work. >> We'll call over the Ben County Commissioners meeting. Please join us with the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Beth uh make a note all commissioners are here. Approve or amend the agenda. Monty, >> Mr. Chair, a couple changes.
Um, if we could add as a consent item uh from the highway department uh construction contract 2026-10, please add that uh to your consent agenda. That would be uh looks like item number >> 16.
>> 16. Yes. Secondly, under Roxan Aman at 9:45, please add the routeware application. Again, the routeware application under 945. Let's make that Roxan's first item. I see Daniel's here for that that as well. And just a note,
Mr. Chair is um under administrator where we have the blight study. Amanda's here to help us with that discussion. If we could recess after the blight study and take care of the EDA agenda, I know she's got a a loan for you to consider. So we could
take a break right after and recess after the blight set in do an EDA meeting. Uh that allows the man to kind of get on with her day. So that's all we have Mr. Chair. Commissioner >> move for approval of the amended agenda. Mr. Chair, >> we got a motion and a second. Any further discussion on that? If I call
the question, all in favor say I. >> I. >> Motion carries. Thank you. Ben County Board meetings are broadcasted live and video recorded on YouTube. Please refrain from speaking from the audience area and come to the podium so the viewers can hear you.
Benton County Board observes Robert's rules of orders for its meeting. So please obtain the board's chair consent before addressing the county board. Public comments are generally reserved for the open forum segment or public hearings. However, public comment and other agenda items may be allowed at the
discretion of the board chair. As we begin today, please turn the cell phones off or please turn them on vibrate. Thank you. Open forum. No open form. Thank you. Okay. Uh what would we like to do with consent agenda items 1 through 16?
>> Approval, Mr. Chair. >> I'll second. >> Got a motion and a second. Any further discussion on those? >> Not to call the question. All in favor say I. >> I. Oppos. Motion carries. Thank you, Monty. Next. Solar Regal Solar Update.
>> Well, I invite the folks in Regal to come up and introduce yourselves and your presentation is on the screen. Good morning, commissioners. >> Morning. There you go. >> Am I on? >> Yeah, I believe so. Yes. >> Okay. Thank you for having me. Uh, my name is Carrie Ryan. I'm an enterprise
project manager for Minnesota Power and I'm here today to give you an update on the Regal Solar Projects that are happening here in Bent County. I also have Alex Lumen, also from Minnesota Power here, and I believe he has presented to you guys uh in the past as we've developed this project.
So just a little bit about Minnesota Power. Um you can see this is a a photo of our SE service territory. Um we are headquartered in Duth. We are regulated investor-owned utility. Um something unique about Minnesota Power is about
threequarters of our customers are industrial customers. Uh primarily located on northern Minnesota. So we serve all the mines in the iron range as well as the paper um industries. and our just to give you an idea how the
Regal Solar Project fits into our generation portfolio. Uh Minnesota Power is proud to be over 50% renewable energy. Um you can see down in the southern portion of our service territory is the Regal Solar Project uh which will be in service in 2027. That's
about 119.5 megawws. Uh at the same time as the Regal Solar, we also have the Boswell solar project going on up in Cohasset. So as we transition away from coal and into solar, both the Boswell and Regal Solar Project help with that carbon-f free transition. Uh you can
also just see uh we have a variety of wind projects out in North Dakota with an HVDC line that brings all that power back to our service territory. So a construction update uh for the Regal Solar. Obviously, we started this spring uh in April, and I'm sure most of
you seen all the activity along Highway 10 there. So, in the yellow uh is the solar array itself, and in the red, the red line is the collector line. It's a fivecircuit underground collection line that will bring the power from the solar
array up to that green dot. That's the new Two River substation that's also being constructed. Uh just a reminder this whole project was um developed and then permitted under the state site permit. Um so projects of this size have to go through the state approval
process. So on the solar array itself um this all the site grading is complete. We have about half the fence post set and primarily what you see when you drive by is over half the steel piles have been installed. So those are the steel piles
that are foundation for all the solar modules. Currently we have about 10% of the racking in and we've just started installing the glass modules here in the last two weeks. So we're at about 3% there. Currently, as of last week, we have about 160 local union workers on
site. Here's a few photos. Um just give you an idea. We did um plant, seed, and vegetate the whole uh solar array area last year. So, we have nice vegetation. This year, it's come up really well. You can see see the steel piles uh being
installed. And then what you see in the photo on the right is the uh torque tubes that are part of the racking system that's starting to be installed. Uh there's also as part of the whole solar array a whole complex network of underground cable. So, we're in the
process of um putting all that in. And that just gives you an idea of what that looks like on the site. And then here's the installation of the modules have begun and as well as the fencing that's going in. Any questions on the PV array
on the the other two projects that are part of the the Regal Solar are the Two River substation as well as the collector lines. So out on the Two River substation, the site grading's complete. They're starting foundation. So if you drive by out there, you can see um drilled peers are going in. On the
collection line, it's a fivecircuit underground collector line. Some are bored and some are trenched in from above. The borings are about 70% complete and they're starting trenching in actually this week on the conductor. So along that red line,
here's a few photos of the uh substation. Uh the foundations are going in as well as a ground grid. And then over to the right is one of the boring locations that have been restored once they're complete. The construction schedule will continue
construction on the solar array all the way through next summer. The substation should be complete this year as except for one piece of equipment that'll be here in February. So that'll be commissioned early next spring. And the collection line should all be complete
by the end of the year as well. So next year we'll wrap up um the solar array and then start commissioning and startup and it will be energized by next fall and then we'll be in full operations um starting next fall all the way through
2061. I know one question has come up in the uh past month or so on what the tax revenue and what the benefits are for the community. So just want to highlight that the solar energy production tax is estimated to be about 9.6 million over
the course of the project life. That revenue is distributed um between Benton County and Langola Township. And you can see the 8020 split. So Benton County receives about 7.7 million of that and Langola Township receives 1.9 million.
In addition to that, uh there's a 20-year commitment uh to provide annual donations of $20,000 to the Royaltton and Rice Sock Rapids School District for a total of $400,000. Any questions? It was kind of quick, but
high level overview. >> I got a question on your school donations. Is that to use as they see fit or is do you have specific target specific subjects or you know maybe um like energy renewal or something to
teach in the class? >> I think it's a use as they see fit. >> As they see it >> y' be kind of nice if you targeted certain subjects because we know how administration and schools work. Okay.
>> Can we go back to the other the last slide real quick? >> So, you had mentioned the the Mr. Chair, sorry about that. >> You're good. >> Um the 20 year uh 400 and or 400,000 for Sak Rapids Rice and the the 20,000 for
the uh um other for the Royalton area. That's over and above the 7.7 and the 1.9. Correct. >> Correct. This is a separate contribution to the school district specifically. >> Yep. >> Mr. Chair, just for clarification, it's 20 grand to each school district for 20 years.
>> Uh, it's 20 total. Correct. It's 20,000 total. Okay. >> So, it's a total of 400,000. >> Okay. So, are you splitting it evenly between the two school districts? They each get 10 or >> I believe yes. >> Any other questions?
Commissioner Gapinsky, you're still thinking. >> We're still thinking. I'm just going through numbers. >> If this is helpful, um I'd be happy to come back and give an update quarterly or, you know, whatever cadence makes sense. Um I also welcome you all for a tour out to the site at any time if that
would >> actually that'd be a great idea in the future. Have a tour of that before it gets too cold out. >> Yeah, we'd love to take you out um anytime. So just reach out and we're happy to set that up and you can see it kind of as it's progressing.
>> Commissioner Kapinsky, >> is there any more phases planned for this? >> Not currently. No. >> Right now. >> Great. >> Any other questions? >> Nope. >> Thank you very much for the truly appreciate it.
>> Uh next government center landscaping plan and vendor quote. >> Thank you. Okay, let's get a get another strip going here with this. >> Is this is this for do you also have a
PDF of PR? >> Yeah. I'll let you open those up. Thank you. Okay, >> Ryan from GLT. It's here on the landscape. >> All right. Good morning, commissioners. >> Good morning.
>> Is that better? >> Yeah. >> All right. Um yeah, so as uh Monty mentioned, I'm Ryan Turig with GLT Architects. Um and I'm here to discuss the landscaping plan for the new government center as well as uh PR15.
Um so on the landscaping plan, um make this a little bit larger here. Um so we we got some quotes on the landscaping plan. And so I just want to give a an overview of of the plan and what's included in that and then we'll
we'll look at the quote. Um so included in the landscaping plan uh we have a um well let me let me orient into the building here. Uh so this is Dewey Street up to the north here and this is the the new main entry to the
the government center. Um around the perimeter of the building we have a Iraq border. Um, and that, um, provides a planting bed for different shrubs and ornamental grasses around the building.
