SPIRIT LAKE — The Spirit Lake City Council approved the city’s updated comprehensive plan with a 3-1 vote Tuesday.

Several people took issue with the updated land-use map, which designates the area around Spirit Lake for Residential Preservation despite an environmental impact study not having been completed. 

Documents show that the Residential Preservation designation supports residential homes and public facilities, as well as commercial resorts, golf courses, driving ranges and private recreation facilities.

“(A study) would be a huge expense to the city that could eventually be footed by developers,” said Councilor Darrell Woods. “That’s why I’m very comfortable with this plan right now.”

About 50 people attended the meeting at Timberlake Middle School.

Councilor Wendy Walter added that an environmental study “could be a waste of taxpayer dollars,” drawing a few groans from attendees.

Walter also acknowledged concerns over whether the comprehensive plan addressed developmental impacts on area schools.

“My understanding is that they were included in this process,” Walter said.

Chapter Five of the updated comprehensive plan acknowledges a “growing need to thoughtfully integrate schools into existing neighborhoods without disrupting the character of the community.”

However, the plan does not indicate any specific plans for opening additional schools in the area.

The new comprehensive plan marks the first such update for the city since 2007. Though the updates are now codified, no new development can take place within the city limits of Spirit Lake until the sewer moratorium is lifted.

The permanent sewer moratorium has been in place since 2021.

City engineers are developing a wastewater facility plan, according to the city’s website, though current estimates push the completion date to 2030 or later.

Councilor Charlene Phipps, who was sworn in as mayor in the meeting, cast the dissenting vote.

During deliberations, Phipps said the comprehensive plan “is a living document and a guideline,” and that any amendments require a public hearing.

After being sworn in, Phipps reiterated her willingness to listen to community members as the city's future takes shape.

She encouraged residents “to become active participants in (their) government” and confirmed that she will be re-opening the public comment period at February’s City Council meeting.

Taking Phipps' seat on the City Council is Max Liese, a member of the Spirit Lake Community Coalition. Terry Moore and Darrell Woods were also sworn in after being elected in November.  

Phipps previously told The Press that while she believes growth is important to the health of the city of Spirit Lake, “it needs to be managed and controlled.”

    Mayor Charlene Phipps is all smiles as she receives flowers from a family member on Tuesday night after she was sworn in as the new mayor of Spirit Lake.