East Gull Lake public meetings in 2021
24 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Council
The East Gull Lake City Council adopted Resolution 12:01-21, certifying the final 2022 property tax levy at $851,900, a 2.71% increase from 2021. The council also approved several other resolutions, including designating City Hall as the polling place, accepting an airport operation grant, and authorizing a raffle. Additionally, they approved an advance payment of $2,416.67 to the City Administrator's HSA for 2022.
- Adopted Resolution 12:01-21 for 2022 final levy of $851,900 (5-0)
- Approved advance HSA payment of $2,416.67 for City Administrator (5-0)
- Adopted Resolution 12:02-21 designating City Hall as polling place (5-0)
- Adopted Resolution 12:03-21 approving Airport Operation Grant Contract (5-0)
- Adopted Resolution 12:04-21 authorizing raffle for MN Teen Challenge Academy (5-0)
- Approved consent agenda including November minutes, financial reports, and claims totaling $88,343.80
- Accepted 2022 meeting schedule with February meeting moved to Feb 8
Planning Commission
The Planning and Zoning Commission held a regular meeting with no public hearings, old business, or new business. The commission approved the meeting agenda and the previous meeting's minutes, both by unanimous vote. Staff reported 10 new permits, 51 inspections, and 105 total 2021 permits to date, with 11 open 2020 permits. No substantive decisions were made beyond the routine approvals.
- Approved the meeting agenda as presented, unanimously.
- Approved the minutes of the previous meeting, unanimously.
- Adjourned the meeting, unanimously.
Council
The East Gull Lake City Council interviewed candidates for the city administrator position and selected Laura Christensen as the top candidate. The council voted unanimously to offer her the job with a salary of $76,000 for a six-month probationary period, increasing to $80,000 after successful completion, plus benefits including health insurance, HSA, vacation, PERA, sick pay, holiday pay, personal days, moving expenses, and interview mileage.
- Interviewed candidates for city administrator replacement
- Removed Richard Baker from consideration due to least experience
- Ranked Laura Christensen as first choice, Peter Gansen and Daniel Van Holland as second and third
- Approved offering position to Laura Christensen with $76,000 probationary salary, rising to $80,000
- Approved benefits package including health insurance, HSA, 3 weeks vacation, PERA, sick pay, holiday pay, personal days
- Approved moving expense reimbursement up to $2,500 with receipts
- Approved interview mileage reimbursement at federal rate ($.56/mile) for all candidates
Council
The East Gull Lake City Council approved Conditional Use Permit 2021-79 for Jon Villella's new home on Pike Bay Road, subject to conditions including a ban on long-term RV storage and a limit of four short-term rentals per year. The Council also approved Variance 2021-80 for Cynthia Janes, allowing structures beyond the setback on Dade Lake, contingent on removing existing non-conforming structures and reducing impervious surface. Both votes were unanimous among the four present councilors; Councilor Ruttger was absent.
- Approved CUP 2021-79 for Villella new home, with conditions on RV storage and rentals (4-0)
- Approved Variance 2021-80 for Janes, requiring removal of garage, shed, and old road surface (4-0)
- Adopted Resolution 11:01-21 lowering speed limit on Green Gables Road and Hillview Forest Road from 30 to 25 mph (4-0 roll call)
- Adopted Resolution 11:02-21 certifying delinquent wastewater taxes to Cass County (4-0 roll call)
- Approved consent agenda including October minutes, financial reports, and check register
- Approved agenda with addition of Resolution 11:02-21
Planning Commission
The East Gull Lake Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of a conditional use permit (CUP 2021-79) for Jon Villella's new home and a variance (2021-80) for Cynthia Janes' property, both subject to conditions. The CUP allows a new home with a pervious driveway and patio, and the variance permits a garage addition and shed while requiring removal of non-conforming structures. Both recommendations will go to the City Council for final action.
- Recommended approval of CUP 2021-79 for Jon Villella's new home (unanimous)
- Recommended approval of Variance 2021-80 for Cynthia Janes' property (unanimous)
- Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of September 28, 2021 meeting (unanimous)
Council
The East Gull Lake City Council approved Resolution 10:01-21, declaring remaining balances of the assessed cost for the 2004 Wastewater Improvement Project to be sent to Cass County tax rolls. The council also approved allowing Lee Anderson to join the Rural Water Association's apprenticeship program. A discussion was held on changing the speed limit on Green Gables from 30 mph to 25 mph, but no action was taken.
