Marine on St. Croix public meetings in 2025

City Council

The City Council will consider approving the hiring of HKGi as the consultant for the 2028 Comprehensive Plan update, with an estimated budget of $60,000‑$80,000. Council members will also vote to approve plans and specifications for the 2026 Street Project and authorize solicitation of quotes. Additional agenda items include an ice‑rink grant proposal, liquor‑license renewals, and setting the 2026 levy.

• Approve hiring HKGi as consultant for the 2028 Comprehensive Plan update ($60,000‑$80,000 budget)
• Approve plans and specs for the 2026 Street Project and authorize solicitation of quotes
• Consider Katy Kalt’s Ice Rink Grant proposal
• Renew liquor licenses for Brookside, Surf Yogurt Shop, and Pete's Pizza
• Set the 2026 levy

The Marine on St. Croix City Council approved a $1,177,006.13 levy for 2026, a 4.43% increase over 2025. It also approved the engineering plans and specifications for the 2026 Street Project and authorized solicitation of quotes. Council members voted to have the city cover 100% of the Minnesota paid‑leave premium in 2026, shifting to a 50/50 split with employees in 2027. Additional actions included re‑appointing Anna Hagstrom to the Planning Commission and recognizing two citizens of the year.

• Re‑appointed Anna Hagstrom to the Planning Commission for a three‑year term (motion passed)
• Approved plans and specs for the 2026 Street Project and authorized solicitation of quotes (motion passed)
• Approved city to cover 100% of paid‑leave premium in 2026, with a 50/50 split starting 2027 (3‑yes, 1‑no, motion passed)
• Approved consent calendar items including minutes, reports, and several licenses (motion passed)
• Approved the 2026 levy of $1,177,006.13, a 4.43% increase over 2025 (motion passed)
• Recognized Mike Lammi and Charlotte Wilcox as the 2025 Citizens of the Year (motion passed)
• Approved the meeting agenda as amended (motion passed)
• Adjourned the council meeting at 8:32 pm (motion passed)

Planning Commission

The Marine on St. Croix Planning Commission will review information from HKGi and Bolton Menk about the 2050 Comprehensive Plan update. It will discuss a recommendation to the City Council for selecting a planner. The commission will also set a timeline for the plan update and consider the projected budget of $60,000 to $80,000.

• Review information from HKGi and Bolton Menk on the 2050 Comprehensive Plan
• Planner selection – recommendation to City Council
• Set timeline for the 2050 Comprehensive Plan update
• Budget estimate for the plan update: $60,000‑$80,000
• Discuss requirements of the Metropolitan Council’s Imagine 2050 guide

The Marine on St. Croix Planning Commission reached consensus to recommend HKGi as the city's consultant for the comprehensive planning process. Chair Hagstrom and Vice Chair Smitten will draft a recommendation memo to the City Council. The commission plans to present an initial timeline to Council at a joint workshop in early 2026.

• Recommend HKGi as city consultant for comprehensive planning process (consensus)
• Draft recommendation memo to Council (assigned to Chair Hagstrom and Vice Chair Smitten)
• Present initial timeline to Council at joint workshop in early 2026

City Council

The Marine on St. Croix City Council will review the proposed Year 2026 budget changes. Council members may discuss additional budget adjustments. The council will set the 2026 levy at the December 11 meeting.

• Review Proposed Year 2026 Budget changes
• Council Comments and Proposed Additional Changes
• Set the 2026 Levy at the December 11 City Council Meeting

The council discussed the 2026 proposed budget, noting the cell tower rent increase to $18,000 and a possible $3,000 audio‑visual cost. With no further changes, the council agreed to approve a final levy of $1,177,066.13 at the December 11 meeting. A motion to adjourn was passed unanimously.

• Approve final levy of $1,177,066.13 (consensus) to be enacted at Dec 11 meeting
• Adjourn meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will discuss housekeeping amendments to the Zoning Code and provide feedback on proposed standards. The body is also reviewing the Comprehensive Plan and preparing for a workshop on December 8.

