Tabitha Pickett

The council discussed current and future staffing needs, including filling an Administrative Assistant position and addressing the City's IT service requirements. They considered candidates with IT and administrative skills, and the expiring IT contract. Options for IT services were explored, such as a full-time IT position in the 2026 budget, contracting services, or sharing an IT role with nearby cities.

The Planning Commission held a meeting that included public hearings and considerations of proposed amendments to the Municipal Development Ordinance (MDO) for body art establishments and corner lot yard definitions. A variance request for a garage construction was also reviewed. The commission recommended the proposed MDO amendments and the variance to the City Council. Additionally, updates were provided on the Hilltop Cottages development, Pine City Senior Living Site Plan, and noise concerns related to a car wash. A resignation from a commissioner was noted, and recruitment for a replacement was discussed.

The council meeting involved discussions on various topics, including a proposed phone system change, a new collective bargaining agreement with the Teamsters Local 320, and the issuance of a credit card to the Community Development Director. The Liquor Store sales report showed increased sales and profits, and a plan to move an existing employee to a permanent part-time position was approved. The council approved the purchase of a new pickup truck for Public Works and a conditional use permit for a used car sales lot. A request to split township payments for fire service into two installments was approved. The council tabled the decision on hiring an Assistant Fire Chief due to concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Future agenda items include the Assistant Chief recruitment, a utility rate study, and plans for a new government center.

The Planning Commission meeting addressed several key proposals. A public hearing and subsequent discussion took place regarding Premier Properties' variance request for student housing, focusing on parking space requirements and paving phase plans. Another public hearing involved the City's request for minor subdivision and lot combination to clarify property lines and road rights-of-way for Robinson Park, the Library, and the Fire Hall. A variance request from Riverview Estates for their dock system was also discussed, considering DNR recommendations. The meeting also included updates on a Shoreland Flexibility Agreement, feedback from the City Council, commissioners' concerns about lead pipes and street conditions, and staff comments on future training.

The meeting addressed several key issues. A new member was introduced, and officers were elected. A public hearing and subsequent discussion took place regarding a site plan amendment request for the Hilltop Cottages development, resulting in approval with no required park contribution. Another public hearing was held concerning a request for an extension of development site plan approval for Pine City Senior Living, which was also approved with a modification to sidewalk fees. Zoning permits were reviewed, highlighting issues with ordinance wording regarding fences on corner lots, particularly concerning the Hegge car wash. Discussions also covered exterior finish requirements for accessory structures and inconsistencies in the MDO. The council's approval of a city lot rearrangement was reported, a subdivision requirement was removed, and the possibility of allowing tattoo parlors in the CBD was discussed.