Rice County Observer Report: County Commissioner Meeting, 5.14.24

Posted on by northfieldcfleague in Observer Reports, Rice County Commission

Rice County Board of Commissioners Open Forum  

Open Forum 

Present: Docken, Purfeerst, Hoisington, Underdahl, Malacha 

Approximately 30-35 members of the public present at this meeting to speak on proposed gravel pit. Noted on the agenda, NOT possible to address the proposed gravel pit as the topic was open to public comment at the planning commission meeting May 2, 2024.  

Member of public gave comment regarding rules of public participation. Voiced disappointment about the restriction on speaking about an item that has received a public hearing. In Rice County, public comment is allowed just one time, unless special exception is made. Only two of the five commissioners (Docken and Underdahl) are on the planning commission. Three of the five commissioners never have to listen to public comment, as they are not on the planning commission. The May 2 Planning Commission meeting ought to have had a 10-day public notice of comment should have been public but was evidently not, or was not seen by many.

Member of the public gave comment regarding the limited number of people who received notice about the gravel pit. The notice reached about 12 people in the neighborhood, regarding the planning commission meeting on May 2. The meeting notes are not public yet, nor is the video. Meeting the minimum set by the state is inadequate for public comment and involvement in pertinent issues.  

Member of the public expressed concern about 2020 election. States that unknown entities were logged in as guests. Feels the integrity of elections are at risk. 

Member of the public expressed concern about potential fraud in 2020 election. Raises concerns about hacks, foreign involvement, cybersecurity in Rice County, cites Maricopa County in AZ as an example.  

Member of the public gave comment on tax code. Would like to see parity between apartments and single family houses for taxes, would increase tax revenue. Would require legislative action to facilitate changes to tax codes. Would like the commissioners to communicate to the state to increase this revenue to support students and families. Also concerned that for the Association County Commissioners, most of the revenue comes from taxes. Attempted to reach someone in St. Paul, has not had return call.  

Member of the public gave comment regarding the proposed gravel pit. Thanked to the commissioners for listening when resident reached out with their concerns about the gravel pit. Asks commissioners to think as they deliberate. 

Member of the public stated his address and the inability to speak further on the topic. 

Member of the public commented that the process for public participation is severely flawed. Appointed people on the planning commission rather than elected. The minutes from the former are not public until after the commissioners meeting. Hoping the future commission reflects our current population, with women, people of color.  

Adjourned.  

Rice County Board of Commissioners May 14, 2024 

Present : Docken, Purfeerst, Malacha, Hoisington, Underdahl 

Environmental Services (Julie Runkel) 

  1. Conditional Use Permit/Mullenberg-Section 19, Cannon City Township 

Purfeerst asks if dust control could be added, as a condition. After discussion, request to return to voluntary. Passed 

  1. Conditional Use Permit/Bakken- Section 19, Cannon City Township 

Passed. 

  1. Conditional Use Permit/Schiffhauer- Section 36, Webster Township 

Passed 

  1. Conditional Use Permit/Moore Section 28, Walcott Township. Passed 
  1. Conditional Use Permit/Buck 2 Section 2, Erin Township. Passed 
  1. Conditional Use Permit/Peters -Section 26, Northfield Township.  

Discussion:

Purfeerst: thanks those in the audience for coming. Proposal is in agricultural land, thinks that is the correct spot. Believes Milestone is a reliable company. Would like to see environmental study done on this pit; knows and is concerned about the aquifer. States Is in agreement about the process of public comment.

Malecha: also concerned about the environment, feels that citizens were caught off guard. Acknowledges that as an elected official he represents the folks who elected him. Would like to reopen the public comment time. Feels there will be a big impact.  

Underdahl: has read the emails, was out of town this weekend, so unable to return calls. It is a permitted use within an agricultural district but is concerned about the environmental impacts on this area, would like more research done. Would like expert opinion. There is a 60 day period to act on land use – would like a 60 day extension to allow further study and more public input. Are the right conditions in place? Would prefer not to have an up/down vote right now.  

Hoisington: Thanks everyone for their concerns. The pit has been approved for 50/60 years, thinks “this thing has been blown out of proportion”, some of the concerns have “been exaggerated”. Trying to put it all together, feels the planning commission is competent. Thinks it is unusual to see this reaction to this pit. Does not feel anything has been done wrong. Feels this pit has been fine for 50 years. Does not see what will change if this pit gets delayed.  

Docken: In 2021 the planning commission denied a permit, thinks that questions at that time were answered, regarding runoff, water containment. Lives a mile from the gravel pit, as do others. Does acknowledge some issues over the years, does not think environmental impact studies necessary. Has been a commissioner for 15 years, notes “we have always followed the process”. Wants this public body (County Commissioners) to hold a public hearing, not the Planning Commission.  

Hoisington: what are we trying to accomplish? Not sure what new information will be brought forward.  Docken: agrees with Hoisington. Runkel states a reason is needed to have an extension, to tell the applicants. Underdahl: voices his concern re: aquifer. Wants trusted sources (DNR) to weigh in on this. Also wants public to weigh in. Traffic study has been completed.  

Motion to extend process for 60 days, to gain more environmental impact information and allow public to have more comment time. To have meeting far enough out so people hear about it. Runkel: notices would be publicized as they always are. Environmental information is available, will be brought back to next meeting for review. Attorney: need two separate motions, one for extension and the next for public hearing. Runkel: easy enough to set up the public hearing. Underdahl wants some outside source for the additional environmental impact information. First motion is to extend 60 days, for further study environmental impact, particularly water, by Underdahl, second by Purfeerst. Hoisington: wonders what environmental work has been done. Runkel: permits, well logs, traffic information, US Fish and Wildlife permitting for wildlife, National Heritage review, all available. If applicants are to provide additional info, need to know. Hoisington: Contractor plans to dig about 35 feet, on a 12 acre site, wants to put this in perspective, in terms of the magnitude – “it’s not a massive pit”. 

