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MINUTES & AGENDAS

June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

The Lake of The Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, June 10,2025 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

CALL TO ORDER

Chair Jon Waibel called the meeting to order at 9:00a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Cody Hasbargen, Joe Grund, Jon Waibel, Ed Arnesen, and Buck Nordlof. Also present was County Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following changes: Add: County Parks Resolution, PT Landfill Help, NWA Mowing, Interview & Hire: IT Tech, MIS Director, Cliff Mining, and Legislative Update.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the official minutes of May 27, 2025.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $14,057.19; Commissioners Warrants $2,821.98; Commissioners Warrants $14,130.58.

Recorder

Board of Equalization Oath

County Recorder Sue Ney swore in the members of the Lake of the Woods County Board of Appeal and Equalization for 2025 to be held on June 16, 2025.

Auditor/Treasurer

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $32,390.28; Road & Bridge $194,254.85; County Development $400.00; Solid Waste $22,330.29.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 6/10/2025 For Payment 6/13/2025

Vendor Name Amount

Co-Op Services, Inc. 11,793.72

Contech Engineered LLC 58,997.15 

Farmers Union Oil company   2,142.32 

Lady Lakers Volleyball Association   2,700.00 

Law Offices Of Patrick D. Moren 12,170.66 

Mark Sand & Gravel Co.           109,637.50 

Northdale Oil Inc.             10,124.71 

Powerplan   5,815.91 

R & Q Trucking, Inc   6,478.00 

56 Payments less than 2000 29,515.45

Final Total: 249,375.42

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: May 27, 2025 for $672,706.00; May 28, 2025 for $15,910.81; June 4, 2025 for $1,983,912.68.

NWA Agenda Discussion

The board reviewed agenda items for the meeting held at the Northwest Angle on June 17,2025 at 10:00 a.m.

Ships Wheel Wine/Beer License

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the Wine and Beer License for D & J Rose, LLC and to include strong beer.

County Parks Resolution-Land Sale Surplus

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Commissioners Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously the following:

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING COUNTY PARK FUNDING

RESOLUTION NO. 25-06-01

WHEREAS:  Minnesota Statutes 282.08 allows for a County Board to annually set aside up to 20% of the receipts from the sale of rental of county administered tax-forfeited land or from the sale of any products therefrom, after the payment of all allowable expenses, to be used for the acquisition and maintenance of county parks, as defined in Minnesota Statutes 398.31, Et. Seq.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes and directs the County Auditor/Treasurer to appropriate 20% of the allowable receipts of the forfeited tax fund of Lake of the Woods County for 2025 to be used for acquisition and maintenance of County Parks.

Public Works

Amend Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to add Northwest Angle Gravel Purchase to the agenda.

NWA Gravel Purchase

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of gravel for the Northwest Angle from Accurate HD at $21.50 per cubic yard for a total of $43,000.00 out of Highway budget.

NWA Mowing

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of a John Deere lawn mower for the Northwest Angle.

Solid Waste Processor

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the counter offer for the solid waste processor position at Grade 12, Step 5, $28.17 per hour at 274 points.

Part-time Landfill Help

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the hire of part-time seasonal help at the Landfill at Grade 7, Step 1, $20.61 per hour for 18-24 hours per week.

Updates

County Engineer Anthony Pirkl gave an update on the progress of various highway projects.

Remonumentation Project Update

Widseth Surveyor Chad Conner gave an update on the ongoing remonumentation project.

Recess

A brief recess took place at 9:40 a.m. and reconvened at 9:45 a.m.

Land & Water

Consideration of Interim Use Permit #25-05IU by Ronald Gatheridge

A tract located in the Southwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter (SW1/4NE1/4), Section Twenty-eight (28), Township One Hundred Sixty-two (162) North, Range Thirty-two (32) West (Wheeler)-Parcel ID#19.28.13.060. Applicant is requesting an Interim Use Permit as required by Section 1106 of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance to operate a short-term vacation rental in a Residential Development Zoning District (R1).

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the following Interim Use Permit/Findings of Fact by Ronald Gatheridge to operate a short-term vacation rental in a Residential Development Zoning District (R1) with the following conditions:

  1. The interim use permit terminates five (5) years from the date of approval or upon sale or transfer of the property, whichever occurs first.
  2. The maximum occupancy is limited to four (4) individuals.
  3. The established quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
  4. A valid Certificate of Compliance for the septic system is required.
  5. No on-street parking is allowed.
  6. If applicable, the applicant must meet the Minnesota Department of Health requirements.

