City of Independence

The City Council agenda for February 10, 2026, included routine consent items, such as approvals for minutes from prior meetings and accounts payable, as well as updates to the 2026 meeting dates. Key discussion items involved the Director of West Hennepin Public Safety presenting the January 2026 Activity Reports, which detailed criminal offenses, traffic enforcement, and community engagement activities using a new NIBRS format. The Council was also scheduled to consider a conditional use permit request from Mike Kuka to expand a detached accessory building to exceed 5,000 square feet on his property located at 4405 County Road 92 N, with the Planning Commission recommending approval subject to several conditions, including prohibitions on commercial use of the structure.

The meeting included two public hearings concerning applications by Mark Moorhouse for minor subdivisions to allow lot combinations for properties on County Road 11. The first request involved consolidating three parcels totaling 158.7 acres, which retained eligibility for one principal structure upon combination. The second request involved consolidating three parcels totaling 118.08 acres, partially to satisfy a condition of a previously approved conditional use permit for a solar array. Residents voiced concerns during the hearings regarding the purpose of the combinations, future lot divisions, extensive construction activity, and ongoing noise pollution. The Commission recommended approval for both applications, with additional suggestions for the City Council to consider expanding notification radii and exploring noise mitigation strategies. Additionally, staff informed the commission that there would be no December meeting and mentioned forthcoming results from a comprehensive water study.

The meeting included the approval of routine consent agenda items, such as the minutes from the prior meeting and the Accounts Payable batch. The Council reviewed activity reports from West Hennepin Public Safety, noting increased activity primarily due to traffic enforcement and education in December 2025, and announced upcoming participation in the Polar Plunge. Discussions occurred regarding Planning Commission reappointments, resulting in an approved resolution contingent upon staff consultation with the appointees regarding their specific roles. The Council approved the Waste Reduction and Recycling Grant Agreement with Hennepin County for the 2026-2028 period, confirming compliance with organics recycling requirements. Finally, a proclamation designating January 26-30, 2026, as Winter Salt Week was approved, emphasizing responsible deicing salt usage due to chloride contamination in local watersheds.

The work session included a presentation on the water feasibility study, which compared connecting to Maple Plain's system versus building an independent water system, with the Council leaning toward an independent system due to infrastructure concerns. Miscellaneous updates covered the increased estimated cost for the Town Line Road quiet zone, leading to a decision to seek alternative funding. The Council affirmed its support for a single-trigger no-wake ordinance for Lake Independence, contrary to Medina's proposal. Further discussions involved reviewing options for modest improvements to Pioneer Creek Park following the denial of a county grant, and supporting the implementation of a Geographic Information System (GIS) for infrastructure documentation, funded by budget reallocation. The schedule for City Council meetings in 2026 was also reviewed and adjusted.

The City Council meeting agenda for January 20, 2026, included several key items. The consent agenda covered the approval of minutes from the January 6, 2026, meeting, approval of Accounts Payable, confirmation of the Local Board of Appeals and Equalization meeting date for April 14, 2026, and the 4th Quarter Building Permit Report for information. Discussions included reports from boards and committees, a presentation of the December 2025 West Hennepin Public Safety Activity Reports, and consideration of Planning Commission reappointments for three members. The Council also intended to consider approval of the Waste Reduction and Recycling Grant Agreement with Hennepin County for the 2026-2028 contract period.