Mower County, MN

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

Mower County Planning Commission

The Mower County Planning Commission will hold public hearings on five conditional use permit requests for commercial cannabis cultivation in Leroy and Windom Townships. Four permits are for individual parcels in Leroy Township, and one is for a multi-tenant cannabis campus in Windom Township. The meeting will also include approval of the agenda and previous minutes, staff updates, and adjournment.

• CUP #1012: Cannabis cultivation on Parcel G, Leroy Twp. (Ramea Land LLC)
• CUP #1013: Cannabis cultivation on Parcel H, Leroy Twp. (Space Holdings LLC)
• CUP #1014: Cannabis cultivation on Parcel I, Leroy Twp. (Till MN Holdings LLC & So Local LLC)
• CUP #1003A: Cannabis cultivation on Parcel B, Leroy Twp. (Northern Field Land Holdings LLC)
• CUP #1011: Multi-tenant cannabis campus, Windom Twp. (Tyler Lange)

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Adjustment

Mower County Planning Commission

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Adjustment

Mower County Planning Commission

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Adjustment

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

Mower County Planning Commission

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Adjustment

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Planning Commission

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Planning Commission

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Adjustment

The Mower County Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on a variance request by Greg and Loni Swenson to build a new 40x50-foot feedlot structure on an existing concrete pad, with a 16.3-foot variance from the rear property line. The board will also approve the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting. The meeting is open in person and virtually.

• Variance #596: Greg & Loni Swenson request 16.3-ft variance for new 40x50 feedlot structure over existing 35x45 concrete pad, 3 ft 9 in from rear property line, Section 35, Windom Township
• No increase to animal units (AU)
• Public hearing with staff report, applicant presentation, and public comments

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings on two housing tax abatement applications, then vote on resolutions to approve them. The board will also consider feedlot fee assessments, a contract to relocate the Extension office, a bridge replacement agreement, a new solid waste hauler license, and a joint powers agreement for a criminal justice data network. Later, in Committee of the Whole, they will review a leave of absence policy, an amendment to the LEC operations agreement, and the 2027 budget.

• Public hearing and resolution for housing tax abatement for Bill & Kathy Wildeman, Pheasant Run Estates Third, Grand Meadow (PIN 25.203.0215)
• Public hearing and resolution for housing tax abatement for John & Sharon Grass, Section 26 LeRoy Twp (PIN 09.026.0010)
• Feedlot fee assessments for Jacob Garness ($449.71 each), Jay Gaskill ($405.29, $229.29), Eric Klingsporn ($236.15), Robert Leverington ($236.15)
• Approve proposal to relocate Extension office to 4-H building at Mower County Fair Grounds for $66,641.00
• Approve new solid waste hauler license for Yellow Jacket Dumpster Rental LLC effective 8/25/26-1/31/27

General

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board will hold public hearings on a conditional use permit for a short-term rental in Austin Township and on an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance amendment. The board will also consider tentative labor agreements with three unions, a bridge replacement bid, and set a public hearing date for capital improvement bonds.

• Conditional Use Permit #1008 for short-term rental (up to 8 people) by David & Stephanie Huse, Section 35 Austin Township
• Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance amendment to Zoning Ordinance
• Modification to Housing Tax Abatement policy to exempt ADUs as qualifying housing
• Bid for SAP 050-605-018 to replace Bridge 89212 with Bridge 50L03 on County Road 5 near Freeborn County line
• Tentative agreements with LELS #81, LELS #83, and AFSCME for 7/1/2026-6/30/2029

General

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss budget proposals for Discover Austin and SELCO for 2027. The board will also receive department updates regarding facilities and engineering.

• Discover Austin 2027 budget proposal
• SELCO 2027 budget proposal
• Discussion on office space for Extension
• Cold Storage Building Move discussion

Mower County Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a conditional use permit for short-term rentals. The body will also consider an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance concerning Accessory Dwelling Units.

• CUP #1008: Request for short-term rentals (including VRBO) for up to 8 people in Section 35, Austin Township
• Ordinance Amendment: Proposed changes to Zoning Ordinance Article X regarding Accessory Dwelling Units
• CUP #1011: Request for cannabis cultivation and processing in Windom Township rescinded

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will discuss a cannabis ordinance for commercial outdoor grow facilities and a request for an additional staff attorney. The board will also review financial updates and disaster assistance requests.

