approved stop signs on Village Lane (unanimous)
• Approved DLCCC budget and rates for 2023-2024 (unanimous)
• Approved $18,676 for Flowering Rush treatment in Little Detroit Lake (unanimous)
• Approved School Resource Officer Contract continuation (unanimous)
• Approved second reading of Ordinance 516 (liquor licensing) and Ordinance 517 (consumption) (both unanimous)

City Council

The council adopted Ordinance 514, amending the zoning code to allow funeral homes as a permitted use and crematoriums as a conditional use in the B-3 Auto Oriented Business District. They also decertified two Tax Increment Financing districts, approved preliminary engineering reports for 2024 street projects, and tabled a variance request for a fence at 1266 East Shore Drive. Several special event permits, liquor licenses, and gambling permits were approved, along with the installation of pickleball courts at People's Park and cameras at Long Lake Park.

• Adopted Ordinance 514 allowing funeral homes and crematoriums in B-3 district (unanimous)
• Decertified TIF District 32-1 (Northland Portable Welding) (unanimous)
• Decertified TIF District 16-1 (Modern Business) (unanimous)
• Tabled variance for 6-foot front-yard fence at 1266 East Shore Drive (unanimous)
• Approved preliminary engineering report for 2024 Downtown Street & Utility Reconstruction (unanimous)
• Approved update of preliminary engineering report for 2024 Street Rehabilitation (unanimous)
• Approved installation of 3 pickleball courts at People's Park (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of cameras for Long Lake Park (unanimous)

Meeting

The Detroit Lakes Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a variance request from Robert Kuehl to allow a 6-foot-high fence in the front yard at 1266 East Shore Drive. The commission will also review a variance and conditional use status report. The agenda is otherwise routine, with no other major items.

• Public hearing on variance for 6-foot front yard fence at 1266 East Shore Drive (Robert Kuehl)
• Variance/Conditional Use Status Report

City Council

The council unanimously approved Ordinance 515, prohibiting cannabis use in public areas including beaches, parks, and sidewalks, effective upon publication. A $150 administrative penalty for violations was also adopted. The council authorized three airport improvement grants and a transient merchant license for Country Fresh Farms.

• Adopted Ordinance 515 prohibiting cannabis use in public places (unanimous)
• Approved $150 administrative penalty for cannabis ordinance violations (unanimous)
• Authorized MnDOT Airport Maintenance and Operation Grant (unanimous)
• Authorized MnDOT grant for airport hangar site preparations (unanimous)
• Authorized MnDOT grant for taxi lane, apron design/construction, and hangar demolition (unanimous)
• Approved transient merchant license for Country Fresh Farms for a four-day frozen meat sale (unanimous)

City Council

The Detroit Lakes City Council will hold its regular meeting on July 11, 2023, to discuss and act on a range of items, including zoning ordinances, street projects, licenses, and appointments. Key decisions include the second reading of Ordinance 513 to rezone 1150 US Highway 59 from residential agriculture to multi-family residential, and the second reading of Ordinance 507 to add a Neighborhood Commercial District. The council will also consider rejecting bids for several street projects, a new ordinance on public cannabis use, and a $72,000 police equipment donation.

• Second reading and adoption of Ordinance 513: rezoning 1150 US Highway 59 from R-A to R-M (Eagle Rock Real Estate LLC)
• Second reading and adoption of Ordinance 507: adding Section 10A Neighborhood Commercial District to zoning ordinance
• Consideration to reject bids for 2023 Street Rehabilitation, Southwood Shore Estates, and Willow Springs projects
• First reading of Ordinance 515: Use of Cannabis in Public
• Resolution accepting $72,000 donation for Police Department equipment

The City Council approved the second reading and adoption of Ordinance 507, creating a new Neighborhood Commercial District zoning classification, with two dissenting votes. The council also approved rezoning 1150 US Highway 59 to multi-family residential, adopted a new ordinance regulating funeral homes and crematoriums as conditional uses, and rejected all bids for three street rehabilitation projects after receiving only one bid that was $1 million over estimate.

