Winona public meetings in 2024
23 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Planning Commission
The Winona Planning Commission will approve the December 9, 2024 meeting minutes. It will hold public hearings on the city’s enforcement and Board of Adjustment variance timeline and on a rezoning request to change Main Square West from R‑3 to MU‑DC.
- Approve minutes from the December 9, 2024 meeting
- Public hearing on enforcement and Board of Adjustment variance timeline
- Public hearing on rezoning request for Main Square West from R‑3 to MU‑DC
City Council
The Winona City Council will hold a public hearing to introduce the Housing Trust Fund ordinance. It will also consider temporary on‑sale liquor licenses for the Winona Arts Center and the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, set a hearing date for an easement vacation request related to the Behrens expansion, and approve a donation for wetland restoration in West Lake Park. Several new‑business items will be acted on, including a cannabis registration ordinance, a workforce housing loan agreement, and a grant application for the No Child Left Inside program.
- Public hearing to introduce the Winona Housing Trust Fund ordinance
- Temporary on‑sale liquor licenses for Winona Arts Center and Minnesota Marine Art Museum
- Easement vacation request to accommodate Behrens expansion (hearing set for Jan 6 2025)
- Workforce Housing Development Loan Agreement approval
- American Rescue Plan Act reallocation for Masonic Temple HVAC
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the final plat of the King Jefferson Subdivision. The commission will also discuss proposed amendments to the Unified Development Code regarding enforcement and the Board of Adjustment variance timeline. Routine items include approving the November 25, 2024 meeting minutes and addressing other business.
- Public hearing – Final Plat King Jefferson Subdivision
- Discussion – UDC amendments: enforcement and Board of Adjustment variance timeline
- Approval of minutes from the November 25, 2024 meeting
City Council
The City Council will hold public hearings to consider the 2025 proposed property tax levy, the city budget, and the Visit Winona budget. The body will also discuss ordinance amendments regarding cannabis zoning, business regulations, and park consumption.
- 2025 Proposed Property Tax Levy and Proposed Budget
- Visit Winona 2025 Proposed Budget
- Cannabis Ordinance Amendments regarding zoning, business regulations, and park consumption
- License Agreement for ADA Access Ramp at 251 East 3rd Street
- MNHS Legacy Grant Application for Penguin Zesto at 602 East Third Street
Planning Commission
The Winona Planning Commission will meet on November 25, 2024 to consider several agenda items. Commissioners will approve the minutes from the November 12 meeting, discuss proposed accessory dwelling unit regulations using attached documents, and elect officers. The meeting will also address any other business before adjourning.
- Approval of Minutes – November 12, 2024
- Discussion – Accessory Dwelling Units (review of ADU regulations and related documents)
- Election of Officers
- Other Business
- Adjournment
City Council
The City Council will consider a text amendment to allow private dog parks in the Rural Residential Zoning District. The body is also reviewing agreements for a wastewater treatment plant microturbine project and an ice park land use agreement.
- Public hearing for UDC Text Amendment regarding private dog parks in Rural Residential Zoning
- Microturbine Project and grant acceptance for Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Ice Park Land Use Agreement (Birdsall Land Use Agreement 2024-2025)
- Ordinance to establish a one-hour parking space on Mankato Avenue
- Agreement for Cabin Fever Dash 5K & 10K
Recessed Meeting
The Winona City Council will hold a recessed meeting to certify the recent City General Election results. A motion will be considered to approve the Abstract of Votes for the election held on November 5, 2024. The agenda also includes routine items such as call to order, public hearings, petitions, unfinished business, committee reports, council concerns, a consent agenda, and adjournment.
- Certify results of City General Election – approve Abstract of Votes
Planning Commission
The Winona Planning Commission meeting on November 12, 2024 will approve the minutes from the October 28, 2024 meeting and hold a discussion on accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations, including a deed restriction. No specific items are listed under Other Business. The meeting is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Wenonah Room at City Hall, 207 Lafayette Street.
- Approve minutes from the October 28, 2024 meeting
- Discuss accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations (attachments: ADU 111224.pdf, ADU Regulations 111224.pdf)
- Review accessory dwelling deed restriction (attachment: Accessory Dwelling Deed Restriction (PDF).pdf)
- Other Business (no details provided)
- Adjournment
City Council
The Winona City Council meeting on Nov 4, 2024 will address several items. Council members will hold a public hearing to consider designating the Lake Park Bandshell as a local historic site and will consider a request for a one‑hour parking sign at 403 Mankato Avenue. They will also act on an ordinance to increase liquor‑license fees beginning Jan 1 2025, reallocate American Rescue Plan Act grant funds for fire needs, and set the date for a recessed meeting to certify the city general election results. Additional items include appointments to the Merit Board, a reappointment to the Citizens Environmental Quality Committee, and various consent‑agenda ordinances.
