Planning Commission recommends transfer and renewal of small‑scale mineral extraction permit to Fratello Companies

The Rosemount Planning Commission on Sept. 23 voted to recommend the City Council approve the transfer and renewal of a small‑scale mineral extraction permit, moving the operator role from Vestera Stonex to Fratello Companies.

Anthony (city staff) presented the application as a standard permit renewal and transfer. He said the overall lease area is about 139 acres with approximately 96 acres of actual mining area; the land is guided for light industrial use in the city’s comprehensive plan and currently zoned A2 (Agriculture). Staff reported the applicant provided a reclamation plan similar to the prior operator’s plan and that the transfer primarily updates operator names and permit dates for the new permit term.

Scott Spisak, who identified himself as representing Fratello Companies of Little Canada, Minnesota, said Fratello has been operating on a portion of the site since about 2019 or 2020 and has executed a lease with Flint Hills Resources that begins Nov. 1. Spisak said Fratello plans to continue mining the northwest portion of the site, then move south and west toward the southwest corner; he estimated the operation could take “a number of years, 5 to 10 years probably depending on market conditions.” Spisak also said most material hauled from the site goes to commercial and industrial construction projects in the South Metro area.

A nearby resident, Nathan Johnson, spoke during public comment raising proximity concerns, asking how long mining would continue near recently built homes and whether fencing or other barriers would be provided. Johnson said, “I wanna know how long are these processes gonna take to get to that corner. Because there's literally a house right on the edge of this property line here.”

Spisak responded that, as mining approaches the southwest corner adjacent to homes, Fratello would likely erect a temporary four‑foot snow fence and build an earthen berm, and possibly add a fence atop the berm as a deterrent and barrier. City staff said Vestera Stonex is expected to complete reclamation of its portion before the Nov. 1 turnover and that staff will inspect reclamation for grade and topsoil depth prior to turnover.

Commissioner Reed moved to recommend Council approve renewal of the permit to Fratello Companies subject to the attached 2026 conditions for mineral extraction; Commissioner Arnab seconded. The commission voted in favor. Staff said the item will be scheduled for City Council consideration tentatively on Oct. 21.

Staff reported no complaints had been received by the police department regarding the operation during the current operator’s lease term.