• Approved Ordinance 507 (Neighborhood Commercial District) on second reading, 6-2
• Approved Ordinance 513 rezoning 1150 US Highway 59 to Multi-Family Residential, unanimously
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 514 allowing funeral homes as permitted use and crematoriums as conditional use in B-3 district, unanimously
• Rejected all bids for 2023 Street Rehabilitation, Southwood Shore Estates, and Willow Springs projects due to single bid $1M over estimate, unanimously
• Approved final plat of Dandrew Place at 609 Terry Street, unanimously
• Approved Ordinance 512 updating Transient Merchants code on second reading, unanimously
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 515 prohibiting cannabis use in public places, unanimously
• Accepted anonymous $72,000 donation for Police Department equipment, unanimously

Meeting

The Detroit Lakes Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on an ordinance to permit funeral homes and crematoriums in the B-3 Auto Oriented Business District, and will consider the final plat of Dandrew Place, a nine-lot residential subdivision at 609 Terry Street. The meeting also includes a status report on variances and conditional use permits.

• Public hearing on ordinance amending zoning to allow funeral homes as permitted use and crematoriums as conditional use in B-3 district
• Final plat approval for Dandrew Place, 9-lot subdivision at 609 Terry Street, with $12,000 park dedication fee
• Variance/Conditional Use Status Report covering projects like Boys and Girls Club and Broadway Welding

City Council

The Detroit Lakes City Council is holding a special work session to discuss three items: an updated 5-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for 2023-2028, debt levy projections, and a revised Special Assessment Policy. The CIP outlines over $66 million in proposed street, utility, and trail projects, but no final decisions are being made at this meeting.

• 2024: New 1.5 MGAL water tower and standpipe improvements, $8,355,000
• 2025: West Lake Drive (Legion Road to Washington Ave) reconstruction, $8,958,000
• 2023: Campbell Avenue and Linden Lane street and utility reconstruction, $4,052,000
• 2024: Downtown street and utility reconstruction (Frazee, Front, Holmes, Lake Ave), $3,851,000
• 2028: Long Lake Annexation western area, $5,332,000

The Detroit Lakes City Council held a work session to discuss the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan, debt levy projections, and proposed changes to the special assessment policy. No formal votes or decisions were taken; the items were presented for discussion only. The meeting adjourned without any action.

• No formal decisions or votes were recorded; all items were discussed only.

City Council

The council approved plans and authorized bids for three major street projects: the 2023 street rehabilitation, Willow Springs improvements, and Southwood Shore Estates street and utility improvements. They also adopted ordinances rezoning 677 Shorewood Drive to R-2 and increasing B-3 building height to four stories, but failed to adopt a new Neighborhood Commercial District ordinance. The council denied a final plat for Pinewood Estates and approved various special events, licenses, and a $100,000 playground fund release plus an additional $75,000.

• Approved plans and authorized bids for 2023 street rehabilitation project (unanimous)
• Approved plans and authorized bids for Willow Springs street improvements (6-1, Josephson dissenting)
• Approved plans and authorized bids for Southwood Shore Estates street and utility improvements (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 510 rezoning 677 Shorewood Drive from R-A to R-2 (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 511 increasing B-3 building height from 3 to 4 stories (unanimous)
• Failed to adopt Ordinance 507 (Neighborhood Commercial District) due to lack of majority (5-2, Deraney and Zeman dissenting)
• Denied final plat of Pinewood Estates at 1364 Long Lake Drive (unanimous)
• Approved release of $100,000 and additional $75,000 for Boys & Girls Club playground (unanimous)

Meeting

The Detroit Lakes Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a request by Eagle Rock Real Estate LLC to rezone 1150 US Highway 59 from Residential Agriculture (R-A) to Multi-Family Residential (R-M). The commission will also review a variance/conditional use status report and other business. The agenda includes only this one public hearing and routine items.

