Council:      Mayer Ronda Bjornson (2022)

Municipal Buildings Commissioner Brenda Buck (2024)

Park Commissioner Rick Roberts (2022)

Street & Sidewalk Commissioner Tony Button (2024)

Wastewater Commissioner Chip Frederickson (2022)

​

City Staff:   City Clerk/Treasurer: Karrie Roeschlein

Public Works Supervisor: Jacob Weinreich

 

Zoning Services:

A professional was hired to ensure property owners receive accurate information specific to their parcel in order to make informed land use decisions. Depending upon the parcel’s location, elevation, and vegetation, the following rules may apply: Wetland Conservation Act (federal), Shoreland Management Ordinance (state) and Zoning Ordinance (city).

​

​

City Hall:

Located at 151 2nd Street E is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with exception of Wednesday, closing at 3:30 p.m. Please realize there will be days the office will be closed due to holidays, sick and/or vacation days. Clerk also attends out of town meetings and trainings. You are important to us, so please don’t hesitate to contact us as we will get back to you promptly! 

•  Phone #320-495-3441

•  Email: karrie@cityofwahkon.com

•  City website: 

www.cityofwahkon.com

​

Council  Meetings  Ordinance    2005-6:

Regular council meetings shall be held the second Monday of the month at 6 p.m. in the Wahkon Community Hall located at 151 2nd Street E. Until such time that there is a separate committee deemed the “Planning Commission,” council shall hear and make decisions upon such zoning related issues as conditional use permits and variances at special meetings usually held the fourth Monday of the month at 6 p.m. Christopher Columbus Day, the second Monday of October, will not be observed as a legal holiday and public business may be conducted thereon. All meetings are open to the public.  Ordinance 2002-2: Regular city election shall be held biannually on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in every even-numbered year. Polling place is Wahkon City Hall located at 151 2nd Street E, which shall be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Two council members shall be elected for four-year terms and the Mayor shall be elected for a two-year term at every election.

​

​

Local Parks & Organizations

Wahkon has three parks in town for your enjoyment. The Ellen Ruth Park at 105 1st St. E has a picnic area; City Park at 250 4th St. E has a boat launch, fishing pier and pavilion and the Veterans Park at 505 North Main has playground equipment, “Walk to Honor” path and benches to sit and enjoy the beautiful view of Mille Lacs Lake. The Soo Line Trail runs through our backyard from Isle to Onamia and is for walkers, bicyclists, 4- wheelers and snowmobiles. For you runners, it is 2.5 miles from Wahkon to Isle.

 

If you would like to become involved in the community, please contact City Hall for further information on local committees such as the Wahkon Area Vision Effusion (WAVE) and Wahkon Days. Local businesses can join the Isle Area Chamber of Commerce which includes the Wahkon area.

 

Street & Sidewalk Commissioner

General Description:  The Street & Sidewalk Commissioner shall oversee the maintenance, repair and general upkeep of streets and sidewalks in the City of Wahkon. He/she shall have the authority to inspect and make recommendations relative to their upkeep, including plowing and sanding during the winter months; be a liaison between council and employees, contractors, volunteers, committees and organizations; and authorize employee overtime necessitated by circumstances that may arise.

 

He/she shall have the authority to authorize and/or approve purchases up to $1,000 based on appropriations contained in the City’s budget. Items not appropriated through the annual budget must be approved by the City Council.

 

The City Clerk/Treasurer must ensure adequate funding is available from the funding source and verify that City Council or Commissioner’s approval, whichever is applicable, has been obtained for the purchase.

​

 

Municipal Buildings Commissioner

General Description:  The Municipal Buildings Commissioner shall oversee the maintenance, repair and general upkeep of city owned buildings. He/she shall have the authority to inspect and make recommendations relative to their upkeep; be a liaison between council and employees, contractors, volunteers, committees and organizations; and authorize employee overtime necessitated by circumstances that may arise.

​

He/she shall have the authority to authorize and/or approve purchases up to $1,000 based on appropriations contained in the City’s budget. Items not appropriated through the annual budget must be approved by the City Council. The City Clerk/Treasurer must ensure adequate funding is available from the funding source and verify that City Council or Commissioner’s approval, whichever is applicable, has been obtained for the purchase.

​

​

Park Commissioner

General Description:  The Park Commissioner shall oversee the maintenance, repair and general upkeep of parks and trails in the City of Wahkon. He/she shall have the authority to inspect and make recommendations relative to their upkeep; be a liaison between council and employees, contractors, volunteers, committees and organizations; and authorize employee overtime necessitated by circumstances that may arise.

