Chisago County public meetings in 2022
30 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of Adjustment & Appeals
The Board of Adjustment & Appeals will hold a public hearing regarding variance requests for a 0.95-acre property in Nessel Township. The board will also determine the 2023 meeting schedule.
- Variance request for 51109 Rush Lake Way to split a platted lot without replatting
- Variance request for 51109 Rush Lake Way regarding roadway and rear yard setbacks
- Variance request for 51109 Rush Lake Way to exceed maximum accessory storage space
- Establishment of the 2023 Meeting Schedule
The Board denied a request to split a .95-acre lot into two parcels and rejected seven associated setback and storage variances. However, the Board approved two specific setback variances for the southern portion of the property. The 2023 meeting schedule was also adopted.
- Denied Variance to split lot and Variances #1-#7 for setbacks and storage (unanimous)
- Approved 19' Variance for structures to be 116' from Rush Lake Trail / CSAH 1 centerline (unanimous)
- Approved 25' Variance for structures to be 15' from Erin Avenue Township Right-of-Way (unanimous)
- Adopted 2023 Board of Adjustment and Appeals Meeting Schedule (unanimous)
- Approved September 29, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
County Board of Commissioners
The Board approved 2023 salary and per diem rates for commissioners, elected officials, and non-represented employees. It also authorized several land use permits and recycling contracts for 2023. One request for a residential kennel interim use permit was denied and tabled for further review.
- Approved 2023 Hauler Recycling and Recycler contract renewals (5-0)
- Approved Final Plat of Ryan Farms Plat 1 and North Dairy (5-0)
- Approved Rural Retail Tourism permit for pottery showroom at 2785 Stark Road (5-0)
- Approved Interim Use Permit for accessory structure at 43xxx Andee Avenue (5-0)
- Denied Residential Kennel permit at 43750 Jess Avenue (2-3)
- Approved $80,000 ARPA allocation for CCSO ARMER Subscriber fees (5-0)
- Approved 2023 salaries and per diems for commissioners and elected officials (5-0)
- Approved Sunrise Prairie Regional Trail Segment G plans and bid solicitation (5-0)
Park Board
The Park Board will discuss progress on the Comprehensive Parks and Trails Plan and 2022 collections at Fish Lake County Park. The meeting includes an engineering update for SPRT Segment G and a virtual presentation from HKGi regarding the Fish Lake Master Plan.
- Comprehensive Parks and Trails Plan progress update
- Fish Lake County Park 2022 collections
- SPRT Segment G engineering update
- HKGi virtual presentation on Fish Lake Master Plan update
The Board approved the meeting agenda and previous minutes. Members received updates on the Comprehensive Parks and Trails Plan, Fish Lake Park collections, and the SPRT Segment G engineering timeline. No substantive policy or funding decisions were made.
- Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
- Approved November 17, 2022, meeting minutes (unanimous)
Lake Improvement District
The Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District Board will meet to discuss the process for appointing the Area 5 Director. This follows a tie vote that occurred on December 5, 2022.
- Consider procedure for appointment of the Area 5 Director
The Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District Board appointed a new director for Area 5. The board also received legal clarification regarding the procedure for appointing directors in the event of a tie vote.
- Approved appointment of Travis LaMotte as Area 5 LID Board Director (6-0)
County Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners adopted the 2023 Annual Budget with expenditures of $80,604,063 and a levy of $45,740,860. The board also approved several land use resolutions, including a final plat and rezoning in Nessel Township.
- Approved 2023 County Levy of $45,740,860 and expenditures of $80,604,063 (5-0)
- Adopted 2023 Capital Improvement Plan of $3,073,157 (5-0)
- Approved Final Plat and rezoned Lot 1, Block 1 of DJ’s Dream from Rural Residential I to Agricultural (5-0)
- Approved resolution of support for City of Lindstrom Active Transportation Grant (5-0)
- Approved commercial lease with Arrowhead Transit for Heartland Express North Branch facility (5-0)
- Delegated Wetland Conservation Act decision-making authority to Director of Environmental Services (5-0)
- Approved purchase of new survey equipment for Public Works (5-0)
- Approved 2023-24 Professional Technical Services Contract with Chisago Soil and Water Conservation District (5-0)
Lake Improvement District
The Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District board will meet to review applications for an Area 5 appointment and establish the 2023 meeting schedule. The board will also discuss the Sunrise River WMO withdrawal and the 2023 General Services Agreement with Emmons and Olivier Resources Inc.
