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A rezoning that was begun years ago when the property was in Wyoming Township, was approved to be officially designated by the Wyoming City Council last week 4-1.  The township allowed the residential to commercial designation but it was explained the owner did not complete the process with mandatory filing with the county.

Council member Linda Nanko Yeager was the no vote saying she felt the parcel at Hamlet and Highway 8 was an example of spot zoning. She did not think the commercial rezoning is “compatible” with neighboring land uses; although Zoning Administrator Fred Weck explained the property in the general vicinity has been “guided” for commercial zoning for years.  

Council member Nanko Yeager also had concerns the road system won’t be sufficient for commercial use traffic.  Weck said if and when a permit application or site plan for the parcel comes in— the city can address specific issues then.

The council was unanimous, however, on the home occupation permit sought for a vehicle repair shop in an accessory building on residential property at Goodvine and 263.  The repair shop has a number of conditions placed on its operations, such as storage, hours, employees, etc.

Police Chief Neil Bauer got the okay to acquire emergency communications radios and accessory equipment.  The seven mobile (in car) and the 16 portable (carry around) radios are an estimated $153,000, according to the council meeting print materials.

Wyoming has been depositing annual sums towards equipment costs since 2019.  The purchase expenses will also use ARPA (Recovery Act) monies from the federal government.

In-squad automatic cameras are also being acquired. The council approved the purchase about a year ago and the devices are only just arriving. This is an $86,000 expense.

Newly hired Officer Nicole Fraser was also sworn in last week.

The “age friendly” grant the city won from the MN Department of Human Services has resulted in  community gardening space at Fairview Medical campus. (See photos.). The grant funded 16 raised beds and four in-the-ground enclosed planting squares.

The council had a discussion and gave consensus direction supporting plans for the reconstruction of Highway 8 to include an underpass.

The project would potentially received higher priority  in this design phase with MNDOT if it has a local expression of support.

The underpass is shown on highway plans, located a little east of Heath Avenue. (See graphic)

The underpass would be constructed as part of the Highway Improvements but Wyoming will become responsible for plowing, maintenance, etc., the city administrator explained.

Council also officially acknowledged deposits into public safety funds from donations by Polaris, $500 and Wyoming State Bank of $200 both for bike rodeo costs.   

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