Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure Electricity topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Clay County approves Minn Kota Power expansion of Sabin substation
Summary
The Clay County Planning Commission granted a conditional use permit to Minn Kota Power to rebuild and expand the Sabin Substation, move it about 150 feet on the same parcel and operate the existing substation until the new facility is complete; staff recommended six conditions including downcast lighting.
The Clay County Planning Commission on Aug. 20 granted Minn Kota Power a conditional use permit to rebuild and expand the Sabin Substation on a parcel at 5019 Ninetieth Street South in Glendon Township.
The commission's action allows Minn Kota Power to construct a new substation roughly 150 feet south of the existing facility, operate the current substation during construction and then decommission the old facility when the new one is in service. Planning staff said the project would remove less than an acre of prime farmland and would meet the county's setback and flood‑plain standards.
Planning staff described the site as agricultural general zoning with a small amount of flood‑plain fringe mainly in roadside ditches. "This is really just critical infrastructure. It supports ag operations, just ensuring reliable electric service in rural areas," staff said. The staff report noted there were no public or township comments and that the county comprehensive plan supports placing essential services where they support the rural economy.
Rebecca Mask, right‑of‑way representative for Minn Kota Power, told the commission the rebuild is to replace aging infrastructure and that "the existing site will be decommissioned and will be planted grass." Engineer Jeff Jonke confirmed there is one existing light on a pole in the northeast corner of the site.
Commissioners added a condition — suggested late in the review — asking that exterior lighting be downcast and directed away from neighboring properties "to the greatest extent possible." Staff told the commission the new location meets or exceeds required setbacks and that the project would maintain compatibility with surrounding farmland.
Commissioner Ashley moved approval of the conditional use permit with six staff conditions; the motion was seconded and carried on an oral vote.
The permit requires the applicant to meet the six conditions recommended by staff, including the added lighting direction language and any standard utility and permitting requirements noted in staff materials. The applicant said it will decommission the old substation after the new one is finished and will limit new access to one drive; staff also said Watershed District permitting had been approved.
The commission's approval allows Minn Kota Power to proceed with county permitting steps. Any subsequent construction or utility work that affects rights of way or other jurisdictions will be subject to those agencies' permits and inspections.
