6:30. So I will bring the planning commission meeting to order. First order or first item on the agenda is the approval of the agenda. >> I get a motion >> approve. >> Second. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I >> I unanimous approval. Second item is approval of minutes from July 27th, 2026. >> I move approval. Second. >> All those in favor? >> I >> I again unanimous. >> We have two public hearings on um the agenda for today. Um Nick, do you want to walk us through them? >> Yeah, sure. Uh thank you, chair, members of the commission. Um the first item on your agenda here is a uh setback variance um at 4246 Creekide Way. Um this is for a um a deck that is kind of in in construction. There was some work on a retaining wall um that prompted some repairs to the footings and then as we went through the process figured out that the previous deck permit that we issued the footings had been inspected but nothing done beyond that. So um upon looking at that um it was determined there was about a 6 in encroachment into the rear setback. Um, so one of the options was for the applicants, property owners to apply for a setback variance to be given that relief. Um, that's what they have done. Um, and kind of gave that little history in your your staff report. Um, but as with all our our variance requests, I've outlined the standard variance criteria for you to consider and how those should be applied. Um, remember that when looking at variances, you need to check all the boxes in order to be sufficiently uh approved. Um, so keep that in mind as you have your discussion. Um, we did send out notice of this hearing um to those within 500 ft. Um, did not get any written comments in advance of the hearing. Um, based on the number of people here, we might have some that would like to comment during the public hearing. Um, so with that being said, um, if you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer that. Um but do open in the public hearing um give everyone the chance to speak and then um close the hearing and discuss amongst yourself before uh making a recommendation to the city council. Um your three options would be to recommend approval based on certain findings and sub to any conditions you wish to add. Um a motion to deny um based on findings or to table the request until your next meeting if more information is needed. >> Any questions for Nick before I open the hearing? No. Okay, then I will open the public hearing. Anyone wish to speak on this issue. >> Good evening. >> Um, state your name and your address, please. >> Yes. Uh, my name is Houston Droll. I uh represent uh Renee and Jeffrey Worth. Um, I'm their attorney. Okay. >> Um, so reside in the city of Minatrista, but I >> Okay. Your address though still? >> Yeah. So my address 30 South 9th Street um 7th floor Minneapolis, Minnesota. >> Great. Thanks. >> Um so the worths are the owners of the property located at 4246 Creek Sideway. And uh like Mr. Wilson said, they're request is is narrow. They're seeking a rear yard setback variance um to reduce the required setback by uh six inches. So from 20 feet to 19 and a half feet. Um Mr. Olson gave, you know, somewhat of a rundown of of what was going on. So, I won't rehash everything he he set forth, but um in terms of whether the uh situation was intentional, whether the setback was intentionally encroached or it was created inadvertently. Um the words understand the city's concern and they're not trying to avoid that issue whatsoever, but the the history of the construction here really does matter. So, the the footing locations were approved on May 5, 2021, and the contractor put the posts in the middle of the approved footing locations, and then the beam and the deck were placed above the posts, and they didn't they didn't place them any further over the posts than were where the posts were exactly located. Um, so the WORs were under the impression that the the deck, you know, fit within the city's requirements. The city came out and approved the footing locations. They placed the posts in the middle of the of the footing locations and uh they built the deck right over those posts. So there was no understanding there was no intent to encroach over the setback. The result was a mere 6 in uh encroachment. Um so there was in terms of whether this situation was created by the land owner um the land owner it was completely inadvertent. It had nothing to do with intentionally creating a larger deck than what was necessary. Um it was just uh they they thought they were following the process and they didn't realize that there was this setback uh encroachment until the city came out for the retaining wall issue. So, the retaining wall had been wearing away and it affected the footing locations and the um at that time the inspector measured the the setback how far the deck was from the the property line and noticed that encroachment. It wasn't until then that the WRs were aware of that encroachment. >> You said the retaining wall um affected the footing placement. What do you mean? >> The the retaining wall protected uh uh affected the they compromised the footings. >> Oh, okay. So, they had to be rebuilt and they were moved or >> So, the footings had had to be