--------- my mic on. >> Okay. >> So, if hopefully everybody can find a chair. Thank you. Roll call has been taken. We have a quorum. Um hopefully everybody had a chance to peruse the agenda. Um they were mailed
last Thursday. I got mine yesterday. So, it was I'm grateful to have the emails um so I could go through things over the weekend. Does anybody have any additions or corrections or adjustments to the agenda?
>> No. >> Does someone make a motion to approve the agenda as printed? >> Make a motion. >> Motion by Leo. >> Second by Dennis. All those in favor say I. I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Agenda is approved.
Um, same thing with the minutes from our September 16th meeting. Hopefully everyone's had a chance to look through and I didn't see anything that needed adjusting. >> Motion by Dennis to approve. >> I'll second.
>> Second by Travis. All those in favor say I. I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Okay, public hearings. Our public hearing one this evening is U elevated
dispensaries request for variance. The applicant is seeking approval of a variance to reduce the adjacent residential setback for a proposed cannabis business at 11649 123rd Avenue South Sabin, Minnesota
56580 on parcel [snorts] 01.050.6011 6011 on out lot P1 townite of Baker section one township
137 North Range 47W Alliance Township. Look for a motion to open the public hearing. >> Make motion. >> Motion by Leo. >> Second by Tim. All those in favor of opening the public
hearing, please say I. I >> opposed. Motion is carried. Public hearing is open. Matt. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes, this is a variance request to the residential setback for cannabis business. Uh
location is in Baker. Um kind of on the uh be the northwest side of of Baker. Uh the property information, so the zoning is agricultural service center. Uh it's currently a classed as a residential/commercial commercial commercial property used as a vacation
rental. Um there is an administrative home occupation permit for an architectural design business showroom that was granted in uh 2018. So the applicant is essentially um proposing to reuse the Baker Grain elevator as a licensed cannabis
business. The elevator is on a uh halfacre lot um was constructed prior to current zoning regulations. It's approximately 250 ft from the nearest residence and about 450 ft from two additional homes. Uh the applicant stating that the project would preserve
a locally significant structure uh support economic activity in Baker and meet state cannabis requirements for odor lighting security. Uh the variance uh before you this evening only applies to this 500 foot residential setback. The property does not meet any other
commercial uh dimensional standards. So minimum lot size, sideyard setback, road centerline setback. So an additional dimensional setback variance or variances would be required um prior to any conditional use permit consideration for a cannabis business.
And so this is looking at the um proposed plan. Here's the elevator. It's provided by the applicant, the nearest residence here just to the to the southeast. So, the practical difficulty provided by the applicant, and I'll read this here, is the elevator's physical placement
built before modern setbacks makes it impossible to comply with the current 500 foot residential buffer. The structure has stood in its current location for nearly a century, long before today's zoning standards existed. Strict enforcement of the 500t setback would prevent any reasonable or economically viable use of this historic
building, forcing it to remain idle or deteriorate. The requested 200 foot setback still maintains a meaningful buffer from neighboring residences while allowing practable or reasonable reuse of the pro property. The property's narrow lot historic configuration and movable elevator structure are unique to
physical are unique physical circumstances not shared by um other parcels. Just one thing to note about that um with the uniqueness, which is certainly um true for this lot. um when the uh
planning commission and and county board um looked at amending our cannabis zoning ordinance to allow for this use in the agricultural service center district. One of the the the um I guess considerations was that only 8% of the
properties in the egg service center could meet that 500 foot residential setback. So kind of from a uniqueness standpoint as it stands 90 approximately 92% of um properties in the egg service center zoning district would not be able
to meet this setback uh policy considerations. So how this would relate to our comprehensive plan we have a land use commercial industrial goal to encourage commercial industrial development that is harmony with the agricultural and rural character of Klay County. Um so again just reusing this
elevator um would support the rural character objectives just for reusing an extra ex existing grain elevator um proposed cannabis business is a contemporary commercial use. Uh compatibility with rural character would depend on a number of things such as um
a lighting odor security. Um the limited separation again from nearby residents is relevant considering just for the overall harmony with the surrounding rural kind of residential setting. [clears throat] Uh we do have an objective to promote value added uh
agricultural commercial and industrial development in agricultural service center areas and along transportation corridors and hubs. So cannabis could be considered an egg product located within the service center aligns with that objective. um would resent represent an
adaptive reuse of an agricultural structure. Um it at the same time it does have a small lot size. Proximity to residential uses may limited its ability to function in the same manner uh as other larger scale um agricultural
commercial or value added uses. Then we have a objective to avoid or mitigate against commercial and industrial development that increases the potential for land use conflicts with rural residential or egg uses. So this would be a 50% reduction in the setback 250T
uh from that 500 foot setback may increase the potential for impacts on nearby homes unless mitigation measures such as odor lighting and security controls are implemented and effective. Um the proximity to these residences and the limited opportunity for additional buffering just due to the
lot size are relevant factors um under this objective. any questions for me at all? >> So, what exactly is a dispensary like what happens there? So, um the the applicants received
preliminary approval for a um cannabis micro business and so that allows for um limited uh cultivation. Um some product production and then retail as well. Uh it does also allow for on-site
consumption although smoking and vaping are not not permitted. Anyone else have any questions for Matt? No. Would the applicant care to come up and speak to his to the project? Please
state your name for the record. Hello. My name is Scott Doms. Good evening and thank you for your time. [clears throat] My name is Scott Doms. I grew up in the Red River Valley, not far from here. And I've spent my entire life around small
towns just like Baker. Eight years ago, I bought the Baker grain elevator. A lot of people thought I was crazy for doing it. Because the truth is, nobody saves these buildings anymore. Most end up collapsing, burning down, or being used for fire training practice. That's usually the end of the story. We've lost
four in the last three months in the valley. But I didn't see something that was finished. I saw something that still mattered. When you see Baker, you see the elevator. It's the identity of the town. It's the landmark that tells you where you are and what this place has
always been. Agricultural, hardworking, rooted in history. So, I took it on. I stabilized it, cleaned it up, repaired everything I could, and turned part of it into an Airbnb so people could actually experience it instead of just watching it decay.
I've owned it for eight years and poured my time, money, and energy into preserving it. But maintaining a 100-year-old structure is expensive. Just to keep it standing, not improving it, just maintaining it costs around $15,000 a year in utilities, heat,
insurance, and basic upkeep. And there's no bank that will lend on a structure like this because there are no comparables. It's too much of a risk. For years, I tried to figure out a sustainable use for it. Events, storage, art space, tourism, and none of it came
close to covering costs. There was simply no path forward. Then cannabis legalization came along and for the first time there was a realistic, responsible and regulated way to support this building. Not to turn it into something different, but to continue
what it's always been, agriculture. This is agriculture 2.0. Growing, cultivating, using vertical space. Exactly what an elevator was built for. The cultivation is what financially preserves the building. The
retail component is small and controlled, and the lounge is quiet and adult. No smoking, no vaping, no haze, no late hours. Just a place where someone can relax, listen to music, play cribage, have a conversation, and feel
welcome. Everyone who enters will be 21 or older. But the truth is, our real clientele are older adults, veterans, people looking for sleep support, stress relief, pain management, or simply a better quality of life. This is not a party crowd.
These are people trying to feel better. And life is hard right now. People are stressed, stretched thins, and isolated. We need places that help us slow down again. Places that bring back community instead of pushing it further away.
This project is meant to feel like Baker. Small, familiar, comfortable, personal. Historically, grain elevators were the social heart of towns. Farmers played cards, swapped stories, and caught up on their lives while grain was being weighed.
We're bringing back that sense of place and belonging, not replacing it. The elevator is on the edge of town. You don't drive town to get through it. Traffic is minimal. Most of the real revenue comes from cultivation, not retail. And the more locals who feel
welcome to use that space, even for a cup of coffee or to sit and visit, the better maintained and safer the area becomes. That's how communities keep things nice, by using them and taking pride in them. When the county first created zoning for
cannabis businesses, the rules were built around highway commercial districts. Big 1acre lots with wide setbacks and modern spacing. But when cannabis was later allowed in agricultural service centers, a new issue appeared. ASC properties were built decades ago for efficiency and
density. The elevator sits exactly where elevators were designed to sit, close to the tracks, close to the road, and close to the homes built around them. That's the historic fabric of Baker. All I'm asking for tonight is a variance that reflects the reality of this one
historic property so it can function with purpose instead of becoming another abandoned landmark. The practical difficulty is simple. The elevator was built nearly a century ago, long before modern zoning existed, and it cannot be moved or reconfigured to
meet the 500 ft setback. That limitation is structural, not self-created. The use is reasonable. The character of the area is preserved and the request 250 ft is the minimum variance needed.
Nearby jurisdictions including Ottertale County and Detroit Lakes have zero residential setback requirements for cannabis businesses. So this request is actually more conservative than regional norms. Some people feel that the dispensary brings crime. But Morehead gives us a
real comparison point. Since the tribal cannabis shop opened there this spring, crime has not gone up. In several categories, it's actually gone down. When these businesses are licensed, monitored, and run with pride, they don't create problems. They become part
of the fabric of the community. And that's the kind of operator I am, and that's the kind of operation Baker will have. I know people have different opinions about cannabis and I respect that. But tonight's decision is based solely on the variant standards in your ordinance,
not on personal preference, and this project meets those standards. I also know that there's a petition circulating about the project. There's a lot of people in the room. I understand the concern. People don't want Baker to change. I don't either. That's the whole
reason I've spent eight years preserving this structure when most people assumed it would eventually burn down. This isn't about selling weed. I don't want to be seen as some drug dealer guy. I want to be someone who provides something positive. A place
that helps people. A place that slows life down a little. A place that brings community back together. This project is about preservation, responsibility, and compassion. It's about saving a landmark and giving it purpose again. And we have a chance to
do something no one else has done. >> I need you to wrap it up. You're over your time limit. >> This project is about preservation, responsibility, and compassion. It's about saving a landmark and giving it purpose again. And we have a chance to
do something no one else has done. Klay County could become the first county in the state, maybe in the country, to convert a grain elevator into something useful again. That makes all of us pioneers, Baker, Klay County, and everyone involved. With the federal lowdosese THC ban to
take effect next year, there will be no place south of Morehead in Klay County for adults to legally buy lowdosese THC drinks. That means residents from town like Barnesville will have to drive to Morehead where they will also buy the groceries, gas, hardware, meals, and
everything else. Barnesville liquor store made nearly $80,000 in a single year from lowdose THC products. That revenue will disappear and the extra purchases that come with it. If Baker provides a legal local option, that spending stays in
Klay County small towns, not in Fargo Morehead. In closing, the variance is essential. Without it, I will maintain the elevator for as long as I can, but eventually the economics catch up and Baker loses the landmark. That's not a threat. That's just
reality. We have a chance to do something meaningful, something that honors Baker's history, and builds its future. Something that brings people together, helps people feel better, and gives a historic building a chance to keep standing for another century. I believe in this building. I believe in
this project and I believe in Baker and Klay County. Thank you for your time. Any questions? >> Does anybody on the board have questions to direct Mr. DMS or
comments? >> So my understanding is that you plan on growing. >> Yes. So my license micro cannabis license. So there's cultivation which is growing. I'm allowed to manufacture, which is essentially taking that what
they call flour or the plant and processing it into low dosage drinks or gummies or topicals, creams. There's a there's all kinds of stuff they can do and it's it's uh uh basically to kind of make people feel
better, but there will be um there's a litany of stuff that we're able to offer. So, but it's all highly regulated. Everything is um it's kind it's really insane how it is because you you have a seed and this seed has a
number and that number carries it through the whole system. So nothing everything is documented, everything is weighed, everything is highly compliant. Um it's very secure. I'm required to have security operation plans. Um I'm
only allowed to be open to 9:30 at night. Uh the the the timing is a little conser more conservative on Sundays. Um but it's it's it's a pretty low impact business. Most of the business, the
cultivation um and the processing will be done by like three to four people. Um and the the traffic would be retail if if any. I mean, I anticipate there will be. My business plan says so, but it's
um it's not like it's it's not like the Morhead store where the people are going in, there's lines and everything. It's just too far away. Um people younger ages, if they want to go get their product, they're going to go to the the four other
dispensaries that will be in Morehead along Highway 10 and Highway 75. There's just nothing that will be close to Barnesville. So, does that help? >> Yeah. Yeah. Just kind of curious. You're
talking about dispensary and >> Yeah. It's an interesting business. I mean, I've never This is a new avenue for me, but it's >> um the the income it can bring is really um good and it makes sense. It's the only
thing I've ever found that's made sense to to take on the elevator. I've I've I'm constantly in debt with that elevator and I need a new solution. So, and it I don't know if it it fits
everything that the Klay County plan has and it's still agriculture. It's the same stuff. It's always built for agriculture. >> Anyone else have >> Excuse me. So, I will have an on-site security 24/7.
