Cass County Board: 2021 shows record planning and zoning activity

   BACKUS — Planning and zoning activity in 2021 is again showing record numbers since 2007,  Environmental Service Department Director John Ringle reported at the Tuesday, Oct. 19 Cass County Board meeting.

   Ringle reported although planning and zoning activity showed a decrease during this year’s third quarter compared to last year, overall activity is still up in all categories by 14.19%. In 2021 a total of 1246 building and septic permits were issued during the first three quarters compared to last year’s 1133 permits. Ringle also mentioned although 104 shoreland alteration permits were issued during the third quarter for both 2020 and 2021, total permits for 2021 are up by 23.61% over the same time period of last year. Overall permit activity for the first three quarters is up by 17.29% with a generated revenue of $507,500 for the first three quarters. This exceeds the total revenue generated for the whole year of 2020, which was $504,306.

   County Attorney Ben Lindstrom reported a situation with the board concerning the City of Boy River. It was stated Boy River is currently not paying their bills for snow plowing services provided by the county and Lindstrom asked the board whether continuation of this service should be conducted. 

   The board discussed the possible options of action which included: doing nothing and continue providing snow removal service; attempt to file for dissolution of the city as a creditor or to send letters to the residents of the city and advise them the county will no longer be providing free services. It was stated the City of Boy River held a special election a few years ago to dissolve the city and be absorbed into the township. This election resulted in a failed dissolution therefore, the city has a responsibility to govern itself.

   Commissioner Neal Gaalswyk motioned to notify registered voters within the City of Boy River and the township board the county’s intent to no longer provide snow removal and offer to hold a public hearing at the November 16 regular board meeting if so requested. Commissoner Bob Kangas seconded the motion with the all members voting aye.

   In other business, the county board:

   • Approved a notice of intent to advertise and fill a County Agency Social worker.

   • Approved the third quarter budget amendments as presented by Chief Financial Officer Sandra Norikane.

   • Approved a public hearing to adopt the Cass County Fee Schedule effective January 1, 2021. This meeting will be in conjunction with the truth in taxation meeting at 6 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Land Department meeting room in Backus.

   • Tabled a request for assistance in paying the tip fee for the demolition of a commercial building from City of Cass Lake. This has been the county’s practice in the past, but the commissioner’s requested more information before approving this fee of $15,000.  

   The next meetings are as follows: Commissioner’s board meeting, 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2 at the boardroom in the courthouse annex in Walker; AMC District II Meeting, 8 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 3 at the Beltrami County Board room, 701 Minnesota Avenue SW, Bemidji and commissioner’s board meeting, 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16, at the Land Department meeting room in Backus.