- Review of applications for appointment to Area 5
- 2023 General Services Agreement with Emmons and Olivier Resources Inc.
- Lower St. Croix Watershed Partnership - Sunrise River WMO Withdrawal
- Chisago SWCD Rain Barrel Program
- Update on Invasive Phragmites survey and treatment
The Board recommended a General Engineering and Administrative Services Agreement with Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc. for County approval. They also approved $1,200 for election advertising and a 2023 meeting schedule. A tie vote for the Area 5 Director position resulted in the appointment being tabled until the February 2023 annual meeting.
- Recommended approval of General Engineering and Administrative Services Agreement with Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc. (6-0)
- Tabled Area 5 LID Director appointment to February 2023 annual meeting following a 3-3 tie (6-0)
- Approved up to $1,200 for Area 1 and Area 6 Election and Annual Meeting advertising (6-0)
- Approved draft 2023 LID Board Meeting Schedule and Annual Calendar (6-0)
- Approved registration for joint LID - Lake Associations booth at 2023 Chisago Lakes Home & Business Expo (6-0)
- Approved November 7, 2022 minutes, financial report, and $19,214.14 in invoice payments (6-0)
- Tabled discussion on 2023 joint Rain Barrel Sale program (6-0)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will consider three new applications for interim and conditional use permits in Agricultural Districts. The body will also discuss the 2023 meeting schedule and an extension request for DJ’s Dream.
- Interim Use Permit for an accessory structure on Andee Avenue in Fish Lake Township
- Interim Use Permit for a residential kennel with nine dogs at 43750 Jess Avenue
- Conditional Use Permit for Rural Retail Tourism pottery showroom at 2785 Stark Road
- Request for Extension of DJ’s Dream
- Establishment of the 2023 Meeting Schedule
The Commission recommended approval for a pottery showroom's retail tourism permit and two interim use permits for a residential kennel and an accessory structure. The board also adopted the 2023 meeting schedule.
- Recommended approval of Interim Use Permit for accessory structure at PID# 03.00441.31 (4-1)
- Recommended approval of Interim Use Permit for residential kennel at PID# 09.00615.10 (5-0)
- Recommended approval of Conditional Use Permit for Rural Retail Tourism at PID# 03.00379.10 (5-0)
- Adopted 2023 Planning Commission Meeting Schedule (5-0)
- Rescheduled Dec. 15 work session to Dec. 19 (5-0)
- Approved Oct. 20, Nov. 3, and Nov. 17 meeting minutes (5-0 each)
Board of Adjustment & Appeals
The December 1, 2022 meeting of the Board of Adjustment was cancelled because no applications were filed. The next meeting is scheduled for December 29, 2022.
Park Board
The Chisago County Park Board will discuss the Fish Lake Master Plan and engineering updates for the SRPT-Segment G Project. The board will also review the 2022 operating budget and updates regarding 2023 ARPA and CIP funds.
- SIRT-MNL Erosion Control Project
- Fish Lake Master Plan Update/Schedule
- SRPT-Segment G Project engineering updates
- 2022 Operating Budget Review
- 2023 ARPA and CIP update
The Board unanimously approved the agenda and the revised minutes from the October 20, 2022, meeting. The session consisted primarily of staff updates regarding park projects and budget reviews.
- Approved the agenda (unanimous)
- Approved revised October 20, 2022, meeting minutes (unanimous)
County Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved funding for the Honeywell Phase II project and the 2023 CIP and ARPA Plan. They also authorized land acquisitions by eminent domain for two county road improvements and approved three preliminary plats.
