Lindstrom public meetings in 2024
22 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The Lindstrom City Council will vote on the final 2025 property tax levy of $3,623,471 and approve the 2025 city budget. The meeting also includes a rezone ordinance for the south side of Newell Avenue, a resolution to decertify TIF District 1‑7, and a delegation for cannabis registration. Additional items are a feasibility report for 2025 street improvements and a GIS improvements update.
- Adopt final 2025 property tax levy of $3,623,471 (General Government $3,490,971, EDA $97,500, Bonds $35,000)
- Southside of Newell Avenue rezone ordinance
- Resolution to decertify TIF District 1‑7
- Cannabis registration delegation
- 2025 street improvements feasibility report
EDA
The Economic Development Authority will review a draft policy for granting business assistance and public financing. The proposed policy focuses on job growth and economic opportunity, requiring projects to meet at least two specific objectives to qualify for subsidies.
- Proposed wage floor for subsidized jobs at 150% of State Minimum wage ($16.69/hour)
- Proposed application fee of $1,000 and initial escrow of $10,000-$15,000
- Development updates for OJ Juice, Meredees Building, and Park Street Parking Lot
- Discussion on cannabis zoning for B-1 and I-1 districts
- Review of 2024 year-end activities
Parks Commission
The Lindstrom Park Commission will review minutes from the November meeting and discuss the management of buckthorn at Allemansratt Park. Staff will also verify the hiring of the Bill Koncar Band for the upcoming Polka Party.
- Review minutes from November 4, 2024, meeting
- Discuss buckthorn management at Allemansratt Park
- Verify hiring of Bill Koncar Band for Polka Party
- Discuss Tree Lighting Festival logistics
- Receive verbal student report from Henry Phelps
Planning Commission
The Lindstrom Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed rezoning of twenty parcels on the south side of Newell Avenue. The parcels are currently zoned Central Business District (CBD) and the city council has directed staff to rezone them to Low Density Attached and Detached Residential (R‑2). The commission will consider the staff report and public comments before voting on the request.
- Rezoning of 20 properties on south side of Newell Avenue from CBD to R‑2
- Public hearing required by City Code §153.026
- Staff analysis notes current residential and institutional uses of the parcels
Parks Commission
The commission voted to remove the reindeer display and apply the $1,500 saved to the Tree Lighting Festival quote. It also approved plans to demo and remove the Bull Lake shed and three Xcel power poles to expand the parking lot. Additional items discussed included Polka Party planning for Feb. 8, 2024, a $3,500 Lions Park bandshell grant, and tree planting updates at Allemansratt Park.
- Tree Lighting Festival: remove reindeer display, apply $1,500 to lighting quote
- Bull Lake shed removal: demo shed and remove three Xcel power poles to extend parking lot
- Polka Party planning for Saturday, Feb. 8, 2024, 7‑10 p.m. event
- Lions Park bandshell grant of $3,500 for shelter rehab (pressure washing, sanding, sealing)
- Allemansratt Park: planting of 75 black cherry trees and buckthorn management plan
Parks Commission
The Lindstrom Parks Commission will discuss the Tree Lighting Festival, including a proposed $1,500 reduction to remove a reindeer display and a quote from Custom Christmas Lighting for tree wrapping. The agenda also includes reviewing a Lions Park Bandshell grant and Bull Lake Shed removal.
- Tree Lighting Festival agenda review and $1,500 quote
- Lions Park Bandshell grant of $3,500
- Bull Lake Shed removal project
- CIP Park Planning discussion
- Allemansratt Park discussion
City Council
The Lindstrom City Council will vote on a consent agenda that includes approval of city bills, meeting minutes, and several resolutions such as the Glader Annexation ordinance and a fire blanket donation. Council members will also consider five ordinances covering building height, cannabis regulations, exterior building materials, a park gate project, and a CBD sale at a liquor store. Additional discussion items include a park parking lot plan, snow plow policy, board and commission structure, and the 2025 meeting calendar.
- Accept $3,000 donation to add steam to the Lindstrom Coffee Pot water tower (Resolution 20241120-01)
- Building Height Amendment Ordinance 20241120-01
- Cannabis Regulations Ordinance 20241120-02
- Exterior Building Materials Ordinance 20241120-03
- Allemansratt Park Anderson Peninsula Gate project
Planning Commission
The Lindstrom Planning Commission will consider two code amendments: one to regulate cannabis and hemp retail operations and another to update exterior building materials. The meeting will also include the approval of previous meeting minutes.