So, um but then I have I have extensive um I mean every So, I mean the standard standard security stuff, cameras, um everything on the doors and windows and everything. Um the
thing with a grain elevator is the So, what cannabis is is it's illegal on a federal level. It's legal on the state level. So what it is is it ends up being like a cash business. So because you can't use any federal banks associated with it. Um and that's where the
security comes in because you do have a high amount of cash that that is going to be there. But with that everything is regulated. Everything goes into a safe. Everything um I can't even access the safe. The truck has to come pick the the
money up and take it to my bank which is down in Mano. Um, and so the amount of benefit anyone would get to break in there, um, if they knew where they were going, I mean, this, um, it would be
minimal. Couple thousand dollars. >> Yeah. So, you have an on-site security guy. So you have an an armed security guard and and uh you typically will have a a couple not at the same time but just so they can rotate shifts and and uh so
there is a presence there. Um and um historically um I'm an architect as well. So it's just like we we talk about security on sites and the best way to make a place secure is to use it and keep it occupied
and and um make it well lit up. I mean, it's it'll have the proper lighting and everything. Nothing that screws up the neighbors or anything like that. I'm very conscious of that. Um, but it it will be very secure. So, >> what about sewer and water?
>> So, I do have a well I I have a well on site. Um we have to have so in in the process of this and switch if we switch it over to this um we have to do some uptake or some um I'll have to have some tanks. I've already had a um a designer
look at designing me. So we'll have storage tanks for our septic and then we also have to have for the cultivation side it the cultivation is done hydroponically. So um but all that water is required to go into a tank and to be
shipped to a treatment facility. So we don't dump it in we don't dump it on the fields. We don't dump it in the ditch. Um it's all our waste is has to be um every little part of this process the the state has just like picked apart and made sure that it's very heavy in
compliance. So there's no there's no wild west about this thing at all. So, >> did you read into it, Tim? There's uh two holding tanks. >> Okay. >> For the for the business, that's all there is. So, there's not adequate space
for a drain field. So, they're always going to be pumping out. >> Okay. >> According to throw it on there. >> Yeah. So my my design um so when you when you cult two two parts
of that um the septic is uh a 1300-gallon tank at um we would have approximately two 1300gallon tanks that would be septic um and uh bllies would come pump that probably every three to
six months depending on the usage there. the uh the water's a little bit different because what we do is when we first get started um we have to get that cultivation going and then through the years you would start getting that those crops stable um staggered so that you
can this can be on flowering and this can be growing and then this can be harvested. So you just have this cycle going um and that's when when you change the water in those systems those would go in there. So, um, I don't have an answer on how often those would be
pumped, but I don't anticipate them being pumped that often. I mean, I would have another 26 to 30 to 4,000 gallons of pumpable space or storage. So,
>> thank you. Matt have any questions for >> I do not Mr. Chair. >> Thank you. >> Is there we have a list to start with Rita? Um and just to inform everyone that you
will be limited to three minutes. >> Before we start, does anybody have their registration to speak forms? If you've got one that you want to turn in, please get it to me now. Thank you. Ray Bernard. >> And then please come to the mic and and
state your name for the record. And [clears throat] >> my name is Ray Bernard. Last name B E R N A R D. Um I live about a quarter mile from outside of Baker. Um, I'm concerned about about drugs being in
the area because anytime you have drugs around, in my experience, you have crime, you have breakins, you have people from out of the area that aren't familiar with with the area. Um, I had a repair businesses in Mor in Morehead for 20 years and we had rental properties
and every time we had trouble with any of them, it was basically figured it was drugs causing it, breakins, the vehicle theft, um, houses, rental property getting destroyed inside. Um, and I just
don't want that this kind of people coming out to our quiet community. Um, to me it's, you know, I lived in Fargo for 4 years and I got back out of town just because of what was going on. You know, you had to have security cameras
outside your place to see who's going through the vehicles at night and stuff like that. And, you know, we have it pretty good where we're at right now living by Baker and it's quiet and, you know, I don't want to see that change. So, that's that's why I'm here tonight. And I think everybody's here tonight
because nobody knew about the when when the county approved approved uh for the cannabis growing operation. None of us were made aware that that there was a hearing for it. So, that's why we're here tonight. So,
that's all I want to say. Just thank you. >> We don't we don't want that in our in our area. Jake Offfield. >> Hello, my name is Jake Affield. I reside in 12248 119th Street South Baker, Minnesota. It is on the east side of
town. For those of you that don't know me, my name is Jake Affield. I live in Baker, Minnesota for almost 24 years. I just recently purchased my first home in Baker on August 29th of this year. Baker is the only place I want to live. It has
provided me and many of its residents with the perfect atmosphere. quiet and rural, yet close enough to town for easy access to amenities. I read an article about Dom's plan to make Baker, in quotations, better.
In my opinion, Baker is perfect as it is, and the residents of Baker would agree with me. Bringing a business such as a dispensary would only be a detriment to the community. It would increase the traffic and attention brought to the town which would
ultimately lead to more crime and things of that matter which is the exact opposite reason why people like to live in Baker. Many people ask me where I'm from and I tell them Baker, Minnesota.
And if they don't know where that is, I f follow it up with two questions. if you know where Barnesville's at. And if they say yes, I ask them where Saven's at. They say yes. Almost all the time they say that they still don't know where Baker is.
Just happens to be smack dab in the middle and you miss it. So that being said, I would like Baker to stay the way it is and unrecognized by the general population. Thank you. One moment, please.
We're having some online difficulties right now, so we're trying to get those worked out. Christy Donovan. Hi, my name is Christy Donovan. It's D O N O Van and I live right in Baker. Address is 12219 119th Street South.
Um, just to know that the first time that we ever heard about this dispensary is when it was on the radio the next day. We had no clue about it. I was told that when Mr. Dom went to that first meeting, he said he had went out and talked to a bunch of these Baker residents and we were all okay with it.
Well, no. Nobody was okay with it except for I think one person and his other neighbor that is uh too close to that dispensary. They are here tonight. Didn't give him an approval for it. Um so when he said that he went around
talked to all these residents, it was just a bold flat fat old lie. Um this proposed location is near a new daycare and our softball fields. Our town is a family-friendly environment. During the late spring to summer months, we have te-ball and softball practices
every week. They also do games here a couple times a month. And when those games are being played in Baker, the whole family usually comes with. Nobody worries about their kids. If they want to go and walk through town, the introduction of a commercial cannabis establishment could potentially alter the atmosphere of our neighborhood, and
it raises concerns for all of us. We don't want the loitering, the extra noise, and more litter than what is already there. Introducing a cannabis dispensary could conflict with the established character and an intended use of the zone, potentially impacting
surrounding property values and the quality of life for our nearby residents. While I do trust law enforcement, the presence of a business dealing exclusively in a high value cash intensive product can introduce new security challenges.
We are concerned about the increased traffic and the demands this could place on our local police and emergency service resources which are already budgeted for our community size and needs. I have a 13-year-old daughter that likes to walk all the way around
this area. It's a two miles from our place all the way around which will go right by that elevator. She is now going to be too scared as she has stated to me. I'm not going to walk around town anymore. Mom, that's that's sad that she has to be that way. you know, uh, just because she's scared and she shouldn't
have to be scared. I believe that the well-being and future character of Baker should be the guiding principle in your decision-making process, and the potential risks and impacts associated with this dispensary outweigh any potential benefits for a town of our
size. Thank you for your time, Rick Donovan. My name is Rick Donovan. I live in Baker. It's going to be tough to follow that one. One of the things that I wanted to bring
up was uh these meetings we want uh we want to hear from the community. But um some of these meetings I think maybe could be held a little later. Uh 5:30. I think we would add a lot more support here tonight if if the meetings could have been a little bit later, maybe 6:30
or 7 o'clock. Um, people move to a small community and small town out in the country to get away from stuff like this. Um, I think everybody in the sport that we have here tonight uh strongly opposes this from entering
our community. Uh we have personally talked to close to 90% if not more of people right in Baker uh and only run into one person that really didn't have a say either way. Um
we've talked to people in the immediate surrounding area and only ran into one person that didn't really have a say either way in this. Everybody else is opposed to this. Um, Scott told council members that he talked to most of the
people in the Baker area and everybody was okay with it. As my wife stated, that's that was a lie. That brings the question, if he's going to lie about that, what else are we lying to lying about to to council members if he's
going to lie like that? Um, once you push this kind of stuff into the rural community, where do people go next? We're we come out to the rural community to get away from this kind of stuff. Now you're going to bring it into the real community. Where are we
supposed to go from there? And that's about all I've got to say. Thank you for your time. Appreciate it. >> Shane Thompson. >> Hi there. Shane Thompson. Uh I do not live in Baker anymore. My parents still do. We homesteaded there
in 1887. So, my great great grandpa, my great grandpa, and my grandpa have been coming up in my dreams since this started saying absolutely not. We take care of our locals. And that's the families that have already talked and
nobody ever talked to me. H you can see from the picture on your screen there that there's a big hole in the roof where the pigeons are in and out of it all the time. The white building to the leftand side of the elevator was a Thompson. We all started the same time
there. And I had two of my sons. Unfortunately, I had him grow up in Morehead. And my oldest was actually selling cannabis to the teachers when he graduated. So, and their life has been completely upside down. And if you can
guarantee me 300% that it's not going to end up in the wrong hands, I might be a little more in favor of it. Out there, we don't have a local police department. Baker doesn't have anything except us neighbors taking care of other
neighbors and calling each other when we see things that are going on. So, we keep an eye on the neighbors and stuff like that. And uh the building is Yeah, it's been leaning for years, too. So, it's just a matter of time before it tips over. Uh I
started delivering product there and uh single axe uh trucks when I was 15 years old. So I've been there a long time, too. So um uh the medical side of it does have some
benefits to certain people, but we don't have security down there to keep an eye on things. My warehouse is just a few miles, not even a mile away from there, too. We used to have the Thompsons had five of the six warehouses in Baker for
potatoes back in the day. So, um, and I'm just worried about the crime and the extra security I'm going to have to put on my stuff and keep a closer eye on the neighbors, too. So, and if it gets in the wrong hands, it really ruins kids' lives when they're really young. So, it
can really mess stuff up. So, that's about all I have to say. So just take care of the locals and take care of the best and try to forget the rest. So that's what we'll do. So thank you. >> Thank you. >> Gerald Butnoff. >> Hi, I'm Gerald Butnoff. Uh BHF
I'm Alliance Township Supervisor. Um Mr. Dams came to one of our meetings several months ago and u we were informed by him that he talked to most of the residents in Baker
uh which I was pointed out to rather bluntly the last couple meetings that he hadn't and I don't blame them. The residents are not for it. Uh and I don't believe we as a township are either. I think there's better places to go. We had a
meeting last night again. We had uh approximately 30 citizens of Baker there, close residents, and and we had nobody that was in favor of it. And I guess that's where we stand now. I
I think there's better places for it. It's a I don't know where we'd go with parking. It's all unpaved roads. We have snow removal problems in the winter. I just think there's better options for something like this with people coming in.
Thank you, >> Tim Thompson. >> Thanks, Randy Afield. Good evening. Uh, thank you for listening to me here. Uh, Randy Affel, uh, 11779, uh, Baker, Minnesota. I've
been there 50 plus years. I really don't want to date myself any narrower than that. Um, but I am in opposition to this. Uh, Baker's Mayberry for me. It's home. It's quiet. It's peaceful. We want to keep it that
way. Um, not necessarily opposed to the growing part of it, but as far as the retail and the consumption, heartburn city. Not not not for Baker. Um and uh as far as the the town of
Baker goes, the the road going in there, uh township gravel road, the infrastructure is not there to to support extra traffic. Uh the the the road is very subject to blowing in from the north snow. Um poor location. It's a
horrible location for anything retail. Um, so and I I I think that cannabis is in the very infancy stages here. Uh, and for for the county or the commission
here to, uh, to bend bend the rules and the regulations, uh, varying the setbacks is very premature. Uh there's plenty of opportunity for people to you utilize sites that fit into the fit into the zoning categories.
