Present: Docken, Purfeerst, Malecha, Hoisington, Underdahl
Open Forum 8:00
No one from the public attended.
Call to Order
Environmental Services: Julie Runkel
- Overview of Local Cannabis Regulations: 8/1/2023 State Legislation of Legalization Cannabis, most regulations at state level, but some local such as consumption, zoning. Does the County Board want to do anything about local consumption/zoning? Various models have been adopted by counties and cities, usually concerning public property and consumption. Looking for thoughts, will come back with language for approval. Malacha suggests bringing this to work session, would like input from sheriff and public health. Underdahl suggests looking at where tobacco use is allowed, also looking at parks, reality of enforcement- as a starting point. Purfeerst suggests keeping consumption from all public grounds. Docken also notes alcohol policy in parks, as a guide. Hoisington adds he agrees with looking at alcohol policy. County Fairgrounds ought to be consulted. Sheriff Thomas feels it should be more restrictive than the alcohol policy, as smoke is breathable by all in the area, as opposed to alcohol. Deb Purfreest mentions youth/concerns/public use/exposure to secondhand smoke. Mr. Mortenson wants discussion to precede the writing of an ordinance. He can look at other counties, ordinances that already exist. Underdahl asks how soon does a public hearing need to happen to have prior to County Fair time? Julie- July.
- Replacement of Recycling Loader. Quotes compared, 217,000 cost best, with suggestion loader goes to highway dept, purchase new for Landfill. To use county recycling side. In Budget. Motion passed.
Property Tax and Elections: Denise Anderson
- MnCCC Contract Tax System Board Ratification – software is heavily used by tax offices, cities use to collect special assessments for roads within their cities. March 1, 2024- March 1, 2025 contract. Rice County IT managers and attorneys have reviewed contract. Asking for approval of
ratification. Docken wonders whether ditch assessments will be covered by this software. Ditches not in current system. Denise can explore further. Expense is for the upgrade, covered by fees; annual payment is through IT dept. Motion carred.
- Renewal of Consumption and Display Permit for Red Barn Farm of Northfield LLC, 10063 110 th Street East, Northfield, MN 55057 for the licensing period of April 1, 2024-March 31, 2025. Motion approved
- Application and Permit for a 1 Day Temporary On-Sale Liquor License for Rice County Historical Society at Stone Orchard Events, 3050 197 th Street East, Faribault, MN on June 29, 2024. Motion approved
Drainage Authority: Steve Pahs
- Annual Ditch Inspector’s Report_ joint ditch 6 ongoing repairs. Half system clean-up of dich 11. Drainage ditch 14 repaired. Ditch 17 near Lonsdale repaired. Ditch 19 shared with Steele County to be repaired this year. Brush control ongoing. Ditch 6 will be repaired this season.
Social Services: Chris Sammom
- Purchase of Service Contract- Transcription and Consultation Services Child and Family Services. Short staffed, 2 positions. Available candidate would be free until August, then return to (other) teaching obligations. Contract written to end of year. Need approval for contract. Motion approved.
Sheriff’s Office: Jesse Thomas-
- Adoption of Resolution #24-018/Minnesota Internet crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC). This is a renewal, expires today so looking for approval. Motion approved.
Highway : Dennis Lubbe
- Award of Contract #2472- CSAH 4 rehabilitation. Bid summary attached to board packet. Contract below estimate and what had been budgeted last year. Motion approved.
Administration: Sara Folsted
- Consent agenda. Motion approved
- National County Government Month Proclamation (April).
Motion approved.
- Closed session under MN Statute 13D.05
