East Gull Lake public meetings in 2023
20 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Council
The East Gull Lake City Council adopted the final 2024 levy of $963,000 and approved multiple road and wastewater projects, including a $52,400 engineering contract for 2024 road design. The council also approved a conditional use permit for Erlandson, denied a variance for Skaugstad, and amended a permit for Legacy Village to remove pickleball courts. A motion to enforce the short-term rental ordinance against Cragun's was made and then withdrawn.
- Adopted Resolution 12:06-23 certifying final 2024 levy of $963,000 (5-0)
- Approved WSB proposal for 2024 road design services on Birch Grove Road, Pine Beach Peninsula Road, and East Gull Lake Drive for $52,400 (5-0)
- Adopted Resolution 12:01-23 granting Conditional Use Permit 2023-52 to Erlandson with seven conditions (5-0)
- Denied Resolution 12:03-23 for Variance 2023-55 Skaugstad due to undersized parcel (5-0)
- Adopted Resolution 12:04-23 amending CUP 2018-34B for Legacy Village to remove pickleball courts (5-0)
- Approved release of $95,000 escrow to Cragun's for Legacy Village, contingent on road core sampling (5-0)
- Approved fee amendment for Right of Way Acquisition Services at $11,391 (5-0)
- Approved final plans and authorized bidding for consolidate treatment project (5-0)
Planning Commission
The East Gull Lake Planning Commission recommended approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP 2023-52) for Erlandson with seven conditions, including adding gutters to buildings. They also recommended approval of a variance (2023-55) for Skaugstad with three conditions, with a 3-2 vote. A CUP for Price was tabled to January 2024 for further review. The commission also approved an amendment to CUP 2018-34B to remove pickleball courts and keep the area as green space, and recommended releasing a $95,000 escrow for Legacy Village contingent on road core sampling.
- Recommended approval of CUP 2023-52 Erlandson with 7 conditions (unanimous)
- Recommended approval of Variance 2023-55 Skaugstad with 3 conditions (3-2 vote)
- Tabled CUP 2023-54 Price to January 30, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
- Recommended approval of CUP 2018-34B amendment to remove pickleball courts, keep green space (unanimous)
- Recommended releasing $95,000 escrow for CUP 2018-34B Legacy Village contingent on road core sampling (unanimous)
Council
The East Gull Lake City Council approved the sale of $1,055,000 in general obligation sewer revenue bonds (Series 2024A) and a $257,000 temporary utility revenue note (Series 2023B). They also authorized $225,000 in wastewater fund transfers to debt service, approved a $6,250 tree removal contract, and directed staff to seek bids for city attorney services due to concerns about responsiveness. All votes were unanimous among the four present councilors.
- Approved Resolution 11:01-23 for competitive negotiated sale of $1,055,000 GO Sewer Revenue Bonds, Series 2024A (4-0 vote)
- Approved Resolution 11:03-23 authorizing $257,000 temporary general obligation utility revenue note, Series 2023B (4-0 vote)
- Approved transfer of $225,000 from Wastewater Fund to debt service funds (4-0 vote)
- Approved Uprooted Tree Service estimate of $6,250 for tree trimming and removal on city roads, airport, and trails (4-0 vote)
- Adopted Resolution 11:02-23 for delinquent wastewater tax certification to Cass County (4/5 roll call vote)
- Approved Cross-Country Ski Grant-in-Aid Program FY 2024 contract for $8,855 (4-0 vote)
- Approved Cass County EDC Annual Membership donation of $1,050 (4-0 vote)
- Directed city administrator to solicit proposals for city attorney services due to lack of timely responses
Planning Commission
The East Gull Lake Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of four Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) and one variance, all subject to conditions. The CUPs were for accessory structures and increased impervious coverage at properties on Helgeson, Wilson, and Velasco sites, and a variance for a bathroom in an existing accessory structure at the Scherping property. All votes were unanimous. No final decisions were made; recommendations go to the City Council.
- Recommended approval of Helgeson CUP 2023-38 for a detached garage and driveway (unanimous)
- Recommended approval of Wilson CUP 2023-41 for a 1,680 sq ft accessory structure (unanimous)
- Recommended approval of Velasco CUP 2023-43 for a detached garage and patio (unanimous)
- Recommended approval of Scherping Variance 2023-44 for a bathroom in an existing accessory structure (unanimous)
- Discussed Kohorst project (2023-45); applicant to submit adjusted plan at next meeting
- Discussed Planned Unit Development ordinance language; moratorium drafting with city attorney
Council
The Council adopted a resolution certifying a proposed 2024 levy of $983,000, with the final budget and levy to be set at the December 5 meeting. They also approved ordinance amendments allowing the city to recover code enforcement costs from violators, and authorized enforcement action against a property owner for landing a helicopter in violation of city code. Several conditional use permits and road improvement contracts were approved, and a moratorium on Planned Unit Developments was initiated.