• Public hearing: rezoning 1150 US Highway 59 from R-A to R-M (Eagle Rock Real Estate LLC)
• Variance/Conditional Use Status Report
• Approval of minutes from April 27, 2023 meeting

City Council

The Detroit Lakes City Council will hold a public hearing and consider a resolution to order plans for street improvements at Willow Springs. The council will also consider several other items, including a grant application for a carbon reduction program, a pavilion proposal, demolition quotes, and various licenses and permits.

• Public hearing and resolution for Willow Springs street improvements
• Resolution approving grant application to MnDOT for Carbon Reduction Program (Heartland Trail Trailhead, $99,666.22 local match)
• Consideration of RDG Pavilion Proposal
• Quotes for demolition of 211 Union Street
• Special event application for Food Truck Fridays in City Park (Project 412)

The City Council held a public hearing and then approved a resolution authorizing improvements and ordering plans for the Willow Springs street project. A motion to approve the RDG Pavilion Proposal for additional work and plans failed 5-1. The council also approved a grant resolution for a carbon reduction program, demolition quotes for 211 Union St., a special event application for Food Truck Fridays, temporary liquor licenses for the VFW, a parade permit for the American Legion, and a massage therapist license for Jessica Blasczyk.

• Approved resolution 2023-0524A authorizing Willow Springs street improvements and ordering plans (unanimous)
• Denied RDG Pavilion Proposal for additional work and plans (5-1)
• Approved resolution 2023-0524B for MNDOT carbon reduction program grant (unanimous)
• Approved demolition contract for 211 Union St. awarded to Feldt Plumbing (unanimous)
• Approved Special Event Application for Project 412 Food Truck Fridays (unanimous)
• Approved Temporary On-Sale Liquor License for VFW #1676 for June 3 & 16, 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved Parade Permit for American Legion Post 15 on May 29, 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved Massage Therapist License for Jessica Blasczyk through Dec 31, 2023 (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council approved the assessment roll for Campbell Ave and Linden Ln street, stormwater, sewer, and watermain improvements, and awarded the construction contract to RL Larson Excavating. The Council also approved first readings of ordinances to rezone 677 Shorewood Drive, increase maximum building height in B-3 districts, and add a Neighborhood Commercial District (excluding gas stations). A final plat for 1364 Long Lake Dr was tabled pending a matching preliminary plat.

• Approved assessment roll for Campbell Ave and Linden Ln improvements (unanimous)
• Awarded Campbell Ave/Linden Ln contract to RL Larson Excavating (unanimous)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 510 rezoning 677 Shorewood Dr to R-2 (unanimous)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 511 increasing B-3 building height to 4 stories (unanimous)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 507 adding Neighborhood Commercial District, gas stations removed (7-3)
• Tabled final plat of Pinewood Estates at 1364 Long Lake Dr (6-1)
• Denied request to accept lake weeds at compost site (7-1)
• Approved 2023-2025 AFSCME Union Contract (unanimous)

Meeting

The Detroit Lakes Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on rezoning 677 Shorewood Drive from R-A to R-2 and consider amending the zoning ordinance to increase maximum building height in B-2 and B-3 districts from three to four stories (not to exceed 60 feet). They will also consider approval of the preliminary and final plat for Shorewood Oaks First Addition at the same address, reconsider adding a Neighborhood Commercial District section, and review a variance/conditional use status report.

• Rezoning of 677 Shorewood Drive from R-A to R-2
• Building height increase in B-2 and B-3 districts to 4 stories (max 60 ft)
• Preliminary and final plat approval for Shorewood Oaks First Addition
• Reconsideration of zoning ordinance amendment for Neighborhood Commercial District
• Variance/Conditional Use Status Report

City Council

The Detroit Lakes City Council is holding a special meeting to consider several items, including the second reading and adoption of Ordinance 515, which would prohibit the use of cannabis in public places, and a resolution to add an administrative penalty for violations. The council will also consider three Minnesota Department of Transportation grant contracts for airport maintenance, hangar site prep, and taxilane/apron design and construction, as well as a daily transient merchant license for Country Fresh Farms.

