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Use of former Greenwood Golf Course land debated |
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Wednesday, 30 April 2008 |
Jackie Lallier
Wyoming Township Reporter
Resident Kent Roessler came to the April 22nd Wyoming Town Board meeting because of an alleged violation of the township’s Woodland Preservation Ordinance that was enacted in October, 2007.
Roessler bought the 160-acre Greenwood Golf Course in 2001 and continued to cut sod on it as had the former owners. He claims it is agricultural land even though it is currently zoned rural residential.
The golf course stopped operating in 2003 but sod has continued to be cut on the property.
Zoning Administrator Fred Weck observed trees being cut on the property last fall and issued a “Stop Work” order. Correspondence has gone back and forth between Roessler and Weck since that time.
Roessler had submitted an aerial view of the property, circling the areas where he would like to remove trees to create open space but Weck and the town board said last week the map is not clear enough.
Also, a conditional use permit is necessary to “farm” the land.
A CUP had been issued by Chisago County in 1986 for use as a golf course and when the land was no longer used as a golf course, the zone reverted to R1.
Roessler maintains the trees he wants to remove are all overgrown and hollow, which according to the Woodland Preservation Ordinance, could be possible.
At this time the town board acknowledged there is a “Stop Work” order in place and Roessler should go through the CUP process if he wishes to proceed with any further particular use of this land.
Other topics
The town board on April 22 adopted the new lawn watering ordinance with the understanding that at the time of the annexation with the city of Wyoming, adjustments will have to be made.
A document ending the fire contract with Forest Lake Fire and Rescue has been drafted and the town board authorized Pat Fandel to present it to Forest Lake and Columbus at the next fire board meeting.
Forest Lake Fire & Rescue through the joint fire board has provided fire protection to a small area of the township for many years.
Funding
The town board last week also designated $10,000 to be awarded to the following groups under contract services:
•Chisago Agriculture, $500;
•Chisago County Senior Center, $1300;
•Communities Invested in Families, $500
•Family Pathways, $1300;
•New Pathways, $500;
•Northwoods Humane Society, $700;
•Seven County Senior Federation, $500;
•South Chisago County Meals on Wheels, $1300;
•Refuge Network, $1300;
•Lakes Area Youth Service Bureau $1300.
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