- Cannabis Code Amendment (Public Hearing)
- Exterior Building Materials Code Amendment (Public Hearing)
- Approval of October 3, 2024, Planning Commission minutes
- Discussion on zoning districts for cannabis and hemp retail
- Review of buffer distances for cannabis retail locations
City Council
The Lindstrom City Council will vote on three regular‑agenda items: scheduling a special election canvass, approving RRFB crosswalk lights, and purchasing a fire truck. The meeting will also include a discussion of cannabis regulations, Highway 8 tree trimming, snow removal policy, and a 10‑year capital improvement plan. Reports from finance, planning, fire, police and several commissions will be accepted, followed by an open forum for resident comments.
- Fire Truck Purchase – regular agenda item (Scott Sellman)
- RRFB Crosswalk Lights – regular agenda item (Brian Bachmeier)
- Schedule Special City Council Meeting to canvass City Election – regular agenda item (Missy Glenna)
- Discussion of Cannabis Regulations – discussion item (Dan Undem)
- Discussion of Highway 8 Tree Trimming – discussion item (Matt Fraley)
EDA
The Lindstrom Economic Development Authority will discuss draft objectives for a revised business subsidy policy and evaluate how they align with city goals. The board will also receive updates on the Oak Street Lot marketing, a TIF primer, the upcoming November 13 business breakfast, and a joint work session with the City Council. Development updates include demolition plans for the OJ Juice building and the 2025 Park Street Parking Lot street project. Additional topics cover downtown design plans, cannabis zoning, and a Fall Fika Fest event.
- Oak Street Lot marketing update by Keller Williams representative
- Business Subsidy/Financial Incentive TIF 101 primer video shown
- EDA Business Breakfast scheduled for Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 7:30 am
- Joint EDA and City Council work session planned for mid‑October to discuss city‑owned properties
- Park Street Parking Lot designated as a 2025 street project for better bidding
Planning Commission
The Lindstrom Planning Commission will discuss proposed code language to regulate cannabis businesses in the city. Staff will present zoning definitions and district recommendations for cultivation, manufacturing, and retail uses. The commission will consider how the new regulations align with state law and local zoning districts.
- Presentation of proposed cannabis zoning definitions
- Recommendation of Agriculture Open Space district for cultivation
- Recommendation of Industrial (I-1) district for manufacturing
- Recommendation of General Business (B-1) and Central Business District for retail
Parks Commission Beach Park Planning Event
The Lindström Parks Commission meeting on September 9, 2024 will include a Beach Park Planning Activity presented by the University of Minnesota Planning Group. No other business items or decisions are listed on the agenda.
- Beach Park Planning Activity – University of Minnesota Planning Group presentation
Parks Commission
The Lindstrom Park Commission will review the 2025 Parks Department budget and an updated Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for park projects. The agenda also includes a student report and the approval of July 1, 2024, meeting minutes.
- Review 2025 Parks Department budget
- Review updated CIP Park Planning
- Approve July 1, 2024, meeting minutes
- Student Report (verbal)
- Park Assignments
Parks Commission
The Lindström Parks Commission meeting on July 1, 2024 will consider several park‑department items, including a grant update, equipment repair quotes, and a capital‑improvement plan. Staff presented repair quotes totaling $12,955 for playground equipment at Lions Park, Town N Country, and Tot Lot, and recommended purchases worth $4,833.14 plus shipping. A capital‑improvement program (CIP) was outlined with estimated costs of $300,000 for Beach Park projects and $295,000 for Lions Park projects. Additional agenda items include a Rotary Water Taxi presentation, a Center Lakes Association booth at Harmony, park assignments, and a student report from Henry Phelps.