Uh Baker also has very little to no law enforcement presence. Um which is also problematic if you're going to bring a bunch of strangers into the into the community. Um both both for the traffic and the resident's safety. And I really
think that uh Jerry's uh word should be taken very much to heart. Grassroots township, that's where it should start. Um so and I would uh I would also ask uh if if the uh if you guys to to research
if the applicant uh exhibited positivity to the Ottertale County Board when they took and heard his proposal. So that's all I got for you. Thank you for your time. I respectfully request
that you deny this variance. Thank you, Britney Ary. Hi, my name is Britney Ary, AA Kre, and we live right outside of Baker um on 110th Street. And we moved out there in 2017
um just to my husband grew up in a rural community and he wanted to get away from the city life. And so we moved out there and we have four children and I coach the T-ball team in the summer and my husband coaches the middle league. So, for many weeks of the summer, we have
probably between 20 and 30 kids out there on Tuesday nights practicing. And then, um, depending on if we're home or away on Wednesdays playing games and there's also a senior league that plays, too. And I just love that when we go to Baker, we just know it's a safe place to go and the kids can run around and it
doesn't just affect Baker because um people I have a friend that drives from Rossi to play T-ball on our team and some people drive from Barnesville to get to an even smaller team um and a smaller community to play in. So to me, it's just really important that it stay
small town. And I think I love historic landmarks and I love antiques, but I think what it comes down to is people. That people are important. And what a community wants is important. And that should be the most important thing taken into consideration is that if the community doesn't want it and they don't
feel like it's right for the community and why they moved out there, then it shouldn't be done. and that just you consider the people in this and their heart that live in that area. Um and I just too living out on a two-way highway. It's not it's not Highway 10,
it's Highway 52. There's only two lanes and um I just I like that it's not super once you get past Sabin there's not a lot of traffic and I just think that would really increase the traffic. It's also located right on a railroad track
and even when I'm going to te-ball in the summer, I have to be very aware and look both ways because there's a building blocking it getting out of Baker and so you have to be very careful with um that kind of stuff because it's kind of a dangerous intersection. So,
thank you Justin Olsen. Hi. Uh, Chastity Olsen. Um, OS. I live at 12254 118th Street South. Um, I'm sorry. I might get a little emotional. Um,
I have a 4-year-old son and a one-year-old daughter. [snorts] And the first time that I heard about this was a letter in the mail. [snorts] My son plays going up and down the
driveway. And I fear I think what kind of traffic this will bring or [snorts] what kind of crowds, how busy will it
be. Um, [snorts] do I have to worry about my kids playing in the front yard? I just I chose Baker because I lived in Dworth. I [snorts] moved to Barnesville. Um, and we we wanted even smaller town.
We wanted smaller um to where we could raise our son. [snorts] And I drove by Baker every day for four years, not knowing that we would buy a home in Baker. Um, [snorts]
and I guess just listening to uh Mr. Dom's plans with security, it doesn't sound very thought out [snorts] with
there wouldn't be much. He thinks there won't be much crime behind a cannabis business. There'll be a couple thousand dollars to steal. [snorts] But if your first response is, I'm going to have cameras for security, but you're
going to have security 24/7. Who's watching those cameras 24/7? Who's is the security officer on site 247? is uh Barnesville when they mentioned the
THC sales are no longer going to be there. Does that increase even more traffic or more popularity? Um I guess I fear the unknown not knowing what this brings, what kind of crowd it
brings. And um I guess I chose Baker because of the small town. I don't think the elevator defines the town. I think the people do. Um [snorts] the homes. That's that's all. I just request that
you deny the the dispensary. And I mean I respect the you know I understand if the er B&B didn't work out or we're trying to find
cost to you know keep it. I I understand but um I guess I have to think of my family and the other growing families in the uh township in the area. It's just too close to homes. It's comparing it to
the dispensary in Morehead isn't sufficient because that's in the middle of Morehead. This is the middle of a neighborhood. It It's just not It's not ideal.
Thank you. [snorts] Okay. Is there anybody else in the audience or online that wishes to speak for or against? Is there anyone in the audience or online that wishes to speak for or
against? >> Um What's the population of the town? >> Yeah. 55. We will need people to go to the microphone if they're speaking, please. >> We do have more signatures than what you have there. I believe Daryl's got one
more page in his vehicle that he forgot to bring up. So, >> okay. Well, we [clears throat] will uh we have over 30 signatures here in a population of possibly 50. All opposing. Um, so I'm going to continue with for the third and
final time. Is there anyone else in the audience or online that wishes to speak for or against? Hearing none, look for a motion to close the public hearing. >> I'll make a motion to close. >> Motion by Travis. >> Second. >> Second by Dennis. All those in favor say
I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Public hearing is closed. So now we will begin the findings of fact. [clears throat] >> And Mr. Chair, just a reminder to you
and the board as I do with every um meeting that the there are findings that have been drafted based on the the information that we've received um prior to the hearing um our ordinance and the comprehensive plan. I think it'd be important too to consider the testimony as well and essential to consider the
testimony that you heard tonight in your in your findings as well. And then again, you can modif these are your findings. Modify them, change them any way you see fit. And I'm happy to answer any questions. Thank you.
Is granting the variance in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the Klay County Land Development Code? The 500 foot residential setback for cannabis business is intended is intended to provide a protective buffer
for nearby homes by reducing odor, lighting, traffic, and security impacts. Reducing the setback to approximately 250 ft would lessen the buffer and has the potential to create impacts
on neighboring properties. and reuse of the elevator structure is consistent with ordinance goals supporting adaptive reuse, economic reinvestment, and maintaining the historic development pattern of the
agricultural service center. >> Say no. Okay, we have uh Leo disagreeing, saying no. Okay. >> No.
>> So, um, with that, no, Mr. Chair, are you what would you like your findings to to read here? Are you keeping everything or are you striking that last paragraph um, and having the first paragraph be your main finding? Is that kind of what
I'm hearing? >> And I think, Mr. chair. Just to point out, I guess I'll just make the point that Matt's pointing out too. He's giving you he gave you different things in there as just potential advice. You
should make some findings so that they are written findings that can be on the the document. the the two that are there are two differing ones that he gave you two different options that you could look to, but you would want to use one or the other based on what you're saying
there. >> Thank you. And it is my understanding that the board has said that no, this granting this variance is not in harmony with the general purposes
and intent of the Klay County and that the reducing the 500t buffer by 50% has potential to create negative [clears throat] impacts. kind of hard kind of hard with having the two things that are wrote on here because the the
bottom one the reuse of the elevator structure is consistent in ordinance goals and I think everybody would like to see it developed and turned into you know something more but maybe just not this. Yeah, most of these rules are just we
just went through the the county uh this updated up the county code and uh my understanding the 500 foot was to really ensure that there was no no impacts with uh
with the neighbors and to turn around and cut it by 50% immediately within 12 months of setting up those rules seems kind of odd. >> Oops. So >> that's >> yeah and just to give a little uh
background on on this 500 foot residential setback. So you know it's not in state statute stat state statute does explicitly um provide specific setbacks to different types of uses such as schools,
daycarees, residential treatment facilities. um features within a park that would be used regularly by minors or children. Um the reason why Klay County, the board chose to adopt a 500t
residential setback in this instance is because a lot of our other uses in Klay County that have potential to have impacts out out off the property, they have setbacks as well to residences. And so just being consistent with our
ordinance and with our uh comprehensive plan is one of the reasons why that setback was introduced >> that that [clears throat] setback is uh in partially to that 8%. >> Yeah. There I mean when I did a just an
analysis of it um an 8% would could meet that setback but they would be virtually all um green field development. So, yep. Um, I should also remind the board that if you find a negative finding for one
of these, um, the variance is denied. All of the criteria must be met. I still recommend going through all of the findings of fact if this is what you intend to do. >> I feel that is the appropriate
way to move forward to go through all All of them. That is my intent. Okay. Is the requested variance consistent with the Klay County comprehensive land use plan? Comprehensive plan encourages revitalization of
the ASC communities, including the reuse of structures such as grain elevators. And the plan also emphasizes compatibility between land uses and protection of residential character. The
request supports some plan goals while conflicting with residential buffering objectives. I guess I would side with number two, the second option. Okay. The plan also emphasizes compatibility between land uses and
protection of residential character. The plan supports some plan goals while conflicting buffering objectives. Um, >> yeah, which would mean basically a no. >> Yes, I would agree that.
>> Does the applicant establish that there are practical difficulties in complying with the strict letter of the clay development land code by demonstrating the applicant pursu proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by an official control. Uh the
proposed business cannot meet the 500 foot setback required by the ordinance preventing establishment of the use without a variance. The property is currently being used as a vacation rental and has an administrative home occupancy permit for an agricultural
architectural design firm and showroom. Exceptional or extraordinary circumstances apply to the property that do not apply generally to other properties in the same district or vicinity and which result from lot size,
shape, topography or other circumstances over which the landowner has no control. And uh history here, the grain elevator was constructed prior to zoning regulations. However, its placement on a small lot
not meeting the required setbacks is not unique to other properties in the same district and vicinity. Only 8% [clears throat] of the lots in the ASC district could meet the setback and virtually all those do not have
structures. The structure cannot reasonably be be relocated to meet the setback. Granting the variance will not alter the essential character of the property's locality.
Baker historically includes a mix of homes and small commercial or agricultural service in close proximity. Reuse of the elevator aligns with that historic character. A cannabis business, however, would
introduce impacts from diff different from previous agricultural uses depending on odor control, lighting, and security measures. Practical difficulties as used in connection with the granting of a variance mean that the property owner
proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by official control. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner and the variance if granted will not alter the essential character
of the locality. Economic considerations alone do not cons constitute practical difficulties. Variance shall be granted for earth cons earth sheltered construction as defined in section 216c.06
06 subdivision 14 when in harmony with the official controls. Um I guess we can go through to me we should go through the each paragraph separately. Um >> do you do you want a yes or no on each
of them? I mean, and yeah, that we should point out that, you know, because we're on the say on the first one, um, the applicant, you know, the cannabis business cannot meet the 500. >> Yeah. >> Um, so I'm going to, you know, I've got
I see heads going no on a and Mr. Mr. Chair, is that kind of what you want to I think the the f the finding that's drafted here is yes, it can't meet the setback. There are other reasonable uses of the property that would be permitted by official an
official control. Is that kind of your what I'm >> Yes. Um uh so we're no on number one and number two and now we're on number three. >> Correct. And
>> I guess I would say yes to number three. Yes, sir. >> I don't think that was a there's practical difficulty there. >> See, and and I and I would disagree on part C that there is a definite um that
it it would have >> and would it would definitely alter. >> You can remove the bottom one, correct? the bottom paragraph for C
>> for for C. >> I could um although just to summarize some of the um public testimony that you heard tonight, I feel like when I'm looking back at my notes, a lot of it did um refer to the uh essential
character of the community of Baker. So that could be a something to draw on in in your findings. >> Yes. the the the the you know the sentence in C granting the variance will in the opinion of the supermajority of
the residents will alter the essential character. >> Is that what you would like me to kind of put for that finding? >> Um reward that please. Um the
>> no I uh what I was say was giving my interpretation of what the public testimony was that I that I'm going to say a definite no on C and I'm and I'm going to say no to the whole >> I had it backwards. >> Oh, gotcha. And what would what would
you want to have? What is your fi what is your written finding for that that would alter the essential character of the the locality? That's kind of what I'm looking for. Um I'm going to say that granting the variance would alter.
So I'm >> based on the public testimony or ba based on the public testimony and other information that we have. Okay. Would the literal interpretation of the provisions of the Klay County
Land Development Code deprive the applicant of rights commonly enjoyed by other properties in the same district under terms of this ordinance? Um, approximately 92% of the properties in the egg service district would not meet
the required setback for this business and this would not deprive the applicant of rights commonly enjoyed by other properties. And the subject property may still be used for other permitted or conditional uses within the district if variances to
dimensional and setbacks are granted. Meaning the inability to meet the 500 ft setback applies specifically to the proposed use rather than all reasonable uses. And
for me the key sentence is the last one here. The property is currently being used as a vacation rental and has administrative home occupation permit for an architectural design firm and showroom. You know, so there are other he's we're just not thinking this is has
purpose already. So I am a no on four also is the variance being granted the minimum variance that would alleviate the practical difficulty. The requested reduction reflects the
existing separation between the elevator and the nearest residence. The requested reduction to the setback is 50%. No alternative layout or adjustment has been identified that would decrease increase the the distance
or reduce the amount of variance requested. >> So that would be a yes since they are requesting the minimum. Okay. They're requesting at the minimum be changed reduced by 50%.
Does the variance request meet all the below criteria? No variance shall be granted where any of the following conditions are not met. Adequate sewage systems or water supply capabilities can be provided.
Um, nothing is there currently, but it could be. Um, and this current system tanks need to be visited by Clay County and whoever. Um, so we're a yes, son.
