Chisago County public meetings in 2024

Board of Adjustment & Appeals

The Chisago County Board of Adjustment & Appeals will hold a public hearing to consider a variance request for Carrie Penshorn to reduce setbacks for a new dwelling and garage at 14150 Old Holt Court. The meeting will also include the approval of minutes from the November 26, 2024 session.

• Public hearing for Carrie Penshorn variance request at 14150 Old Holt Court
• Approval of November 26, 2024 meeting minutes
• Approval of 2025 Board of Adjustment & Appeals meeting schedule

Park Board

The Park Board will discuss a Legacy Funding Application for the Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail. Members will also review updates on the 2025 Capital Improvement Program and the Ki-Chi Saga Concession Building.

• Legacy Funding Application-24-015 F-Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail
• 2025-CIP Update
• Ki-Chi Saga Concession Building update
• Proposed 2025 implementation ideas including branding, medallion hunt, and user counters
• Emerald Ash Bore (EAB) biocontrol update

Planning Commission

The December 19, 2024, work session for the Chisago County Planning Commission has been canceled due to a lack of business to discuss.

County Board of Commissioners

The Chisago County Board will consider extending a design contract for the TH 8 Reconstruction Project from December 31, 2024, to January 1, 2026. The board will also approve payments for a pavement maintenance project and set a public hearing date for adopting the 2025 fee schedule.

• SRF Contract Extension for TH 8 Project
• Final Contract Payments for Pavement Maintenance Project
• Schedule Public Hearing for 2025 Fee Schedule
• Allocating ARPA Funds to Administrative Costs
• Contract with Madeline Eickman for Legal Support

Budget & Finance Committee

The Chisago County Board of Commissioners will meet to approve a contract extension for the TH 8 Reconstruction Project and consider a public hearing for the 2025 fee schedule. The agenda includes consent items for warrants, minutes, and agreements with various contractors.

• SRF Contract Extension for TH 8 Project
• Schedule Public Hearing for 2025 Fee Schedule
• Payment of County's Warrants and Miscellaneous Bills
• Lake Improvement District – Weir Repair Contract
• 2025 Problem Materials Recycling Agreements

Lake Improvement District

The Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District will hold its annual meeting to discuss repairs for the Lofton Avenue and Lake Ellen weirs and approve the meeting agenda. The meeting will be held in-person at the Chisago County Government Center and is also available virtually via Microsoft Teams.

• Approval of agenda
• Discussion of Weir Repair proposal
• Citizens' forum
• Staff and engineer reports
• Meeting adjournment

Planning Commission

The Chisago County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider an after-the-fact Conditional Use Permit for a horse training and boarding business on 5 acres in Shafer Township. The meeting will also include the approval of prior meeting minutes and the discussion of the 2025 meeting schedule.

• Public hearing for Kerkow Barrel Horses LLC at 19239 310th Street
• Approval of November 7, 2024 Planning Commission minutes
• Discussion of 2025 Planning Commission meeting schedule
• County Board Liaison Reports for Commissioners Greene and Dahlberg

County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a Truth in Taxation hearing to consider the final 2025 Operating County Budget. The meeting also includes reviews of Health and Human Services reports and various land and contract approvals.

• Consideration of Final 2025 Operating County Budget
• Payment of $221,063.73 in Health and Human Services warrants
• Professional services contract with Solid Oak Financial Services through 2026
• Final plats for Fjellansbole Acres and Winberg Addition
• Conveyance of Cambridge Transfer Station property interest to ECSWC

Lake Improvement District

The Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District will hold its annual meeting to approve contracts with the Chisago Soil and Water Conservation District and Emmons and Oliver for 2025 professional services. The board will also consider channel maintenance, including a weir inspection and quotes for culvert repairs, and set a date to approve a promissory note.

• Approval of 2025 Professional Services Contracts (Chisago Soil and Water Conservation District, Emmons and Oliver)
• Fall Channel and Weir Inspection Report
• Swamp Lake Culverts Quote (David's Hydrovac, Peterson Companies)
• Beaver Obstruction Removal, Lake Pointe Drive
• LID Director Election, Areas 5 & 7 Vacancy Announcement

Board of Adjustment & Appeals

The Board of Adjustment & Appeals will hold a public hearing regarding a request to expand a non-conforming dwelling. The board will also decide on the adoption of the 2025 meeting schedule.

