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   PONTO LAKE TOWNSHIP —  The second “Road Show” of the summer saw the Cass County Commissioners in Ponto Lake Township on Tuesday, June 16 with a short agenda. Board Chair Bob Kangas called the meeting to order and asked if there were any changes to the agenda. County Administrator Josh Stevenson shared he received a request from Pillager School District after the agenda was sent out to be added and requested the board add the item to the agenda. 

   After the agenda was amended and approved, Stevenson then began his time with a request to approve the 2026-2028 Health, Human and Veteran Services department labor contract. This contract is consistent with all other labor contracts approving a 3% cost-of-living adjustment and 3% step increases. Also, an addition of Step 11 was added to the salary grade table and longevity being five years of service. Commissioner Scott Bruns motioned to approve the labor contract, with Commissioner Neal Gaalswyk seconding the motion and all commissioners voting aye.

   The second item Stevenson had on the agenda was a request to approve the updated Personnel Rules and Policies. It was noted the only changes to the policy was language updates regarding Earned Sick and Safe Time changing when employees are required to present supporting documentation after being absent for consecutive days. Previously employees were required to submit appropriate documentation after three or more consecutive absences, but under new law employees are only allowed two or more consecutive absences before having to submit documentation. A motion was made and approved unanimously.

   The final item Stevenson shared was the addition to the agenda from Pillager School District regarding the transportation procedure for students living in foster care. Under Federal Law if a child is to enter into foster care in a different school district the school district must make arrangements to transport the student to their “home” school as to prevent as little interruption to their life. Each school district is required to have an agreement on file with the County in regards to transportation procedures. Stevenson mentioned previously once an agreement was entered into it was for an indefinite period of time, but laws have changed and the School District and County must enter into an agreement yearly. A motion was made and approved unanimously.

   Auditor Treasurer Lisa Shadick requested the meeting be opened up for a public hearing regarding a request for an Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License from 47 Degrees North LLC, d/b/a, The Lounge 47DN. Shadick mentioned because this was a new license request and not a renewal a public hearing had to be held. The meeting was opened and closed shortly after with no written or verbal comments received. A motion was made and approved unanimously.

   The final item on the agenda was a hot topic with plenty of public discussion and input. County Planner Scott Wold brought forth a request to deny an application for zoning reclassification from Shon Jensen for a parcel in Homebrook Township, as recommended by the Cass County Planning Commission. The application was requesting to reclassify 20 acres from Rural Residential 10 to Rural Residential 2.5. Jensen stated his intentions with the property is to develop the parcels into a total of eight homes, some for his children and some that will be available for sale. Wold mentioned the department received two opposition letters prior to the planning commission meeting and Stevenson stated the Administrator office received one letter of opposition. 

   Gaalswyk asked if there were underlying issues on why the planning commission recommended denial of the request. He understands the goal of the county is to maintain large blocks of agricultural land, but the area in question does have land across the road that is classified as Rural Residential 2.5. It was also stated even if the land was to be reclassified, Jensen would have to come back to the county for the subdivision in order to build the houses. Kangas also expressed concern in regards of the denial and felt it should be allowed.

   A neighboring land owner, Justin Olson, was in attendance to express his concern and opposition to the request stating even though his land is classified as Rural Residential 2.5 he is concerned about increased traffic within the area if more development occurs. Olson also stated his concern regarding it looking like a housing development with eight homes. Jensen stated the houses he would build would be set back off the road, beautiful homes and the only way a person would see them is if they look down the driveway.

   After a little more discussion Gaalswyk motioned to approve the application with an amendment to the reclassification findings from the planning commission with Kangas seconding the motion and all commissioners voting aye.

   The next meetings are as follows: commissioner’s board meeting, 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 7 at the boardroom in the courthouse annex in Walker and commissioner’s board meeting, 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 21 at Turtle Lake Township, 4196 72nd St. NW, Walker.

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