Don Lorsung

The key discussions and actions taken during the meeting included reviewing and filing building permits for December 2025, and taking action on several zoning and platting matters. The commission considered zoning changes for properties slated for annexation, including proposing I1 Industrial zoning for Parcel IDs 23.046.0010 and 23.046.0020, which are associated with RESCO and RRVCP developments. Furthermore, the commission reviewed the preliminary and final plat for the Community Center Addition (Parcel ID 52.900.0001) and considered its recommended zoning of MU-2 Rail Mixed-Use, which aligns with the Future Land Use Map designation of "Public & Institutional." The commission also discussed the zoning request for Parcel ID 52.325.0010 (Block 4, Houges 6th Addition) to R3 Residential to allow for three twin home units, necessitating a concurrent review of a Planned Unit Development. Finally, the need to establish a subcommittee to assist staff in reviewing updates to the Dilworth Zoning Ordinance was addressed.

The City Council meeting addressed several agenda items including the approval of the 2026 Fee Schedule via Ordinance 26-01, and the authorization of a Limited Use Permit renewal with the Minnesota Department of Transportation for an entrance sign. Key actions included authorizing the hire of a Warming House Attendant, approving training requests for council members for an Intergovernmental Retreat and a BIA New Years Celebration, and approving the hiring of a Police Officer. Furthermore, the Council considered and passed resolutions for the orderly annexation of approximately 383 acres in conjunction with the Cities of Moorhead and Moorhead Township, and Oakport Township. Other items involved recognizing the 2025 Star Businesses of the Year (U-Haul and TAK Event Center) and resolutions for accepting land and monetary donations for the New Dilworth Community Center and Community Outreach, respectively. The Council also approved pay request number one and several change orders related to the 34th Street Reconstruction Project, and awarded the bid for the Woodbridge and Summerwood Ponds Dredging Project.

The Planning Commission meeting included the approval of the minutes from the December 3, 2025 meeting (which involved public hearings on the 2025 Comprehensive Plan and an outdoor storage zoning amendment). Key considerations for this meeting included the selection of 2026 Planning Commission Officers, forwarding a recommendation to the City Council to adopt the draft 2025 Comprehensive Plan ('Imagine Dilworth') and authorizing Metro COG to adjust the future land use map for further review. The commission also considered the annexation of 382.26 acres from Oakport and Moorhead Townships for future development, which involved initiating the necessary resolution for the City Council, and recommending the I-1 Industrial zoning designation for the annexed RESCO and RRVCP properties. Finally, the meeting included receiving and filing building permits for November 2025 and a project update on the community center design phase.

The meeting agenda included approval of prior meeting minutes, a public hearing regarding Ordinance 24-11 which amends zoning regulations pertaining to Commercial Outdoor Seating and Event Area Regulations, and receiving and filing building permits for September 2024. The public hearing focused on new draft regulations for outdoor seating, including requirements for screening, lighting, and access, as well as stipulations for smoking patios adjacent to residential districts. The Commission also considered a recommendation for the City Council to approve 2024 Border City Tax Credits for several businesses.