​

He/she shall have the authority to authorize and/or approve purchases up to $1,000 based on appropriations contained in the City’s budget. Items not appropriated through the annual budget must be approved by the City Council. The City Clerk/Treasurer must ensure adequate funding is available from the funding source and verify that City Council or Commissioner’s approval, whichever is applicable, has been obtained for the purchase.

​

​

Wastewater Commissioner

General Description:  The Wastewater Commissioner shall oversee the maintenance, repair and general upkeep of city owned wastewater utility system. He/she shall have authority to inspect and make recommendations relative to its upkeep; be a liaison between council and employees, contractors, volunteers, committees and organizations; and authorize employee overtime necessitated by circumstances that may arise.

​

He/she shall have the authority to authorize and/or approve purchases up to $1,000 based on appropriations contained in the City’s budget. Items not appropriated through the annual budget must be approved by the City Council. The City Clerk/Treasurer must ensure adequate funding is available from the funding source and verify that City Council or Commissioner’s approval, whichever is applicable, has been obtained for the purchase.

​

 

Wahkon Welcomes You

New residents or long-time neighbors are urged to participate in community activities, whether attending a City Council session, volunteering for Wahkon Days, joining local organizations or simply enjoying our many recreational opportunities.

​

City Sets Rules

Over the years, the Wahkon City Council has drafted and passed a number of city ordinances. Many are available via email at: Karrie@cityofwahkon.com or for review at www.cityofwahkon.com These rules were put into effect to make life here in this year-round vacation mecca a little more civilized.

​

Following is a brief overview of city ordinances, not meant to be a substitute for a full reading of applicable ordinances available at the City Clerk’s office during office hours, weekdays 9A.M. To 1  P.M

​

Zoning

A close reading of the zoning ordinance, No. 2006-1, reveals that the city is concerned with defining residential and commercial uses as well as protecting health and welfare and the property values in Wahkon.

The ordinance defines homes, businesses, home occupations and industries, as well as types of land and lots. Included are installation requirements, definitions of manufactured housing, nonconforming uses, permits, excavations or alterations, zoning fees and violations. Special permits are required for conditional use, variances and subdivisions. Hearing requirements are also detailed.

​

Land Use application and review process 

APPLICATION:

City of Wahkon Land Use Application & Review Process

1. Applicant shall complete Land Use Application and submit to the Zoning Administrator or City Clerk.

2. Applicationshallbeaccompaniedbyasiteplandrawingthatiscompletewiththefollowingminimuminformation (as close to scale as possible):
   - Size of parcel
   - Location on the parcel of all existing structures, their square footage and distance from all property lines, setbacks (including road, bluff, and shoreline) and each other
   - Location on the parcel of all proposed structures and their square footage, distance from all property lines, setbacks (including road, bluff, and shoreline) and each other
   - Location on the parcel of existing and proposed sewage treatment systems and wells and their distance from property lines, structures and each other
   - Existing and/or proposed square footage of the driveway (gravel and paved), access roads, parking, sidewalks

3. Application shall include drawings showing number of bedrooms in the structure.

4. Application shall include elevation drawings showing proposed structure height.

5. Applicationshallincludeifsewerhookupisrequiredorasewercomplianceinspectioncertificate.

6. Applicant shall include the signature of the title owner of the property.

7. By signing the application, the applicant and/or landowner is agreeing to allow the Zoning Administrator the right to conduct a site visit on the property to ensure the proposal meets the requirements of the Ordinance. Additional site visits by the Administrator will result in additional fees.

REVIEW:
A. The Planning and Zoning Administrator shall review the application for completeness and assign a reference number to application, plans, and any other attachments. Staff will indicate on the application the date that the application is complete. The applicant will be notified where additional information is needed.
B. The Staff shall, based on submittals, compute the Land Use Permit Fee. This fee shall be paid by the applicant at the time the application is submitted.

ACTION:

In order to obtain a Land Use Permit, the following must happen:
A. The Zoning Administrator must review and approve the application.
B. The City Clerk must verify all current billings and insure that the applicant is current on all payments.

C. The Zoning Administrator must insure that the permit fee has been collected.

D.The Zoning Administrator must insure that the proposed improvements meet the requirements of the Ordinance.

​

Updated January 2023

​

Thinking of building or adding on to your place?

Check out the ordinances at City Hall that are easy to read and designed to speed your project along while you adhere to the rules and regulations that have been codified over the years such as those setting out minimum house dimensions and setbacks.

​

A zoning packet has been prepared which offers the builder step-by-step instructions, forms to file and fees to pay. An inspector will stop by the site and issue a permit if all regulations have been met.  Property owners unable to meet all applicable zoning requirements may begin the variance process, wherein a public hearing is scheduled before the city council. In some instances, a survey will be required prior to the hearing.