• Ordinance 515: bans public cannabis use, petty misdemeanor, $150 administrative penalty
• Resolution 2023-0724: adds $150 administrative penalty for cannabis ordinance violations
• Resolution 2023-0725A: accepts MnDOT airport maintenance grant, up to $101,626 total
• Resolution for hangar site prep grant at Detroit Lakes Airport
• Resolution for taxilane/apron design and construction and hangar demolition grant

City Council

The council approved the issuance of approximately $11 million in general obligation bonds for capital improvement projects. They also tabled a new Neighborhood Commercial District zoning ordinance, sending it back to the planning commission for further review. Several special event permits, construction contracts, and equipment purchases were approved.

• Approved $11M general obligation bond for capital improvements (unanimous)
• Tabled first reading of Ordinance 507 creating Neighborhood Commercial District (unanimous)
• Approved final plat of Southwood Shores Estates at 557 South Shore Drive (unanimous)
• Approved $2,070 donation from DLHS seniors for Washington Ballpark (unanimous)
• Approved mural request from Project 412 on DLCCC and Washington Square Mall retaining wall (unanimous)
• Approved special event application for Detroit Lakes Baseball Club with up to 3 food trucks per event (unanimous)
• Awarded concrete construction contract to Classic Concrete Contractors (unanimous)
• Awarded bituminous construction contract to Taves Construction (unanimous)

Meeting

The Detroit Lakes Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a proposed amendment to add a Neighborhood Commercial District to the zoning ordinance, which would allow limited commercial uses in residential areas. The commission will also consider approval of preliminary and final plats for several residential developments, including Shorewood Oaks, Southwood Shores, and Pinewood Estates. The agenda includes routine items such as approval of previous meeting minutes and a variance/conditional use status report.

• Public hearing on preliminary plat of Shorewood Oaks First Addition at 677 Shorewood Drive
• Consideration of final plat for Southwood Shores Estates
• Consideration of final plat for Pinewood Estates (Drew and Ashley Larson)
• Consideration of zoning ordinance amendment to add Section 10A Neighborhood Commercial District
• Variance/Conditional Use Status Report

City Council

The Detroit Lakes City Council will hold a public hearing and consider resolutions for street improvements on White Clover Beach Rd, 8th Street, 11th Ave, 15th Ave, and Randolph Rd. They will also consider requests from Water Carnival co-admirals for temporary liquor licenses, parade permits, and facility usage, plus a resolution to discontinue the local option sales tax as of June 30, 2023. Other items include approving plans for Campbell Ave/Linden Ln and Summit Ave projects, and various licenses and appointments.

• Public hearing and resolution for street improvements on White Clover Beach Rd, 8th Street, 11th Ave, 15th Ave, Randolph Rd
• Water Carnival 2023 requests: 3 on-sale liquor licenses, 7 3.2 malt liquor licenses, 2 parade permits, street closures, extended curfews
• Resolution to discontinue local option sales tax as of June 30, 2023
• Resolution approving plans and advertising for bids for Campbell Ave/Linden Ln street, stormwater, sewer, watermain improvements
• Resolution approving plans and advertising for bids for Summit Ave street and utility project

The council authorized preparation of plans and specifications for street improvements on White Clover Beach Rd, 8th Street, 11th Ave, 15th Ave, and Randolph Rd. It also approved plans and bid advertisements for Campbell Ave/Linden Ln and Summit Ave improvements. Other actions included approving a nonconforming use permit, a final plat, and various licenses and permits.

