01-14-2026 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 14, 2026 address the needs of different people and hoped that residents recognize that there are limited actions local governments can take, especially those without their own police force. PUBLIC HEARINGS CONSIDER VARIANCE FOR A BUILDING SETBACK AT 0 MARKET PLACE DRIVE — PLANNING CASE 1448 The Community Development Director presented a request for a variance at 0 Market Place Drive, providing background information on the current property, which is a city -owned stormwater pond. He provided background on the Metro Transit G Line project and service, noting that Metro Transit is seeking to create an operator restroom and breakroom facility at this site. He reviewed the proposal and the request for a reduced front setback and applicant statement. He stated that there has been no public input thus far, and the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval. He reviewed details of the variance criteria, request, and related findings, recommending approval as presented, subject to the conditions noted within the staff report. . JoNette Kuhnau from Kimley-Horn, representing the applicant, provided a general overview of the proposed G Line project and Little Canada Station as proposed. She also reviewed the proposed timeline for construction. Malone asked where buses would park when using the station and whether the buses would be empty and left running while the driver is on break. Ms. Kuhnau replied that for the bus layover, the bus would park on the shoulder or bus lane of Market Drive, similar to what occurs today. She stated that operators would take their breaks in the building and could idle the buses under certain temperatures if they are in the bus, but that would not be typical. She stated that typically, all passengers would exit the bus, and the operator would exit the bus and secure it before going into the break facility. Malone asked how often the line runs once it is operational. Ms. Kuhnau replied that it is an all -day service, running every ten to 15 minutes from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days per week. Kwapick asked about the type of amenities that would be in the building and asked if this would only be for drivers. Ms. Kuhnau replied that the building would only be for the use of drivers and would have two restrooms along with a break space with a table, chairs, microwave, etc. She stated that the facility would be opened with a key card. She confirmed that the Metropolitan Council would be responsible for the building and snow clearing in the platform area and around the building. Mayor Fischer recognized that there have been apartment complexes and residences constructed in the area of 694 and Rice Street area and asked if there would be a probability that the terminus of the line may move further north in the future. Ms. Kuhnau confirmed that the planning for the route began several years ago and explained the review that is done for planning. She commented that Metro Transit continues to plan for future lines of service, and she could bring back the City's desire to explore additional service in the future. Miller asked if they would see the design of the station in the future. The Community Development Director commented that there are currently several BRT lines operating now with these stations. 2