East Bethel City Council — Transcript
Monday, September 14, 2026
Preliminary Levy and Budget for 2027
Nuisance Firearms Ordinance Amendment
Regulation of Short-Term Rentals
Anoka County Election Integrity
North Country Concrete Site Plan Review
Daniel and Jacqueline Daycart Variance Request
Viking Meadows Phase 3 Final Plat
Midco Broadband Expansion Grant
Finance Director Resignation and Replacement
Commission Appointments
Votes (17)
Preliminary Levy and Budget for 2027
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member [0:06:55] · Seconded by Council Member [0:06:56]
Staff presented a 7% increase in the general fund expenditure budget ($498,700), resulting in a 5.8% general levy increase ($384,900). Overall, the general tax levy, debt service levy, EDA levy, and HA levy would increase by 5.9% ($401,000). Key drivers included union contracts (3% COLA, cafeteria contribution), new positions (Community Development Director, intern), law enforcement contract increase, Metro Inet consortium, audit contract, equipment replacement fund, street capital fund, and park capital fund increases. A council member questioned if high property valuations bring more revenue to the city, to which staff clarified that revenue is set by the budget, and new development doesn't increase total levy unless the budget is increased. The process for lowering the levy before the final adoption date (December 14th) was also discussed.
Preliminary Property Tax Levy and Budget for 2027 (Resolution 2026-44)
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member [0:07:35] · Seconded by Council Member [0:07:37]
Part of the overall preliminary budget discussion, specifically for the property tax levy. A council member inquired about the process to lower the levy if deemed possible, with staff confirming it could be brought to a council meeting anytime before December 14th.
Preliminary Economic Development Authority (EDA) Property Tax Levy and Budget for 2027 (Resolution 2026-45)
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member [0:08:24] · Seconded by Council Member [0:08:27]
This resolution was part of the set of four resolutions for the preliminary 2027 levies and budget. No specific discussion occurred beyond the general budget presentation.
Preliminary 2027 Housing Authority (HA) Levy and Budget (Resolution 2026-46)
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member [0:08:50] · Seconded by Council Member [0:08:52]
This resolution was part of the set of four resolutions for the preliminary 2027 levies and budget. No specific discussion occurred beyond the general budget presentation.
Ordinance Amendment Regarding Firearms and Disorderly Conduct
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member [0:13:03] · Seconded by Council Member [0:13:10]
The proposed ordinance amendment, discussed in previous work sessions, refines Chapter 4 of the city's firearms ordinance to address nuisance discharge. It incorporates Minnesota State Statute 609.72 on disorderly conduct and includes language regarding firearm confiscation. Staff emphasized that the amendment targets 'reckless discharge, continuous discharge' that is 'over the top' and upsets neighbors, not ordinary target shooting or hunting, relying on officer discretion. A public hearing was opened and closed without public comments.
Law Enforcement Contract
Dissent: Suzanne [0:32:06]
Moved by Council Member [0:32:00] · Seconded by Council Member [0:32:01]
A council member proposed tabling the contract due to outstanding questions and a planned meeting with the sheriff to discuss potential hour reductions and community comparisons. Staff clarified that while the preliminary budget impact requires action, the contract itself does not need to be signed until the final levy adoption in December, allowing for further negotiations. Concerns were raised about the sheriff's obligation to provide service without an approved contract, with staff suggesting it could lead to a loss of dedicated police service.
Undefined Consent Agenda Item F
Dissent: Council Member [0:32:30]
Moved by Council Member [0:32:32] · Seconded by Council Member [0:32:33]
The item was pulled from the consent agenda due to a council member abstaining, though no specific details of the item were discussed in the transcript.
Resignation of Finance Director Mike Zowski and Authorization of Posting Position
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member [0:34:52] · Seconded by Council Member [0:34:53]
The council acknowledged the resignation of Finance Director Mike Zowski, expressing gratitude for his 13 years of stellar service. Discussion focused on how to fill the multiple roles he held (Finance Director, HR, Deputy City Administrator). Staff proposed posting for a Finance Director, absorbing HR duties internally, and temporarily not filling the Deputy City Administrator role. The new position would have a different pay structure.
Irrigation Quote for Viking Meadows
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member [0:35:56] · Seconded by Council Member [0:35:58]
A council member questioned why the city was funding irrigation at Viking Meadows. Staff clarified that the city is utilizing park dedication fees collected from the developer for park improvements, including irrigation, making it an appropriate use of those funds.
