PC Meeting Date: May 21, 2026
To: Members of the Planning Commission
From: Mikayla Schmidt, City Planner
Title
Staff Updates.
Body
Action Requested:
Staff provide updates to the Planning Commission.
Summary Report:
City Council & Board/Commission Updates
- The upcoming agenda items list is attached for reference.
Zoning Code Update & Redesign
- Houseal Lavigne (HL) has summarized and posted all the feedback given from the kick-off/open house in March, the focus group meetings, the Zoning Technical Advisory Committee and the Zoning Policy Advisory Committee on the website (link in attachments).
- HL continues to work on draft recommendations to the land development code.
Planning Applications & Related Updates
- Park & Trail Dedication Fees: Staff continue to work on this item as time allows. The Public Works department is assisting with the review of the cash-in-lieu aspect of this code section as well.
- See the hyperlink in the attachments for the City’s Development Map.
- Archer site: The redevelopment process continues for the site. Rebound, the developer, has met with the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) twice now, as well as with the HPC subcommittee, staff and New History. A variance and conditional use permit will be coming forward to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission in June.
- Cedar Meadows: the development has been recorded with Dakota County and site grading has begun.
- Ames Mill Dam: Staff continue to work with Post Consumer Brands on transferring ownership of the dam. The dam is part of our Downtown Historic District. A certificate of appropriateness and Section 106 review will be required.
Training Opportunities
- The Maryland Department of Planning has free webinars on a variety of topics. Please see the link in the attachments to view and/or subscribe.
- The National Alliance for Preservation Commissions (NAPC) has webinars related to historic preservation. The city is a member and can share webinar links if there is interest.
- The Ohio Planning chapter has webcast series available for free. The On-Demand Webcasts could be a current and good place to start as there is a webcast on technology, sustainability, equity, law and ethics.
Alternative Options:
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Financial Impacts:
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Tentative Timeline:
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