And that just kind of helps soften the building, um, around the edges there. So, there's different different planting areas around the building. Um, and to to separate that that rock bed from the grass areas in the base bid is a a steel
landscaping edge. Um, we do have an alternate number for a uh a concrete curb type landscaping edge. So, we'll look at those numbers in a little bit here. Um, and then we also have a couple trees around the site. So, there's a couple on the north side here. Um, a
majority of them are on the south. We've got a handful here next to the patio. So, those provide some shade in the summer months for that patio area. Um, and then, uh, in the green areas here, that would be your, uh, grass sod in
those areas. And then to the south here in this, uh, dotted pattern, um, that would just be grass seed. Um, and then irrigation's also included in in this. Uh, so all the green areas that would get sawed also receive irrigation. Uh,
and the planting beds also receive a drip line irrigation. Um, and then we also have an alternate bid number uh or quote number I should say uh for the um the seed area to the south as well. And that that doesn't include the filtration basin area because that's getting all
the storm water. So that's getting um a lot of water already. Um so let's go to the next page here. Um so we've got this letter from Jim Man from who could not be here today. Um but
uh he's reviewed uh the quotes. We got three quotes from different vendors. Um and after Jim and and we've reviewed those, uh we would recommend approving the quote from Helman Landscaping. Um they're the lowest qualified bidder. Um
we'll look at their their number here. Um so they came in uh base bid uh just under 62,000. Uh, and then that, um, in addition to that would be alternate number one, which is for that concrete edging around the the rock border. Um, that's an
additional $8,400. And then the second alternate would be for the irrigation of that seated area, which it would be an additional uh $2,900. Um, so with both of the alternates included, it would be uh a little over $73,000 for the total
landscaping package. So, with that, is there any questions, comments on the landscaping package in the quotes receipt? >> Mr. Chair, >> Commissioner Gapinsky. >> Uh, Ryan, what was the total budget? What did you guys have in there for the landscaping? >> Yeah. So, the total budget was just
under 150,000. So, the the numbers came in really well. Um, I believe the the number was about 148,000. Wow. >> For the budget. So, I guess the question is is do you want the two alternates added to this? >> Well, Mr. Chair, and from my thinking,
it don't make sense to seed the grass and not do the irrigation part right away. You might see it two, you get the wrong time of the year and get different, you know, challenging weather. You might seed it twice or three times. >> Yeah. Right. >> And I agree. And they go from steel edging to concrete for 8400. I mean,
concrete's probably out >> steel. Yep. >> Yep. Even with those added, we're still under 70 grand under. >> We are half the price. >> Half the price of what? >> Yeah. >> Mr. Chair, I'm going to move for approval of uh what was presented along
with alternate one and alternate two. >> I'll second. >> Okay. We got a motion, a second for Helman Landscaping and alternates one and two. Any further questions on this? >> If not, I'll call the question. All in favor say I. >> I.
>> Oppose. Motion carries. Thank you, Ryan. Next one. >> Thank you. >> Uh also today uh discussing uh PR15. So uh this PR is one of the larger ones that we've seen, but there's a lot of items uh packaged in this PR. Um and a
lot of those items stemmed from coordinating with the cabling package, uh the AV package, and the furniture package as we're finalizing those details. Um, so some of the items included uh in this PR, uh, there's some
some door hardware changes, um, that resulted. Um, we're adding some some panic buttons throughout the building, some roughens for those. Uh, some TV ruffins in the break rooms that are being added. Um, a mini split was added to the IDF room behind the community
rooms. Um, >> can you describe for us what a mini split is, Ryan? >> Yes. Um, so mini splits uh uh air conditioning unit that helps keep that room cool for all the equipment, server racks and things that are in that room. >> Mr. Chair,
>> Commissioner Gapinsky, >> just just to step in on that, there there was more technology put into that closet and obviously technology gives off heat and it was smart to to go ahead and put a mini split in there. >> I was wondering when you're going to jump into this one, Mr.
Um, and then as well as adding some additional power to the the IDF room as well for that additional equipment that's that's going in there. Um, and then also coordination with some of the furniture uh systems, making sure that we've got the power requirements needed for those. So for the total for the PR
we're looking at is uh just over 73,000. >> Mr. Chair, Ryan, uh, where does that take us to about 15% of contingency then? with this PR this PR group >> um I don't I don't think we'll be quite at 15 um we'll be just a little bit
under that um yeah Jim had said we're at about 11 right now of contingency so we're doing doing pretty well >> how far along we are in construction >> go ahead commissioner >> and and just for I'm a numbers guy so just for the numbers for the people in the audience and listening uh when we
talked 11% what is that in dollars >> yeah so yeah >> yeah Contingency totals is about a million dollars. So it's about $110,000. Okay. >> Yeah. >> And would it also Excuse me, Mr. Be a
fair statement to say we would have more than likely ran into large contingencies at this point of the project? >> Yeah, we're we're beyond um a lot of those kind of unforeseen items. uh especially, you know, as you're getting the site kind of graded, um working
through the structural steel and all those components are are pretty well done at this point. And now we're to the interior getting the the walls roughed in and all that stuff. So, we're we should be past the point of any future major changes at this point. So,
>> good. >> Any other questions, concerns? >> No, I guess so. the 73,000 or 70,000 we saved on landscaping and that is that just subtract from something else. Um, so,
>> so I think this this is held as a separate line item from so >> if we save 73 and we want or 70 and we want to spend 73 or virtually >> a wash is what you're trying to say exactly >> at the end of the day. Yeah. This the
the savings on the landscape was above the line. Correct. That was in the construction budget. So that's a direct savings to the to the um >> total >> to the total project. This is an addition. So you're right 100% that it'll offset but it's in different
categories. >> Yep. >> Yeah. Essentially. Yeah. >> Any other questions, concerns about this agenda item? If not, I'll entertain a motion. Please. >> I'll make a motion >> to approve >> approve change our 15 or PR15.
>> Thank you. I'll second that. Got a motion and a second. Any further discussion on this item? >> Now to call the question. All in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Opposed. Motion carries. Thank you. Thank you, Ryan. >> Yep. Thanks, Commissioners. >> Thanks, Ryan. >> Next,
>> Mr. Chair, going back to Commissioner Pop's comment on that, in theory, >> we're still really we're still like 6% of our budget of contingency, >> right? Yeah. >> Mr. We're roughly 100 grand under on our
site prep contingency. I believe we had 200 plus grand there and we came in about 110. >> So there's that. >> Yep. >> So I'd like to invite Becky from FL to come up and give you an update on the furniture planning.
>> Becky, >> good morning commissioners. My name is Becky Petroski, account executive with Fluid Interiors. So, a simple update on where we're at in the process with furniture. We have spent the first few months of the year doing programming meetings with the various departments,
asking lots of questions and we recently set up um a mock workstation over in the maintenance shed. So, this mock workstation um provides us with opportunities for um the employees to come over and look at their future workstation. We come we had a QR code
with a survey. they had an opportunity to take a survey and give us all sorts of feedback and thoughts and opinions. Um, it also provides us with the opportunity to view finishes. So, I worked with Mark over at GLT Architects to pick the finishes that we think will work the best with the carpet. We went
one step further and brought in the actual carpet over in the maintenance shed and had that set up and put the mock workstations on top of the carpet. So, we're able to from a design standpoint stand back and look at the finishes and make sure that we like it or make those adjustments. Once the survey is completed, we'll be
removing the mock workstation tomorrow. Then we will um we have a meeting this afternoon to select seating. Then we will price everything and quote everything as it's drawn right now. And we'll be scheduling um that meeting with Monty here in the next few weeks so that we can see where we're at in
relationship to the budget. We've also spent time on site um looking at existing furniture, measuring, taking pictures to see where we can incorporate existing furniture into the new plan. Most um of the existing opportunities
for reuse will be in storage areas. Public health with the the large metal cabinets that look perfectly fine and can be reused. We've drawn those into the plan where it makes sense. And so we'll be analyzing our savings with doing that in addition to where the
furniture is at. And then we have the meetings to see where do we want to where do we want to tweak as we move into the second phase of the building this year. We will want furniture to um be ordered about eight weeks prior to when we think um install will take
place. And so we will continue to work um attend those meetings, work with um the overall building timeline and then adjust our work back schedule so that furniture is ready and waiting for when we can get into the building whether that's January, February, early March.