- Approved $1,566,300 for Honeywell Phase II project (4-0)
- Authorized eminent domain for CSAH 40 and CSAH 21 improvements (4-0)
- Approved preliminary plats for Ryan Farms Plat 1, Angry Danglers Paradise, and Paradise Woods (4-0)
- Approved rezoning of 35089 Wild Mountain Road from RRII to Agricultural (4-0)
- Approved 2023 Law Enforcement Services Contracts for six cities (4-0)
- Approved $118,000 payment to Children’s Services Collaborative (4-0)
- Approved employment contract for County Administrator Chase Burnham (4-0)
- Approved Joint Powers Agreement with Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office for inmate boarding (4-0)
Water Plan Policy Team
The Water Plan Policy Team is meeting to review staffing changes for the Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District and the Lower St. Croix Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan. The body will also discuss budget requests and updates on aquatic invasive species programs.
- Staffing transitions for Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District, including new Administrator Ben Elfelt and Specialist Monica Kinny
- Lower St. Croix Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan (1W1P) implementation and FY23 funding work plan
- Review of Water Plan Policy Team role and budget requests
- Invasive Phragmites survey and treatment update
- Dewatering of a pond near Kroon Lake for goldfish control
The Water Plan Policy Team approved the July 11, 2022 meeting minutes and the current agenda. The team recommended reviewing the Policy Team Role and Budget Request at the January 2023 meeting. The board received updates on American Rescue Plan funding approved by the County Board on November 9, 2022.
- Approved July 11, 2022 meeting minutes (6-0)
- Approved meeting agenda (6-0)
- Recommended reviewing Policy Team Role and Budget Request at January 2023 meeting
Lake Improvement District
The Lake Improvement District board is meeting to discuss lake levels, black sludge in Green Lake, and the treatment of invasive phragmites. The body will also consider a professional services contract with the Chisago Soil and Water Conservation District.
- SWCD Professional and Technical Services Contract for water quality, restoration, and cost share programs
- Payment requests from Chisago-Lindstrom Lakes Association and Center Lakes Association
- Discussion on potential supplemental funding from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for phragmites treatment
- Report on North Center / North Lindstrom Channel meeting with DNR and EOR
- Appointment to fill the vacancy left by Monica Kinney's resignation
The Board recommended that the Chisago County Board of Commissioners approve a Professional/Technical Services Contract with the Chisago Soil and Water Conservation District. The Board also approved several invoice payments and a partial payment to the Chisago Lindstrom Lakes Association.
- Recommended approval of Professional/Technical Services Contract between Chisago County and Chisago Soil and Water Conservation District (7-0)
- Approved payment of $1,000 to Chisago Lindstrom Lakes Association pending a revised invoice (7-0)
- Approved Consent Agenda including October 3, 2022 minutes, financial report, and invoice payments excluding one phragmites invoice (7-0)
- Approved amended meeting agenda (7-0)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will consider requests for one rezoning and two preliminary plats. The body will also review an amended preliminary plat for a property in Chisago Lake Township.
- Rezoning of 45± acres at 35089 Wild Mountain Road from Rural Residential II to Agricultural
- Preliminary Plat of Ryan Farms Plat 1 creating three 5-acre lots on Keystone Avenue / CR 67
- Preliminary Plat of Angry Danglers Paradise creating three lots at 34565 Wild Mountain Road
- Amended Preliminary Plat of Paradise Woods creating three lots south of 320th Street
The Planning Commission recommended approval for one rezoning request and three preliminary plats. The decisions include conditions regarding parcel combinations, septic suitability, and developer agreements with townships.
- Recommended approval of rezoning 45± acres from Rural Residential II to Agricultural for Frank and Debora Dusenka (5-0)
- Recommended approval of Preliminary Plat for Ryan Farms Plat 1 by A2A Investments LLC (5-0)
- Recommended approval of Preliminary Plat for Angry Danglers Paradise by Darin and Amy Dills (5-0)
- Recommended approval of Preliminary Plat for Paradise Woods by Kenneth Rice (5-0)
- Approved October 6, 2022 meeting minutes as amended (5-0)
- Tabled October 20, 2022 Special Work Session minutes (5-0)
County Board of Commissioners
The Board approved a loan to the HRA-EDA for industrial property acquisition and authorized the final plat for SP Farms Plat One. Additionally, the Board partially terminated a 2007 tax abatement agreement for a property in North Branch.