>> Yes. >> Um, the plight of the land owner or hardship is not due to circumstances created by the landowner. Um, the elevator's location and lot configuration predates zoning requirements and are not the result of
landowner actions. The difficulty arises in part from the applicant's use selection of a use that requires a residential setback. No, it's a self-inflicted pardon.
>> It's a self-inflicted circumstance. So, I would say that would be a no. Okay. The variance would not allow a use that is not already allowed in that zoning district. Cannabis businesses are allowed as a conditional use in
applicable districts. The variance does not authorize a prohibited land use. >> So be no. >> Yes. >> Yes. There would not be a significant adverse
effect on public safety, public health or safety. A reduced setback may increase the potential for odor, lightning, security impacts on nearby residents if mitigation measures are ineffective. State and county regulatory
standards may reduce these impacts depending on the implementation and monitoring. um potential for safety. >> I I just I just caught up with the last one. I see.
>> Okay. So, we already know. >> And so, would you want to modify the that finding at all then or >> that there may be a significant adverse effect on public health and safe and safety would be how
I would word it. >> Yeah. Okay. So, uh we're at the motion time. I would uh look for a motion to approve or disapprove the variance request.
>> Like a motion to deny. >> Motion by Leo to deny the variance request. >> Second. Second by Dennis and Tim. >> Um, any further discussion? >> Dennis or Tim?
>> Dennis, it was a tie, but D comes before T in the alphabet. >> We need roll call vote. >> Um, any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor of
voting for denying the variance say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Variance is denied. Thank you. Any uh unfinished business, Matt? No unfinished business, Mr. Chair.
>> New business. >> Uh, no new business unless anyone has any that they would want to bring to the board. >> Okay. Our next potential meeting would be >> Oh, I do have one thing actually.
Apologies. Couple things. Um, so uh the draft um 2026 meeting calendar, you should have all have that um in your packets. So that's tenatively what we we're thinking about for meetings. It's very similar to um this year and um we
can look at approving that um at our our next meeting. Um there was a uh rescheduling of the county truth and taxation meeting uh to December um 17th I believe. And that's when we um would
typically meet um so the truth and taxation or 16th sorry um meeting would occur at the same time as our our board of adjustment meeting. Um we could certainly alter it on that day or we could just um move to um just
meeting again in January. It would it would be difficult to typically I would recommend pushing the meeting back a week. Um, but with the uh the Christmas holiday being that following week, I think that would be be difficult to do. Um, so we could just um
not ha have a December meeting if that's what you all as a board would want to do and then just uh reconvene uh in January. What would be your >> Do you have applicants? >> We have one We have Yeah, we have we do have one application in. um we would
just need to extend our our 60-day which we'd provide written notice to the applicant on that. So, >> okay, looks like we are all golden with uh not having a meeting on the 16th
because it conflicts with other county business the time and um move it to the the um wow January 27th. >> Yep.
>> Okay. We could do the 20th, too, if you'd want to do earlier. I think we could make that work potentially. >> Um, isn't there a county conflict? The reason it's at the 27th >> usually just with newspaper
notifications and things like that. Um, I could I could look into it and and reach out to you. Um, but yeah, for now, maybe just keep it at the 27th unless there's a potential to move it earlier. >> Okay. Well, we'd have to move both. I mean, I'd prefer if we both the same
day. >> Yes. Correct. >> Okay. So, potential no meeting in December. We're going to push the application until then. Looking at next meeting, Tuesday, January 27th. >> Um, hearing nothing further, look for a
motion to adjurnn. >> Motion by Dennis. >> Second. >> Second by Leo. All those in favor say I. I >> opposed. Motion is carried. Meeting is adjourned. Thanks everyone. has been taken. We have a quorum. Um
hopefully everybody received their packets in time to go over. Otherwise, I I didn't get mine till yesterday, but I get the email on Thursday and that was very useful. So, if hopefully people have had a chance to peruse the
agenda and if nobody has seen any additions or corrections, I'd look for a motion to approve the agenda as printed. >> So moved. >> Second by Sebastian, >> second by Laura. All those in favor say I.
>> I. Opposed. >> Motion is carried. Same thing on the Is that date incorrect or do I have N October 21st? >> Okay. So, why
do I have my Does mine say I have the October 21st? It's the meeting minutes for October 21st. Okay, I'll look for a motion to approve the minutes from
Tuesday, October 21st. >> So move. >> Motion by Brad, >> second by Laura. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Minutes are approved. I think the motion was Kurt.
>> You said Brad. >> Okay. >> Second by Brad. >> Okay. Motion by Kurt, second by Brad. >> Okay. Is there anyone on in the audience or online that wishes to speak to something that is not on the agenda?
Is there anyone in the audience or online that wishes to speak to something that is not on the agenda? Is there anyone in the audience or online that wishes to speak to something that is not on the agenda? Hearing nothing. Uh hearing no one. Look
for a motion to open the public hearing. I have got paperwork issue here. >> Mr. Chair, I'll make a motion to open the first public hearing.
>> Okay. Motion by Jenny. >> Second. >> Second by Kirk to open the public hearing. Matt >> vote. >> Need a vote. >> Need a vote. >> Need a vote. >> Okay. Sorry. >> All those in favor say I.
>> I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Public hearing is open. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, this is a conditional use permit request for uh Rock Arch Rapids uh on the south branch of the Wild Rice River. The applicant is
the Wild Rice Watershed District. Landowner Earl Hodson. So, this is located between Felton and Yulan. It's about 2 and a half miles north of Cass 34. It's on the east side of um County Road 110, which is 190 Street North. Uh
the property is residential egg and rural vacant land. There's a farmstead with two out buildings. Uh the zoning on the property base zoning agricultural general with overlay zoning districts of resource protection aggregate and then shoreland special protection and flood plane
fringe. So the request is the installation of a rock arch rapids structure on the south branch of the wilderness river. The intent of this structure is to stabilize an eroding reach of the river and reestablish natural channel grade, improve fish fish passage and restore
flood plane um connectivity. So the um the project details are to excavate and place approximately 5,000 cubic yards of material which would just be rip wrap boulders back fill and then construct a
series of rock we um across about 30 330 ft of the the channel. There's uh erosion control measures included in channel um as well as out of the channel. um no impervious surface would be created. There would about be
approximately a little over an acre of area disturbed during construction and they'd be looking at um avoiding the fish spawning period. So no in channel work between March 15th and June 15th. So this is kind of where it's roughly
going to be on the the river right here. there's going to be access construction access roads built in here. Um the reason why this uh triggered the need for a conditional use permit is uh we do have a standard um in
our flood plane ordinance um where if you're moving more than 1,000 cubic yards of fill or other materials, a conditional use permit is necessary. This would be moving about 5,000 cubic yards. We have not received any comment from the DNR, the public, or the township uh
on this request. How this request would relate to our comprehensive plan. Uh we do have a goal for flood planes to foster a community resilience to the impacts of flooding through targeted mitigation planning implementation coordinating with FEMA and the DNR. Um this is a cooperative
flood mitigation initiative. Uh it supports our flood resilience goals. that also supports uh those um of the wild rice wershed district. Uh we have a a goal to protect and enhance the health and vitality of
surface waters uh and maintain and enhancing areas of public waters especially within the shore impact zone and also uh to recognize the surface water goals and implementation actions of both the Buffalo red river and wild rice wershed districts comprehensive wershed management plans. So this
project will really enhance uh riparian stability and function uh reduce erosion um restoring grade dissipating stream energy improving aquatic habitat and they these are all consistent with that wild rice watershed district comprehensive wershed management plan.
Um I should say that also this does not uh based on the engineering work by uh Houston engineering who's uh the district engineer for the wild rice wershed district um this is not anticipated to have any up or downstream flooding impacts uh looking like it
would but based on modeling only raise uh that by about less than a half foot but 46 feet uh anything over.5 would trigger the need for a um uh conditional letter of map revision. So from and if and further study on that. So this is
below that threshold. Any questions for me at all? Is the applicant or representative for the applicant here and care to speak? >> Jerry can explain it much better than I can. So
>> say your state your name for the record, please. >> Sure. Jerry Benz with Houston Engineering. I work as the district engineer for the wild rice wershed district. So I think Matt's done a good job of covering it. I'd certainly answer any questions. Uh you know the I would
say that the the wershed district has a a master plan uh along the south branch to help try to deal with the erosion through there. This is really the first of a pilot site of what we'd like to be 14 of them over time uh through the ridge going up the ridge. Really all
geared at trying to address the substantial erosion that's been seen in past years. Uh try to protect property through that area and also uh try to keep the the banks there and not having the sediment move downstream to fill the channels below. So that Mr. Chairman, I just answer any questions that you or
the board has. >> I just have a comment I welcome. I'm glad you guys are here and glad to hear that you have more in the books at this being kind of the pilot. See how it goes on the south
branch of the the Buffalo. >> Mr. Chair, I do have a question. Dave, >> um [clears throat] can you describe in very basic terms the genuine purpose of the project? It talks about reestablish natural channel grade, improve fish fish
passage and restore flood plane connectivity. Can you talk a little bit about that? And if that's just this is one of many along this little river or you talked about these other places that would be a need for it as well. >> Yeah. Yeah, I definitely can. So, so along the south branch, uh, so where the
south branch sits kind of at the county line there, uh, the river channel downstream of there was straightened back in the 80s by the core of engineers as part of a flood control project. Uh, after that straightening happened, uh, like in a lot of streams, if you
straighten the river below there, it tends to cause a head cut to go up the river. So, basically, the channel tries to deepen going upstream. uh we are right at the base of kind of the beach ridge there. So that deepening has moved upstream as the channel then
down cuts in that area. Uh you know this the banks become really steep. They start to collapse in and then all of that sediment continues to move downstream. So that deepening uh became super evident after the 2002 flood because that was the really large flood
through that area. A lot of bank erosion um a lot of down cutting happened through that time. So really the goal of this site along with the 13 additional sites that would that would happen ideally between here and UAN would be to bring that channel bottom back up to uh
to closer to the elevation that existed uh uh historically before the downstream straightening would happen. That really will allow the river to connect back into the flood plane there. So we get some habitat improvement there. uh for the watershed district, I think they just they just see it as, you know,
water quality uh not having the sediment downstream because they're responsible for maintaining the channel downstream of there and it becomes expensive to pull the sediment out of that area. So that's that's really the goal. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else have any questions or
comments for Gary or Matt? Thank you, sir. Is there anyone in the audience that would wish to speak for or against? Is there anyone in the audience that wishes to speak for or against this project?
Is there anyone in the audience that wishes to speak for or against this project? Hearing none, look for a motion to close the public hearing. Motion >> second. >> By Josh, seconded by Brad. All those in favor say I. I. I opposed. Motion is
carried. Public hearing is closed. We will now go through the findings of fact. The conditional use will not be injurous to the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of residents of Klay County.
Um, this is a great project. This will reduce turbidity all the way to Winnipeg eventually in a small fashion. The conditional use will not be injurous
to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity for the purpose already permitted. Um this will this project when done in my opinion will actually increase the value and the joy enjoyment of other
property owners. Establishment of the conditional use will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of the surrounding property for uses predominant in the area. Um will not adequate measures have been or will be
taken to provide utilities, access roads, drainage, off- streetet parking and loading spaces as required by this ordinance. Um, access for construction has been already determined.
Not really going to make any changes there. Adequate measures have been or will be taken to prevent or control offensive order, fumes, dust, noise, vibration, water pollution, and soil erosion so that none of these will constitute a nuisance and to control lighted signs or
other lights in such manner that no disturbance to neighboring properties will result. These projects are are highly regulated and uh there are measures in place to prevent any
negative impact. The conditional use will not create an excessive burden on current or anticipated public infrastructure or services that serve or are proposed to serve the area including but not limited to parks, sewers, public
safety services, roads, water supply, sanitary sewers, storm sewers, unless the county and the applicant establish a development agreement that determines how such impacts will be resolved. and it will not have any impact on those
uses at all. The conditional use is allowed by this ordinance con and conforms with any specific use standards established in chapter 8 as may be applicable. It will
be fully in in compliance. The con conditional use is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Klay County comprehensive and transportation plan and any comprehensive plan of a township or city as may be applicable.
And this um aligns with the county comprehensive plan to know make things less prone to flooding. um
wild rice watershed district is u done a good job of protecting and and making things better and this will just be an enhancement. So does anybody have any questions or comments on
this proposed project? Hearing none, look for a motion to grant the conditional use permit or deny it. >> Mr. Chair, I do have some suggested conditions as well.
>> And you are right. Okay. Sorry about that. Um, no construction will begin the and the conditions that uh staff and Matt have come up with. Um, no construction may begin until all the permits are obtained.
