League of Women Voters of Northfield

Rice County Commissioners Meeting - December 18, 2007

LWV Observer - Georgiana Campbell

Those who have been following County Commissioner business know that this week’s meeting would be especially important since the Commissioners would again discuss changes in the feedlot ordinance. But the ordinance was the last item on the agenda, and the first item on the agenda was a discussion of Faribault’s interest in using the “left-over ” Tax Increment Financing money for downtown improvement. Many Faribault citizens were present, but as the commissioners decided, any decision will be made at a later meeting.

Next were interviews for open positions on the County Planning and Zoning Commission and on the Board of Adjustment. Each candidate responded to eight questions from the commissioners. When asked what they saw as the biggest challenge ahead for the county, 5 out of the 6 applicants indicated they thought it would have to do with balancing agricultural and residential
interests. Appointments will be announced at the next meeting.

Representing theHighway Dept., Dennis Luebbe gave updates on the Northfield Corridor Study (Highway 19), on the CSAH 1 Corridor Preservation Study, and on the results of the speed limits study on a section of street going north from Northfield, i.e. Falk Ave., that becomes Cedar Ave. as it goes north out of the city. Despite concerns of those living in the area, who had wanted the speed limit lowered, the state had decided the limit should be raised and have installed new signs to that effect. Two residents from that area were present to voice their concerns about the decision not to lower the speed limit. The commissioners seemed to agree with them and urged the Highway Dept. again to explore ways to lower the speed limit. A proposed department fee schedule, agreements with MN-DOT on detours as well as a proposed agreement with Dakota County regarding the NW Northfield Corridor study were also presented and approved.

At last, the commissioners, along with Administrator Gary Weiers, P. and Z. staff members, and Meredith Erickson from the County Attorney’s office, gathered around the big table to discuss changes in the feedlot ordinance. Setbacks had been an issue, but the discussion ended in the agreement that they would stay the same rather than being decreased. Minimum area will be 5 acres. The number of animal units permitted was next to be discussed. Malecha favored keeping the animal cap at 1500. Plaisance wanted it raised to 2,000 Brown favored raising the cap of 1500 for dairy cows but otherwise keeping the 1500 cap. Brown suggested a compromise number of 1750 as animal cap. Agreement was not reached, but the issue will be back for discussion, possibly in early February. Also, the zoning ordinance raising the cap to 2,000 which was passed Dec. 8 was rescinded by the Commissioners, thus removing the disagreement between what the zoning and the feedlot ordinances state and making it possible for a final decision on an animal unit cap to be made at the next discussion of the feedlot ordinance..