Nicollet public meetings in 2025

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Nicollet County Planning & Zoning Commission will meet in December to set the schedule for 2026. The agenda includes reviewing permits and approving minutes from the previous month.

• Approval of October 20, 2025 minutes
• Review of zoning permits
• Discussion of 2026 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting schedule
• Review of cancellations and additions
• Public appearances

The Planning & Zoning Advisory Commission approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The commission unanimously approved the 2026 Planning Commission meeting schedule. A motion to adjourn the meeting was carried.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (passed)
• Approved 2026 Planning Commission meeting schedule (unanimous)
• Motion to adjourn carried (passed)

Board of Adjustment & Appeals

The Board will meet to approve minutes and findings of fact from the November 17, 2025, meeting. The board is also scheduled to discuss the 2026 Board of Adjustments & Appeals meeting schedule.

• Approval of Findings of Fact for PLN 25-18: Wilcox
• Discussion of 2026 Board of Adjustments & Appeals Meeting Schedule

The Board of Adjustment & Appeals approved the November 17, 2025 minutes (vote tally not recorded). A unanimous 4‑0 vote approved the 2026 Board meeting schedule. The meeting was then adjourned after a carried vote.

• Approved November 17, 2025 minutes (vote tally not recorded)
• Approved 2026 Board of Adjustment & Appeals meeting schedule (4-0)
• Meeting adjourned (vote carried)

Tri-County Solid Waste

The Tri‑County Solid Waste Joint Powers Board will review a budget update and a solid‑waste plan update. It will consider new business items such as a Blue Earth County hazardous‑waste agreement involving Nicollet and Le Sueur, a Refuse‑Derived Fuel (RDF) discussion, LJP processing proposals, a Waste Management recycling extension, and a finance & rental agreement. The board will also vote on the 2026 collection schedule and approve a $5 coupon for residents.

• Blue Earth County Hazardous Waste agreement (Nicollet & Le Sueur)
• Blue Earth County Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) discussion
• LJP processing proposal(s)
• Waste Management recycling extension
• 2026 Collections & 2026 $5 coupon approval

The Tri‑County Solid Waste Board approved a 4% wage increase for the Directors position. The board adopted the current budget reports and a one‑year hazardous waste agreement with Blue Earth County. It also activated the 2026 finance and rental agreement extension and approved a $5 coupon for residents for the 2026 collections.

• Approved 4% wage increase for Directors (unanimous)
• Adopted current budget reports (unanimous)
• Approved one‑year Blue Earth County hazardous waste agreement (unanimous)
• Activated 2026 finance & rental agreement extension (unanimous)
• Approved $5 coupon for 2026 waste collections (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Advisory Commission has not convened on November 17, 2025. Consequently, no decisions, discussions, or public hearings are planned for this date. The agenda contains only mission and vision statements and indicates that the meeting is cancelled.

Board of Adjustment & Appeals

The Nicollet County Board of Adjustment & Appeals will approve the October 20, 2025 meeting minutes and findings of fact for several prior variance cases. It will also hold a public hearing on variance PLN25-18, which requests reducing the County right‑of‑way setback from 50 ft to 28 ft for a replacement septic system at the Riverview Heights Addition in Lafayette Township (Parcel 06.741.0015). No other business is listed.

• Approve minutes from the October 20, 2025 meeting
• Approve findings of fact for PLN 25‑13, PLN 25‑14, and PLN 25‑16
• Public hearing: variance PLN 25‑18 to reduce ROW setback from 50 ft to 28 ft for a septic system at Riverview Heights Addition, Lafayette Township (Parcel 06.741.0015)

The Board approved the November 17 meeting minutes. It also approved the Findings of Fact for items PLN25-13, PLN25-14, and PLN25-16, each with a 5‑0 vote. A variance request (PLN25-18) was considered and a motion to approve it with conditions was made, but the minutes do not record the final vote outcome.

• Approved meeting minutes (PASS)
• Approved Findings of Fact PLN25-13 (5‑0)
• Approved Findings of Fact PLN25-14 (5‑0)
• Approved Findings of Fact PLN25-16 (5‑0)
• Considered variance PLN25-18; vote outcome not recorded

Planning & Zoning Commission

The commission will review three requests for conditional use permits. These include proposals for a solar energy system, a dog training kennel, and a home occupation business.

• PLN25-12: Request for a 90-kWh ground-mounted solar energy system in Lake Prairie Township
• PLN25-15: Request for a dog training kennel in Belgrade Township
• PLN25-17: Request for a Level 2 Home Occupation in Nicollet Township

The Planning & Zoning Advisory Commission voted to recommend approval, with conditions, of three conditional‑use applications. The solar energy system (PLN25‑12) was approved 5‑0, the dog‑training kennel (PLN25‑15) was approved 5‑0, and the home‑occupation electrical contracting business (PLN25‑17) was approved 3‑0. All approvals were adopted with the listed conditions.