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners

Short-Term Vacation Rental Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant: Ronald Gatheridge       Application Number:  25-05IU    Date:  June 10, 2025

Location/Legal Description:  A tract located in the Southwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter (SW¼NE¼), Section Twenty-eight (28), Township One Hundred Sixty-two (162) North, Range Thirty-two (32) West.

Parcel Number:  19.28.13.060

Project Proposal:  Applicant is requesting an Interim Use Permit, as required by Sections 1106 of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance, to operate a short-term vacation rental in a Rural Residential Zoning District (R2).

  1. Is the project proposal consistent with the Lake of the Woods County Comprehensive Land Use Plan? YES (X) NO (  )  N/A (  )

Explain?  Resort and recreation area.

  1. Is the project proposal consistent with maintaining the public health, safety, and welfare?

YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Explain?  Water test results meet drinking water standards, and the septic is compliant.

  1. Is the project proposal compatible with adjacent land uses? YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Explain?  Residential and Resort area.

  1. Is the site in harmony with existing and proposed access to the property?     YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Explain?  Private driveway off of 40th Ave NW, which is a private roadway.

  1. Has the applicant adequately demonstrated how the traffic and parking are to be addressed?                                                                                                                                           YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Explain?  The site allows for ample parking and there should be no more traffic than normal residential use.

  1. Has the applicant provided a map adequately depicting locations of property lines, well and septic system locations, accessory structures, parking areas, and shore recreational facilities?

YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Explain?  Map was provided in the application.

  1. Does the water test meet the Minnesota Department of Health drinking water standards? YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Explain?  The water test was included in the application.

  1. Has the applicant identified the maximum number of occupants? YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Explain?  The maximum number of occupants is four (4), which is identified in the application.

  1. Is the current SSTS compliant by evidence of a Certificate of Compliance and is the SSTS adequate to accommodate the identified maximum occupancy? YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Explain?  The current septic system has received a Certificate of Compliance and it is sized for a two-bedroom house, with a maximum of four (4) occupants.

  1. Has the applicant established quiet hours?                                                           YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Explain?  As stated in the application, the established quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

  1. Has the applicant provided a floor plan which includes the number of bedrooms and all other sleeping accommodations? YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Explain?  A floor plan was included in the application.

  1. Has the applicant provided an evacuation plan/fire safety protocol and have identified the locations of smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms and fire extinguishers? YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Explain?  See application.

  1. Has the applicant identified a local person and their contact information? YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Explain?  The local contact person is Gregg Hennum.

  1. If signage is associated with the project proposal, has the applicant demonstrated the need for the number and size requested, and minimized the visual appearance as viewed from adjacent properties to the extent possible?  

YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Explain?  Applicant is proposing no signage.

  1. Is fencing and/or screening needed to buffer the project proposal from adjacent properties?

YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Explain?  Applicant is not proposing fencing or screening. 

The answers to the questions above, together with the facts supporting the answers and those other facts that exist in the record, are hereby certified to be the Findings of the County Board of Commissioners.

The specific reasons for denial or conditions of approval are as follows: 

  1. The interim use permit terminates five (5) years from the date of approval or upon sale or transfer of the property, whichever occurs first.
  2. The maximum occupancy is limited to four (4) individuals.
  3. The established quiet hours are from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am.
  4. A valid Certificate of Compliance for the septic system is required.
  5. No on-street parking is allowed.
  6. If applicable, the applicant must meet the Minnesota Department of Health requirements.

Approved  as Presented  (   ) Approved with Conditions  (X) Denied  (  )

Consideration of Zone Change #25-02ZC by K&A Northern Properties, LLC

1 and 2, Block 2, Birch Acres, Section Twenty-four (24), Township One Hundred Sixty-two (162) North, Range Thirty-two (32) West (Wheeler)- Parcel ID#’s 19.61.02.010 and 19.61.02.020. Applicant is requesting a zone change from a Residential (R1) Zoning District to a Commercial-Recreation (CR) Zoning District for the purpose of allowing commercial activity on the property.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following Zone Change/Findings of Fact by K&A Northern Properties, LLC for the purpose of allowing commercial activity on the property without conditions.

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners

Rezoning

Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant:K&A Northern PropertiesDate:June 10, 2025
 
Location/Legal Description:Lots 1-2, Block 2, Birch Acres Plat in Section 24, T. 162N, R. 32 W
 
Current Zoning Classification:Residential (R1)Proposed:Commercial-Recreation (CR)
 
Parcel Number(s):19.61.02.010, 19.61.02.020Application Number:25-02ZC

The County Board of Commissioners shall consider all facts from all sources prior to rendering a decision relating to a proposed zone change. Its judgment shall be based upon but not limited to the following factors as applicable.