• Proposed standards for single-unit dwellings, including a potential 900 square foot minimum size
• Proposed prohibition of shipping containers and limits on temporary storage units (PODS/MODS)
• New proposed use for principal community-scale solar and size limits for accessory ground-mounted systems
• Review of updated cannabis regulations based on 2025 Minnesota Statutes
• Discussion on legislative protections for buildings in Historic Riverway Districts

The Planning Commission approved the agenda and the October 28 minutes. Commissioners reached consensus to remove the 900‑sq‑ft minimum for single‑unit dwellings and to allow temporary storage of shipping containers for up to 45 days with resident notification. The commission directed Beth Richmond to revise the solar accessory‑structure language and asked Chair Hagstrom to consult the city attorney on cannabis regulations. A public hearing on the proposed zoning changes was scheduled for January 27.

• Approved agenda unanimously
• Approved October 28 minutes (motion carried)
• Commission directed Richmond to revise solar accessory‑structure standards and wording
• Chair Hagstrom to consult city attorney on cannabis regulations
• Consensus to remove minimum 900‑sq‑ft size requirement for single‑unit dwellings
• Consensus to allow temporary storage of shipping containers up to 45 days, remove one‑unit limit, and require resident notification
• Set public hearing for Jan 27 on zoning ordinance modifications (unanimous)

City Council

The council voted to accept the proposed alignment for the Millstream Watershed 90% plan, allowing the project to move forward. Council also postponed action on the Bell Pole timber‑sale contract until terms are revised, passing the motion 4‑1. The council approved the consent calendar items, declared a plow surplus, and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved Watershed Millstream 90% plan alignment (unanimous)
• Postponed Bell Pole timber‑sale contract pending term revisions (4-1)
• Approved consent calendar items (minutes, reports, etc.)
• Declared plow surplus
• Adjourned meeting at 8:30 pm

Economic Development Authority

The board voted to accept the proposed lease amendment for the Marine Village School, pending final approval of the financial numbers. They also authorized the City Administrator to transfer utility invoicing ownership to the City of Marine, subject to the lease execution. Both motions passed with four affirmative votes and one abstention.

• Accepted proposed lease amendment (contingent on final approval) – passed (4 yes, 1 abstain)
• Authorized City Administrator to transfer utility invoicing ownership to City of Marine – passed (4 yes, 1 abstain)

City Council

The council approved adding a new “no investment” column to the CIP spreadsheet. It also approved renaming the maintenance shop to the public works facility and separating it from the Lost 40 land. A site visit to the facility will be scheduled, and the Lost 40 will be discussed with residents for future use. The council added a Village Greenspace category and adjourned the workshop.

• Approved addition of a “no investment” column to the CIP spreadsheet (all in favor)
• Approved renaming the maintenance shop to public works facility (all in favor)
• Approved separating the public works facility from the Lost 40 land (all in favor)
• Approved scheduling a site visit of the public works facility (all in favor)
• Approved discussing the Lost 40 land with residents for future use (all in favor)
• Approved adding a Village Greenspace category, including the gazebo (all in favor)
• Motion to adjourn passed (all in favor)

Planning Commission

The Marine Planning Commission will review several ongoing items, including corrections to the zoning code, proposed legislative protections for buildings in the Historic Riverway District, lot area requirement standards, solar-related matters, and a statement/background briefing from Met Council Systems via HKGI. No final actions are indicated; the agenda lists topics for discussion and possible future decisions.

• Zoning Code Errata Corrections
• Legislative Protections for Buildings in Historic Riverway Districts
• Lot Area Requirements
• Solar
• Met Council Systems Statement/Background Info from HKGI

The Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the agenda as drafted. They also unanimously approved the minutes from the September 30, 2025 meeting. The commissioners then unanimously moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:21 p.m. No other substantive actions were decided.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved September 30 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The council approved a $6,002.27 final payment to Valley Paving along with Change order #2 for the 2025 street project. It also approved a Conditional Use Permit for a driveway at 601 Sixth St for Aaron Nesser and Heidi VanDixhorn‑Nesser. The agenda was amended to remove a citizen consideration and add Change order #2 under Roads, and the consent calendar items were approved. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 pm.