• Approved PLN25-12 solar energy conditional use permit (5‑0)
• Adopted findings of fact for PLN25-12 (5‑0)
• Approved PLN25-15 dog training kennel conditional use permit (5‑0)
• Adopted findings of fact for PLN25-15 (5‑0)
• Approved PLN25-17 electrical contracting home‑occupation conditional use permit (3‑0)

Board of Adjustment & Appeals

The Board will consider three variance requests regarding property setbacks and home occupations. The body will also vote on the approval of findings of fact for two previous cases.

• PLN25-13: Request to reduce County right-of-way setback from 50 ft. to 14 ft. for replacement SSTS in Lake Prairie Township
• PLN25-14: Request to reduce property line setbacks for a training kennel from 100 ft. to 1.3 ft. and 36 ft. in Belgrade Township
• PLN25-16: Request for a Level 2 Home Occupation variance in the Conservancy Zoning District
• Approval of Findings of Fact for PLN 25-09 (Cordes) and PLN 25-10 (Annexstad)

The Board of Adjustment & Appeals approved three variance requests—PLN25-13 for Waldbaum Company, PLN25-14 for the Engel family, and PLN25-16 for Andrew Emich—with specified conditions. Each motion passed unanimously (4‑0 for the first two, 3‑0 for the third). The board also approved prior meeting minutes and a motion to adjourn failed.

• Approved PLN25-13 variance for Waldbaum Company (4-0)
• Approved PLN25-14 variance for Engel family (4-0)
• Approved PLN25-16 variance for Andrew Emich (3-0)
• Approved August 18, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approved September 15, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approved September 23, 2025 meeting minutes
• Motion to adjourn the meeting failed

Planning & Zoning Commission

The commission will hold a public hearing to consider a three‑year renewal of a Conditional Use Permit (PLN25-11) for a mineral extraction operation owned by the Kohn family and operated by M.R. Paving & Excavating. The request covers parcels 04.201.0205, 04.201.0100 and 04.201.0605 in Courtland Township and must meet Nicollet County Zoning Ordinance requirements. The commission will review bond amounts, compliance with the existing NPDES permit, and operating hour limits.

• Public hearing on PLN25-11: 3‑year renewal of conditional use permit for mineral extraction
• Bond required at $2,500 per acre for active and unreclaimed mining acres
• Performance bond or irrevocable letter of credit must extend at least one year beyond permit expiration
• NPDES permit for the site issued May 19, 2023, valid through Dec 2, 2026
• Operating hours limited to 7 a.m.–7 p.m. weekdays and 7 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturdays

The Planning & Zoning Advisory Commission voted 7‑0 to recommend approval of a three‑year renewal conditional use permit for Adam Hoffmann’s mineral extraction operation, adding specific conditions. The commission also voted 7‑0 to adopt the findings of fact supporting the permit. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Recommended approval of 3‑year mineral extraction permit with conditions (vote 7‑0)
• Adopted findings of fact for the permit (vote 7‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (carried)

Board of Adjustment & Appeals

The Board of Adjustment & Appeals will hear a request to reduce the minimum lot size from 10 acres to 8.41 acres for a property in the Conservancy Zoning District. The applicant, Wade Cordes, is seeking the variance because the land became unbuildable after a portion was sold for a highway expansion.

• Public hearing for variance PLN25-09 to reduce lot size to 8.41 acres
• Public hearing for variance PLN25-10 to reduce lot size to 3.5 acres
• Hearing continued from September 15, 2025
• Applicant: Wade Cordes
• Applicant: Eric Annexstad

The Nicollet Board of Adjustment & Appeals denied variance request PLN25-10 to reduce the minimum lot size to 3.5 acres in the Conservancy Zoning District, voting 5‑0. No public testimony was presented. A motion to adjourn the meeting was not carried.

• Denied variance PLN25-10 (5-0 vote)
• Adjournment motion failed

Planning & Zoning Commission

The commission is taking action to continue the entire agenda to September 23, 2025. This includes a postponed public hearing regarding a mineral extraction operation.

• Continuation of public hearing PLN25-11 for a 3-year Conditional Use Permit renewal for a mineral extraction operation in Courtland Township (Applicant: Adam Hoffmann, M.R. Paving & Excavating, Inc.)

The commission did not take any formal action because the meeting notice was not published with sufficient time. All items, including a conditional use permit renewal request, were continued to the September 23, 2025 meeting. The meeting was adjourned after a motion to adjourn was carried.

• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

Board of Adjustment & Appeals

The Board of Adjustment & Appeals will continue its agenda in full to September 23, 2025. Two public hearings—PLN25-09 for Wade Cordes and PLN25-10 for Eric Annexstad—are being postponed to that date. The board will also approve the minutes from the August 18, 2025 meeting. No cancellations or additions were reported.

