(Spirit Lake)– Billboards and concerns over what’s known as the “Nielsen Development” or “Bridges Bay” development on the southeast side of East Lake Okoboji highlighted discussion at Tuesday’s Dickinson county board of supervisors meeting.
On the billboard issue, the county reviewed ordinances of various cities in the county and decided to look at other model ordinances from other parts of the state. They also decided to refer the matter to the county’s Planning and Zoning Commission for a recommendation.
Hank Miguel of the Okoboji Protective Association addressed the supervisors over what’s known as the “Nielsen Development” or “Bridges Bay” on the southeast side of East Lake Okoboji. Miguel questioned whether promises to use low impact development techniques on the development are being followed and if the county is policing that. He referred to low impact development seminars held in the county last winter and spring. Miguel added the county should have specified certain standards the contractor would have to meet.
Miguel also questioned whether developers were following through with a promise to build an indoor water park. Representatives of the developers weren’t present for Tuesday’s meeting. Supervisors Mardi Allen and Pam Jordan were scheduled to meet with them Tuesday afternoon to discuss those issues. David Kolhaase, the county’s Planning and Zoning Adminstrator, says the only building permit that’s been issued so far is for a 36-unit condominium building. Speaking at a public hearing to rezone the land, developers indicated the water park would be the first facility constructed on the site and that it would be completed by Christmas. Assistant County Attorney Lonnie Saunders told the supervisors he had visited recently with the developer’s attorney who indicated they were still planning to build the indoor water park, but didn’t elaborate on a timeframe.
