Rice County public meetings in 2021

Board of Commissioners

The Rice County Board of Commissioners will meet to approve routine items and set 2022 salaries for the sheriff, county attorney, and commissioners. They will also consider renewing contracts for physical therapy and registered nurse services, accepting donations for children and families, and approving a final payment for a highway construction contract.

• Setting 2022 salary for Rice County Sheriff
• Setting 2022 salary for County Attorney
• Setting 2022 Commissioner Salary & Per Diem
• Final payment to RAW Construction LLC, Contract #21-50
• Ratification of MOA to continue Emergency Paid Sick Leave

The Rice County Board of Commissioners met on December 28, 2021, and approved a consent agenda that included $2,268,385.06 in bills, personnel appointments, and other routine items. They also approved a $26,650 annual contract for a Zix security suite, disaster abatement credits for two taxpayers, and several health and social services agreements. Resolutions were adopted to set salaries for the Sheriff, County Attorney, and Commissioners for 2022, and the board approved continuing emergency paid sick leave for both union and non-union employees. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

• Approved CIT quote for Zix security suite at $26,650/year (5-0)
• Approved disaster abatement credits for two taxpayers (5-0)
• Approved renewal agreement for home-based physical therapy with Kristin Cook (5-0)
• Approved agreements with RNs Gail Hoxie-Setterstrom and Jane Egerdal (5-0)
• Approved final payment of $28,031.04 to RAW Construction LLC (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including $2,268,385.06 in bills and personnel appointments (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution #21-052 setting Sheriff's salary (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution #21-057 setting County Attorney's salary (5-0)

Committee of the Whole

The Rice County Committee of the Whole will hold a work session to discuss the 2022 salary for the Attorney's Office, receive updates from Finance and Highway departments, and review the schedule for the Public Safety Building Project. Public comments are limited to two minutes per person.

• 2022 salary discussion for Attorney's Office
• Finance Department update
• Review of Public Safety Building Project schedule
• Highway updates

Board of Commissioners

The Rice County Board of Commissioners will vote on the 2022 budget and property tax levy, as well as the 2022 fee schedule. They will also consider several resolutions, including adopting the Greater Zumbro Watershed Management Plan, approving an opioid settlement, and applying for a voting equipment grant. Other items include appointments, plat waivers, and various contracts and payments.

• Resolution #21-056: Levying tax on taxable property & adopting 2022 budget
• 2022 Fee Schedule
• Resolution #21-050: Adopt Greater Zumbro Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan
• Resolution #21-055: Approving Nationwide Opioid Settlement
• Final payments for highway contracts: #2175 (Richland Township bridge), #2171 (Crane Creek asphalt), #2173 (County 6 pavement)

The Rice County Board of Commissioners approved the 2022 budget and tax levy, along with the 2022 fee schedule. They also approved several contracts, grants, and appointments, including a watershed management plan, a voting equipment grant application, and a conference room technology installation. All decisions were approved unanimously except for a few items where Commissioner Malecha dissented.

• Adopted Resolution #21-056 levying tax and adopting 2022 budget (5-0)
• Approved 2022 Fee Schedule (5-0)
• Adopted Greater Zumbro Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan (5-0)
• Approved conference room technology installation not to exceed $38,925.52 (5-0)
• Approved final payment of $148,834.25 to BCM Construction for bridge replacement (5-0)
• Approved final payment of $79,676.97 to Crane Creek Asphalt (5-0)
• Approved final payment of $24,075.10 to McNamara Contracting for bituminous rehab (5-0)
• Approved Public Safety Center Schematic Design (4-1)

Committee of the Whole

The Rice County Committee of the Whole is meeting for a work session. The only substantive item is a public hearing on the 2022 Truth in Taxation, where residents can comment on the proposed property tax levy. Public comments are limited to two minutes per person.

• 2022 Truth in Taxation public hearing
• Public comments limited to 2 minutes per person

Board of Adjustment

The Rice County Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on four variance applications. The board will decide whether to approve, deny, or continue each request after hearing from staff, applicants, and the public. The items involve property in Wheatland, Morristown, and Wells townships.

• Variance for 720-sqft garage (600-sqft over limit) and 2-ft setback variance at 10845 Union Lake Trail, Montgomery (PID 01.33.2.50.001)
• Variance for 3,872-sqft agricultural storage building (2,672-sqft over limit) and 7-ft height variance (23-ft peak) in Wheatland Township (PID 01.32.2.25.001)
• Two 5-ft setback variances for new property line between buildings at 7822 and 7823 3260th St W, Morristown (PID 13.36.2.00.001)
• Four variances from 100-ft minimum lot width for replatted lots in Jasinki Landing and French Lake Park subdivisions, Wells Township (multiple PIDs)

Planning Commission

The Rice County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on three land-use applications: two waivers of plat using Transfer Development Rights and one preliminary plat for a subdivision replat. The commission will make recommendations on these items, which will then go to the County Board on December 14, 2021.

• Waiver of Plat for Mark Pavek to create a 1.65-acre parcel via TDR in Webster Township (PID 02.03.1.75.003)
• Preliminary Plat for John Jasinski to replat parts of Jasinski Landing and French Lake Park subdivisions into four lots and one outlot in Wells Township (PID 10.07.1.51.004, etc.)
• Waiver of Plat for Kevin Remund to enlarge a home parcel from 1 to 2.18 acres and separate another home onto 5 acres in Morristown Township (PID 13.36.2.00.001)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider the 2021 Rice County Solid Waste Plan and a mandatory vaccination policy for certain employees. The agenda includes several conditional use permits and a closed session to discuss a property purchase.

• Resolution #21-051: Adoption of the 2021 Rice County Solid Waste Plan
• Conditional Use Permit/Johnson (Reisinger) - Section 1, Webster Township
• Conditional Use Permit/Whispers of Hope (Metcalf-Filzen) - Section 25, Walcott Township
• Adoption of Mandatory Vaccination Policy for CMS-covered employees
• Closed Session to discuss the purchase of property

The board approved the consent agenda including $1,306,102.50 in bills and several personnel appointments. They also approved the purchase of an Aruba Clearpass network access control system for up to $30,386 with ARPA funds, adopted the 2021 Rice County Solid Waste Plan, and approved two conditional use permits and a waiver of plat. Additionally, they set a public hearing for the 2022-2031 Transportation Improvement Plan and adopted a mandatory vaccination policy for employees covered under the CMS rule.

• Approved agenda and minutes of November 9, 2021 meeting.
• Adopted Resolution #21-049 confirming special assessments for delinquent utilities at Roberds Lake.
• Approved purchase of Aruba Clearpass system from CIT for up to $30,386 with ARPA funds.
• Adopted Resolution #21-051 adopting the 2021 Rice County Solid Waste Plan.
• Approved conditional use permits for Nick Johnson (Webster Township) and Tammy Metcalf-Filzen (Walcott Township), and a waiver of plat for Whispers of Hope.
• Set public hearing for January 11, 2022, on the 2022-2031 Transportation Improvement Plan.
• Approved consent agenda including $1,306,102.50 in bills and personnel appointments.
• Adopted Resolution #21-048 re-appointing the Veterans Services Officer, extended vacation carryovers, and adopted mandatory vaccination policy for CMS-covered employees.

Committee of the Whole

The Rice County Committee of the Whole will hear updates from the Highway Department, including a draft 10-year Transportation Improvement Program (T.I.P.), and receive an update on the Rice County Public Safety Center from Parks & Facilities. Public comments on agenda items are allowed at the start, limited to two minutes per person.

• Draft 10-year T.I.P. presentation by Dennis Luebbe
• Rice County Public Safety Center update by Matthew Verdick
• Public comment period for agenda items

The Rice County Committee of the Whole met on November 16, 2021, and heard updates from the County Engineer on the I-35 interchange progress and a potential public hearing for the 10-year Transportation Information Plan. The board also reviewed draft plans for the Rice County Public Safety Center, presented by the Parks & Facilities Director and architects. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was adjourned with a unanimous vote.

• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review several administrative and departmental items. Discussions include special assessments for Circle Lake Improvement, social services contracts, and sheriff salary structures.

• Resolution #21-046: Adopting and Confirming Special Assessments for 2022 Circle Lake Improvement
• Resolution #21-047: Conveyance of Tax Forfeited Property to Rice County
• Social Services Department Contract Amendment with KCQ, Inc.
• Establishment of salary and benefit payout for the Rice County Sheriff appointment
• Ratification of the 2022, 2023 & 2024 Correctional Officers Sergeant LELS Local 438 Union Contract

The Rice County Board approved all agenda items unanimously, including resolutions for 2022 Circle Lake Improvement special assessments and conveyance of tax-forfeited property to the county. They also approved the consent agenda with bills totaling $619,987.49, personnel appointments, and a union contract for correctional officers. No items were denied or tabled.

• Approved $28,072.44 Adobe Acrobat licensing payment to CIT (4-0)
• Adopted Resolution #21-046 confirming 2022 Circle Lake Improvement special assessments (4-0)
• Adopted Resolution #21-047 conveying tax-forfeited property to Rice County (4-0)
• Approved Social Services MFIP Biennial Service Agreement (4-0)
• Approved Social Services contract amendment with KCQ, Inc. (4-0)
• Extended James Ingham's indemnification hearing for a third time (4-0)
• Approved Sheriff's sick leave trade-in, payout, leave, and pay increase (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda including $619,987.49 in bills and personnel appointments (4-0)

Board of Adjustment

The Rice County Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on three variance applications. The board will decide whether to approve, deny, or continue each request after hearing staff reports, applicant presentations, and public comments.

• 12-ft variance from 50-ft road setback for porch addition at 15412 Shieldsville Blvd, Faribault (PID 10.06.2.50.004)
• 1,600-sqft and 9-ft variances for 50x56-ft machine shed at 17381 Roberds Lake Blvd, Faribault (PID 10.15.2.00.001)
• 45-ft variance from 70-ft rear yard setback for 90x55-ft building in Webster Township (PID 02.01.1.00.006)

The Rice County Board of Adjustment approved all three variance requests on the agenda. The first allowed a 12-ft setback variance for home additions in Wells Township, the second allowed a larger and taller agricultural shed, and the third allowed a reduced rear-yard setback for a shed in Webster Township. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

• Approved 12-ft setback variance for Kline/Harriman home additions at 15412 Shieldsville Blvd (5-0)
• Approved 1,600-sqft size and 9-ft height variance for Misgen agricultural shed (5-0)
• Approved 45-ft rear-yard setback variance for Johnson/Reisinger shed (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Rice County Planning Commission will hold public hearings on four items: a conditional use permit for a sand and gravel mining operation, a conditional use permit for a contractor's office and yard, an amendment to an existing CUP for a supervised residential facility, and a waiver of plat to create a building parcel. The commission will make recommendations to the County Board, which will consider them on November 23, 2021.