No instream work between March 15th and June 15th to protect fish spawning. All BMPPS in the approved SWPP must be implemented and maintained until final stabilization. project shall not cause a cumulative
increase in BF and I'm not 100% sure myself of what all these stand for but >> base flood elevation >> base flood elevation uh in exceeding at 6 in post construction as built verification
may be required um all the bank work and routes will be seated and mulched immediately after construction. The Wild Rice Watershed District will be the responsible party for long-term maintenance and monitoring of the
structure and structures and temporary access routes shall be restored to pre-RO condition upon completion. >> Mr. Chair, Commissioner Mojo,
>> thank you. All of these suggested additions have been communicated to the watershed. Correct. These this is within typically what yeah requirements are wonderful. >> So does that count as the official
question? Does the applicant understand and able to comply with all the proposed conditions? >> Mr. Mr. Chairman, uh Commissioner Rojo. Uh yeah, the the conditions the matter listed there are certainly fine and consistent with what we currently have in the plan. So
>> thank you. Now I will look for a motion to confirm or deny or any addition additional conditions or removal of conditions. >> Mr. Chair, I'll offer a motion to approve the request with the conditions one through seven as proposed.
>> Motion by Commissioner Mojo. Second >> seconded by Kurt. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Conditional
use permit is granted. Thank you. It's nice to see a project going in for the wild rice in Lakeon. Second hearing is uh Corey Simson, Concrete Holdings LLC, a request for an
interimm use permit. The applicant is seeking an interimm use permit for a concrete plant on the proposed lot one block one of the Optil subdivision. Currently parcel ID number
is 1 19.017.42000 part of the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter and the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter. Section 17, Township 139, 138N, range 48W,
Kurts Township. Look for a motion to open the public hearing. >> So move. >> Motion by Brad, seconded by >> Laura. All those in favor of opening the public hearing say I. >> I.
>> Opposed. Motion is carried. Public hearing is open. Take it away, Matt. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes, this is a request for an intermuse permit for a concrete readymix plant and associated with that aggregate storage. So, this is located approximately uh 3 and 3/4 miles
south of Morehead. It's on the east side of US Highway 75. Current land use is agricultural. Uh the base zoning is agricultural general. There is just a little tiny tiny bit of flood plane fringe or flood
fringe uh in the southwest corner of the property. So with this site uh it is classified as as prime farmland. It has uh crop equivalency ratings from 67 to uh 73 uh throughout the the property. Uh the
focus here again is on this 10 acre um parcel. Uh and there are no uh identified wetlands on that parcel. Uh surrounding this site, the closest residence is approximately a/4 mile to the north. There's another residence
that's about uh 044 miles to the west and then 045 miles to the southeast. There was a concrete readymix plant that was permitted in 2011 renewed in 2021 about a half mile to the north of of this proposed site as well.
So this is a site plan um showing all of the um showing the proposed location of of the plant and with our um setbacks essentially from our code in here. So this red is the quarter mile
setback and then there's a thousand foot setback that's really hard to see and I apologize for that. So some background on the project. Uh the applicant did request reszoning to highway commercial and pre and a plat uh for future development. This was
originally denied by Kurts Township. Um the plat was resubmitted um which Kurts Township did approve. Um that's consistent with our county's requirement that townships grant preliminary plan approval prior to county action. And then just this
morning the um well you all approved the pre preliminary plat and then this morning the county board approved the final plat by a 4 to1 vote uh yeah this morning. And uh just a note here because this parcel would be sold to Concrete
Holdings LLC uh only if the IEP is approved. The IP must become effective only after staff verifies that ownership transfer um as required under our development code for interim use permits. So getting into the project. So it's a
10 acre parcel uh looking at an 8,000 square foot structure which would enclose that primary ba batching equipment. There would be an 80 foot tall um silo that would be adjacent to that building. Uh impervious surface on
this lot would be about 65 just over 65% of of the lot. either the building footprint, driveway, uh gravel, um staging areas, and then um concrete as well. There is a storm water pond. It's um
just under an acre uh wet basin. It's designed for water quality and quantity control and then access um from a US Highway 75 for a commercial approach. That's a permit pending from Mindot. Again, as I mentioned, the nearest residence is a/4 mile to the north. Uh,
their site design does include uh vegetative buffers consisting of Colorado and Blue Hill Spruce um for noise and sorry, do dust and noise mitigation uh enclosed operations in the building, uh bag house, uh residential
backup alarms for trucks, and then dust control as well. Uh lighting would be downcast. Uh, no lighting of the silo should be required by the FF fa FAA, but um they should probably submit a request to them. Um, usually it's a 200 foot
request for or requirement for lighting. This is at 80 would be at 80 ft. Um, but just with an airport and a couple airports in the vicinity, it'd be good to request that. Their requested hours of operation, uh, 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through
Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Uh there'd be a seasonal reduction uh from December December to April. Uh looking at about 50 trucks a day at peak and then 15 trucks per day trucks per day offseason. They're requesting a 20-year
duration for this IUP. Um water would be supplied by a private well that'd be dug to around 225 ft. They're estimating about 750,000 gallons per year. Um the MPCA uh requirements
for a water appropriations permits are a million gallons per year or 10,000 gallons a day and they're looking at maybe 3,000 gallons a day um as an estimate. The septic would be um on site. Uh
they'd have to get storm water permits from the pollution control agency, MDOT, as well as the Buffalo Red River Wershed District. and an air emissions permit would be required from the pollution control agency. Uh we did receive some comments. Um an
update I received this afternoon from MIDOT. A turn lane will be required for this project. Um ultimately though that's up to the traffic engineer discretion, but uh they did have a meeting another meeting this morning about it. Initially a turn lane wasn't going to be required, but now they're saying yeah turn lane will be required
for this project. Uh Kurts Township is formally opposed to the use. Uh they cited incompat incompatibility with the agricultural district concern over future commercial or industrial expansion along Highway 75. We have received multiple public
comments um from residents and land owners expressing opposition um traffic safety risks with increased truck movements uh potential for the use to generate noise, dust, traffic and lighting nuisances, quarter planning conflicts um as well. Uh, and then
drainage and runoff concerns. There was a petition also that was created unchanged.org as last time I checked this afternoon 137 signatures. Um, we can't verify the names and address of that, but I believe that there is a copy
available um from the the organizer of that petition. Um, we did also receive a letter of concern uh that basically uh addressed all of these comments that I would also enter into to the record as well for that from an adjoining
landowner. Our extractive use standards for um or for asphalt batch plants um and readymix cement plants, they're the same. Essentially, this request, looking at it, would meet all of our setback standards in our code. Uh,
similar to the um batch plant to the north, which also meets all of the setback standards as well. From our comprehensive plan, we have a land use agricultural goal category. We have a goal to recognize and protect the
egg character of Klay County. to protect prime egg soils from commercial industrial residential development. Um the this property is used for egg production. It's within within our egg general zoning district. This is an allowed use within that zoning district.
Um this would convert approximately 10 acres of prime farmland to an industrial use. Would remove that from production. Would partially um conflict with that. You could consider 10 acres to be minor. Also located along a highway frontage
location that already experiences uh over 1600 uh daily trips of traffic every day. We have a goal um to encourage the commercial and industrial development that is in harmony with the egg and real character of Klay County and to promote
value added egg commercial and industrial development in egg service areas and along transportation corridors and hubs. So, this would be a a use that would benefit from uh one of the major transportation corridors in Klay County. Uh there could be some impacts to
township roads because as material moves from primarily the eastern part of the county to uh market or to where it might be processed, uh local township roads do get utilized. Um and in some cases it has an impact in many cases has an
impact on those. We also have a objective to avoid or mitigate against commercial or industrial development that increases potential for land use conflicts with rural residential or egg uses. Uh this site uh design does incorporate a lot of mitigation efforts into it. Um there is
commercial and industrial use um that's established or will be established uh to the north of this. um it would introduce an industrial activity uh within an area that has been predominantly characterized by egg and rural residential uses. And there's been a
number of concerns raised by Kurt Township, Kurtz Township, and neighboring residents that indicate that some of these perceived land con use conflicts remain uh particularly traffic safety uh visual noise compatibility with uh a character of the surrounding
land landscape. We also have a goal to promote the incorporated communities of Klay County as prime locations for commercial and industrial development and encouraging those uses to locate within our incorporated communities. Uh the applicant has did try to locate
within the city limits of Saven and Morehead when it's not successful in finding a location. Any questions for me at all? Okay. Um, hearing none. Would the applicant or
John care to speak? Good evening. Uh, my name is John Lowry. with LA re-engineering and uh here on behalf of the applicant Cory Simson's who's who's also here and the land owner uh Steve Elro is uh present as well if there's questions of them. Uh, again, I
think Matt did a great job of uh uh recapping what was submitted and uh I guess I would just point out that um you know, we're we're hoping to be here to work with the county and with the
neighboring residents. Um when a land owner has a property, they, you know, they have a right to use that property until it infringes on their neighbors, right? the the the right to use and enjoy that property. And it's as
Matt kind of ended on, it's been difficult to find a parcel of land that that putting a concrete readymix plant was sufficient in location. Uh there was loca and Corey can get into that, but there's locations in Morehead and Saven and I think other locations as well that
were examined and uh I know property to the north in the subdivision that we brought before you for industrial and commercial was considered for this and because of the proximity uh to existing residences and also the just the size of the property um the platted lots there
they were not sufficient for a concrete uh uh readymix plant and that's why this location was chosen uh for its access to Highway 75 which is of a concern. Uh it was sufficiently located to the county
standards for setbacks from existing permitted uses. Um it's compatible with the proposed uses that are in this area. I you know as as Matt said there there's uh uh industrial commercial lots that
are planned immediately to the north of this and there's an existing ready mix plant within a half mile of this property that's been operating for you know plus or minus 15 years and um I think the exception here is that
this property is properly located and sized to allow for the proper for compromises, if you will, but the proper improvements to make sure that it isn't as much of a nuisance to the neighboring properties. you know, standards were put
in place and requests have been made uh through, you know, the the county updated their ordinances here in 2025 and I think was very deliberate and intentional about the requirements that they put in place for locating batch plants and locating concrete ready mix
plants. Um and and this property is sized, this proposed location is sized in order to to achieve those things on this site. Whether the screening standards, making sure there's not light news light nuisance offsite, uh
sufficient spacing so that uh noise nuisances don't occur. um you know th those were all things that were considered and deliberately reviewed in in choosing this location.
And so I I guess as we come before you, you know, the point would be we all use concrete. We drive on it every day. Uh most of our houses probably has concrete in in it. and competition in in the construction industry is a good thing
for all the residents of Klay County. So, I would argue that we need we need competition and we need a concrete readym mix plants in Klay County. And if we're going to have concrete ready mixes plants in Klay County, we
should have standards that we live to in locating those where it's now deemed that that is a reasonable use of that person's property and their right to to enjoy it. you know, and that's what we've tried to do
is follow the county's lines and and requirements so that we're not too much of a nuisance to the neighbor, not a detriment to them, but reasonably using the property u that is owned. So, um if
we're not doing that, you know, we want to know that and understand what that standard is. And if it's we just can't have them in Klay County, then then, you know, we we need to know that as well. If it's, you know, it needs to be X feet
or, you know, provide these additional compromises regarding, you know, whatever it may be. But I think the application before you does handle all of the engineering questions. If there's any specifics that come up, I'm I'm happy to answer those. But we're more
than happy to work with Mindot and any improvements that are requested. We're going to follow all water use requirements of the state and any thresholds that they have here. We're certainly going to comply with all storm water discharges and not pollute.
