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SCHOOL BOARD : Debates changes to consent agenda policy PAGE 13
Council discusses options in response to Metro Surge BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
WHITE BEAR LAKE — The City Council continues to weigh its options, if any, to make an impact for those who are affected by ongoing federal agent activity in the area. The City Council previously directed city staff to dive into possible legal options for the city to consider and present them at a work session for discussion. “I want to thank those of you who have reached out to express their care and concern for our community. I have appreciated all the emails, calls and actions over the last few weeks more than you know,” Mayor Mary Nicklawske said. “I'm so honored to be representing a city that cares about its neighbors, supports its local small business, reaches out to its schools and has organizations that go above and beyond to support those in our community who are affected by the actions of the federal ICE officers.” City Manager Lindy Crawford presented the eight options, outlined in detail in a staff memo, to the council. (See pullout for more information.) “I'm going to be very candid; they are not all good options. Just because they are options does not mean that they are enforceable or anything more than symbolic, and that may be hard for some of you to hear, but that's the reality of it,”
Frandsen Bank and Trust wins Business of the Year
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Frandsen Bank & Trust is the Business of the Year Award recipient. The award, presented by the White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce, honors an organization that exemplifies outstanding leadership, innovation and an unwavering commitment to the community. New Chamber Chair Karen Herrera said the business not only excels in its industry, but also actively invests in the strength and vitality of the local economy. Pictured (from left) are: Frandsen staff Dana Anderson, Megan Dohmen, Kevin Kelly, Caleb Peterson and Chamber Executive Director Kari Moore. Find more information on page 17.
SEE COALITION, PAGE 20
District says goal of expanded parking is to ‘not be a burden’ on neighbors BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
WHITE BEAR LAKE — District 624 wants to add 162 parking stalls across three locations on its high school campus. Wold Architects, on behalf of the district, is requesting a conditional use permit (CUP) amendment to expand the parking lots located at the high school. The city granted the original CUP in 2021; it was subsequently amended in 2023. The district now looks to expand parking in three separate areas on campus, specifically by adding 56 stalls to the Bald Eagle Avenue lot, 25 stalls to the Division Avenue lot and 83 stalls to the 8th Street lot.
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The Planning Commission voted 5-2 to recommend approval of the CUP to the council. Community Development Director Jason Lindahl noted that much of the discussion centered on the Bald Eagle Avenue lot and one of its access points. While the access from the street to the new parking lot on Bald Eagle Avenue is not proposed to change, there is a new connection proposed from the south portion of the lot to the abutting drive lane. Lindahl said that the city’s engineering and planning departments do not support the second access because there are concerns that it would change the flow of traffic and create unnecessary turning and stacking conflicts and could lead to
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The district plans to expand parking in three areas on the high school campus. (8th Street lot not pictured.)
SEE DISTRICT 624, PAGE 17
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