Shawn Bailey

The organizational meeting focused primarily on confirming city appointments and liaisons for the upcoming year, with discussions noting changes in personnel such as the City Administrator/Clerk role consolidation and the absence of certain council members. Key agenda items included reviewing and proposing changes to the 2025 city appointments, including departmental heads and legal counsel. A significant discussion revolved around deciding whether to initiate a Request for Proposal (RFP) process for the labor attorney while potentially continuing with the existing firm to conclude ongoing union negotiations. The council also addressed the monthly meeting schedule, proposing a change for regular council meetings from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., which requires a future public hearing. Furthermore, the council tentatively reviewed the 2026 city council meeting schedule, discussing changes to workshops and the continuation or modification of Town Hall meetings, ultimately tabling complex appointment and schedule items pending the attendance of absent council members.

The meeting commenced with the call to order and agenda approval. The board addressed variance application 001-26, seeking reduced setbacks (15 feet for sideyard and bluff, where 30 feet is required) to construct a 2,500 square foot detached accessory structure for personal storage. The applicant detailed efforts to work with staff, noting this was their third appearance regarding the project, which includes plans to match the principal structure's appearance and utilize vegetative screening. Discussions heavily focused on the bluff setback variance, including concerns about potential impact and mitigation strategies like vegetation and silt fencing, as the applicant desires the placement for functional access to store watercraft. Committee members also questioned the building height and property lines concerning an adjacent two-story home. The board discussed the need for a forthcoming stormwater management plan and wetland identification. No items from the public or open forum were presented for discussion outside the main application.

The meeting covered several operational updates, including transitioning to winter preparations such as flooding outdoor rings and onboarding seasonal staff for the warming house. Registration for basketball and pond hockey remains open until December 18th. The commission received an update on the G Lake Trail, which is open, with final tasks and bathroom construction scheduled for spring. A significant portion of the discussion involved determining phasing priorities for the Nissa City Park project, following direction from the City Council to analyze value engineering and sequencing. Previous priorities included playground, pickleball courts, and the hockey rink. The commission also discussed coordinating the parking lot construction, which is included in the 2027 road bond, with the park plan. A detailed discussion ensued regarding the feasibility and timeline for applying for the DNR grant for the playground project by the March deadline, focusing on securing matching funds and required engineering specifications.

The City Council Work Shop focused on a presentation regarding the 2019 City of Nisswa Department Projects and Goals. City Staff reviewed goals and projects that are both city-wide and department-specific, prompting various general questions from the Council.

The regular meeting addressed several items via the Consent Calendar, which included approving various departmental reports and a claims register, while excluding the minutes from the August 21, 2019 meeting. During the Open Forum, the Spirits of Nisswa Manager provided an update, noting projected sales exceeding $3 million and discussing a new digital sign and upcoming events. New Business included the unanimous approval of the Preliminary 2019 Tax Levy Collectible in 2020 and setting the date for the Truth in Taxation Meeting. The Council approved closing a section of Main Street for the City of Lights Celebration, subject to public safety requirements. Resolutions were approved concerning a County Project and Parking Restrictions. The Council reviewed and approved Option B (620 ERCs) as the final size for the Waste Water Treatment Facility Plan expansion project, adhering to a September 20, 2019 revision deadline. Amendments to zoning ordinances regarding Buffers on Riparian Property, Signs (landscaping requirement for permanent signs), and Conditional Use Permits were adopted. Personnel Updates were approved. Under Old Business, an Ordinance Regulating and Restricting Storage Facilities was approved. Council members also discussed prioritizing strategies identified in the Comprehensive Plan, and the Mayor indicated plans to explore sewage alternatives with other municipalities.