Fred Heinonen
Scandia area reporter

The New Scandia Town Board and Planning Commission handled routine matters during regular meetings on Tuesday, June 6.

The planning commission conditionally approved the final plat of German Lakes Estates. There was discussion about covenants for four homeowners.

Homeowners must share financial responsibilities and maintain the lake according to the local watershed district guidelines.

Conditional use permits were issued for R & B Auto, Rebeccaís Residence, and the Prospectís Bar and Restaurant.

The Emerald Acres preliminary plat had road route adjustments made that should agree with the final plat. The 90 degree turn in the road off of Meadowbrook Ave N. is expected to be made into a curve after the developer acquires the necessary land. Forty more trees will be planted to buffer the road.

Dave Hauer questioned building options for a 20-acre parcel of land, of which the southeast corner contains the monument at Old Marine Trail and Olinda Trail. The acreage west of Olinda Trail can be split once, but no building can be done on the east side. Options for the east side need more investigation.

Lowell Peterson inquired about subdividing his 38.4 acre parcel into two or three parcels. The property borders Clear Lake, a natural environment lake, which allows five acre subdivision. Peterson was happy to learn he has many more options and will proceed with a new plan for subdividing.

Town Board Supervisor Nancy Madden suggested a change in the ordinance for accessory structures to allow pole buildings on lots smaller than five acres. Before a decision is made, research will be done to determine how many parcels would be affected if the size was brought down slightly below five acres.

Pat and Brenda Melchior brought in old surveys of their property on Big Marine Lake to define their driveway and relative easements to clear up issues from their previous request for variances that had been tabled by the board.

After much discussion, the Melchiors agreed to work with the fire department to do what is necessary to get their 12-foot wide driveway approved for emergency vehicle access. They would also work closely with engineers and officials to pin point the exact bluff line that is preventing them from spotting their new house where they would like to have it.

They may then come back to request a new variance, if applicable.

Board meeting

For the Big Marine Lake development, the town board reviewed the Department of Natural Resources permit for excavating the lake access channel.

The channel will be four feet below the outlet level of the lake, fifteen feet wide in the middle and tapered on both sides to a total width of 30 to 50 feet.

Alex Bildeaux solicited estimates to clean the brush out of Lions Park. A complete job could be as much as $6000, but it appears that by renting a chipper and grinder the job could be done for $1500 to $2000.

Jay Brothers were awarded the contract to repair the fire station and public works parking lot for $27,552.

Future meetings:

The next town board meeting dates are Tuesday, July 11 (with the planning commission) and Tuesday, July 18.

Top of Page

Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
Fax 651-464-4605