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Staff Writer
Jennifer Edwards
The Big Lake City Council approved a plan to modify a TIF District created in 2009.
“I contained two parcels,” said City Finance Director Deb Wegeleben. “One was the new KleinBank building. The other as not been developed. There has been no activity there in four years and it is not likely to be developed in the near future.”
Regulations force the city to go through the whole process again, as if it were a brand new application, Wegeleben said.
“Then we will be able to move on with pay-as-you-go costs from phase one,” she said. “At some point it could be looked at again as long as it meets criteria.”
No one spoke at the public hearing on the issue. The council approved the resolution unanimously, except for Council Member Seth Hansen, who was not able to attend.
Matt Pantze of Crossfit Training asked for a conditional use permit to have a cross fit gym in the industrial park. The process will be extended until the second meeting on October to allow all parties to come to the table.
The council approved a resolution permitting homeowners at 501 Lakeshore Drive to demolish two small sheds on their property and build one garage, which exceeds the amount of impervious surface permitted on a lot in the R5 shoreland district.
Council recommended Abraham Ahmed, owner of Abraham Auto, replace the cedar shakes on his building (formerly Peterson’s Amoco), with new cedar shakes. Mr. Ahmed said he will be repainting the exterior of the building and remodeling. He anticipates being done by the end of October.
The council heard monthly department reports from city staff. Deb Wegeleben gave a financial update, showing the city is well within their budget limits with about two thirds of the year gone.
The liquor store is doing great,” Wegeleben said. “Their expenses are up a little from last year but their sales are up too.
Lake Liquors Manager Jan Muehlbauer thanked everyone who helped Big Lake win the $50,000 for lake preservation.
“I have just heard from the Fresh Water Society,” she said. When we know more about what we can do with the money we will have a celebration with them and Anheuser Busch as a thank you.”
The liquor store will be hosting a wine and beer tasting event for the Big Eagle Lake Association. There will be three wine vendors and three beer vendors there at The Friendly Buffalo Oct. 2.
Lake Liquors is holding their annual Fall Food Drive throughout October, collecting food items and cash donations for the Big Lake Food Shelf, Muehlbauer said.
Lake Liquors will also host their own wine tasting event at The Friendly Buffalo Friday, Nov. 18, Muehlbauer said.
Building Department Head Mick Kahler said his department had issued 94 permits in July and August. Of those, three were for single family homes and one permit was for the Briggs apartments being constructed near Coborn’s on Martin Avenue.
To date the building department has taken in $588,368 in fees for permits for the city, Kahler said, while the total valuation has risen to $6,700, 061.
Administrator Wilfahrt noted BNSF has closed Co. Rd. 43 this week for more work on the second rail on short notice.
“We will do our best to keep you informed,” Wilfahrt said. “But we have no control over the way they operate.”
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