• Public hearing for variance to expand a dwelling at 1476 509th Street in Nessel Township
• Adoption of 2025 Meeting Schedule

Park Board

The Chisago County Park Board will meet to discuss updates on 2025 Capital Improvement and ARPA projects. The board will also review new business regarding park trails, signage, and biocontrol for Emerald Ash Bore.

• Checkerboard Park hiking trails
• Ki Chi Saga Park hydration station (SHIP Project 2025)
• Sunrise Prairie Regional Trail signage (SHIP Project 2025)
• Chisago County Single-track Course adjustments
• Emerald Ash Bore (EAB) biocontrol

Planning Commission

The November 21, 2024, Work Session was canceled because there was no business to discuss.

County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will discuss and decide on several infrastructure projects and land-use permits. Key items include a major road improvement project and an update to the county's ADA Transition Plan.

• Proposed award of CSAH 30 Improvement Project to Knife River Corporation for $6,586,316.60
• Proposed $19,484 contract with Stonebrooke Engineering for ADA Transition Plan update
• Conditional Use Permit for Kale Wolff and Federated Co-op Bulk Gas or Fuel Facility
• Interim Use Permit for Behrant Miller & Samantha Riehm contracting business
• Final plats for Haven Homes 'Peaceful Sunrise' and Kelly Jordan 'Kost Ranch'

Water Plan Policy Team

The Water Plan Policy Team will meet to approve meeting minutes, introduce new members, and review updates on aquatic invasive species, water quality monitoring, and hazard mitigation.

• Approval of September 9, 2024 meeting minutes
• Introduction of new team member Victoria Deitschman
• Review of ARPA spending for AIS Sign Project and Rapid Response Plans
• Discussion of Lower St. Croix Watershed Management Plan
• Review of 2023 Chisago County Water Quality Monitoring Report

Budget & Finance Committee

The committee will review year-to-date financial updates, including operating budgets, salaries, and fund balances. The meeting also covers the 2025 Capital Improvement Plan and the Community Corrections Act probation delivery system.

• 2025 Capital Improvement Plan discussion
• Community Corrections Act (CCA) Probation Delivery System review
• Year-to-date operating budget vs actuals for General, Road and Bridge, and HHS funds
• Review of salaries and wages budget vs actuals
• Wheelage Tax and Local Option Sales Tax chart updates

Planning Commission

The Chisago County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a conditional use permit for a bulk fuel facility and an after-the-fact interim use permit for a contracting business. The body will also approve the October 3, 2024 meeting minutes and adopt the 2025 meeting schedule.

• Public hearing: Bulk fuel facility permit at 18397 St. Croix Trail / TH 95
• Public hearing: Contracting business permit at 42895 Daisy Avenue
• Approval of October 3, 2024 Planning Commission minutes
• Adoption of 2025 Meeting Schedule
• County Board Liaison Reports

County Board of Commissioners

The Chisago County Board of Commissioners will meet to approve a consent agenda including health department reports and warrants, and hold a public hearing on an ordinance regulating cannabis retail.

• Public hearing on cannabis retail regulation ordinance
• Payment of county warrants and miscellaneous bills
• Opioid Settlement Q3 staff expenses
• MN Department of Health Community Health Board Master Grant Contract 2025-2029
• Wyoming Emergency Paging Tower Generator

Lake Improvement District

The Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District will hold its annual meeting to discuss wastewater permits and infrastructure repairs. The board is scheduled to review a bid report and recommendation for the Wier Repair Project and a Phase 3 contract for Collins Engineers Inc.

• Wier Repair Project: Bid Report and Recommendation
• Collins Engineers Inc. – Phase 3 contract
• Chisago Lakes Joint Sewage Treatment Commission Wastewater Permit public comment
• LID Director Election for Areas 5 & 7
• North Center / North Lindstrom Channel discussion

Board of Adjustment & Appeals

The Chisago County Board of Adjustment will hold public hearings to consider two variance requests for properties near East Rush Lake and South Center Lake. The board will also approve the minutes from the September 26, 2024 meeting.