​

There’s a permit for just about every imaginable project, excavation or building, so check with city hall before initiating construction plans. The city adopted the Minnesota Basic Code, amended and supplemented, with a schedule of fees and charges for various services, licenses and permits.

​

Sewer System

Wahkon’s municipal sewer system maintains its own set of fees for hookups and charges. Billing is quarterly for prior quarters usage. Call city hall for full details.

​

Shoreline Management

As protection of the lakes & streams are critical in the state where out motto is "land of 10,000 lakes", the city recognized and adopted Department of Natural Resources guidelines (see Shoreline Management Ordinance) for construction, excavations or landscaping within 1000 feet of the shores of Mille Lacs and in watershed areas.

​

Law and Order

Among the city council’s concerns over the years have been issues of trespassing in public building or grounds, discharging firearms within city limits (Minnesota Basic Code 130-2), curfew violations and vehicle operation including snowmobiles and ATVs (Minnesota Basic Code 92.18).

Fire protection services are contracted with the City of Isle (911 for emergency). Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office patrols the entire county including the City of Wahkon (911 for emergency). The Sheriff’s Office cooperates with other area law enforcement agencies including Isle Police Dept. and MN DNR.

​

Unsupervised kids under the age of 16 are subject to a curfew, 10 P.M., until 5 A.M., under most circumstances. Parents are responsible for their youngsters regarding this curfew according to Ordinance 1995-2.

​

Liquor Laws

State laws govern the sale and consumption of beer, wine and liquor, (see Minnesota Liquor Control Board permits and MN statutes). The city also issues one-day 3.2 licenses for social activities and/or events sponsored by an organization.

​

Parking

To ensure traffic flow, snow removal and emergency vehicle operation, the city bans: parking in alleys, overnight parking on streets from Nov. 1 to April 1, or parking within 20 feet of intersections.  The city adopted state codes for other traffic laws.

​

Services and Utility Franchises

Since utilities are essential to modern life within the city, the council over time has ordained that franchises and easements are granted to electricity, natural gas and cable television suppliers.  Current franchises are issued to East Central Energy, Minnegasco and SCI Cable.

​

Throughout the state, excavators are obliged to phone Gopher State One Call, 800-252-1166, at least 48 hours before you dig.

​

As previously noted, the city provides sewer service while water is the responsibility of the homeowner.

​

Business/Gambling

From time to time, folks arrive with the idea of setting up shop, temporarily or long-term, with various enterprises or things for sale. The city has a number of ordinances covering these enterprises. Also adopted are laws covering gambling, charitable or otherwise. Best to check before gaming.

​

The city has a host of rules for merchants to read carefully on the subjects of peddling, hawking, setting up recycling, pawnbroking and transient merchandising.

​

Keeping it Tidy

According to public input at a number of city forums, the prevailing mood is to properly store and dispose of garbage and junk, as well as to keep our property maintained. The overall appearance of our town indicates pride in our community, neighbors and ourselves.

​

The city council has followed up with this sentiment with ordinances regulating blight, weeds, junk vehicles and assorted trash. Burning barrels have also been prohibited, as they are unhealthy for people and wildlife.

The city has also asked folks to keep city sidewalks cleared of snow, ice leaves and dirt, and unencumbered with obstructions.

​

Burning Issues

Aside from the aforementioned ban on trash burners in Wahkon, the city follows Minnesota’s extensive open-burning rules.

​

As a courtesy to residents, the city clerk is also the Fire Warden who issues free permits for fires that exceed limits of campfire pits, which, by state law, may not exceed three feet in diameter, have cleared area of five feet from the burn, and which are limited to burning vegetative material only. The state issues advisories regarding fire dangers and approved burning.

​

On-line state burning permits for a fee, are offered by the DNR. See the website www.dnr.state.mn.us for details. Fire wardens and the DNR website offer copies of the MN open burning laws.

So, if you are thinking of lighting up a pile of brush or some grass and weeds locally, consult city hall. There the clerk will go over the dimensions of the burn and, if burning restrictions are not in effect, issue a burning permit. Permits are effective during prescribed times only. See city hall or  local and state on-line services before commencing any open burn.

​

Pets and Critters

Dogs, wild critters, farm animals and fowl came under the scrutiny of the city, which enacted restrictions regulating animals within city limits. Folks who keep a number of pets are urged to check ordinances 1993-1 and 1995-1.

​

Farm animals, including chickens, need at least five acres to roam, as well as clean premises, according to the council. Free range farm animals may not stray from the owners’ acreage. The ordinances also detail dangerous and nuisance dogs, dog and cat kennels, wild animals and penalties for violations.