• Approved agenda amendment removing Liz Kelly from citizen considerations and adding Change order #2 under Roads (all in favor)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for driveway over 200 ft at 601 Sixth St for Aaron Nesser and Heidi VanDixhorn‑Nesser (all in favor)
• Approved final payment of $6,002.27 to Valley Paving and Change order #2 for 2025 street project (all in favor)
• Approved consent calendar items: minutes of 9/11/25, Treasurer’s Report of 9/25, list of bills for 10/9/25, Public Works Maintenance Report, Planning Commission minutes (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:20 pm (all in favor)

Meeting

The Afton City Council granted variances for the Herreid addition project, allowing a two‑stall garage and related structures. St. Croix County approved a side‑yard setback variance for Anthony Lodge’s garage, and the Osceola Village Board unanimously approved a CUP for Sam Schillace’s storage shed. The commission also approved the previous meeting minutes unanimously and adjourned the session.

• Herreid addition variances granted by Afton City Council (outcome: granted)
• Anthony Lodge side‑yard setback variance granted by St. Croix County (outcome: granted)
• Sam Schillace CUP approved unanimously by Osceola Village Board (outcome: approved)
• Minutes of July 29, 2025 approved unanimously (outcome: approved)
• Meeting adjourned at 2:56 p.m. (motion carried)
• Mildon House rebuild discussion tabled to next meeting (outcome: tabled)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a conditional use permit for a driveway exceeding 200 feet. The body will also discuss ongoing zoning code updates and historic district protections.

• Public hearing for Conditional Use Permit: driveway longer than 200 feet at 601 6th St.
• Discussion on legislative protections for buildings in Historic Riverway Districts
• Review of lot area requirements
• Discussion on solar regulations
• Review of draft zoning code errata corrections

The commission approved the amended agenda and the minutes from the August 26 meeting, both unanimously. It granted a conditional use permit for a driveway longer than 200 feet at 601 6th St, subject to conditions listed in the report. The commission also recommended using wooden slat screening for the cell tower, noting durability and low maintenance. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 pm by unanimous vote.

• Approved agenda amendment (unanimous)
• Approved August 26 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for 200‑ft driveway at 601 6th St (unanimous)
• Recommended wooden slat screening for cell tower (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:45 pm (unanimous)

City Council

The Marine on St. Croix City Council will vote on the maximum levy for the 2026 budget. The meeting also includes a public hearing on an alley vacation for Pat and Sherri Broshar, a septic request from Jake White, an update on the Marine Mills Folk School and a new executive director, and proposed amendments to the tree ordinance.

• Alley Vacation Public Hearing – Pat and Sherri Broshar
• Jake White – Septic Request
• Marine Mills Folk School – update and introduction of new executive director
• Proposed Tree Ordinance Amendments
• Set Maximum 2026 Levy

The council approved the meeting agenda unanimously. It voted to deny the alley vacation request for 450 Chestnut Street (5‑0). It approved in principle Jake White's sewer‑service project on Robert Street unanimously. It also granted the assistant clerk two weeks of paid maternity leave unanimously.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Denied alley vacation request for 450 Chestnut St (5‑0)
• Approved in principle sewer project for Jake White on Robert St (unanimous)
• Granted assistant clerk two weeks paid maternity leave (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission approved the agenda and the June 24 minutes. A public hearing was scheduled for September 30 at 7 pm to consider the conditional use permit for a driveway longer than 200 feet at 601 6th St. The commission also voted to draft a memo supporting staff’s recommendation against vacating the alley at 450 Chestnut, with a 5‑1 vote. Consensus was reached to move forward with several zoning‑code errata corrections.

• Agenda approved (unanimous)
• June 24 minutes approved (motion carried, Hagstrom abstained)
• Public hearing set for Sept 30, 7 pm on 601 6th St. driveway permit (unanimous)
• Draft memo opposing vacating 450 Chestnut alley approved (5‑1)
• Zoning code errata corrections to be drafted (consensus)
• Adjourned (unanimous)

City Council

The council accepted the amended agenda and approved several agreements, including the Hess driveway encroachment and the Brookside easement. It authorized Contractor Pay Request #3, paying $35,319.83 to Valley Paving. Ordinance 190 adding to Oakland Cemetery and an extension of the dog park through September 30 were also approved. A public hearing to vacate 450 Chestnut alley was scheduled for September 11.