• CUP for sand and gravel mining and aggregate crushing at 13265 Kane Ave, Dennison (Section 26, Northfield Twp)
• CUP for contractor's office and yard for driveway asphalt business (Section 1, Webster Twp)
• CUP amendment to add supervised residential building at 25665 Falk Ave, Faribault (Section 25, Walcott Twp)
• Waiver of plat to create 1.6-acre parcel via Transfer Development Right at 25665 Falk Ave, Faribault

The Rice County Planning Commission voted 3-2 to recommend denial of a Conditional Use Permit for a sand and gravel mining and aggregate crushing operation in Northfield Township, citing inadequate information on traffic, infrastructure, and waterway impacts. The commission also unanimously recommended approval of three other items: a contractor's office and yard CUP in Webster Township, an amendment to a supervised residential facility CUP in Walcott Township, and a waiver of plat for a 1.6-acre building parcel in Walcott Township.

• Recommended denial of CUP for sand/gravel mining at 13265 Kane Ave, Dennison (3-2)
• Approved CUP for contractor's office/yard in Webster Township (5-0)
• Approved CUP amendment for Whispers of Hope residential facility in Walcott Township (5-0)
• Approved waiver of plat for 1.6-acre TDR parcel in Walcott Township (5-0)

Committee of the Whole

The Rice County Committee of the Whole will hear a social services update on licensing and housing, then review cash and pooled investments and the quarterly financial report for the period ending September 30, 2021. Public comments are accepted at the start, limited to two minutes per person.

• Social Services department update on licensing and housing services
• Cash and pooled investments report for period ending September 30, 2021
• Quarterly financial report for period ending September 30, 2021

The Committee of the Whole met for a work session with no formal decisions. Staff presented updates on social services licensing and the 2022 budget outlook. The only action was a motion to adjourn, which passed unanimously.

• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Rice County Board of Commissioners will consider creating a new Rural Industrial zoning district and rezoning about 160 acres in Northfield Township from Urban Reserve to Agricultural. The board will also act on several plat waivers, contracts, and final payments, and hold a closed session to discuss a property purchase.

• Resolution #21-039: Create Rural Industrial zoning district and amend Chapter 508 (Bridgewater Township)
• Resolution #21-040: Rezone ~160 acres in Section 17, Northfield Township from Urban Reserve to Agricultural
• Waiver of Plat for Reese (Shieldsville Twp), Strese (Northfield Twp), Edel/Smisek (Wheatland Twp), Morris (Morristown Twp)
• Final payments for Contracts 2172, CP 21-70, and 2176
• Closed session to discuss property purchase under Minn. Stat. 13D.05 Subd. 3(c)(3)

The board unanimously adopted a zoning ordinance amendment creating a new Rural Industrial district and approved a related rezoning in Northfield Township. It also approved four plat waivers, several contracts and payments, and authorized negotiations to purchase property at 302 1st Avenue NW, Faribault.

• Adopted Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment creating Rural Industrial district (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution #21-040 rezoning property in Section 17, Northfield Township (5-0)
• Approved Waiver of Plat for Daniel and Sandra Reese, Shieldsville Township (5-0)
• Approved Waiver of Plat for Michael Strese, Northfield Township (5-0)
• Approved Waiver of Plat for Jake Edel/Edward Smisek, Wheatland Township (5-0)
• Approved Waiver of Plat for Debbie Korman/David Morris, Morristown Township (5-0)
• Approved $30,585 payment to Trimin Systems for software maintenance (5-0)
• Authorized negotiations to purchase property at 302 1st Avenue NW, Faribault (5-0)

Housing & Redevelopment Authority

The Rice County Housing and Redevelopment Authority is holding a regular meeting to consider action items including approval of minutes and payment standards, and to receive a quarterly program report. The agenda is otherwise routine and procedural.

• Approval of meeting minutes
• Review and potential action on payment standards
• Quarterly program report and updates

The Rice County Housing & Redevelopment Authority met on October 26, 2021, and approved the previous meeting minutes and the payment standards, both unanimously. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting adjourned shortly after.

• Approved meeting minutes (all ayes)
• Approved payment standards (all ayes)

Committee of the Whole

The Rice County Committee of the Whole will receive a presentation from MnDOT on its 10-year work plan and hear highway updates from Dennis Luebbe. Public comments on agenda items are allowed at the start, limited to two minutes per person.

• MnDOT presentation on 10-year work plan
• Highway updates by Dennis Luebbe

The Rice County Committee of the Whole met and received a presentation from Heather Luke of MnDOT outlining the next 10 years of district roadway and bridge work, including planning updates and local project updates. Highway Department staff also updated commissioners on current projects, noting Richland Township work is nearly complete and construction season ends in October. No formal decisions were made; the meeting adjourned with a unanimous vote.

• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Rice County Board of Commissioners will consider adopting the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, ratify multiple union contracts for 2022-2024, and approve various agreements and appointments. The agenda includes a conditional use permit for Ag Partners Coop, a final payment for pavement markings, and acceptance of a development proposal for the North Block.

• Resolution #21-044: Adoption of the 2040 Rice County Comprehensive Plan
• Conditional Use Permit for Ag Partners Coop, Section 30, Warsaw Township
• Final Payment, Contract No. 21-52, Pavement Markings
• Ratification of MNPEA, I.U.O.E. Local 49, Teamsters Local 320, and LELS Local 367 union contracts for 2022-2024
• Acceptance of North Block Development Proposal

The Rice County Board of Commissioners approved the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, a conditional use permit for Ag Partners Coop, and multiple contracts and agreements, including union contracts for 2022-2024. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

• Adopted Resolution #21-044, the 2040 Rice County Comprehensive Plan (5-0)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Ag Partners Coop in Warsaw Township (5-0)
• Approved contract with Northfield Healthy Communities Initiative for SHIP grant (5-0)
• Approved final payment of $4,136.20 to Traffic Marking Services (5-0)
• Approved out-of-state travel for two sheriff's employees to Defensive Tactics Instructor Program (5-0)
• Approved contract with City of Lonsdale for prosecution services 2022-2023 (5-0)
• Appointed Dr. A Quinn Strobl as Medical Examiner effective Dec 1, 2021 (5-0)
• Ratified 2022-2024 union contracts for MNPEA, I.U.O.E. Local 49, Teamsters Local 320, LELS Local 367 (5-0)

Planning Commission

The commission will hold public hearings on new zoning districts and map amendments. It will also consider several conditional use permits and waivers of plat for various townships.

• Public hearing for Resolution #21-039 to create a Rural Industrial Zoning District in Bridgewater Township
• Public hearing for Resolution #21-040 to rezone 160 acres from Urban Reserve to Agricultural in Northfield Township
• Conditional Use Permit for Ag Partners Coop to add buildings at 6676 250th St W, Morristown
• Conditional Use Permit for sand and gravel mining at 13265 Kane Ave, Dennison
• Six applications for Waiver of Plat involving Transfer Development Rights or parcel separation

The Rice County Planning Commission recommended approval of a zoning ordinance text amendment creating a new Rural Industrial zoning district, despite public opposition. The commission also recommended approval of a conditional use permit amendment for Ag Partners Coop and several waiver of plat requests. All recommendations will go to the County Commissioners for final action.

• Recommended approval of Rural Industrial zoning district text amendment (2-1)
• Recommended approval of Ag Partners Coop CUP amendment with conditions (3-0)
• Recommended approval of Reese waiver of plat with conditions (3-0)
• Recommended approval of Strese waiver of plat with conditions (3-0)
• Recommended approval of Korman/Morris waiver of plat with conditions (3-0)

Board of Adjustment

The Rice County Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on six variance requests, all involving shoreland properties. The board will decide whether to approve, deny, or continue each request after hearing staff reports, applicant presentations, and public comments.

• Variance for Thomas Dean: 25-ft lake setback variance for a deck and 8-ft after-the-fact variance for existing home at 4675 180th Ct W, Faribault (Roberds Lake)
• Variance for Dean Dolezal/Kappelmann: 50-ft road setback, 57-ft lake setback, and 2-ft height variances for a replacement garage at 3990 Cannon Lake Trail, Faribault (Cannon Lake)
• Variance for Jeremiah Forster: 42-ft lake setback and 4% impervious surface variances for a pool at 4715 180th Ct W, Faribault (Roberds Lake)
• Variance for Mike Halverson: 77-ft lake setback variance to move an existing cabin at 6551 143rd St W #3, Lonsdale (Lake Mazaska)
• Variance for Ag Partners Coop: 17% impervious surface variance for building expansions at 6676 250th St W, Morristown

The Rice County Board of Adjustment approved five variance requests related to shoreland properties, including setbacks, building sizes, and impervious surface coverage, and denied one request for a pool variance. All approvals were subject to conditions such as maintaining natural buffers, obtaining building permits within one year, and following approved site plans.

• Approved variance for Thomas Dean to allow existing home at 112-ft and deck at 95-ft from Roberds Lake (3-0)
• Approved variance for Dean Dolezal/Kappelmann for a 30x36-ft garage with reduced setbacks from Cannon Lake and County Road 12 (2-1, McCarthy dissenting)
• Denied variance for Workman/Forster for an in-ground pool due to impervious surface concerns (3-0)
• Approved variance for William Keilen for a 1,792-sqft shed addition with reduced side yard setback (3-0)
• Approved variance for Ag Partners Coop for 42% impervious surface coverage at agricultural site (3-0)

Committee of the Whole

The Rice County Committee of the Whole will hear updates on a SHIP-related grant award for health equity data, kick off a park plan, and receive a department update on financial assistance programs. Public comments are limited to two minutes per person. The meeting is a work session, so no formal votes are expected.

• MEDA grant award for health equity data (SHIP-related)
• Park Plan kick-off
• Financial Assistance Programs update
• Public comments on agenda items (2-minute limit)

The Committee of the Whole received updates on a state grant award, a park plan, and social services. No formal decisions were made; the only action was to adjourn the meeting.

• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Rice County Board of Commissioners will set the preliminary 2022 tax levy, make an interim appointment to fill the sheriff vacancy, and ratify a union contract. They will also consider several contracts, land sales, and a public safety center construction manager proposal.

• Resolution #21-041 setting preliminary 2022 tax levy
• Interim appointment to fill Rice County Sheriff vacancy
• Ratification of MNPEA Sergeants Union Contract for 2022-2024
• Resolution #21-042 classification and potential sale of non-conservation forfeited land
• Acceptance of Public Safety Center Construction Manager Proposal

The Rice County Board approved the preliminary 2022 tax levy, ratified a three-year union contract for MNPEA Sergeants, and appointed Chief Deputy Jesse Thomas as interim sheriff. They also approved numerous contracts, payments, and personnel actions, all with unanimous votes except for one 4-1 decision on a construction manager.

