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Planning commission rejects KP Homes’ request to expand residential treatment program after neighbor safety concerns
Summary
The Morrison County Planning Commission voted not to recommend KP Homes’ application to expand a six‑bed residential treatment program to 10 beds after neighbors raised safety concerns, including reports of outdoor meltdowns and a reported incident involving a knife; the application will go to the County Board on May 5, 2026.
The Morrison County Planning Commission on April 28 declined to recommend approval of KP Homes LLC’s request to expand a residential treatment program in Pike Creek Township from six to 10 beds, after neighbors raised safety concerns and commissioners questioned staffing, supervision and septic capacity.
County staff member Amy Kowalzek entered Section 607.7 of the Morrison County Land Use Control Ordinance and accompanying materials into the record before commissioners questioned the applicant’s operations and capacity. Chair George Sandy presided.
KP Homes representatives Amy Walz and Cheryl Lindberg said no additional bedrooms are planned and that approval would allow the program to add six staff to provide two staff per shift. When asked about staff training, Walz said that part‑time or weekend staff “have to have a minimum of 4000 hours of training in this field,” and described ongoing training for employees. Commissioners asked about staff hours, supervision, and whether septic capacity met a higher occupancy; county staff said septic sizing is based on bedrooms and waste strength.
Neighbors spoke at public comment. Lucas Youngblom, who said he lives across the road, told the commission that “there are people yelling and cursing outside. Mental Health is concerning to me with my children playing outside and people trying to get my kids to leave the yard.” Carrie Vogt read a prepared statement describing repeated police calls and said, “Patient was outside with a knife yelling at one of my children.”
Applicant Cheryl Lindberg acknowledged clients may have meltdowns and said clients are required to be accompanied by staff and have permission to leave the facility. Commissioners discussed possible conditions — including fenced areas and limits on outdoor activity — to reduce interaction between clients and neighbors.
Commissioner Clint Kathrein moved to recommend approval of the interim use permit; the motion was seconded by Marvin Trettel and the vote failed. The planning commission’s action was a recommendation only; the application will be considered by the Morrison County Board of Commissioners at its May 5, 2026 meeting.
The commission’s record notes that 38 notices were sent to neighboring property owners and that no written comments were received before the hearing. The hearing record and staff findings will accompany the application to the County Board.
The planning commission closed its public hearing business and proceeded to other agenda items.