• Cannabis Ordinance regarding Commercial Outdoor Cannabis Grow Facilities
• County Attorney request for budget amendment and one additional staff attorney
• Adoption of the All Hazard Mitigation Plan
• ProWest proposal for parcel fabric integration
• First Amendment to Mower County / City of Rochester Mutual Aid Agreement for Dispatch Services

Mower County Board of Adjustment

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board will hold a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the cannabis ordinance for commercial outdoor grow facilities. The board will also consider resolutions for housing tax abatements and a $22,000 assessment for a septic loan.

• Public hearing on Cannabis Ordinance Amendment: Commercial Outdoor Grow Facilities
• Resolution to approve housing tax abatement applications for Murphy Creek Meadows Subdivision
• Resolution to approve housing tax abatement application for Tim Sheedy
• Amendment to fee schedule to add marriage ceremony ($100)
• Amend County Board Meeting Schedule to add a committee of the whole

The Board approved three housing tax abatements for new construction in Austin and Lansing Township. A proposed zoning amendment for outdoor cannabis grow facilities was tabled for further revision of fencing and setback standards. The Board also adopted a peacetime state of emergency for July 2026 flood events.

• Approved tax abatements for two HRA of Austin twin homes and one Tim Sheedy single-family home
• Tabled zoning amendment for Commercial Outdoor Cannabis Grow Facilities to July 28
• Adopted peacetime state of emergency disaster Resolution #54-26 for July 2 flood events
• Approved $22,000 septic loan assessment for Marvin and Diane Lenway
• Approved $839,923.64 in Commissioner Warrants
• Authorized 20% financial match for JC Hormel Nature Center GMRPTC grant application
• Approved $100 marriage ceremony officiant fee for the Auditor-Treasurer’s office
• Authorized write-off of $79,906.59 in unpaid mobile home/personal property taxes

Mower County Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings to discuss modifying the Zoning Ordinance regarding outdoor cannabis grow facilities and accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

• Public hearing on Zoning Ordinance Article VIII, Division 4 (Outdoor Cannabis Grow Facilities)
• Public hearing on Zoning Ordinance Article X (Accessory Dwelling Units)

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board will consider a resolution to approve a housing tax abatement for Caleb and Lexy Frank's replacement home in Dexter Township. The agenda also includes approvals for a liquor license for Echo Lanes, a fireworks display permit for Deer Creek Speedway, and several service agreements and property disposals. A public hearing will be held on the tax abatement application.

• Approve housing tax abatement for PIN 05.022.0060 (Dexter Twp)
• Approve liquor license for Grafing Company, Inc. d/b/a Echo Lanes (July 1 2026‑June 30 2027)
• Approve fireworks display permit for Deer Creek Speedway, LLC (July 4 2026)
• Approve Dataworks Plus service agreement renewal (Sheriff)
• Approve Ballot on Demand system purchase and processing services agreement

The commissioners unanimously authorized the Development Corporation of Austin to submit an Opportunity Zone 2.0 application using tract 0410. They also approved a Minnesota Lawful Gambling exempt permit for St. John the Baptist Church, a liquor license for Echo Lanes, a fireworks permit for Deer Creek Speedway, and a five‑year tax abatement for Caleb and Lexy Frank’s new single‑family home. The board accepted the rescission of a cannabis cultivation permit application.

• Authorized DCA to submit Opportunity Zone 2.0 application for tract 0410 (unanimous)
• Approved MN Lawful Gambling LG220 exempt permit for St. John the Baptist Church (unanimous)
• Approved liquor license for Grafing Co. d/b/a Echo Lanes (July 1 2026‑June 30 2027) (unanimous)
• Approved fireworks display permit for Deer Creek Speedway (July 4 2026) (unanimous)
• Approved five‑year tax abatement for Caleb and Lexy Frank’s replacement home (unanimous)
• Accepted rescission of cannabis cultivation permit application #1010 by Austin Property Holdings LLC/McIntire Feed and Grain Inc. (unanimous)

Mower County Board of Appeal and Equalization

The Mower County Board of Appeal and Equalization will hear appeals on property valuations from Lincoln Highway LLC and Isaac Stromlund, plus any walk-in appeals. The board will also consider assessor recommendations for adjustments to several parcels. They will vote to approve, reject, or table each item, affecting taxes payable in 2027.

