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Commission reviews planning itinerary; members press staff on Mississippi Headwaters timeline and solar siting
Summary
Commissioners reviewed the Planning Commission itinerary and urged staff to prioritize items that could affect solar projects and reduce variance requests; staff said the Mississippi Headwaters packet is expected back for review "beginning of '27," a timeline queried by commissioners.
At its June 17 meeting the Brainerd Planning Commission reviewed an informational planning itinerary of code sections and ordinances scheduled for the coming year and discussed priorities for staff work. The itinerary is intended as an organizational tool; no formal action was taken.
Commissioner Mr. DeWall flagged the Mississippi Headwaters packet, saying commissioners should ensure sequencing does not delay local renewable-energy projects. He warned that "BPU is under sort of a tight schedule to be transitioning over to renewables" and suggested the commission consider accelerating updates to the future land-use map and landscape standards so projects are not held up by variances.
Administrator Mr. Broyles described the itinerary as informational and said staff would "provide updates on all these items" and follow up with commissioners. Broyles said he expected the Mississippi Headwaters item to be "completed and ready for the commission to review by the beginning of the year or so"; a commissioner asked for clarification, querying "Beginning of 27?" and Broyles affirmed that was his understanding but added a caveat and said staff would follow up.
Commissioners also urged staff to identify any ordinance or code changes that would reduce the need for variances, particularly for landscaping requirements that have prompted applicants to request relief. Mr. Broyles and James (staff) agreed to take notes and provide more detailed updates between meetings.
No formal votes or policy commitments were made; the discussion was recorded as guidance to staff and an informational review of the commissionitinerary.