• Adopted Resolution #21-041 setting preliminary 2022 tax levy (5-0)
• Ratified 2022-2024 union contract for MNPEA Sergeants (5-0)
• Appointed Chief Deputy Jesse Thomas as interim sheriff (5-0)
• Approved $611,552.67 in bills (5-0)
• Approved final payment of $20,310.71 to Kielmeyer Construction (5-0)
• Approved final payment of $6,582.99 to Fitzgerald Excavating (5-0)
• Accepted Contegrity proposal for Public Safety Center construction manager (4-1)
• Approved purchase of 3 Ford Escape Hybrid fleet vehicles (5-0)

Committee of the Whole

The Rice County Committee of the Whole is holding a work session to discuss several county matters, including a preliminary levy discussion, jurisdictional road transfers for CR 89 and Ableman Trail, and updates from Veterans Services, Parks & Facilities, and the Highway Department. No formal decisions are being made at this work session; items are for discussion only.

• Preliminary levy discussion
• Jurisdictional road transfer discussion: CR 89 and Ableman Trail
• Veterans Services Office update
• Public Safety Center update
• Downtown Development update

The Rice County Committee of the Whole met on September 21, 2021, and received informational updates from department heads. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was for discussion and updates only. The board heard from Veteran's Services, Parks & Facilities, Highway, and Finance departments, and then adjourned.

• Adjourned meeting (motion by Dave Miller, seconded by Jeff Docken, approved unanimously)

Board of Commissioners

The Rice County Board of Commissioners is holding a public hearing to hear comments on the proposed adoption of the 2040 Rice County Comprehensive Plan. The draft plan was reviewed on August 17, 2021, and includes a new action item to create a Sustainability Plan. The board will consider adopting the plan after the hearing.

• Public hearing on 2040 Rice County Comprehensive Plan adoption
• New action item added to Sustainability Chapter to create a Sustainability Plan
• Plan adoption pursuant to Minnesota State Statutes 375.51 and 331A.01

Board of Commissioners

The Rice County Board of Commissioners will consider a conditional use permit, a zoning map amendment, and a plat waiver, along with a tobacco license for a Nerstrand store and a resolution setting terms for selling tax-forfeited lands. They will also discuss a social services contract amendment, a funding request from Three Rivers, and the retirement of the county sheriff. A closed session is scheduled to discuss purchasing property.

• Conditional Use Permit/Tonjum (Witte) - Section 13, Morristown Township
• Zoning Map Amendment from Urban Reserve to Agricultural/Tussing (Snesrud) - Section 17, Northfield Township
• Tobacco License for Parkside General Store, 230 Main St Nerstrand, MN 55053 (Sept 14, 2021 thru June 30, 2022)
• Resolution #21-038: Set and Appraise Values and approve Basic Sale Prices for Tax-Forfeited Lands
• Social Services Department Contract Amendment with Minnesota Department of Human Services

The board approved the purchase of 109.2 acres of land for $1.65 million, following a closed session to discuss the offer. They also approved ARP funding of up to $325,000 for the Spring Creek II housing project, adopted a resolution for tax-forfeited land sales, and accepted Sheriff Troy Dunn's retirement effective November 12, 2021. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

• Approved $1.65M purchase of 109.2 acres (5-0)
• Approved up to $325,000 ARP funding for Spring Creek II housing (5-0)
• Accepted Sheriff Troy Dunn's retirement effective Nov 12, 2021 (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution #21-038 for tax-forfeited land sale values (5-0)
• Approved tobacco license for Parkside General Store (5-0)
• Approved waiver of plat for William Hein in Walcott Township (5-0)
• Approved $733,150.81 in bills and personnel appointments (5-0)
• Approved domain change to RICECOUNTYMN.GOV (5-0)

Committee of the Whole

The Rice County Committee of the Whole will hear updates and discuss several items, including a behavioral health unit and Project Intercept expansion, the 2022 Housing and Redevelopment Authority budget, and a funding request from Three Rivers. The meeting is a work session, so most items are for discussion rather than final decisions.

• Circle Lake Improvement District annual update
• Three Rivers funding request
• Discussion on creating a behavioral health unit and expanding Project Intercept
• 2022 Rice County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (RCHRA) budget
• GOV domain information update

The Committee of the Whole heard a request from Three Rivers Funding for an additional $325,000 to cover a funding gap for the Spring Creek II project in Northfield, caused by pandemic-related cost increases. The County HRA has already committed 16 project-based rental subsidies for very-low-income families. No formal action was taken on this request; the meeting was a work session, and the only vote was to adjourn.

• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Board of Adjustment

The Rice County Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on two variance applications. One seeks to exceed the lot impervious surface limit for a replacement home in Wells Township; the other requests a reduced road right-of-way setback for a home addition in Richland Township. The board may approve, deny, or continue each item.

• Variance for Bryan Gill: 5% variance from 25% impervious surface limit (30% proposed) for replacement home at 17959 Roberds Lake Blvd, Faribault (PID 10.15.4.50.012)
• Variance for Stevan & Theresa Johnson: 38-ft variance from 100-ft road right-of-way setback for 20x24-ft addition at 22682 Larson Ave, Kenyon (PID 16.12.3.25.003)

The Rice County Board of Adjustment approved two variance requests. Bryan Gill received a 5% variance from the 25% lot impervious surface limitation to build a replacement home at 17959 Roberds Lake Blvd, Faribault, with conditions including a raingarden and one-year construction deadline. Stevan and Theresa Johnson received a variance to add a 20-ft by 24-ft addition to their existing home, located 62-ft from the Larson Ave Road Right of Way, with conditions including a one-year permit deadline. Both approvals were unanimous.

• Approved Bryan Gill's variance for a 5% impervious surface increase (to 30%) for a replacement home, with conditions including a raingarden and one-year construction deadline
• Approved Stevan and Theresa Johnson's variance for a 20-ft by 24-ft home addition, with conditions including a one-year permit deadline
• Approved the reading of the notice, agenda, and minutes of July 29, 2021, all unanimously

Planning Commission

The Rice County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on two items: a request to rezone land in Northfield Township from Urban Reserve to Agricultural, and a waiver of plat to create a 6.56-acre parcel in Walcott Township. The commission will make a recommendation to the County Board, which will hear the items on September 14, 2021.

• Zoning Map Amendment to rezone property from Urban Reserve to Agricultural (Tussing/Snesrud) - Section 17, Northfield Township
• Waiver of Plat/Hein to create a 6.56-acre parcel containing an existing home - Section 9, Walcott Township
• Public hearing with remote access via Zoom and phone

The Rice County Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of a zoning map amendment to rezone three parcels in Section 17 of Northfield Township from Urban Reserve to Agricultural. The request was made by Andrew Tussing on behalf of landowners Lance Snesrud, Peterson Brothers LLP, and Steven Tralle Trust. No comments were received from the City of Northfield. The recommendation will go to the County Board for final action.

• Approved reading of notice (5-0)
• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved minutes of July 29 and August 17, 2021 (5-0)
• Recommended approval of zoning map amendment from Urban Reserve to Agricultural for Snesrud/Peterson/Tralle properties (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Rice County Board of Commissioners will consider resolutions and permits including a homeless prevention housing grant, a solid waste management plan update, multiple conditional use permits and plat waivers, a courthouse chiller replacement, a culvert contract, and liquor/gambling licenses. The board will also hold a closed session on labor negotiations strategy.

• Resolution #21-034: Accept Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program funds
• Resolution #21-037: Solid Waste Management Plan review and approval
• Conditional use permits for Langdon (Erin Twp), Carver Garden LLC (Cannon City Twp), Tonjum/Witte (Morristown Twp)
• Waivers of plat for Sirba (Webster Twp) and Johnson (Walcott Twp); final plat for Olson (Cannon City Twp)
• Contract #2177: culvert replacement; 1-day liquor license for Rotary Club of Northfield at Red Barn Farm

The Rice County Board of Commissioners approved a $144,983 chiller replacement for the courthouse, awarded a $74,052 culvert contract, and adopted resolutions for homeless prevention funding and the solid waste management plan. They also approved several conditional use permits and plats, denied one conditional use permit, and set a public hearing for a zoning text amendment. The board entered a closed session for labor negotiations strategy, taking no action there.

• Approved $144,983 courthouse chiller replacement with Daikin (5-0)
• Awarded contract #2177 to Fitzgerald Excavating for $74,052 for CSAH 15 culvert replacement (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution #21-034 for Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution #21-037 to submit 2021 Solid Waste Management Plan to MPCA (5-0)
• Approved conditional use permits for James Langdon and Carver Garden LLC; denied for Mary Tonjum/Witte Estate (5-0)
• Approved waivers of plat for John and Sue Ann Sirba and Garett Johnson; final plat for Robert Olson (5-0)
• Set public hearing for Oct 7, 2021 on Rural Industrial zoning district text amendment (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including $623,039.62 in bills and personnel appointments (5-0)

Committee of the Whole

The Rice County Committee of the Whole is meeting to hear updates and discuss several county operations. Items include a draft solid waste plan for state review, financial reports for the period ending June 30, 2021, and a child support services update. The agenda also includes presentations from seven outside agencies, including the Lonsdale Public Library and Rice County Agricultural Society.

• Draft Solid Waste Plan for submission to state review and approval
• Cash & Pooled Investments report for period ending June 30, 2021
• Quarterly Financial Report for period ending June 30, 2021
• Child Support Services department update
• Presentations from 7 outside agencies including Lonsdale Public Library and SEMCAC

The Rice County Committee of the Whole met on August 17, 2021, and heard presentations from several outside agencies, including the Lonsdale Public Library, Rice County Agricultural Society, Soil & Water Conservation District, Southeast MN EMS, Buckham West, and FiftyNorth. County staff also provided updates on social services, finance, environmental services, and highway projects. No formal decisions or votes were taken during the work session; the only action was a motion to adjourn, which was approved unanimously.

• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Rice County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a single item: a waiver of plat application by Garett Johnson to modify a 2.5-acre building parcel in Walcott Township. The commission will take public comments and then make a recommendation to the County Board, which will hear the item on August 24, 2021.

• Waiver of Plat/Johnson – Section 30, Walcott Township (PID# 15.30.4.00.008, zoned A, Agricultural)

The Rice County Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of Garrett Johnson's waiver of plat request to modify a 2.5-acre building parcel in Walcott Township. The recommendation includes five conditions, such as limiting the parcel to one single-family dwelling and combining the residual parcel with an adjacent property owned by the applicant. The matter now goes to the county board for final action.

