East Gull Lake public meetings in 2020

December 1 Council

The City Council will vote on the 2021 Final Budget and a temporary GO Utility Revenue Micro-Loan for the 2023 Wastewater Bypass and Trail Project. The agenda includes discussions on a potential golf course on the Tuomi property and a housing development on the Maxson property. Routine financial reports and November 2020 minutes are also scheduled for approval.

• Resolution 12:04-20: 2021 Final Budget
• Resolution 12:03-20: 2020A Temporary GO Utility Revenue Micro-Loan for 2023 Wastewater Bypass and Trail Project
• Discussion of potential golf course on Tuomi property in Crow Wing County
• Discussion of potential housing development on Maxson Property
• Approval of November 2020 Check Register totaling $99,464.71

November 24 Planning Commission

The East Gull Lake Planning and Zoning Commission held a regular meeting via Zoom, approving the agenda and prior minutes. No public hearings or open forum items were held. The commission discussed the Legacy Village impervious coverage (still under the 24% limit), potential development of the Maxson property (no proposals yet, as land not sold), and the Tuomi Golf Course proposal in Crow Wing County (redesigned, five holes rough graded, awaiting county approval in December). No substantive decisions were made beyond routine approvals.

• Approved agenda as amended (all in favor)
• Approved October 27, 2020 minutes (all in favor)
• Discussed Legacy Village impervious coverage—still under 24% limit
• Discussed Maxson property development—no proposals yet, land not sold
• Discussed Tuomi Golf Course—awaiting Crow Wing County approval in December

November 4 Council

The East Gull Lake City Council will hold its regular session on November 4, 2020, primarily to approve routine consent agenda items including October meeting minutes, financial reports, check and payroll registers, and the budget report. The main substantive item is a discussion of financing options from MRWA for the wastewater bypass and road/trail project. No other major decisions or public hearings are listed on the agenda.

• Finance options by MRWA for WW Bypass and Road/Trail Project
• Approve October 2020 check register totaling $47,191.50
• Approve October 2020 payroll checks and EFT transmittals
• Monthly budget report and delinquent wastewater customer report
• Planning Commission meeting report

October 27 Planning Commission

The East Gull Lake Planning and Zoning Commission is holding a regular meeting on October 27, 2020. The agenda includes approval of the previous meeting's minutes, a public hearing (though none are listed), an open forum for public comment, and the P&Z Administrator's report on permits, inspections, and violations. The meeting is largely procedural, with no new business listed.

• Approval of minutes from September 29, 2020 regular meeting
• P&Z Administrator's report: 10 new permits, 0 variances, 0 conditional uses, 2 potential permits, 51 inspections, 6 completion letters, 0 violations, 83 total 2020 permits
• Update on open permits from 2013-2019: one 2016 permit (Wavereck garage and rec area), 6 open 2018 permits, 15 open 2019 permits
• Open Forum for public comment on non-agenda items

The East Gull Lake Planning Commission held a regular meeting with no public hearings. They discussed a potential 300-acre development in the southwest portion of the city, with 100 acres in East Gull Lake and the rest in Fairview Township, focusing on PUD density increases and clustering. Commissioner Nate Tuomi presented a proposed golf course in Crow Wing County, and the commission decided to have no objections. No formal decisions were made on these items.

• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of September 29, 2020 meeting (unanimous)
• No objections to proposed golf course in Crow Wing County (discussed)
• Discussed PUD density increases for potential 300-acre development (no action)

November 24 Planning Commission

The Planning and Zoning Commission discussed a potential development of 300 acres in the southwest portion of the City and Fairview Township. The discussion focused on density increases, clustering, and the use of the city wastewater system.

• Discussion regarding PUD density increases for a 300-acre development
• New permit for residence at 1278 Harbor Pl ($750.00)
• New permit for shoreline restoration at 1961 Red Oak Dr SW ($150.00)
• New permit for screened porch and deck at 10700 Squaw Pt Rd ($200.00)
• Proposal for a new golf course in Crow Wing County along Gull River Road

October 6 Council

The East Gull Lake City Council is meeting to consider routine consent items, a variance request, a COVID-19 equipment purchase, and a gambling permit for a local nonprofit. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions listed for discussion.

