City of Dickinson

The Commission meeting involved several substantive agenda items. Key discussions included the consideration of a Preliminary Major Plat (PLP-001-2026) for the Energy Center 6th Addition Subdivision, which involves replatting lots and dedicating property for private access roads serving future developments like the Public Safety Training Center. A related Rezoning request (REZ-001-2026) was presented to align zoning districts following the platting. A Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA-001-2026) was proposed to amend off-street parking design standards to limit dust generation and set new surfacing requirements. Another Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA-002-2026) concerning the permitting and licensing of short-term rental uses was tabled for further discussion regarding enforcement and potential penalties. Under Work Session items, the Commission reviewed definitions for personal and commercial vehicles, debating potential impacts on service trucks, and discussed regulations for residential storage containers, specifically proposing to prohibit intermodal storage containers in most residential districts after 30 days. Finally, the necessity of clarifying zoning map amendment protest petition requirements was reviewed.

The regular agenda included consideration of a Special Use Permit for a home-based flower arranging business, where approval was granted with specified operational conditions regarding hours, employee limits, and customer pickup. A Zoning Map Amendment was considered to rezone property from General Commercial (GC) to Medium Density Residential (R-2) to facilitate combining lots for tax purposes, which was recommended for approval. This rezone coincided with the approval of a Final Minor Subdivision Plat for a large area. The work session focused on proposed amendments to the Industrial Off-Street Parking Ordinance to clarify surfacing materials and design standards, proposed changes to notice requirements for Special Use Permits and Zoning Map Amendments to align with Century Code standards, and the first draft of a Short-Term Rental zoning text amendment covering licensing, operational standards, and owner-occupancy requirements.

Key discussions during the meeting included a report on the SW Patriots Candidate Forum invitation, the proclamation of Giving Hearts Day for February 12, 2026, and the setting of the Board of Equalization meeting date for April 15, 2026. The Commission approved a beer-only liquor license renewal for Just Golf and approved the Designated Depositories for the City. Financial and HR reports were presented, indicating several open positions across various departments. Public Works items involved the buyout and purchase of a leased WRF tractor, approval of an annual task order with Houston Engineering for monitoring services, renewal of the Kone Cranes inspection contract, and approval of a contract with the NDDOT for the 5th Street SE project involving mill and overlay and utility extensions. Community Development actions included approving an updated Master Service Agreement (MSA) with Highlands Engineering and awarding task orders for engineering services related to the Empire Road and Fairway Street projects. An updated MSA with Apex Engineering was approved, along with a task order for the 2027 Watermain Replacement project. A contract with EAPC was approved to evaluate roof water issues at the Dickinson Area Public Library. The Commission also conducted three public hearings: approving the vacation of an easement at 675 10th Avenue SE, approving the first reading of an ordinance amending industrial off-street parking standards, and approving resolutions to proceed with the 2026 Road Maintenance SID and two related 2026 Utility and Street Improvement SIDs.

The agenda for the City Commission meeting addressed several critical items across various departments. Key discussion points included consideration of resolutions and ordinances related to sales tax, joint powers agreements with Stark County, contract approvals for the City Attorney and Prosecution Attorney, and a land sale purchase agreement. The Administration/Finance section covered the 2025 Year-End Unaudited Financial Report and Encumbrances. The Public Works agenda featured the introduction of the new Water Reclamation Facility Manager, contract approvals for landfill scale rental and Nova Fire Protection, and consideration of bids for a Rolloff Truck and approval for Hazardous Tree Removal. Community Development topics included rezoning matters, renewal of the Gate City Bank Dickinson Revitalization Program, and approval of various construction project contracts and grant awards related to 5th Street SE and transportation structures. Two Public Hearings were scheduled: one concerning the Amendment to City Pension Plans, and another regarding Chapter 62 definitions. A significant portion of the meeting involved lengthy public testimony and deliberation regarding the proposed ordinance on Short-Term Rentals (Chapter 62), which the Commission ultimately voted to deny as written. Another public hearing considered removing the requirement for adjacent property owners to sign petitions for rezoning/SUP applications. The final public hearing addressed updating definitions for personal, commercial, heavy, and recreational vehicles, which was tabled for further discussion after public comment.

The meeting included the opening pledge of allegiance, approval of the order of business, and approval of the consent agenda. Key discussions covered the announcement of a candidates forum presented by the Southwest Patriots Coalition, and the proclamation for Giving Hearts Day (February 12th, 2026). The commission also addressed the Board of Equalization meeting date, setting it for April 15th. A beer-only liquor license renewal for Just Golf was approved. Further items included the approval of designated depository banks, a review of the preliminary December 2025 financial report, and an update on human resources vacancies across various departments, including police, fire, public works, and finance. Public works items included the approval for the buyout of a WRF tractor for $241,788.65, approval of a $67,250 annual task order with Houston Engineering for groundwater monitoring, and the renewal of an annual inspection agreement with Cone Cranes for $13,061. Finally, a Master Service Agreement (MSA) update with Highlands Engineering and Surveying PLLC using EJCDC forms was presented.