• Public hearing for James & Lori Taylor and Justin Buehring at 51276 Rush Lake Trail
• Public hearing for David & Julie Vislisel at 29860 Glader Boulevard
• Approval of September 26, 2024 meeting minutes
• Approval of agenda and receipt of materials into record

Park Board

The Park Board will discuss requests for 2025 Capital Improvement Projects and parks maintenance projects. The board will also receive updates on State Legacy Grant, SHIP, ARPA, and 2024 Capital Improvement projects.

• 2025-CIP Requests
• Parks Maintenance Projects
• State Legacy Grant Funding Applications update
• SHIP Grant Projects update
• ARPA Projects update

Planning Commission

The October 17, 2024, Chisago County Planning Commission Work Session was canceled because there was no business to discuss.

County Board of Commissioners

The Chisago County Board of Commissioners approved a $2,597,646 advance from the State Aid Construction Fund to continue work on the CSAH 10 reconstruction project. The meeting also included discussions on road projects, drainage improvements, and the approval of contracts for design and right-of-way acquisition.

• Advance Construction Resolution – CSAH 10 ($2,597,646)
• TH 8 Reconstruction Final Design Services Contract
• Right of Way Acquisition Services Contract – CSAH 19 Roundabout
• 2025 Law Enforcement Services Contracts
• 2025 Board of Water and Soil Resources Grant Agreement

Lake Improvement District

The Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District will hold its annual meeting to approve minutes and financial reports, discuss water resource projects, and conduct an election for directors in areas 5 and 7.

• Approval of minutes and financial reports
• Discussion of North Center/North Lindstrom Channel project
• Weir Repair Project Update
• LID Director Election, Area’s 5 & 7
• Chisago City, Paradise Park Ditch

Planning Commission

The Chisago County Planning Commission will hear requests for five preliminary plats and two interim use permits involving agricultural land. A previously scheduled site tour was canceled.

• Hirsch Homestead plat request (11803 Olson Road)
• Goose Lake Acres plat request (48300 Cedarcrest Trail)
• Fjellansbole Acres plat request (11293 335th Street)
• Mariah Van Heel interim use permit (375th Street / Pottery Trail)
• Jaime Jacobson interim use permit (520th Street)

County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will discuss road and bridge funding via wheelage tax and review Health and Human Services reports. The meeting includes decisions on several contracts, a final plat, and the payment of various county warrants.

• Payment of Health and Human Services warrants totaling $491,075.33
• Discussion on Road & Bridge Funding regarding Wheelage Tax
• Rinke Noonan Letter of Engagement for TH 8 Condemnation Work
• Renewal of Vision CAMA Contract for 1-year
• Larry Hansen “Ponytail Addition” Final Plat

Board of Adjustment & Appeals

The Board will hold public hearings for three new variance applications regarding setbacks and structure expansions near lakes. The meeting includes a review of property redevelopment and impervious surface coverage in Nessel and Chisago Lake Townships.

• Variance request for reduced setback from Rush Lake for a new dwelling at 52045 Belle Isle Drive
• Variance request for a three-season porch and impervious surface coverage at 52205 Belle Isle Drive
• Variance request for a second story and attached garage expansion at 32860 Nueman Trail
• Approval of August 29, 2024 meeting minutes

Park Board

The Chisago County Park Board will meet to discuss updates on several funding and infrastructure projects. The board will review the status of ARPA and SHIP grants, as well as a State Legacy Emerging Opportunities funding application.

• Update on Minnesota Off-Road Cyclist (MORC)
• Update on SHIP Grant Awarded Project
• Update on Capital Improvement Projects
• ARPA updates regarding Wi-Fi in Parks and Ki Chi Saga Park Building
• Update on State Legacy Emerging Opportunities Funding Grant Application

Planning Commission

The September 19, 2024, Chisago County Planning Commission Work Session was canceled because there was no business to discuss.

County Board of Commissioners

The Chisago County Board of Commissioners will discuss the preliminary 2025 levy and annual budget. The meeting includes reviews of zoning applications and several grant agreements for health and traffic safety.

