The most notable item discussed was the rezoning request from Skyler and Clay Johnson. The applicants sought to rezone a 44-acre parcel, recently transitioned from state to private ownership, situated off Pine Mountain Road. The proposal aimed to change the zoning from F1 to F3. The staff presented detailed information about the property, noting its undeveloped status and the presence of wetlands along the south side of Pine Mountain Road. The upland terrain was primarily located on the north side, with existing utilities such as electric facilities and fiber infrastructure nearby. The rezoning would shift the parcel from a more permissive F1 zoning, which allows a broader range of activities including dog kennels, to the more restrictive F3 zoning, which permits increased residential density by allowing a minimum lot size of 5 acres compared to F1’s 20 acres.

The staff emphasized considerations from the Cook County Land Use Guide Plan, which highlights the importance of evaluating community impact, adjacent uses, and economic factors in rezoning applications. Public notifications were completed, with one written comment received from adjacent property owners. Concerns were raised regarding wetland regulations, utility access, and the characteristics of Pine Mountain Road. Staff addressed these concerns, confirming utility access and detailing the wetland conditions of the property.

During the board’s discussion, members expressed their agreement with the staff’s findings. There was an inquiry about the property’s eligibility for a residential open space overlay due to its proximity to Devil Track Road, acknowledging its potential contingent upon future requests. The board members were comfortable with the rezoning change, citing the location’s suitability for residential development. A motion to recommend approval of the rezoning request to the county commissioners was made and seconded, leading to a unanimous vote in favor.

Another agenda item was the conditional use permit (CUP) request by Northshore Waste, presented by Neva. The permit pertains to a transfer station for municipal solid waste, recyclable materials, and demolition waste located on Saw Trail in Tafty. The purpose of the request is to update, expand, and formalize operations at a transfer station that has been functioning for decades without a conditional use permit. Neva explained that this facility is part of a hub and spoke model developed by Northshore Waste to enhance solid waste services throughout Cook County.

Details of the proposal included a gravel parking lot less than an acre in size, an 8-foot high chain link fence, and a gated entrance. The site is to operate three days a week during summer and two days in winter. Neva highlighted zoning considerations, noting the property’s location in the F3 zone district and its alignment with the Cook County zoning ordinance. Compliance with permits from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) was also stressed, including stormwater and land use permits.

Public notification for the application was completed, with no written comments received during the comment period. Staff considerations for the permit included conformity with the county’s comprehensive plan and compatibility with the neighborhood. Several recommendations were outlined for the conditional use permit, emphasizing adherence to regulations and appropriate lighting. Following Neva’s presentation, the applicant, Dustin Hansen, had no further additions, and the public was invited to comment. With no objections, the board discussed the application, expressing support for the improvements. A motion to adopt the staff recommendations was made, seconded, and unanimously approved.

In addition to these applications, the commission reviewed an interim use permit (IUP) request from Katie Johnson for the renewal of a home business operation involving a mobile tattoo trailer. The business has been operational since 2019 without complaints and operates seasonally by appointment. The property is a substandard non-conforming lot within the F3 zone district, and the business complies with septic regulations by disposing of wastewater at the Grand Ray Rec Park. Public notification mirrored previous requests, with no comments received.

Staff’s recommendations for the permit renewal were consistent with those from 2019, with updates reflecting current regulations. The commission, after considering potential findings and conditions, reached a general consensus in favor of supporting the request. A motion to approve the IUP renewal was seconded and met with unanimous agreement.