News & Events
Zoning Updates / Public Hearing
New Date: Public Hearing (Thursday March 1, 7-9pm) on the updated Ordinance will be where public testimony will be taken. The Town Board will review written and oral statements and act on creating Ordinance #4.
The Public Hearing (Feb 16th 7-9pm) has been Rescheduled
The Planning Commission invited everyone to an Open House on Jan.26th from 7-9pm at the Town Hall regarding proposed changes to our Zoning Ordinance. The purpose of the Open House was to share information regarding the proposed changes and to answer any questions regarding those changes.
The Planning Commission will take written comments on the proposed changes through March1 at 7pm in the Town Hall whereupon you may testify at the Public Hearing and/or provide written comments. The Town Board will review all the comments regarding the proposed changes and make decisions regarding the changes.
There are a number of ways that you can comment on the proposed ordinance revisions. Send your written comments by email to comments@duluthtownship.org or by US mail to Duluth Town Hall, 6092 Homestead Rd, Duluth, MN 55804. All written comments sent by email or US mail must include your name and address.
Over the past year the Planning Commission has reviewed the Zoning Ordinance focusing on necessary statutory updates, adding interim uses as another use category, revising short term rental conditional use, and clarifying and making minor editorial changes.
Following is a synopsis of Zoning Ordinance changes:
- Statutory changes regarding variances.
- Statutory changes regarding non-conforming lots.
- The Interim Use category and requirements are added and incorporated under Article IX, Conditional Use and Article V, Land Use Zone Districts.
- Community Participation Reports are required for zoning amendments (text and map amendments).
- Disallowing short term rental in the Town.
- Removing Homestay as a use.
- Planning Commission review of commercial proposals added for SCO-8B.
- Editing definitions/uses regarding dwelling, duplex, triplex and quadplex and subsequent standards.
- Clarification of Planning Commission member terms.
- Clarification of some definitions.
Township Resident Feedback Survey
A Township resident feedback questionnaire was enclosed in the JanuaryTownship Newletter.
The one-page questionnaire is another way that residents can express their views—in addition to attending the monthly Town Board and Town Planning Commission open meetings. We know that some of you can't get to the meetings so this is another way to provide your views.
The questionnaire included a few special questions on topics which the Town Board would like broader input.
The survey responses will be summarized in the March Newsletter and a report provided to the Town Board. It will be available for review at the Town Hall during office hours and on our Township web site See Results.
Responses are anonymous...no names are requested and respondents cannot be identified. Your frank response and suggestions are valuable to your Township governance. Thanks!
Volunteer Opportunities
This is a list of volunteer opportunities that we hope you will consider to help your community.
- Volunteers to help with flooding the rinks and staff to help with the concession stand. Also donations of hockey equipment (hockey sticks, goalie equipment, skates or helmets), Those interested please contact Kevin Pettis at 525-0663 ext 301 or at recreation@duluthtownship.org.
- Help with the Newsletter — writing special features of interest in the Township, local masthead pictures, a listing of artists, writers and musicians, taking over an issue now and then, etc. Let your interest be known at the Town Hall office (525-5705). Suggestions are always welcome too.
- Listing of Local Artists and Musicians. It would be great if someone would volunteer to create a reference list of local talent that could be on our Township web site and printed in the Newsletter (525-5705).
Township Openings
- Our Annual Town Meeting and Election will be held on Tues. March 13th. Information will be provided in the March Newsletter. Supervisor election is for one 3-year term and one 1-year term (to complete an earlier term vacancy which was filled by Board appointment). The dates to file an Affidavit of Candidacy with the Town Clerk are Jan. 3-17th. Mark your 2012 calendar!
- Vacancies on our Township Planning and Zoning Commission Supervisor Barbara Crow
Due to the recent resignation of Bill Lannon, the Duluth Township Planning and Zoning Commission has an immediate opening to fill out his term (scheduled to end March, 2014). There will also be two additional openings when the terms of Dave Chura and Jan Green expire in March, 2012. We are currently accepting letters of interest for all three openings.
The P&Z Commission is a 7-member board that guides the implementation of the Township's Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan. No special qualifications are necessary to serve on the P&Z Commission, other than an interest in the Township's future and willingness to serve. Commission members serve 3-year terms and cannot serve more than two consecutive terms. The Commission holds regular monthly meetings on the 4th Thursday of each month, with occasional special meetings as the need arises. Commission members receive a per-meeting stipend.
Interviews to fill the vacancies will be held by the Town Board starting on January 12th.
Interested residents should submit a letter of interest including relevant past experience to:
Duluth Township, Attn: P&Z Commission Vacancy, 6092 Homestead Road, Duluth, MN 55804.
If you have questions please feel free to contact Supervisor Barb Crow at 525-0489 or email.
Community Events
- The Sucker Sessions Facilitator: Andrew Slade Minnesota Environmental Partnership will be sponsoring a series of talks on the Sucker River Watershed. Jan. 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16. 7 – 8 pm, North Shore Community School Cafeteria Cost: Free More Details
- Family Skating Night — Friday, Feb 10th. 7-9pm, DT Community Center
Bring the family and join other community members for a fun filled evening of ice skating, hot cocoa and marshmallow roasting! Children and adults of all ages welcome! Participants must bring their own skates. Location: NSCS Ice Skating Rink Cost: Free
- NSCS/Township Winter Frolic — Sat. Feb. 11th (watch for posted notices)
- Township Country Dance — Feb. 25th, Town Hall
6-7pm, Country dance instruction, then 7-9pm Country dancing. Everyone welcome. Suggested $5 donation.
Jody Anderson and Mary Tennis
- Our Annual Town Meeting and Election will be held on Tues. March 13th. Mark your 2012 calendar!