• Variance 2020-56: Darwin Bridges, 11220 East Gull Lake Drive
• COVID-19 requested purchase of equipment
• Resolution 10:01-20: Gambling permit for North Country Pheasants Forever at Cragun's Legacy on March 27, 2021
• Approve September check register: $40,746.64 (claims 20773-20804)
• Approve September payroll and EFT transmittal payments

The East Gull Lake City Council approved several items, including selecting WSB as the engineer for the 2020 Wastewater, Roads and Trails project, approving a variance for a garage addition, and purchasing sewer-locating equipment with COVID-19 funds. They also approved two gambling permits and Cass County EDC membership dues. All votes were unanimous among present members.

• Approved selection of WSB as engineer for 2020 Wastewater, Roads and Trails project (unanimous)
• Approved Variance 2020-56 for garage addition at 11220 East Gull Lake Drive (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of camera, location equipment, and iPads using COVID-19 monies (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 10:01-20 for North Country Pheasants Forever raffle at Cragun's Legacy on March 27, 2021 (3-0 roll call)
• Adopted Resolution 10:02-20 for MN Teen Challenge raffle at Cragun's Resort on June 5, 2021 (4-0 roll call)
• Approved Cass County EDC membership dues of $1,050 for 2021 (unanimous)

September 29 Planning Commission

The East Gull Lake Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on a variance request from Darwin Bridges to add 336 square feet to an existing garage at 11220 East Gull Lake Drive, exceeding the lot's accessory structure limit. The commission will also review August meeting minutes and hear a staff report on permits and violations.

• Public hearing on Variance 2020-56: Darwin Bridges, 11220 East Gull Lake Drive, to add 336 sq ft to garage
• Variance needed because existing accessory structures already at 1,280 sq ft maximum on 2.5-acre lot
• Proposed conditions: remove storage trailer and file signed lease-to-purchase agreement with neighbor
• Staff report: 42 new permits, 1 new variance, 2 potential permits, 102 inspections, 0 new violations in 2020
• Old business: update on open permits from 2016-2019

September 1 Council

The East Gull Lake City Council will hold its regular meeting on September 1, 2020, to approve routine consent items (minutes, financial reports, check register, payroll) and discuss planning and zoning issues, including a helipad issue and a deck violation. The council will also consider a resolution for a gambling premises permit for Confidence Learning Center at Cragun's Legacy Courses. No major policy decisions are on the agenda beyond these items.

• Resolution 09:01-20 – Gambling Premises Permit for Confidence Learning Center at Cragun's Legacy Courses
• Helipad issue and McDonough deck violation under Planning & Zoning
• Wastewater & Roads RFP interview process update
• Approve August 2020 check register totaling $402,688.08
• Approve August 2020 payroll checks and EFT transmittals

August Planning Commission

The East Gull Lake Planning and Zoning Commission is meeting to continue discussion on a proposed ordinance amendment that would allow private helipads on large residential lots. The item was tabled in July after a lengthy public hearing with strong community opposition over safety and noise concerns. The commission will also review a deck violation and a house-moving request using an existing variance.

• Helipad ordinance amendment tabled from July 28 public hearing; work session held August 24
• Deck violation discussion
• House moving using existing variance
• No public hearings scheduled
• Open forum for non-agenda public comment

The East Gull Lake Planning and Zoning Commission denied a proposed zoning amendment that would have allowed private helipads via conditional use permits, voting 3-2 against it. Instead, the commission recommended amending the ordinance to prohibit helipads in R1, R2, and R3 districts, citing safety, noise, wildlife, and community opposition. The commission also recommended denying an after-the-fact permit for a deck built without a permit and requiring its removal by October 1, 2020, due to safety concerns.

• Denied helipad amendment (3-2 roll call: Halvorson, Wiebolt aye; Waldin, Tuomi, Buxton nay)
• Recommended amending ordinance to not allow helipads in R1, R2, R3 (3-2 roll call: Waldin, Tuomi, Buxton aye; Halvorson, Wiebolt nay)
• Recommended denying after-the-fact permit for deck and requiring removal by October 1, 2020 (unanimous)

August Planning Commission

The Planning Commission met for a worksession to continue discussions from the July 28, 2020, regular meeting. No official action was taken during this session.