It's kind of a moving target, but we'll be ready to go. >> Any questions? >> No. >> No. No. That's it. That's all for the update >> for today. Yes. >> Um at a future meeting once we have that
budget, we will um attend a future meeting and actually present the drawings. But right now, we're still deciding on chairs and a few other details before we'd be ready to show the rendered drawings. >> Mr. Chair, I do have a question. Do how's the survey response been? >> Um survey response has been great. We
have a meeting with Monty on the 20th to review all of the They have until the end of day today to complete the survey. The QR code made it easy for them and we've we've gotten great feedback. So, we'll be providing that to you as well. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes, >> Becky. Would it be fair to say that I
just want to make sure that we had a budget originally set for the furniture we're going to be falling in line with that? >> Yes. I ran just a general where are we at right now? And we are within budget and the quantity discounts haven't been applied to that yet. So, I'm feeling really good about where we'll be. I just
don't have that specific number quite yet. >> Perfect. >> Great. >> Thank you, Becky. >> Thank you. >> Thanks, Becky. >> Thank you very much. blight study. Amanda, >> sure. I'd like to invite Amanda to come up and kind of give you the background for why we asking for a blight study >> and I'll talk about then the grant and
funding when Amanda's done. >> Okay, sounds good. Good morning, commissioners. >> Good morning. >> Um, all right. So, um, the blight study that, um, Monty asked me to kind of give you a little bit of overview on. So, um,
for the the overall project, um, you know, we're looking at the, um, site, uh, the re the 1901 courthouse building, correct? Um and in order for us to get that back onto the market and um
produce, you know, more taxes for that site and get that out um and marketed. Um one of the ideas is to create a redevelopment tiff district. And a redevelopment tiff district is probably one of the most complicated of all tiff districts just because um of the
statutory requirements um required as part of setting up a redevelopment tiff district. Um so I'm just going to kind of give you an idea of why we're doing the blight study and um just kind of go into a little bit
more detail about why it's statistilally required as part of um creating a redevelopment tiff district. Uh so basically um if you're not familiar with TIFF and maybe this is more for the public in general but um
TIF is uh typically called tax increment financing and um there's different types of districts underneath um a tiff district. So a tax increment financing district. We have redevelopment tiff districts. We have housing tiff districts. We have economic development
tiff districts. um renewal and renovation tiff districts, uh workforce housing districts, which kind of sits under the economic development um criteria, but there's different types of districts. And what those tiff districts
do is really um set the uh development up so that you can generate increment for the developer to redevelop a site or develop a site depending on what type of district you use. Um, and for the redevelopment tiff
district, uh, there's statutory requirements, um, underneath the Minnesota housing, um, I'm sorry, underneath, uh, the Minnesota House of Representatives, uh, statute. And basically um law permits a
redevelopment tiff district to um be collected for up to 25 years um after first use of increment or first year of increment. And really what that is is um it's up to that point in time where you can utilize those increments for the
development project. Um to set up a redevelopment tiff district you you first need to meet some of the uh considerations of the site and um one of
those is that blight test. So with the blight study that we're proposing for the 1901 building um and uh it needs to meet that blight test and we're 70% of the area of the district must be
occupied by building streets utilities or other similar structures and more than 50% of the buildings must be structurally substandard. So in order for us to even meet the criteria of the TIFF district, you have to meet those uh statutory requirements to create a
district and um the blight study is really meant as a tool um or a study to to understand whether or not that site meets those statutory requirements. So that's first um the first thing um
and really the process is um to hire an outside agency to help us determine whether that building is um meets that definition of blight. Um and uh LHB is
one of those uh entities or one of those uh companies that um are very reputable. They do blight studies across the state and and various different um projects, but um they go through and actually
physically go into the building um and and assess the building for the substandard criteria that is required under the Minnesota statute. So as I mentioned um it generally means that at least 70%
of the area that we are looking at um meets uh is occupied build by building streets utilities and paved parking lots. More than 50% of the buildings in the district whatever we create as the district are structurally substandard
and require substantial renovation or clearance. Um we know um today you know kind of the condition of the 1901 building and um you know it's really up to um the consultant to determine
whether or not it meets those blight criterias. So, uh, hiring that consultant to create, uh, to complete the redevelopment study and to create those necessary findings, um, help us create that redevelopment TIFF district
and and um, create a TIFF plan for that district creation. Um, certifi certification of the district and can occur anytime after the district is created. And really the the the general sequence of creating a redevelopment tiff district although
complicated it is um somewhat there's a process. So a redevelopment study must be determined to find substandard findings and then a tiff plan must be prepared. Um the planning commission uh needs to review if that's required and
then a public hearing must be held um in order to create that district. Um once the county board approves the tiff plan and creates a district um the county and school districts notification occur and then the tiff documents are submitted to the county auditor. Now not
all of that stuff has to happen right away. Um we first need just to determine whether or not that building itself um and the proposed district uh whether that is extended or not um meets the criteria of of the redevelopment tiff
district. Um now in order to understand whether or not um the parcel is occupied by buildings or other improvements, the law requires that 15% of the area of the district
contains building streets, utilities or paved gravel parking lots, which we can determine that this particular district does. And then um the structurally substandard building definition is crucial and it's really the lititness
test for creating the district itself. Um and that's what we kind of talked about um earlier where um you know the the 15% of the overall area um is occupied
um by building streets utilities. And then um the structurally substandard definition within um state statute identifies um that the building itself um it is it a building is not
structurally substandard if it is in compliance with building code for new buildings that could be brought into compliance for less than 15% of the cost of building a new building of the same type. So we just the the blight study really identifies whether or not that
meets that test. Um so overall um the redevelopment district there's there's a process that is involved. It's kind of complex um but we have to meet all the state statutes in order to create the district. And the
first part of um you identifying if this dis this potential district that we're identifying this space um actually meets a redevelopment district is to create that blight study and that is um require a requirement of state statute.
So I'm happy to answer any questions. I know it's a lot but um just know that there is um it's a process. The BLE study helps determine whether that building is sub
substandard and if it is substandard then there's a a process to um established a district. So >> Johnson to clarify, aren't we talking about both buildings? >> I'm sorry. Oh, the this
>> the quotes not only for the 1901, it's also for the old highway department. >> Oh, correct. Yes. Two two buildings. Correct. be included in one study >> in one study. Correct. >> That's the plan is to turn both of those sites into a potential district. >> Yeah. And and and really the um the idea
behind it is uh to get the the properties back on the tax roles, right? So in order to do that, we it's for a developer to come in and and take down those buildings
themselves is quite expensive. I mean, I couldn't even imagine what that expense would be. Um, the redevelopment tiff district helps um secure a portion of that increment. I mean, the parcel is not being taxed today, right? It is a
taxexempt property. Um, in order for us to get that property back on the tax roles, um, the creation of that redevelopment tiff district is essential in order for us to to, um, market that property to potential developers in the
future. And so, um, a portion of that increment, there's certain uses that you can spend that increment on. Um and the increment is really the um generation of of taxes uh a portion of those taxes to be used on very specific things. So anything
from the ground down um if they're you know utilities uh streets curb gutter um excavation anything from the ground down that's what that increment can be used on. And that and increment is determined
um based on a proposed project. Um and then that proposed project uh is assessed based on the taxable value and that taxable value then um generates tax revenue and portion of that tax revenue
um can be used for that increment over a period of up to 26 years after the first uh um first year of increment is uh determined. So, >> and didn't we also discuss that the BL study would help get us in front of any
potential grant dollars that might be down the road or through whoever is through? >> Yep. >> Helps clarify potential. >> Yeah. So, the Blade study, excuse me, the Blate study um itself uh doesn't
necessarily determine um grant dollars coming in, but we can apply for grants to help us with the cost of the blight study. And I think the estimate um that came from LHB was $7,800 for those two buildings. Um and uh Monte, you can talk
to a little bit about the initiative foundation and what they're willing to to assist us with. >> Sure. >> Yeah, we applied for our group applied for initiative foundation grant and uh about two weeks ago they let us know that we've been awarded 3,000 uh towards this study. So that's that's a nice
installment on the study. Um I think the rest can become from CIP fund balance to make it complete. So those resources are there. Amanda, how long will this study take? >> Um, you know, roughly a a couple months. I think they can get
done with it in a couple months. If that's the case, um, the blight study will be the determining factor whether or not we can create the redevelopment tiff district. Um, it's the first step in the process. There's lots of steps in this process. Um, and um, so the blight
study is the first thing that you do. Um, and then certifying the district comes much later. Um, you know, and really you don't certify a district until you have a development project in in uh in the in the works. And so really
the what you're wanting to do is, you know, or what, you know, is ideal is to set it up as a redevelopment tiff district so you can go to market and find a developer that will develop that site. And um a developer today would not
I mean it would not be financially feasible for them to to to redevelop that site solely on their own. It's the tax increment financing is a tool um in our economic development toolbox in order for us to revitalize um blighted
areas and that's essentially what it is. Um, so if if the goal of the board is to get those properties back on the tax role, you set it up as a redevelopment tiff district. You go to market to try to determine, you know, if there's a developer interested in redeveloping the
site and then um you wait to certify to the district until uh you have a project in hand and the county board wants to move forward with a project on that site. So really it's there's there's a lot of uh steps in the process. This is
just the first step is to do that light study. >> Very long process. Commissioner, >> Mr. Chair, I I this is an absolute no-brainer for me that I mean this is we got to do this no matter what or these buildings will sit, you know, uh as they are.
