At the Cook County Board of Commissioners October 9 meeting Cook County Land Services Director Tim Nelson brought forth recommendations from the planning commission to adopt several proposed language amendments to the Cook County Zoning Ordinance.
Nelson listed four changes. One was to update the three-year sunset clause so that any conditional use permit not acted upon in that time could be brought into line with current variance sunset clauses.
Included in Nelson’s request was the delineation of the list of additional considerations for “after the fact” variance requests since the Minnesota statute changed which no longer provides a legal basis for further deliberations.
He also asked for a proviso to set a deadline for the submission of written comments in conjunction with a public hearing relating to the planning commission and board of adjustment for the boards to have sufficient time to consider the material.
Nelson also requested a provision allowing the chair of the planning commission and board of adjustment to impose reasonable time limits in cases where multiple individuals wish to comment on the same item, so everyone has the time and opportunity to speak.
The commissioners passed a resolution implementing the changes proposed by Nelson.
Coroner resignation accepted
Longtime Cook County coroner/medical examiner Dr. Sandy Stover submitted a letter of resignation, “effective the date when a new coroner/medical examiner is in place.”
Dr. Stover has moved to Duluth where she will be teaching medical school at the University of Minnesota Duluth medical school.
Consent agenda items
. Commissioners agreed to accept and sign the fiscal year 2019 Board of Water and Soil Resources Minnesota Pollution Control agency program grant agreement.
Cook County will receive $18,600 next year to administer the septic system upgrade and installation program. The county will also receive $29,430 for the ongoing low-interest septic upgrade loan program.
The grant funds have already been included in the Environmental Health budget for gathering information or serving as a liaison, and if documented in the county board minutes.
Also, no per diem will be paid for regularly scheduled and special board meetings as they are considered part of a commissioner’s salary. However, mileage will be reimbursed. . Commissioners accepted the resignation of Dave Seaton from the Cook County Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment and appointed Donald Fehr to the Board of Adjustment to fill the position. . Commissioners approved the updated bylaws of the Northeast Regional Advisory Committee, which serves as an advisory group to the Northeast Regional Emergency Communications Board. . The board received an update about the work done by One Roof Housing of Duluth, who is being assisted by the Cook County EDA. Rental workforce housing in Lutsen is nearing completion and One Roof has put up eight houses in various forms of completion that are for sale in Grand Marais.
The housing and rental units are designed to help meet the shortage of workforce housing that exists in the county.
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