- Adopted Resolution 10:01-21 to send remaining 2004 wastewater assessment balances to Cass County tax rolls (4-0, Bergin absent)
- Approved allowing Lee Anderson to join the Rural Water Association apprenticeship program (unanimous)
- Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda including September 7 minutes, financial reports, and check register (unanimous)
Planning Commission
The East Gull Lake Planning and Zoning Commission held a regular meeting with no substantive decisions. They approved the agenda and the minutes from the August 31, 2021 meeting. Eric Peterson of Cragun's provided an update on the golf course project and housing developments, noting final plat documents should be ready by the next meeting. The commission also reviewed permit statistics and inspection updates.
- Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of August 31, 2021 meeting (unanimous)
Council
The East Gull Lake City Council approved the 2022 Certificate of Proposed Levy at $918,900, a 10.8% increase from the previous year, after reducing an initial 26.5% increase. The council also approved a conditional use permit for Craig and Jana Keefe, adopted resolutions for road responsibility changes and conservation easement intent, and approved two raffle permits. A license agreement for the Ruth Lake outlet was approved with one councilor voting against.
- Approved the agenda and consent agenda, including minutes, financial reports, and LMC membership dues.
- Approved CUP 2021-62 for Craig and Jana Keefe subject to findings and conditions.
- Adopted Resolution 09:01-21 for road responsibility changes for County Roads 18 & 70.
- Adopted Resolution 09:05-21 expressing intent for a conservation easement near Gull Lake Resort.
- Adopted Resolution 09:04-21 for the 2022 Certificate of Proposed Levy of $918,900.
- Adopted Resolution 09:02-21 for a Nisswa Women's Club raffle on November 18, 2021.
- Adopted Resolution 09:03-21 for a Pheasants Forever raffle on March 26, 2022.
- Approved the license agreement with Mills Legacy Property, LLC for the Ruth Lake outlet (3-1 vote).
Planning Commission
The East Gull Lake Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of Conditional Use Permit 2021-62 for the Keefe property, subject to staff findings and conditions. The property is a 7.98-acre residential lot in The Woods HOA, and conditions include restrictions on commercial use, tree cutting, driveway access, and outbuilding sizes. The commission also approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the July 27, 2021 meeting. No other substantive business was discussed.
- Recommended approval of CUP 2021-62 for the Keefe property, subject to findings and conditions
- Approved the meeting agenda as presented
- Approved the minutes of the July 27, 2021 meeting
- Adjourned the meeting
Council
The East Gull Lake City Council approved a contract with South-Central Service Coop (SCSC) for city administrator recruitment services, with a not-to-exceed cost of $10,000, half paid by Sourcewell. Gene Bridges was appointed as an alternate Planning Commissioner. The consent agenda, including financial reports and check registers, was approved. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved SCSC recruitment contract for city administrator, not-to-exceed $10,000 (Sourcewell pays up to $5,000) (unanimous)
- Appointed Gene Bridges as alternate Planning Commissioner (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda including July 6 minutes, financial reports, check register ($443,100.40), and payroll EFTs (unanimous)
Planning Commission
The East Gull Lake Planning and Zoning Commission met on July 27, 2021, and approved the agenda and the minutes from the June 29, 2021 meeting. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting included an open forum discussion about stormwater management for home improvements, a report from the Planning and Zoning Administrator, and a brief mention of updating the zoning ordinance. The meeting adjourned without any votes on permits, variances, or other actions.
- Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of June 29, 2021 meeting (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
Council
The Council approved a proposal to redo the tennis court for $23,490 by Outdoor Specialties, LLC and purchase four portable pickleball nets. They also approved a petition to vacate rights-of-way with Gull Lake Resort and set a public hearing on the vacation. A donation of $150 to the Cass County Historical Society was approved. The Council agreed to waive a fine for Bernie McDonough if he tears down his deck within 30 days.
- Approved agenda as presented (5-0)
- Approved consent agenda including June 1 minutes, financial report, and $560 IF Foundation contribution (5-0)
- Approved petition to vacate rights-of-way with Gull Lake Resort (5-0)
- Adopted Resolution 07:01-21 setting public hearing on vacation of rights-of-way (5-0)
- Approved tennis court redo for $23,490 by Outdoor Specialties, LLC and purchase of four portable pickleball nets (5-0)
- Approved $150 donation to Cass County Historical Society (5-0)
- Agreed to waive fine for McDonough if deck is removed within 30 days
Planning Commission
The East Gull Lake Planning and Zoning Commission held a regular meeting on June 29, 2021, but made no substantive decisions. The commission approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the May 25, 2021 meeting, both unanimously. The only other business was a report from the City Administrator on permit statistics and inspections, with no new variances, conditional uses, or violations. The meeting adjourned without any open forum, public hearing, new business, or old business.
