---

Despite a last ditch set of opposition statements made during public comment last week, the Lindstrom City Council adopted rules allowing for ADUs or accessory dwelling units.  The city has been analyzing these to address options for housing needs. An ADU will have a foundation so it is not the same as a “tiny home,” staff assured council.

The open microphone portion of the meeting contained comments about the accessory dwelling regulations— arguing that the city is just opening itself up for more land use complaints than it’s already finding hard to handle.  There’s no reason to speed up population growth in a city that seems to be adding population quite steadily, was another observation.

Lakes Area Chief of Police Bill Schlumbohm agreed with the comments about enforcement, adding there are certainly troublesome properties.  The deprtment has a plan to dedicate an officer to zoning and land use ordinance offenses and is lining up funding and budget and personnel right now.  One non-compliant parcel, noted for its frequent calls, is on its way to court, the chief said.

The vote on adopting ADUs as part of code was attempted to be delayed, by a motion by Council member Merkel. She asked council to enact the other sections but deleted the ADU section for more attention.  Her motion failed 2-3.  

The ADU maximum size was then put at 950 square feet (or the size of a two-bedroom apartment) and council directed staff to write up a clear stand alone code addressing ADUs which would be clearly NOT accessory structures, and this motion by Council member Schlumbohm passed 5-0.

The fourth addition to the Morning Sun neighborhood was approved. The final plat covers the five and a half acres on the County Road 14 side,  and consists of 22 single family lots.

The walking/biking trail proposed alongside Olinda Trail, south of the high school is inching forward. The CSAH 25 trail advertising was authorized with the goal to award a bid in March.  MNDOT is still doing final review of the plans and will also have to sign-off.

Planners sharpened their pencils and the landowner took a second look at a layout for a new home at 29026 Glader, which had been tabled in November.  The new design was approved last week with hardcover surfaces being addressed, variances eliminated and setbacks agreed to.
An agenda item for covid-related sick leave adjustments was taken off the agenda. City Administrator John Olinger said the matter can be dealt with using workers’ comp...if the illness is contracted on the worksite.

Council member Laurie Burington attended on-line and the other councilmembers were participating last week in-person.

---