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Council OKs Planning Commission recommendations

NEW ULM — The New Ulm City Council addressed several Planning Commission issues at its meeting Tuesday.

The council approved three variance request from James Scheman to allow the construction of a private storage facility without a permitted use being present and all the building to be placed 20 feet from the front property line and five feet from the rear property line.

The planning commission previously recommended approval of the variances because of the unusual shape and size of the lots. The lots are located on an unimproved street and the lots are not sufficient for houses. In addition, other storage sheds without permitted uses are located in the general area.

An Interim Use Permit (IUP) for a float tank therapy business at 1010 Southridge Road was approved. The planning commission recommended approval as the business was no likely to impact the surrounding properties and the nature of the business was to provide a quiet space for clients. The business will take place entirely within an existing residence and no addition was proposed.

The owner of the business, Virginia Suker-Moldan was asked by the council to explain the purpose of the business. Suker-Moldan said float tanks have been around since the 1950s but grew in popularity as athletic therapy with health benefits. It is also a pain management method.

Individuals go into a tank filled with about 10-inches of saltwater to float suspended. Suker-Moldan said the sensation of floating on the water gives the illusion clients are not touching anything, which is why the float tanks are popular as relaxation methods.

Suker-Moldan said she was looking for storefront space originally, but by placing the business in the home she can better educate the public. The business could move to a storefront at a later date.

The council unanimously approved the permit. They did not see an issue with parking or traffic since the business would have a single client at a time.

A preliminary plat for the Puhlco Addition was approved. The plat is named for Puhlman Lumber and the Heyco property. The property was previously occupied by Heymann Construction company. The northern section of the Heyco property is to be planted for a sale to Puhlman.

A public hearing was held on the final assessment rolls for the German Street improvements from 3rd North St. to 7th North St. The improvements were for a full road reconstruction of underground utility and roadway. The assessment is $3,300 per residential parcel payable over ten years with a 4.4. simple interest charge to the unpaid balance.

No comments were received during the hearing. The city council unanimously approved.

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