>> That's right. And we've used the blight study before in another project too, right, Amanda? >> Um yep. So, uh, the paper mill site, the former paper mill site also, um, is set up as a redevelopment tiff district. They haven't certified the district. They don't have a developer for that
site. Um but there was a blight study done for that site because there's some uh that site is encumbered by a lot of concrete um old buildings and um it's a is >> it's just a lot of information for everybody to absorb but we've been
through it already so we have a better understanding. >> Mr. Chair man and just for clarification this quotes for the two buildings the 1901 building but >> um the plan is for the tiff district to include both parcels. I mean, there's correct handful of parcels here,
>> so I just want to make sure we're not tying it to a parcel. >> Correct. It is two parcels um that the blight study is covering. So, the 1901 building and the county garages, >> that secondary parcel does go to trunk highway 23. >> Correct. Yep. So, it's uh essentially an
L-shaped parcel all the way out to the 20 out to highway 23. So um that's essentially so the assessment the blight study assessment will um the LHB will have to go in and assess those properties.
>> Any other questions? Monty, >> I'm good. >> You good? >> We're good. >> Any other questions? >> Scott move for approval, Mr. chair of the accepting the $3,000 grant from Initiative Foundation and to take the balance from the CI fund CIP fund
balance. >> Second >> for the BLE study. Okay. >> Yes. For the blight study. Thank you. >> Okay. We got a motion and a second. Any further discussions about this? >> If not, I'll call the question. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion carries. Thank you. Now,
>> I'm just a host and are here to talk about patrol. >> Mr. Chairs Commission. >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> Okay. Wait, wait a minute here. >> Commissioner, I just wanted to throw a plug in for BEP and Amanda and Pam.
These guys are like the jack of all trades. Uh they're always in front of us with different things and the the the stuff that you guys go through and know and and help our community is absolutely amazing. So, thank you for everything you guys do. >> Yeah, you're welcome. Thank you. Glad to
do it. Okay, now we're now we're going to recess our board meeting and turn it over to the EDA and I will call the EDA uh board meeting to order. Roll call. Everybody's here. Uh consent agenda item
one. What would you like to do with that? >> Move for approval, Mr. Chair. >> Second. >> Got a motion and a second. Any further discussion? If not, I'll call the question. All in favor say I. I. >> I. Oppose. Motion carries. Okay. Amanda to consider. >> All right.
>> Prestige Properties. >> So, in front of you this uh this morning, um we have a little bit of background information on College uh Prestige Properties. Um they're require uh requesting a revolving loan from the county. Um and I'll just kind of give you a little bit of background
information and all of the information is within your packet as well um for the loan docs and the resolution. So, just a little bit about the the um project itself. Um Palanch Prestige Pro Properties LLC is requesting $140,000
revolving loan um to assist with the construction of a a brand new 67 thou uh 6768 foot office and shop facility located on 159th Avenue Southeast in Rice, Minnesota. Uh the building will serve as
their corporate head headquarters for Minnesota Signature Care um which is a long-term care operations management company serving assisted living facilities throughout greater Minnesota. The um project res represents a total investment of approximately 1 um 28
million is expected to create at least nine new full-time jobs at an hour average hourly wage of $33 an hour um while establishing a long longterm corporate presence in Benton County.
Uh on June 30th, um the BEP loan committee thoroughly reviewed the application, um the applicant's financials and recommended approval of the loan under the following terms. Um a loan amount of
140,000, an interest rate of 6% um advertising that over the 20 years. Um there's a a six-year term on that. The first year of that six-year term is an interestonly payment. Um and then the following five-year term is principal
and interest payments. Um so at this point um in your packet there is uh a map a beacon report showing the location of the site which is if you're familiar with um where where Bettin Communications is. There's
some uh lots over there that um are for sale um from PFC Development Company and they're uh looking at building constructing their their project on one of those lots and I believe they are in the audience
um as well. Um so as we review the application um the our staff rec uh requests the Benton County Economic Development Authority approved the revolving loan fund request um consistent with the recommendation of
the BEP loan committee. Um so the action requested uh this morning is um listed in your staff report. Um that will um so just a a couple things our fiscal impact
um estimated cost of the overall loan the source of fund uh is 140,000 the source of funds is our Benton County revolving loan fund program which is our gap financing tool that we use for economic development. um additional revenue that will be generated um from
this particular loan is roughly $46,000 in um interest over the the term of the loan. So I am happy to answer any questions that you have. Um we do have the applicants in the audience if you would like to hear from the applicants themselves.
>> Well, if the applicant is present, we might it'd be the best thing to >> All right. The applicant approach. Thank you. Yes, you're welcome. >> Good morning. Hello. Uh my name is Mitch Paul with uh MN Signature Care. I'm director of business development for our
organization. Um happy to answer any questions uh obviously regarding the project but can provide a brief description of our organization if you like. >> Yes. >> Uh all right. So Polish Prestige Property uh is an uh the company is owned by my brother and his wife. Um the
subsidiary MN Signature Care is an operations entity for long-term care. We provide assisted living services around the state of Minnesota. Currently, uh have uh operate 12 different facilities um uh providing care to uh I think it
was about 310 residents around the state and just over 350 employees statewide. Um, our long-term goal is to provide uh assisted living services in rural Minnesota locations uh while uh keeping um uh locations available to people that
have grown up and lived in small towns for the majority of their life. Um we are happy to um become a part of the Ben County uh community. Our current corporate office is located in Little Falls, Minnesota. Uh we have been uh in
business now for nine years and have outgrown the space that we currently have and uh started to look for availability of different lots and different programs that would help us um facilitate a new new construction build. So we were happy to work with Amanda
over at the EDA uh again and then working locally with Pine Country and Keystone and Rice. If you guys are familiar with either one of those, we've partnered with them to get this project uh kicked off. So happy to answer any questions that you guys might have. >> Questions. >> Mr. Chair, can you tell us a little bit about your process with the microloan
with BEP and through the EDA and how that worked and and maybe how that influenced your decision to do your project? >> Yeah, absolutely. I was introduced to Amanda um from Julie over at the city of Rice indicating that there was a Benton County revolving loan. Typically um even
when we purchase different assisted living communities, we like to um keep our business local and work with the different communities. Uh so working with EDAs, initiative, foundations uh etc. are a big part of uh what we do all across the state. But uh introduced to J
uh by Julie to Amanda uh and the process with Amanda's been fantastic working through the application uh again and then just telling her a little bit about the project uh providing the appropriate submitts, you know, um we're in a great place right now to create enough jobs that qualify us for the the loan program
to meet all the criteria and uh um and it was pretty flawless from there. Great. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions for the applicant? >> The nine jobs that you're creating will all be within that facility you're building in Rice. >> That's correct. Yes. >> Okay. >> And them lots been for sale forever.
>> They have. Yeah. From my understanding. I'm a resident of Rice myself. I think uh just south of town. But yeah, >> I think once, as I've talked to many people, once one goes, they're probably going to start filling up relatively quickly. But uh there isn't there isn't a lot of space left in rice. So
>> great. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. >> Appreciate it. >> Amanda, anything to add to this? >> I don't covered it all. So, >> okay. >> Um, >> but yeah, I mean, uh, it's a great project. Um, the finance committee, uh,
did a great job reviewing the the application materials and, um, as they always do and we're very thankful to have the finance committee to >> um, review those applications. So >> I I do sit on a finance committee and yeah there was a very very long
discussion about this but this is what we do. This is why we give Amanda money for the grow revolving loan funds to assist our businesses that come into the county. >> Mr. Chair, what is the balance in our revolving loan fund right now?
>> I should um I think >> 800 is so >> we were going to ask that. Um >> I think it's in 800. Gosh, I had that 100,000,000 something like that. >> Yeah, I'm going to going to pull it up because I know I have it right here.
