Vergas and Otter Tail County agree on shoreland permitting
News | Published on December 24, 2024 at 11:11am EST | Author: frazeevergas
0By Robert Williams
Editor
The Otter Tail Board of Commissioners agreed to provide shoreland permitting and inspection services for the City of Vergas on Tuesday, Dec. 17.
The change does little to how Vergas goes about permitting and inspection. In fact, at the city level Vergas has the ability to be more strict than either the county or state can.
Potential construction projects on the three lakes inside city limits Loon, Long and Lawrence inside 1,000-feet of either body of water (shoreline district) will still need to seek approval through the Vergas Planning Commission and City Council.
The county and city agreed to a two-year trial of the process to ensure better consistency in shoreland development and the implementation regulations.
The county will provide the following services:
• The receipt and administration of permit applications and the appropriate permit fees for erecting a structure or conducting shoreland alteration within the Shoreland District of the City of Vergas
• Conduct required inspections to erect a structure of conduct shoreland alteration with the Shoreland District of the City of Vergas
• The Land and Resource Director, or designee, may appear at city council meetings on occasion to provide input on any land use decisions requiring a Conditional Use Permit, a Variance, or a preliminary plat
• Land use permits requiring a Conditional Use Permit
• Variance applications must be administered by the city
• Preliminary plats must be administered by the city
• Any necessary enforcement must be administered by the City. Enforcement may be referred to the City Attorney by the Otter Tail County Land and Resource Management Director
• Any land use permits outside of the Shoreland District of the City of Vergas must be administered by the City of Vergas
Vergas was the first city to receive this assistance. According to City Council member Bruce Albright, the change was to ease the workload in the city office as there is a lack of appropriately trained personnel in lakeshore management and the appropriate state laws. The paperwork is also a time-consuming process, according to Clerk/Treasurer Julie Lammers.
Battle Lake and Ottertail have expressed similar interests in sharing the duties with the county.
Commissioner Wayne Johnson called the agreement with Vergas a “trial run,” before accepting any other applicants.
According to Land and Resource Management Director Chris LeClair, discussions about this agreement have occurred two to three times over the past 12 months.
“We’re finally ready to call for signatures,” he said.
The only difference added in the past 12 months is that any outstanding permits that coincide with the end of the two-year trial period will go to the city to be completed.
A start date is set for January 1.
Planning Commission
A 33-unit campground with no lake access to Star Lake was approved by the commissioners.
Shoreland alterations proposed for gravel for a road and additional grading on three lots will be roughly 1,000 cubic yards. The proposal is located to the West of 32065 380th St., in Dent, Section 15 of Star Lake Township.
Maverick Larson, Compass Consultants and Wade Felton, property owner (appeared via Teams) represented the Conditional Use Permit Application. Larson indicated that Star Lake Township approved the access points and culvert locations, and the septic design has been submitted to Land and Resource Management.
The Planning Commission Board members discussed several of the 16 factors when considering the Conditional Use Permit request. The board commented on lighting for the campground which the light poles are shown on the survey and will be downward facing.
The board had no concerns with the extra traffic on the road as the township had no comments on this factor. They discussed quiet time hours from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. and a sign no larger than 4 x 8-feet would be allowed. The board discussed the use of the campground which is commercial use. Board members discussed the density with the applicant and that the proposal is for non-riparian use and there will be no lake access.
Several residents raised concerns about safety, speed limits, ATVs, traffic and lighting issues.
Lee Mindemann addressed concerns with density saying he, “doesn’t want the area to look like it does on Hwy 108 by Lake Lida.”
LeClair applauded the efforts of the Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission while putting up five members who were up for renewals or replacement.
Three members of the Board of Adjustment were reappointed for three more years: Terry Marthaler, Thomas Lee and Mark Johnson. Tina Bladow and Rick Wilson were reappointed to the Planning Commission.
Public Health
Otter Tail County completed a full assessment of the role of the Partnership4Health Health Board and the county’s role in that community. Multiple work sessions were held examining governance options, meeting the county’s responsibilities and making sure efficiency and effectiveness were prioritized.
A resolution was passed unanimously to withdraw from the Health Board effective Jan. 1, 2026. One full calendar year notice to the Department of Health is required so 2025 can be spent reorganizing and planning for the future.
“This decision, at the end of the day, represents an important step for Otter Tail County’s ongoing efforts to strengthen public health and address the evolving needs of our communities,” said Deputy Administrator Lynne Penke Valdes.
Sheriff’s Office
The board approved two donations to the Sheriffs department: a $396.75 donation was received from the Grove Lake Lutheran Church of rural Pelican Rapids to assist with the Coordinated Response Program. This donation was provided to Elizabeth Balcken, Otter Tail County Human Services. These funds would be held in the Good Samaritan Fund, but held for usage by the Coordinated Response Program.
A $100 donation was received from the North Immanuel Lutheran Church of rural Pelican Rapids to be used for the Good Samaritan Fund and was provided to Lt. Greg Seim, Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office.
Rogness
District 5 Commissioner Leland (Lee) Rogness spoke after the board passed a resolution showing their appreciation for his efforts as the meeting was Rogness’ last.
“I’m really grateful for the team here, the constituents, the public, and I go back to the support I theoretically never would have imagined would be that strong, and it was strong, and I got encouragement regularly from people,” said Rogness. “I am extremely grateful and humbled by the stuff that keeps catching me flat-flooted.”