- Approved $462,000 loan from County Fund Balance to Chisago County HRA-EDA (4-0)
- Approved Final Plat of SP Farms Plat One at 272X Olinda Trail (4-0)
- Authorized partial termination of 2007 Tax Abatement and Business Subsidy Agreement for Lot 1, Block 1, North Branch Market Place (4-0)
- Authorized RFP for legal representation in Child Welfare matters (4-0)
- Approved Consent Agenda including HHS Committee recommendations and county warrants (4-0)
- Approved amended agenda (4-0)
Board of Adjustment & Appeals
The October meeting was cancelled because no applications were submitted for review.
Park Board
The Park Board is meeting to review updates on the Fish Lake Master Plan and the SRPT-Segment G project. Members will discuss progress on 2022 capital improvement projects and review requests for 2023 projects.
- MCIT-Storm Damage Repairs
- Fish Lake Master Plan Update-Request for Quotes
- SRPT-Segment G Project engineering updates
- 2022 Capital Improvement Projects progress
- 2023 Capital Improvement Projects requests
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold public hearings for two new applications. The body will consider a rezoning request for parcels in Fish Lake Township and a permit amendment for a property in Franconia Township.
- Rezoning request for 36± acres at 2785 Stark Road and 43353 Cedarcrest Trail from Rural Residential I to Agricultural District
- Conditional Use Permit amendment for Unity Farm LLC at 29616 Unity Avenue to add a resort and gathering venue
- Proposed Unity Farm venue to accommodate up to 125 people in an existing barn
Lake Improvement District
The Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District will review water quality monitoring and the status of invasive phragmites surveys and treatment. The board will also discuss interviews for a Water Resource Specialist position.
- Water Quality Monitoring wrap-up
- Invasive Phragmites Survey and Treatment update
- Water Resource Specialist position interviews scheduled for October 6, 2022
- Summer Channel and Weir Inspection Report from Emmons and Olivier Resources Inc.
- Lower St. Croix Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan FY23 funding work plan
Board of Adjustment & Appeals
The Board of Adjustment and Appeals will hold a public hearing regarding a variance request for a residential property in Nessel Township. The board will determine if the property owners can build a dwelling closer to the road and water level than current ordinances allow.
- Public hearing for Jason & Catherine Foss regarding variances to Zoning Ordinance Section 5.15 and Shoreland Management Ordinance Section 5.21 at 49705 Afton Avenue
Lake Improvement District
The board is meeting to review water quality monitoring and discuss the posting for a Water Resource Specialist position. The meeting also addresses staffing transitions, including the retirement of Jerry Spetzman and the appointment of Ben Elfelt as the new LID Administrator.
- Water quality presentation on predictions based on water color
- Posting for LID Water Resource Specialist position
- Maintenance updates for North Center North Lindstrom Channel
- Invasive Phragmites survey and treatment update
- Summer channel and weir inspection update from Emmons and Olivier Resources Inc.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will consider two preliminary plat requests for lot creation and two ordinance amendments. The body is also continuing its review of Planning Commission membership terms and residency requirements.
- Preliminary Plat of SP Farms Plat One to create one lot from a 79.8-acre tract in Franconia Township
- Preliminary Plat of North Dairy to create one lot from a 34.7-acre tract in Chisago Lake Township
- Proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment to allow slaughterhouses and meat processing facilities in Agricultural (AG) Districts
- Proposed amendments to Subdivision Ordinance No. 99-2 regarding title evidence, opinion, and review
- Proposed amendment to Zoning Ordinance Section 8.03 regarding Planning Commission membership terms and residency
Board of Adjustment & Appeals
The Board will hold public hearings to consider variance requests for six different properties. These requests primarily concern building distances from roads and water levels, as well as limits on accessory storage and impervious surfaces.
- Variance request for 49960 Bayside Avenue regarding dwelling and garage placement and storage space
- Variance request for 44044 Cedarcrest Trail for a detached accessory structure
- Variance request for 51685 Belle Isle Drive regarding dwelling placement and impervious surface area
- Amended variance request for 32770 N. Center Court for a detached garage
- Variance request for 30710 Mattson Court for a garage addition and accessory storage
Park Board
The Park Board is meeting to discuss portable restroom usage and association requests at Ki Chi Saga County Park. The board will also receive updates on the Sunrise Prairie Regional Trail project and 2022 capital projects.
