Mining issue will likely come up for vote again

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners denied a conditional use permit Tuesday morning for an excavation project near Twin Lakes by a 4-1 vote.

The permit would have allowed Holtmeier Construction, a Mankato-based construction company, to mine sand and gravel for road and construction purposes on property about a mile northwest of Twin Lakes.

Commissioners Chris Shoff, Glen Mathiason, Dan Belshan and Mike Lee voted no. Commissioner Jim Nelson voted yes.

In rejecting the proposal, commissioners said it did not meet requirements, such as proving the conditional use permit would not hurt the use and enjoyment of other property in the area, or take adequate measures to prevent “offensive odor, fumes, dust, noise and vibration to prevent a nuisance,” according to county documents.

Commissioners said the application also failed to address concerns that it would decrease property values, and impede the development and improvement of surrounding vacant property.

Prior to the vote, a few local residents testified to the issues the permit would have on their everyday lives and expressed concern over whether the operation would harm nature and harm the functions of the local church, Concordia Bear Lake Lutheran.

Resident Beth Peterson said she has compiled more than 200 signatures of residents who had concerns over the effects of the operation.

Mining manager Chuck Stoffel said he spoke with church members last week about the project, noting they had reached a good understanding.

He said Holtmeier Construction has a “pretty good” reputation, noting the company plans on keeping it that way.

The company has been put on the church’s mailing list so it can have a clear indication of when church events are, noting it is willing to work around the church’s schedule, he said.

Commissioners urged the two sides work together on the issue, noting it will probably come back before the board at some point, although a date was not set.

Stoffel declined additional comment after the vote.

Local resident Imogene Attig said it was common sense that the proposed project needed to be rejected due to its possible effects on the environment.

“It just isn’t right,” she said.

She said she was pleased the board understood the negative impact it would have on area residents.