2026.06.15 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Meeting Minutes for June 1, 2026 Page 4 of 8 has received three formal complaints concerning hours of operation, improper vehicle storage, exceeding the number of business-related trips, and business vehicles maneuvering on a neighbor’s driveway. Staff inspections confirmed noncompliance with vehicle and equipment storage, though the property was cleaned after letters were sent. The issue of vehicles on the neighbor’s driveway remains unresolved. The current IUP is set to expire on June 24, 2026, and a public hearing has been requested for its renewal. Home occupations, including vehicle repair, are permitted in the district with conditions to minimize impacts on adjacent properties. Staff believes that the proposed relocation of the driveway and installation of a fence will reduce impacts on surrounding properties, potentially resolving the ongoing driveway issue and improving screening of the business operations. The business continues to operate at the same scale and intensity as originally approved, with no significant changes proposed other than the inclusion of the new site plan as part of the permit. Staff supports renewal of the IUP contingent upon completion of the driveway relocation and fence installation, noting that some plan modifications may be recommended upon further review. The City Council may approve the renewal of the IUP for a period of up to five years. Mayor Weidt opened the public hearing. Terry Ludeke, 17627 Henna Avenue North, owner of Terry’s Repair, explained that he opened his business in 2008 after purchasing the home in Hugo. John Davis purchased the home adjacent to his in 2013, and there were no complaints until 2023. Terry stated that his purchase of additional property to the west of Davis’s, where he keeps his horses, triggered the situation. Terry described the ten-year friendship they had prior to this, noting that he employed John for a short time and often helped him. When John complained about driving on his property, Terry installed signs and speed bumps to slow traffic and reduce dust. He noted that John would often speed on the road and said he feared for the safety of children who use it. He stated that the IUP is a public document and, in his view, a basis for ongoing complaints. He felt businesses should be protected from neighbors unwilling to live in harmony. He added that he supports other local businesses and submitted a plan to appease neighbors that will cost approximately $40,000. He did not believe his business was the root of the problem, noting that complaints did not begin until 2023. He explained how his business helps farmers and other businesses in the community, including the City of Hugo, and requested that his permit be renewed for five years. John Davis, 17527 Henna Avenue North, acknowledged there were many people present who would vouch that Terry is a good person. He said it has been difficult living next to a commercial site and that records show the IUP has been contentious since its origin, with issues persisting to this day. He stated that, notwithstanding the zoning provision, the area is residential. He said Terry’s business is not a small auto repair operation but a large-scale, 24/7 repair facility for large equipment. He referenced the original IUP, stating there were 17 provisions for the use and that 14 have not been complied with. He expressed concern that the facility will continue to expand beyond what is acceptable for rural residential areas, impacting quality of life and property values. He stated he is subject to a constant barrage of noise. He explained efforts to be a good neighbor, including installing trees and fencing for screening and buffering. He said he had requested that tractor-trailers not park on his property and described an incident in which a 40-foot trailer blocked his driveway, resulting in Washington County issuing a trespass notice.