NEW ULM — The New Ulm City Council will consider an amendment to the city code allowing residential uses in the B-2 (Service Business) zoning district, Tuesday.

The Planning Commission previously conducted a public hearing on this amendment and recommended approval. There are four half-block and two partial half-block areas zoned B-2 in the downtown area. Recently, the city received a letter from an owner of a property in the downtown area requesting first-floor residential use in the B-2 zoning districts adjacent to the downtown area.

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The council will consider approving the changes to New Ulm Fire Department by-laws. The major change to by-laws was regarding attendance at fire calls. The new by-laws require firefighters to attend 50% of fire calls and attend 70% of regularly scheduled monthly department meetings, training, drills, operator meetings and community outreach events.

Previously firefighters needed to attend 70% of fire calls, but excused absences were allowed. Under the new 50%, by-laws, excused absences are not allowed, save for medical leave.

The council previously considered the by-law changes but tabled the decision. The council wanted more time to consider the changes. There was a concern the new by-laws could hurt the city’s insurance rating or cause firefighters to leave the department.

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The council will go into closed session at the end of the meeting to discuss labor negotiation strategy.