• Helipad discussion (no action taken)

August 4 Council

The East Gull Lake City Council will hold its regular meeting on August 4, 2020, covering routine approvals (minutes, financial reports, check registers) and several committee reports. Notable items include a Parks and Trails committee recommendation for a $28,000 budget, a resolution for a deer hunters raffle, and updates on Ruth Lake, the GCOLA Lake Steward Program, and the Sylvan Lake invasive species station. The meeting also includes reports from Planning & Zoning, Wastewater & Roads, and the Mayor.

• Parks and Trails Committee budget recommendation of $28,000
• Resolution 08:01-20 for Brainerd Chapter of MN Deer Hunters Raffle on September 11, 2020
• Discussion of Ruth Lake issue and Sylvan Lake invasive species station
• Approval of July 2020 check register totaling $86,658.55
• Wastewater & Roads report on working on proposals

July 28 Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding amendments to the city code to allow for helipad usage. The discussion involves proposed conditions such as minimum acreage, flight time limits, and MnDOT permit requirements.

• Public hearing on Helipad Usage within the City of East Gull Lake
• Proposed requirement of 5-acre minimum property size for helipads
• Proposed limit of two take-offs and landings per day for commuting
• Requirement for property owners to acquire a MnDOT Aeronautics permit

July 7 Council

The East Gull Lake City Council is meeting to handle routine approvals including June financial reports, check registers, and payroll, plus a contribution to the IF Foundation. They will also receive updates on a planning violation and the wastewater/roads request for proposals.

• Approve June check register totaling $117,756.20
• Approve June payroll checks and EFT transmittals
• Approve $560 IF Foundation funding contribution for 2021
• Planning & Zoning report on Vanosdol violation
• Wastewater & Roads update on RFP

June 30 Planning Commission

The East Gull Lake Planning and Zoning Commission is holding its regular June 30, 2020 meeting. The agenda includes approval of the May minutes, a public hearing (none scheduled), an open forum, and the administrator's report on new permits and violations. Old business includes updates on the Vanosdol violation, Sourcewell, short-term rentals, and a helipad public hearing, which is delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

• 13 new permits issued, including shoreline restorations, a new residence, and a shed
• 2 potential permits for new home construction
• Violation updates for Vanosdol (rock shoreline) and Urbanski (shed too close to shoreline)
• Old business: Sourcewell update, short-term rentals, helipad public hearing postponed
• Approval of May 26, 2020 minutes

The Planning Commission approved a restoration plan submitted by Larch Design for the VanOsdol property, subject to conditions including sloping the path toward the lake, removing boulders near the neighbor's property, and implementing DNR requirements to restore the shoreline. The commission also amended the approval to require Larch Design/Erik Roberts to administer construction until completion. The motion carried unanimously.

• Approved Larch Design restoration plan for VanOsdol property with conditions (unanimous)
• Amended conditions to require Larch Design/Erik Roberts to administer construction until completion (unanimous)
• Approved agenda as amended (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of April 28, 2020 meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

June 2 Council

The City Council meeting includes discussions on a Request for Proposals (RFP) for engineering services regarding roads, bridges, trails, and wastewater connections. The agenda also features a review of the 2019 audit presentation and a variance revision for Scott Johnson.

• RFP for Engineering services: New Road/Bridge, Trails, and Wastewater connection to Pine Beach Plant
• Revision of Variance 2019-50 – Scott Johnson
• 2019 Audit Presentation by Schlenner Wenner & Company
• Approval of April 2020 check register claims totaling $53,412.14
• Review of May 2020 Monthly AP Check Register

The East Gull Lake City Council approved a revised variance (2019-50) for Scott Johnson, reducing the total square footage of proposed accessory buildings from 3,098 to 2,802 square feet, subject to conditions including a 20-foot setback and a 24-foot height limit. The council also accepted the 2019 audit from Schlenner Wenner & Company, approved a fireworks permit for Madden's July 4 event, and authorized sending out an RFP for engineering services with a July 15, 2020 due date.

