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A request for a permit to expand uses of the Hay Days property outside of Almelund was approved by the county planning commission Sept 3 on a split vote,  and will be on the Chisago County Board’s September 16 agenda for final action.  

Initially, a motion to deny the requested 15 events failed 3-4. After 90 minutes of public testimony and another hour of discussion a scaled-down events permit was approved 4-3.

The SnoBarons snowmobile club owns and operates Hay Days,  on property just west of Almelund used for a four-day motorsports extravaganza happening this week.  The site has been improved, and permanent buildings  installed over the years and the snowmobile club wants to expand use to the public. 

The club predicts interest coming from youth groups, cultural events and social activities.  Everything from horse shows to high school sports to heavy equipment expo were presented by the applicant as possibilities.  

A major concern voiced was the lack of specifics provided. 

 Planning Commissioner David Whitney said he wants the permit language to define allowed events or at least list prohibited uses.  He  remarked that the SnoBarons had two months (from the earlier summer continued public hearing) to write in more detail and “...is this the best we can get?” he asked.

Additionally, there were planning commissioners who didn’t even think the type of permit requested was correct.  Staff informed the group that the applicant gets advice and direction at the time they apply, but it is the applicant who selects the category.  The county’s rural retail and tourism category does not allow for attendance numbers the Sno Barons anticipate. So the commercial recreational permit was probably preferred, staff added.

Even though the Hay Days permit and conditions are not involved; still, it was difficult for the public and the planning officials to keep the two separated.  Hay Days has generated bad feelings among nearby property owners and many of these affected citizens were at the public hearing.  The clear recollection shared by many was that SnoBarons “promised” the original Hay Days event would be the sole use of the property.

The county sanctioned  Hay Days 10 years ago. There have been issues with enforcement of permit conditions.  The traffic congestion, noise, trespass behavior,  etc had many in the public hearing  complaining about the lack of trust in dealing with the club.  Some past alleged violations have been left unresolved.  Why should any future non-compliance problems be any different, planning commissioners heard.

SnoBarons’ attorney Adam Ripple advised the planning commission “collateral  issues” and “recycled” arguments have no bearing on the application as filed.

A couple people did argue that Hay Days is an asset.  

Stephanie Larson stated Sno Barons are “good community partners” and felt the complaints related to Hay Days are overblown.

Jewell Peterson remarked that the county needs to embrace change, adding, maybe the county should have shut the door prior to newer residents arriving, directing her gaze at those more recent transplants (here less than 50 years) who expressed  their opposition.

Planning Commission Chair Jolene Wille stressed for those at the meeting last week to understand the application needs to be treated just like all others the county gets.  The planning commission has crafted permit language as part of a give and take with other applicants and revisions ensued. 

 The 15 events on the application were whittled down to eight in the adopted recommendation.  Six of these will be for youth and be educational or in conjunction with organizations like Scouts, 4H. One event is allowed to be “social” and the eighth event will be “cultural.”  

A list of prohibited uses was incorporated and includes aerial contests/exhibitions that go beyond the Hay Days parcel, no firearms, no amplified music, etc.

All of the events must add up to no more than 15 days total in a year.

Almelund First Responders and Fire will be offered priority status to service the events,  and if they decline SnoBarons then may seek out other agencies.

Due to the late hour, the planning commission tabled the other major item on the agenda— the floodplain ordinance.

A request from the County Board to schedule a public hearing on  cannabis operations that involve outdoor cultivation was delivered. (See County Board story)  

County Commissioners Rick Greene and Dan Dahlberg attend commission meetings as liaisons for the County Board.  The planning commission put the cultivation  code issue on its October 1 agenda for further information only.

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