Land rezoned along Highway 371 in Pequot Lakes for potential development (2024)

Editor's Note: This headline and story were corrected to reflect the rezoned property is not where a potential Kwik Trip would be built. The convenience store is proposed for 5 nearby acres that already were zoned commercial property.

PEQUOT LAKES — The Pequot Lakes City Council agreed to rezone an 11.09-acre parcel from forest management to commercial, clearing the way for a developer to move to the next steps in plans for the property.

The land is on the northwest corner of Highway 371 and County Road 11. Plans talked about for three parcels that now are all zoned commercial include a convenience store, which has been identified as a Kwik Trip , a hotel and two medical facilities.

The planning and zoning commission had voted 5-1 to recommend the council approve the rezoning request.

The council at its regular meeting Monday, June 3, talked about standards, including screening, lighting, parking and setbacks. They were concerned about appropriate screening for neighboring residents.

The developer has discussed leaving a tree buffer if the rezoning was approved.

PLAID LLC owns the three lots and has a purchase agreement with Kwik Trip , which would go on 5.5 acres of land already zoned commercial. Plans include a hotel and a major medical center for the other parcels.

Chan Johnson, of Nisswa and with PLAID LLC — Pequot Lakes Area Investors in Development — told the council of a potential grant from Region 5 for his cost for infrastructure.

The city would have to initiate the grant and is waiting for more information from Region 5.

The council talked about a park board recommendation to fly the city of Pequot Lakes flag in place of the state flag in the display along Main Street.

Pequot Lakes student Jobey Tvedt designed the city flag that won a contest last year.

The city needs a double-sided city flag to fly, with plans to fly it outside city hall.

Concensus was to leave a Minnesota state flag in the flag display.

Someone contacted the city saying they are willing to donate money to buy the new state flag.

The park board will consider the topic again.

The council accepted a state of Minnesota grant contract agreement regarding a $265,405 Department of Natural Resources grant for the city to build a picnic shelter and restroom just south of the splash pad in Trailside Park.

A requirement is the city would contribute that same amount. City Engineer Tim Houle anticipates the city's cost will be a bit more.

The council also agreed on a design for the picnic shelter and restroom.

The shelter won't be built this year, but in 2025.

In other business Monday, the council:

• Learned there are two plots left of eight offered in the city's new community garden near the dog park.
• Renewed liquor and tobacco licenses.
• Increased the fee for subsurface sewage treatment systems inspections and approvals from $250 to $350.
• Learned Larsen Parkway work started the week of June 3 with a substantial completion date of July 12.
• Acknowledged City Administrator Angie Duus' and Public Works Supervisor Nick Roy's successful completion of their six-month probationary periods.
• Agreed to use $3,500 from carryover building funds to repaint the Cole Memorial Building. The Pequot Lakes Area Historical Society is contributing $5,000 and Community Action is donating $4,000 for the project.
• Approved a resolution for a Safe Streets and Roads for All program, as other area communities have done. There is no financial commitment from the city for the program that prioritizes traffic safety as the intent is for state match money to cover the non-federal share. Crosslake is leading the effort.
• Acknowledged junior council member Samson Rothwell's resignation and thanked him for serving. Gardner said he'd reach out to the high school principal to try to fill the post next year.