White Bear Lake City Council — Transcript
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Finance Department Operations and Budget Status
Refuse Fund and Recycling Market Fluctuations
License Bureau Performance and Transaction Trends
Ordinance Amendment: Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (Salt Storage)
Denial of Accessory Building Size Variance (921 Wildwood Road)
Ramsey County Dispatch Advisory Committee Update
Real Property Purchase/Sale Discussion (Closed Session)
Votes (3)
First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 406 of the Municipal Code Regarding Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
Dissent: None
Moved by N/A · Seconded by N/A
Ms. Tallon explained the need for the ordinance amendment stemming from federal Clean Water Act regulations and the city's MS4 permit renewal. The amendment requires proper storage of salt at commercial, institutional, and non-NPDES permitted industrial facilities to prevent chloride pollution. Council members inquired about identifying affected businesses and enforcement. Staff indicated education would be the primary initial approach. A public hearing was opened and closed without public input. The item will move to a second reading on August 25th for potential adoption.
A Resolution Denying a Variance for an Accessory Building at 921 Wildwood Road
Dissent: None
Moved by Council member Walsh [00:50:52] · Seconded by Mayor Nicklausky [00:51:00]
Mr. Lindahl presented the staff report recommending denial of an after-the-fact variance for an accessory building built without permits and in violation of a previous conditional use permit. The building created fire safety issues by blocking fire department access and did not meet structural codes. The applicant, Chong Dang, explained he enclosed the area for security of equipment and expressed willingness to comply with all codes and pay fines if the size variance was granted, but had not submitted corrective plans. Council members voiced strong concerns about public safety, particularly fire access, and the precedent of unpermitted construction. The City Attorney clarified enforcement options, including revocation of the original CUP.
Closed Session pursuant to Minnesota statute section 13D.05 subdivision 3C3
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:55:40] · Seconded by Unknown [00:55:41]
A motion was made and approved to enter a closed session to discuss offers or counteroffers for the purchase or sale of real property located at 1890 Whitaker Street.
Notable Quotes (6)
Chloride pollution in public waters and groundwater is a growing concern. Chloride is toxic to wildlife and is very difficult to remove and very costly to remove once it's in our water bodies.
Um, we really don't see many, um, businesses or institutions that have, uh, stockpiles of, you know, piles of salt in their, um, you know, parking lots and things like that. Most of them do use contractual services...
So, this unlawful building was discovered through um just the random site inspection um from community development staff. Letters were sent to the owner informing them of the violation.
My biggest concern is, um, the lack of ability for fire to get where they need to get. Um, it's a it's a huge safety issue.
Right now we have an unlawful building that's creating public safety issues. It doesn't comply with the building code. It doesn't comply with the zoning code and the fire department's concerned about it for the reasons you've heard about.
So, I decided I didn't well I I I just put the the roof to cover all my equipment there. So, I about 2 years I found out um just able this year label and then find out with the ban even just just city um officer they say, 'Come. Hey, you don't have to have the permit to do this to build it.'
Ordinances & Resolutions (7)
City's stormwater code, proposed to be amended regarding illicit discharge detection and elimination.
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permit, mandated by the Clean Water Act, requiring updates every 5 years with new environmental standards.
Specific subsection within the stormwater code (Chapter 406) covering illicit discharge detection and elimination, proposed for amendment.
Industrial facilities already under a specific industrial permit through the MPCA, not subject to the new salt storage ordinance.
Previously granted permit for 921 Wildwood Road, limiting space to 1,690 sq ft and requiring fire access, violated by the new construction.
Resolution concerning the denial of a variance for 921 Wildwood Road.
Statute authorizing closed sessions for discussion of real property purchase or sale.