replaced. >> Okay. >> The the footings were were compromised. >> No, I'm following. Thank you. >> Sorry. >> Um I think the the worst one of one of their immediate concerns is the safety of the location. Right now the ground around the deck is completely torn up and there is exposed rebar and there is um exposed footings that go about 50 in deep. So obviously the concern is neighbors surrounding and kids and the the safety of the location. So that's their immediate concern. I think that um uh granting their variance would allow them to uh complete that work and safely stabilized the the the property in the in the deck. Um that's that's all I have unless there are further questions. >> Yeah. >> Can I interject text? Sorry. >> Um hello. Uh I had a question um or several questions. Um, who was the builder? Was it a a contractor that had done a lot of decks or do you know any of the history? >> I don't I'm not familiar with who the exact contractor was. Um, but >> it was a contractor. >> It was a contractor. It wasn't the homeowner didn't build this deck himself. Oh, >> okay. Uh it it was a contractor um who had placed the the the posts in the footing locations and had built put put in the beams did the entire deck construction. >> Oh, okay. And if it was a contractor, then why didn't the contractor know that they had to do a final inspection, you know, back when they actually built the deck? >> That'd be a great question for the contractor. It wasn't there was no there was no uh intent to avoid a final inspection. Um it's our understanding as well that a contractor usually closes out the permit. Um but uh it was there was no intent by the homeowner here to avoid a final inspection. Again, it's it's a 6-in encroachment, so uh it's hardly visible with the naked eye. And if they had intended to build a massive deck that approached, not sure they'd do it by 6 in. >> Um, so and again, they didn't realize that uh there had been a setback encroachment until the city came out to address the uh footing locations for the retaining. >> Okay. Thank you. Appreciate it. >> Where is the six inches? >> The six inches is on the corner of the deck. Yeah. >> Um, it is on the the left side there. >> I guess it's like the northwest corner. >> The the right side. So the I believe it's the east corner is and is within the setback requirement. It's the the west corner that is approaching by about >> to the north by 6 in >> by 6 in. And the easiest resolution is to just move it back six inches or just leave it and go with approve on our part. >> So the the the particular deck I think I think it's fair to ask. Can you just move it back six inches? But the the deck in question has has planters. It had as a water system. It has uh a waterproof uh boat underneath >> and uh it would require substantial >> okay >> construction of the deck and then on top of that there's been an issue of getting a contractor out there who will it's it's the entire ground is torn up. So to put a ladder on top you know it's just presents a serious safety issue for any contractor. There's been an issue with getting a contractor to come out and quote it or get >> right I was out there yesterday with the owner. It needs to be cleaned up and put away pretty quick here. But >> yeah. >> Okay. >> And and again, that's the somewhat of the immediacy and the concern is that there's exposed rebar. It's torn up. There's children in the neighborhood and we want to get this taken care of as quickly as possible. >> I have any questions? >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> And you'd like to speak, go ahead. your name and the address, please. >> My name is Dave Loots, address 4248 Creekide Way. I'm the next door neighbor of Jeff and Renee Worth, and I'm here to speak on their behalf for the variance request. So, while I understand their guidelines and processes to consider, I'm here to speak to the character of Jeff and Renee as Minatrista residents. Uh, I've known Jeff and Renee since we both built our houses together in 2018. They're honest, kind, and valued residents uh of Minitrista and the Woodland Cove community. Uh just to illustrate this, when my boy asked where we're going tonight, he said and found out where we were going, he said, "Can I come to uh speak on their behalf?" So, uh beloved neighbors, um they give us Say it again. >> Did your son come? >> No, we told him to stay at home and watch the dogs. So, yeah. uh they give much more than they take. I'm hopeful the city will work with them uh on the completion of the project, including the deck variance to keep it as is. Um as you can see, all the neighbors are here to support Jeff and Renee. Uh thank you for your consideration. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Would anyone else like to speak? >> My name is Paul McKini and my wife Michelle wishes she could be here, too. Um, our address is 6771 Big Woods Drive and we are directly uh behind uh so we're in the in the backyard or not in the backyard but uh it's it's a 6-in variance I understand and I understand uh the character you know it just looks amazing um as is. Um Dave mentioned the planters and there also some trees that just beautify the whole uh landscape and um it's an upper and lower deck. It's substantial. Um, and uh, every year my wife comments, "Oh, so this is ministing job." So, um, we would request that, uh, the variance be uh, granted. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> Hi, my name is Ian Devon. I live at 4244 Creek Sideway. So on the west side there, the you know the other remaining neighbor um as far I you scrolled past it pretty quickly, but I'm fairly confident that all of those particulars um to approve the variance are in order specifically that I I do not believe that this is something that the homeowner could have avoided in any real capacity. Um I don't think that there's that the encroachment is indeed minor and it does not negatively impact any of us neighbors. We all like to like to generally see this approved and moved on from pretty quickly. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> You >> anyone else? All right. Well, I will close the public hearing. >> We can discuss. >> Why is this even here? I mean, >> I was going to say I wish we had this kind of turnout. >> A 6 in is this is fabulous turnout. And what great neighbors. >> Is there a reason the city brought this to our attention, Nick, or that >> because it doesn't meet the requirements? 6 in 6 feet. >> In it all the same. I know it's minor, but they all get treated the same, >> right? >> Yep. >> Yeah. I was going to say I I thought the same thing when I read through everything and I know that there was concern around um not having the final approvals in place and I thought you had good questions to say, you know, where did that come from? I know, you know, speaking myself, having contractors at different cities and different houses, like it is an expectation that they take care of that, not me as the homeowner. So, I can see how that happened um how it was explained and it was it was in compliant on one side, not the other. I thought it was pretty minor. I'm fine approving it. >> Yeah, me too. I um I know that we have to consider all three pieces because we need to be good stewards of the cities, but I do feel like the property owner um obviously is using the property in a reasonable ma reasonable manner. So that that's kind of a no-brainer. And then um with this explanation, it does make sense to me that the plight of the landowner is not due to circumstances um that were created by them. It seems like the contractor might have made a mistake here. And now to correct, it seems unreasonable and it and the neighbors are all in support. So I think we're all all three are covered. So >> agree. >> Would anyone like to make a motion? I move we approve. I don't have the language or comment. >> I think we have a motion to approve and a second. All those in favor? >> I I >> So, we will make this recommendation to the city council. >> That'll go I think it's September 9th, Wednesday for final action. >> Thank you. >> Beautiful support. That's so nice to see. >> It's really coming. >> Thank you all coming in. >> Thank you for serving. >> Yes. >> Yes. So, this is a recommendation that will go to the city council and then they'll make a will this um be the on the agenda next >> September 9th. I think it's a Wednesday after Labor Day. So, >> so they'll take our recommendation and they'll make a final decision. >> I'm so sorry. That's miserable. >> Is it safe that it will stay or >> I mean based on you know it's a unanimous recommendation so I mean it's fair to assume. Yeah. Yes. >> Sure. >> Sure. I'm sure. >> Thank you, Jim. >> Thank you. >> You don't have to hang out if you don't want to. >> I don't know. These meetings are pretty exciting. >> Okay. And we have a second variance request request next on our agenda. Nick, would you knock walk us through that one? >> Yes. Uh, thank you, chair, members of the commission. Um the second public hearing on your agenda is another variance. Um it's from the repairarian viewshed setback um at 960 Maplerest Drive. Um the applicants are seeking to cons, you know, uh construct a new deck. There's an existing deck there. They're going to take it off and replace it with a larger deck. Um it does extend past the line of sight setback. Um hence why we are here uh this evening. Um again looking at your staff report um outline the same variance criteria. Um this one seems a little more um straightforward as well um in terms of the the variance criteria um and feel that um this does satisfy all the variance criteria as outlined in your staff report. Um so we did send out um notices to those within 500 ft. Um we did speak to one property owner but did not get any written comment. um with regards to the request. Um so that being said, just like the last item, I do hold the public hearing, give anyone present the opportunity to speak. Um after that, close the hearing and then discuss amongst yourself before making a recommendation to the city council. In this instance, it would be a recommendation um the recommended action would be a recommendation of approval um based on certain findings and um subject to conditions. >> Any questions for Nick? and I will open the public hearing. Your name and address, please. >> Hi, I'm Natalie Quinn and I live at 960 Maplerrest Drive. I am the one that is requesting um for this variance to replace our existing deck