• Recommended approval of Johnson waiver of plat with conditions (4-0)
• Approved reading of notice (4-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Rice County Board of Commissioners is holding a special work session to discuss the 2040 Comprehensive Draft Plan. Staff will summarize each chapter of the draft and facilitate conversation on items needing additional discussion, followed by a presentation of a possible timeline for adoption. The meeting is open to the public with remote access options.

• Discussion of 2040 Comprehensive Draft Plan chapter summaries
• Presentation of possible timeline for plan adoption
• Public remote access via Zoom and phone

Board of Commissioners

The Rice County Board of Commissioners will review several contracts, including amendments with the Minnesota Department of Health and Northfield Healthy Community Initiative, and an operational grant for Veteran's Services. They will also consider applications for gambling and liquor licenses, and discuss a proposal for a Northfield office, followed by a closed session to discuss property purchase.

• Contract amendment with Minnesota Department of Health
• Contract amendment with Northfield Healthy Community Initiative
• Operational Enhancement Grant for Veteran's Services
• Gambling permit for Rice County Steam and Gas Engines, Inc. at 11988 Faribault Blvd, Faribault
• Temporary 3.2% malt liquor license for Church of St. Patrick Shieldsville at 7525 Dodd Rd, Faribault

The Rice County Board of Commissioners approved multiple items including social services contract amendments, a veteran services grant, several licenses and permits, a proposal for office space, and moved forward with property purchase negotiations. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

• Approved Social Services Contract Amendment with Minnesota Department of Health (5-0)
• Approved Social Services Contract Amendment with Northfield Healthy Community Initiative (5-0)
• Approved Resolution #21-033 Operational Enhancement Grant for Veteran's Services (5-0)
• Approved MN Lawful Gambling Exempt Permit for Rice County Steam and Gas Engines, Inc. (5-0)
• Approved Temporary 3.2% Malt Liquor license for Church of St. Patrick Shieldsville (5-0)
• Approved 1-Day Temporary Consumption & Display Permit for Church of St. Patrick (5-0)
• Approved MN Lawful Gambling Exempt Permit for Church of St. Patrick Shieldsville (5-0)
• Approved proposal from Bluewater Properties for NCRC Building office space (5-0)

Committee of the Whole

The Rice County Committee of the Whole will hear updates from several outside agencies and county departments, and review a draft Solid Waste Plan from Environmental Services. Public comments are accepted at the start of the meeting. This is a work session, so items are for discussion rather than final decisions.

• Draft Solid Waste Plan presented by Environmental Services
• Updates from Buckham Memorial Library, Hope Center, Northfield Public Library, Prairie's Edge Humane Society, and Rice County Historical Society
• Parks & Facilities Department update by Matthew Verdick
• Assessor's Office update by Joshua Schoen

The Committee of the Whole heard presentations from five outside agencies requesting 2022 county funding: Buckham Memorial Library, Hope Center, Northfield Library, Prairie's Edge Humane Society, and Rice County Historical Society. No funding decisions were made; the meeting was informational only. The board also received updates from the Parks & Facilities, Assessor's, and Environmental Services departments. The meeting adjourned with a unanimous vote.

• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Board of Adjustment

The Rice County Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing to consider two variance requests. The first is from James Langdon for a 4,000-square-foot variance to allow a larger home occupation building in Erin Township. The second is from Bruce Williams for multiple variances related to a replacement garage in Wells Township. The board will take public comments and then vote to approve, deny, or continue each item.

• Variance/Langdon: 4,000-sqft variance from 2,000-sqft home occupation building size limit, property at 9733 Kent Ave, Montgomery, MN 56069, zoned A Agricultural
• Variance/Williams: 2-ft variance from 20-ft road setback, 1-ft variance from 14-ft accessory height limit, 6% variance from 25% impervious surface limit for a 30x38-ft garage at 3769 Chappuis Trail, Faribault, MN 55021, zoned GDS General Development Shoreland
• Public hearing procedure: staff report, applicant presentation, public comments, board discussion and vote

The Rice County Board of Adjustment approved two variance requests. The first allows James Langdon to exceed the home occupation building size limit with a 6,000-sqft accessory structure. The second permits Bruce Williams to build a larger replacement garage near Roberds Lake. Both approvals were unanimous with conditions.

• Approved Langdon variance for 6,000-sqft accessory structure (3-0)
• Approved Williams variance for 30x38-ft replacement garage (3-0)
• Approved meeting notice, agenda, and July 1, 2021 minutes (3-0)

Planning Commission

The Rice County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on several conditional use permits, plat waivers, a final plat, and a zoning text amendment. Items include a 1MW solar facility, a home occupation therapy business, a contractor's office and yard, two plat waivers, a final plat, and a new Rural Industrial zoning district. The commission will make recommendations to the County Board, which will consider final approval on August 24, 2021.

• CUP for 1MW solar energy facility by Carver Garden LLC at 3119 197th St E, Faribault (UR zoning)
• CUP for home occupation therapy business by James Langdon at 9733 Kent Ave, Montgomery (A zoning)
• CUP for contractor's office and yard with outdoor storage by Mary Tonjum for Witte Estate (A zoning)
• Waiver of Plat for 2.5-acre parcel by Garett Johnson (A zoning)
• Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment to create Rural Industrial district for Bridgewater Township

The Rice County Planning Commission recommended approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a 1MW community solar array on the Carver Garden LLC property in Erin Township, with 11 conditions including a $50,000 bond. They also recommended approval of a CUP for truck/trailer storage at a former gravel pit in Morristown Township, adding conditions limiting summer storage to 15 vehicles and hours of operation. A waiver of plat request was tabled due to a board member's conflict of interest, and a zoning text amendment for a new Rural Industrial district in Bridgewater Township was recommended for approval.

• Recommended approval of CUP for solar array (3-0)
• Recommended approval of CUP for truck/trailer storage with 16 conditions (3-0)
• Tabled waiver of plat request for Garett Johnson until August 17, 2021 (3-0)
• Recommended approval of final plat for Robert Olson (3-0)
• Recommended approval of zoning text amendment for Rural Industrial district (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Rice County Board of Commissioners will hear a presentation from the Hope Center, review the 2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, consider a contract amendment with Mayo Clinic Health System for social services, and take up bids for landfill repair and a park system planning proposal. The board will also approve routine consent agenda items and hold a closed session to evaluate the county administrator.

• Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for year ended Dec. 31, 2020
• Social Services contract amendment with Mayo Clinic Health System – Southeast Minnesota Region
• Final payment for Highway Facility Addition and Renovation
• Consideration of bids for landfill repair
• Closed session: performance evaluation of County Administrator Sara Folsted

The Rice County Board of Commissioners approved a consent agenda including $1,103,962.70 in bills, several personnel appointments, and a proclamation for County Staff Appreciation Day. They also approved a $190,487.93 final payment to Met-Con for highway renovations, a $142,000 bid from AVM Construction for landfill wall repairs, a $93,400 park planning proposal from HKGi, and a contract amendment with Mayo Clinic Health System. The board unanimously approved all actions and the annual performance review for County Administrator Sara Folsted.

• Approved $1,103,962.70 in bills (5-0)
• Approved $190,487.93 final payment to Met-Con for highway renovation (5-0)
• Approved $142,000 bid from AVM Construction for landfill precast wall repair (5-0)
• Approved $93,400 park system planning proposal from HKGi (5-0)
• Approved Social Services contract amendment with Mayo Clinic Health System (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda with personnel appointments and staff appreciation day (5-0)
• Approved annual performance review for County Administrator Sara Folsted (5-0)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will receive updates from several county departments. The session includes reviews of the county's comprehensive and park plans.

• Rice County Comprehensive Plan Update
• Park Plan Review
• Human Resources Department Update
• Highway Department Updates

The Rice County Committee of the Whole met on July 20, 2021, and heard updates from several departments. Environmental Services presented a draft comprehensive plan for steering committee direction, while Parks & Facilities, Human Resources, and Highway departments gave status reports. No formal decisions were made on these items; the only action was a motion to adjourn, which was approved unanimously.

• Adjourned the meeting: Approved unanimously by all five commissioners.

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review several conditional use permits and plat waivers across various townships. The meeting also includes discussions on social services department contracts, highway contract awards, and jail construction proposals.

• Conditional Use Permits for Bertram, Simms (Prieve), and Johnson
• Waiver of Plat applications for Anderson, Tutewohl (Nielsen), and Jacobson
• Social Services Department contracts with Allina Health System, Northfield Union of Youth, and Northfield Community Action Center
• Minnesota Lawful Gambling Application for Waterville Sportsmans Club
• Construction Manager Agency proposals for Jail/LEC

The Rice County Board of Commissioners approved a motion to request proposals for Construction Manager Agency Services for the Jail/LEC project, with Commissioner Galen Malecha voting against. The board also approved several conditional use permits, waivers of plat, social services contracts, and other routine items, all by unanimous vote. A closed session was held for pending litigation, after which the board approved proceeding with right-of-way negotiations.

• Approved request for proposals for Construction Manager Agency Services for the Jail/LEC project (4-1, Malecha dissenting).
• Approved request for proposals for Design Services for the Downtown Block Development Project.
• Approved conditional use permits for Joshua Bertram, Michelle Simms (for Mark & Susan Prieve), and Gary Johnson (for Max Johnson Trucking Inc.).
• Approved waivers of plat for Conrad Anderson, Corey Tutewohl, and Kari Jacobson.
• Approved waiving application fees for Bridgewater Township's zoning amendment and rezoning applications ($560 and $385).
• Approved social services contracts with Allina Health System, Northfield Union of Youth, Northfield Community Action Center, and amendments with HealthFinders and Northfield Healthy Community Initiative.
• Approved lawful gambling exempt permits for Most Holy Trinity Church and Waterville Sportsmans Club, and a temporary on-sale liquor license for Most Holy Trinity Church.
• Approved consent agenda including bills totaling $1,053,121.70 and personnel appointments.

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will receive updates on children's mental health and therapy. The Parks & Facilities Department will also discuss downtown updates and the Jail/LEC delivery method.

• Children's Mental Health and Therapy Update
• Jail/LEC Delivery Method discussion
• Downtown Updates

The Rice County Committee of the Whole met on July 6, 2021, and heard a presentation from Social Services about adult and child mental health programs, including staffing and services. The board also discussed options for the Jail/LEC project and downtown development, but no formal decisions were made on these items. The meeting adjourned with a unanimous vote.

• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Board of Adjustment

The Rice County Board of Adjustment is meeting to consider several variance applications. These requests involve building sizes, height limitations, and setbacks from roads and lakes.

• Variance for a 66-ft by 166-ft agricultural barn at 16829 Elmore Trail
• Variance for a 40-ft by 64-ft shed at 150th St W
• Variance for a house and garage addition at 20150 Geneva Ct
• Variance for a new home 25-ft from Clearwater Trail Road Right of Way
• Variance for 6,000-sqft of business use buildings at 9733 Kent Ave

The Rice County Board of Adjustment approved all seven variance requests on the agenda, each unanimously. The variances allow for agricultural structures, home additions, a deck, a shed addition, a new home, and a patio, all with specific conditions. The board found that each request met the criteria in Section 503 of the Zoning Ordinance.

