Gurtekís Sunrise Lake campground turned down again

By MaryHelen Swanson
In a bit of drama, the Chisago County Commissioners voted to deny the third application of Richard Gurtek, a county resident and property owner on Sunrise Lake, for a conditional use permit to operate a seasonal recreational park for adults 55 and over.
It took a roll call vote to extract four votes for denial and one approval.

Commissioner Bob Vande Kamp, acknowledging that findings presented by the county planning commission (PC) were relevant, voted against denial saying the findings just werenít strong enough to change his mind.
He pointed out that the PCís recommendation to deny the request came on a 4-3 vote.
Thatís pretty close, Vande Kamp said, adding thatís why he didnít think the PC recommendation was that strong.
He also noted that a road issue had been addressed and that the project would help the county economically. He said if the request was for other lakes in the county, it wouldnít be questioned.
Vande Kamp was also concerned that the same people who opposed the campground would also be opposed to tighter restrictions that may be placed on development around the lake when an appointed task force is completed with its study. He wondered how much additional protection the people really wanted.
5th Dist. Commissioner Mike Robinson struggled with his vote. He represents the board at the PC meetings. He agreed to support the PC recommendation for denial (although he voted against denial on the PC) because he believes if the board doesnít have faith in the PCís decisions, then there is no need to have a planning commission.
But as he voted, he said it probably was against what he thinks is right.
Commissioner Tom Delaney said this was one of the most difficult decisions heís had to make in nine years on the board. He agreed a campground could be economically good for the surrounding communities, but he also said the lake was so shallow it could easily be polluted and that could have an impact for several generations.
Commissioner Bob Gustafson echoed Delaneyís comments, also saying it was one of his most difficult decisions.
He voted to deny even though constituents urged him to approve it.
Gurtekís first application for a park was approved by the county board, but the decision was reversed by the Minnesota Court of Appeals which determined that the proposal was not allowable because there was nothing to show that the camper units would be on wheels.
A second application was withdrawn last fall by Gurtek when he learned that the proposal exceeded allowable density under Shoreland ordinances.
The PCís conclusions, in recommending denial, states that although the park is allowed with a CUP in ag zoning, and in Shoreland district, this proposal is not compatible with the surrounding area. The PC also felt that while it would promote tourism, desired by the county, it would not adequately protect the natural amenities of the county.
As it stands, Gurtek will not be able to come back with another proposal for several months as there is a moratorium on development around Sunrise Lake.
The OES task force is currently developing regulations for development in the Sunrise Lake area.

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