and just make it more functional. When we bought the house, um we didn't understand why it was built that way. It's very hard to navigate from east to west. Um, and we've been there now for like 5 years and we really don't even use the deck because of the fact that it's hard to get from side to side. There's 22 ines um on the south side and you kind of got to have you walk sideways and then on the corners there's only 13 in to get around. So, it's like really hard to even like move plants or any furniture to get them up on the deck. Um, the way that our house sits on the lot, the lots are angled and on the west side of our property, there is a a tree line that has uh deciduous trees and conifers on it. So, um, those neighbors really don't you can't really see. It blocks pretty much our deck anyway. Um, and then on the east side, we have a cedar fence and a large um, crab apple tree. And that's also our neighbor's um uh garage. So his house sits a little higher up and then would say like the part of his house that he uses or not the deck part, it's or not the a garage part is further to the east. So as far as site length, I don't it doesn't seem like we would be impeding on anybody's site. >> Okay. Questions? No question. Did you talk to any of your neighbors regarding >> We have I that's I thought one of my neighbors actually sent in a letter. He had text. >> Well, there is one you >> There is on the packet >> the >> I did forget that there is. Yeah. >> There's a letter in um international travel when they're in support. >> Yeah. >> And then I did talk to Ron and Sean who live on the um that would be on the the west side of us and they are fine with it too. Okay. Yeah. >> How much additional are you adding in the deck then? From >> It would be six feet. We were requesting >> further from the what? From the house edge. >> Yes. >> That's what we thought would be enough to be able to kind of navigate back and forth. But >> Okay. >> And yeah, we're working with Cella there um who is doing the work for us. And >> okay, >> thank you. >> Thanks. >> Any anyone else? You're not here, right? Okay. So, I will close the public hearing. Just didn't want to assume >> people are nervous. >> You're doing great. >> Okay. Okay, so the public hearing is closed. Um I I read through this and didn't see anything that popped out at me. It kind of made sense to me, but did you guys >> No, I went over and look at it. It was clearly too narrow the way it is right now. I mean, I could barely get through. >> I don't think I could, honestly. >> It wasn't even a catwalk. >> So, yeah, I think that the changes make sense. And and the other thing I was looking at specifically was the the the neighbor setback view and I don't see any they're there. I mean you draw the line like you can see that the red line there is indeed in the viewshed area but it's unre it's not affected because there's trees there's a hill on one side. So I don't think it's really interfering with any neighbors. >> I had a question for Nick. How does that work? If if the a deck could be a variance issue because of you can see it from a line of sight. Why would trees I mean blocking a view essentially if you're trying to maybe block a lake view or I don't what is the is it just because it's in line of sight to see a deck or is it because it's obstructing a different type of view. >> What do you mean in terms of the why trees are allowed is what you're asking? >> Yeah. So I mean if evergreens are allowed to block a sight line, why is a deck not allowed? >> Yeah, it's a good question. Um, we do have an exemption or it talks about like a a wall offense or a hedge in that, but I mean individual trees. Not much we can really do about that. It depends on how they're maintained and how they grow and up to interpretation on if it's a hedge or not. >> Yeah. >> If it's not a hedge, if it's just a stand of trees, >> not much ours can do about it. But like a wall fence or hedge, we do have some. But it could essentially replace a deciduous tree with a kind of coniferous tree and skirt around it. >> Yeah. I mean, >> just interesting. Yeah. Just maybe verbiage in the variance. >> So, our code doesn't legislate against freeze. >> I'm okay with that. I think >> again it's a good question. >> We just have to say what can we control and this is the only path of kind of having any control. But it's a good question. >> Yeah. Just curious. >> Yeah. I don't see any issues. Okay. Well, if we're in alignment, do I hear a motion? Like to make a motion. Page 25 if it's helpful. >> I have to find it. I lost it. >> Page 25 is the language. >> No, I didn't open it as a document. >> Okay, I can make the motion. Um, we recommend that city council approve the requested repairing of Duchess setback variance at 960 Maplerest Drive based on certain findings of fact outlined in the staff report and subject to the following conditions. Any required grading shall maintain existing drainage patterns or improve the existing drainage patterns of the lot and adjacent lots. The applicants shall obtain all necessary permits and approvals from the city and other applicable entities with jurisdiction over the property prior to any construction. Applicants are responsible for all fees