• Approved revised Variance 2019-50 for Scott Johnson (unanimous)
• Accepted 2019 Audit by Schlenner Wenner & Company (unanimous)
• Approved fireworks permit for Madden's July 4, 2020 by Flashing Thunder Fireworks (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including May 5 minutes, financial report, check register, and payroll (unanimous)
• Approved sending RFP for engineering services with due date July 15, 2020 (unanimous)
• Approved agenda as amended (unanimous)

May 26 Planning Commission

The East Gull Lake Planning and Zoning Commission will review a revised variance request from Scott Johnson for a garage/guest quarters at 11519 Lower Gull Lake Lane, reducing the proposed building size from 3,098 to 2,802 square feet. The commission will also receive the administrator's report on permits, inspections, and violations, and hold a public hearing. The agenda includes routine items like approval of minutes and a public forum.

• Revised variance 2019-50 for Scott Johnson: reduce accessory building size to 2,802 sq ft (412 sq ft over allowed), height 23'8", moved 20 ft from property line
• 11 new permits listed, including new residence at 1263 Harbor Pl ($750 fee) and shoreline restoration at 10835 PBP Rd ($150 fee)
• Violation updates for Vanosdol (rock shoreline at 11386 Green Hill Rd) and Urbanski (shed too close to shoreline at 11437 E Stmbt Bay Rd)
• 13 completion letters issued, including new residences by DK Investments and Legacy Homes
• Open permits from 2013-2019: 1 open from 2014, 1 from 2016, 8 from 2018, 39 from 2019

May 5 Council via Zoom

The City Council is reviewing a cross-jurisdictional road maintenance agreement with Crow Wing County for 2020-2024. The agenda also includes discussions on activity journals, an emergency declaration for electronic meetings, and the MN Trail Assistance Program.

• Crow Wing County Shared Road agreement (2020-2024)
• Resolution 05:01-20 regarding MN Trail Assistance Program
• Approval of April 2020 check register totaling $16,468.04
• Liquor license renewals for Ernie’s On Gull Lake, The Classic (Madden’s), and Cragun’s Lodge/Conference Center
• Emergency Declaration for Zoom meeting operations

The East Gull Lake City Council approved a $6,180 bid to clean out a ditch along Squaw Point Road north of City Hall, addressing drainage issues since the 2015 storm. They also approved a cross-jurisdictional road maintenance agreement with Crow Wing County, an emergency declaration for electronic meetings due to COVID-19, and a grant application for the Pine Beach Ski Trail. All votes were unanimous except the trail grant, where Mayor Kavanaugh abstained.

• Approved $6,180 bid to clean ditch along Squaw Point Road (unanimous)
• Approved Cross-Jurisdictional Road Maintenance Agreement with Crow Wing County (unanimous)
• Approved emergency declaration for electronic meetings via Zoom (unanimous)
• Approved Minnesota Trail Assistance Program application for Pine Beach Ski Trail (unanimous, Mayor abstained)
• Approved consent agenda including financial reports, check register, and liquor licenses (unanimous)

April 28 Planning Commission 3 00pm via Zoom

The East Gull Lake Planning Commission is meeting to review the administrator's report, which includes new permits, potential permits, updates on 2013-2016 permits, violations, completion letters, and a long list of inspections and site visits. The agenda is largely administrative, with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.

• New permits: shoreline restoration at 1786 Sylvan View Dr ($150), new septic system at 1561 Maple Ridge Rd ($150), potential shoreline restoration at 807 Green Gables Rd ($150)
• Violations: cement slab 1 foot too close to line (2016-12), rock shoreline shed too close to shoreline (87-029-1413)
• Completion letters for new residences at 87-376-0108 and 87-377-0480
• Inspections ongoing for multiple construction projects, including new homes and remodels
• Site visit for shoreline restoration at 1786 Sylvan View Dr and wetland delineation advised at 807 Green Gables Rd

The East Gull Lake Planning and Zoning Commission met via Zoom on April 28, 2020, with three of six commissioners present. The commission approved the amended agenda and the minutes from the January 28, 2020 meeting, both by unanimous roll call votes. No public hearings, open forum, or new business items were conducted. The meeting was procedural only, with no substantive decisions made.

• Approved amended agenda (unanimous)
• Approved January 28, 2020 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

April 7 Council 3 00pm via Zoom

The East Gull Lake City Council is holding its April 7, 2020 regular meeting online via Zoom due to the COVID-19 directive. The agenda is largely routine, covering consent items like minutes, financial reports, and check registers, plus a resolution to reinstate a gambling permit for a raffle at Cragun's Legacy. Several committee reports are listed as having no report, and no old or new business is scheduled.

