The Sherburne County Board is attempting to assist the City of Big Lake in obtaining a tax forfeited parcel of land off Tarry Town Road east of Ormsbee Street, part of which could potentially be used for a city park.
Last week, Sherburne County Auditor/Treasurer Diane Arnold presented the board with a resolution to support special legislation that would allow the city to use the parcel for dual purposes.
The 19.61-acre parcel was originally an outlot in the Habitat First Addition, which was platted in 1982.
Arnold said the outlot was supposed to be deeded to a homeowners’ association, which was never formed. Instead, the developer deeded it to Edina Development Corp.
“That company went bankrupt and it was tax forfeited to the State of Minnesota in 2012,” said Arnold.
The City of Big Lake expressed interest in obtaining it to use partly as a natural drainage area and also a park with walking trails. The city submitted a proposal to the state in 2015 to use it for mixed purposes between nonconservation and conservation land. That request was denied by the state.
Arnold said the parcel is now in limbo unless new legislation allows the city to obtain the land for mixed use.
Commissioner Felix Schmiesing asked whether any part of the parcel could be developed.
“No, it cannot be built on,” said Arnold.
The board passed the resolution unanimously.
Zoning
The board approved four interim use permits (IUPs) for solar farms in different areas of the county. Zoning Administrator Nancy Riddle said the new IUPs were required because of a change in ownership.
DG Minnesota CSG, LLC was requesting the IUPs for a name change on the following solar developments:
• Aggregate Industries North Central for a 5MW community solar garden on 48.87 acres on Co. Rd. 8 and 47th Street SE in Haven Twp;
• Jeffrey & James W. Sanford for a 5MW solar farm on 84.89 acres off Hwy.. 10 just east of Co. Rd. 50 in Big Lake Twp.;
• Barton Sand and Gravel Co. for a solar farm on 50 acres on Co. Rd. 8 at 90th Street SE in Clear Lake Twp.;
• Thomas Jr. and Penny Hammer Trust for a solar farm on 80 acres on Co. Rd. 8 east of 70th Ave. in Clear Lake Twp.
The board approved a conditional use permit (CUP) for construction and operation of a church in Baldwin Twp.
At the March 15 planning and zoning hearing, the planning commission voted to recommend approval for Christ Our Light Catholic Church to build a church on a 107.34-acre parcel at 11604 293rd Ave. NW between 116th Street and 120th Street.
As part of the CUP, the developer is required to add a right turn lane and bypass lane on Co. Rd. 9.
The board approved the final residential re-plat of Kreager Ridge, consisting of two lots on 9.39 acres at 237th Ave. and 180th Street in Orrock Twp.
The board approved a new interim use permit (IUP) for Ray’s Auto Body on 125th St. NW in Baldwin Twp. The new IUP is required because of a change in ownership, even though the business will retain the old name.
The board approved the final residential and simple plat of Troseth Estates, consisting of two lots with one existing residence on 39.33 acres on 313th Ave. NW in Baldwin Twp.
The board approved the final residential and simple plat of Rum River Bluffs, consisting of three lots on 32.53 acres on 323rd Ave. NW and 108th Street in Baldwin Twp.
