Several businesses around Big Lake requested permits for various constructions around Big Lake during last week’s council meeting. Otherwise, it was business as usual.

Rose Johnson Memorial

A memorial for the late councilmember Rose Johnson was unveiled at Lakeside Park. The memorial includes a conversation bench underneath a tree, with a beautiful view of the lake.

Cargill Permit

Cargill requested a permit from council awhile back in order to complete a few different constructions. The permit was given, however, a neighbor of Cargill expressed concerns about the impact of these constructions on the environment. Cargill worked with the neighbor to find a solution, and came back to the council requesting the same permit, but with added allocations for the use of impervious surfaces (surfaces, such as concrete, that don’t allow harmful chemicals to penetrate the soil.) The board was happy to approve the amended request, and Mayor Mike Wallen commented that Cargill was a good neighbor.

Lupulin Brewing Permit

Lupulin Brewing requested the board approve a permit for containerized storage. The containers would sit south of the building, next to the railroad tracks and would be covered in artwork so as not to be an eyesore. The board approved the permit.

Public hearings were held for both the permit application and the display, but no input was received from the public.

Liquor Store Updates

Lake Liqours returned to normal hours Oct. 1. They are, once again, nearly at a full complement of staff. Sales continue to be higher than last year, and the store continues to support charities.

The amount spent on purchases is up from last year, but the store manager, Greg Zurbey, said this is mostly due to timing. The store waits for items to go on sale, and then buys in bulk. The items that were recently purchased should last until the end of the year, Zurbey noted.

Community Development Report

After the liquor store update, Hannah Klimmek was scheduled to give a report on her department, community development. Unfortunately, Klimmek had been held up and was not at the council meeting at that time, so city administrator Clay Wilfahrt stood up to give the report instead. Mayor Wallen teased Wilfahrt, saying “You thought [Klimmek] was just going to come flying in the door, didn’t you?”

The words had barely left Mayor Wallen’s mouth when Klimmek came flying in the door to give her presentation.

One potential developer, Avalon homes, has decided not to move forward with their planned development. However, another company, Meadow View Estates, is inquiring about a permit to build 46 single-family rental homes and a clubhouse.

Other Community Happenings

Big Lake is helping Sherburne County market their new Entrepreneur Lab. This lab is available online to entrepreneurs in the county free of charge.

The City of Big Lake is going to be highlighted by Minnesota Cities Magazine for their handling of CARES funding.

The city’s winter prep was slowed down by the unexpected winter weather, but now that some of the snow has melted away preparations will continue as normal.