• Action to continue the agenda in its entirety to September 23, 2025
• Public hearing PLN25-09 continued: variance to reduce minimum lot size to 8.41 acres in the Conservancy Zoning District, SE ¼ of NW ¼ of Section 35-110-30, Courtland Township, Parcel 04.035.0500
• Public hearing PLN25-10 continued: variance to reduce minimum lot size to 3.5 acres in the Conservancy Zoning District, SE ¼ of NE ¼ of SE ¼ of Section 19-111-27, Lake Prairie Township, Parcel 07.019.1805
• Approval of minutes from the August 18, 2025 meeting
• No cancellations or additions listed

The Board did not take any formal action because the meeting notice was not published with sufficient time. All pending variance hearings were continued to September 23, 2025. The motion to adjourn the meeting was carried. No other business was addressed.

• Continued variance hearings (PLN25-09, PLN25-10) to September 23, 2025
• Motion to adjourn the meeting carried

MN River - Mankato Watershed: Policy Committee

The Minnesota River–Mankato Watershed Policy Committee met on June 9, 2025 to review and approve minutes, financials, and internal plan revisions. Members discussed forming a joint powers collaborative to implement the One Watershed, One Plan, with Nicollet SWCD designated as the administrator and fiscal agent. The committee also set a 60-day formal review period starting September 8, 2025, followed by a public hearing on December 15, 2025.

• Vote to form a joint powers collaborative agreement (7-2)
• Nicollet SWCD selected as administrator and fiscal agent for plan implementation
• 60-day formal review period begins September 8, 2025
• Public hearing scheduled for December 15, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.
• Grant spending reported at 50.1% of total funds

The committee approved its agenda, financial report and invoices, and the June 9 minutes unanimously. It then voted unanimously to advance the plan to a 60‑day Formal Review (Sept 8‑Nov 7). A 9‑1 vote approved adding a dues‑percentage calculation to the draft Joint Powers Agreement, and the next meeting was scheduled for Dec 15 after the public hearing.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved financial report and four invoices for payment (unanimous)
• Approved June 9, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Moved plan to 60‑day Formal Review (Sept 8‑Nov 7) (unanimous)
• Approved calculation of percentage dues in draft JPA (9‑1)
• Scheduled next Policy Committee meeting for Dec 15 after public hearing (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Tri-County Solid Waste

The Joint Powers Board will discuss waste management plans, budget updates, and recycling coordination. The meeting includes reviews of spring collections and hazardous waste updates for multiple counties.

• Budget update as of 07/31/25
• Le Sueur, Sibley & Scott County HHW RUA for 2026
• Nicollet County 2025 wage adjustment review
• City of St. Peter Sustainability Task Force discussion
• Fall mobile collections review

The Tri‑County Solid Waste Board unanimously approved the May 21, 2025 meeting minutes and the current agenda. They also approved the current budget reports. The next regular quarterly meeting was scheduled for November 19, 2025, and the board adjourned.

• Approved May 21, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved current budget reports (unanimous)
• Scheduled next quarterly meeting for November 19, 2025 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Nicollet County Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a Conditional Use Permit for United Farmers Cooperative to construct a 107-foot grinding leg at their facility on Minnesota Highway 15.

• Public hearing for PLN25-08: grinding leg over 100 feet
• Conditional Use Permit request for United Farmers Cooperative
• Location: 577th Lane, Lafayette Township
• Review of July 21, 2025 Planning & Zoning minutes
• County Board action scheduled for August 26, 2025

The Planning & Zoning Advisory Commission held a public hearing on United Farmers Cooperative’s request to construct a 100‑foot grinding leg in the Limited Industry district. After staff presentation and discussion, the commission voted 4‑0 to recommend approval with conditions and also 4‑0 to adopt the related findings of fact, thereby approving the conditional use permit. The commission also approved the prior meeting minutes and adjourned the session.

• Approved July 21, 2025 minutes (vote passed)
• Recommended approval of UFC conditional use permit with conditions (vote 4-0)
• Adopted findings of fact for the permit (vote 4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

Board of Adjustment & Appeals

The Board of Adjustment & Appeals will meet to approve the minutes and findings of fact from its July 21, 2025, meeting. The agenda consists primarily of procedural approvals and standard business items.

• Approval of findings of fact for PLN 25-05 (Manderfeld / City of New Ulm)
• Approval of findings of fact for PLN 25-07 (Nachreiner)
• Approval of July 21, 2025, meeting minutes

The Board of Adjustment & Appeals approved the meeting minutes with revisions. It also approved the Findings of Fact for PLN25-05 concerning the City of New Ulm. Other motions were noted but no outcomes were recorded in the minutes.

• Approved minutes with revisions (vote not recorded)
• Approved Findings of Fact PLN25-05, City of New Ulm (vote not recorded)
• Approved Findings of Fact PLN25-07, Nachreiner (vote not recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (vote not recorded)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a request from the New Ulm Public Utilities Commission. The body is considering a conditional use permit to construct two replacement water wells in the Floodplain Zoning District.