We we can't build if we're going to pollute the downstream. Uh you know, anything that humans do to somewhat is polluting. But there's reasonable standards that are put in place for for the use and enjoyment of your property. and we're going to follow all those standards when it comes to all the
engineering pieces of this. So it it it's not a technical issue that's before us tonight. It's are the standards that were in put in place reasonable for locating a concrete
batch plant and if not what are the standards that should be in place so that we can live by those standards and and operate a concrete batch plant that benefits the community and benefits everybody that's in this room tonight. So, if there's any specific questions uh
for myself or as I said the applicant or uh Steve Oatrell, the owner, we'd be happy to answer those. >> Thank you, John. >> Thank you. Is there anyone else that wishes to speak
on behalf of this project? Is there anyone in the audience or online that wishes to speak for or against? >> Laura Canol, >> please come to the mic and state your name. Um, you are limited to to three
minutes. My name is Laura Canó and um I come from a long line of f it's a family farm of five generations, the Walkers. Um they own quite a bit of farmland in that area that butts up right up to where this is right now. Um I was responsible for the
petition and we have 140 some names and then also Dale who lives right in the area went around and got hand signatures from the people that were unable to go online because they just didn't have access. So I have hand signatures from
them as well. So here's a copy for you. And I'm just concerned for the fact that I I brought that up this morning too at the um meeting that um just the vision for where Morehead is growing. And I just I see on the Fargo side they have
Brierwood and Fargo Country Club and they have churches and schools and green space and parks. Um, I just see so much. This is kind of pigeonholing more of the commercial industrial on this beautiful farmland. And there's family farms out
there that have been there for generations. And I I'm just sad to see the direction that this is taking. There is already a concrete batch plant there which seems to be adequate that it should be serving our area. Now, to double up, it's really kind of setting a
precedence of what is to come. And I'm afraid that that's going to start to take over this valuable farmland that has been coveted for our area for so many generations. So I guess I speak to the behalf of that that I just feel like we should protect
that and again give it the due honor and respect that it deserves because it's been supporting this community for all these generations. So, I don't live out there personally, but I have family that do. And the noise, the pollution, it's going to just
their quality of life, even the traffic is going to be a factor for them. So, I guess I'm speaking to that as well. um the other farmers that are in the in the audience will talk to that it'll affect them directly and I'll let them talk in
their own behalf. But mostly I just I really hope that Morehead can look at this as an opportunity [clears throat] to grow in a more positive light and that we can reflect what's on the other side of the river too and that we can grow our community to represent
um I guess the agricultural community and then grow I'm not against the growth factor but just to kind of keep up with with what's already happening in Morehead and encourage um beautiful developments like Tessa's Terrace and we have blue stem and we
have other things that draw people in and I feel like that is more my intention of where I would like the farmland to go to as well and just the the traffic all of those those variables. So, thank you Dale Schulfelt. Schlfelt, sorry.
Dale Schaefelt, 921614 Street South Morehead. I'll be about half a mile away from this development. Me and my brother own 33 acres there and we're outside all the time when we're home working garden and lawn maintenance and stuff like
that. And all the noise is just right now it's over there. It's all the beeping and from the other plant beeping from the trucks and banging of the tailgates shutting and it's quiet mornings. You just you can hear it in the house some mornings and then all the
traffic that'll be going by on I live on 90th Avenue basically. It's It's a gravel road. They claim they won't be using it, but you know, they're going to use it. They did when they did the substation. They rebuilt the substation last year, last two years, and they were using it non-stop with gravel trucks,
and it's a narrow narrow gravel road, steep ditches. It's just you meet them on the road, and you got to literally got to stop and let them go by. And then the noise [snorts] issue obviously with the track holes when they're track holes and excavators going
and dozers pushing the gravel around beeping. And then the water issues are some concerns too. 750,000 gallons a year. That's a lot of water to be pulling out of the ground. I know as of right now I have two neighbors that have had to redrill wells because they've ran out of water.
That's a concern of mine, too. I guess that's the noise is the biggest thing for me. Noise in the traffic. So thank you >> Paul Bannerman. My name is Paul Bannerman. Uh my family owns the farms that directly to the
north of the proposed plant. Lex approximately a/4 mile away. Um to follow up on a lot of stuff that's already been touched on, the noise is one of the biggest concerns we have. Um starting at five o'clock in the morning, do you want to be woken up by backup alarms and trucks banging tailgates and
Jake brakes and such making noise when they're trying to stop and coming into the yard to deliver materials. Not just the readymix trucks, you're going to have delivery trucks for um the materials, your gravel, your cement, and all the associated with that. the
lights. I don't care if you have 80 foot tall lights, you're going to have a lot of expanded area where it's not just going to affect the individual property, it's going to affect the surrounding neighborhood. Um, you enjoy you're ruining your peace of life, your quality
of peacefulness at night, during the day. You want to be able to enjoy your time, enjoy being outside and not having to listen to that and see the pollution. You can have dust from the trucks coming in, from the gravel, from the making of
the running mix itself. There's just as much as you try, there's just no way of preventing that. As far as I'm concerned, I just don't see an an end all where you can eliminate it. It's going to seep into the neighboring properties. It's going to my parents farmland that or farmstead that's there
currently. They're living there. Dad lived there 85 84 years. family's owned 85 years right there directly north. It's going to affect their property values. Who's going to want to potentially purchase a home if my family chooses to at in the future sell it when
you have 20ome trucks coming in every day all day long. The noise from the traffic. you know, the increased traffic around us is already [snorts] getting um to be a lot with the readym mix and the the gravel storage right directly north
of my parents. There's a lot of noise with that continues. Now, what do we really want to drive more noise at the area? Um I have concerns with environmental. You're not just the water east is going to be extreme because as Dale Schael touched on neighbors already
running out of water you the directly adjacent to my parents land they had to drill three different times before they found water just for small usage that they would need just for a garden because it's just a storage shed. You had 10 to 15,000 gallons consistently
coming out of there. Where is it going to come from? Is it going to affect people that are currently living there? Are they going to not have water for their needs? We're putting potentially putting a growth of this plant over human life. If you don't have water, how can you survive to live there? Are we
going to have to truck in water just to for the basic needs even just to flush a toilet? Are we going to go to town and purchase water for that? Let alone trying to for drinking water and all our usage. You're going to have the chemicals that are going to need it in the process of making this concrete
that's going to seep. It's going to go everywhere. Spills happen. There's just no way around it. You're going to destro destroy potential prime agriculture farmland. It's been stated. It's been farmed for many, many years. My grandparents farmed it for 30 plus
years, if not longer. It's been a tremendous uh opportunity for farmers over the years and continues to be to this day that we're taking out of production that as our city and area grows, we need these productions. We can't keep taking valley farmland away
from this and >> I need you to wrap up sir. >> I'm sorry. Um so and just you know the wash outs with the the leakage and the seepage and that is so as a family directly affected by
it we are vely opposed to this. Thank you, >> Cameron Canol. >> Then just a reminder that you are limited to three minutes at this point in the hearing. [clears throat] >> Uh good evening. My name is Cameron
Canol uh son of Laura Canol. uh as stated I'm going to be that possible fifth generation to own that farmland and uh it I see that just having a direct impact. Um I actually come from a background in manufacturing and so I
feel like I can attest to the fact that um there is a lot of uh potential runoff and there's uh fumes, dust, you know, everything that comes with that. um it it just will affect the area in some way and that's just an inherent hazard of
being in manufacturing or in a production facility such as this. Um I guess I would also question if there is one plant. Um we are seeing that potential increase for uh more trucking. Um where is the need coming from? I
understand that concrete does um uh provide a lot for the area and it's necessary for a lot of home building and other construction. But I guess I would be curious on the actual uh projections of that kind of need. Um e even just uh questions of
like relocation. I know it's been turned down in various uh different areas and uh in light of that I guess I would wonder why we should be having it uh in this close proximity. Um even if it is competing um and then I just again would agree
with most of the prior concerns. That's all. Dan Moore. >> Good evening. Dan Moore, 84614th Street South, Morehead. I live in the northeast corner that ties into that property. Um,
I'll do this so I keep it to a fair amount of time. Anyways, to reiterate, you know, they they've said a lot of different things here, but like they said on the trucks, okay, up to 50 trucks, you take in account that where they haul their sand and gravel and
concrete to the existing sites already. Uh then you add stratas into that and there's going to be a tremendous amount of trucks and traffic. Uh reiterate the noise, you know, 5 a.m. I I've lived out
there since 1966 when my parents first bought that place and we built next to it. Um you know who regulates it afterwards? I mean, you move out into the country, most people do a lot of things that would never get away with uptown.
Um, you know, if you had a farm, if you had a house there, it would be one farmstead per 40 acres. We're not trying to stop him from developing his land. He just got a permit for 13 buildings to put on that land. We just don't want heavy industrial out there. You know,
there's a big difference between commercial and heavy industrial. um devaluation of our properties. You can't tell me it's not going to drop our property values after all the years we've worked there and lived there to keep things up and keep things neat.
So um I don't want to bring up the other things that the other people have done, but that's just some more of the concerns that it's uh it's a very big concern for us out there. So, thank you for your time,
>> Evan Canol. >> Uh, hello, my name is Evan Cano. Uh, I am currently studying biochemistry and I have participated in research on wastewater treatment for soil contamination for the past eight years.
So speaking to that, I have seen that spills happen no matter what preventive measures are put in place. Uh you can only do so much to prevent this and I would say that increasing the density of these in heavy industrial
uh plants in this area is just going to increase the risks associated with all of that. And I would say the best way to prevent this would be to limit the access. prevented uh preventing this would allow the best environmental protection for this area. And I would
agree with Curts Township that I don't believe this development is in line with what this area currently is and what it's zoned for, which is heavily for agricultural use. Uh these concrete plants are well studied to have increased emissions that will acidify
soil and decrease nutrient availability, which will result in lower crop yields. uh as well as many other impacts on the community that have been addressed previously. So ultimately I would just say uh if this is to proceed as proposed
I would request and I know many others in this audience would appreciate if we were able to perform a environmental impact study to truly analyze the current impacts of the plant in the area and to look at the validity and uh
possible risks that are associated with further development. Thank you. Brian Lysath. >> Brian, excuse me, Brian Lysath. Uh, Lis 4372 110th Avenue South. I'm a township
supervisor for Kurtz Township. Have been for I don't know 35 years. I was involved when the other plants went in back when it was Myrose chicken plant and it was converted to commercial
and at the time it was said that those we would plant trees, make them nice, would only run certain hours and they've
exceeded the hours. There's nothing planted. It's an both of them are eyes. The the township has always had egg preservation as one of its goals and
I'm also posed for the same reasons that many have spoken about. is the traffic uh and uh devaluation of the future property
uh values and I uh I'm I'm totally opposed as the first time that someone has come back after something has been turned down that I recall. But uh
that's all I have to say. Rob Roberts. >> Good evening. My name is Rob Roberts. I live at 7776 Highway 75 South. So, I'm the first house north of 80th. Um, one, when we went through this in the spring, I wasn't getting notifications. So, I
don't know if I'm entitled to get a notification for this one being farther south, but it's kind of a sore spot for me considering there aren't that many residences out there not to be included in it. Number two, when they address the concerns about the noise and the light and all the problems with the plant, I hear it all the time because I'm that
first owner occupied house just north of there. We hear it. We hear the speakers. They're on the loudspeakers. It's not very enjoyable to have your windows open early in the morning. Um, number three, I'd like to know about the environmental impact on the aquafer. [clears throat] Like everyone else, I
just put in a well not that long ago. My old well failed. I went 10 feet deeper. But should I have gone 20 or 30 feet deeper? If I'm doing a rough guess in my head, it's like 13 14,000 gallons a day, I think, is what they're doing. 365 days a year on an average. Obviously, more impactful during the operating season.
What's that going to do to the aquifer? Will it be water for the rest of us? Has anyone looked at environmental impact on that? Anyone have a response? Who do I go to to find out this?
>> I guess those is just falling on deaf ears. >> So, Mr. Mr. Chair, one thing that um the DNR does conduct is they do do well inter interference studies. Um they could certainly do one for this proposal.
>> Don't we think that'd be a good idea to protect the existing homeowners in the area and farmers and everyone else? >> Um I guess you you're looking for a debate. This is not a debate. >> Not a debate. Just wondering hearing you are given three minutes to state your case.
>> All right, my time's up. >> Thank you. Anyone else or online that wishes to speak for or against this request? >> Um, if you would like to speak to this, you come to the
podium and state your name. >> Hello, I'm Corey Simson. I'm uh part of the ownership group for Cont. Um, I'd just kind of like to explain kind of how we got to where we are in this property. Um, obviously we looked at several different sites within Klay County. Um,
that did did not work based on some of the counting zoning ordinances and stuff like that. So, we chose to choose a property. We kind of work backwards from the guidelines that obviously you guys have approved. So, that's kind of where we work backwards from. I mean, we met
with Matt. We looked at this property. Um, it met all the requirements. Um, it's, you know, off a main highway, which is a benefit. Uh, it's designed to handle the traffic. Um, you know, there's no real close neighbors in proximity.
