City schedules second readings on two ordinances

The Tea City Council met Dec. 1 and scheduled second readings for two ordinances.

Community development director Albert Schmidt presented the first reading of ordinance 330, a car wash ordinance, which would be the city’s first permitted special use. The planning commission recommended approval. The council will hold a second reading at the Dec. 15 council meeting.

City administrator Justin Weiland presented the first reading on ordinance 332, 2025 supplemental budget. Finance officer Dawn Murphy put together the supplemental budget. Weiland noted these areas had overages that needed to be supplemented - $25,000 for the EMS study, $800,000 for the portion of the 85th Street project that were not completed in 2024, $20,000 for recreation, $70,000 for street maintenance for paving both lanes on Heritage Parkway, $405,000 for TIF #1 to reimburse the developer for their share of the TIF proceeds. A second reading will be held at the Dec. 15 meeting.

Schmidt also presented a first reading of ordinance 331, subdivision ordinance. The main change involved changing what developers need to set aside for parks. Schmidt proposed 5 percent of the entire developer go toward park space or they need to do a buyout of 1.5 times the value of the land. With much discussion on how to update the ordinance, Schmidt will bring it back to the planning commission.

The council approved the 2024 annual report. 

In Schmidt’s report, he noted they issued a foundation permit for Harvard Integrations. They had a residential district committee meeting Nov. 20 and their next step is to meet with the home builders association. 

They had sent out the 2026 permit fee schedule, but are working on a slower adoption process after reviewing expenses and income for permitting in 2025 to have a better idea of what fees should be.

In Weiland’s report, he said they will have a strategic planning session with the Tea Chamber for Development. Sales tax revenue through October was 3.9 percent higher than last year. They have paid their first membership dues of $4,700 to the Dakota Main Stem water project.

The council adjourned at 6:25 p.m.