North Country Concrete Site Plan Review
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member [0:37:44] · Seconded by Council Member [0:37:50]
The application for site plan review for exterior storage improvements at North Country Concrete was presented, which included crushed asphalt millings, fencing, landscaping, lighting, grading, and storm water management. The Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions. Council members noted the top-notch quality of the existing operation, the industrial zoning, and staff confirmed compliance with city lighting and storm water requirements. Concerns about future neighbor complaints were acknowledged but deemed manageable within the industrial zoning context.
Daniel and Jacqueline Daycart Variance Request
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member [0:50:50] · Seconded by Council Member [0:50:51]
The Daycarts requested variances for an attached garage with living space above and exterior stairs, affecting setbacks from Eastfront Boulevard and a northerly side setback, separation from the ordinary high watermark for stairs, and impervious surface standards in the Shoreland Zone. The Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions, including specific setbacks, limiting roof overhangs to six inches, removal of an existing shed, and redesigning lakeside stairs. Council discussed the unique design, the necessity of permits for any plumbing in the living space, and practical concerns regarding future well servicing access due to tight lot lines.
Proposed Short-Term Rentals Ordinance (Chapter 51)
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member [1:02:59] · Seconded by Council Member [1:03:00]
Staff presented a proposed ordinance to establish Chapter 51, regulating short-term rentals (STRs) with a hybrid approval process: administrative licenses for lower-intensity STRs (3 or fewer bedrooms, homestead, <=120 days available, outside Shoreland, >250ft from another STR) and Interim Use Permits (IUPs) for higher-intensity or lake-area operations to facilitate public engagement. The ordinance includes standards for occupancy, rental duration (max 21 days), parking, septic, a responsible party, and prohibits prohibited events. The Planning Commission recommended approval. However, following public comments from STR owners expressing concern about penalizing law-abiding operations, the council decided to table the ordinance for further review and input, aiming to prevent undue burden on responsible landlords.
Amendments to Chapter 50 (Short-Term Rentals)
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member [1:09:12] · Seconded by Council Member [1:09:13]
This item, related to short-term rentals, was tabled to coincide with the previous discussion and decision to table the main short-term rental ordinance.
Final Plat by King Metals Phase Three (Viking Meadows Third Edition)
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member [1:17:53] · Seconded by Council Member [1:17:55]
The final plat for Viking Meadows Third Edition, including 52 residential lots (20 'liberties' at 50ft wide, others 70ft wide) and three outlots, was approved. The developer, Tom Bacher (Capstone Homes), reported significant sales (44 homes sold) and ongoing construction in earlier phases. He also highlighted substantial park dedication contributions ($162,000 to date, with an additional $43,000 for this phase). Outlot A will be dedicated to the city, while outlots B and C will remain undeveloped for future phases.
Midco Broadband Expansion Grant Funding
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member [1:22:04] · Seconded by Council Member [1:22:05]
The council considered approving the submission of documents to Anoka County to receive a $1,019,800 grant for broadband expansion with Midco. This project, initiated in 2023 with ARPA dollars, aimed to improve internet connectivity in northern Anoka County, including East Bethl, Bethl, and Lynwood, with East Bethl handling the financial aspects through a joint powers agreement. The project, approximately 90% complete, involves Midco and the county co-funding. Residents are not charged for fiber installation, only for access to Midco services.
Appointment of Liaison to Upper Rum Water Management Organization
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member [1:28:44] · Seconded by Council Member [1:28:46]
Council member Brian reported on a vacancy in the Upper Rum Water Management Organization (URWMO) liaison role and offered to fill it for two upcoming meetings (November for budget, January for the 10-year plan). This temporary appointment was deemed crucial to ensure city representation during important discussions.
Appointment of Mayor to Parks Commission
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member [1:29:43] · Seconded by Council Member [1:29:45]
Staff noted a vacancy on the Parks Commission, and the Mayor volunteered to serve as the liaison. The council then formally approved this appointment.
Notable Quotes (21)
the city establishes a budget. Let's call it a pie. Everybody gets a slice of that pie... we don't get more revenue coming in. We establish our pie or we establish our budget. That's the amount of money that we're levying and that does not change with the amount of u development that occurs unless we increase that budget.
when you look at your property tax statement you have to isolate out the city portion because that's the only thing this board can control
we need some method of control for um shall we call it maybe punitive discharge of weapons to upset neighbors.
I think what we had was a situation where um there was reckless discharge, continuous discharge. I mean, it was just I think nine out of 10 people would probably have said that was a little over the top, you know, type of thing.
we wouldn't be able to necessarily authorize the contract until a final levy is adopted because that would be the funding source for that contract.
