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Developer urges Chisago City to press MPCA to record stormwater permit transfer
Summary
Developer Don Skelly told the Chisago City Council the MPCA has failed to record a stormwater permit transfer for South Lindstrom Shores and asked the council to instruct city staff to finalize the transfer; Mayor Jeremy Dresel said the remarks could be interpreted as a threat to withhold future projects and directed Skelly to work with staff.
Don Skelly, the developer of South Lindstrom Shores, asked the Chisago City Council on Nov. 10 to instruct the MPCA to record a stormwater permit transfer the city and developer submitted after lots sold in 2024.
Skelly said the permit was effectively transferred to individual lot owners in 2024 and that the city accepted the public improvements, including the stormwater system, in late 2024. He told the council he tried to clean out the stormwater pond after a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency inspection in April 2024 that identified violations; he provided photos showing the infiltration basin filled with excess dirt. Skelly said he submitted a permit-transfer form, which Administrator John Pechman signed, but that the MPCA repeatedly failed to record the transfer, either claiming it did not receive the documents or that the city had not instructed the agency to process the transfer.
"If the council decides to let the pollution control agency hold up that permit transfer with your city, I’ll understand that even if I follow protocols, and collegiality, and legal forms, you may elect to use the advantage of your size with the MPCA against me," Skelly said, arguing the city should direct the MPCA to finalize the transfer so the city can coordinate repairs and compliance.
Mayor Jeremy Dresel said the matter had involved attorneys previously and said Skelly's remarks "could be interpreted as withholding future development projects," calling that a serious matter. The council directed Skelly to communicate the issue with city staff for follow-up rather than taking immediate action at the meeting.
The transcript uses the acronym "MPCA" when reporting Skelly's comments; the transcript did not provide the agency's full name. The council did not vote on a motion at the Nov. 10 meeting regarding the permit transfer; the matter remains in discussion between the developer, city staff and the referenced environmental agency.