• Appeal by Lincoln Highway, LLC (parcel 34.521.0120)
• Appeal by Isaac Stromlund (parcel 34.390.0050)
• Walk-in appeals accepted
• Assessor recommendations for Mueller, Sampson, Schulz, and Barber properties
• Board will approve, reject, or table appeals and recommendations

The Board of Appeal and Equalization reviewed multiple property value appeals. The Board approved several recommendations to decrease estimated market values for specific parcels and denied a multi-parcel appeal by Doran Kasel.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Decreased John & Dawn Mueller parcel 16.025.0060 value from $284,200 to $258,500 (unanimous)
• Decreased John Sampson parcel 17.033.0041 value from $1,874,200 to $1,864,900 (unanimous)
• Decreased Wade Schulz parcel 17.025.0030 value from $501,000 to $482,200 (unanimous)
• Decreased Evan Holst parcel 07.029.0010 value from $2,309,400 to $2,277,500 (unanimous)
• Decreased Mallissia & Leann Barber parcel 25.003.0170 value from $77,800 to $65,300 (unanimous)
• Decreased Doran Kasel parcel 10.033.0010 value from $2,187,500 to $2,156,000 (unanimous)
• Denied Doran Kasel appeal on six parcels (unanimous)

Mower County Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a conditional use permit for a state-licensed outdoor cannabis cultivation operation. The proposal involves a 44.24-acre parcel in Red Rock Township.

• CUP #1010: Proposed outdoor cannabis cultivation on a 44.24-acre parcel in Red Rock Township
• Proposed installation of 21 shipping containers for drying, curing, and packaging
• Proposed 20,000 feet of 8-foot high deer fencing with privacy screens
• Water irrigation usage estimated under 10,000 gallons per day for the first year

General

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will approve a series of liquor licenses for local businesses and two housing tax abatement applications. The meeting also includes resolutions regarding the SKB Lansing Landfill and the county's withdrawal from a rural energy board agreement.

• Approve Transient Merchant License for TNT Fireworks (June 20, 2026 - July 5, 2026)
• Approve Liquor Licenses for Cedar River Country Club, Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery, and Prime Stein, LLC
• Approve Housing Tax Abatement for Jay & Courtney Soltau (8.76AC NE1/4 NW1/4 Section 33)
• Approve Housing Tax Abatement for Joshua Gavin (NORTH SIDE PARK 2ND ADDN)
• Resolution to approve SKB Solid Waste Facility License with modifications

The Board approved a waiver for SKB Lansing Landfill to use a geosynthetic clay liner instead of a soil barrier. Additionally, the Board granted several liquor and merchant licenses and approved the county's continued participation in the Council on Local Results and Innovation performance measurement program.

• Approved agenda with cyber security insurance discussion (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including May 26 minutes and commissioner warrants (unanimous)
• Approved DAV Mayo Southeast Chapter 28 gambling exempt permit (unanimous)
• Approved TNT Fireworks transient merchant license (unanimous)
• Approved Cedar River Country Club liquor license (unanimous)
• Approved Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery, LLC liquor license (unanimous)
• Approved Prime Stein, LLC liquor license (unanimous)
• Approved Church of St. John of Adams temporary liquor license (unanimous)

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will hear 2027 budget presentations from several outside agencies. Presenters include representatives from the Whitewater Project, Historical Society, Soil & Water Conservation District, SE MN Initiative Fund, and Southeast Minnesota Citizens Action Council. The board will also receive department updates from Correctional Services and Veteran Services. Miscellaneous business and walk‑in items will be addressed before adjournment.

• Whitewater Project – presentation by Nate Smit
• Historical Society – presentation by Randy Forster
• Soil & Water Conservation District – presentation by Cody Fox or a board member
• SE MN Initiative Fund – presentation by Alissa Oeltjenbruns
• Southeast Minnesota Citizens Action Council – presentation by Jeff Wyant, Wendy Todd, and Jennifer Hengel

The Mower County Board met in a work session on June 2, 2026 and heard 2027 budget presentations from several agencies, including the Whitewater Project ($10.7 M), the Historical Society ($68,000), the Soil & Water Conservation District ($175,000), and others. Each agency outlined its funding needs and ongoing projects. No motions, votes, or approvals were recorded during the session.

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Adjustment

The Mower County Board of Adjustment will hold public hearings on two variance applications. Variance #594 seeks a 100‑foot feedlot setback for Justin Gerber in Section 13, Adams Township, where the feedlot is within the required 1,000‑foot distance from a dwelling. Variance #593 requests a 36‑by‑30‑foot detached garage that would project 23 feet into the front‑yard setback area for Adam and Ashley Kirchhoff in Section 7, Windom Township. The board will hear applicant presentations, public comments, and then deliberate to issue findings of fact and vote on motions with or without conditions.

