The Preston City Council, at their February 20 meeting, continued the discussion that began during the Planning Commission meeting, regarding a conditional use permit (CUP) application submitted by Pauline Orban to use her single-family home for boarding and lodging.
The Planning Commission held a public hearing prior to the council meeting and recommended approval of the CUP application with conditions. One member voted against.
The home is located at 112 Valley St. NW. Preston city code allows lodging houses in the R-2 district (one and two family residential) as a conditional use.
The conditions listed include: the provision of one on-site parking space for each of the three bedrooms, boarding shall not exceed six persons, conditions specified in Ordinance 209, Lodging Tax are to be met, and signage will be limited to a sign on the door that is no larger than one foot by one-and-a-half foot.
Councilman Steve Hall expressed his concerns over the required parking spaces and where they may be placed on the property. The property currently does not have a driveway or a parking area. The owners did not attend the Planning Commission or the city council meeting. They were not yet aware of the conditions placed on the CUP.
City Attorney Dwight Luhmann said it was up to the property owner to abide by the conditions. He noted the CUP will be recorded and will run with the property. Mayor Kurt Reicks said the owners will have to comply with all the conditions to use the property for boarding or lodging under the CUP.
The council voted four to one to adopt a resolution approving the CUP application to allow boarding and lodging on this property with the attached conditions. Hall voted no.
Other Business in Brief
• Street closures for Trout Days were approved (portions of CR 12, CR 17, east and west courthouse parking lots, portions of Main St., and the ally and parking lot adjacent to the Preston Servicemen’s Club). Also, specific day and times for closures were approved. The requests will be forwarded to the county board for their consideration.
• The Prevent 22 Task Force, created in 2022, raises money to benefit veterans. Flo Litwinczuk requested the alley adjacent to the Servicemen’s Club be closed on June 22 along with CR 17 from Main St. to River St. There will be music and activities. The request will be forwarded to the county board for their consideration.
• The Tourism/Chamber director application period has been extended through February 21.
• Advertisement for a summer helper was approved.
• Advertisement for Rock and Bituminous bids was approved.
• A gambling permit for Trout City Brewing for the Fire Relief Association was approved.
• The city council will meet next on Tuesday, March 5 at 1 p.m.
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