  1. Is the zone change consistent with the Lake of the Woods County Comprehensive Land Use Plan?

X  Yes ___No

Comments:Promote economic activity and in the growth corridor.
 
  1. Are the existing surrounding land uses consistent with the proposed zoning classification?

X  Yes ___No

Comments:Surrounded by commercial activity.
 
  1. Will the zone change alter the characteristics of the neighborhood?

__­_Yes X  No

Comments:No change.
 
  1. Is there a potential for public health, safety or traffic generation impacts based on the proposed zone change and how will they be addressed?

__­_Yes X  No

Comments:No change.
 
  1. What additional public services would be necessitated and would existing utilities be sufficient to accommodate the proposal?

X  Yes ___No

Comments:Existing services are sufficient.
 
  1. Will the zone change impede the normal or orderly development and improvement of surrounding property for uses permitted in the zoning district?

__­_Yes X  No

Comments:No change.
 
  1. Has there been a change in the development in the general area of the property in question?

__­_Yes X  No

Comments:No change.
 

8.   Will the zone change have a negative effect on property values in the neighborhood?

__­_Yes X  No

Comments:No change.
 
Conditions:  
 

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners hereby DENIES / APPROVES the application for a zone change WITH / WITHOUT special conditions.

Consideration of Zone Change #25-03ZC by Nels Holte

Lots 3 and 4, Block 6, Morris Point Estates, Section Twenty (20), Township One Hundred Sixty-two (162) North, Range Thirty-two (32) West (Wheeler)- Parcel ID#’s 19.69.06.030 and 19.69.6.040. Applicant is requesting a zone change from a Residential (R1) Zoning District to a Commercial-Recreation (CR) Zoning District for the purpose of allowing commercial activity on the property.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the following Zone Change/Findings of Fact by Nels Holte for the purpose of allowing commercial activity on the property without conditions.

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners

Rezoning

Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant:Nels HolteDate:June 10, 2025
 
Location/Legal Description:Lots 3-4, Block 6, Morris Point Estates in Section 20, T. 162N, R. 32 W
 
Current Zoning Classification:Residential (R1)Proposed:Commercial-Recreation (CR)
 
Parcel Number(s):19.69.06.030, 19.69.06.040Application Number:25-03ZC

The County Board of Commissioners shall consider all facts from all sources prior to rendering a decision relating to a proposed zone change. Its judgment shall be based upon, but not limited to the following factors as applicable.

  1. Is the zone change consistent with the Lake of the Woods County Comprehensive Land Use Plan?

  X  Yes ___No

Comments:Resort area and commercial activities in area. 
 
  1. Are the existing surrounding land uses consistent with the proposed zoning classification?

  X  Yes ___No

Comments:Other commercial in area.
 
  1. Will the zone change alter the characteristics of the neighborhood?

__­_Yes   X  No

Comments:No change.
 
  1. Is there a potential for public health, safety or traffic generation impacts based on the proposed zone change and how will they be addressed?

__­_Yes   X  No

Comments:No change.
 
  1. What additional public services would be necessitated and would existing utilities be sufficient to accommodate the proposal?

__X  Yes __  No

Comments:Existing utilities are sufficient.
 
  1. Will the zone change impede the normal or orderly development and improvement of surrounding property for uses permitted in the zoning district?

__­_Yes __X  No

Comments:No change.
 
  1. Has there been a change in the development in the general area of the property in question?

__­_Yes   X  No

Comments:No change.
 

8.   Will the zone change have a negative effect on property values in the neighborhood?

__­_Yes   X  No

Comments:No change. 
 
Conditions: None
 

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners hereby DENIES / APPROVES the application for a zone change WITH / WITHOUT special conditions.

Sportsman Club

Loren Arveson reviewed new trails and signs and requested a letter of support for the proposed route for trails.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve a letter of support for the Roseau/Lake of the Woods Sportsman Club new trail proposal.

Jason Kruse-Hazy Daze Cannabis License

Jason Kruse representing Hazy Daze reviewed their business plan and informed the board that they have received preliminary cannabis license approval and requested the board consider supporting their business. No action was taken at this time.

Interview & Hire- IT Tech

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the request to interview and hire an IT Tech.

Permission to Post Internally-MIS Director

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the request to post internally for the MIS Director position.

Permission to Interview MIS Director

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the request to interview for the MIS Director position.

Legislative Update

Commissioner Ed Arnesen gave a legislative update regarding the safe boat application.

Cliffs Mining Update

The board discussed touring the mine in September. The board also discussed the Cliffs agreement and noted they are still waiting for a response from the DNR.

Adjourn

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:45 a.m.

Attest: June 24, 2025

________________________________             _________________________________Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson Chair Jon Waibel