The Fountain, Minn., council zipped through a short agenda at the December 6 meeting. Having just one notice and two items of business, the council sped through approving the budget and levy for 2024. The final levy will be $223,500. The amount represents $123,500 from the general tax levy, $65,000 sewer tax levy, $25,000 capital improvement tax levy and $10,000 Equipment Fund tax levy. The council approved the amount unanimously.
The second item of business was a recommendation by the Zoning Board to approve a request from Brian Ostby to convert a building into a combination shed/house. The site is located at 305 Second Street and sits on the opposite side of the street as Seed First. It is currently zoned B1 Commercial. The zoning designation will remain the same, providing mixed zoning for limited commercial use in a residential area.
Zoning Administrator Ron Reisner provided a recap of the discussion from the Zoning Board. According to Reisner, Ostby presented a blueprint drawing of the proposed changes to the board. The property has a current survey, and the conversion will keep well within property lines. Water, sewer and gas all exist at the site and will remain the same.
Ostby was also present at the council meeting to discuss his plans. He intends to keep the exterior look of the building the same, only making the building two stories on one end. Garage and utility storage will remain below, with living quarters on the second floor. He did note a planned meeting with a contractor on December 7 to get numbers to ensure the project is feasible.
With no concerns regarding the proposal and the Zoning Board’s recommendation, the council unanimously approved the request.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Wednesday, January 3, at 7 p.m. at city hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
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