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<br /> <br />City Council Minutes <br />December 15, 2025 <br />--------- <br />Page 5 of 13 <br /> <br />Councilmember Calva asked if it was visible from the lake. Mrs. Poythress stated that it was not, and it <br />is in a private bay. Councilmember Calva asked if the neighbors could see it from their backyard. Mr. <br />and Mrs. Poythress explained that, considering the wooded lot, it would be hard to see. <br /> <br />Councilmember Calva explained that he would have no problem making an exception in this case as <br />long as there were not going to be eight other exceptions. <br /> <br />Councilmember Wagner stated that they do not know if there are going to be other requests, and <br />every project should have its own merit. <br /> <br />Councilmember Beyer thanked them for what they have done and stated that they have done the work <br />by talking to their neighbors, to the city, and to the DNR. He explained a lot of times, exceptions are <br />hard to make when you have negative neighbors and such, but in this case, there are none, and he has <br />respect for them doing the work. He also thanked them for keeping up the work on the easements. <br />Councilmember Beyer explained that he knows it is a hidden area and no one is ever going to see it. He <br />went on to explain that, given the situation, he could support the exception. <br /> <br />Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Beyer, directing <br />staff to draft a resolution making Findings of Fact, approving the variance to exceed the <br />permitted size of a water-oriented storage structure, for approval at the January 5, 2026, <br />Council meeting. Motion carried 5-0. <br /> <br /> 7.3 Variance: Parking and Wetland Setback to Support Development of an Apartment Building, Pat <br />Briggs - 17379 Twin Lakes Rd NW <br /> The staff report was presented. <br /> <br />Councilmember Grupa opened the public hearing on behalf of Mayor Dietz. <br /> <br />Patrick Briggs, 17379 Twin Lakes Road, subject property, handed to the Council a letter that was <br />presented to the neighbors. Mr. Briggs explained that they have been kind and cordial to the neighbors <br />throughout the years, but now it is time to develop the property and move forward. Mr. Briggs <br />compared this property to the Hillside Heights property to the north regarding parking requests and <br />stated his request is reasonable. He went on to explain different aspects of why the Council should <br />approve the variance. <br /> <br />Councilmember Calva stated his biggest concern is that the person has private access. <br /> <br />Matthew and Morgan Lerfald, 17395 Twin Lakes Rd NW, explained that the letter they <br />received from Mr. Briggs does not feel genuine, which they received on Friday before Monday's Council <br />meeting. They stated that they tried to reach out to Mr. Briggs multiple times, but have not been able <br />to get a hold of him or anyone. Every time they call, they go to an answering machine, and nobody ever <br />gets back to them, other than when he denied them a utility easement to get natural gas to their home. <br />They tried to get a utility easement along the driveway, and he denied them the easement. Mr. Lerfald <br />stated that this feels like a scare tactic, stating that if they didn't talk at the meeting, he would buy their <br />property. They explained other concerns they had regarding the apartment complex going in this area. <br /> <br />Brad Brummer, 14524 145th Court NW, stated that he is in the process of selling his home and