• Approved a variance for Keith Johnson to build a 10,956-sqft agricultural barn with a 19-ft peak height, subject to conditions.
• Approved a variance for Matthew Reiland (on behalf of Brian and Sandra Gora) to build a 2,560-sqft pole shed with an 18-ft peak height, subject to conditions.
• Approved a variance for Gray Companies Inc. (on behalf of Thomson Investments LLC) to add a home and garage addition 37-ft from Cedar Lake, subject to conditions.
• Approved a variance for Anthony Boerner to build a 16-ft by 43-ft deck 68-ft from Shields Lake, subject to conditions.
• Approved a variance for Kyle Fredrickson (on behalf of Chris Czapeswski) to add a 24-ft by 32-ft shed addition 22-ft from Hazelwood Ave Road Right of Way, subject to conditions.
• Approved a variance for Nathan Preston to build a new home 25-ft from Clearwater Trail Road Right of Way, subject to conditions.
• Approved a variance for Steve Pleschourt to add a 295-sqft patio 25-ft from Lake Mazaska, subject to conditions.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is reviewing several Conditional Use Permits and Waiver of Plat applications. These include requests for a solar energy facility, a gravel mining operation, and various building parcels.

• Conditional Use Permit for 1MW solar energy production facility at 18425 Belview Trail
• Conditional Use Permit for gravel mining and crushing operation in Forest Township
• Conditional Use Permit for agricultural equipment repair business at 23790 Essig Ave
• Conditional Use Permit for home occupation therapy business at 9733 Kent Ave
• Three Waiver of Plat applications to create building parcels using Transfer Development Rights

The Rice County Planning Commission met on July 1, 2021, and recommended approval of all five items on the agenda. These included conditional use permits for an agricultural equipment repair business, a solar garden, and a gravel mining operation, as well as two waivers of plat for new building parcels. All recommendations were approved unanimously (4-0) and will be forwarded to the County Board for final action.

• Recommended approval of CUP for agricultural equipment repair business at 23790 Essig Ave, Morristown (4-0)
• Recommended approval of CUP for US Fair Park Solar garden in Section 17, Warsaw Township (4-0)
• Recommended approval of CUP for gravel mining and crushing operation in Section 29, Forest Township (4-0)
• Recommended approval of Waiver of Plat for 2.5-acre TDR parcel in Section 9, Forest Township (4-0)
• Recommended approval of Waiver of Plat for 2.5-acre TDR parcel in Section 20, Wells Township (4-0)
• Tabled Langdon request to next meeting on July 29, 2021

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is holding a work session focused on the Parks & Facilities Department. The primary agenda item is a County Park Tour.

• County Park Tour

Board of Commissioners

The Rice County Board of Commissioners will review several liquor and tobacco license applications for local businesses. The board is also discussing land use permits and a request to bid for landfill wall repairs.

• Conditional Use Permits for Hintz (Erin Township) and Musta (Forest Township)
• Liquor license applications for Roberds Lake Resort, Grandma's Lakeside Resort, Straight River Golf LLC, and LeMeiux Resort
• Tobacco license application for Dennison Depot, LLC
• Request to go for bid for Landfill Pre-cast wall repair
• Request For Proposals for Medical Examiner and/or Crime Scene Investigation Services

The Rice County Board of Commissioners denied a conditional use permit for Stacy Hintz in Erin Township, with Commissioner Purfeerst voting against. The board also approved several other permits, contracts, and licenses, including a conditional use permit for Joel Musta and a waiver of plat for Gloria Flicek. All other agenda items were approved unanimously.

• Denied conditional use permit for Stacy Hintz, Erin Township (3-1)
• Approved conditional use permit for Joel Musta, Forest Township (4-0)
• Approved waiver of plat for Gloria Flicek, Wheatland Township (4-0)
• Approved Social Services contract with Rebecca Ericson (4-0)
• Approved Laura Baker Services Association ICF needs determination (4-0)
• Approved going out for bids for landfill pre-cast wall repair (4-0)
• Approved multiple liquor and tobacco licenses for various businesses (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda including $681,969.49 in bills and personnel appointments (4-0)

Housing & Redevelopment Authority

The Rice County Housing and Redevelopment Authority is meeting to review a revolving loan request and discuss policy updates.

• Revolving Loan Request-Skopos Inc.
• Policy Updates

The Rice County Housing & Redevelopment Authority approved a Revolving Loan Request from Skopos Inc. and approved Policy Updates. Both motions passed with all members voting Aye and no Nays. The meeting was adjourned shortly after.

• Approved the Revolving Loan Request from Skopos Inc.
• Approved the Policy Updates.

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is meeting to discuss the Rice County Board of Appeal & Equalization with Assessor Joshua Schoen.

• Rice County Board of Appeal & Equalization

The Rice County Board of Appeal and Equalization approved the 2021 assessment report and valuation changes, with a grand total of $7,518,892,100. They also approved recommended changes for parcels without a local board. One public comment was heard and addressed by the county assessor.

• Approved list of recommended changes for parcels without a Local Board of Appeal and Equalization (5-0)
• Approved County Assessor's recommendations, valuation revisions, and assessment report as filed (5-0)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will meet to receive updates from the Information Technology, Parks & Facilities, and Highway departments. The session includes a period for public comments.

• Information Technology department update
• Jail/LEC updates from Parks & Facilities
• Highway/Transportation updates

The Rice County Committee of the Whole met on June 15, 2021, and received informational updates from department heads. No formal decisions or votes were taken during the meeting. The only action was a motion to adjourn, which was approved unanimously.

• Adjourned the meeting: Approved unanimously.

Board of Commissioners

The Rice County Board of Commissioners is meeting to review several liquor license applications and renewals. The board will also consider transportation planning agreements and grant contracts for the Sheriff's Office.

• Professional Services Contract with Bolton & Menk for Transportation Planning
• Cooperative Transportation Planning Agreement with City of Faribault
• Liquor license applications for Roberds Lake Resort, Grandma's Lakeside Resort, Sasquatch Saloon Bar & Grill, Ettilin's Ranchero Supper Club, and Webster Sports & Rec Assn
• Resolution #21-027 to abate a public health nuisance
• Resolution #21-031 regarding the potential sale of non-conservation forfeited land

The Rice County Board approved a $94,500 contract with Bolton & Menk for engineering services to analyze a potential interchange at County 9 and I-35, and also approved a cooperative planning agreement with Faribault for the same study. Several licenses and permits were approved, including a temporary wine license for Roberds Lake Resort and liquor license renewals for multiple establishments. The board also adopted resolutions to abate a public health nuisance and to classify non-conservation forfeited land for potential sale, and approved the consent agenda including $494,965.83 in bills.

• Approved $94,500 contract with Bolton & Menk for I-35/County 9 interchange analysis (5-0)
• Approved cooperative transportation planning agreement with City of Faribault (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution #21-027 to abate public health nuisance (5-0)
• Approved temporary on-sale wine license for Roberds Lake Resort (5-0)
• Approved liquor license renewals for Grandma's Lakeside Resort, Sasquatch Saloon, Ettilin's Ranchero, and Webster Sports & Rec (5-0)
• Approved lawful gambling exempt permit for Ducks Unlimited Northfield Chapter (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution #21-031 classifying non-conservation forfeited land for potential sale (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including $494,965.83 in bills and personnel appointment (5-0)

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment will review several variance requests regarding building setbacks and structure counts. These items include requests for a new home, an accessory structure replacement near Circle Lake, and a home addition.

• Variance request for a 20-ft road right of way setback at 23220 Glynview Trail, Faribault
• Variance request for an additional accessory structure and a 42-ft lake setback at 4333 120th Street West, Lonsdale
• Variance request for a 68-ft road right of way setback for a home addition at 3420 Jackson Ave, Webster

The Rice County Board of Adjustment denied a variance request by Kirk and Cami Flom to build a home closer to the road, approved a variance for Tom Trnka to replace an accessory structure near Circle Lake, and approved a variance for Sandra Bartusek to add a home addition closer to the road. All decisions were made with specific conditions and findings.

• Denied Flom variance for 20-ft road setback reduction (unanimous)
• Approved Trnka variance for accessory structure and 42-ft lake setback reduction (4-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved Bartusek variance for 68-ft road setback reduction for home addition (4-1)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will review multiple applications for business uses on agricultural land and a property boundary correction. These items include requests for farmstay lodging, equipment repair, and a construction office/yard.

• Conditional Use Permit: Stacy Hintz for farmstay vacation lodging at 11172 100th St W, Montgomery
• Conditional Use Permit: Joshua Bertram for agricultural equipment repair at 23790 Essig Ave, Morristown
• Conditional Use Permit: Joel Musta for a construction business office and yard at 2068 Millersburg Blvd W, Dundas
• Waiver of Plat: Gloria Flicek for a 6.71-acre parcel in Wheatland Township

The Rice County Planning Commission denied a Conditional Use Permit for Stacy Hintz's proposed agricultural tourism farmstay with five camping domes at 11172 100th St W, Montgomery. The denial was recommended on a 3-2 vote after an earlier motion to approve with conditions failed. The commission also approved a waiver of plat for the Tuma family in Wheatland Township and tabled a CUP for an agricultural equipment repair business in Warsaw Township.

• Denied CUP for Hintz farmstay ag tourism business (3-2)
• Approved waiver of plat for Flicek (Tuma) property split in Wheatland Township (5-0)
• Tabled CUP for Bertram agricultural equipment repair business until July 1, 2021 (5-0)
• Approved CUP for Musta contractor's office and yard in Forest Township (4-0, 1 abstention)

Housing & Redevelopment Authority

The Rice County Housing and Redevelopment Authority is holding a regular meeting. The body is scheduled to take action on Emergency Housing Vouchers.

• Action item: Emergency Housing Vouchers

The Rice County Housing & Redevelopment Authority approved Emergency Housing Vouchers in a unanimous vote. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was otherwise procedural and adjourned shortly after.

• Approved Emergency Housing Vouchers (all ayes, no nays)

Committee of the Whole

The committee will receive updates on the LEC/Jail construction delivery and downtown projects. The meeting also includes a retirement presentation and department updates from Social Services and the Sheriff's Office.

• Delivery information for LEC/Jail Construction
• Downtown updates from Parks & Facilities Department
• Investigation update by Sergeant Nathan Budin
• Social Services Department Accounting Unit update
• SMIF Presentation

The Rice County Committee of the Whole met on June 1, 2021, and heard presentations from the SMIF Foundation, Social Services, Sheriff's Office, and Parks & Facilities. No formal decisions were made; the only action was to adjourn the meeting.

• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will discuss liquor and tobacco license applications and hold a public hearing on changes to Liquor License Ordinance 101. The meeting also includes reviews of conditional use permits and various county contracts.

• Public hearing and adoption of Liquor License Ordinance 101
• Conditional Use Permits for Almen (Northfield Township), County Line Aggregate (Webster Township), and Speckmann (Webster Township)
• Award of Highway Contract No. 2170
• Professional services proposal from Klein McCarthy for Parks & Facilities
• Tobacco and liquor license applications for businesses including Pilot Travel Centers and Boonies Bar & Grill

The Rice County Board of Commissioners approved three conditional use permits, a waiver of plat, a road contract, a professional services proposal, and numerous liquor and tobacco license renewals. They also adopted resolutions for liquor license ordinance, performance measures, and county assessor appointment, and approved the consent agenda including payments and personnel appointments.

• Approved conditional use permit for Colleen Almen (DuWayne Hohrman) in Northfield Twp (5-0)
• Approved conditional use permit for County Line Aggregate (Janet M Tornell Trust) in Webster Twp (5-0)
• Approved conditional use permit for Charlie Speckmann (Inez Esther Horejsi Trust) in Webster Twp (5-0)
• Approved waiver of plat for Arthur VanErp in Walcott Twp (5-0)
• Approved contract #2170 to Crane Creek Asphalt for $155,814.42 (5-0)
• Approved proposal with Klein McCarthy for professional services (4-1, Malecha nay)
• Adopted Resolution #21-029, Liquor License Ordinance 101 (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including $926,903.55 in bills and personnel appointments (5-0)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will hold a work session to discuss facilities and highway updates. The body is reviewing plans for the Jail/LEC and downtown development.

• Jail/LEC Architectural Firm discussion
• Downtown Development discussion
• Highway updates

The Rice County Committee of the Whole met and heard updates from the Parks & Facilities and Highway departments. No formal decisions were made; the jail architectural firm discussion and downtown development committee formation were only discussed. The meeting adjourned with a unanimous vote.

• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Rice County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss the selection of a law enforcement jail location. The board is also reviewing various liquor and tobacco license renewals and a Department of Corrections contract.

• Law Enforcement Jail Location Selection
• Department of Corrections Contract for 2021-2022
• SAN (Storage Array Network) Replacement
• Greater Zumbro River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan Joint Powers Agreement
• Liquor and tobacco license renewals for Brewster's Bar & Grill, Channel Inn, and Boonies Beef & Brew, Inc.

The Rice County Board of Commissioners approved moving forward with the process of constructing a new Jail and Law Enforcement Center at a green site location, with a 3-2 vote. The board also approved several routine items, including a $75,000 Seagate SAN purchase, a watershed management plan agreement, and various licenses and permits. All other motions were approved unanimously.

• Approved moving forward with new Jail and Law Enforcement Center at green site (3-2)
• Approved $75,000 Seagate SAN purchase from North American Systems International
• Approved Greater Zumbro River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan Joint Powers Agreement
• Approved clerical errors for 2020 assessment
• Approved Local Disaster Abatement of $3,344 for 2020 taxes
• Approved Local Disaster Credit of $3,452 for 2021 taxes
• Approved 2020 Emergency Management Performance Grant
• Approved consent agenda including bills totaling $521,310.17

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment will meet via electronic means to consider several land-use variances. These requests involve accessory structures, retaining walls, setbacks, and building locations across various townships.

• Shed height and size variances in Webster, Forest, and Cannon City Townships
• Retaining wall setback variances at 6869 Garfield Trail, Faribault
• Horse shed road right of way variance at 11031 Shieldsville Blvd, Montgomery
• Home and garage bluff and lake setback variances in Forest Township
• Grain bin stream setback variance at 24531 Ibson Ave, Faribault

The Rice County Board of Adjustment approved all ten variance requests on the agenda, covering accessory structures, retaining walls, a grain bin, and home additions. Each approval included specific conditions, such as vegetative buffers, septic inspections, and time limits for obtaining permits. The board also approved the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting.

• Approved 8-ft height variance for Coleman shed (3-1)
• Approved retaining wall variances for Ditch Creek Landscape (unanimous)
• Approved size and height variance for Glanzer agricultural shed (unanimous)
• Approved 6-ft height variance for Gryc shed (3-1)
• Approved 80-ft setback variance for Helmers & Moudry horse shed (3-1)
• Approved 10-ft bluff setback variance for Nugent home (unanimous)
• Approved 15-ft stream setback variance for Petricka grain bin (unanimous)
• Approved bluff/steep slope variance for Sanders (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The commission will review several applications for conditional use permits and a waiver of plat. These items include proposals for agricultural tourism, an aggregate mining operation, and an excavation company office.

• Conditional Use Permit: Agricultural tourism business at 9748 110th St E, Northfield
• Conditional Use Permit: Aggregate mining operation at 3240 Hazelwood Ave, Webster
• Conditional Use Permit: Farmstay vacation lodging at 11172 100th St W, Montgomery
• Conditional Use Permit: Excavation company office and yard at 4480 30th St W, Webster
• Waiver of Plat: 1.32-acre building parcel via Transfer Development Right in Walcott Township

The Rice County Planning Commission recommended approval of a conditional use permit for an agricultural tourism business at 9748 110th St E, Northfield, with conditions limiting events to 20 larger (up to 300 people) and 40 smaller (up to 50 people) per year. The commission also recommended approval of a renewal for an aggregate mining operation in Webster Township, approved a contractor's office and yard CUP, and approved a waiver of plat for a 1.32-acre parcel. A farmstay lodging CUP was tabled to the June 3, 2021 meeting.

• Recommended approval of CUP for agricultural tourism (Almen/Hohrman) with 13 conditions (4-0)
• Recommended approval of CUP renewal for aggregate mining (County Line Aggregate) with 17 conditions (4-0)
• Recommended approval of CUP for contractor's office and yard (Speckmann) with 10 conditions (4-0)
• Recommended approval of waiver of plat for 1.32-acre TDR parcel (VanErp) with 6 conditions (4-0)
• Tabled CUP for farmstay lodging (Hintz) to June 3, 2021 meeting (4-0)

Committee of the Whole

The committee will receive department updates regarding property tax, elections, and adult mental health. The body will also review cash, pooled investments, and a quarterly financial report for the period ending March 31, 2021.

• Property Tax & Elections department update
• Social Service Department update on Adult Mental Health
• Cash & Pooled Investments report for period ending March 31, 2021
• Quarterly Financial Report for period ending March 31, 2021

The Rice County Committee of the Whole met on May 4, 2021, and received informational presentations from the Property Tax & Elections, Social Services, and Finance departments. No formal decisions were made; the only action was a motion to adjourn, which was approved.

• Adjourned meeting (motion by Dave Miller, seconded by Jim Purfeerst)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review several departmental items including social services fees and IT equipment cycles. Discussion includes a contract for a bridge replacement on 230th Street East and potential changes to liquor sale regulations.

• Contract #2175: Bridge replacement on 230th Street East
• Resolution #21-025: Public hearing date for possible changes to 3.2% malt liquor and intoxicating liquor licensing/sales
• Agreement with Jane Egerdal for Registered Nurse Services
• Resolution #21-024 regarding title clearing
• Selection of law enforcement jail location

The Rice County Board approved a $154,572 road construction contract with BCM Construction, Inc., and approved several other items including a fee schedule, a public hearing date for liquor licensing changes, a proclamation, a nursing agreement, IT purchases, a title clearance resolution, and the consent agenda. The board also tabled jail site selection until May 11, 2021.

• Approved Social Services Department Fee Schedule (5-0)
• Awarded contract #2175 to BCM Construction, Inc. for $154,572 (5-0)
• Approved Resolution #21-025 setting public hearing for liquor licensing changes on May 25, 2021 (5-0)
• Approved Proclamation of National Correctional Officers Week (5-0)
• Approved agreement with Jane Egerdal, RN for nursing services (5-0)
• Approved IT server refresh and PC/laptop/monitor purchases from CIT (5-0)
• Approved Proactive Managed Services Agreement with CIT for $6,459.60/month (5-0)
• Tabled jail and law enforcement center site selection until May 11, 2021 (no vote recorded)

Housing & Redevelopment Authority

The Housing and Redevelopment Authority will meet to review minutes and a proclamation for Fair Housing Month. The body will also receive a quarterly report and an update regarding the Resident Commissioner.

• Fair Housing Month Proclamation
• Quarterly Report
• Resident Commissioner update

The Rice County Housing & Redevelopment Authority met on April 27, 2021, and approved two action items via unanimous votes. The minutes do not describe what the actions were, and no other substantive decisions were recorded. The meeting adjourned at 10:44 am.

• Approved action item A (motion by Jeff Docken, seconded by Steve Underdahl) — all AYES, no NAYS
• Approved action item B (motion by Dave Miller, seconded by Galen Malecha) — all AYES, no NAYS

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will hold a public information and feedback session regarding options for a future jail and law enforcement center. The meeting also includes updates from the highway department and a facilities proposal.

• Public Information and Feedback Session: Future Jail and Law Enforcement Center Option Review
• Cannon River Wilderness Area Buckthorn Proposal
• Highway Department updates

The Rice County Committee of the Whole heard a University of Minnesota student proposal for long-term buckthorn removal funding in the Cannon River Wilderness Area. Commissioners agreed action is needed but will revisit after more studies. Highway items (I35 planning, County Road 9, Dundas Corridor Study) were also deferred. No formal votes were taken; the meeting adjourned without recorded decisions.

• Agreed to revisit buckthorn removal plan after studies (no vote)
• Deferred I35 planning and County Road 9 updates (no vote)
• Deferred Dundas Corridor Study (no vote)
• Adjourned meeting (motion approved, no recorded votes)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will discuss potential jail collaboration considerations. The discussion includes a review of the Steele Co CJ System Assessment draft.

• Steele Co CJ System Assessment 4.15 Draft
• Steele-Rice County Jail Collaboration Considerations

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is holding a public information and feedback session. The meeting focuses on reviewing options for a future jail and law enforcement center.

• Public Information and Feedback Session: Future Jail and Law Enforcement Center Option Review

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review several zoning amendments and conditional use permits across various townships. The meeting also includes discussions on social services policies, highway contract awards, and regional rail service support.