• Authorized street improvements and ordered plans for five roads (unanimous)
• Approved plans and bid ads for Campbell Ave/Linden Ln improvements (unanimous)
• Approved plans and bid ads for Summit Ave improvements (unanimous)
• Approved nonconforming use expansion permit at 944 South Shore Dr (unanimous)
• Approved final plat of Lakecrest Estates First Supplement (unanimous)
• Approved 87th Annual Water Carnival events and waived fees (unanimous)
• Approved $2,885,465.44 in claims for February 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved discontinuation of local option sales tax as of June 30, 2023 (unanimous)

Meeting

The Detroit Lakes Planning Commission will hold public hearings on a nonconforming use expansion permit for a garage at 944 South Shore Drive, a conditional use permit for a self-storage facility on Menard Drive, and a zoning ordinance amendment creating a new Neighborhood Commercial District. They will also consider approval of the final plat for Lakecrest Estates and review a variance/conditional use status report.

• Nonconforming use expansion permit for garage at 944 South Shore Drive (Brian and Sandy Korbel) to allow 6'6" side yard setback instead of 10'
• Conditional use permit for Planned Unit Development self-storage facility at 1470-1550 Menard Drive (Menard, Inc)
• Zoning ordinance amendment to add Section 10A Neighborhood Commercial District
• Final plat approval for Lakecrest Estates First Supplemental Common Interest Community Plat

City Council

The Detroit Lakes City Council will hold its regular meeting on February 14, 2023, to consider a range of items including awarding a contract for the Public Works Facility, approving a variance for a home addition, annexing an area for orderly annexation, and setting a public hearing for the 2023 Street Rehabilitation project. The agenda also includes numerous routine items such as permits, licenses, reports, and appointments.

• Consideration to accept bids for the Public Works Facility and award contract to BCI Construction Group
• Resolution approving variance for home addition at 1080 West Lake Drive (7.1 ft side yard, 40.3% impervious surface)
• Resolution approving annexation of area at Randolph Road and County Highway 54
• Resolution authorizing grant submission for MN DNR Outdoor Recreation program
• Consideration to approve 20 mph speed limit in school zones

The council approved annexing land at Randolph Road and County Highway 54 and zoning it R-M Multi-Family Residential. It also awarded the Public Works Facility contract to BCI Construction Group, approved a 20 mph school zone speed limit, and denied one massage therapist license while approving another. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved annexation of Randolph Road and County Highway 54 area with R-M Multi-Family Residential zoning (Resolution 2023-0214B).
• Awarded Public Works Facility contract to BCI Construction Group.
• Approved a 20 mph speed zone around public elementary schools.
• Denied massage therapist license for Amanda Knutson.
• Approved massage therapist license for Susan Heden.
• Approved $10,000 in ARPA funds for Early Care & Development of Becker County.
• Approved the MN DNR grant submission for an ADA dock (Resolution 2023-0214C).
• Approved the PER and set a public hearing for the 2023 Street Rehabilitation project (Resolution 2023-0214D).

Meeting

The Detroit Lakes Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a variance request by Steve Walz to allow a 7.1-foot side yard setback and 40.3% impervious surface coverage (instead of the required 10 feet and 25%) to demolish an existing detached garage and build an attached garage at 1080 West Lake Drive. The commission will also review its 2022 annual report, a status report on variances and conditional use permits, and elect a chair and vice chair. Staff recommends approval of the variance.

• Public hearing: Variance for 7.1-foot setback and 40.3% impervious surface at 1080 West Lake Drive (Steve Walz)
• Planning Commission Annual Report for 2022
• Variance/Conditional Use Status Report
• Election of Chair and Vice Chair

City Council

The Detroit Lakes City Council will hold a special meeting to discuss and potentially act on a resolution supporting the authority to impose a local sales tax to fund specific capital improvements. The agenda contains only this single item, with no further details provided.

• Resolution supporting local sales tax authority for capital improvements

The City Council approved a resolution (7-1) asking the Minnesota Legislature to authorize a local option sales tax to fund a $17.3 million pavilion project. The tax would replace the current sales tax ending in May and would require a future public referendum before taking effect. One alderman dissented, arguing the city should prioritize a childcare facility instead.

