Wright County Board Appoints Burrell to Planning Commission
The Wright County Board of Commissioners appointed Charlie Burrell to the Planning and Zoning Commission during their Oct. 21 meeting, despite objections from the commissioner representing the district where the vacancy exists.
Commissioner Holland brought forward Burrell's appointment as an emergency agenda item, citing the position had been vacant since June and a major meeting with solar farm proposals was scheduled for Oct. 24. Burrell previously served eight years on the planning commission and as a county commissioner.
Commissioner Moya objected to the appointment, stating she had already identified Randy Wilson from her district for the position and had discussed the appointment with the county administrator. "This is my position to appoint to and I did talk to Barry about it this past week," Moya said during the meeting.
The board voted 3-2 to approve Burrell's appointment, with Commissioners Holland, Shane and Dietrich supporting the motion. Commissioner Moya voted against the appointment, while Commissioner Shane expressed discomfort with appointing a second person from District 5 but supported the motion due to the lengthy vacancy.
The board also approved several other items, including accepting a $500 donation from the Disabled American Veterans Chapter for veteran services, establishing the Crawford Lake Improvement District, and participating in Operation Greenlight for Veterans. The commissioners appointed Commissioners Moya and Holland to serve on the canvassing board for the November election certification.
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Areas of Interest (5)
- Tensions rise between commissioners over district-based appointments to Planning and Zoning commission.
- Wright County commissioners bypass individual district naming preference to fill long-standing board vacancy.
- Implementation of Operation Greenlight to illuminate Justice Center for Veterans week.
- Knife River gravel pit expansion cleared of state environmental impact study requirement.
- Crawford Lake property owners move toward taxation-based improvements via new Lake Improvement District.
Votes (5)
Approve minutes from October 7th meeting
Moved by Commissioner Shane · Seconded by Commissioner Holland
Appoint Charlie Burell to Planning and Zoning
Moved by Commissioner Holland · Seconded by Commissioner Shane
Approve resolution 2559 (EIS not required for pit expansion)
Moved by Commissioner Moa · Seconded by Commissioner Shane
Approve ordinance 25-6 (Dangerous dog)
Moved by Commissioner Holland · Seconded by Commissioner Moa
Approve resolution 2565 (Establish Crawford Lake LID)
Moved by Commissioner Shane · Seconded by Commissioner Holland
Notable Quotes (3)
If you've ever been to our stage in the 4H building, you have noticed that our stage is multiple levels. It doesn't have handrails. It's not accessible.
This is my position to appoint to and I did talk with Barry and Barry said he would put it petition it onto the agenda.
This is a simple nationwide effort where counties and communities show their appreciation to veterans by lighting all the landmarks and homes green during the week of Veterans Day.
People (5)
Chair VetBoard ChairChairs the board meeting and facilitates discussion and voting.
1 quote
Chairs the board meeting and facilitates discussion and voting.
“There may be a a necessity for a recess if we don't get far enough today as we have some visitors from the legislature coming out.”
Opening remarks regarding potential schedule adjustments.
Kelly St.4-H Extension EducatorRequested recognition for the Wright County Facilities Department for 4-H building improvements.
1 quote
Requested recognition for the Wright County Facilities Department for 4-H building improvements.
“We just want to say thank you to the Wright County Facilities Department for that gift that you've given us.”
Acknowledging the department's help in making the stage accessible.
Commissioner HollandCounty CommissionerAdvocated for appointing Charlie Burell to the P&Z commission.
1 quote
Advocated for appointing Charlie Burell to the P&Z commission.
“It's not fair for our citizens. It's not fair for the planning and zoning board.”
Expressing urgency in filling the vacant P&Z seat.
Charlie BurellAppointeeAppointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission after a contested board vote.
Appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission after a contested board vote.
Elisa CullAssistantProposed Operation Greenlight resolution for veterans.
1 quote
Proposed Operation Greenlight resolution for veterans.
“This is a simple nationwide effort where counties and communities show their appreciation to veterans by lighting all the landmarks and homes green.”
Explaining the purpose of Operation Greenlight.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (5)
- October 21st (Meeting Date)
- October 7th (Previous meeting)
- November 4th (Future agenda item)
- November 4th-11th (Operation Greenlight duration)
- February (4-H pancake dinner fundraiser)
Ordinances & Resolutions (6)
Amendment to County dangerous dog ordinance regarding confiscation and technical statutes.
Land acquisition for Pelican Lake Wildlife Management Area.
Acceptance of donations from Hutchinson Disabled American Veterans Chapter.
Operation Greenlight for Veterans participation.
Determining no EIS required for Knife River pit expansion.
Establishment of the Crawford Lake Improvement District.
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Approval of October 7th meeting minutes
4-H program update and facilities recognition
Planning and Zoning (P&Z) commission appointment
Promotion of free and open geospatial data
Canvassing board appointments for November election
Pelican Lake Wildlife Management Area land acquisition
Donation acceptance from Hutchinson Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
Operation Greenlight for Veterans resolution
EIS needs determination for Knife River Holt House Pit expansion
Dangerous dog ordinance amendment 25-6
Crawford Lake Improvement District (LID) establishment
Parks and Recreation ordinance amendment 25-5
Also from this meeting
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