• Public hearing for PLN25-06: Conditional Use Permit for two public utility water wells
• Project location: Sublot 8 of the Government Lot 11 Subdivision of Section 21-110-30 in Courtland Township
• Applicant: Kris Manderfeld, New Ulm Public Utilities Commission
• Landowner: City of New Ulm

The Planning & Zoning Advisory Commission approved the minutes from the June 16, 2025 meeting. It then approved, with conditions, a Conditional Use Permit (PLN25-06) for Kris Manderfeld to construct two public‑utility water wells, adopting the accompanying findings of fact. The commission also voted to adjourn the meeting.

• Approved June 16, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for two water wells with conditions (6‑0)
• Adopted findings of fact for the conditional use permit
• Adjourned meeting

Board of Adjustment & Appeals

The Board of Adjustment & Appeals will hold public hearings regarding two variance requests. One involves the City of New Ulm's request to build a wellhead house in a floodplain, and the other concerns residential setbacks in Lafayette Township.

• PLN25-05: Variance for New Ulm Public Utilities Commission to build an accessory structure (wellhead house) in the Floodplain Zoning District at Sublot 8, Government Lot 11, Section 21-110-30
• PLN25-07: Variance for Mike & Niki Nachreiner to reduce side yard setback from 20' to 9.1' for a home addition and road right-of-way setback from 50' to 40.2' for a deck in Lafayette Township

The Board of Adjustment & Appeals approved the June 16, 2025 meeting minutes. It then approved variance PLN25-05 for Kris Manderfeld’s accessory structure in the Floodplain Zoning District, adding five conditions, with a 5‑0 vote. Finally, it approved variance PLN25-07 for Mike and Niki Nachreiner’s side‑yard and road right‑of‑way setback reductions, also with five conditions and a 5‑0 vote.

• Approved June 16, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved variance PLN25-05 for accessory structure in Floodplain Zoning District with five conditions (5-0)
• Approved variance PLN25-07 for side‑yard and road right‑of‑way setback reductions with five conditions (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (vote to adjourn)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a request by Dennis Michels to expand gravel parking for equipment storage at Sawmill Campground. The proposal includes eight new parking areas and a new driveway loop totaling approximately 0.6 acre of new gravel.

• Public hearing for PLN25-04: expansion of gravel parking for Sawmill Campground in Belgrade Township
• Proposed addition of 0.6 acre of new gravel for storage sites and a driveway loop
• Review of zoning permits
• Approval of May 19, 2025 meeting minutes

The commission voted 4‑0 to amend condition 7 of the Conditional Use Permit to allow storage of recreational camping vehicles. It then recommended approval of the permit with a list of conditions, also by a 4‑0 vote. The findings of fact supporting the permit were adopted with a 4‑0 vote, and the meeting minutes were approved 4‑0.

• Amended condition 7 to include “or for the storage of recreational camping vehicles” (4-0)
• Recommended approval of the conditional use permit with conditions (4-0)
• Adopted findings of fact for the permit (4-0)
• Approved meeting minutes (4-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (4-0)

Board of Adjustment & Appeals

The Board of Adjustment & Appeals will meet to approve minutes and findings of fact from the May 19 meeting. The session includes opportunities for public appearances and the discussion of old and other business.

• Approval of Findings of Fact for PLN 25-03: Bruihler

The Board of Adjustment & Appeals did not approve the meeting minutes, recording a failed vote. The motion to approve Findings of Fact (PLN25-03, Bruhler) was marked as FAIL with a 3‑0 vote tally. The motion to adjourn the meeting also failed.

• Minutes approval vote failed (vote outcome not listed)
• Findings of Fact (PLN25-03, Bruhler) marked FAIL, vote 3-0
• Adjournment motion failed (vote outcome not listed)

MN River - Mankato Watershed: Policy Committee

The Policy Committee is meeting to discuss the structure of formal agreements and a proposal from the Nicollet SWCD. The body will also introduce the internal review process for the watershed plan.

• Discussion of Nicollet SWCD Proposal
• Discussion of Formal Agreement Structure
• Introduction of Internal Review (scheduled June 6th – July 7th)

The Policy Committee approved the May 12 meeting minutes and the financial report with invoice unanimously. Members voted 7‑2 to form a joint powers collaborative agreement and then unanimously designated the Nicollet Soil & Water Conservation District as the collaboration’s administrator and fiscal agent. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved May 12 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved financial report and invoice for payment (unanimous)
• Formed joint powers collaborative agreement (vote 7-2)
• Designated Nicollet SWCD as administrator and fiscal agent (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Tri-County Solid Waste

The Tri-County Solid Waste Joint Powers Board meets to review the 2025 budget status, solid waste planning updates, and regional recycling contracts. The board also discusses household hazardous waste collections, tire and appliance recycling, and rural recycling program coordination.