Um, we're on the downwind side from the prevailing winds. I mean, we really tried to limit the impact that this would have with the residents. And I do realize that there's an impact. I mean that's inevitable, but I mean the reality is is that Morehead is going to
expand. I mean obviously I understand that it is farmland but I mean all this farmland is eventually going to turn into something else. I mean I realize it may take some time. Um but I mean so we are very choosy about why we chose this
site specifically I guess. Um, you know, on the water usage, just to reference, obviously there's some concerns. Just to put it in reference, 750,000 gallons is equal to about 10 12 houses a year. Is that right, John? Based on the average
water usage. Um, you know, dust control, the truck routes. Obviously, we're going to utilize the main highways that run north, south, east, west for what we're looking at doing. Um, you know, noise complaints. I don't think, you know, in
talking with even when we talked to the township about this, um, I don't think there's been any noise complaints or anything with the existing concrete plant that's there. So, I think some of those, you know, obviously this is new and it's, you know, there is, you know, more potential there, but I think
we're going to do whatever we can as property owners to be good neighbors. Um, obviously we feel that there's a need that needs to be met, uh, within the county. So, we we think this is a good uh location. So,
>> can I ask a question? >> Are you part of the ownership group on the existing badge plant >> on the existing one? >> Right. >> Uh nope. >> So, I I'm curious as to when you said there hasn't been any noise complaints. um like when we brought up, you know,
like with when we went through the uh township stuff, you know, and talking >> like Matt or anybody, nobody's ever brought up any complaints about anything, traffic, noise, or anything. >> But what I'm saying is like would you how would you get notified of any of the noise complaints existing? >> Um just going through just listening to
the people that are involved in that area that you know if they've received complaints or anything from any residents or anything like that in the past. Right. Thank you guys very much. Is there anyone else in the audience or online that wishes to speak for or
against? Is there anyone in the audience or online that wishes to speak for or against? Hearing none. Look for a motion to close the public hearing. >> Can I ask a question? >> Yes. before we go out of the public hearing. So, uh, Matt, can you talk a
little bit about what that well interference study is? We've not talked about that at this piece. Is that something that has to be landowner driven or is that something >> um Mr. Chair and Commissioner Mojo, it's typically a landowner requested study
that's done. Um, >> but that's an after >> typically >> after a development typically if there's >> Yeah. a disruption in water then you request that. >> Most of most of them um kind of center
result revolve around like uh just irrigation for crops um uses that are already maybe have a groundwater appropriations permit as well. They typically do those studies beforehand. Um they have those they have those thresholds um um for for permitting. But
if there are concerns that are under that, yeah, that's when that could be requested. And it's it is typically landowner driven. >> And so what's different about the EAW that was referenced because of their they don't meet the threshold of what the estimated usage is. And that's why that doesn't trigger the beforehand
blanket study. >> Correct. doesn't wouldn't meet any of the mandatory um thresholds for a environmental impact statement or an environmental assessment worksheet that are set in
state rule. >> Thank you. >> Okay, hearing no further questions or Um, look for a motion to close the public hearing. >> So moved. >> Second.
>> Motion by Sebastian, seconded by Brad. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Public hearing is closed. Okay, we will go through the findings. The interimm use will not be injurous to
the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the residents of Klay County. The interimm use will not be injurous to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity for the purpose already
permitted. >> There's >> there is some >> sorry. >> Well, you go ahead. I'd say based on the testimony, I think there is some disruption that's noted. >> I would agree. Um, Mr. Chair and Commissioner Mojo,
would this kind of portion of the draft findings kind of address what you were thinking there? Was there anything? Again, these are your findings. Anything you want to add or change? This is just solely based on information that has been received prior
to the hearing with the public testimony and then the um also the information additional information provided by the applicant um from this hearing those should be incorporated into these findings as well. >> Is there later on are we identifying the
water piece? >> I suppose I could even go to this last sentence as well. >> Mr. Chair and Matt, >> is your office been made aware of any formal complaints from the previous
mentioned batch plant close by? I have not and it has did go through four years ago a um interim use permit renewal and I have not I don't believe we heard anything then um I'm assuming that's quite possible that we will be hearing
in the future but I have not to to this point these this is the um observations brought um today and as a result of just this um this application have uh are new to me
>> the uh other batch plant. Are those hours roughly what they requesting for this one? >> They're very similar. >> Very similar. Okay. I >> think theirs um might be 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
So, they might actually be less restrictive. The establishment of the interimm use will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding property for uses predominant in the area.
So the not reciprocal means that they can't the the plant couldn't expand but people could build closer >> if they chose to. Yeah. Correct. Yep. Like we're in um for example in our code we do have some reciprocal setbacks um
related to like uh wind energy systems um feed lots and they're explicitly defined as as reciprocal setbacks and uh these setbacks are not defined as that. Anybody
have any proposed changes or Okay, moving on. Adequate measures have been or will be taken to provide utilities, access roads, drainage, off- streetet parking, and loading spaces as required by this ordinance.
There is a lot of hoops that they will need to jump through for this. And you said just today Mandot came up with a widening of the road and a turn >> turn. Yep. Yep. So it
I believe that statement to be true. Mr. Thank you, Chair and Matt. So, the maybe it's too early to know what the Mandot proposing, but are you envisioning a turn lane for those coming from the south and then the center turn
lane for those coming from the north with a bypass to prevent traffic backup stoppage? >> So, Mr. Mr. Chair and Commissioner St. I can't speak to entirely to Mindot beyond the information that they've provided me being that this um road and the right of
way is under completely under their jurisdiction. Um all that they've indicated to me is that according to their um traffic and road specifications that a right turn lane would be required. A left turn lane would not be
required. Just a right turn lane. So be coming heading north. >> The majority of the traffic be coming from the north and returning north. >> It's it's possible, but again, this is
and Mindot might have some additional requirements um as they continue to review the the permit um the access permit. But um that's all that the information that they provided me. >> Yeah, it's very early. Yeah. >> I mean, it would make sense that a lot more traffic is going to be turning left
and right because of where the business is going to be occurring, but that's >> the only thing, Mr. >> That would constitute a significant road improvement if you add. >> Yeah. And the only thing that I could say, Mr. Chair, is that the thresholds for a uh a left turn lane are
significantly higher than a right turn lane. It has to be significant amount of traffic. Okay. Adequate measures have been or will be taken to prevent or control offensive odor, fumes, dust, noise, vibration, water pollution,
and soil erosion. So that none of these will constitute a nuisance and to control lighted signs or other lights in such a manner that no disturbance to neighboring properties will result. Wash waters contained on site.
Lighting will be directed. There really is nothing you can do, I don't think, with the the backup alarms. Those decibels are set by the federal government. I mean, they've got to be a certain decel. There's And when the
wind is right or no wind and on it, you will hear them. >> Yeah. And Mr. Chair, the only other thing that I could think of was with that is that there are some um gravel companies that do utilize like a white noise backup alarm, which is
significantly reduces that um sound that carries. And so that could be potentially something to look into as well as a mitigation >> practice. Thank you. The interimm use will not cause an
excessive burden on current or anticipated public infrastructure or services that serve or propose to serve the area, including but not limited to parks, schools, public safety services, roads, water supply, sanitary sewers, storm sewers. Unless the county and the
applicant establish a development agreement that determines how such impacts will be resolved. There has been public testimony concerning about the water. They've already uh had some wells
that have been redrilled or had to go deeper. However, they are below. Is that something that >> the commissioners would like me to add to the the findings, the public
testimony about water? >> Yes. >> Concerns. >> I think there was also concerns brought up on in regards to the 90th. What What are the additional hall routes? Does that meet your
what you wanted? Yep. Thank you. Uh The interimm use is allowed by this ordinance con conforms with any specific use standards established in chapter 8 as may be applicable.
That's paragraph covers everything I believe there. The interimm use is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Klay County comprehensive and transportation plan and any comprehensive plan of a township or city
as may be applicable. >> Just concerns on the comprehensive piece in regards to egg land. >> Mr. Mr. Chair and Commissioner um Mojo that is noted here as well as the Kurts Township
>> any further discussion on the findings effect >> Mr. Chair and Matt the am I correct in that an interim use permit is not a land use. >> Uh Mr. Chair and Commissioner Syen an interim use permit is is a land use
permit but it is not a land right. >> Land right. >> Yep. So there are a variety of things that could trigger the um I guess the termination or revocation of that permit. Um number one being a violation of conditions. Um the threshold is
typically much lower for an interim use permit than it is for a conditional use permit uh for condition violations. Uh a a date um 99.9% of the batch plants, readymix plants that are in rural Klay
County um have a set date that they terminate um including the one to the north. um that ranges from one year to five years to 10 years. Um the only one that doesn't have a specific date is the
plant that is on the Spring Prairie Hutterite colony. Um that is the only one in the county that doesn't have a specific termination date. >> Okay. Um thank you. Staff has gone through and
they have come up with 13 um possible requirements conditions. >> Nice. Um, the IUP shall be effective only after Klay County Planning and Zoning verifies that the opural
subdivision plat has been recorded and the property ownership has been transferred from Steven to Concrete Holdings LLC. Number two, abide by the provisions of the Klay County Land Development and Subdivision ordinance.
Three, all necessary township, state, and watershed permits, Mandot MPCA, Buffalo Red Watershed District shall be obtained prior to operation. Four, vegetative screening shall be planted and maintained around the
perimeter as shown on the site plan. Number five, all wash out and processed water shall be contained and recycled on site. Dust management plan. Applicant shall submit a written dust control plan,
including sweeping, watering, and bag house maintenance prior to operation. All exterior lighting shall be full cut off and directed downward. No glare beyond property lines. All operations shall comply with the
MPCA daytime noise standards. Hours of operations limited to 6 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and 6:00 am to 3 p.m. Saturday. No crushing or processing of raw aggregate
or recycled is permitted on site. And I have a question on that. So the cement that comes back that they that they dump out, they can't crush that. And >> it was these are recommend suggested
conditions. So it'd be up to you as a planning commission if you want to if >> you decide to Yeah. >> Okay. That's what that actually means. Okay. Um truck access limited to paved roadways. No access via township or
gravel roads. Annual review of complaints regarding dust, noise, lighting. Additional mitigation may be required if verified. >> And Mr. Chair, there's there was a typo on that last one. Should be 2035, not 25. >> Okay. Because I was kind of that would
be a short >> short permit. Intermuse shall permit shall expire on December 31st, 2035. Okay. Any uh so anybody have any questions?
>> Mr. Chair and Matt, the last one, you know, they requested a 20-year. Is this 10 years more of the typical or or is that a negotiated? >> It would be more typical. >> Okay. It's probably on the longer end of
typical, but yeah, >> thank you. Anyone else have any questions or suggested changes or modifications? So, Mr. Chair and commissioners, I just want to make sure that um you know with
your with your findings, if you feel like any of these findings cannot be addressed through conditions, um that should influence your your decision. Um so if you can't make a positive finding or if you feel that um
there is a finding that can't be mitigated by conditions um that would be so that's just the that would be your basis for if you were to deny a permit you would need to have your reasoning
stated in in your findings and that >> okay so I have a question on number 11 so they would abide by their trucks would not would would not use the the township roads, but that wouldn't necessarily affect if a different
company is hauling in raw materials from coming and using the gravel roads. There would no be any enforcement or oversight. That would be it'd be difficult to enforce. you could likely have a condition that that all trucks
all trucks including third party operators um and you could even be specific about the roads too. So if 90th Avenue South is a concern and 80th Avenue is a concern, you could be specific about those roads.
[clears throat] >> Mr. Sure. >> Thank you. Uh so I have a concern in regards to the groundwater. Uh this board has denied permits in the past. One particularly was a basically a storage building that
would not utilize any water consumption and we denied it because we were concerned about the effect of the aquifer. And now we have a proposal that is, you know, potentially utilizing a significant amount of groundwater with
residents within, you know, a decent amount of area. I mean, I just don't know how we mitigate andor anticipate what that could look like. Um, and I look back at the time on this board, I I don't know
if we've ever had a request to utilize a substantial amount of groundwater like this with so many residences close by. To look back on how it affected residences,
>> do you re do you recall anything? >> Um, Mr. Chair and Commissioner Mojo, we've we've had concerns about um gravel pits in the past with dewatering, either if it's just um pumping or just natural
dewatering via evapot transanspiration. Um I would just I the previous um strata now knife river um facility would probably use comparable amounts of
groundwater. I certainly could um work with uh the DNR uh and the applicant um to gather more information if groundwater is used as a concern. Um which it sounds like it is.
Um, you know, I just I think it's important for folks that maybe don't live in that area, to understand that um there are residences by Rustad, which is just south of this site, that have had to go a quarter of a mile to a half a
mile into a field to get water and they're less than two miles from the Red River. And so I think just because the site is close to the Red River, the assumption that you have a substantial amount of water available is not necessarily the case. And so I I just don't know how you mitigate an issue
when you don't know that piece. >> Mr. Chair, what uh and Mr. Jacobson, what was the roughly estimated like households? You know, say it's 750,000 gallons is roughly, didn't we say like
12 homes? >> Yeah, 10 to 12 homes. >> Eight homes. So, if there was a subdivision, you know, possibly around this area. Would that, you know, we do the same thing for that? >> On a does that on a single well though? That's the That's the difference.