• Variance #594 – Justin Gerber requests a 100‑ft feedlot setback (to be located 900 ft from the dwelling) in Section 13, Adams Township
• Variance #593 – Adam and Ashley Kirchhoff request a detached garage (36 × 30 ft) projecting 23 ft into the front‑yard setback in Section 7, Windom Township
• Public hearing will be held in‑person at the County Government Center and via Microsoft Teams (link provided)
• Board will create Findings of Fact and consider motions with or without conditions for each variance
• Agenda approval and prior meeting minutes were approved unanimously

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on a housing tax abatement application for a single-family home in LeRoy. The board will also consider accepting Black Husky LLC's decision to rescind a conditional use permit for an outdoor cannabis cultivation campus. Consent agenda items include approving a tax assessment repayment, tobacco licenses, and a gambling permit. The board will also approve a bid for electrical and mechanical upgrades at the Adams Highway Shop and a quote for cybersecurity insurance.

• Public hearing on housing tax abatement for Donald & Judy Orum in LeRoy
• Resolution to approve housing tax abatement for Orum property (PIN 26.004.0041)
• Accept Black Husky LLC's rescission of CUP #1009 for outdoor cannabis cultivation
• Approve bid for Adams Highway Shop electrical and mechanical upgrades
• Approve quote for cybersecurity insurance

The board approved its agenda and consent agenda, which included $298,262.85 in vendor payments and a $202,585.98 health‑services payable. It adopted a $4,476.34 assessment to recover an erroneous housing tax abatement, approved a lawful gambling exempt permit for a raffle, issued several new tobacco licenses, and granted a five‑year tax abatement to Donald and Judy Orum for a new single‑family home.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda with $298,262.85 vendor payments and $202,585.98 health services payable (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution #43-26 assessing $4,476.34 repayment to Ramaker property
• Approved Resolution #44-26 granting Minnesota Lawful Gambling exempt permit for LeRoy Clay Target Team raffle
• Approved new tobacco licenses for five businesses (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution #45-26 granting a five‑year tax abatement to Donald and Judy Orum for a new single‑family home

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings and consider adopting a new Comprehensive Land Use Plan, a zoning amendment for feedlots, and a smoke-free property ordinance. They will also vote on housing tax abatements for two single-family homes, a lease agreement for hay on tax-forfeited property, and a tobacco license renewal. Personnel policy amendments are also on the agenda.

• Housing tax abatement applications: New Horizon Homes (Nature Ridge Third, Austin) and Bradley & Theresa Wolff (Buckridge Estates, Grand Meadow Twp)
• Lease agreement with Ben Farrell for hay on tax-forfeited property
• Tobacco license renewal for AMA Corp d/b/a BEAR'S (July 2026 – June 2027)
• Zoning ordinance amendment: Special Requirements for Feedlots (Division 3, Section 14-18.2)
• Adoption of Mower County Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Smoke-Free/Tobacco-Free Property Ordinance

The Board unanimously adopted revisions to the Mower County Zoning Ordinance, including updates to feedlot requirements. It also approved a $83,311 contract with Chosen Valley Testing for environmental work and granted five‑year tax abatements for two single‑family home projects. The consent agenda, covering vendor payments, a lease renewal, and a tobacco license, was approved unanimously.

• Adopt Zoning Ordinance amendment (unanimous)
• Approve $83,311 contract with Chosen Valley Testing (unanimous)
• Grant tax abatement to New Horizon Homes, LLC (unanimous)
• Grant tax abatement to Bradley and Theresa Wolff (unanimous)
• Approve consent agenda vendor payments totaling $366,416.88 (unanimous)
• Approve lease renewal with Ben Farrell to Hay on tax‑forfeited property (unanimous)
• Approve tobacco license for AMA Corp d/b/a BEAR'S (unanimous)

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

The Board of Commissioners will hold a work session featuring a project update on PowerOn Midwest from Great River Energy. The meeting also includes departmental updates from emergency management, public safety, the sheriff, the jail, and the county engineer.

• PowerOn Midwest project update from Great River Energy
• Emergency Manager Amy Bramwell department update
• PSAP Supervisor Tracy Hauschildt department update
• Sheriff Steve Sanvik department update
• County Engineer Mitch Wenum monthly update

The Mower County Board heard a PowerOn Midwest transmission project update from Great River Energy, including tax revenue estimates and easement details. County Engineer Mitch Wenum reported progress on the County Road 7 bridge and other roadway projects. Sheriff Steve Sandvik gave a review of departmental changes and recent cyber‑incident response. No actions were approved, denied, or tabled during this work session.

