In a 3-1 vote Tuesday, the Sherburne County Board approved an interim use permit (IUP) for the Big Lake School District for construction of recreational athletic fields on 40 acres just east of Liberty Elementary School on 205th Ave. in Big Lake Twp.
Commissioner Ewald Petersen said he could not approve the IUP because he felt there were plenty of other ballfields that could be used.
“They aren’t taking advantage of all the facilities available - the Big Lake Lions, parks, they have lights. They’re available. I don’t feel that this is a necessary request. And I have a hard time believing that if they put a park in, that they won’t have lights on it. I’m not for this.”
The proposed complex will include five soccer fields and a parking lot adjacent to existing ballfields.
In the discussion that followed, Commissioner Tim Dolan asked to include additional conditions, like curbing at the perimeter of the parking lot so vehicles wouldn’t be parking on the grass.
He also asked to include prohibiting lights and a portable public announcing (PA) system as additional conditions.
“Those are concerns of residents,” he said.
Commissioners Lisa Fobbe, Barbara Burandt and Dolan voted to approve the IUP. Petersen voted against. Commissioner Felix Schmiesing was not in attendance.
Sewer Grinder
The board approved the purchase of a sewer grinder at a cost of $59,828. The machine grinds debris in sewer lines.
Administrator Steve Taylor said the City of Elk River set up a basket in the Government Center sewer line and discovered things like clothing, commissary items and disposable toothbrushes.
“It was being flushed down the drain at the jail,” he said. “It has been causing premature wear of the lift station near Elk River City Hall. It’s pretty clear we are contributing to the issue.
The county will pay for the purchase and installation of the unit and set aside up to $1,000 annually in funds for future capital repairs.
The city will pay for ongoing operating costs.
Other Business
In other action the board:
• Approved the preliminary and final simple plat of Fradella Estates, consisting of one residential lot on 14.88 acres at Co. Rd. 15 and 25th Ave. in Orrock Twp.
• Approved the addition of a media specialist position. Depending on qualifications, the pay could range from $57,491 to $68,983;
• Renewed a gambling premises permit for Princeton Youth Hockey Assn. at the Finish Line Cafe in Princeton and Fairway Shores in Baldwin Twp.;
• Approved the payment of $439.50 in gopher bounties to Palmer twp.;
• Approved a Community Corrections agreement with Grand American Resources to enhance collections of unpaid supervision and program fees.The department currently has $765,519.45 in past due fees;
• Proclaimed May 6-12 as National Nurses Week, May 7-13 as Correctional Officers Week and May 14-20 as Police Officers Week;
• Accepted a $1,200 grant from Central Minnesota Community Foundation for the KIDS Choice Program, which focuses on bullying prevention, internet safety and substance awareness.