• Zoning Map Amendment for Section 31, Webster Township
• Conditional Use Permit/Engel in Section 24, Wheatland Township
• Conditional Use Permit/Tempel (Hu) in Section 18, Northfield Township
• Award of Contract # 2174 Bridge Replacement
• Resolution of Support for a Regional Passenger Rail Corridor Study

The Rice County Board of Commissioners approved a $133,545 contract with Access On Time for highway project #2174, along with several other items. The board also approved a resolution supporting a study for a passenger rail line connecting South Central Minnesota to the Twin Cities. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

Committee of the Whole

The committee will hold a work session to review updates from the Recorder's Office and Social Services. Discussions include the Social Welfare Fund Policy and a law enforcement jail study.

• Social Services Social Welfare Fund Policy
• Law Enforcement Jail Study discussion
• Child protection services report
• Recorder's Office department update

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment will consider six separate variance applications regarding structure size, height, and setbacks. These requests affect properties in Wells, Warsaw, Shieldsville, and Morristown Townships.

• Variance for 42-ft by 60-ft pole shed at 5550 Kelly Lake Trail
• Variance for roof mounted solar array at 5396 Elkton Trail
• Variance for 40-ft by 64-ft shed setback at 9586 170th St W
• Variance for 30-ft by 40-ft garage height at 8905 Shields Lake Path
• Variance for 30-ft by 50-ft shed setback at 24616 Jackson Ave.

The Rice County Board of Adjustment approved all six variance requests on the April 1, 2021 agenda, covering accessory structures, a solar array, and setbacks. Each approval included specific conditions, such as size and height limits, and some were approved with amendments. The board also approved the meeting minutes and agenda.

• Approved Bennett variance for 2,520-sqft pole shed with 24-ft peak height (4-1)
• Approved Gadbois (Blow) variance for roof-mounted solar array on existing shed (5-0)
• Approved Carlander variance for 40x64-ft shed at 44-ft from road right-of-way (5-0)
• Approved Graves variance for 1,200-sqft garage with 15-ft peak height (4-1)
• Approved Schema variance for 1,536-sqft garage with 16-ft peak height, amended from 18-ft (5-0)
• Approved Peroutka variance for 30x50-ft shed at 53-ft from road right-of-way (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is meeting to discuss a zoning map amendment and three conditional use permits. These items involve land use changes for agriculture, business, and energy production.

• Rezoning of 141 acres from Urban Reserve to Agricultural in Webster Township (Section 31)
• Conditional Use Permit for a 1MW solar energy production facility at 7609 Dennison Blvd, Northfield
• Conditional Use Permit for an agricultural tourism business at 9748 110th St E, Northfield
• Conditional Use Permit for a contractor's office and appliance installation yard in Wheatland Township (Section 24)

The Rice County Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend denial of a zoning map amendment to rezone five parcels totaling about 141 acres in Webster Township from Urban Reserve to Agricultural. The request by Timothy and Kimberly Kes was opposed by the City of Lonsdale, which cited its 2040 comprehensive plan and the purpose of the Urban Reserve district. The commission also tabled a conditional use permit for an agricultural tourism business in Northfield Township until May 6, 2021, and recommended approval of two other conditional use permits: one for a contractor's office and storage in Wheatland Township and one for a 1-MW solar facility in Northfield Township.

• Recommended denial of zoning map amendment to rezone 141 acres from Urban Reserve to Agricultural in Webster Township (Kes).
• Tabled conditional use permit for agricultural tourism business in Northfield Township (Almen/Hohrman) until May 6, 2021.
• Recommended approval of conditional use permit for contractor's office and storage in Wheatland Township (Engel) with conditions.
• Recommended approval of conditional use permit for 1-MW solar energy facility in Northfield Township (Tempel/Hu) with conditions.
• Approved the agenda and minutes of the March 4, 2021 meeting.

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review environmental service permits, social services coordination, and highway resolutions. Discussions also include a proposed public health nurse visit fee increase and department vehicle purchases.

• Public Health Fee Increase - Public Health Nurse Visit
• Vehicle Purchase-Facilities Truck
• Vehicle Purchase-Department of Veteran Services Transport Van
• Resolution # 21-018 MnDOT Agreement #1045697
• Resolution # 21-019 MnDOT Agreement #1045068

The Rice County Board of Commissioners approved all items on the agenda, including resolutions, conditional use permits, temporary equipment placement permits, waivers of plat, a social services contract, vehicle purchases, highway agreements, a public health fee change, and the consent agenda. All votes were unanimous with no opposition.

• Adopted Resolution #21-020 supporting the Lower MN River Watershed One Watershed, One Plan project.
• Approved conditional use permits for Dale Drentlaw (Wells Twp), Ross Morrison (Forest Twp), and Randy Timm/Timm Trucking Inc. (Morristown Twp).
• Approved temporary equipment placement permits for Mitch Froehlich/Ulland Brothers (Morristown Twp) and Crane Creek Asphalt (Forest Twp).
• Approved waivers of plat for Ryan Blumhoefer (Richland Twp), Brett Marschall (Webster Twp), Eric Schweisthal (Cannon City Twp), and Paul Thielbar (Shieldsville Twp).
• Approved a contract with Blue Earth County for Social Services.
• Approved purchase of a 2021 Ram 2500 plow truck and a 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid van.
• Approved highway resolutions #21-018 and #21-019 with MnDOT agreements.
• Approved a change in Public Health Nurse home visit fee to $180 per visit, effective 4/1/2021, and the consent agenda including bills totaling $1,395,728.72.

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting for a work session. The primary agenda item is a highway update provided by Dennis Luebbe.

• Highway update from Dennis Luebbe

The Rice County Committee of the Whole met and heard a report from Highway Department's Dennis Luebbe on upcoming contracts and seasonal work. No formal decisions were made; the only action was a motion to adjourn, which was approved. Topics discussed included salt and sand contracts, bridge projects on County Roads 9, 80, 90, and 6, and a possible trail extension near Kwik Trip/Dairy Queen.

• Approved motion to adjourn the meeting.
• Heard update on salt and sand contract and future salt sourcing.
• Heard update on County Rd. 9 Bridge project with Steele County, expected completion mid-June.
• Heard update on County Rd. 80 Bridge replacement, expected completion mid-July.
• Heard update on County Rd. 90 bridge repair, currently out for bids.
• Heard update on County Rd. 6 project west of Webster, no start date set.
• Heard update on resurfacing and safety improvements for County Rd. 62 to Crane Creek.
• Discussed possible trail extension from Kwik Trip/Dairy Queen area to the Broaster.

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider several highway contracts and a zoning map amendment in Webster Township. The meeting includes decisions on liquor permits and the ratification of AFSCME Council 65 union contracts for 2019-2021.

• Zoning map amendment for Section 31, Webster Township from Urban Reserve to Agricultural/Kes
• Award of Contract #21-51 Aggregate Surfacing, #21-52 Pavement Markings, and #2173 CSAH 6 Rehabilitation
• Ratification of 2019, 2020 & 2021 AFSCME Council 65 Union Contract
• Consumption & Display Permit renewal for Red Barn Farm of Northfield LLC
• Temporary 3.2% Malt Liquor License for Church of St Patrick, Shieldsville

The Rice County Board of Commissioners approved all agenda items unanimously, including a $2.5 million road construction contract and several smaller contracts. They also voted to send a zoning map amendment request back to the Planning Commission for a reopened public hearing. The board approved the consent agenda, which included paying bills totaling $987,286.20 and ratifying a union contract.

• Approved sending the Kes zoning map amendment back to the Planning Commission for a reopened public hearing.
• Approved a 3-year ESRI software agreement for the Assessor's Office.
• Approved contract #21-51 to Keilmeyer Construction, Inc. for $408,370.80.
• Approved contract #21-52 to Traffic Marking Services, Inc. for $84,030.10.
• Approved contract #2173 to McNamara Contracting Inc. for $2,523,696.00, contingent on MN-DOT concurrence.
• Approved amendments to a Mn-DOT contract and a professional service contract with Stonebrooke Engineering.
• Approved a consumption and display permit renewal for Red Barn Farm and a temporary malt liquor license for Church of St Patrick.
• Approved the consent agenda, including $987,286.20 in bills, personnel appointments, and ratification of the AFSCME union contract.

Housing & Redevelopment Authority

The Rice County Housing and Redevelopment Authority is holding a special meeting. The body will consider action items regarding payment standards.

• Payment Standards

The Rice County Housing & Redevelopment Authority met on March 9, 2021, and approved an unspecified action item by unanimous vote. The meeting was adjourned shortly after.

• Approved an action item (motion by Jeff Docken, seconded by Dave Miller) with all members voting in favor.
• Adjourned the meeting at 9:09 am.

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment is meeting to consider variance requests for two properties zoned as Recreational Development Shoreland. The board will determine if the applicants meet the criteria for exceptions to setback, size, and height limitations.

• Variance request for 13511 Fox Lake Trail for a 22-ft by 28-ft garage including a 5-ft road right of way setback variance
• Variance request for 15462 Shieldsville Blvd for a 40-ft by 80-ft pole shed with a 24-ft peak height
• Variance request for 15462 Shieldsville Blvd to allow business use buildings totaling 4,100-sqft
• Variance request for 15462 Shieldsville Blvd for a 2,000-sqft variance from shoreland accessory structure size limits

The Rice County Board of Adjustment unanimously approved two variance requests. The first allowed Rod Kunkel to build a 22-ft by 28-ft garage within a bluff and steep slope area and 15-ft from the road right-of-way on Fox Lake Trail in Forest Township. The second allowed Dale Drentlaw to add a 40-ft by 80-ft pole shed with a 24-ft peak height, exceeding accessory structure limits, on Shieldsville Blvd in Wells Township. Both approvals included conditions and findings that the requests met zoning ordinance criteria.

• Approved Kunkel variance for garage in bluff/steep slope and 15-ft setback (5-0)
• Approved Drentlaw variance for 3,200-sqft accessory structure with 24-ft peak height (5-0)
• Approved reading of notice (5-0)
• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved minutes of Feb 4, 2021 (5-0)
• Approved minutes of Feb 18, 2021 (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is considering several conditional use permits for businesses and temporary equipment placement. The body will also review four applications for waivers of plat to create new building parcels using Transfer Development Rights.

• CUP for dock & lift business at 15462 Shieldsville Blvd
• CUP for agricultural tourism at 3175 122nd St W
• CUP renewal for demolition landfill at 8784 240th St W
• Temporary equipment permits for aggregate screening at 10355 Morristown Township Blvd and an asphalt plant at 4995 Millersburg Blvd W
• Four Waiver of Plat requests to create building parcels in Richland, Webster, Cannon City, and Shieldsville Townships

The Rice County Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of all nine items on the agenda, including conditional use permits for a dock and lift business, an agricultural tourism business, a demolition landfill expansion, a temporary asphalt plant, and several waivers of plat for new building parcels. Each approval includes specific conditions, such as screening requirements, event limits, parking restrictions, and financial sureties. The recommendations will be forwarded to the County Board for final decisions.