Oh, maybe I do. But yeah, it's it's um Don't quote me. I'll have to find it for you. >> Rough ballpark. >> Oh, I think we're over >> about 900,000. >> Yeah, about 900. Okay.
Okay. Great. Okay. Board. Any more questions for Amanda? What would you like to do with this? >> I'll move for approval of the revolving loan to Palash. I'll second it. >> Okay. We got a motion and a second. Any further discussion on this? >> If not, I'll call a question. All in
favor say I. >> I. >> I. Opposed. Motion carries. Thank you. >> Great. Thank you. >> Thanks again, Amanda. Anything else? >> Um the the balance actually uh is $853,434. >> It's been we've been very steady on that.
>> We've been we've been um this is one of the fund accounts that actually generates revenue um for the revolving loan fund and for the county. So to continue to re reuse those revolving loan funds is essential. we we've had a lot of interest in um those loans and um
it's actually one of the greatest tools um that we've we've been able to utilize. >> So, thank you very much for allowing us to administer it for you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you very much, >> Monty. If this was a Price is Right, you would have lost. >> You were over. >> You're over. Thank you.
>> And welcome to Benton County. >> Yes. With that, we'll adjourn the uh EDA board and reconvene the regular board meeting. Next in front of us is approval of the contract agreement with SE and Rice Bend in the river.
>> Thanks, Hannah. >> Good morning, Commissioner. >> Good morning. >> Just going to pull up the agenda item here. Feels weird being here for something that's not ditched, but don't worry. Hang back.
>> You probably actually enjoy this one. So, >> okay. So, um what I was tasked to do, um we have a uh a trail project going on in Rice, um over on uh the bend in the
river. Um, we got um Emma Hansen with public health who's here. Um, public health received a grant uh for this project. Let me just scroll down here. Um, they received a transportation alternative
grant um from the federal and they we were awarded $258,000 and $60 in federal funds for this project. and what they require is uh a 20% match with that. Um so a little bit
of uh background information. The reason I'm here today, purpose of this project is to select a qualified engineer consultant to develop a set of construction plans and any related special provisions that will be used for bidding by highway contractors to construct a separated shared use path
along counter road 55 in Rice. um me, Monty, and Emma at to discuss uh the quotes and we believed was the most qualified candidate and it was one of the the lower quotes. Um they
came in at uh 52,500 to um develop these plans. Um, you guys already probably know where this is, but like I stated before, it's on Benton County Road 55 between Third Street Southwest and the South City
Limits for ICE. Um, like I stated earlier, we were the recipient of the federal transportation grant that will pay for a portion of the construction costs. The funds are allocated for state fiscal year 2029 and ends June 30th of
2029. Uh and then it is anticipated that the construction will incur in the summer of 2029. Um regarding maintenance of this trail after it is completed, we have an agreement at the bottom of this with
Rice that the city of Rice will maintain this trail um once it is completed. So all I'm asking for today is to approve the contract agreement with. Um, our attorney Michelle has looked it over
and has agreed to it. Um, and now it just comes to your guys's approval. If you have any questions, uh, me, Monty, or Emma is here, um, to answer any questions you may have >> already. Any questions?
>> I believe that Ben County has used SCH many times. >> Oh, of course. Yeah, >> they've the experience I've had working with them with the >> and they had a lot of experience with fedally funded trail projects which is very persuasive. Yeah, that is one of the big reasons we went with them. They're they're local. >> Y
>> um I know we had some other uh good quotes um from Houston Engineering and some other engineering firms, but we felt SC, you know, being close, they have employees that live in Benton County, you know, it just it just made perfect sense.
>> Mr. Chair Monty, do you recall uh policywise the city of Rice have dollars in this for administrative costs? >> I do not know the answer to that. >> Okay. >> Uh because obviously county highway department helped develop this.
>> I guess I I'm not sure we ever pursued administrative support from the city. This is really more a count I get it. It's in the city limits, but it's always been a county project. Uh we've kind of charged in this. We applied for the grant. Uh we never saw administrative
support from the city on it. >> Okay. Just wondering >> other than again the long-term maint which they agreed to via a resolution city council action. >> I saw that. Thank you. >> I'm not 100% correct about this, but I
thought the city of Rice did get some of the rightway for some of this stuff back in the when they started that >> point. Yes, they did acquire the rightway the east side. Okay, >> that is true. >> Yes. >> So, they they have some expense into it,
too. Commissioner, >> Mr. Chair, uh, Commissioner Pop, uh, I'm I'm picturing this trail. Is there development that could happen along that trail, too? >> There's land there. You know, that could happen. But, you know, the trail is going to be set off from 55 because when
we redid 55, that's when that was purchased. So, I mean, it's all privately owned yet. >> Yeah. Well, I I will say I I think our trail and our park programs in this county are
are very good. And I think as we keep adding to them, it it definitely brings another light when people are trying to relocate to our county. Um and and we just heard that rice is running out of spots. So maybe this will help develop even more out in that area.
>> And just recall and the whole idea behind this trail was to provide a safer passage between folks and rice down to the park. So they, you know, as you may know, 55 is pretty narrow. There's not much of a shoulder there. So this gives a much safer passage to the park. >> Yep. I want to thank public health and
Emma for applying for this grant. It's been a long process. >> It was nice to receive some federal dollars again. Once again. Yeah. Okay. Board, any more questions? What would you like to do with this? >> Also move that we
go into the contract agreement with S SH to for the development of the Bendon River Trail. >> Second. >> Okay, we've got a motion and a second. Any further discussions on this? Now, I'll call the question. All in favor say I. I.
>> I. Oppose. Motion carries. Thank you. Thank you. >> Next, Roxan. We're going to do consider the contract renewal. >> First, >> good morning, commissioners. >> Morning. >> So, the first item that I have for you
is a contract renewal with Routeware for RE, excuse me, web and mobile services pertaining to waste collection. Um, you may know it as recollect. it uh transitioned names to Routeware um over the past couple of years. This is our waste wizard that we have on our
website. There's also a mobile app that you can download and it helps residents of Benton County to determine a location where they could get rid of say Christmas lights or paint mattresses and it and it specifically points out um
locations whether it's the household hazardous waste facility in Sterns County, Batteries Plus, um one of the metal recycling facilities. Um so we have been contracted with them since 2018. We do renew this contract every year.
Um, this year was uh a little bit different because they have they are no longer with Sourcewell uh which would hold their their master service agreement. Um, so it was a little bit different uh process this time. And we
did have the county attorney's office review the agreement. Um, and we've got Daniel Schu here from the attorney's office who has some concerns with the agreement and I'll let him speak to that. Um there is currently 12 counties um that I am aware of in Minnesota that
do have contracts with recollect right now and that's Stern, Sherburn, Wright, Chisago, Nicollet, Mau, Blue Earth, Rice, Steel, Ottertale, Olmstead, and Ramsey County are all um currently contracted with Routeware. >> Dana, did you want to
>> Mr. Chair? Commissioner, >> I got to ask Roxan, is is is this mattress dumped next to my house? Because uh I'm telling you, I've never seen so many mattresses in my life >> on that side going to m or a McDonald's on Highway 10. >> Yeah.
>> Coming off of one. I mean, there's got to be 15 along. >> Yeah. >> Mhm. >> It's embarrassing. >> Yeah. It is so embarrassing. >> Yeah. I'll let speak to the Good morning. >> Good morning. Morning.
>> Morning. >> So, uh included with the agenda, I submitted a uh memorandum and it unusual turn of events, I am advising you not to sign this agreement, not to continue
this contractual relationship. The uh Miss Michelle Meyer has reviewed the contracts in the past. She has worked with um the predecessor entity uh recollect and then routewear on this.