• 2025 budget update as of April 30 with $37,220.23 net variance
• Household hazardous waste (HHW) regional contracts with Blue Earth and McLeod Counties under discussion
• Tire and appliance collection fees increased to $1,025 per event and $425 per ton with Liberty Tire
• Waste Management Rural Recycling Agreement extension proposed
• Nicollet County 2025 staff 2% increase discussed

The Tri‑County Solid Waste Board unanimously approved the February 19, 2025 meeting minutes and the meeting agenda. The board also approved the current budget activity and expense reports. Commissioners voted to approve a two‑year extension of the rural recycling agreement with Waste Management. All other items were informational and no further actions were taken.

• Approved February 19, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved current budget activity and expense reports (unanimous)
• Approved two‑year extension of rural recycling agreement (unanimous)
• Adopted motion to adjourn the meeting (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a request by Aaron Helget to establish a horse stable business. The proposed 'Helget Ranch' would offer boarding, lessons, training, and farrier services.

• Public hearing for PLN25-02: Horse stable request at Part of the Northeast ¼, Section 35-111-30, Lafayette Township
• Proposed boarding for 10 to 20 horses
• Proposed riding arena with lighting and expanded pen and pasture areas
• Introduction of Planning & Zoning Commission member Randy King

The Planning & Zoning Advisory Commission voted 7‑0 to recommend approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a stable at 39246 561st Avenue, New Ulm, subject to specific conditions. The commission also adopted the findings of fact for the application by a 7‑0 vote. Minutes from the January 28, 2025 meeting were approved and the session was adjourned.

• Recommended approval of Conditional Use Permit for stable at 39246 561st Ave, New Ulm, with conditions (7-0)
• Adopted findings of fact for the application (7-0)
• Approved January 28, 2025 meeting minutes
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

Board of Adjustment & Appeals

The Board of Adjustment & Appeals will hold a public hearing regarding a request to reduce a side-yard property line setback to 0 feet. This would allow the applicants to build a new dwelling across the shared property line of two parcels.

• Public hearing PLN25-03: request to reduce side-yard setback from 20 feet to 0 feet for Carl & Mary Kay Bruihler
• Proposed construction of a new dwelling on Block 4, Lots 1 & 2, Riverview Hills North Subdivision

The board approved the meeting minutes with a 5‑0 vote. It also approved a variance to reduce the side‑yard setback to 0 feet between two parcels at 37697 Valley View Road, applying only to the shared property line of Lots 1 and 2, Block 4, with several conditions. The meeting was adjourned with a 5‑0 vote.

• Approved meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved side‑yard setback variance for Bruihler property with conditions (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

MN River - Mankato Watershed: Policy Committee

The Policy Committee will discuss formal agreements for the Minnesota River-Mankato watershed plan, review draft action tables, implementation programs, and plan administration sections. The meeting also covers approval of agenda, minutes, financials, and updates on milestones and timeline. A public hearing date was revised from December 8 to December 15.

• Discussion of formal agreements for watershed plan implementation (75 min)
• Approval of updated Action Tables, Section 6 (Implementation Programs), and Section 7 (Plan Administration)
• Public hearing date changed from Dec 8 to Dec 15 (from April minutes)
• Estimated annual funding for watershed projects between $200,000 and $500,000
• Internal review targeted for August, followed by 60-day public review starting September

The Policy Committee approved the meeting agenda and the corrected April 14, 2025 minutes, each by a 6‑0 vote. It also approved the financials and two invoices with a 6‑0 vote. A motion to proceed to internal review of Plan Section 5, pending Steering Team sign‑off, passed unanimously (7‑0). The meeting was adjourned by a 7‑0 vote.

• Approve agenda (6-0)
• Approve corrected April 14, 2025 minutes (6-0)
• Approve financials and invoices (6-0)
• Proceed to internal review of Plan Section 5 pending Steering Team sign‑off (7-0)
• Adjourn meeting (7-0)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The April 21, 2025 meeting of the Nicollet County Planning and Zoning Advisory Commission is cancelled; no items will be discussed or decided.

Board of Adjustment & Appeals

The agenda for the April 21, 2025 meeting of the Nicollet County Board of Adjustment and Appeals states that there is no meeting. No items are scheduled for discussion or decision at this time.

• Agenda indicates 'NO MEETING' — no business to conduct

MN River - Mankato Watershed: Policy Committee

The Minnesota River-Mankato Policy Committee will vote to approve the Measurable Goals section as a working draft, which sets 10-year targets for nutrients, sediment, groundwater, stormwater, soil health, invasive species, and water storage. They will also discuss the draft Action Table outlining responsible parties, timing, and costs, and review next steps for implementation schedule, programs, and formal agreements. Financial reports showing $57,124.01 in expenditures will be approved.

