Crosslake Mayor Dave Nevin said compliance issues with vacation rental homes are getting more serious and the council must do something.
After discussion at the Monday, Sept. 13, regular meeting, the council agreed to meet again with Crow Wing County officials to discuss the subject.
Nevin first suggested hiring a staff person to monitor vacation rentals and enforce rules. Upon hearing there was no place to skim funds in the proposed budget to fund the position, Nevin said he could think of a couple items, including a $112,000 bobcat/snow plow.
Council member Marcia Seibert-Volz said it was premature to add staffing until the city meets with Crow Wing County officials again. The county regulates vacation rental homes.
Police Chief Erik Lee said his department started documenting complaints about vacation rental homes and has only received about one complaint per week since July related to medicals, garbage dumping and noise.
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“I hear more than that on the street,” Nevin said, noting he’s heard there are 240 such rentals in the city that average 10 people in each home, which equates to 2,400 additional people in Crosslake, which is more than the city’s population of 2,250.
Council member Aaron Herzog said he is concerned the county is not enforcing basic rules.
In action Monday, the council:
Heard from Peter Graves, who thanked the Parks and Library Foundation and Crosslake Community Center staff for the shade feature being added to the pickleball courts.
Heard from Pastor Mark Holmen, of the Crosslake Log Church, who asked whether the council would consider allowing a digital sign at the church - and other nonprofits like churches, Crosslake Community School and the Crosslake Chamber - to announce happenings, such as blood drives and the upcoming Senior Expo. He referenced the digital sign at Breezy Point City Hall.
The council asked for more information on how to proceed with the request, as well as images of proposed signs. City Attorney Brad Person warned that the council couldn’t allow such signs only for nonprofits.
Accepted donations from the PAL Foundation of $2,890 for corn hole games and $2,247 for benches; from Jan and Joe Albrecht, $144.11 for summer reading program; and from Matt Hall, $50 for cart tours.
Learned Rob Kniefel and Kevin Sedivy resigned from the public safety committee, and Kevin McCormick resigned from the public right of way/vacations committee. Kniefel’s job prevents him from having time; Sedivy is moving out of the city. McCormick said in a letter there will be many conflicting views with other committee members and he won’t tolerate or be subject to accusations of bias concerning his opinions.
Removed alternates Andy Holm and Scott Johnson from the planning and zoning commission because they have not attended a meeting in several years.
Approved a cost share agreement with Crow Wing County for installation of dynamic crosswalk signs at the intersections of County State Aid Highways 66 and 3, which includes $12,644 from the county. The county board must approve this amount.
Agreed to accept $3,000 in park dedication fees in lieu of land for the Gallaway Subdivision.
Approved an estimate from North Central Lawn Care & Irrigation to expand irrigation around the pickleball and basketball courts at the community center for $4,300.
Approved a limited use agreement between the city and Mike and Lisa Rocca, allowing the Roccas to partially pave the public right of way between two lots they own. Herzog and Nevin were opposed.
Approved a preliminary plat for The Woods of Crosslake for Greg and Roseanne Haglin to subdivide 29.5 acres into 13 lots.
Denied a request for Manhattan Beach Lodge to detach from the city of Manhattan Beach and annex to Crosslake. City Attorney Brad Persons said the lodge has had code enforcement issues.
Council member John Andrews participated in Monday’s meeting online via Zoom.
Nancy Vogt may be reached at 218-855-5877 or nancy.vogt@pineandlakes.com. Follow her on Facebook and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/@PEJ_Nancy.