- Approved $983,000 proposed 2024 levy (5-0)
- Approved Ordinance Amendment 2023-01 allowing cost recovery for code enforcement (unanimous)
- Authorized enforcement action against Mr. Schieffer for helicopter landing violation (unanimous)
- Approved CUP 2023-34 (Close) (5-0)
- Approved CUP 2023-22 (Anderson) (5-0)
- Approved $10,806 for culvert replacement on 120th Street (unanimous)
- Approved $18,663 for paving on 120th Street (unanimous)
- Approved 60-month copier lease at $91.20/month (unanimous)
Planning Commission
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of Conditional Use Permit 2023-24 for Kevin Close, allowing a lift system to access the lake from a steep slope on a riparian lot. The recommendation includes conditions requiring a stormwater plan, erosion control, and minimization of shore impact zone disturbance. The Commission also recommended a moratorium on new Planned Unit Developments and tabled a CUP for SBA Towers pending city attorney review.
- Approved CUP 2023-24 (Kevin Close) for a lake-access lift system, subject to findings and conditions
- Tabled CUP 2023-29 (SBA Towers) pending city attorney review
- Approved CUP 2023-22 (Tim Anderson) for a stormwater plan, subject to conditions
- Recommended a moratorium on new Planned Unit Developments (PUDs)
- Approved Lot Split 2023-32A (Dondelinger)
- Approved the agenda as presented
- Approved the minutes of the July 25, 2023 meeting
Council
The council approved a new step-and-grade compensation system for city employees based on a market analysis by DDA, effective August 1, 2023. They also approved a zoning ordinance update from WSB for up to $40,299, a fireworks permit for Cragun's on September 2, and a lot split on parcel 87-009-3412 (3-2 vote). Several other routine items were approved, including the consent agenda, audit report, and change orders for road work.
- Approved step-and-grade compensation scale effective August 1, 2023 (5-0)
- Approved WSB zoning ordinance revision services not to exceed $40,299 (5-0)
- Approved fireworks permit for Cragun's on September 2, 2023 at Legacy Golf Course (5-0)
- Approved lot split moving back portion of parcel 87-009-3412 to neighboring property (3-2)
- Approved change order for Gull Point Road striping for $730 (5-0)
- Approved pay voucher #2 to Anderson Brothers for $13,019.58 (5-0)
- Approved Pine Beach Trail Sanitary Sewer Extension design proposal not to exceed $20,000 (5-0)
- Approved pledged securities agreement with F & M Community Bank (5-0)
Planning Commission
The East Gull Lake Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of a lot split application (2023-27) to separate a garage from a lakeside property and recommended a moratorium on new Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) until city code is reevaluated, subject to city attorney approval. No public hearings were held. The commission also discussed a sketch plan for a variance to connect an accessory structure to city sewer at 1072 Green Gables, recommending a survey and property size increase.
- Recommended denial of Lot Split Application 2023-27 (unanimous)
- Recommended moratorium on new PUDs until city code is reevaluated, subject to city attorney approval (unanimous)
- Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of June 27, 2023 meeting (unanimous)
Council
The council adopted two resolutions: one for property tax abatement related to road, trail, and bridge improvements, and another authorizing the issuance of a $719,000 General Obligation Tax Abatement Note, Series 2023A. Both passed 4-0 with Councilor Demgen absent. The council also approved a $258,184.09 pay voucher to Anderson Brothers for the 2023 wastewater, roads, and trails project, and accepted WSB as city engineer for the remainder of 2023.
- Adopted Resolution 07:01-23 for property tax abatement related to road, trail, and bridge improvements (4-0 roll call).
- Adopted Resolution 07:02-23 authorizing a $719,000 General Obligation Tax Abatement Note, Series 2023A (4-0 roll call).
- Approved pay voucher to Anderson Brothers, Inc. for $258,184.09 for the 2023 WW, RDS & TRLS project.
- Accepted scope of service from WSB as city engineer for the remainder of 2023.
- Approved compensation for health insurance via 22.5 hours/month comp time retroactive to June 1, 2023, through December 2023.
- Appointed Albie Kuschel to the Planning Commission.
- Approved up to $4,000 contribution to Lakes Area Rescue Squad for a police cruiser vehicle.
- Approved $400 mold testing at City Hall.