- Approved meeting agenda as presented (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of May 25, 2021 meeting (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
Council
The East Gull Lake City Council adopted Ordinance Amendment 2021-01, increasing the mayor's salary to $500 per month and council members' salaries to $350 per month, effective January 1, 2023. The council also approved a $500 fine for Bernie McDonough with a $1,000 future fine if a deck is not removed, but delayed the vote until July. A Lake Steward educational paragraph was added to the Land Use Permit application. The council denied a motion to require meetings via Zoom or other electronic means.
- Adopted Ordinance Amendment 2021-01 increasing mayor salary to $500/month and council member salary to $350/month, effective Jan 1, 2023 (5-0)
- Approved 2020 audit presentation (5-0)
- Approved Lake Steward addition to Land Use Permit as Paragraph E (5-0)
- Denied requiring meetings via Zoom or other electronic means (5-0)
- Approved gambling permit for New York Mills Lion's Club raffle at Cragun's Resort on Jan 8, 2022 (5-0)
- Approved consent agenda including May 4 minutes, financial report, and firework permit for June 16, 2021 at Cragun's Resort
- Delayed vote on citation for Bernie McDonough until July meeting
- Approved agenda as amended with additions for Zoom discussion, sheriff's report, and newsletter
Planning Commission
The East Gull Lake Planning Commission recommended approval of a $500 citation against Bernie McDonough for constructing a deck on a bluff without a permit, with a $1,000 fine if not removed within a month. The commission also discussed adding lake stewardship language to the land use application but took no formal action on it. The meeting was otherwise routine, with no public hearings or other substantive decisions.
- Approved agenda as amended (unanimous)
- Approved April 27, 2021 minutes (unanimous)
- Recommended approval of $500 citation to Bernie McDonough for bluff deck violation, with $1,000 fine if not removed in one month (unanimous)
Council
The East Gull Lake City Council approved a rezoning, variance, and preliminary CIC plat for Denis Villella's property, changing it from Commercial Waterfront to Shoreline Residential – Medium Density (R3) to allow a PUD. The council also approved two conditional use permits (CUPs) for Todd Russell and Craig Campbell, subject to findings and conditions. Several routine items were approved via consent agenda, including liquor licenses, a fireworks permit, and financial reports.
- Approved rezoning of Villella property to Shoreline Residential – Medium Density (R3) (unanimous)
- Approved Variance 2021-08 for Villella to allow PUD on less than 10 acres (unanimous)
- Approved Preliminary CIC Plat for Villella property into four units (unanimous)
- Approved CUP 2021-13 for Todd Russell for garage construction (unanimous)
- Approved CUP 2021-27 for Craig Campbell for new living quarters/shop/garage (unanimous)
- Adopted Resolution 05:01-21 for MN Trail Assistance Program grant application (unanimous, Mayor abstained)
- Adopted Resolution 05:02-21 for raffle permit at Madden's on Gull (unanimous)
- Adopted Resolution 05:03-21 for raffle permit at Madden's on Gull (unanimous)
Planning Commission
The East Gull Lake Planning Commission recommended approval of a zoning change, preliminary plat, and variance to convert a 4-plex rental unit into four individually owned residential condominiums. The commission also recommended approval of two conditional use permits: one for a new garage with guest quarters and another for new living quarters with a shop and storage facility. All recommendations were made unanimously and will go to the City Council for final action.
- Recommended approval of rezoning Villella property from Commercial Waterfront to Shoreline Residential (R3) (unanimous)
- Recommended approval of Variance 2021-08 for Villella to allow a PUD on less than 10 acres (unanimous)
- Recommended approval of Preliminary CIC Plat for Villella property into 4 units (unanimous)
- Recommended approval of CUP 2021-13 for Russell to construct a 1,248 sq ft garage with guest quarters (unanimous)
- Recommended approval of CUP 2021-27 for Campbell to construct 1,400 sq ft living quarters and 4,560 sq ft shop/storage (unanimous)
- Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of March 30, 2021 meeting (unanimous)
Council
The Council approved the rezoning of eight parcels from Recreation to Residential (R2) for the Legacy Village First Addition, the re-plat of the property into 10 lots, and an amended Conditional Use Permit (CUP 2021-14) for the Legacy Golf Course extension, all subject to conditions. The Council also approved a $7,630 website upgrade, renamed Squaw Point Road to Gull Point Road and Indian Trail to Gull Point Trail, and adopted a raffle resolution for the TEAM Foundation.