• Approve Section 4: Measurable Goals with 10-year targets (e.g., reduce phosphorus and nitrogen by X%, add X acre-feet water storage)
• Discuss draft Action Table with timing, responsible parties, and cost estimates
• Approve financials: $57,124.01 spent of $242,880.00 grant as of 12/31/2024
• Priority resources include Shanaska Creek, Seven Mile Creek, Crystal Lake, and other lakes and streams
• Next steps: Steering Committee April 23, Policy Committee May 12, public hearing in December

The committee approved the agenda and the February 10, 2025 meeting minutes by a 7‑0 vote. It also approved the financial statements by a 7‑0 vote. The December public hearing date was changed from the 8th to the 15th. A motion to move Section 4 forward as a working draft passed unanimously (7‑0).

• Approved agenda and February 10, 2025 minutes (7-0)
• Approved financial statements (7-0)
• Revised December public hearing date to the 15th
• Moved Section 4 forward as a working draft (7-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (7-0)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The agenda indicates that no meeting will be held on March 17, 2025. No items are scheduled for decision or discussion.

Board of Adjustment & Appeals

The Nicollet County Board of Adjustment and Appeals has no meeting on this date. The agenda explicitly states 'NO MEETING', so no items were discussed or decided.

Board of Commissioners

The Nicollet County Board of Commissioners will consider issuing Requests for Proposals for Statewide Affordable Housing Aid and for site assessment and master planning services for the Public Works Campus. They will also consider a mutual release agreement with Amberfield Properties. The Drainage Authority will hold a closed session to discuss potential litigation on Ditches 33 and 51.

• Consider issuing RFP for Statewide Affordable Housing Aid
• Consider issuing RFP for site assessment and master planning for Public Works Campus
• Consider South Central Multi-County HRA Mutual Release Agreement with Amberfield Properties
• Drainage Authority closed session to discuss potential litigation on Ditches 33 and 51
• Consent agenda includes lease with Belgrade Township and approval of bills

Tri-County Solid Waste

The Tri-County Solid Waste Joint Powers Board will meet to elect officers and review the 2025 approved budget. The board will also discuss 2025 gate rate charges and the mobile collection schedule.

• Approval of vendor contract quotes for tires, appliances, and electronics
• Review of 2025 gate rate charges
• Review of 2025 mobile collection schedule
• Update on the Solid Waste Plan involving MPCA, WTE, CON, GVT, BEC, and Region 9
• Discussion of the Le Sueur Transfer Station update

The Tri-County Solid Waste Joint Power Board met on February 19, 2025, and approved several contracts and fees. They selected the Saint Peter Herald as the official newspaper, approved vendor bids for tire recycling and mattress disposal, and kept 2025 gate rates unchanged. The board also reviewed the 2024 year-end budget and the 2025 budget, with no changes made.

• Elected Commissioner Rohlfing as Chair and Commissioner Dranttel as Vice Chair (all in favor)
• Approved Saint Peter Herald as official newspaper at $4.50 per column inch (all in favor)
• Approved Liberty Tire bids: grapple fee $1,025 per event, tire recycling $425 per ton (all in favor)
• Approved Second Chance Recycling bid at $15 per mattress (all in favor)
• Kept 2025 gate rates same as 2024 (all in favor)
• Approved agenda and November 20, 2024 meeting minutes (all in favor)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Nicollet County Planning and Zoning Advisory Commission did not hold a meeting on February 18, 2025. The agenda indicates no items were discussed or decided.

Board of Adjustment & Appeals

The Board of Adjustment and Appeals meeting for February 18, 2025, is cancelled.

Board of Commissioners

The board will consider a conditional use permit for the Nelson Point Wildlife Association, discuss a delegation agreement related to cannabis zoning for Lake Prairie Township, and hold a public hearing on the CD38A Preliminary Engineers Report for drainage. Several consent agenda items include a $24,580 emergency management grant and a gambling permit for Ducks Unlimited.

• PLN25-01: Conditional Use Permit with Findings of Fact for Nelson Point Wildlife Association
• Public hearing on CD38A Preliminary Engineers Report for drainage
• Consider Delegation Agreement related to cannabis zoning and land use for Lake Prairie Township
• Consider MnDOT Detour Agreement No. 1058282 and Resolution
• Consider 2023 Emergency Management Performance Grant ($24,580)

The Nicollet County Board of Commissioners met on February 11, 2025, and approved all agenda items unanimously. Key approvals included a MnDOT detour agreement for TH 22 traffic onto CSAH 15, a conditional use permit for Nelson Point Wildlife Association, two South Central Community Based Initiative purchase of service agreements, the re-appointment of the Veteran Services Officer, an architectural services agreement for the Health and Human Services building remodel, and a cannabis zoning delegation agreement with Lake Prairie Township. The board also received an informational update on proposed state cost shifts that could increase county costs.

