By Kris Goracke

Reporter

The Pope County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, March 18, to discuss several matters, including a proposed land acquisition by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the salary of incoming Sheriff Nathan Brecht, and multiple land use and zoning requests. The meeting also included an appointment to the Extension Committee and a request for enhanced training for 911 dispatchers.

A topic of discussion was a request from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to acquire approximately 127 acres of land in Hoff Township. Jason Strege, Assistant Area Wildlife Manager for the DNR, presented the proposal, asking the board to approve a resolution allowing the state to proceed with the acquisition.

The land, located northeast of the Chippewa River in Section 28, was offered for sale by a landowner who approached the DNR. Strege explained that the agency intends to manage the parcel as a Wildlife Management Area (WMA) to support wildlife habitat conservation and public recreation.

During the discussion, Commissioner Paul Gerde said, “You know how I feel about land going out of the private sector. In the past, U.S. Fish and Wildlife has told us they would work on existing land and areas close to towns. This land is far away from everything.”

Strege acknowledged that U.S. Fish and Wildlife primarily focuses on their existing sites but argued that this parcel was ideal for promoting upland birds and deer habitat. According to the DNR, the property consists of wooded areas, expired CRP grassland easements, and a RIM easement. It serves as an excellent wintering area for deer, pheasants, and other wildlife and provides public hunting opportunities.

Sheriff salary approved

Pope County Sheriff Tim Riley’s resignation, effective on March 31, 2025, caused the board to discuss setting the salary for his successor, Nathan Brecht.  Brecht addressed the board, reflecting on his tenure in the department: “I feel that Tim and I have worked closely together and created a team effort in building a strong, caring department for our community. I hope my history has proven that to you.”

Before setting the new sheriff’s salary, the board reviewed a range of information, including information provided by Brecht, job descriptions, statutory duties, and sheriff’s compensation in surrounding counties. Ultimately, they set Brecht’s salary at $135,000, a move that was unanimously approved.

Heather Gaston appointed

to Extension committee

The board next considered Commissioner Paul Gremmels’ recommendation to appoint Heather Gaston of Starbuck to the Pope County Extension Committee. Gaston was nominated as the District 1 representative, filling a vacancy that had remained open this year. The board approved her appointment, ensuring the committee was fully staffed.

A request was presented for out-of-state training for two of the county’s E-911 dispatchers. Sheriff-Designee Brecht explained the reasoning behind the request: “The dispatchers would like to attend the Empower 911 Conference in Indianapolis from May 5-8, 2025. They feel the local conference is repetitive in materials and are looking for more in-depth training opportunities to enhance their skills and professional development.” The board approved the request after confirming that conference and travel expenses were already accounted for in the county budget.

Land use

The board then turned its attention to several land use and zoning requests, starting with a conditional use permit request from Adam Gibson. Gibson applied for a conditional use permit to alter the topography of his property on the east side of Lake Minnewaska, near Halwood Road. The changes include vegetation removal to prepare the site for residential development.

Land and Resource Management Director David Green presented the application, along with Gibson, detailing the property’s development history. Green noted that planning and zoning staff did not oppose the permit, provided certain conditions were met to ensure proper land use and environmental protections.

Commissioner Gordy Wagner inquired about tree removal, emphasizing that trees play a critical role in preventing erosion. Gibson clarified that a few smaller trees and one larger basswood would be removed but intended to plant additional trees and leave most roots intact to prevent erosion. Following the discussion, Commissioner Gerde moved to approve the request, which Commissioner Paul Wildman seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

The board next reviewed a conditional use permit request from Jeremy Gilbert, who sought approval to construct a non-farm residence on a 40-acre parcel southwest of Brooten.

Since the land is zoned Agricultural Protection (A-2), board approval of a conditional use permit was required before residential development could proceed. Complicating the request was a registered feedlot owned by John Reed within the required setback area.

To address concerns, Gilbert submitted a recorded covenant signed by Reed, waiving the setback restrictions and allowing residential development. The board approved the permit with conditions on a divided vote, with Gerde voting no, including compliance with township zoning regulations and securing all required permits before construction.

The final land use discussion involved Kevin Anderson, who petitioned the board to rezone 14 acres of his 18.42-acre property in Glenwood Township from Non-Intensive Agricultural (A-1) to Residential (R).

Rezoning request

At an earlier planning and zoning meeting this month, several residents expressed concerns about the rezoning, citing issues such as increased traffic, water access, and potential annexation by the City of Glenwood. Written objections included fears of increased ATV traffic, trespassing, and strain on well water supplies.

During Tuesday’s commissioner meeting, several residents again opposed the request. David Sibell raised health and safety concerns if multiple residences were built. Elder Peterson opposed removing farmland from production, stating, “Allowing this will take 18 acres out of farm production. Once it is gone, it’s gone. We need to keep every acre we can in production.” He also cited concerns over increased traffic. Darrin Schwieters expressed concerns over the loss of hunting land.

Despite these objections, Green informed the board that after review, the Planning Advisory Commission determined that the area was suitable for residential development.

After discussion, the board voted to approve the rezoning request, on a divided vote, with Gremmels and Wagner voting no, redesignating Anderson’s 14-acre parcel as Residential (R). The decision was made with the understanding that any future subdivision would require additional county review.