By Kris Goracke

Reporter

With few reports and a light agenda, the Starbuck City Council’s first meeting of 2024 was quick and with little fanfare.

Roger Aaberg of Starbuck provided an update on his proposal to adopt a park shelter. Since his initial presentation in late spring of 2023, Aaberg has gone before the council updating them with his work. “The Starbuck Community Park has four picnic shelters and a bandshell that need maintenance and repairs regularly. While the city handles the general maintenance, the additional efforts through an adopt a shelter program could enhance the care of these park buildings,” explained Aaberg.  The adoption concept would involve groups or individuals contributing to the city’s efforts, ultimately improving the overall condition of the park structures. 

During the past summer, Aaberg obtained approval from the council to undertake improvements for one shelter. In preparation for his class reunion, he power-washed, painted, and cleaned a bathroom within that shelter. Aaberg noted, “The shelters are generally in good condition, but by encouraging groups to adopt a shelter, we can focus on making various improvements.”

Aaberg specifically envisioned the Starbuck High School Class of 1968 adopting the shelter. And so, at the class reunion held in August 2023, Aaberg presented the idea to his classmates, resulting in the collection of $1,000 from the 30 some classmates.

In Aaberg’s proposal, he suggests that adopting a shelter could involve:

•Doing a minimum of 2 inspections a year to clean and repair

•Create a “wish list” for possible improvements or additions to the shelter          

•Volunteer work effort of a gathering of costs/bids 

“Starbuck has a wonderful marina and park. It is something that visitors who come to our community see and use; by having an adopt a shelter program, we can make these places even better,” said Aaberg. No action was taken by the council on the adopt a shelter proposal.

The regular council meeting then closed, and a public hearing concerning a Conditional Use Permit (C.U.P.) for Beachside RV Park opened. 

The discussion revolved around amending the Conditional Use Permit (C.U.P) granted to Beachside RV Park in July 2017, which had not been fulfilled. After the council voted to initiate the potential revocation process of the C.U.P. in October 2023, owner Derek Bluhm attended the November 2023 meeting and was granted an extension to create a possible revised plan.

In December, Bluhm returned to the Planning and Zoning Commission with a new plan for the C.U.P. Assessing Bluhm’s request, the commission agreed that a 4-ft chain-link fence would be sufficient as screening for the south border of P.I.D. 2700580-011. However, they recommended installing a 6-ft privacy fence along the western border of P.I.D. 27-0580-008 and 27-0580-010. In addition to these considerations, the commission instructed Bluhm to combine parcels to comply with city ordinances.

During the January public hearing, the council diverged from the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation, except for acknowledging the necessity for a 4-foot chain-link fence. Among the recommended conditions for the Conditional Use Permit, the council approved the following:

•The original C.U.P be revoked

•A 4-foot chain-link fence will be installed around parcel numbers 27-0580-010 and 27-0580-008.

Contrary to the commission’s recommendation to follow the city ordinances, the Bluhms are not required to consolidate all parcels, and there is no obligation to erect a 6-foot privacy fence along the western border of parcel 27-0580-010.

After the public hearing closed, the regular meeting resumed with new business items. The following items were acted on:

•Approved Resolution #2024-01 Designating 2024 annual appointments

•Approve contract from Conway, Deuth & Schmiesing for the 2023 audit

•Approved Beachside R.V. park Conditional Use Permit

•Approved Resolution #2024-02 New Earned Safe and Sick Time Policy.