City holds two public hearings

The Tea City Council met Aug. 4 and held two public hearings.

The council approved a conditional use permit for a group daycare at 317 N. Joseph Ave. with no comment from the public. The property includes an existing fence. 

They also approved a variance for Tea Vet Clinic at 710 E. Figzel Ct. Owner Tom Rentschler is planning an addition of 2,750 square feet. With the addition, they will need additional parking. The current parking lot has a zero-foot front yard setback and the parking lot expansion would match that and requires the variance.

The council and planning commission held a joint session to review the comprehensive plan. Representatives from Confluence were present to go through the plan. The public was invited to an open house about the comprehensive plan on Aug. 5.

They did not take any action on the plan. The plans for approving the comprehensive plan are to adopt the final plan by the end of the year. The city started on the comprehensive plan in December 2023 and held public engagement sessions last year.

The comprehensive plan is 11 chapters long and includes land use, housing, parks & recreation, community character & downtown, transportation & infrastructure, natural resources, economic development and community facilities.

The land use chapter had the most discussion from the council. They looked at the existing land uses and future land use map.

City administrator Justin Weiland noted that the state legislature intends to make changes to the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) laws in the 2026 legislative session. The city will be reviewing the city’s TIFs.

The council adjourned at 7:10 p.m.