• Approved resolution 2023-0126A seeking legislative approval for a local option sales tax to fund a $17.3M pavilion project (7-1, Dallmann dissenting)

City Council

The Detroit Lakes City Council will hold a public hearing on proposed street and utility improvements for Summit Ave and consider several zoning ordinances, including allowing short-term rentals in residential districts, amending building height rules in the R-A district, and rezoning 557 South Shore Drive. The council will also discuss creating a Neighborhood Commercial zoning district, approve the 2023 DCC budget and rates, hire a full-time fire chief, and hear the mayor's State of the City address.

• Public hearing and resolution for Summit Ave street and utility improvements
• Second reading and adoption of Ordinance 504 allowing short-term rentals in residential districts
• Second reading and adoption of Ordinance 506 rezoning 557 South Shore Drive from R-A to R-2
• Consideration to hire Michael Hanson as full-time Fire Chief
• Final payment of $152,319.68 to Feldt Plumbing for Ridge View 1st Addition

The council adopted Ordinance 504, allowing short-term rentals in residential districts, and approved the hiring of Michael Hanson as the full-time Fire Chief. Several other items were approved, including the Arts & Culture Commission Strategic Plan, the 2023 dock licenses, and a nonconforming use permit for a home addition at 1886 Brainard Boulevard. The council also authorized street and utility improvements for Summit Avenue and approved the 2023-2025 IBEW union contract.

• Adopted Ordinance 504, amending zoning to allow short-term rentals in residential districts (unanimous)
• Approved hiring Michael Hanson as full-time Fire Chief (unanimous)
• Approved the Arts & Culture Commission Strategic Plan (Ald. Buboltz abstained)
• Authorized street and utility improvements for Summit Ave (unanimous)
• Approved a nonconforming use expansion permit for a home at 1886 Brainard Blvd (unanimous)
• Approved the 2023-2025 IBEW Union Contract (unanimous)
• Approved final payment of $152,319.68 to Feldt Plumbing for Ridge View 1st Addition (unanimous)
• Approved a Temporary Intoxicating Liquor License for the Detroit Lakes Jaycees (unanimous)

City Council

The Detroit Lakes City Council is holding its annual meeting to administer oaths of office to newly elected aldermen, appoint a vice mayor, assign seating, and make committee appointments for 2023. The agenda also includes council member recognition and informational announcements about training and meeting dates. No legislative or financial decisions are on the agenda.

• Oath of office for Aldermen Shaun Carlson (Ward 1), Mike Stearns (Ward 2), Matt Boeke (Ward 3), Jackie Buboltz (At Large), Jaimie Deraney (At Large)
• Appointment of Vice Mayor for 2023
• Appointments to committees: Finance, Community Development, Public Works, Public Safety, Liquor & Gambling
• 2023 Council meeting dates listed (monthly, starting January 10)

The annual meeting was entirely procedural. The council administered oaths of office to five aldermen, appointed Alderman Zeman as vice mayor, assigned committee seats, and set the 2023 meeting calendar. No substantive ordinances, resolutions, or contracts were voted on.

• Administered Oath of Office to Aldermen Boeke, Buboltz, Carlson, Deraney, and Stearns
• Appointed Alderman Zeman as Vice Mayor
• Assigned council seating order from left to right: Dallmann, Josephson, Spry, Zeman, Mayor Brenk, Buboltz, Carlson, Stearns, Boeke, Deraney
• Appointed committee memberships: Community Development (Boeke chair), Finance (Josephson chair), Liquor and Gambling (Dallmann chair), Public Safety (Spry chair), Public Works (Zeman chair)
• Recognized outgoing Alderman Wenner for 12 years of service
• Announced 2023 Elected Leaders Institute dates and locations
• Set 2023 Joint Governance Meeting dates (April 4, July 4, October 3)
• Set 2023 regular council meeting dates (second Tuesday of each month)