Council approves variance, design review and an annexation petition; hires new administrative assistant

At its Aug. 26 meeting Chisago City Council approved several land‑use and personnel matters following Planning Commission recommendations and staff reports.

The council granted a variance for 9926 Kismet Isle to allow a proposed addition and deck to sit 50 feet from the ordinary high‑water mark instead of the required 75 feet. Associate Planner Leah Nelson said the property sits roughly 0.62 acres above the OHW; the Planning Commission found the addition would not encroach on neighboring properties and recommended approval.

Council members also approved a design review request for an accessory structure (16 by 36 feet) at 9387 Wyoming Trail to be used for ticketing and storage during soccer season; Andy Brink represented the church and described limited use and wiring for future power but no initial utilities.

The council accepted a petition for annexation of approximately 1.4 acres at 30979 Wallmark Lake Drive from property owner Kelsey Hero seeking connection to city sewer. The city and Chisago Lakes Township prepared a jointly orderly annexation agreement to expedite the process; the council authorized the mayor and administrator to execute the agreement and Resolution 25‑08‑03 for submission to state boundary adjustment authorities.

On a personnel item, the council approved the hire of Aalyse Eik as Administrative Assistant following a multi‑stage recruitment that produced a final offer after successful background checks. Council also approved promoting Executive Assistant Alisa Bodell to Deputy Clerk and implementing a part‑time Administrative Assistant classification.