Cook County Board approves new gravel pit, Administrator gives CIP update
The Cook County Board of Commissioners meeting on Feb. 27 included the approval of two Conditional Use Permit (CUP) applications and several requests for funding through the Revolving Loan Fund. The board also got updates from Arrowhead Regional Corrections about staffing and probation services, and from Administrator James Joerke on the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
The Cook County Planning Commission recommended approval of a CUP application for a new gravel pit in Schroeder, sending it to the board along with a series of additional conditions attached. The CUP application spurred robust public comment during the public hearing held by the Planning Commission on Feb. 14, both from those in support of the project and who oppose it.
Additional feedback submitted directly to county commissioners prompted County Attorney Molly Hicken to offer a clarification for how the public can best have their views included in the record. She explained that regular public commentary outside of a public hearing is not made an official part of the record for a CUP application. She went on to say that commissioners should be basing their decisions to approve on information found in the public record, rather than on opinions stated during public commentary of a regular business meeting not designated as a public hearing. During an interview with WTIP, Joerke said, “People should feel welcome to to provide their input when these applications are filed. But the hearing is really the best place to do that.”
Ultimately, the board voted to approve the CUP for the new gravel pit, 4-1. The commission also unanimously approved a CUP application submitted by Cascade Vacation Rentals to put up a yurt to serve as seasonal employee housing.
There were three applications for funding through the county Revolving Loan Fund. Each of the applications was approved, with the largest loan approved going to the Cook County Real Estate Fund LP to help fund their apartment project, The Heights. That loan is for $250,000.
Joerke provided the board with an update on the CIP. He said that the firm hired to do preliminary architectural planning for the proposed Justice Center, BKV Group, has begun meeting with county departments to evaluate what needs the county has for the proposed building. Joerke also said that the county is working on a new Request for Proposal (RFP) for a construction manager to oversee the deferred maintenance elements of the CIP. He said that the previous RFP only resulted in one proposal, so the county will issue a revised RFP, and work directly with contractors to get some of the larger deferred maintenance projects started.
Several commissioners also commented on their time at the Association of Minnesota Counties conference in February, which allowed them to connect with leaders from other counties, and with the state legislators representing the Arrowhead.
Both Senator Grans Hauschild and Representative Roger Skraba will be in attendance at the legislative day that Cook County holding on March 15 in Grand Portage. It will be a chance for more community leaders to speak directly with the legislators. Joerke said, “We are getting really great support from both Senator Hauschild and Representative Skraba. They’re really attuned to things that are happening in Cook County, and have expressed a strong level of support for for helping us on legislative matters.”
WTIP’s Kirsten Wisniewski spoke with county Administrator James Joerke about the Feb. 27 Board of Commissioners meeting. Audio below.
Kirsten Wisniewski March 1, 2024