incurred by the city in review of this application and the variance approval is valid for one year from the state of approval date of approval and will become void and expire unless a building permit has been issued for the site. >> Second. >> Yeah. All those in favor? >> I. >> There we go. >> And it passes unanimously. So again, >> same thing. >> Recommendation. It'll go the Wednesday after Labor Day is the 9th of September. So for final action. >> Yep. >> Thank you for coming. >> You're welcome. >> Make sure you get that final inspection so you don't have to come back in four or five years. >> Exactly. >> We don't want to do that again. >> I did have a question on the final inspection because like that is up to the contractors, right? That's how I've always had in my experiences. >> Thanks. Thank you. >> Yep. You're very welcome. >> The contractor has to sign off on it. >> Yeah, they have to fix it. >> They coordinate the inspection. They make sure everything is >> right. >> Interesting. >> Makes you wonder if they knew and they didn't want to get in trouble with the homeowner because they messed up. I >> mean, the fact that it was legal on one side, not on the other, maybe it was a mistake. I don't know. just typically as like a normal homeowner, you don't know process, you know, and you assume that you're hiring a contractor that to own part of that process for you. >> Um, so >> you need to fit a grill on your deck and you needed six inches, you know. >> Do we have a list of contractors who work to hoil and those who don't? And >> we don't generally keep a I mean, you keep a mental note maybe, but there's no running list or anything like that. Well, then they live in um Walden Cove and so then there's the HOA usually has to also approve, right? So you have your HOA approval, you have the city approval, then you have your contractor doing the work. You're assuming that they're getting the final and kind of sign off. That's just an interesting one. >> It was >> um I thought and I don't know how often that happens, you know, but >> pretty rare. >> It's rare. I mean, I think there's been like there's that I think this is like the thirdish one in 12 years. >> Yeah, it's not >> but it happens. Not common. >> Were the other two intentional or do they get the approved variance as well? >> It's always hard to say. >> Well, those are the talking in >> um they're all generally minor. Um but yeah, they happen. Then for this one, so say in 20 years she has to replace the deck, >> then do they have to apply for a variance again or are they sort of grandfathered in with their bigger by six feet deck >> that's new shed? Like if they go to to replace the deck and they need new footings and have to pull a new permit >> if it's the same. I mean you could do the maintenance. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But as long as you're not expanding if they're expanding it they got to come back through. >> You have to pour new footings then that's still fine. Just curious. >> Mhm. variance for the footings or for the edge of the deck. >> Um, it's usually the deck surface area. >> Yeah, I was going to say so >> they can do some really cool canty lever stuff now. >> Yeah. No, some people I I always get asked about it. I always get asked about it. >> Some people are creative. >> Yeah. >> And I was thinking also knowing that they're in Woodland Cove and just like the timing of when they probably when they were talking about when they built the deck 2021 >> and retaining wall and stuff. I would be upset if it only lasted 5 years. >> Yeah. You know, I would I whoever did that work, I would be like, "This should have stood up. My retain wall should have lasted more than 5 years." Like, >> I have a feeling this has been a bit of a nightmare for them. >> Yeah, that's what I was guessing, too. >> Did anybody else see that first one, Jeff's? >> No. >> Or the >> I didn't go over there. I looked on the map, so I knew it was in Woodland Cove because I saw it was in the woods and so I just kind of gauged the maps online, but I didn't go over there. I mean, he had done several things to improve the safety for the kids, you know, removing rocks that were falling down. They had a rock retaining wall. They put in a concrete wall. I mean, it was significant. I thought that they were working very hard to make it work. >> But >> well, I mean, you could tell like that neighbor support. >> I know. Wow. >> I've never seen that. >> The first thing I said when I came into the one of these guys, I was like, gosh, I'm surprised there's such a showing for like what's on the agenda tonight. >> Three or three more things on the agenda. Speaking of the agenda, >> if we get back to that, >> moving on. >> Um, we have moved to theformational items section of our meeting. Uh, staff reports next. >> Yeah. Um, so I guess looking back at our last agenda, I think the only outstanding item is the the development west of St. Bonnie. Um, still working on the traffic study, so that hasn't went to council yet. Um, I think the other three items have all made their way through the council and were all approved. So, um, >> Nick, can you clarify for me, too, cuz I was at I think I'm getting a little bit confused because there were