Mower County Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Conditional Use Permit #1009 for an outdoor cannabis cultivation campus in Austin Township, proposed by Black Husky LLC. The commission also considers a zoning ordinance amendment addressing abatement, annual fee schedules, swine lagoon requirements, and feedlot setbacks. The meeting includes approval of prior meeting minutes and staff updates.

• Public hearing for CUP #1009: outdoor cannabis cultivation campus (150' x 300' sites) in Section 10, Austin Township, property owner Matthew Johnson, applicant Black Husky LLC
• Zoning ordinance amendment to Article 1, Division 3, Section 14-18.2 on abatement, annual fee schedule, swine lagoon requirements, and feedlot setbacks
• Approval of minutes from March 2, 2026, and April 6, 2026
• Staff updates on permit statuses and upcoming items

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The board will hold public hearings and consider resolutions to approve housing tax abatements for seven single-family homes in various locations, including Austin, Adams, Frankford Twp, Marshall Twp, Udolpho Twp, and LeRoy. Other items include a joint powers agreement with the BCA, setting a public hearing for the comprehensive land use plan, and discussing Government Center roof repairs. The board will also receive quarterly financial and investment reports.

• Public hearings and resolutions for 7 housing tax abatement applications (Bigelow & Lennon, Mullenbach, Benson, Boe, Smith, DeBoer, Holdeman)
• Resolution to approve BCA Joint Powers Agreement and CJDN Subscriber Amendment for County Attorney
• Set May 12, 2026 as date for public hearing on Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Future Land Use Map
• Government Center Roof Repairs
• 1st Quarter Investment Report and Financial Update

The commissioners unanimously approved the agenda and consent items, including a $20,000 septic loan assessment for the Nelson parcel. They also adopted a resolution granting a Minnesota Lawful Gambling LG214 premises permit to the Stewartville Firemen's Relief Association for Deer Creek Speedway. Later, the board approved a five‑year property tax abatement for Bigelow & Lennon Construction’s new single‑family home.

• Approved agenda adding septic loan assessment ($20,000) – unanimous
• Approved consent agenda (minutes, payments, warrants, etc.) – unanimous
• Approved septic loan assessment for Nelson parcel #13.032.0020 – unanimous
• Approved Minnesota Lawful Gambling LG214 premises permit for Deer Creek Speedway – passed
• Approved five‑year tax abatement for Bigelow & Lennon Construction parcel (PIN 34.523.0270) – passed

Mower County Board of Adjustment

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will consider approving three housing tax abatement applications and awarding contracts for road maintenance and culvert lining. The board will also discuss a dispatch feasibility study and set a date for a public hearing on a tobacco-free property ordinance.

• Approve housing tax abatements for Ryan Nagele, David & Rebecca Schulz, and Allen and Debra Fasbender
• Award quote for 2026 Roadside Weed Spraying
• Award CP 50-26-07 Culvert Lining Bid
• Set public hearing date for Tobacco-Free Property Ordinance on May 12, 2026
• Approve contract with Reassurance Solutions for Jail Monitoring Equipment

The Mower County Board approved the cannabis retail registration for Hidden Gardens Micro and the County Feedlot Officer 2025 report. It authorized a $500,000 transfer of ARPA funds to the Health and Human Services Fund and approved a gambling premises permit for the Blooming Prairie Fire Department Relief Association. The Board also adopted tax abatements for new housing projects owned by Ryan Nagele, David & Rebecca Schulz, and Allen & Debra Fasbender.

• Approved cannabis retail registration for Michael Attleson d/b/a Hidden Gardens Micro (unanimous)
• Approved County Feedlot Officer 2025 report (unanimous)
• Authorized $500,000 ARPA fund transfer to Health and Human Services Fund
• Approved Minnesota Lawful Gambling LG214 premises permit for Blooming Prairie Fire Department Relief Association (unanimous)
• Approved tax abatement for Ryan Nagele’s shouse project
• Approved tax abatement for David & Rebecca Schulz’s single‑family home
• Approved tax abatement for Allen & Debra Fasbender’s manufactured home
• Approved appointment of Sarah Lonergan to the Mower County Extension Committee

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will receive a public works project update, followed by a monthly department update from County Engineer Mitch Wenum. After the updates, the board will address any miscellaneous business and walk‑in items before adjourning.

• Public Works Project Update
• Monthly Department Update from County Engineer Mitch Wenum
• Miscellaneous Business (walk‑ins)

The Mower County Board heard a presentation on a potential Public Works Facilities Project, with Options 2B and 5 evaluated and Option 2B recommended. The County Engineer also gave an update on revising the Snow & Ice Policy. No formal decisions, approvals, or votes were recorded during the work session.

Mower County Planning Commission