What this meeting did about specific topics, organized by issue rather than by document.
Amended work-session agenda
The Council amended the work-session agenda before taking up business. Planning and Zoning items 3.a, 3.b, and 3.c were removed from that night’s discussion, item 3.i was moved to the top, and items 3.e and 3.h were also removed for later City Council discussion.
Agenda: 1. Motions: M1. Speakers: Pilon, Rainville.
Cote invoice
Council reviewed a proposed $282.50 Cote zoning-application invoice tied to Hakanson Anderson charges. Staff explained which charges had already been paid and which were believed still unpaid, and Council agreed that staff should confirm with Hakanson Anderson that the May 10 and May 11 charges were not double billed before sending the statement.
Agenda: 3.i. Speakers: Pilon, Lorensen, Stockman.
City Clerk Lori Streich resignation
The Council accepted City Clerk Lori Streich’s resignation and removed the item from the October 12 agenda. The City Attorney explained why he was present, warned Council not to discuss employee-performance details in open session, and advised that Council should begin planning for an interim administrator or hiring process soon.
Agenda: 2. Motions: M2. Speakers: Pilon, Ruppe, Rainville, Blake, Greenberg, Stockman.
Accessory building ordinance revisions
Council discussed Ordinance 2021-04 language on allowing a smaller accessory structure in a front yard or corner side yard, including setbacks, matching exterior materials, the 800-square-foot concept, and whether to add a separate allowance for small bus shelters at the end of driveways. No final ordinance action was taken at the work session.
Agenda: 3.d. Speakers: Stockman, Pilon, Rainville.
Planning fees in comparable communities
Council reviewed planning-fee data prepared by staff, including Nowthen’s recent planning-cost averages and comparisons to similar communities. Members discussed using the information to answer resident concerns that development in Nowthen is too expensive and asked for the population and density data to be updated with current census numbers.
Agenda: 3.f. Speakers: Blake, Stockman, Pilon, Lorensen.
Development review diagrams and checklists
Council reviewed new development-process matrices, application schedules, consultant-fee forms, and checklists meant to help applicants understand the land-use and building-permit process. Members suggested clearer wording about when the 60-day review period starts, adding attorney involvement, identifying tasks applicants can do to manage costs, clarifying that Planning and Zoning makes recommendations while Council decides, and having recent applicants or developers test the materials.
Agenda: 3.g. Speakers: Blake, Stockman, Lorensen, Pilon, Rainville, Greenberg.
Adjournment
The work session adjourned at 8:02 PM.
Agenda: 4. Motions: M3. Speakers: Rainville, Blake.