• Resolution 04:01-20: Gambling permit for raffle at Cragun's Legacy
• Consent agenda: Approve March 2020 check register totaling $32,864.82
• Consent agenda: Approve February 2020 financial reports (checking ending balance $137,844.05; money market ending balance $353,224.24)
• Discussion: Monetary limits on municipal tort liability not waived
• Discussion: MN Council of Airports invoice and BOAE meeting arrangement for April 28, 2020

March 2 Council

The East Gull Lake City Council is holding its regular March 2, 2020 meeting, where it will consider routine consent items like minutes and financial reports, and discuss postponing a helipad public hearing. The council will also review contracts for warning systems, mosquito prevention, and airport mowing, and receive updates on wastewater lift station work.

• Discussion of helipad public hearing postponement and rescheduling
• Update on LS#10 waterproofing
• Frontline Warning Systems Contract
• Mosquito Prevention Contract
• Airport Mowing Contract

The East Gull Lake City Council approved several contracts and a donation at its March 2, 2020 meeting. The most significant decision was selecting the Pillager Fire Department contract over Brainerd's for fire services. Other approvals included an emergency siren maintenance contract, a mosquito control contract, an airport mowing contract, and a donation to the Cass County Historical Society. The meeting was routine with no public comment or old/new business.

• Approved Pillager Fire Department contract for $57,200 (unanimous)
• Approved Frontline Warning Systems emergency siren maintenance contract for $400 annually (unanimous)
• Approved two-year Mosquito Squad contract for $17,634.50 (unanimous)
• Approved Anderson's Commercial Property Maintenance airport mowing contract for $6,000 (unanimous)
• Approved one-time donation of $150 to Cass County Historical Society (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes, financial report, check register, and payroll (unanimous)

February 4 Council

The East Gull Lake City Council is meeting to consider a conditional use permit, hiring a consultant for a zoning ordinance update, engineering requirements for a wastewater bypass, and fire department contract discussions. The council will also vote on consent agenda items including meeting minutes, financial reports, and check registers, plus two raffle gambling permits for the Minnesota Sheriffs' Association at Cragun's Resort.

• CUP 2020-01 for Bruce Buxton
• Hiring consultant for Zoning Ordinance update
• Engineering requirements for wastewater bypass
• Fire Department Contract Discussion
• Raffle permits for June 9 and September 16, 2020 at Cragun's Resort

January 28 Planning Commission

The East Gull Lake Planning and Zoning Commission is meeting to elect officers, approve prior minutes, and hold a public hearing on a conditional use permit (CUP 2020-01) for Bruce Buxton to add 1,230 square feet to an existing 730-square-foot garage at 1054 Green Gables Road. The commission will also review permit statistics and continue discussion on hiring a consultant for a zoning ordinance update.

• Public hearing on CUP 2020-01: add 1,230 sq ft to existing 730 sq ft garage at 1054 Green Gables Road, exceeding the 1,280 sq ft accessory structure limit
• Election of 2020 Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson
• Approval of November 26, 2019 meeting minutes
• Permit statistics: 1 new permit, 0 variances, 1 conditional use, 6 potential permits, 35 inspections, 1 completion letter, 0 new violations, 1 total 2020 permit to date
• Old business: zoning discussion on hiring a consultant

January 7 Council

The East Gull Lake City Council will hold its regular meeting on January 7, 2020, to approve routine items including the consent agenda, financial reports, and several resolutions. Key actions include approving 2020 appointments, publishing the budget summary, adopting the 2020 meeting schedule, reducing umbrella insurance coverage, and issuing raffle permits for two local events. The meeting also includes updates on wastewater and roads, but no planning, public safety, or parks reports.

• Approve Resolution 01:01-20 for 2020 appointments
• Approve December 2019 check register totaling $216,599.03
• Decrease umbrella coverage on property/casualty insurance
• Issue raffle permit for Brainerd Public Schools Foundation at Cragun's Legacy (Feb 1, 2020)
• Issue raffle permit for MN Teen Challenge Academy at Cragun's Resort (May 30, 2020)