Council designates Elks Lodge area R‑1 to protect lodge use; future tower proposals would need permits

The council considered the second reading of an ordinance amending multiple municipal code sections affecting downtown parking, cannabis-business rules and zoning tables. Staff recommended, and council approved, designating the Elks Club property as R‑1 (single-family residential) to ensure lodges are an outright permitted use and to avoid treating the Elks as a preexisting nonconforming use.

Staff explained the R‑1 designation would recognize the lodge as permitted and allow it to be rebuilt if damaged. The council also discussed the possibility of a future communications tower; staff said any tower application would be processed as a quasi‑judicial/discretionary permit — reviewed by the planning commission if under 50 feet, and by planning commission and city council if above 50 feet. Councilors asked staff to meet with the lodge to clarify camping areas and tower ownership before any future application.

The council moved and seconded the item and conducted a roll-call vote in which one councilor recorded a 'No' while the majority supported adoption.