Rice County Board of Commissioners September 24, 2024
I. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Called to order by Commissioner Malecha.
All were present.
Agenda and minutes of Sept 10 approved unanimously.
II. ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES: Julie Runkel
A waiver of plat, a final plat, and a removal of conservation easement, all recommended by the Planning Commission, were approved unanimously.
A conditional use permit, also recommended by the Planning Commission, was approved by majority vote, with Malecha voting no. This permit was to legalize several existing violations of a previous agreement between the county and a cat rescue farm located in Section 9 of Walcott Township. Malecha cited the repeated violations in the past.
The Lower Minnesota River East Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan was approved unanimously along with the agreement to implement it via the Lower Minnesota River East Watershed Joint Powers Agreement.
III. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Allan Klug
Renewal of Rice County’s Adobe licenses was approved unanimously.
IV. PUBLIC HEALTH/NURSING: Deb Purfeerst
The Board unanimously approved a motion for Rice County Public Health to continue a grant agreement with the MN Department of Public Safety for Toward Zero Deaths projects through September 2025, to implement the grant; and to approve Kathy Cooper to administer the funds. The Sheriff testified to the need and effectiveness of the program, which advertises and provides safe rides home.
V. ATTORNEY’S OFFICE: Brian Mortenson
The Board unanimously proclaimed October 2024 as National Domestic Violence Awareness month. Comments emphasized the gap between need, as evidenced by victims presenting at Hope Center, and solutions, as measured by the few prosecutions seen in the county.
VI. FINANCE: Paula O’Connell
The Preliminary Tax Levy for 2025 at 9.89% was approved unanimously.
This represents an increase of $36.4 million in 2024 and $40 million in 2025.
VII. ADMINISTRATION: Sara Folsted
The consent agenda was approved unanimously.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