She has also stated concerns in previous iterations. I went into this with fresh eyes and I saw issues lot of issues and I shared that with Miss Aman and I
said this is no I disagree with this. She went back to Routeware and Routeware was like, "Okay, well, how can we try to fix this?" And I uh Begman sent over my memorandum and uh with my concerns and they were like, "Okay, well, how about
you try coming up with a contract and they sent me some of their contract agreements." Uh I'd already been in a couple of hours time spent on this by that point. Oops, that's supposed to be muted. Uh but hey uh I tried anyway and
I took their contract agreements that they or their their contract documents with all of the bells and whistles of what they want and I made a new agreement and I incorporated those agreements because I'm being extra nice about it and I'm just saying we're
taking your agreement your documents and we're just going to make the following changes this this and this. we the parties agree we're going to take whole whole hog your documents we're just not going to put in these specific things that those are the things that I can't
live with like um venue was one of them uh as in any litigation needs to be in Minnesota they wanted binding arbitration no we're not doing binding arbitration that kind of stuff
then they rejected it So maybe I just have a little bit of a personal bent against this company for kind of wasting my time. But they came back and they said use the
previous version and it has some little modifications to it and that's good enough. That does not fix everything. And in particular, what is left standing is a contract provision that just allows them
to change terms of the agreement on their whim without notice or consent. My contract professor will find and murder me if I didn't say or do something about that. They have hypersonic hearing. He can hear it from
Florida. He will find me. So, I had to bring it up and I have to tell you that is a very concerning provision to put in the agreement because you don't know what it'll lead to. There's other
other complications that generally in the abstract create additional concerns, but that one is currently the one that I'm most hung up on. And uh otherwise I put in my memorandum that uh but kind of
spelling out what the concerns were, what was addressed and what isn't. >> Mr. Chair, >> Commissioner Gapinsky. >> Uh Daniel, uh the term of this agreement is how many years? >> The this would be a renewal for one year. one year
>> on on the the current quote to continue using the software. The underlying master services license agreement has uh I don't think it has a set term.
It's kind of you're supposed to just keep doing the once a year you get this tiny little contract that refers to the master services agreement. So effectively the service we're looking for is one year but that master services agreement we're we're still subject to.
>> Okay. Hypothetically though the most we're locked into is one year. So if they came back to us with a huge amount of increases everything like that. My guess is could they could they start let's just say it's January to January right or January to December 31st. Could
they say January 3rd, I'm going to increase this and this is what you're going to pay for this next year without any um without any uh um upfront notice. >> Well, the I'm going to parse that out a little bit.
>> Okay. >> Uh they according to that troublesome language that I'm so hung up on, they can just change whatever term they want to whenever they want to. And so that would in that could be price increases.
As far as next year, that's where I got a little hung up on your question. If we're renewing it yearbyear, they wouldn't the way it's currently set up, they wouldn't be increasing the next year's contract that we would have to reag. It's just that you guys sign this
today, July 7th. uh everyone signs it, they get it, and tomorrow, July 8th, they increase their prices or they include new language in it. And we've agreed that they can do that. >> Okay. Could we add something to say if they choose to do that, we can also
choose to opt out of it? >> Well, that >> that way it gives us an out if they come to us and say we're doing a 100% increase. >> Now we get now we have the ability at our next board meeting to opt out of it. I think that there's that's worthy, but
the primary concern is they change terms, they don't notify us. So before we even get to can we terminate the agreement early because I pretty sure that there's uh decent termination language in here that would allow us to back out of it.
They get to change terms without notice. So, how would we know we needed to have opted out if they you're concerned about the price increased? >> I'm just saying until we get the bill. >> We're we're both trying to get to an area
>> and how do we get to that area and maybe their language is something they got to live with or we we can't live with, but maybe we add language that we can live with that says, you know what, we at least have to have a heads up that this is coming. there's got to be an email sent to Roxan or something that says
there's going to be increases coming, you know, just cuz if I was them, I'd want to get this contract signed and I would want to make sure that we they have us as as a customer. But on our side, we also got to be able to be notified that something is changing in
this contract. And if they don't, maybe that's just another sentence saying, "Hey, if you're going to do any changes to the contract, just give us a heads up." And here's the heads up. here's the email and you know do it that way. >> So is what that would be is a another
modification to the exhibit they attached to the current contract document that is actually before the board. It would just be in another row and it would uh we could communicate to them the board has reviewed it and
declines to sign this unless you add the following exception to this line. And it's it's in legal ease. You'd have to I'd put it in. I'd make it pretty. But >> yeah, >> uh we can go back to them. Bottom line,
they're asking you to just be like, it's like when you update iTunes and you just hit agree to all those terms and conditions cuz who has time to read the 50 pages, >> right? >> That's what they're asking you to do. Just don't just don't worry about it. What's the worst that could happen? I'm
the lawyer and I'm telling you there are worse things that can happen. >> Mr. Chair >> Daniel, I I know this isn't your responsibility, but are you at all able to speak to how the other was it 12 or 16 counties >> are signing off? And is it the same contract? Do you know? I mean, these are
like Ramsay, Mstead, fairly large counties that are agreeing >> Yep. >> to a contract. I don't know if it's the same contract, but are you able to speak to that at all? Do you are you aware of that? Uh well uh Miss Aman has said that there uh other counties that are using
the same resource. The proposition being do we really want to create a vacuum of this service in our area only when we're surrounded by people that are using it? And why would we deprive our uh residents of this functionality?
Well, uh I can't speak to the other counties. I'm just worried that they did the iTunes thing. Mhm. Roxan, um, when does our current contract expire? And we would be without any type of service then if we deny the cont. It already is.
>> Yep. >> Okay. >> Explain. >> Yeah. >> Is there other reputable companies that we've looked at in the past or >> nothing? >> No, I I I did a brief search. There's some companies out there. I don't know
that they have the same functionality. Um I I think they tend to focus a little bit more on the routes of specific vendors. So waste management or um you
know one of the specific hauler routes so that you get notified what what day your garbage is being picked up. But we don't have that ability to do that um as a county since we don't have a one contracted. And do we have any idea how many county residents are using this service?
>> Um, they provide us monthly. They provide us information. There's searches. Um, they use it for searches. There's usually around 500 searches a month. >> And isn't some of that information available on the Tri County Solid Waste website
>> through recollect? >> They've got recollect. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Interesting. >> Yeah. We, >> Mr. Chair, we find this a lot with with contracts and, >> you know, there's only so many people
that do this. >> Yeah. >> And it it's like Daniel said, you they probably are in a vacuum, right? And everybody's just doing it because the next one did it. doesn't mean it's right at all, but I mean, we got to have a
place for some of this stuff to go or or or an avenue for people to to look up where it needs to go. >> I guess my other question would be is what's our real liability here? >> That's what I was going to ask. >> Maybe Daniel could explore for you all what are the liabilities that the county
might experience with this agreement? What what are some possibilities? >> Go ahead. >> Sorry. the well, one of the things bring up is that good oldfashioned discrepancy between the insurance amounts. Um, they
do not go the full 1.5 million, they go 1 million. Um, that language, we're just going to keep putting that in there to make you aware of it. However, I can't even tell you that the maximum liability is $500,000. the difference between what
their insurance would be and what is advised to us by the Minnesota counties. >> And Daniel, we've went through this before. >> The I we have to provide riders a lot and they go in $1 million increments. So it's either 1 million or 2 million
>> and the 1.5 the at the state level what they recommend that should be changed because >> I mean then we should just be requiring a $2 million one >> because nobody does a 1.5. >> No. Yeah, the
>> if if I may, um, one last thing, >> I can't tell you that it will be $500,000 liability because with their the that language of we can change any term at any time. I can't tell you what
that will lead to. I just know that that's it's an unknown and that's the thing that's most concerning to me. If it if it was a dollar amount, I'd just pitch it to you and I'd say, "Hey guys, think if this is worth that dollar amount that you might be exposed to and then uh you make the decision and that
would be worthy." I can't do that. Sorry, Mr. >> Mr. I was thinking maybe a more practical example like in other words, pretend I'm a a county resident and I have some batteries to dispose of and I go on this application and somehow it gives me incorrect information.
Is that a liability to the county? In other words, because that's kind of how this is working, right? I have something to dispose of. I go here for information and let's say again the information is wrong. What then? Could I sue the county over that? That's the question, I guess. And
what liability is associated with that? They told me the wrong place or the place doesn't accept what I have. So, I'm mad about that. Is that a liability exposure to the county? >> Well, it costs way more than your travel time. Yeah. >> To pursue that.
>> I I that's what I'd ask guess you'd think about because that's what's going on with this app. >> Mr. Chair, Roxan, so the contract expired is so it's no this app is no longer available today or >> it's available. They've been letting it
ride in hopes that it gets signed. So then to Commissioner Kapinsky's point, throw that back at them to see if they'll change that contract. And it's going to take a little bit of time. The answer is probably no, they're not going to, but then we know the answer to that question and make a decision. I mean, at
this point, if they're already extending services beyond the allotted time, wouldn't hurt to ask them to make a correction. That's just my opinion. >> Well, my my Mr. Jar, my opinion is that some of the counties that they listed are pretty reputable counties. They're
not just >> Yeah. >> You know, an 8,000 8,000 population county in western Minnesota, >> you know. >> I don't know. That's where I'm a little hung up on that. >> So, Roxan, did we have this issue in the
previous years with this contract, too? In previous years they had they were with Sourcewell. So they had a different master service agreement with Sourcewell. >> So the state reviews that. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> That explains that one.
