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Neighbors press Commission over alleged unpermitted contractor yard; IUP continued for site inspection
Summary
Neighbors raised multiple complaints that a contractor's yard had been operating without permits, citing equipment on site, wetland and drainage concerns, early-morning noise and fuel tanks; the Commission continued Joel Ensminger's interim-use permit request to June 4 and scheduled a site visit.
A contested Interim Use Permit request to operate a non-commercial contractor’s yard generated the most extensive public comment of the May 7 Wright County Planning Commission meeting and was continued to June 4 for a site inspection. Applicants Joel Ensminger and Derek Niemela sought permission to store equipment and materials in a proposed 4,200-square-foot building on a 12-acre parcel in Buffalo Township.
Neighbors and Township members told the Commission they believed the operation was already underway without required permits. Skyler Rekstad, who organized a neighbors’ petition, said heavy equipment and early-morning equipment movement (reportedly beginning around 5:30 a.m.) were disrupting the neighborhood and that the operation violated expectations for residential areas. Several neighbors raised concerns about potential wetland impacts from imported fill, drainage changes near Longbow Lake, unremoved fuel tanks and who would enforce conditions if granted. Anne Neumann, a Township board member and neighbor, said the Township was presented a building permit request while ongoing infractions were occurring and did not make a recommendation.
The applicants responded that they believed grading and site improvements were part of routine maintenance, that fill and gravel were brought in from Knife River and other job sites, and that they had not realized an IUP was required to operate the contractor yard. Joel Ensminger and Derek Niemela said they wanted to come into compliance. Planning staff explained the county’s process is complaint-driven and that violations are often remediated by bringing properties into the permit process.
Several commissioners, including Charlie Borrell and Randy Wilson, said a site inspection was necessary given neighbor concerns; Wilson moved and Jeanne Holland seconded a motion to continue the item to June 4 and conduct a site visit. The motion carried unanimously. The continuation allows the Commission, staff and township representatives to review the site conditions before any final action.