• Preliminary 2025 Levy and Annual Budget
• Final contract payments for CSAH 23/CSAH 24 Roundabout Project
• Meyer Lloyd IUP Amendment for a commercial kennel
• Joseph Winberg 'Winberg Addition' preliminary plat
• Sale price discussion for the 'Old Jail' site

Budget & Finance Committee

The committee is reviewing year-to-date financial updates, including operating budgets and staffing. Members are continuing discussions on the 2025 budget and levy, as well as the sale price for the 'Old Jail' site.

• Sale price of 'Old Jail' site
• 2025 Budget and Levy discussions
• CIP Facilities 10-year Outlook
• Honeywell Post Installation Conditions Report
• Courthouse Fire Panel cellular connectivity

Lake Improvement District

The Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District will hold its annual meeting to discuss water resource projects and financial reports. The board will consider a workplan, budget, and subrecipient agreement for the Lab to Lakes project.

• Lab to Lakes WSB workplan and budget
• Lab to Lakes subrecipient agreement
• Paradise Park Ditch discussion
• North Center / North Lindstrom Channel update
• Phragmites survey results and treatment plan

Water Plan Policy Team

The Chisago County Water Plan Policy Team meets to review water management plans, approve grants, and discuss aquatic invasive species and water quality initiatives.

• Approval of July 8, 2024 meeting minutes
• ARPA Updates: AIS Treatment and Education Grants Reimbursement Requests
• Lower St. Croix Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan
• Drinking Water: Private Well Water Testing Outreach and Grants
• Aquatic Invasive Species Program Updates and New Specialist

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings regarding a preliminary plat for new lots, a commercial rezoning request, and an amendment to a kennel permit. The body will also discuss updates to zoning, subdivision, and shoreland management ordinances.

• Preliminary Plat of Winberg Addition: creation of two 5± acre lots on Wilcox Road
• Rezoning of 2.95± acres at 18397 St. Croix Trail / TH 95 from Rural Village Center to Commercial / Limited Industrial
• Interim Use Permit amendment for a commercial kennel at 12690 St. Croix Trail / TH 95
• Discussion on Zoning, Subdivision, and Shoreland Management Ordinances
• Extension request for Final Plat of Autumn Woods Cottages

County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review Health and Human Services reports and approve various county warrants. The meeting includes appointments for the Opioid Settlement Advisory Council for 2024-2026 and discussions on government center equipment.

• Board appointments to the Opioid Settlement Advisory Council 2024-2026
• Payment of $176,621.41 in Health and Human Services warrants
• CCSO ARMER Replacement Fund Contribution via ARPA
• Government Center body scanner and disposal
• SpyGlass Technology Audit Invoice #3

Board of Adjustment & Appeals

The Chisago County Board of Adjustment & Appeals will hold a public hearing to consider two variance requests. One request seeks to exceed the maximum allowable accessory storage space in the Rural Residential II District, and the other seeks to reduce setbacks for a dwelling and septic system near the Sunrise River.

• Public hearing for McCall variance to exceed 2,000 sq ft accessory storage limit
• Public hearing for Blood variance to reduce setbacks for dwelling and septic near Sunrise River
• Meeting at Chisago County Government Center, 313 N. Main Street, Center City
• Tour of county sites scheduled for August 28, 2024 at 8:15 am

County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review a 2025–2029 Transportation Improvement Plan and a 10-year Long-Range Transportation Plan. The meeting also includes presentations on land acquisition and corrections planning, as well as several preliminary plat reviews.

• 2025–2029 Transportation Improvement Plan estimated at $91.9 million for 76 miles of highway improvements
• Adoption of the 10-year Long-Range Transportation Plan
• Preliminary plat reviews for 'Mack Estates' and 'Peaceful Sunrise' (Haven Homes)
• State Legacy Emerging Opportunities Funding Grant Application for S.I.R.T. Segment D
• Renewal of Honeywell maintenance contract for DES ARMER HVAC

Park Board

The Chisago County Park Board will meet to approve minutes and discuss maintenance, grant funding, and capital improvement projects. The agenda includes items regarding the Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail and Wi-Fi in parks.