>> Mr. Chair, what have we seen happen with the dollar amount? I mean obviously some inflationary movement, but >> is it I I don't know what last year's was. >> Yeah, it it tends to go up very slightly every year. >> Okay. So it's not a large jump this year
or anything. Okay. >> Okay. >> Well, >> another interesting scenario, board, what do you want to do? >> Want to throw that out there, Commissioner Gapinsky? M >> M Mr. Chair, I I do like what Commissioner Johnson said is let's go back to them. Let's keep this
operational right now and and see what they say. Uh I think I think that's the best way to to go about it. So, I would I would uh I would motion to table this. >> Second. Okay. Got a motion and a second. Any Mr.
Chairman on that? >> The clarification is clarification on the motion though is when? Yeah. >> And when next meeting >> to the next meeting >> to the next meeting. >> I'll have a second on that. >> Okay. Clarification is to table this for our next board meeting. And then just for Daniel and I, you're
seeking to see if there's a way for us to be notified of any changes and given the opportunity to respond within >> Yes. And and that >> I just want to make another clarification that >> they can't change the insurance. Like if
something happens, they can't change they can can't they can't go back and backdate the insurance. You know what I mean? >> That's a that's a key thing, too. >> I have no idea. >> We'll see what they say. Yeah. See what they say. >> Yeah. See what they say. Do your best
to figure this out. Okay. Oh, I got to call the question, don't I? >> Call the question. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion carries. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Okay. The next item is public hearing to consider ordinance number 504 to reszone 5.63 acres from the A agricultural district to the B2 business enterprise district. Before we open a public hearing, we'll
first hear from county staff. >> Okay. So, at the June 25th planning commission meeting, the planning commission reviewed a request for a resoning. And the reasonzoning is located uh just
south of the city of Royaltton along Highway 10. Um it is the loca it the property is owned by Heinen Properties and the facility is called DTM Fleet Services. >> Can I stop you for a minute just for clarification? I have nothing involved
in this. No relation or anything. Thank you. >> Excuse me. Um so the property is operating as DTM fleet services and what they do there is they outfit emergency vehicles. They put the equipment in them into uh squad cars, ambulance, fire
trucks, things like that. Um in addition to that, they also uh have some retail sales there for snow plows and a few other things. Um and so what their next request was is to expand business and to allow for the wholesale of vehicles. Um
because this property is zoned agricultural, they'd be extremely limited on what they could sell for vehicles. And so the next option was to consider a reszoning from agricultural to B2 business enterprise district which would allow them to sell uh vehicles
wholesale vehicles um with a conditional use permit but it would also grant them permission um by permitted right they could do what they're doing at their location rather than needing that conditional use permit. So as a whole, this really benefits um the property
owners to reszone that. The property to the north of that is zone B2. So it is consistent and contiguous with uh similarly zoned properties. Um and our comprehensive plan does identify that as highway commercial. Um the property is
5.63 acres in size. Um let's see. I think identifying it again it's in that highway commercial area. Um it meets with the comprehensive plan looking for
expanding growth and development supporting our commercial uses in areas that are slated for that type of um that type of use. So with that um the planning commission did recommend to the county board a approval of the resoning
from agricultural to commercial uses to that B2 zoning district. Um the applicants are here and they do actually have an application in for a conditional use permit to be reviewed by the planning commission assuming that this moves forward um on Thursday's planning
commission agenda. >> Okay. Thank you, Axan. Uh is the applicant here want to come forward? Just give us your name, address, and tell us what you're seeking. >> Uh my name is Tyler Heinen. address
20165 Elm Road in Little Falls. >> And then my name is Travis Heinen, 726515th Avenue Northeast in Rice. >> Pretty much just looking to reszone it so that we could start um taking old squad cars in on trade and selling them.
>> Oh, okay. We uh would need to get a dealer's license from M the state of Minnesota which would make us have to reszone to be able to get that have it through you guys. >> Yep. Makes sense. >> Okay. Any questions to the applicants
right now at this time? >> Okay. Now we'll open the public hearing. Is there anyone in the audience who wishes to address the county board on this agenda item and or anybody online? Is there anybody in the audience or
online that want to address this? >> I can close this just to make sure that I don't see anybody. >> I don't see nobody. Okay. Final call for anyone wishing to address the county board on this.
Okay. If not, I'll close the uh public hearing. Is there any emails, letters, or communications to be read into the record? >> No. Has the department received any comments or concerns? State agencies, cities, or townships on this agenda item?
>> No. >> Any official action required by any affected township? Was there any action by langu? >> No, there was not. >> Okay. Uh the county board now have time for questions for staff. As a reminder, the public hearing is closed. Board
questions? Guess the only question I had is what kind of vehicles they were going to sell, but would this open them up to selling any vehicle that they so choose? >> Yes. >> Okay. And the planning commission already had this. Commissioner,
>> Mr. Chair, as Roxan stated, planning commission, I believe it was unanimous uh recommendation to approve the reszone. >> Okay. Commissioner Pinsky, you had question. >> No, I I don't have a question. I I got more of a statement. I I I've known the Heinens's for a long time and I think they're doing a phenomenal job out
there. Every time I drive by there going north, it they uh seems like they're getting more and more vehicles and I that that tells me business is starting to really do well for you guys. So, I'm proud of you guys. >> And it's nice to see you expanding your business. >> Absolutely. >> We went there on a BEP visit and yeah,
they remodeled the inside because that used to be a pizza parlor place >> and holy cow, I was in there when it was pizzas and it's like, wow, they really did a nice job in there. >> Yeah. and and you know it just makes sense for them if they're taking stuff out of old squad cars and people are
trying to get rid of them >> they can do it right there. So as as they grow Bettton County and the cities all around will prosper too. So I think it's a no-brainer. >> Okay, great. Board, what would you like to do with this? >> I'll make that motion to grant the
resoning. >> I'll second. Okay, we got a motion and a second to reszone the classification of this. Any other questions, concerns? If not, call the question. All in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Opposed. Motion carries. Thank you
very much. >> Thank you. >> Good luck, gentlemen. >> Good luck. >> Now we'll uh recess the regular board meeting and go into the uh uh ditch meeting and turn it over to Commissioner Johnson. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Chair. We'll
call to order our county ditch authority meeting uh at 10:26. Roll call shows all members are here. Move for approval of the agenda. Is there any changes or additions, Adam? So, is there a motion, please? >> So, moved. >> Second. >> A motion and a second to approve the
agenda as presented. >> I opposed is carried. Uh open forum. Is anyone like to speak uh in regards to ditch authority items? Don't believe there's anyone online? Motion to adjurnn. >> Okay. Nothing for open forum. Move on to consent agenda items one and two. What
are your wishes? >> I move for approval, Mr. Chair. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second to approve the consent agenda items one and two. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor? >> I >> I >> opposed. It's carried. Move on to our
regular agenda. A petition for the removal of property from CD10. Adam. >> All right. So, um, like Commissioner Johnson just stated, I received a petition for removal of property from county ditch number 10. I received this
on June 29th of 2026. Um, there was two parcels in this petition. Um, both by the same benefiting landowner. Uh the parcels as stated were 04 003 02 0 0 and 04 0 303 0
0. Um and all that I'm requesting from you all today um is to set a public hearing date. Um we are required by state statute to hold a public hearing and send out notices to all benefiting land owners of county ditch 10. This
includes uh county ditch six and seven as well because they are uh both benefactors of of 10. Um so I will be working with uh the auditor treasurer to send out uh notices in the mail
regarding this public hearing. This is a valid pet uh petition. I have added it to uh the agenda here. Um it is it is by uh Mr. John Brenny. Um, and like I stated before, those two parcels are
right next to each other. Um, I can pull up a map here just to kind of I won't go too in depth here because this is just to set the public hearing. Um, but I will send you all information via email just so you guys can kind of have a a
good idea prior to the the public hearing itself. But just wanted to pull up here. Um CD10 is a massive watershed area. Um start of CD10 is right here right north of County Road 4 and then Mayhew Creek goes all
the way into Mayhew Lake and then Mayhew Creek also goes even further north through here. And these are the two parcels that Mr. Breny is petitioning. Um I'll zoom in a little bit here. Um,
it's in this weird kind of nook area between six and seven. Um, the reason I believe the viewers have this as a benefit to CD10 is hard to see here, but there is a private ditch system that goes into Mayhew Creek. And so that's
why I think they um they said that this little nook area is is a benefit to 10. Um, but like I stated, I won't go too in depth. I just kind of wanted you guys to get a brief, you know, location so you guys know where it's at. Um, but like I
stated, um, this is just to set a public hearing date and then we will have the petitioner here on that public hearing date to, um, explain why he he believes he should not be a benefit of CD10 anymore. >> And that's when you can ask questions
and stuff. >> Adam, a couple questions. Um, has Rinky Nunan or John Cole mentioned at all? Do the, uh, land owners on CD11 need to be notified because they're actually the outlet for all of this system?