• Approved MnDOT Detour Agreement No. 1058282 for TH 22 onto CSAH 15 (unanimous)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Nelson Point Wildlife Association hunting shack replacement (unanimous)
• Approved South Central Community Based Initiative 2025-2026 Purchase of Service Agreement (unanimous)
• Approved South Central Community Based Initiative Quarter 01 2025 Purchase of Service Agreement (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution to Re-Appoint Veteran Services Officer Nathan Tish for four-year term (unanimous)
• Approved AIA Document B132-2019 with Vetter Johnson Architects for HHS building remodel (unanimous)
• Approved Delegation Agreement for Cannabis Zoning and Land Use with Lake Prairie Township (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants totaling $392,967.37 (unanimous)

Drainage Authority

The Nicollet County Drainage Authority held a public hearing on the proposed improvement of County Ditch 38A, receiving a Preliminary Engineer's Report from Houston Engineering. The board approved the report and the required findings to order a detailed survey and report, and appointed Houston Engineering to prepare the final report. They also appointed viewers to determine benefits for landowners.

• Public hearing held for CD38A Preliminary Engineer's Report
• Approved Preliminary Engineer's Survey Report and ordered a Detailed Survey and Report
• Appointed Houston Engineering Inc. to prepare the Final Engineers Report
• Appointed Mark Berends and team as viewers to determine landowner benefits
• Received and read Minnesota DNR letter dated February 6, 2025 regarding the project

The Nicollet County Drainage Authority held a public hearing on the proposed improvements to County Ditch 38A, receiving presentations from the engineer and responses to a DNR letter. After public comments, the board unanimously approved the Preliminary Engineer's Survey Report and ordered a Detailed Survey and Detailed Survey Report. The board also appointed Houston Engineering Inc. to prepare the Final Engineers Report and appointed viewers to determine landowner benefits.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including January 28, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved CD38A Preliminary Engineers Survey Report and ordered Detailed Survey (unanimous roll call)
• Appointed Houston Engineering Inc. to prepare Final Engineers Report (unanimous)
• Appointed Mark Berends and team as viewers for landowner benefits (unanimous)

MN River - Mankato Watershed: Policy Committee

The Policy Committee will meet to approve the agenda, minutes, and financials from the previous meeting. The main discussion is introducing the draft 'Section 4: Measurable Goals' for the One Watershed, One Plan, which is still under Steering Committee review. Next steps include discussing the targeted implementation schedule, implementation programs, and formal agreements.

• Approve agenda, minutes, and financials from December 9, 2024 meeting
• Introduce draft Section 4: Measurable Goals for the watershed plan
• Discuss Targeted Implementation Schedule and Implementation Programs
• Review milestones and timeline for plan completion

The committee approved the agenda, corrected December 2024 minutes, and approved a Houston Engineering invoice, all by 6-0 votes. They also moved the December 2025 meeting from December 8 to December 15. The committee reviewed the draft 2025 grant timeline, with key milestones including a public review starting in September and a public hearing in December.

• Approved agenda and corrected December 31, 2024 minutes (6-0)
• Approved Houston Engineering invoice (6-0)
• Moved December 2025 meeting from December 8 to December 15 (6-0)

Drainage Authority

The Nicollet County Drainage Authority held a regular session following the Board of Commissioners meeting. Commissioners approved the agenda and the consent agenda, which included only the minutes from the January 7 meeting. No public appearances were made, and the meeting adjourned at 9:17 a.m. The session was entirely procedural with no substantive decisions or discussions.

The Nicollet County Drainage Authority met on January 28, 2025, and approved its agenda and the consent agenda, which included the January 7, 2025 minutes. No public appearances were made, and the meeting adjourned at 9:17 a.m. No substantive decisions were made beyond routine approvals.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including January 7, 2025 minutes (unanimous)

Board of Adjustment & Appeals

The Board of Adjustment & Appeals will hold a procedural meeting to elect a Chair and Vice Chair for 2025, review cancellations, and approve the December 2024 minutes. No public hearings or land-use decisions are on the agenda.

• Election of 2025 Board Chair and Vice Chair
• Approval of December 16, 2024 meeting minutes
• Review of cancellations and additions

The Board of Adjustment & Appeals held a regular monthly meeting with all four members present. The board elected Randy Schwab as Chair and Jon Thoreson as Vice Chair, both by unanimous 4-0 votes. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was procedural only.

• Elected Randy Schwab as Chair (4-0)
• Elected Jon Thoreson as Vice Chair (4-0)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Advisory Commission will hold a public hearing on a conditional use permit (PLN25-01) to replace an existing hunting shack with a larger prefabricated unit on Nelson Point, Brighton Township. The commission will also elect a chair and vice chair for 2025 and approve minutes from the December 2024 meeting.