• Approval of June 20, 2024 Park Board minutes
• Discussion on Parks and Grounds Maintenance Supervisor
• Review of Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail grant submittal
• Update on Sunrise Prairie Regional Trail kiosks
• Discussion on Wi-Fi in parks and ARPA projects

Planning Commission

The August 15, 2024, Chisago County Planning Commission Work Session has been canceled. There was no business to discuss.

County Board of Commissioners

The Chisago County Board of Commissioners will consider approving warrants totaling $225,922.08 for Health and Human Services and a grant agreement for the Parks Department. The meeting also includes presentations from the Lakes Center for Youth and Families and a consent agenda of routine items.

• Payment of County’s Warrants for HHS ($225,922.08)
• SHIP 239 Grant Agreement – Chisago County Parks
• HHW Facility Prof./Tech. Services Contract with KOMA, Inc.
• Recognition of County Staff August Anniversaries
• Acceptance of Donations – Children’s Water Festival

Lake Improvement District

The Lake Improvement District will meet to review financial reports and invoice payments. The board will discuss phragmites treatment and the North Center/North Lindstrom Channel appraisal recommendation.

• North Center / North Lindstrom Channel appraisal recommendation
• Phragmites treatment by Lakes Management Inc for Area Lakes
• Phragmites treatment by Minnesota Native Landscapes for Ivywood Site
• Weir Repair Project update
• Fall LID Tour scheduled for September 16, 2024

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings to consider two requests for preliminary plats in Franconia Township. Both requests involve the creation of a single new lot in Agricultural (AG) Districts.

• Preliminary Plat of Mack Estates: creation of one 5± acre lot at 26995 Redwing Avenue / CR 86
• Preliminary Plat of Peaceful Sunrise: creation of one 9± acre lot at the northeast corner of Franconia Trail and Rydeen Avenue

Board of Adjustment & Appeals

The Board of Adjustment and Appeals will hold a public hearing regarding a variance request for a property in Fish Lake Township. The applicant seeks to reduce the township Right-of-Way setback to allow for the construction of a new dwelling and garage.

• Public hearing for Beth Tatur and Level Contracting, LLC regarding a 25-foot setback variance at 46350 Beach Road

Park Board

The Park Board meeting scheduled for July 18, 2024, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for August 15, 2024.

Planning Commission

The July 18, 2024 meeting of the Chisago County Planning Commission has been canceled due to a lack of business to discuss.

County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider several conditional and interim use permits for venues and structures. They are also reviewing a wetland services contract and various road reconstruction updates.

• Contract with SEH, Inc. for wetland services not to exceed $20,000.00
• Conditional Use Permit for Korman and Walker wedding/gathering venue
• Preliminary plats for Roy & Kelly Ramberg "Kost Ranch" and Larry Hansen "Ponytail Addition"
• Conditional Use Permit Amendment for Karen Buddhist Association, Inc
• State Legacy Grant application for Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail Segment D & E Construction

Planning Commission

The Chisago County Planning Commission will conduct public hearings on several land use applications. These include requests for a wedding venue, amendments to a place of worship, and the creation of new residential lots. The commission will also consider permits for accessory structures in agricultural districts.

• Conditional Use Permit for a wedding/gathering venue at 15323 260th Street
• Amendment to a place of worship permit at 43695 Peaceful Valley Road
• Preliminary Plat for Kost Ranch involving 183.2 acres in Sunrise Township
• Preliminary Plat for Ponytail Addition involving 46 acres in Nessel Township
• Interim Use Permits for accessory structures in Shafer and Rushseba Townships

Budget & Finance Committee

The committee is reviewing year-to-date financial performance, including operating budgets and salaries through June 30, 2024. Agenda items include discussions on the 2025–2029 Transportation Improvement Plan and professional services contracts for building planning. The meeting also covers updates on staffing, budgeting software, and cannabis ordinance development.

• Mid-year financial update of operating budgets and salaries through June 30, 2024
• 2025–2029 Transportation Improvement Plan discussion
• Capital Building Planning Professional Services Contract for Public Works/CCSO
• Comparison of OpenGov vs. ClearGOV budgeting software
• Development of the Chisago County Cannabis Ordinance