Planning Commission
The East Gull Lake Planning Commission voted to table a conditional use permit for SBA Towers to allow the applicant to address concerns about noise, setbacks, and radiation. Commissioners also elected Paul Tollefson as the new vice-chair following a resignation. Several land-use inquiries and sketch plans were discussed but no final decisions were made.
- Elected Paul Tollefson as Vice-Chair for remainder of 2023 (unanimous)
- Tabled SBA Towers CUP 2023-29 to gather more information on noise abatement, tower stability, impervious surface, and radiation testing (unanimous)
- Approved agenda as amended (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of May 30, 2023 meeting (unanimous)
Council
The council approved the 2022-75 Norway Ridge Preliminary Plat and Rezone (4-1), subject to Planning Commission conditions. It also approved a conditional use permit for Fred and Sue Hagemann (5-0), denied a helipad ordinance amendment (4-1), and authorized a $284,256 engineering proposal for the Gull Point Road Trail Extension. Several other routine items were approved, including a road maintenance agreement, a bid for 120th Street work, and a temporary liquor license.
- Approved 2022-75 Norway Ridge Preliminary Plat and Rezone (4-1)
- Approved Resolution 06:02-23 for Hagemann Conditional Use Permit (5-0)
- Denied 2023-20 DKPA Rental helipad ordinance amendment (4-1)
- Approved WSB Engineering Proposal for Gull Point Road Trail Extension, not to exceed $284,256 (5-0)
- Approved change order for centerline culvert replacement on Gull Point Road (5-0)
- Adopted Resolution 06:05-23 Town Line Road Maintenance Agreement with Sylvan Township (5-0)
- Approved Anderson Brothers bid for 120th Street services, $36,326.25 (city responsible for 50%) (5-0)
- Approved temporary liquor license for Mariucci Fest at Camp Confidence (5-0)
Planning Commission
The commission recommended approval of the Norway Ridge Preliminary Plat (2022-75) with conditions, after the applicant dropped a zoning change request and eliminated three buildings. They denied a helipad ordinance amendment (2023-20) to allow helicopter landings outside the city airport, and tabled a conditional use permit for a garage in a wetland pending Cass County TEP determination.
- Recommended approval of Norway Ridge Preliminary Plat 2022-75 with conditions (3-2)
- Denied requiring a berm to buffer CR 77 from the development (2-3)
- Recommended approval of Hagemann CUP 2023-21 with conditions (5-0)
- Tabled Anderson CUP 2023-22 pending Cass County TEP determination (5-0)
- Recommended denial of Helipad Ordinance Amendment 2023-20 (3-2)
- Reaffirmed recommendation to allow hangar construction at city airport (5-0)
Planning Commission
The joint Planning Commission and City Council recommended approval of a variance for Sterling Molby and a conditional use permit for David and Jenna Ude, both subject to conditions. A public hearing on the Norway Ridge Development preliminary plat and rezoning was continued to May 30, 2023, after extensive public comment. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Recommended approval of Variance #2023-19 for Sterling Molby (unanimous)
- Recommended approval of Conditional Use Permit #2023-18 for David and Jenna Ude (unanimous)
- Continued public hearing on Norway Ridge Development Preliminary Plat & Rezoning #2022-75 to May 30, 2023
Council
The Council awarded the base bid for the Street & Trail Project to Anderson Brothers Construction Company for $380,253.43, using fund monies and financing for the additional amount. The Council also approved a variance for the Kohorst property subject to conditions, a plat review proposal for Norway Ridge not to exceed $17,826, and a joint powers agreement with Cass County for SSTS program administration. A raffle gambling permit for TEAM Foundation and a Sourcewell Community Impact Funds resolution were adopted.
- Awarded base bid to Anderson Brothers Construction for $380,253.43 for street project (5-0)
- Approved Variance 2023-07 for Kohorst property subject to conditions (5-0)
- Approved Norway Ridge plat review proposal not to exceed $17,826, reimbursed by developers (5-0)
- Approved Music General technology quote for $1,022.80 for Planning Commission meeting (5-0)
- Approved joint powers agreement with Cass County for SSTS program administration (5-0)
- Adopted Resolution 04:02-23 for Sourcewell Community Impact Funds application (5-0)
- Adopted Resolution 04:01-23 for TEAM Foundation raffle gambling permit (5-0)
- Approved appointment of Dennis Lang to Wastewater Committee (5-0)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission recommended approval of Variance 2023-07 for a dwelling on Gull Lake, subject to conditions including DNR approval and stormwater plan review. They also approved a resolution recommending the City Council seek legal advice on airport deed covenants before proceeding with hangar construction. A rezone request for Cragun's properties was tabled due to missing information.
