The meeting primarily focused on a request for a conditional use permit (CUP) for the Northshore Waste Demolition Site, designated as case 2025. The proposal outlined the development of a transfer station for municipal solid waste, recyclable materials, and demolition waste on a 5.52-acre property currently housing the Hovland Highway Department garage. The project, proposed by Northshore Waste and represented by Dustin Hansen, aims to operate the site under a hub-and-spoke model to improve waste management services in Cook County.

Located within a single-family residential R1 zone district, the site will include a one-directional driving route, roll-off containers for drop-off, and an office for staff and guests. Enclosed by an eight-foot chain-link fence, the gravel parking lot will cover nearly one acre. The design intends to limit visibility from the road, aligning with zoning considerations, and will facilitate the transport of materials to the Grand Right Transfer Facility outside Cook County.

Concerns were raised about the impervious surface coverage, expected to exceed the maximum 30% limit due to expansion. This prompted the need for a surface water runoff plan by a registered engineer, given the property’s location within the Northshore management zone of Lake Superior. Regulatory compliance with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Cook County permits was emphasized.

The transfer station will not generate sewage, but questions arose about staff facilities. Discussions also addressed the anticipated noise and limited operational hours—two days a week in summer and one day in winter. Lighting and odor were also considerations due to the facility’s nature.

Public notification about the application was made through the Cook County News Herald and notifications sent to adjacent property owners and relevant county departments. No written comments were received during the comment period. Staff findings supported the transfer station, aligning with the 2023 Northeast Regional Minnesota solid waste management plan. The site’s proximity to general commercial land further justified the application.

During public comment, concerns regarding existing infrastructure were addressed, including the layout related to the tank building behind the county highway building. Questions about access points for truck traffic and tree removal were raised, leading to discussions about maintaining natural buffers and potential plantings to reduce visual impacts. The intention to keep existing evergreen vegetation was noted, with consideration for temporary impacts due to construction.

Board members inquired about septic solutions, indicating that portable restrooms would be provided, as traditional access to the county building’s septic system would be unfeasible. The status of an existing recycling trailer was discussed, with plans to move recycling operations within the fenced area to prevent improper disposal issues. Acknowledging the challenges of limited access to recycling services, suggestions were made for further dialogue to improve community access and reliability.

The board voted to approve the conditional use permit with the outlined staff conditions. Anticipation of future discussions regarding potential revisions to subdivision ordinances, particularly concerning affordable housing initiatives, was expressed.

In other discussions, the meeting addressed open space subdivisions to tackle housing challenges by encouraging workforce housing while preserving open spaces. The proposal suggested designating up to 50% of an area as open space, allowing smaller lots in more developable sections. This method, rarely proposed in Cook County, aims to incentivize developers to consider efficient land use.

A specific example, Mink Ranch Road in Luden, was highlighted as a success story. The proposed Residential Open Space Overlay District (ROSO) would allow higher density housing without altering existing zoning. The overlay restricts vacation rentals, focusing on long-term housing availability. Eligibility criteria include proximity to state highways and county roads, with developments remaining fully within non-shoreland areas.

The proposal outlined a preliminary step for developers to submit a reason-zoning application to gauge feasibility before costly platting processes. This step involves community input and a formal public hearing to assess zoning regulation compatibility. Density allowances were illustrated, with an 80-acre parcel in FAR two zoning potentially yielding twelve lots under the new proposal, compared to eight lots under conventional regulations.

Discussions centered on duplexes within the proposed overlay, with considerations for clear guidelines on integrating such structures into the zoning framework.