No, it's called negotiation. We'll talk to him and see where we go with it.
the finance director position would be the position we're advertising for. He did um HR work as well. We have an internal person that came from doing HR work, FA, and we think that she would be well suited to um taking on those duties.
the operation that they got going right now is in my view topnotch. Their equipment, everything is like in order.
Well, the ordinance requires them to be at full cutoff and limiting the height and limiting the the the foot candles.
The principal issue is whether the requested variances satisfy the city's practical difficulties criteria.
if they if they could do it and they're desiring to do it, they would have to meet all the city's requirements for um uh habitability.
it creates a hybrid approval process under which lower intensity short-term rentals may qualify for an administrative license while higher intensity operations and those near lakes which is where many of them are would require an interim use permit and separate public review.
The intent of the planning commission or thought of the planning commission was that the interim use permit process would enable public discussion and public engagement about what might be going on at a given property and their application.
I think we should table this until we because the last thing I want to do is punish law-abiding uh Airbnb rental owners.
this does mirror other cities that have short-term rental ordinances. So that was kind of a basis to help us guide us through generating them.
the interim use permit is intentionally designed to require civic engagement. Um it can't be the city can't be arbitrary in denying it mind you. So if they've supplied the application they meet the test as we outlined in the ordinance city really can't deny it but for good cause.
out of those 52 lots is 20 of them will be liberties and those are our 50 foot wide uh product and then the remaining would be the 70 foot wide product.
madam council member we've contributed already 162,000 to park dedication... this next phase will we'll add another 43,000 for park dedication as well.
we were able to get um uh a grant agreement with the NOA County for a million19,800 for broadband expansion with Midco.
Midco was bringing money to the table, county was bringing money to the table to get this done and so far over a million has been completed.
right now [clears throat] we do not have a lizen for the upper room because that was Mr. Miller's role. Um uh normally with the water management organizations if you miss a couple meetings it's not that in the world uh but talking about a couple things are coming up on the upper room uh next two meetings one in November one in January one will be having budget discussions and one will be having uh starting the 10-year plan for the upper room.
Ordinances & Resolutions (40)
General discussion item for the 2027 city budget.
Proposed amendment to the city code regarding firearm discharge and disorderly conduct.
Resolution setting the date for final levy and budget adoption for 2027.
Resolution setting the preliminary property tax levy and budget for 2027.
Resolution setting the preliminary Economic Development Authority (EDA) property tax levy and budget for 2027.
Resolution setting the preliminary Housing Authority (HA) levy and budget for 2027.
Existing city code chapter related to firearms, which is being amended.
State statute defining disorderly conduct, referenced in the firearms ordinance amendment.
The specific proposed ordinance amendment for nuisance firearms.
Anoka County resolution that an election integrity team recommended be amended.
Memo from Anoka County threatening Oak Grove with a felony for using paper poll pads.
Draft ordinance for regulating short-term rentals, presented for discussion.
City plan mentioned as being due for an update.
Contract with the sheriff's department for police services, discussed for renewal.
Application type for North Country Concrete's exterior storage improvements.
Previously approved for exterior storage on North Country Concrete's property in 2024.
Planning Commission resolution recommending approval of North Country Concrete's site plan.
City Council resolution approving North Country Concrete's site plan review.
Specific design document for North Country Concrete's site plan, dated August 25th, 2026.
Application type for Daniel and Jacqueline Daycart's garage and stairs construction.
City Council resolution approving Daniel and Jacqueline Daycart's variance request.
Proposed new chapter in the city code for regulating short-term rentals.
Planning Commission resolution recommending approval of the short-term rental ordinance.
Proposed city ordinance establishing Chapter 51 for short-term rentals.
Proposed resolution to update city fee schedule for short-term rental administrative and renewal fees.
A type of permit required for higher-intensity or certain short-term rental operations.
A type of license for lower-intensity short-term rental operations.
A separate agenda item related to short-term rentals, tabled for later discussion.
Proposed final plat for approval, including 52 residential lots and outlots.
Master plan approved February 12th, 2024, for Viking Meadows.
Resolution approving the preliminary plat and PUD for Viking Meadows.
City Council resolution approving the Viking Meadows Third Edition final plat.
Agreement required between the city and developer prior to plat recording.
Document related to stormwater management required before construction.
Agreement for federal ARPA funds for broadband infrastructure.
Federal funding source for the broadband expansion project.
Agreement between East Bethl, Bethl, and Lynwood for broadband project financial management.
Requirement for water management organizations, subject of state agency dispute.
Upcoming planning discussion for the Upper Rum Water Management Organization.
Previously amended city ordinance allowing roosters.