- Portable restroom usage at Ki Chi Saga Park
- Citizen and Association requests for Ki Chi Saga County Park
- Sunrise Prairie Regional Trail (North Branch to Harris Project) update
- 2022 Capital Project progress and updates
- Chisago County Parks and Trails Foundation trailhead signage
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is reviewing three conditional use permit requests and two ordinance amendments. The body will consider land use changes for properties in Franconia and Rushseba Townships.
- CUP request for a private campground with up to three campsites at 28445 St. Croix Trail
- CUP request for an open storage yard at 995 S. Bremer Ave
- CUP amendment for a private campground with up to two campsites at 29815 Unity Ave
- Proposed amendment to Zoning Ordinance Section 8.03 regarding Commission membership and residency
- First reading of preliminary draft amendments to Subdivision Ordinance No. 99-2
County Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners is meeting to authorize a low-income fix-up grant application and discuss out-of-state travel. The agenda includes updates on the 988 suicide prevention lifeline, emergency assistance plan changes, and the revocation of a license for Bridges MN.
- MPCA FY 2023 SSTS Low-Income Fix-up Grant Application Authorization
- Estimated $15,000 cost for destruction of Riverwood Centers case files
- Payment of HHS warrants totaling $206,020.00 across four dates
- National APCO and Motorola Trunked User Group Training travel request
- Updated Emergency Assistance and Emergency General Assistance Plans
Board of Adjustment & Appeals
The Board will hold public hearings to consider four separate requests for variances regarding road and right-of-way setbacks. These requests involve the construction of houses, garages, and a breezeway.
- Variance request for house, garage, and deck at 46390 Beach Road
- Variance request for detached garage at 51235 Amber Avenue
- Variance request for detached garage at 32770 N. Center Court
- Variance request for breezeway at 20433 345th Street
Park Board
The Park Board will meet to discuss a proposed disc course at Ki-Chi Saga County Park. The agenda also includes updates on the Sunrise Prairie Regional Trail Project and other capital projects.
- Proposed disc course at Ki-Chi Saga County Park
- Sunrise Prairie Regional Trail Project update
- Capital project progress and updates
- ARPA Proposal from June 8, 2022 Budget and Finance Meeting
Lake Improvement District
The Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District Board is meeting to discuss lake maintenance, budget planning, and invasive species control. The board will review reports on channel maintenance and outlet structures.
- Pioneer Lake Homeowners Association Aquatic Invasive Species Control Partnership Request
- North Center North Lindstrom Channel Maintenance Project updates on bog and vegetation removal
- Seven Culverts nuisance animal control
- Slow-No-Wake Ordinance updates
- Spring Channel and Outlet Structure Inspection Report dated April 21, 2022
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will consider three applications for Conditional Use Permits in Agricultural Districts. The body will also discuss the impacts of redistricting on commission membership and the storage of shipping containers.
- CUP request for a winery on Upland Road (Jim & Sher Investments LLC)
- CUP request for a church at 45268 Brunswick Road (Dale Evangelical Free Church)
- CUP amendment for a winery and gathering venue at 17325 Pleasant Valley Road (Pleasant Valley Orchard)
- Discussion on Zoning Ordinance Section 8.03 regarding Planning Commission Membership
- Discussion on Zoning Ordinance Section 4.01 regarding shipping container storage
Board of Adjustment & Appeals
The Board of Adjustment & Appeals will hold public hearings to consider four new variance applications. These requests involve accessory storage limits, road setbacks, non-conforming use expansions, and minimum street frontage requirements.
- Variance request for 3,048 sq ft of accessory storage at 30737 Lofton Avenue
- Variance request for a 97-foot setback from Government Road/County Road 55
- Variance request to expand a non-conforming use at 15845 Wenell Avenue
- Variance request for 260 feet of frontage on Olinda Trail for a 5-acre parcel