- Public hearing on designating Winona Lake Park Bandshell as a local historic site
- Consideration of a one‑hour parking sign request at 403 Mankato Avenue
- Approval of an ordinance to increase liquor‑license fees effective Jan 1 2025
- Reallocation of American Rescue Plan Act grant funds for fire-related uses
- Setting the recessed‑meeting date (Nov 13, 2024) to certify city general election results
Planning Commission
The Winona Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on zoning for cannabis businesses, reviewing several related documents. It will also discuss regulations for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The commission will approve the minutes from the October 14, 2024 meeting and address any other business.
- Public hearing on zoning for cannabis businesses
- Review of UDC Cannabis Amendments markup v.3
- Discussion of accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations
- Approval of minutes from October 14, 2024 meeting
- Other business
City Council
The Winona City Council meeting on October 21, 2024 will address several public‑hearing items, including proposed liquor‑license fees for 2025 and levy assessments for the 2024 W Broadway Street reconstruction, miscellaneous utilities, sidewalk replacement, and an annexation request for Murphy. Council members will also discuss unfinished business on rezoning 1545 Gilmore Avenue and new business items such as lease and use agreements with the Port Authority for the PDAP project area and the adoption of a resolution for the Echostone subdivision. Each agenda item includes a recommended motion for the council to introduce, adopt, or approve the respective ordinance, resolution, or agreement.
- Proposed Liquor License Fees for 2025 – ordinance introduction
- Levy Assessments for 2024 W Broadway Street Reconstruction – resolution adoption
- Annexation Request – Murphy – ordinance introduction
- Port Authority and City Lease and Use Agreement for PDAP Project Area – approval of agreements
- Rezone of 1545 Gilmore Avenue from R-1 to MU-N – ordinance introduction
Planning Commission
The Winona Planning Commission meeting on Oct. 14, 2024 will approve the September 23, 2024 minutes, hold a public hearing on the Echostone subdivision final plat, and review a Unified Development Code amendment that would permit private dog parks in Rural Residential zones (currently tabled). The commission will also discuss proposed zoning regulations for cannabis businesses. The agenda concludes with other business and adjournment.
- Approve September 23, 2024 meeting minutes
- Public hearing on Echostone Subdivision final plat
- Tabled UDC text amendment to allow private dog parks in Rural Residential zoning
- Review proposed zoning regulations for cannabis businesses
- Other business
City Council
The Winona City Council will consider a rezoning request for 1545 Gilmore Avenue from R-1 to MU-N. The body is also reviewing a proposed fee ordinance for 2025 and renewing towing agreements with Borkowski Towing.
- Public hearing for rezone request of 1545 Gilmore Avenue from R-1 to MU-N
- Proposed Fee Ordinance for 2025
- Renewal of Police and Inspections towing agreements with Borkowski Towing
- Ordinance to place a stop sign on Mark Street
- Community Foundation Grant Agreement
Planning Commission
The Winona Planning Commission will meet on September 23, 2024 to consider several agenda items. Items include approving the September 9, 2024 meeting minutes, tabling a Unified Development Code amendment for private dog parks in the Rural Residential zoning district, a final review of the 2025 Capital Improvement Program, and a discussion of zoning for cannabis businesses. The commission will vote on each item as indicated in the agenda.
- Approve minutes from the September 9, 2024 meeting
- Table Unified Development Code text amendment for private dog parks in Rural Residential zoning
- Final review of the 2025 Capital Improvement Program
- Consider zoning regulations for cannabis businesses
- Other business (unspecified)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
City Council
The Winona City Council will consider a resolution to levy assessments for unpaid charges. It will also vote on several temporary on‑sale liquor licenses, street‑closure requests, and health‑insurance recommendations for 2025. Additional items include a directive on mayor and council salary changes and resolutions related to utility and sidewalk assessments.
- Resolution to levy assessments for unpaid charges
- Temporary on‑sale intoxicating liquor license – Kashubian Cultural Institute
- Winona State University street‑closure request for game day
- 2025 City health‑insurance recommendations on plan designs
- Directive to draft ordinance for mayor and council salary increases
Planning Commission
The Winona Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on rezoning the property at 1545 Gilmore Avenue from single‑family (R‑1) to mixed‑use (MU‑N). The commission will also review the 2025‑2034 Capital Improvements Program and consider a site‑plan application for 1244 Service Drive. A discussion on zoning regulations for cannabis manufacturing and cultivation is on the agenda. The meeting includes routine approval of the August 26, 2024 minutes.
