The Sherburne County Board held a public hearing last week as the first step in applying for a $100,000 grant to help Acucraft rebuild.
Acucraft is a custom fireplace manufacturer that was located west on Hwy. 10 in Big Lake until an electrical fire destroyed the building in April.
The company is requesting the county’s assistance to acquire money through the Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF), which provides financing to help add new workers and retain high-quality jobs on a statewide basis.
MIF funds are awarded to local units of government who provide loans to assist expanding businesses.
The focus is on industrial, manufacturing, and technology-related industries to increase the local and state tax base and improve economic vitality statewide.
In August, Assistant County Administrator Dan Weber said if the county was interested in submitting an application to the Minnesota Dept. of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) for the loan, the first step would be to hold a required public hearing to provide citizen notification and involvement in the process.
Acucraft has been in business at the Big Lake location since 1979. Owner Chris Maxson told member of the board he purchased the company in 1998 and intends to keep it going in Big Lake.
“We want to stay in Sherburne County. It’s our home,” he said. “We’ve been here forever. Our employees say this is where we want to be.”
The company is currently leasing two spaces in the Big Lake area while rebuilding plans are underway.
Maxson said the goal now is to purchase the former Wholesale Foods building located near Midwest Tank and Ferrellgas off 172nd Street in Big Lake.
“It gives us a place to expand and to hire new employees,” Maxson told the board.
Weber said the company is expecting to increase its employee base from 17 to 33. The forgiveable loan will help make that happen.
Weber said the next step is to pass a resolution to move forward with the MIF application, which will take place once all the company’s financials have been reviewed.
“That’s in process,” said Weber. “We’ll be bringing that back to you in a few weeks.”
Although the county will be acting as the local government agent in the loan process, there is no cost to the county except staff time.
New Pool Regulations
The board approved an amendment to the Sherburne County zoning ordinance regarding swimming pools. Under the new language, fencing is not required around a swimming pool if an automatic pool cover is installed. Previously, a fence was required for all in-ground pools and above ground pools holding over 5,000 gallons of water, even with an automatic pool cover.
Other Business
In other action the board:
•Approved the preliminary and final plat of O’Leary Addition, consisting of two lots on five acres on 205th Street in Big Lake Twp.;
•Amended an interim use permit for Scott and Luan Carlson by eliminating a sunset date for their packaging materials warehouse distribution operation on a five-acre parcel on Co. Rd. 83 in Big Lake Twp.;
•Approved a conditional use permit for Stephen and Virginia Demeules for a 30’x40’ personal storage structure on their .3-acre property in Palmer Twp.;
•Approved the final residential plat for Sandhill Acres, consisting of four lots on 14.98 acres on 205th Ave. in Big Lake Twp.;
• Renewed the solid waste facility license and approved a host fee agreement for Becker Ash Landfill through Dec. 31, 2020 ;
•Approved a Gambling Premises Permit for Monticello Lions Club at KJ’s Refuge in Orrock Twp.;
•Passed a resolution of support for Palmer Wireless to apply for funding to bring fiberoptics to areas in Clear Lake, Haven, Becker and Santiago townships;
•Approved the submission of a $50,000 grant application for a feasibility study for an intermodal/regional rail park in Sherburne County;
• Approved a contract with Compass Consultants, Inc. to conduct a broadband feasibility study. The cost is $45,000, with $25,000 being funded through the Blandin Robust Network Feasibility Study and the remainder from the county’s Economic Development fund;
•Approved the appointment of temporary Assistant County Attorney Roger J. Fellows;
•Proclaimed the week of Sept. 13-19 as Child Passenger Safety Week.
