Morrison County Board of Adjustment approves two variances, denies lakeshore cabin addition

Morrison County Board of Adjustment members on April 14 approved two variance requests and denied a lakeshore cabin expansion after discussing shoreline, bluff impact and property line concerns.

The board granted a variance to James Bedtke of Cushing to add roughly 40 square feet to an existing non‑conforming deck at Lot 36, Lake Shore Acres. Darrin Welle entered Section 706 of the Morrison County Land Use Control Ordinance and supporting materials — including an aerial photo, survey, site photos and staff report — into the record. Bedtke told the board the change is intended to “eliminate posts under the deck,” and board members described the addition as minimal and unlikely to worsen erosion. Board member John Kunelius characterized it as “40 square feet of added deck and this is a very minimal amount to ask for.” The motion to approve carried unanimously.

The board denied an application from James and Pamela Lombardi for an addition to a non‑conforming lakeshore structure in Deering Bay Lots. Staff entered multiple renderings, surveys, site photos and Section 706 into the record. Members noted the cabin was built in 1940 and sits within the bluff and bluff impact zone. While the applicant and a neighbor said the proposed work would upgrade the home and would meet other setbacks, several members said the project would increase development within the bluff area; Brent Lindgren said the placement of the existing cabin “is in the bluff.” An initial motion to approve the variance failed 4‑to‑1 (John Kunelius in favor). A subsequent motion to deny carried 4‑to‑1.

The board approved a variance requested by Ronald Wimmer of Parker Township to add onto a non‑conforming shop after a recent survey showed property lines closer than previously understood. Darrin Welle entered Section 710.41 and supporting maps and renderings into the record. Wimmer said the addition was needed because the shop was running out of storage space; the township indicated it could combine adjacent parcels if required. The motion to approve carried unanimously.

Votes at a glance: - Bedtke variance (Lot 36, Lake Shore Acres): Approved (motion by Marvin Trettel; second George Sandy); vote unanimous (5–0). - Lombardi variance (Lot 4, Deering Bay Lots): Approval motion failed 1–4 (John Kunelius in favor); denial passed 4–1 (Kunelius opposed). Motions by Clint Kathrein (approve) and George Sandy (deny). - Wimmer variance (Parker Township): Approved (motion by John Kunelius; second George Sandy); vote unanimous (5–0).

The board reported site visits by multiple members and said staff will work with applicants on mitigation measures where appropriate (for example, a rock garden or rain garden noted for lakeshore properties). The board approved the minutes from March 31, 2026, and adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

The meeting record lists Section 706 and Section 710.41 of the Morrison County Land Use Control Ordinance as the ordinance provisions entered into the record for the respective hearings.