​

On Ice

After winter sets in folks may want to take a look at the guidelines for cutting big chunks of ice within city limits, adopted by the council on December 2, 1912. Basically, the city fathers asked cutters to put up fences around their excavations until the ice thickened to six inches. This law is still on the books just in case ice boxes come back into vogue.

​

Since fish houses are another choice of many sportsmen for winter ice-angling, the city adopted rules and regs for storage of these shanties, whether on wheels or skids.

​

Good Government

Council passed various ordinances over the years to take care of bonds for city officials, definitions for clerk-treasurer, council salaries, meeting dates, workers’ compensation, personal time off for employees, election dates, holidays and various other housekeeping issues to keep the wheels of government turning smoothly.

The public is welcome to review the applicable rules and definitions. Copies may be obtained at city hall for a fee. The clerk also offers notary services. Want a copy of the agenda or meeting minutes?

​

Go to MEETING MINUTES and pull up a copy for free, or drop by city hall to obtain a copy for a small fee.

Remember, there is no substitute for a careful reading of the ordinances, which apply to your current interests.

http://www.co.mille-lacs.mn.us

MLC Administrative Services Office

Download Mille Lacs County Government List 

Mille Lacs County Contact Information

320-983-8218- Employee insurance, recruitment process
320-983-8378 – Board agendas & minutes
320-983-8269 – Financial policy, account questions

Assessor’s Office
320-983-8311

​

Attorney’s Office
320-983-8305

​

Auditor-Treasurer’s Office
320-983-8310 – Land ownership, transfers, maps/plats, escrows, passport
320-983-8304 – Property tax
320-983-8302 – Gravel tax
320-983-8272 – Mobile home tax
320-983-8465 – Elections, voting
320-983-8287 – Bills, employee payroll

​

Community & Veterans Services
320-983-8208

​

Court Administration
(part of 7th Judicial District)
320-983-8313

​

Land Services Office
320-983-8308 – Land records, document recording, building/zoning, septic systems
320-983-8232 – Wetlands
320-983-8236 – Birth, death & marriage certificates, military discharge, Notary Public commission

​

Probation Office
320-983-8202

​

Public Works
320-983-8201

​

Sheriff’s Office
320-983-8250 – Administration, civil process, mortgage foreclosure sales, gun permits
320-983-8245 – To speak with an officer
320-983-8244 – Inmate information
320-983-8248 – Incident reports
320-983-8450 – Fingerprinting, pay-to-stay, jail visiting

​

U of M Extension (contracted service) – The County contracts with the University of Minnesota for the provision of Extension activities, including 4-H, the Nutrition Program, and the Master Gardener Program. Clerical support for these
services is provided through the Administrative Services Office.
320-983-8317

​

SERVICE PROVIDER LIST FOR WAHKON AREA

CITY SEWER
City of Wahkon (sewer only) 320-495-3441

​

TELEPHONE
Frontier Communications 800-921-8101

​

ELECTRIC SERVICE
Mille Lacs Electric Cooperative 800-450-2191
East Central Energy 800-254-7944

​

LP & NATURAL GAS COS.
Centerpoint Energy/minnegasco 800-245-2377 (Residential)
Lakes Gas (Onamia) 320-532-3305
Federated Co-op (Mora) 320-679-1166

 

TRASH REMOVAL
Nitti’s Rolloff Service, Isle 320-676-3227
Jim’s Mille Lacs Disposal 320-983-6474
Wayne’s Sanitation 320-495-3701

 

POSTAL SERVICES
Wahkon 320-495-3542

 

BURIED CABLE
Gopher State 800-252-1166

 

CABLE SERVICES

Direct TV 800-531-5000
Frontier Communications 800-921-8101 https://www.allconnect.com/providers/frontier-communications
SCI 800-222-9809

 

TREE REMOVAL SERVICES
Cabin Savers Tree Serv. 800-706-0925
Trees by Bjorn 612-598-5544

 

WELL DRILLING SERVICES
A & M Drilling, Isle 320-676-3386
Hasskamp Bros., Aitkin 218-927-3571
Midwest Boring & Underground Onamia 218- 879-8621

 

NEWSPAPERS
Mille Lacs Messenger / Bargain Hunter 320-676-3123

 

SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Isle 320-676-3146 www.isle.k12.mn.us
Onamia 320-532-4174 www.onamia.k12.mn.us
Central Lakes College 800-933-0346 www.clc.mnscu.edu

 

MISCELLANEOUS

www.CountyOffice.org .   Government search engine for all types of departments, animal shelters, libraries, post offices, etc.

​

Download a copy of the Wahkon Welcome Packet

​

​

2023 Wahkon Government Legislative Representatives