Runkel: the application is roughly 14 acres, digging about 40 feet. It is a different application than the previous. Motion to extend: Motion carried. Second motion is for a public hearing, again by Underdahl, June 11 at 9:00. Motion carried.  

  1. Interim Use permit/Carlson Section 18, Northfield Township. Passed 
  1. Interim Use Permit/Herbs- Section 28, Cannon City Township. Passed 
  1. Waiver of plat/Trnka- section 20, Forest Township. Passed 
  1. Interim use Permit/Miller- Section 4, Forest Township. Passed 

Property tax and Elections: Denise Anderson  

  1. On-Sale, Off-Sale and Sunday Liquor License renewal application for MJVoegele, Inc. Channel Inn, 23219 Farwell Avenue, Warsaw MN 55087 for the licensing period of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.    Passed 
  1. On-Sale, Off- Sale and Sunday Liquor License renewal application for Ettlin’s Ranchero Supper Club Inc. 4452 40 th Street West, Webster, MN 55088 for the licensing period of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.   Passed 
  1. On-Sale, Off-Sale and Sunday Liquor License renewal application for LJW Enterprises, Inc. Brewster’s Bar and Grill, 9856 50 th Street West, Veseli, MN 55046 for the licensing period July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.    Passed 
  1. On-Sale and Sunday Liquor License application for Red Barn Farm of Northfield, 10063 110 th Street East, Northfield, MN 55057, for the licensing period of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.  Passed 
  1. On-Sale Wine  Liquor License renewal application for Grandma’s Lakeside Resort, 17000 Elmore Way, Faribault, MN,55021 for the licensing period July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Passed 
  1. On and Off Sale 3.2% Malt Liquor License  renewal application for Grandma’s Lakeside Resort, 17000 Elmore Way, Faribault, MN 55021 for the licensing period of July1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.  Passed 
  1. On-Sale Wine Liquor License renewal application for Winjum’s Shade Acres Resort, 17759 177 th Street West, Faribault, MN 55021 for the licensing period of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Passed 
  1. On-Sale 3.2% Malt Liquor License renewal application for Winjum’s Shade Acres Resort,  17759 177 th Street West, Faribault, MN 55021, for the  licensing period of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.   Passed 
  1. On-Sale 3.2% Liquor License renewal application for Vesili Area Lion’s Club4951 Jackson Avenue, Webster, MN 55088, for the licensing period of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.   Passed 
  1. Temporary On-Sale 3.2%  Malt Liquor License  application for June 15, 2024 at Brewster’s Bar and Grill, 9856 50 th Street West, Vesili, MN 55046.  Passed 
  1. Tobacco License application for Dennison Depot LLC, 12989 Dennison Blvd South, Dennison, MN 55018 for the licensing period of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Passed 
  1. Out of State Travel Request- Jody Wagner Lead on Rice County Tax System, MCCC User Group, dealing with legislative changes as relates to property taxes. Attend San Antonio, TX meeting.  Passed 
  1. On-Sale and Sunday Liquor License application for Tamera Theis Apple Creek Orchard LLC, 5524 185 th Street West, Faribault, MN 55021. passed 
  1. On-Sale Wine Liquor License application for Lemieux Resort, Inc  7710 Cedar Lake Blvd, Faribault, MN 55021 for the licensing period of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.    Passed 
  1. On and Off Sale 3.2% Malt Liquor License renewal application for Vintage Escapes Winery and Vineyard LLC 8950 Dodd Road, Kilkenny, MN 56052 for the licensing period of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. passed 
  1. On-Sale and Sunday Liquor License renewal application for Vintage Escapes Winery and Vineyard LLC, 8950 Dodd Road, Kilkenny, MN 56052 for the licensing period of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.   Passed 

Information Technology (Allan Klug)  

  1. Some of the servers used are approaching end of lifetime use. These servers require a lot of memory. the server at the Solid Waste site is significantly older. $86,258.00 for 4 servers from HIS. Split between IT and Environmental Services (out of budgets). Passed 

Social Services: Mark Hedenstrom 

  1. Foster Care Proclamation for Foster Care Month, May,  2024  Passed 

Parks and Facilities Department: Sam  

  1. GSB Generator Transfer Switch Purchase. 29,375.00 Interstate Power State quote. Passed 

Sheriff’s Office: Jesse Thomas  

  1. Proclamation National Police Week , May 12-18, 2024  Passed 

Highway: Dennis Luebbe 

  1. Resolution #24-019 Local Bridge Replacement Program Grant Agreement # 1056100 (Nerstrand Blvd)   Passed 
  1. Resolution #24-020 and MnDOT Grant Agreement #1054549 (Webster)  Passed 
  1. Resolution #24- 021and MnDOT agreement # 1055383 (Faribault) Passed 
  1. Resolution #24-022 request to MnDOT for a variance on Township Bridge replacement project #066-599-30(Northfield Township) Passed 
  1. Approval of Professional Services contract for CSAH 46 Roadway design (Programmed for 2026, possible work to start 2025) Moore Engineering recommended. 
  1. Approval of Final Payment, Contract #2273, CSAH 76 Reconstruction 
  1. Approval of road maintenance Agreement with the City of Faribault 
  1. Approval of professional service contract with WSN Engineering  

Administration: Sara Folsted 

Adjourn 

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