• Public hearing on PLN25-01: replace a circa-1940 24'x22' hunting shack with a 22'x33' prefabricated unit on Nelson Point (parcel 03.023.1200).
• Applicant Alex Turbes; landowner Nelson Point Wildlife Association, Inc.
• Shack will have no well, running water, or septic system; uses existing pit toilet outhouse.
• Setback from Swan Lake is 76 feet (allowed due to neighbor setbacks) and elevation 983.7 feet (3+ feet above OHWL).
• Election of 2025 Commission Chair and Vice Chair.

The Board of Adjustment & Appeals held a regular meeting with no substantive public business. Members unanimously elected Randy Schwab as Chair and Jon Thoreson as Vice Chair. No other decisions were made; all other agenda items were marked as none.

• Elected Randy Schwab as Chair (4-0)
• Elected Jon Thoreson as Vice Chair (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Nicollet County Board of Commissioners will meet January 28 to approve routine consent items, including a gambling permit and out-of-state travel request. They will consider final acceptance and payment for the 2024 Highway Stripping Project, approve a resolution for Quarter 4 2024 donations, and amend committee assignments and per diem meeting rules. A brief Drainage Authority meeting will follow the board adjournment.

• Consider final acceptance and payment for 2024 Highway Stripping Project
• Resolution to approve Quarter 4 2024 Donations
• Amendment to the resolution establishing 2025 committee and board assignments and per diem meetings
• Approval of MN Deer Hunters Association gambling permit (consent agenda)
• Consider out-of-state travel request for Veterans Services

The Nicollet County Board of Commissioners approved the final acceptance and payment of $42,526.88 to Sir Lines-A-Lot for the 2024 Highway Striping Project. They also approved the Quarter 4 2024 Donations resolution and amended the 2025 committee assignments, appointing David Hanson and Marie Dranttel to new roles. All other agenda items, including the consent agenda and per diem expenses, were approved unanimously.

• Approved final payment of $42,526.88 for 2024 Highway Striping Project (unanimous)
• Approved Quarter 4 2024 Donations resolution (unanimous roll call)
• Amended 2025 committee assignments, appointing David Hanson and Marie Dranttel (4-1 roll call)
• Approved consent agenda including bills and warrants (unanimous)
• Approved per diems and expenses for commissioner meetings (unanimous)

Board Workshops

The Nicollet County Board will hold a workshop on January 21, 2025. Agenda items include a presentation from David Drown & Associates on the BRAT Project, a total compensation assessment update. The board will also hear from the Nicollet Soil and Water Conservation District on 2024 activities. No votes are scheduled; this is a discussion session.

• Introduction of new employees
• David Drown & Associates BRAT Project total compensation assessment update
• Nicollet SWCD 2024 activities report

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will elect a Chair and Vice-Chair and consider several 2025 administrative resolutions, including meeting schedules and procurement policies. The session includes reviews of health service contracts and cannabis zoning agreements for Ridgely and Courtland Townships.

• Election of 2025 Board Chair and Vice-Chair
• Cannabis zoning and land use delegation agreements for Ridgely and Courtland Townships
• 2025 State of Minnesota Federal Boating Safety Supplemental Equipment Grant Contract
• Appointment of Cassandra Sassenberg as Community Health Services Administrator
• Setting a public hearing date for CD38A Preliminary Engineers Report

The Nicollet County Board of Commissioners held its regular session on January 7, 2025, and unanimously approved all agenda items. The board elected Commissioner Dranttel as Chair and Commissioner Dehen as Vice Chair for 2025. It approved the consent agenda, including warrants totaling over $1.1 million, and several resolutions covering employee recognition funds, procurement policies, EFT authority, health services contracts, the 2025 gopher bounty at $1.00 per gopher, and the official newspaper designation. No public appearances were made, and no items were denied or tabled.

• Elected Commissioner Dranttel as 2025 Board Chair (unanimous)
• Elected Commissioner Dehen as 2025 Board Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants: General Revenue $467,783.58, Road & Bridge $345,971.06, Human Services $299,941.67 (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 Federal Boating Safety Supplemental Equipment Grant Contract Agreement (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution for County Funds for Employee Recognition Events (unanimous roll call)
• Approved amended Procurement Policies and Federal Grant Procurement Policy (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution to Delegate EFT Authority (unanimous roll call)
• Approved 2025 Gopher Bounty at $1.00 per gopher (unanimous roll call)

Drainage Authority

The Nicollet County Drainage Authority set a public hearing for February 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. to consider the CD38A Preliminary Engineers Report. The meeting also approved the prior session's minutes and adjourned quickly with no public comments.

• Public hearing set for CD38A Preliminary Engineers Report on Feb. 11, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
• December 17, 2024 minutes approved as part of consent agenda
• Agenda amended to add the public hearing request

The Nicollet County Drainage Authority approved its agenda and consent agenda, and set a public hearing for February 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. to consider the CD38A Preliminary Engineers Report. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved agenda with added item to set hearing date (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including Dec. 17, 2024 minutes (unanimous)
• Set public hearing for CD38A Preliminary Engineers Report to Feb. 11, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (unanimous)