• Approved a conditional use permit for Dale Drentlaw's dock and lift business in Wells Township, with conditions including screening of outdoor storage.
• Approved a conditional use permit for Ross Morrison's agricultural tourism business in Forest Township, with limits on events, attendees, and vehicles.
• Approved a conditional use permit for Timm Trucking Inc. to expand a demolition landfill in Morristown Township, with conditions including a $100,000 surety and operational hours.
• Approved a conditional use permit for Froehlich Construction to operate a temporary aggregate pit in Forest Township, with conditions including dust control and road signage.
• Approved a temporary equipment placement permit for Crane Creek Asphalt to operate a temporary asphalt plant in Forest Township, with a $50,000 bond requirement.
• Approved a waiver of plat for Ryan Blumhoefer (Gary Reuvers) in Richland Township to create a 2.5-acre building parcel, with conditions including a $500 park fee.
• Approved a waiver of plat for Brett Marschall (Pat Malay) in Webster Township to create a 2.5-acre building parcel, with conditions including a $500 park fee.
• Approved a waiver of plat for Paul Thielbar in Shieldsville Township to create a 1.8-acre building parcel, with conditions including a $500 park fee.

Board of Commissioners

The Rice County Board of Commissioners is meeting to review several Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) applications and zoning requests. The body will also discuss landfill equipment and liquor permits.

• Zoning map amendment to rezone property from Urban Reserve to Agricultural in Section 31, Webster Township
• Seven resolutions supporting LRIP applications for various townships and CSAH projects
• Award of Contract # 2172 for bridge replacements on CR No. 80
• 1-day temporary on-sale liquor license for St Patrick Church Shieldsville on March 20, 2021
• Resolution #21-017 regarding the Rice County Emergency Election Plan

The Rice County Board approved a $1,131,592.90 contract for road work, a $299,999 loader purchase, and several permits and resolutions. They also tabled a zoning map amendment for the Kes property until March 9, 2021. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved $1,131,592.90 road contract to Structural Specialties, Inc. (5-0)
• Approved $299,999 John Deere loader purchase from RDO Equipment Co. (5-0)
• Tabled zoning map amendment for Timothy & Kimberly Kes until March 9, 2021 (5-0)
• Approved temporary equipment placement permits for Corey Kielmeyer in Walcott and Webster Townships (5-0)
• Approved waiver of plat for Steven Koziolek in Northfield Township (5-0)
• Adopted resolutions supporting LRIP applications for Webster, Wells, Bridgewater, Wheatland Townships, CSAH 76, CSAH 48, and SP 6603-029 (5-0)
• Approved 1-day liquor license and consumption permit for St. Patrick Church Shieldsville (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including $1,157,807.10 in bills and personnel appointments (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Rice County Board of Adjustment is meeting to review a variance request for a property on Roberds Lake. The board will determine if the applicant may deviate from standard setback and vegetation rules.

• Variance request for Barbara Mitchell (PID#: 10.21.2.26.006) to build a house 90-ft from Roberds Lake instead of the 120-ft limitation
• Request to remove lakeshore vegetation and grade the top 7-ft of elevation within the shore impact zone of Roberds Lake

The Rice County Board of Adjustment denied Barbara Mitchell's variance request to grade within the shore impact zone of Roberds Lake, while approving the meeting agenda and notice reading. The board also discussed but did not vote on a separate 30-ft setback variance for a new house, which remains pending.

• Denied variance for Barbara Mitchell to grade in Shore Impact Zone (3-0)
• Approved reading of notice (3-0)
• Approved agenda (3-0)

Committee of the Whole

The committee will review financial reports and the annual ditch inspector's report. The meeting includes updates on COVID-19 and highway transportation.

• Annual Ditch Inspector's Report
• Cash & Pooled Investments report for period ending December 31, 2020
• Quarterly Financial Report for period ending December 31, 2020
• COVID-19 Update
• Highway Transportation Update

The Rice County Committee of the Whole met on February 16, 2021, and discussed several items, including the annual ditch inspector's report, cash and pooled investments, the quarterly financial report, a COVID-19 update, and a highway transportation update. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was adjourned with a motion that was approved with no recorded votes.

• Adjourned the meeting (motion by Dave Miller, seconded by Galen Malecha, approved with no recorded votes)

Committee of the Whole

The Rice County Committee of the Whole met and, after the call to order and pledge, moved into a closed session to discuss litigation strategy under Minn. Stat. §13D.05 Subd. 3(b). The board approved motions to enter and exit the closed session, then adjourned. No substantive public decisions were made.

• Approved motion to enter closed session for litigation strategy (no recorded vote)
• Approved motion to exit closed session (no recorded vote)
• Approved motion to adjourn meeting (no recorded vote)

Housing & Redevelopment Authority

The Rice County Housing & Redevelopment Authority approved the award of Project Based Vouchers. The motion was made by Galen Malecha and seconded by Dave Miller, and the result was recorded as approved with no votes listed. The meeting was brief and adjourned shortly after.

• Approved Award of Project Based Vouchers (motion by Malecha, second by Miller)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss a Law Enforcement Jail Study presented by the Facilities Department. The meeting includes a period for public comments.

• Law Enforcement Jail Study discussion

The Rice County Committee of the Whole met on February 9, 2021, and discussed a law enforcement jail study. The board decided to discuss options with Steele County before moving forward. No formal decisions were made, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Discussed jail study options with Steele County (no vote)
• Adjourned meeting (approved, no recorded votes)

Board of Adjustment

The Rice County Board of Adjustment approved all four variance requests on the agenda, including a shed setback variance in Walcott Township, a water-oriented shed variance in Wells Township, a bluff setback and grading variance in Forest Township, and an impervious surface variance in Forest Township. All approvals were unanimous except for the Trnka variance, which passed 3-1 with John McCarthy voting no.

• Approved Hager variance for 15-ft rear and side yard setbacks for a 60x80-ft shed (4-0)
• Approved Benson variance for an 8x16-ft water-oriented shed 42-ft from French Lake (4-0)
• Approved Haeckel & Campbell variance for bluff setback and grading for a new home (4-0)
• Approved Trnka variance for 5% impervious surface coverage increase (3-1)

Board of Commissioners

The Rice County Board of Commissioners approved all agenda items unanimously, including a zoning amendment allowing agricultural tourism as a conditional use in shoreland districts, a 2021-2022 road maintenance agreement with Northfield, and a bridge priority list. They also approved two waiver of plat requests, a child care licensing variance policy, a nursing services agreement, liquor license fee waivers, property purchases, and a consent agenda with $1,324,278.30 in bills and personnel appointments.

• Adopted Resolution #21-003 adding agricultural tourism as conditional use in GDS, RDS, NES shoreland districts (5-0)
• Approved waiver of plat for Tonya & Eddie Gillen, Webster Township (5-0)
• Approved waiver of plat for Brian Burkart/Linda Kopisca, Warsaw Township (5-0)
• Approved Social Services Child Care Licensing Variance Policy (5-0)
• Approved agreement with Gail Hoxie Setterstrom for RN services (5-0)
• Approved Resolution #21-006 waiving liquor license fees for 2021 (5-0)
• Approved 2021-2022 County Road Maintenance Agreement with City of Northfield (5-0)
• Approved Resolution #21-005 Bridge Priority List (5-0)

Housing & Redevelopment Authority

The Rice County Housing & Redevelopment Authority met and approved the minutes from four prior meetings (July 21, 2020, August 25, 2020, December 8, 2020, and January 12, 2021) by motion. No other substantive decisions were made; the board received a quarterly and year-end report and adjourned. The minutes record no vote tallies for the approval, listing AYES: None, NAYS: None.

• Approved minutes of July 21, 2020, August 25, 2020, December 8, 2020, and January 12, 2021 (motion by Malecha, seconded by Underdahl)

Committee of the Whole

The Rice County Committee of the Whole met on January 19, 2021, for a work session. They discussed a child care licensing variance policy and received a COVID-19 update. No formal decisions were made; the only action was to adjourn the meeting.

• Adjourned meeting (motion by Dave Miller, seconded by Jeff Docken, approved)

Housing & Redevelopment Authority

The Rice County Housing & Redevelopment Authority approved the election of officers for 2021 and approved its 5-year plan. Both motions passed unanimously with all five present members voting in favor; Commissioner Tjosaas was absent. No public comments were made on the 5-year plan.

• Approved election of HRA officers for 2021 (5-0)
• Approved the 5-year plan (5-0)

Board of Adjustment

The Rice County Board of Adjustment will hold a remote meeting to elect officers, set the 2021 schedule, and hear four variance applications. Each request involves a property owner seeking relief from county zoning rules, such as setbacks and slope limits. The board will take public comment and vote to approve, deny, or continue each item.

• Variance for 25-ft bluff setback reduction for new home at 9368 Dodd Rd, Kilkenny (Shieldsville Twp)
• Variance for driveway on slope exceeding 18% in Webster Twp
• Variance for 15-ft rear yard setback reduction for shed at 4507 250th St E, Faribault (Walcott Twp)
• Variance for 30-ft Roberds Lake setback reduction and vegetation/grading in shore impact zone (Wells Twp)
• Election of 2021 chair, vice chair, and secretary

Planning Commission

The Rice County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a proposed zoning ordinance amendment to allow agricultural tourism businesses as conditional uses in certain shoreland districts. The commission will also consider three property requests: a rezoning in Webster Township, and two waiver of plat applications in Webster and Warsaw Townships. The meeting will be conducted electronically due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Public hearing on Resolution #21-003 to add 'Agricultural Tourism Business' as conditional use in GDS, RDS, NES Shoreland Districts
• Rezone request by Timothy & Kimberly Kes: three parcels from Urban Reserve to Agricultural, Section 31, Webster Township (PIDs 02.31.2.00.002, 02.31.2.75.001, 02.31.2.75.002)
• Waiver of Plat by Tonya & Eddie Gillen: create 2.5-acre parcel via TDR, Section 21, Webster Township (PID 02.21.2.50.002)
• Waiver of Plat by Brian Burkart for Linda Kopisca: create 1.7-acre and 21-acre parcels, 21750 Morristown Blvd, Faribault (PID 14.03.3.50.003)
• Election of 2021 Planning Commission Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary

Board of Commissioners

The Rice County Board of Commissioners is holding its first regular meeting of 2021, with organizational items including election of chair and vice chair, committee appointments, and setting meeting dates. The board will also act on a social services contract, a resolution granting the chief financial officer annual banking authority, incidental fund appropriations, and appointments to the Planning Commission.

• Election of 2021 Chairperson and Vice Chairperson
• Social Services contract with South Central Community Based Initiative
• Resolution #21-004 granting annual banking authority to Chief Financial Officer
• Resolution #21-001 designating official newspaper for public notices
• Appointment to Planning Commission/Board of Adjustment