- Rezoning of 1545 Gilmore Avenue from R‑1 to MU‑N (public hearing)
- Review of the 2025‑2034 Capital Improvements Program
- Site‑plan review for 1244 Service Drive (CDJR project)
- Zoning considerations for cannabis manufacturing and cultivation
- Approval of minutes from the August 26, 2024 meeting
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
City Council
The Winona City Council will consider and vote on the 2025 municipal budget and associated tax levy. The council will also adopt a resolution for the Johnson final plat and approve a state grant agreement for airport fencing. Several licensing and appointment items, including a temporary liquor license for the Recreation Alliance, will be approved. A public hearing date for future liquor license fee increases will be set.
- 2025 Budgets and Levy – adopt the resolution
- Johnson Final Plat – adopt the resolution
- State Grant Agreement for Airport Fencing Project – adopt the resolution
- License Agreement for Bridges Health – approve the agreement
- Temporary On‑Sale Intoxicating Liquor License – approve the license for Recreation Alliance of Winona
Planning Commission
The Winona Planning Commission meeting will approve the minutes from August 12, 2024, hold a public hearing on the Johnson Plat, and consider zoning proposals for cannabis businesses. The commission will also address any other business items before adjourning.
- Approval of minutes from the August 12, 2024 meeting
- Public hearing on the Johnson Plat (see Johnson Plat PC Report and related documents)
- Review and possible adoption of zoning regulations for cannabis businesses (see Zoning for Cannabis documents)
- Other business items (unspecified in the agenda)
- Adjournment
City Council
The Winona City Council will consider several items, including a temporary on‑sale liquor license for Hurry Back Productions, a parking ordinance amendment for Fourth Street, and a resolution to schedule a public hearing on levying assessments for unpaid charges. The council will also vote on a professional auditing services contract, a grant application for Mankato Avenue, and an interim ordinance placing a moratorium on new cannabis businesses. The consent agenda, including approval of minutes and other routine items, will be adopted.
- Temporary on‑sale intoxicating liquor license for Hurry Back Productions
- Parking amendments on Fourth Street – revert to 20‑hour parking ordinance
- Resolution to set a public hearing on levying assessments for unpaid charges
- Approval of professional auditing services proposal
- Interim ordinance to impose a moratorium on establishment of cannabis businesses
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two Tourist Home applications (223 East Broadway and 216 Liberty Street). It will consider a UDC text amendment to permit private dog parks. The commission will review the site plan for a hotel development at 60 Main Street. An introduction on zoning for cannabis businesses will also be presented.
- Public Hearing – 223 East Broadway Tourist Home IUP
- Public Hearing – 216 Liberty Street Tourist Home IUP
- UDC Text Amendment – Private Dog Parks
- Site Plan Review – 60 Main Street hotel project
- Introduction – Zoning for Cannabis Businesses
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
City Council
The Winona City Council will hold a public hearing on a proposed moratorium for cannabis businesses and consider introducing a new interim ordinance. A rezoning request for 1545 Gilmore Avenue (R‑1 to B‑2) will be voted on for approval or denial. Several liquor license applications and multiple grant and lease agreements, including airport projects, will also be reviewed and acted upon.
- Moratorium on Cannabis Businesses – introduce interim ordinance
- Public Hearing – Rezone Request 1545 Gilmore Avenue R‑1 to B‑2 – approve or deny
- On‑Sale Intoxicating Liquor Licenses – The Lafayette – approve licenses
- Airport Lease Agreement Update – approve and authorize execution
- FAA Grant for Winona Airport Fencing Project – approve and authorize execution
Planning Commission
The Winona Planning Commission will approve the minutes from its July 8, 2024 meeting. It will consider a rezoning request to change the designation of 1545 Gilmore Avenue from R‑1 to B‑2, which is presented as a tabled item with a denial resolution attached. The agenda also includes an item for other business before adjourning.
- Approve minutes from July 8, 2024 (attachment 07082024.pdf)
- Table rezoning request to change 1545 Gilmore Avenue from R‑1 to B‑2 (denial resolution attached)
- Other business (no details provided)
City Council
The Winona City Council will consider a series of approvals, including several on‑sale and temporary liquor licenses, street‑closure requests, and an annexation of Murphy. It will also act on a new code of conduct, a transit service agreement with Winona State University, a property transfer to the Port Authority, a legacy grant amendment, and an investment report. A key item is the award of a contract to Wapasha Construction for repairs to the Lake Park bandshell, authorizing the transfer of funds.
- Award Contract for Lake Park Bandshell Repairs – award to Wapasha Construction, authorize fund transfer
- Proposed Transfer of Property to the Port Authority – adopt resolution
- Renewal of Winona State University Transit Service Agreement – approve and authorize execution
- Annexation Request – Murphy – adopt resolution
- City Council Code of Conduct Policy – approve rules of procedure and code of conduct