- Playground equipment repair quotes total $12,955; recommended purchases $4,833.14 plus shipping (Lions Park, Town N Country, Tot Lot)
- CIP Park Planning estimates $300,000 for Beach Park improvements and $295,000 for Lions Park improvements
- Beach Park Planning Grant update presented by Dan Undem
- Allemansratt updates on buckthorn adoption and maintenance plans
- Rotary Water Taxi presentation by Chris DuBose
Parks Commission
The Lindström Parks Commission will conduct two site visits: Beach Park from 6:00‑6:30 p.m. and Lions Park from 6:30‑7:00 p.m. on June 3, 2024. Observations from the visits will be discussed at the July 1 park meeting. No formal decisions are scheduled for this meeting.
- Beach Park site visit (6:00‑6:30 p.m.)
- Lions Park site visit (6:30‑7:00 p.m.)
City Council
The City Council will review the 2025 preliminary budget and discuss building height and variance amendments. The body will also receive updates on the Lead Service Line Program and Highway 8 rapid flashing beacons.
- 2025 Preliminary Budget Resolution 20240918-01
- Building Height Amendment
- 29915 Neal Ave Variance Amendment Resolution 20240918-02
- Temporary Liquor License for Chisago Lakes Rotary
- Acceptance of Boy Scout Troop #159 Donation Resolution 20240918-03
EDA
The Economic Development Authority will review updates on the Oak Street Lot and various development projects. The body is also discussing business subsidies via TIF 101 and planning a business breakfast for November.
- Business Subsidy/Financial Incentive TIF 101 discussion
- Development updates for OJ Juice, Park Street Parking Lot, and Meredees Building
- Discussion on cannabis zoning
- Planning for EDA Business Breakfast on November 13, 2024
- Scheduling a joint EDA and City Council work session
Planning Commission
The Lindstrom Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a variance amendment for 29915 Neal Avenue. The applicant seeks to remove a condition requiring gutters on a home built under a 2018 variance. The commission will also consider the minutes from the August 1, 2024 Joint Planning & Council Meeting.
- Public hearing: Variance Amendment – 29915 Neal Avenue (remove gutter condition)
- Consideration of minutes from the August 1, 2024 Joint Planning & Council Meeting
City Council
The City Council will decide on a building height amendment and a police building evaluation study. Members will also discuss the 2025 budget update and a feasibility report for 2025 street inspections.
- Building Height Amendment-Jason Zimmerman
- City Hall Police Building Evaluation Study-Dan Undem
- Consent to Assignment of Olinda Trail Apartments Development Agreement and Tax Increment Revenue Note
- 2025 Street Preliminary Field Inspection and Feasibility Report
- Payment of $93,480.58 to Lakes Area Police Department for August 2024 coverage
EDA
The Lindstrom Economic Development Authority will review a draft Business Subsidy/Financial Incentive Policy, including a TIF 101 video, and consider its adoption at the start of 2025. The board will also examine the 2025 EDA budget, which raises the levy to $97,000, an increase of $33,500. Additional items include a $650 sponsorship request for the 2024 Trick‑or‑Treat on Main Street event and updates on local development projects.
- Business Subsidy/Financial Incentive Policy overview and upcoming public hearing
- $650 sponsorship request for 2024 Trick‑or‑Treat on Main Street
- 2025 EDA budget levy increase to $97,000 (up $33,500) and related revenue/expense changes
- Development updates: OJ Juice site sold, Oak Street/Highway 8 lot listed, Park Street parking lot feedback
- TIF 101 training video to be shown for staff education
Planning Commission
The Lindstrom Planning Commission and City Council will meet on August 1, 2024 to consider a proposed amendment to the city’s zoning code that changes how building height is measured. They will also receive an update on Minnesota’s new cannabis legislation and discuss its implications for local zoning and licensing. No decisions are recorded in the agenda.
- Building Height Amendment – proposed change to the definition of “mean ground level” for height calculations in the zoning code.
- Cannabis Update – briefing on the state cannabis law, the moratorium expiring on Jan 1 2025, and potential local zoning standards for cannabis businesses.
City Council
The City Council will review updates on the Municipal Liquor Store project and receive reports from the Downtown Design Committee and tourism officials. The body is also deciding on a public safety purchase request for the fire department and the installation of lighted crosswalk signs on Highway 8.
- Highway 8 Lighted Crosswalk Signs proposal
- Lindstrom Fire Department Public Safety dollar purchase request
- DEED Grant Resolution for Dan Undem
- Municipal Liquor Store Project update from Kornowski Consulting
- Beach Park Planning Grant update