March 20 Committee of the Whole Meeting Highlights

March 21, 2018 – Following are highlights and key priorities covered at the Tuesday, March 20 Committee of the Whole Meeting:

Public Comments

Bill Lane spoke against the proposed Lutsen Mountains Ski Area expansion citing concerns for dark skies, quiet and water quality.

Orvis Lunke also expressed concerns about the project.

Bonding Projects

Braidy Powers, County Auditor/Treasurer provided an update of the Lutsen Housing EDA/One Roof Housing bonding project. Construction plans and financing planning are moving forward and it is likely that the bond authorized last year, will move forward along with the CIP/Transportation Bond.

Lutsen Expansion Discussion

Charles Skinner gave an overview of the proposed expansion of Lutsen Mountains. Expansion requires a Special Use Permit with the US Forest Service (USFS) as the resort is completely surrounded by USFS lands. Expansion will increase the capacity of ski runs, with proposed expansion of both Eagle and Moose Mountains. 

There will be a better balance of ski terrain and the addition of a significant amount of “tree skiing”. Expansion allows the capitalization of the increasing cost of equipment to meet visitor expectations and keep pace with the market. The expansion will also increase the central resort capacity to provide parking and gathering for the increased capacity. This is a long-term plan and these are very preliminary steps in the permitting process that have been in the works for more than two years.

Lutsen Mountains will be coming to the Board at a future meeting asking for a resolution in support of their Special Use Permit application with the USFS. The application will be subject to a complete environmental review process according to USFS rules.

Full details of Board and Committee of the Whole Meetings are available through video footage, Agendas and Minutes at www.co.cook.mn.us. All meetings are open to the public.

Contact: Jeff Cadwell, Cook County Administrator, 218-387-3687 or [email protected]