Shell Lake council approves rezones for storage-unit site, rezones Old B Road and OKs cell-tower permit

On April 13, 2026, the Shell Lake City Council approved multiple land-use actions, including a rezone for two properties to allow future storage units, a rezone of 819 Old B Road, and a conditional use permit to construct a cell tower.

The council voted 6–1 to approve the rezone and conditional use permit for properties with Tax ID 32083 and 32080, changing their zoning from Agricultural/Forestry (A-1) to Commercial (C-1) to allow future storage units. Terry Severson moved the measure and Rob Anderson seconded. The roll call vote was Severson — Yes; Stephen Smith — Yes; Mike Andrews — Yes; Steve Byrd — Yes; Ken Schultz — Yes; Tom Rasmussen — No; Rob Anderson — Yes. During discussion, Councilor Rasmussen asked Public Works Director Mitch Brown whether the city would extend public water and sewer to the area; Brown replied that extending those services would be costly and was unlikely.

The council also unanimously approved a rezone for 819 Old B Road from Single-Family Residential (R-1) to Agricultural/Forestry (A-1). Andy Eiche presented the request on behalf of applicant Brian Calson; Mike Andrews moved and Tom Rasmussen seconded the motion, which passed on a unanimous roll call.

A conditional use permit to construct a cell tower was presented by Zoning Administrator Andy Eiche. Council member Stephen Smith asked whether his personal ownership of AT&T and Verizon stock required him to abstain from voting. Eiche told the council that the stock ownership did not meet legal requirements for recusal and that the final decision whether to vote was Smith’s. The council (moved by Rob Anderson and seconded by Terry Severson) then approved the conditional use permit by unanimous roll call.

The meeting also included brief departmental reports. Public Works Director Mitch Brown praised city employee Irv O'flanagan for preparing the shop door for a new garage door and said he attended the Wisconsin Rural Water Conference. Zoning Administrator Andy Eiche reported the first measured lake level of 2026 at a starting elevation of 1217.95 feet. During public comment, resident Dan Rayman expressed gratitude to the council and credited much of Mayor Hansberger’s recent success to the council’s support.

Financial business included approval of vouchers numbered 235–345 on a motion by Stephen Smith and seconded by Steve Byrd; the motion carried unanimously. Eiche reminded the council that the Board of Review will meet April 28 at 10:00 a.m. (with reconvening July 28 at 10:00 a.m.) and that the reorganizational meeting is scheduled for April 21 at 5:30 p.m. The council adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

Actions at the meeting were recorded in roll-call votes and are reflected in the council minutes.