Posted: March 20, 2026 | Updated: April 8, 2026
AGENDA
NOTICE AND CALL OF PUBLIC MEETING
GOVERNMENTAL BODY: Board of Adjustment
DATE OF MEETING: March 25, 2026
TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING: 6:00 pm at City Hall in Cresco, Iowa
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE ABOVE-MENTIONED GOVERNMENTAL BODY WILL MEET AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SET OUT ABOVE. THE TENTATIVE AGENDA FOR SAID MEETING IS AS FOLLOWS:
ROLL CALL: Emily Dohlman-Govern Alison Holten Dale Ernst Richard Holten Robert Story
RECURRING ITEMS: There may be action taken on each of the items listed below.
- Approval of the Agenda
- Approval of minutes from March 26, 2025
NEW BUSINESS: There may be action taken on each of the items listed below.
- Public Hearing to discuss application for a variance from the Howard Winneshiek School in Cresco, Iowa.
- Discuss application for a variance from the Howard Winneshiek School in Cresco, Iowa.
- Possible motion regarding variance.
ADJOURN:
THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 21, CODE OF IOWA AND THE LOCAL RULES OF SAID GOVERNMENTAL BODY. POSTED 3/20/2026
MINUTES
MINUTES OF THE CRESCO, IOWA BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
Chairperson Dohlman-Govern called the Cresco Board of Adjustment meeting to order on March 25, 2026, at 6:00 pm at City Hall.
Board Members present were Emily Dohlman-Govern, Dale Ernst, Robert Story, and Richard Holten. Alison Holten abstained from the meeting, as she is a member of the Howard-Winneshiek School Board.
Other guests in attendance were Kris Einck, Robyn Lane, Alison Holten, Larry Trende, Dave Bourassa, Matt Brace, and Judy Strike.
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Emily Dohlman-Govern.
Emily Dohlman-Govern motioned to approve the current agenda with 2nd by Richard Holten. Motion passed all ayes.
Richard Holten made a motion to approve the minutes from March 26, 2025, meeting with 2nd by Emily Dohlman-Govern. Motioned carried all ayes.
A variance request was filed on behalf of the Howard-Winneshiek School District by Superintendent Kris Einck regarding an addition to the south side of the High School.
The City of Cresco mailed a notice to all property owners within 250 feet of 1000 Schroeder Drive and placed a notice in the Cresco Times Plain Dealer. The City of Cresco did not receive any correspondence by mail or email regarding this variance request. Public Works Director Dave Brenno received three phone calls and had three in-office visits from people that received notification by mail.
The property is situated in the R-1 zone and is located at 1000 Schroeder Drive in Cresco, Iowa. Legal description: L 4 EX W 183′, L 2 OF 2 EX W 55′, L 2 OF 3 EX W 55′ E 990’N 60′.
The request, if approved, would authorize the construction of the addition that will encroach the front (south) yard set back by thirty-seven feet (37’ 0.)
The Public Hearing was opened, and discussion was held regarding a variance application. Superintendent Kris Einck spoke on behalf of the school. He stated that the main reason for the addition is to make the school a safer place for students. The addition also adds space for the vocal and band rooms which will be adjacent to the existing auditorium. The addition will create a vestibule for visitors to check in before they will be allowed access to the school. He said that they researched other options, and this was the most cost-effective way they found.
Judy Strike had questions regarding the project. Kris Einck answered them to her satisfaction.
After all questions and concerns were addressed and answered, the Public Hearing was closed.
Emily Dohlman-Govern made a motion to approve the variance, Robert Story with 2nd. Motion to approve the variance carried all ayes.
WHEREAS an application for variance was filed with the board, and,
WHEREAS, in accordance with the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cresco, Iowa, notice of hearing was given and proof of said notice of hearing, in accordance with said statute is now on file herein, and this Board having jurisdiction of the subject matter and jurisdiction of the property and parties concerned, finds that the variance should be granted as requested in said application.
At 6:23 pm, Emily Dohlman-Govern moved to adjourn, with 2nd by Richard Holten, and carried all ayes. There are no future meetings scheduled at this time. The board meets on an as needed basis.
Respectfully Submitted,
_______________________________
Secretary of the Board
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