two developments off of seven. >> Okay. >> I want to say if they were both on one side, one was like across the street from the other one by St. Bonnie, right? Was there two in the last year that were off of Seven near St. Bonnie? >> Well, one west and one east. Yeah. One right by Woodland Cove and then one west of St. Bonnie. >> Okay. So, one is going forward and one isn't. Is that what the current status is? >> No, they're both moving forward. One, they're just working through the process. Some items are taking longer than others to get completed. >> Okay. So, there and the reason why I was asking cuz I was at one of the um meetings. I know you were there for sure. You're probably there. Um, and it was when there was definitely some public concern and it was a lot around the seven traffic and I couldn't remember if it if cuz I'm a alternate so I'm not always at this one but I don't know if it was the first one or the second. >> That was the one that was closer to Woodland Cove that you were at and there were very similar concerns. It was a very similar discussion about Highway 7 and that's the one he said that they're still working through the traffic study for the one by St. Bonnie. >> Right. So then, you know, there was a concern on the first one that came forward, right, with all those houses. Now there's a second one. So now we're it's even heightened and I just didn't know what we're doing about it from like a city perspective. >> You got to get rid of the Met Council and stop getting rid of those demands to expand affordable highdensity housing and get >> because you voted against it. >> I remember you were there. Yeah, you voted against it. So just wondering >> Yeah. I mean, since it's a state highway, um you we're kind of beholden to the state to uh to work on it and they they are studying the uh safety problems and they're actually working on those some, but they seem it seems obvious that it's going to get really crowded really soon. U of course it already is. Um and u you know, they need to expand it and um they're not talking about that yet. So uh there is a coal coalition of cities you know along seven um but so far it seems like we've had limited you know impact other than putting in some safety features and so it it is really frustrating um because that's of course our main artery. So >> it it's critical um and when these three projects you know come up are up and running it's going to be a lot lot more. So, it's not just us. As you drive west on 7, there's all kinds of development going on that's going to throw traffic on the road. So, they're going to have to step up to it pretty quick. >> But you asked the specific question, what is the city doing about it? And my impression from the meeting is really until we get the traffic study, we don't have enough actionable data to begin to do something about it. So, that's kind of the next state step is to wait for the traffic study. And then >> they're doing a secondary study, >> traffic study. I >> think this is their I think it's the first one. Yeah. >> Okay. >> But then the city then we can use that information to shape how we want the development in our city to pan out. Sort of. Still can't do anything about the highway though. >> Right. Right. We can't change uh the mindot thing or we'll do our best but uh it's hard to get them to >> But the mayor did indicate that that one was closer to a proposed roundabout. The St. Bonnie one. >> Yeah. others. >> It's not for sure, but they're they are introducing more roundabouts. >> Okay. >> Most likely. >> Mhm. >> Um and then I guess looking forward, our deadline is this Friday, so have an idea what our September agenda looks like by Friday. Um yeah, so keep you posted on that. >> Anything interesting? >> Um not at the moment. Um, but there's still some time, so we'll see. >> That's all I have. >> Thank you, Nick. >> And council report. >> Um, well, yeah, it's been uh pretty quiet. Um we had a presentation from uh the executive director of the LMC uh uh last at our last meeting and um he said that uh uh they are starting instituting a mandatory yearly uh inspection of of any dock and um so that um >> that is going to cost some money and so they're raising our our costs uh and um I think that that was probably the biggest thing, but you probably have more. >> I wasn't there, of course. I'm off the board, but you know what was driving the mandatory dock inspections? >> I uh No, he didn't really clarify that because I didn't got any sense. >> Is it every dock on the lake? >> Going to say, is it every family dock or is it just the big ones >> or HOA? >> You serious? Yeah, that's what you said. So, it' be the institutional dock. >> Who does that inspection? The LMCD themselves does that inspection. >> They will. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Have to hire people. >> Oh, yeah. >> The um that's one chain >> a dock inspection business. I >> mean, they have a guy that does a lot of dock work inspections now. But that's that to go back to the all the in installed docks. >> Yeah, >> that's significant. But >> interesting. >> I wonder what's driving that. Did you get a sense for that? >> Didn't say. Yeah. >> Big donor. So I think that was the main thing out of that. Um I leave it falls apart. Crazy. Uh and then we also had the head of the Gillespie Center come talk and city um did contribute $10,000 to them this year and we're on schedule to do that next year. Um they've redone all their HVAC and a lot of the electrical uh completely kind of rehabbing the building. Um >> it looks so much better. >> So yeah, it is. Yeah. And in there it's really stepping it up. So So that was good. And then um actually now um they're treating Whale Tail Lake with the alum for the last time. And uh so that's really exciting to get that done because um it's really they did the first treatment two years ago and uh so this will be the final one and it should really you know clean up the uh lake. Uh so pretty excited about that and uh the um uh see I guess it's the DNR actually is is redoing the um uh the boat ramp and the dock uh there so it it's actually will be usable. Um, so, uh, they'll start on that as soon as the, uh, alum treatment's, uh, done. Um, and the contractors were very decent with us. They, uh, uh, didn't charge us to come back. As you may recall, they when they started doing the treatment this summer, they realized they were putting too much alum in and it was endangering the aquatic plants, you know, that it could kill them. And so, they backed off and then they they're putting the rest in now. So um so u so that's pretty exciting. Um oh and um along um I guess this is the LMCD too. We are going to do our rain barrel sale uh again this year uh so that uh hopefully I mean we sold it out uh last couple of years. So we'll do that again. It was very successful. Well, with the increased um water pricing, you know, there might be you might need to order more this year. >> Well, I hope so. Uh yeah. Um you probably every time you log in on the cities warning, you >> um yeah, I guess that is the elephant in the room. Um >> yeah, really it is. I mean, it's stunning, you know, just how much uh the um building the treatment plant and the infrastructure is. And you know, for a small city, it's just wow. So that that's moving along on schedule. Uh and um you know, we're we're grateful for that, but you're right. I mean, it we're going to have to keep raising rates for a few years. Uh so um it's just kind of inevitable. So >> yeah, the uh of course the new development should contribute or they'll be you know paying for with the water hookup and things like that. So but of course that's a little ways off. So >> I do have a question on water um being that Medita doesn't have like a downtown like mound, you know, of what's your face of the town. Um, and you know, you were just over in Woodland Cove and there's that big water tower that just looks horrible. Um, as far as not repainted, it's rusty and and not looking nice. And I feel like that's like the main visual of Minatrista for a lot because it's a lot of population, right? in that like Woodland Cove area and you've got the grocery store and liquor store and stuff and so you know what is the rotation of maintaining like I drive past the Victoria area too every once in a while and they have the new fire station and they have a water tower that they're repainting over there right now and I was just curious on >> that's part of this whole water treatment plan thing is >> yeah no uh I I know it is an eyesore um >> uh as I understand it we have to finish uh this this water treatment plant before we can >> take that down. >> But you can't take the water tower offline. You'd lose pressure and stuff and you just couldn't survive like the summer cuz you got to paint it in the summer and you can't take the water offline during that time because the usage is high. So until the treatment plant gets built and there's more capacity and such, I don't think that's really been an option. >> Oh, interesting. So just to paint it, you have to take it offline. >> Oh, interesting. >> Yeah, I think they have to do something in the interior. Yeah, they do you do stuff on the interior. You have to like drain it like stuff like that. >> Otherwise, you have condensation, I think, on the outside and >> Oh, that makes sense. >> Be ugly. So, I don't know. >> Okay. On the bus tour, they said it'll be at least two years. >> That'll be what two more years >> before they paint it. >> Yeah. >> Okay. I just think it's like, you know, representation of pride for the town cuz it's like one of our only >> We have other pretty water towers of say Minatrista, you know. >> The other two water towers look pretty good. Let's put a sign. There's one. Go there and go there. >> Instead, >> underdevelopment. >> Yeah. No, I agree with you. It just, >> you know, we'd have to raise taxes quite a bit to to do that. And uh >> fascinating. >> And and it, you know, it really would, you know, only a part of the city is on the water system. uh uh most I think that what is it 30% or something is on the >> oh yeah I don't know the numbers off top >> something like that so um you know that cost would fall on the people that are already paying more and more for for water so it's >> uh I think it's worth just not looking at it for a while so >> you're not the only person who said something >> it's too bad we can't have people >> Oh really okay They could have a