- Approved rezoning of eight parcels from Recreation to Residential (R2) for Legacy Village First Addition
- Approved re-plat of Legacy Village First Addition into 10 lots with a $9,526 park dedication fee
- Approved amended CUP 2021-14 for Legacy Golf Course extension (adding 9 holes)
- Approved $7,630 website upgrade with 3-year payment plan
- Approved renaming Squaw Point Road to Gull Point Road and Indian Trail to Gull Point Trail
- Adopted Resolution 04:01-21 for a raffle by TEAM Foundation on July 15, 2021
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, financial reports, and check register
- Approved agenda as presented
Planning Commission
The East Gull Lake Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of three Cragun's-related items: rezoning nine parcels from Recreation to Residential Medium Density (R2) for the Legacy Village First Addition, the re-plat of those parcels subject to 12 conditions, and an amendment to the existing Conditional Use Permit for remodeling the Legacy Golf Course. The commission also postponed a Conditional Use Permit request from Todd Russell. All recommendations will go to the City Council for final action.
- Recommended approval of rezoning 9 parcels from Recreation to R2 for Legacy Village First Addition (unanimous)
- Recommended approval of Legacy Village First Addition re-plat subject to 12 conditions including $9,526 park dedication fee (unanimous)
- Recommended approval of amended CUP for Legacy Golf Course remodel subject to 3 conditions (unanimous)
- Postponed Todd Russell CUP application (2021-13)
- Approved agenda as amended, postponing Russell CUP (unanimous)
- Approved February 23, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)
Council
The East Gull Lake City Council approved a lot split for the Lee family on Poplar Drive, subject to an updated Certificate of Survey. They also approved moving forward with the Ruth Lake project, contingent on conditions including approval from the Mills family, an updated bid from Rardin, and funds from the Association. The council discussed but took no action on renaming Squaw Point Road and addressing light pollution.
- Approved Lee family lot split on Poplar Drive (unanimous)
- Approved Ruth Lake project with conditions (unanimous)
- Approved agenda as amended (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda including January minutes and financial reports (unanimous)
Planning Commission
The East Gull Lake Planning and Zoning Commission approved the Lee family's request to split a 40-acre parcel into three parts, subject to proper easement definitions along Poplar Drive. The commission also received an update on the Cragun's Legacy housing development and golf course project, which spans Crow Wing and Cass Counties. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved Lee family lot split, subject to easements on north and east sides along Poplar Drive (unanimous)
- Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of January 26, 2021 meeting (unanimous)
Council
The East Gull Lake City Council approved a modification to The Harbor PUD for a lot split from Outlot A to Dr. Andrew Will, subject to Planning Commission conditions. They also adopted Resolution 02:03-21 to apply for MnDOT grant funding for the 2023 wastewater, roads, and trails project. Additionally, the council approved sending remaining balances of the 2004 wastewater internal assessment to Cass County for tax roll collection, and authorized two raffle permits for the Minnesota Sheriffs' Association.
- Approved The Harbor PUD lot split to Dr. Andrew Will (4-0)
- Adopted Resolution 02:03-21 for MnDOT LRIP grant application (4-0)
- Approved sending 2004 wastewater internal assessment balances to Cass County tax rolls (4-0)
- Adopted Resolution 02:01-21 for MN Sheriffs' raffle permit June 8, 2021 (4-0)
- Adopted Resolution 02:02-21 for MN Sheriffs' raffle permit September 15, 2021 (4-0)
- Approved consent agenda including January 2021 check register and payroll (4-0)
Planning Commission
The East Gull Lake Planning Commission approved a modification to The Harbor PUD for a lot split from Outlot A to Dr. Andrew Will. The commission also elected Bruce Buxton as Chair and Eunice Wiebolt as Vice-Chair for 2021, after an initial motion to elect both was denied. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included reports and discussion on a potential condo conversion.
- Approved modification to The Harbor PUD for lot split from Outlot A to Dr. Andrew Will (unanimous)
- Elected Bruce Buxton as Chair for 2021 (passed)
- Elected Eunice Wiebolt as Vice-Chair for 2021 (passed)
- Denied motion to elect Bruce Buxton as Chair and Eunice Wiebolt as Vice-Chair in a single motion
Council
The East Gull Lake City Council approved a $25 per meeting pay increase for planning commissioners, effective January 2021, and adopted Resolution 01:01-21 for 2021 city appointments. The council also approved the pay equity report, the publishing of the 2021 summary budget, and a $770.17 computer purchase for the meeting room. No substantive decisions were made on the Ruth Lake issue or the Maxson property development, which remain under discussion.
- Approved planning commissioner pay increase from $100 to $125 per meeting (unanimous)
- Adopted Resolution 01:01-21 for 2021 city appointments (5-0 roll call)
- Approved pay equity report for submittal (unanimous)
- Approved publishing of 2021 summary budget (unanimous)
- Approved $770.17 for meeting room computer (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda including December 2020 check register and payroll EFTs (unanimous)