- Approved Variance 2023-07 for Kohorst dwelling on Gull Lake, subject to conditions including DNR approval and stormwater plan review (5-0)
- Approved resolution recommending City Council seek legal advice on airport deed covenants before proceeding with hangar construction (5-0)
- Tabled Cragun's rezone application due to missing information
- Recommended meeting with Cragun's management within next week to discuss resident concerns about short-term rentals (5-0)
Council
The Council voted 3-1 to rescind a prior motion approving preliminary preconstruction work at the airport, including grading, fencing, and hangar construction, contingent on hangar owner cost fronting and Planning Commission approval. The Council also approved a $12,758 final budget for the Norway Ridge project review, a wastewater disconnection policy, an MPCA permit for decommissioning the North WWTF, and a $2,700/year compensation study contract. A consultant for planning and zoning assistance was authorized up to $25,000, and a letter of support for Nisswa trail funding was approved.
- Rescinded motion to approve airport preconstruction work (3-1)
- Approved $12,758 final budget for Norway Ridge project review (unanimous)
- Approved wastewater disconnection policy (unanimous)
- Approved $2,480 MPCA permit for North WWTF decommissioning (unanimous)
- Approved $2,700/year compensation study contract for three years (unanimous)
- Authorized up to $25,000 for planning and zoning consultant (unanimous)
- Approved letter of support for Nisswa trail LCCMR funding (unanimous)
- Adopted resolution for Ducks Unlimited raffle permit (4-0)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission held a regular meeting with no public hearings or formal decisions. They discussed the airport update and proposed hangar standards, recommending the city consult with SEH on design. A sketch plan review for a burned property and a garage move proposal were discussed but no action taken. The meeting was procedural only.
- Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
- Approved January 24, 2023 minutes (unanimous)
- Discussed airport hangar standards, recommended consulting SEH (no vote)
- Discussed sketch plan for PID 87-021-2208, noted variance needed (no action)
- Discussed Sachs' garage move proposal, noted timing issues (no action)
- Discussed short-term rental policy, noted ongoing zoning rewrite (no action)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
Council
The council approved a $4,500 market calibration study by David Drown and Associates to adjust staff compensation. They also accepted a $13,900 tree removal bid from Uprooted Tree Company LLC, granted a perpetual easement to Cass County for no compensation, and approved preliminary work for hangar construction at the airport. Four raffle resolutions and a $9,000 airport mowing contract were also approved.
- Approved $4,500 market calibration study by David Drown and Associates (unanimous)
- Accepted $13,900 tree removal bid from Uprooted Tree Company LLC (unanimous)
- Granted perpetual easement to Cass County for highway purposes on parcels 87-016-3305 & 87-021-2308 for no compensation (unanimous)
- Approved preliminary approval of preconstruction work for airport hangars contingent on cost fronted by hangar owners (unanimous)
- Adopted Resolution 2:4-23 for MN Teen Challenge raffle at Cragun's on June 3, 2023 (4-0)
- Adopted Resolution 2:1-23 for Lakeshore Conservation Club raffle at Cragun's on March 19, 2023 (4-0)
- Adopted Resolution 2:2-23 for MN Sheriffs' Association raffle at Cragun's on June 6, 2023 (4-0)
- Approved $9,000 airport mowing contract with Anderson's Commercial Property Maintenance (unanimous)
Planning Commission
The East Gull Lake Planning and Zoning Commission held a regular meeting on January 24, 2023. The commission unanimously re-elected Bruce Buxton as chair and Eunice Wiebolt as vice-chair. No public hearings or final decisions on applications were made; two property owners were told they would need to submit variance applications for proposed construction, and a rezoning discussion for Cragun's property was held without action.
- Re-elected Bruce Buxton as chair (unanimous)
- Re-elected Eunice Wiebolt as vice-chair (unanimous)
- Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of prior meeting (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
Council
The East Gull Lake City Council approved a Joint Powers Agreement with Cass County to construct a multiuse recreation trail, extending the Gull Point Trail. The council also adopted the 2023 city appointments resolution, approved Minnesota Rural Water Association membership, and granted an additional $1/hour raise to an employee for achieving a Class C wastewater license. No action was taken on a proposed construction contract for street and trail improvements.
- Approved Joint Powers Agreement with Cass County for multiuse recreation trail (5-0)
- Adopted Resolution 1:1-23 for 2023 City Appointments (5-0)
- Approved Minnesota Rural Water Association membership for $578.55 (5-0)
- Approved additional $1/hour raise for Lee Anderson retroactive to initial raise (5-0)
- Approved consent agenda including December 2022 minutes, financial report, and check register (5-0)
- No action taken on WSB proposal to administer construction contract for street and trail improvements