Council approves variance, easement vacation, temporary patio, CVB report and $100 K-9 donation

At its May 5 meeting the New Ulm City Council approved multiple planning and administrative items during the business portion of the agenda.

Planner John Nisley outlined a variance request by Joseph L. Demmel to construct a residential addition at 905 South Street seven feet from the front property line; the Planning & Zoning Commission had unanimously recommended approval with two conditions: record the variance with the Brown County recorder's office and have the applicant contact city staff to verify setbacks once the addition is staked. Council approved the variance with the stated conditions.

Staff (Mr. Snowbrecht) presented a request from Kimberly Kunkel to vacate a 10-foot-wide utility easement centered on the side property line between 2303 and 2307 North Highland Avenue to allow construction of a new residence. Staff said front and rear utility and drainage easements would remain and that notices had been sent to utilities; council approved the vacation with the normal filing condition.

Council approved a temporary outdoor patio for Sweet Haven Tonics at 116 North Minnesota Street and an extension of the liquor license for the defined patio period subject to conditions indicated in the application. Council also received the Convention and Visitors Bureau financial report for the quarter ending March 31, 2026, as filed by Sarah Warmka (named in the packet).

Chief Borchard reported an anonymous $100 donation to the police K-9 fund; council accepted the donation by resolution. Finally, the council accepted a list of claims paid totaling $2,067,073.23 and adjourned the meeting.

Each of the above items was approved by motion and vote as recorded in the clerk's roll call and meeting minutes.