>> Um, I would say uh, no. >> And for that, I I haven't talked to John Cob regarding that, but my from what I believe is 11 doesn't pay into 10. And so 11 doesn't, you know, receive any
benefit from 10. 10 receives benefit from 11. >> Well, and the reason I ask is because like CD9, 12 and 14 are outleting to nine. >> So nine is typically aware of what goes
on in 12 and 14. I I just think it's worth the question to make sure we don't have a notice problem. >> Yeah, I can I can for sure send that question to Mr. Cole prior to sending being the outlet, the ultimate outlet. >> Yep. >> Um the other question is is Mr. Bernie
is like crystal clear aware about his responsibility for the petition cost. >> Correct. I have sent him a letter. I have talked with him on the phone. I've texted with him. He understands that. I told him, you know, we had those two petitions on CD12. Um and I told them
the cost was around $2,000 regarding, you know, notices, attorney fees, and and such. So, he is well aware that this could, you know, be around $2,000 and that would be on his burden and not CD10's burden.
>> And he's understanding that just by petitioning doesn't automatically give removal. >> Correct. I have told him multiple times and in a in a written letter that it states that he can go through this entire process and he could still not be removed from the benefactor list. It is
up to the drainage authorities decision to determine that. >> Okay. I just want to make sure he's completely there. >> Yeah. That that he he will have to pay regardless whether he >> granted or not. >> Correct. >> And wouldn't I would say wouldn't this one be a lot a fair amount more
expensive because of the number two parcels >> parcels. >> Well, and I don't I think it would also be he I don't know if he's planning on having some legal counsel with him or not. >> Yeah. From what I from what I understand is I don't think he had will have any
legal counsel. Um I plan to call him after this hearing or this this meeting just to let him know that the public hearing was set and then you know reiterate those same things we just talked about. >> Yeah. That that's what I was going to recommend.
>> No surprises. >> No surprises. >> That's right. >> Because we don't want them coming back at us and going, "Oh, I didn't realize that this was going to be >> Yeah. Exactly. >> I mean, I think some of these that do this, they think that they can just come before us and we're going to automatically remove them.
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. So, >> sorry. Go ahead. Sorry. >> And that just ain't how it works. We don't have that authority. >> What dates are we looking at, Adam? >> Um, I believe the second meeting in August is the 18th if I'm correct. Um, I
think the first one is August 4th >> and so that one might be a little too too early for us to get notices out. >> Mr. Chair, you need 30 days, right? >> Yeah. >> Yeah, that would be. >> And then the 17th is the actual annual ditch meeting the night before.
>> Yeah, correct. >> I'm just fine with that. >> So, we okay with the 18th >> since it's a meeting date? >> Yeah. >> Ditch authority. >> Yeah. I'm not sure what exact time you want to set it at. I'm guessing if you select the time it should be, you know,
that time. So, I don't know if we wanted to do like 11:00 just in case it's a long board or if you would recess at like 10:00 a.m. to hold it. >> You know, historically, we've just tried to say all of them start at 9 and then the board has flexibility to recess and start. Otherwise, if we get ahead, then
we got to sit and wait. Yeah. >> So, I just kind of keep it's worked well. I think well is just saying they all start at 9:00 >> and we don't have to sit and wait. >> Well, and if that's the case, depending on the amount of people that may or may not be here for it, we could always recess county board and move into the
past where we'd have a ditch publish start at 11 and people will show up at 9:00, right? It will show up at 9:00, >> but that would allow us to we could move it up >> earlier. Yep. Yep. >> Okay. So, we're looking at 9:00 on August 18th. >> Is there a motion for that then?
>> Motion. I'll second. I have a motion and a second to set up the public hearing for this petition for removal for Tuesday, August 18th at 9:00 a.m. >> Any other discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor?
>> Opposed? It's carried. Thank you, Adam. Anything else? >> Yeah, like I stated, I will send you all an email with all information I have on this petition so you guys have time to look it over, ask me any questions, ask the petitioner any questions prior to the public hearing. Um, just so you guys
have all that information. >> Thank you. >> Um, one last thing regarding the the annual special ditch authority meeting. I am working with Crown Press um, over in Stock Rapids to send out those postcards again. Um, they plan to send
those out Friday the 17th. So, next Friday, I believe. >> Um, >> so about a month ahead. >> Yeah. I I didn't want to do it too far ahead because then people will lose it. But obviously I wanted enough time for people to get it on their calendars. So, >> and with that then we're gonna have to
make that quick call to John about if CD11 needs to be included or not. >> Correct. I will work >> I'd like to have a response. >> Mhm. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yeah. I'll give uh I'll give the attorney's office a call uh later today
and just just to confirm that CD11 isn't needed to be notified for that. >> Okay. Anything else, Adam? Um I think that is it for for this meeting. Hey >> members, anything? >> I just want a clarification on question. So this petitioner is my understanding
and his understanding would be that this is at his all of this is at his expense does not go back to the ditch system and the other people on the system. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> And like I stated I sent a I've sent a couple letters to him regarding that. Um
I will get uh some information to you and just send you all that letter just to just to know that we have it. It has been given to him. >> All right. Thank you. With that, we'll journ at 10:36. Pass it back to board chair. >> Okay. We'll reconvene the regular board
meeting. >> Okay. Commissioners, you want to do uh meeting updates, comments, concerns, go right to committee. to hold. Yep. Monty.
>> Okay. Uh first, uh Amanda would like to invite you to a I guess we'll call it anformational educational session about data centers. Um she's arranging for individuals uh um
to uh join us for this meeting. She also wants to bring in the planning commission as well. Excuse me. and she offers these dates. Um, I hope on my calendar while we're talking about this.
Um, July 28th is Tuesday. July 28th. Would that be possible? She's first couple dates she tosses out are the 28th or 29th of July. Um, >> I won't do. It's counting. So, I will be gone that week.
>> You'll be gone the whole week. >> That I'll be That's my trip to Alaska. >> 2. Okay. We we'll we'll move on into August then. Uh she offers August 5th or 6th. That's during the fair. August 5th or 6th.
>> I won't do the fifth. It's a Wednesday or Thursday. >> I've got one water one planned on the sixth. >> Yeah, I have RSVP. I have six. >> The final date that she offers us is the 19th, which is a Wednesday.
August 19th, a Wednesday. >> That would work for me. >> Work for me if we do it in the morning. We got that. >> Do it in the morning. >> Board retreat. >> This will be a multiple hour >> discussion. I assume >> that she have Ron dopond.
>> Doesn't give me a sense of time. Um, >> but you probably can assume probably at least 90 minutes to >> Yeah, I would say 90 minutes. >> At least 90 minutes. talk about that >> like a 9:00 then. >> Yeah, that works. >> She says um she says these folks are
traveling from Duth uh so late morning. >> So I would probably wouldn't start before 10. 10 >> what? >> On the 19th. >> 10 still works for me, but I >> 10 to noon. >> Yeah. >> 10 to noon on the 19th. Okay.
And again, she's also by the planning commission. Actually, actually looks like a lot of folks um >> talked about that at the last plan. >> I mean, in all honesty, I mean, >> people leave at 6:30 all the time. We could do it at 9:30. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I mean,
>> she and I are going to need to discuss venue because if the invitation list is this large, we not might not be able to fit everyone in this room. So for now, let's just say boardroom 10:00 19th, but we may have to adjust the venue to a larger facility. So
um let's see here. Child care appreciation event. You're invited by public health to attend a child care appreciation event. Oh, this is way out. September 12th at
8:30 Big Lake High School. childc care appreciation event uh organized by public health united way and other folks September 12th 8:30 Big Lake High School. >> That's a Saturday. >> That's a Saturday. Um >> yeah.
And Mr. Chair, that is all we have. >> Move for approval of the columns. Mr. Chair, >> second a motion is second. Any further discussion? All the question all in favor say I. >> I opposed. Motion carries. Anything else in front of the board? >> Sure.
>> I just have one comment so that you are all on board. I am out on vacation July 17th through the 25th. Okay. >> Thank you. Anything else? Okay.