contest. You could have >> throw a big sheet over it. >> Okay. >> Yeah, that might be a solution. But um but yeah, I think that's about it for for now. >> Um is there an update on the 2050 plan like the meetings and >> named everybody, haven't they? >> Yeah, we've established the committee, but um haven't gotten that far to to set that stuff up yet. No. >> How does the committee get established? >> It's appointed by the council. Yeah, and that's a of course that's going to be a big deal. Like I think a couple of you alluded to that that uh the Met Council wants a lot of density and and of course we're on the you know far edge of this city and so uh there I don't I think all these developments are going to be pretty dense. Um, so it's, you know, it's a little frustrating when you moved out here cuz you liked, you know, the rural feel and, >> uh, then being kind of forced to, you know, really make uh, tough choices on that. Um, of course that's why there's so much development along seven that, you know, it can put the density there, which then takes off the pressure for, you know, the agriculture area, agricultural area of the city and the more kind of hobby farm areas and but I think it's just going to kind of continue like that where the density will keep coming out. So, uh, so that'll be a challenge. So when you think about it, you know, you probably for that 2050 plan, you really want to think about maybe what the 2040 plan did achieve, which was to keep the density in certain areas and and still create the rural field for, you know, the vast bulk of the um uh city. I when I was campaigning about, you know, four years ago, I of course went through Woodland Cove and even the people that were in the town houses, you know, right right by Macintoons said, "Oh, you know, we love the rural feel for Tristan." Like, you know, you're in a town home that, you know, is next to, you know, facing another town home. And but, you know, that just showed how, you know, valuable that that feel was. And uh uh so so I just think about you know as that develops you know you'll get a better feel for hopefully they'll keep doing that rather than kind of let it all develop you know the whole city but >> I have a question for you Peter and just from a council standpoint what recommendations do you have for citizens of Matrista to either write to the met council or have an effect on how they disperse disseminating where we need to have high density housing and tying it to funding for the city. >> Yeah, I don't think we've had much luck writing. You know, even Jasper, you know, our city administrator is tried to influence it. Doesn't sound like we have >> I mean, we got from four to three and a half. So, I mean, there's been a little bit. >> Oh, that's true. Yeah. So, >> so, so is it just strictly money from the state that is dictating what we have to do and that's that's the reason or is it like what are the what are the reasons for listening to what MIDOT is directing and and has has any other state or state council are different? >> Sorry, not mind council sorry >> council >> has any other city been successful at challenging or battling against these mandates? >> I guess >> well yeah um the >> not that I'm aware of. I mean I may be in small instances but I mean as a whole I mean do you want to be eligible for funding and money that they have available? >> Yeah. >> Has there been talk about maybe removing some of that money to keep in line with our 2040 plans of keeping the community rural and saying that maybe we can do without some of that money if we don't have to expand so much or >> well >> finding a happy medium of hey we have enough citizens to support the way that we want to live as a community. the they're pretty firm on that. You know, they really want a dense development. Uh and u we've I mean this was before my time on the planning commission, but as I recall, we did join this suit that like Elmo started against the vet council. They had a very similar issue that we did and um uh that was not successful. uh uh the vet council prevailed and uh so um uh we're really kind of stuck with it. I I the governor appoints the vet council members and uh so whoever is governor of course that philosophy is going to you know influence the vet council. So um so there there's uh that's something to think about. I guess >> that's important. That's good to know. >> Yeah. Yeah. Are these public meetings and noticed in the paper the >> I'm assume they have to be holding public meetings yet >> 2015. >> Will they be here in the building? >> They have all the officials like for Met Council all published on their site. >> Yeah, I went to their website cuz I was trying to learn more about them too because I just don't know much and it came up in one of our meetings. >> Yeah, they have. But it's asking about something else. Is >> it confused? >> 2015. They make it they make that meeting. >> Do we want to close the meeting and have these sidebars later? >> Yes. >> Okay. Any any other updates? >> I think that does it. So, thanks Peter. >> Yeah, you're welcome. >> If there's not, move to adjourn. Do I hear a second? >> Mhm. >> All those in favor? I >> passes unanimously. >> I think my plug for the 2050 is that being