• Approved amended agenda (all in favor)
• Approved Michael and Denise Hess driveway encroachment agreement (all in favor)
• Approved Brookside easement and storage agreements (all in favor)
• Approved Contractor Pay Request #3 to Valley Paving for $35,319.83 (all in favor)
• Approved Ordinance 190, adding to Oakland Cemetery (all in favor)
• Extended dog park through September 30 (motion carried)
• Approved Consent Calendar (all in favor as amended)
• Set public hearing to vacate 450 Chestnut alley for September 11 (all in favor)

Economic Development Authority

The Economic Development Authority reached consensus to move forward with a revised lease that would have the City assume operating expenses and offset the school's $147,000 rent balance with an estimated $149,000 adjustment. Members will reconvene in three weeks to review draft lease changes. The board adjourned by consensus.

• Consensus to move forward with lease restructuring proposal (no vote tally recorded)
• Schedule follow‑up meeting in three weeks to review draft lease changes

Meeting

The Lower St. Croix Management Commission Partnership Team approved the April 29, 2025 minutes unanimously. No new land‑use permits, variances, or other substantive actions were decided at this meeting; the team only reviewed prior outcomes for Spiritus LLC, Swanson, and Mildon projects. The meeting was adjourned at 3:39 p.m.

• Approved April 29, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 3:39 p.m. (unanimous)

Economic Development Authority

The council agreed to continue discussions with Marine Village School about the city potentially assuming some operating expenses. Council members Dan Willenbring and John Goodfellow were assigned to lead this effort. The Minnesota Department of Education will permit the landlord to forgive $59,000 in back rent, and the school plans to repay the arrears by the end of 2025.

• Agreed to continue discussions with Marine Village School on possible City assumption of operating expenses
• Assigned Dan Willenbring and John Goodfellow to lead the exploration of City assistance
• Minnesota Department of Education will allow landlord to forgive $59,000 back rent
• School plans to repay arrears by end of 2025

City Council

The council approved the payment of $128,569.88 to Valley Paving for the 2025 street project and authorized the preparation of plans and specifications for the 2026 road project. It also approved a $800 pop‑up dog park in Bullis Park and gave final approval for a bathroom accessory building permit at 300 Nason Hill Rd. Additionally, council members reached a majority consensus to move forward with the Phase 2 grant application for the Hollow Management Plan.

• Approved bathroom accessory building permit at 300 Nason Hill Rd (all in favor)
• Approved payment $128,569.88 to Valley Paving for 2025 street project (all in favor)
• Authorized preparation of 2026 road project plans and specifications (all in favor)
• Approved pop‑up dog park in Bullis Park, not to exceed $800 (all in favor)
• Approved agenda amendment moving Glacial Hills Trail item to beginning of council reps (all in favor)
• Approved consent calendar minutes (all in favor)
• Majority consensus to move forward with Hollow Phase 2 grant application (no formal vote recorded)
• Approved library logo change to recognize indigenous community (all in favor)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission approved its agenda and the May 27 minutes, both unanimously. It then approved the conditional use permit for a bathroom accessory structure at 300 Nason Hill Rd, also unanimously. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved May 27 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved conditional use permit for bathroom accessory at 300 Nason Hill Rd (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The Council appointed Dan Willenbring as the new council member, filling the open seat for a term ending Dec 31, 2026. The Council also appointed Ward as acting mayor, declared a 2003 Spartan Gladiator truck surplus, approved a $376,024.02 payment to Valley Paving, approved the Millstream Advisory Committee members, and approved Dan Willenbring as an EDA member and assistant treasurer. A motion to appoint Chris Mowery to the Council failed.

• Appointed Dan Willenbring to City Council (term until Dec 31 2026) – all in favor
• Appointed Ward as acting Mayor – all in favor
• Declared 2003 Spartan Gladiator truck surplus – all in favor
• Approved payment #1 to Valley Paving $376,024.02 – all in favor
• Approved Millstream Advisory Committee members – all in favor
• Approved Dan Willenbring as EDA member and assistant treasurer – all in favor
• Motion to appoint Chris Mowery to Council failed (Miller yes; Goodfellow, Ward, Nyenhuis no)

Planning Commission

The commission approved the agenda and the minutes (amended to note a garage variance) unanimously. A public hearing was scheduled for June 24, 2025 to consider a conditional use permit for installing a bathroom in an accessory structure at 300 Nason Hill Road. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 7:30 pm.

• Agenda approved unanimously
• Minutes approved with amendment (garage variance note) unanimously
• Public hearing set for conditional use permit for bathroom at 300 Nason Hill Rd on June 24, 2025 – approved unanimously
• Consensus to submit facts and findings reports to the assistant clerk before each meeting
• Adjournment approved unanimously

City Council

The council approved the amended agenda, added a liquor‑sale/off‑sale license for 11 Judd Street pending background check, and split the city’s garbage contracts—Gene’s Disposal for residential service and Waste Management for commercial service starting Jan 1 2026. Council members voted to order the removal of four shipping containers at 17977 St. Croix Trail N within 30 days, with enforcement steps if not complied. Ordinance 187 regulating chickens was also approved. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved agenda amendment adding IT to Clerks and Mayors notes, removing fireworks ordinance (unanimous)
• Approved on‑sale/off‑sale liquor license for 11 Judd Street, contingent on background check and state approval (unanimous)
• Approved split garbage contracts: residential to Gene’s Disposal, commercial to Waste Management for three years starting Jan 1 2026 (unanimous)
• Ordered removal of four shipping containers at 17977 St. Croix Trail N within 30 days, with enforcement if not complied (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance 187 regulating chickens within the city (unanimous)

Meeting

The commission approved the minutes from October 29, 2024 unanimously. The partnership team granted a conditional use permit for the Haus lift project in the Riverway, subject to Riverway conditions. The meeting was adjourned at 8:49 p.m.

• Approved October 29, 2024 minutes (unanimous)
• Granted conditional use permit for Haus lift project with Riverway conditions (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

Planning Commission

The commission approved two variances at 360 Robert Street for lot‑size and a front‑garage, with one commissioner abstaining. It also adopted amendments to the agricultural zoning and city codes, including a new passive‑solar greenhouse provision, and sent the changes to the City Council for recommendation. Both the agenda and prior meeting minutes were approved unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m.

• Approved two variances at 360 Robert St. (lot size and front garage) – all in favor, White abstained
• Approved amendment adding “passive solar” greenhouse language and striking prior noise/light limits – vote 5‑2
• Approved agricultural zoning and city code amendments for City Council recommendation – unanimous among voting members (5 aye, one any)
• Approved agenda as amended – unanimous
• Approved February 25, 2025 minutes – unanimous
• Approved March 25, 2025 minutes – all in favor, Smitten abstained
• Adjourned meeting – unanimous

City Council

The City Council approved the meeting agenda, a Conditional Use Permit for 675 Pine Cone Trail, and a $10,477.29 construction contingency for the Village Hall restoration. Council members also voted to create a Millstream Amenities committee and to table the garbage service proposals until May for further comment.

• Approved agenda amendment (all in favor)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for 675 Pine Cone Trail (all in favor)
• Created Millstream Amenities committee (all in favor)
• Approved $10,477.29 construction contingency for J White Builds bid (all in favor)
• Tabled garbage service proposals until May (no vote recorded)

Planning Commission

The commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit for a bathroom at 675 Pine Cone Trail. It also set public hearings for a variance at 375 Judd St., two variances at 360 Robert St., and agricultural code updates, all for April 29. Additional actions included assigning commissioners to review a cannabis cultivation permit and adopting wording changes to the draft agricultural amendments.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved conditional use permit for bathroom at 675 Pine Cone Trail (unanimous)
• Set public hearing for variance at 375 Judd St. for April 29 (unanimous)
• Set public hearing for two variances at 360 Robert St. for April 29 (Warren yes, Casey yes, Hagstrom yes, Henry yes, White abstain, Carr yes)
• Set public hearing for agricultural amendments for April 29 (unanimous)
• Agreed to change “right to garden” clause wording: strike “hobby”, replace with “seasonal produce stand sales” (consensus)
• Agreed to clarify accessory structure square‑footage exemption applies only to farms of 10+ acres (consensus)
• Chair will assign two commissioners to review cannabis cultivation interim use permit (no vote recorded)