>> That would be probably 12 wells, which it's drawing from the same aquifer. >> Yeah. and really just a pump. >> I'm just trying to justify or how many wells it's all in that same aquafer whether it's one or
15, you know, it's still drying. Um that's Yeah, and I think we would just do that just looking at at well data um or doing a pump test. But it's turn in terms of long-term that
would require further study. Would anybody like to add or retract or modify any of the 13 proposed conditions? Okay, hearing none. Uh,
has the applicant re reviewed those 13 conditions and do you understand and could you live with work within those 13 conditions? people. Can you please go? Could you
come up to the podium cuz >> um I think in regards to the crushing typically what happens on uh a site like that is materials hauled in you know recycle material it's stockpiled and when it gets to a certain quantity normally crushers come in and crush it.
It's it's not like there's continuous crushing there. It's maybe once a year, once every two years just to recycle the material that's there. Um that is a pretty integral part of the business. Um in regards to number 13, the interim
use permit uh to 2035, I know in speaking with Matt, the plant just to the north, and Matt, you can verify that I think you guys just approved a 20-year interim use permit extension on that one as well. >> Yep. That's correct. And that's because that plant had already gone through a
10-year permitting process. So, it it had basically had the, you know, if there had been substantial concerns about it after 10 years, um, it's already, it's a renewal essentially, >> and it initially was not given a 20-year permit.
>> No. >> Right. and and our request for the 20-year permit is due to us putting up a facility. Obviously, you know, for the amount of money that we're going to spend, having a 10-year permit doesn't do us a whole lot of good. And obviously, if there is, you know,
something that we're not doing correctly in our interim use permit can be cancelled. You know, I guess I fail to see the difference between a 10 and a 20 year. I mean, if we're complying with everything that we're supposed to be doing, you know, obviously a 20-year
benefits us. Um, you know, truck access, obviously, we're going to utilize main highways. I mean, we we don't want to drive across township roads. Um, obviously, unless there's material that's going to need to get delivered
there. So, I don't have any issues with that. Um, probably just the the crushing and the interim use permit, the the time period expiration would probably be the biggest items. And then I guess the hour
operation, I guess if ours could mirror whatever the existing plant is to the north. I think that's only fair. Um, other than that, I guess that's I guess my concerns with the conditions anyway.
Okay. Well, I uh understand and agree with his concern with the crushing because you know that does I've worked with coast and other plants where it's you hit it hard for
three or four days once a year tops and it's you're not crushing rock but it is loud. Um, but I can see that I uh I am stuck on
number 13 though. Do like the 10-year permit. Does anybody and ask again anybody have any conditions they'd like to modify or to add? Mr. Chair and Mr. Jacobson, does the
existing plant north of there have a crushing uh Can are they allowed to crush? >> They do crush. Yep. In hearing that it seems like it's a short time, a few days. I understand the value in having that option
available. Maybe the I'm not sure if the hours would mere normal operation. If it's credibly loud, I suppose you could restrict the hours a little bit. Okay. So, are you proposing an
elimination of condition 10 and a modification to the hours of operation? >> I suppose it hard to know how many days you would be crushing essentially. Um,
have to need to be at the >> Yeah, I I would say on average maybe once a year for maybe a week to two weeks tops. I mean, it it all depends if you want to. I think when you were talking about limiting hours of
operations, I think you're referring to the crushing if it was on site, not the actual Yeah. I mean, and that would be fine. And obviously if it was limited to, you know, 8 to 4 or whatever normal work hours for the crushing, I guess that would be acceptable. Um, I guess I
would request that the hours of operation at least mirror what the Knife River interim use permit has on their hours of operation, general operation. Anyway, just to make it fair,
>> I like the fact that maybe you're not crushing at 5 or 6 in the morning and 8:00. I mean, I could live with that. >> Okay. Are you willing to make a motion to that effect? >> Yeah, I would like you to put some wordage in there about uh the crushing
option and he mentioned 8:00. Um, Mr. Simson. I don't know if that's exactly what he wants, but 8 to five. [clears throat] >> Okay. So, we have a motion to uh mirror
the operating hours to the Knife River. >> No, we don't have a motion. Okay. >> He just put in a >> just to change this. >> No, we're not. Okay. There be a restriction on would you propose a restriction on the dates on that for no
more than how many days out of the year? >> Said two weeks >> 10. So 10 10 operating days. Okay. And then Mr. Chair and Mr. Jacobson, the uh number 12 on my list, please. Yeah. Now, can
you walk through the process if there is a issue uh uh violation? I mean, how does the process work for everybody to understand it? >> Yeah. If we receive a complaint, we investigate it. We confirm the validity
of the complaint. Um we bring it to the um operator or the person who's holding the permit, give them an opportunity to rectify it. Um if it's something that continues to happen, we would bring it to the permit back to the board to the
planning commission um and have a public hearing on revoking the permit. answer your question. >> Yeah, >> perfect. >> Well, I uh looking for a motion to >> Mr. [clears throat] Chair,
>> Commissioner Mojo. >> Thank you. I'll make a motion to deny the request because of the conflict with a comprehensive plan in regards to agricultural land and also the inability to mitigate the water.
Okay, we have a motion to deny the permit. >> Second. >> Second by Sebastian. Um any discussion, further discussion? And I'm going to say before we vote that
I am in agreement with Jenny for a few different reasons. The the biggest one for me is Kurts Township, the local government um not being in favor of this project along with the local.
So all those in favor of denying the permit say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Hi. >> Okay, we need a roll call. Sebastian,
>> I >> Brad, >> Josh, >> I >> David. So understand the the >> an I is a vote to deny the permit. >> Okay. Nay. Nay.
>> And I'm denying the permit. >> Hi. name. >> Okay. Um, didn't actually count, but I believe there are more votes to deny than to confirm. >> It' be five to three. Mr. >> Five to three.
>> Deny. >> Okay. The the conditional use permit is denied. >> Use permit. >> Interim use IUP. Sorry. The interimm use permit is denied. Thanks everyone. Moving on to the next hearing.
It is Stephen and Deborah Eri request for an interimmuse mining permit. The applicant is seeking an interimm use mining permit for gravel mine on parcel ID3 032.100 the northeast quarter and the east half
of the northwest quarter of section 32 township 139 north range 45 Holly Township. Do I have a motion to open the public hearing? Motion. >> Motion by Laura.
>> Second. >> Second by Sebastian. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Public hearing is open. Matt. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yep. This is a request for an interim use permit for a gravel mine. The applicant uh is
representing uh the land owner, Steven and Deborah Eri. So, this is a 160 acre parcel uh 1 and a/4 miles southeast of the Klay County landfill in Holly Township. Currently, it's an agricultural parcel.
Uh zoning, base zoning is agricultural general. There is a resource protection biological overlay zoning on the west uh extent of the parcel. Um existing site conditions, there's some prime farmland. Most of it in the mining area would be
that um crop equivalency rating of 61. until that that farmland of statewide importance. There's native prairie um and also wetlands um specifically kind of a rare seepage type wetlands um not
necessarily uh calccarious fen but potential uh and then native prairie as well. And so you can kind of see that here. Um so we got the shrub swamp seepage and then the the wet prairie here.
So for the mining owner over overview, they'd be looking at construction grade sand and smaller quantities of gravel. Uh be using it for base aggregate back fill and general construction purposes. There could be some limited potential for class 5 aggregate as well.
Um they'd be extracting typical mining um practices, stripping and stockpiling along the um they would use the utilize the northern extent of here for create a burm just for screening because there is a residence to the north. Um
material would be binded using a front end loader and removing sand and gravel from shallow deposits about 15 to 20 ft deep. Um excavated material uh would be stockpiled, screened or crushed and crushing would occur intermittently um for short durations, typically a few
days to a week. Uh no washing or dewatering would occur. Um stock material would be stockpiled on site. They would haul the product off site um basically up uh 200 street south um and then up to
county 12 and then the landfill road. So, county 23. So, following kind of the existing hall route of the mine to the southeast and they use dust control measures. Um, water, magnesium, chloride.
Looking to operate April to May through to October through November. Looking at 30 to 50 working days per year, depending on market demand. Looking at a 6 to 7 p.m. time frame, Monday through Saturday. uh have two workers on site, would have sanitary facilities
available, and then service trucks to refuel equipment if needed. Uh groundwater was not encountered during uh the digging of test pits 12 to 15 ft deep. Uh they are not expecting any discharge because storm water is going to be directed towards the center of the
pit uh would percolate na naturally. uh progressive reclamation as mining advances northward um with each mine phase um would be restored using that stock stockpiled top soil really looking at having only 10 to 12 acres open per phase. No permanent water feature would
be anticipated after reclamation. Uh the only comment I received from was from Holly Township and Holly Township would require a conditional use permit uh from their township for this mine. Uh just an additional consideration, the original request is for a 40acre mine.
Just looking at the application, looking at the depth, um that would trigger the threshold for a mandatory EAW. The applicant did do an an EAW. Um would we based on the resource protection biological on the property, we
determined that was not needed. Probably the quickest way to get around this would be to only permit 39 acres instead of 40 if that would be agreeable to the to the applicant. um the comprehensive plan. Um and looking at how this relates
to the comprehensive plan, um we foster and have a goal to foster a balanced approach to aggregate resource extraction uh that is compatible with natural resources and rural character of Klay County requiring adequate buffing buffering um for new mines and expanding mines. Uh
this operation would be over a,000 feet from the nearest residence. Our minimum setback is 500 feet. Um they would construct a burm along the northern edge for screening for visual and noise impacts. Uh and then they basically limiting that seasonal limits that 30 50
days. Um and then having the weekday hours reduces that nuisance potential as well. The we have a goal to avoid or mitigate against impacts to groundwater, surface water and native prairie woodlands, wetlands for new or expanding mining operations. Um, this is going to be all
upland crop land. No wetlands were identified or native prairie within that mining footprint. Again, no groundwater was encountered. Um, and the pit floor would remain at least 10 ft above the water table. The concern, I guess, and this was a concern on the the mine just
to the south when that was permitted, is just that Ottabon Prairie Preserve with that um that calcarious potential calccarious fen and just the type of wetlands there. They rely on water that's uh groundwater flowing um into uh
into the wetlands from from the east. Um this site though does have some considerable relief on it. So there's a separation in elevation uh from looking at the eastern part of the property to the western part of the property. Uh and then there is going to be a 100 foot
setback from our resource protection biological zoning district as well. they're not anticipating any dewatering or washing. So that eliminates some further potential um for um groundwater um impacts and subsequently or
consequently wetland impacts as well. Um and then also the fact that there's not going to be a a water feature any open water anticipated as a result of this mining as well. So any natural dewatering is the risk is limited there. Uh we also require phased end
reclamation plans and bonds to ensure mines are reclaimed as mining progressives. So the applicant they plan on just having 10 to 12 acres at a time. Um our minimum bond that we typically require is about $1,000 per acre. Um they look at returning it back to crop
land as well. And then looking at the cumulative impacts of existing nearby mining operations. Um we got a gravel pit to the southeast shares the same hall route. um up to um it should be county road 10, sorry. And then county
county road 2023 did speak with our um county engineer about this and potential impacts and he had no concerns about the hall route. Any questions for me at all, >> Mr. Chair and Matt,
it might be sized down to 39 acres. Correct. >> That would be my recommendation. >> Now, even though it's 160 acres they have, is it going to be 39 acres now or is it a rolling 39 acres? >> It's 39 acres. Yep. >> 39 acres period.
>> Yep. Okay. >> Unless they come back for say in five or 10 years and they've hit the 39 acres, there is a three-year look back for environmental review. Um, so you don't necessarily have to take the
previously open, they would basically just have to amend their their inner use permit to allow for more acreage. um they couldn't just do it themselves as as we've this that issue has come before this planning commission in the past. But if they came back and amended their
interim use permit um and say they only mined 10 acres the previous three years, they could potentially do another 29 acres if if that was available. Um or they could do that additional acre. They would just need to amend the permit at
>> each 39 acres would be like a separate individual uh permitted. It's not going to if it's touching or connected, it doesn't qualify. >> Well, it's the three-year look look back rule with the environmental review that really would trigger that. So, like the
mandatory threshold would not be met for anything that is old that has been mined older than three years. Okay. So that's why my recommendation would be to just set the limit at 39. If um they get to 39 acres and oh my gosh, all of the
really high quality gravel just happens to be in that one acre, but they've been mining it for, you know, five or 10 years. They could just simply come back and amend that interim use permit to add that additional acre.
If anyone have any questions or additional questions for Matt hearing none, would the applicant care to come up and speak to the project? State your name for the record, please.
My name is Bruce Squires. I'm a retired Minnesota state licensed geologist. I've spent I don't know about 50 years in the sand and gravel ready mix concrete and asphalt business. I even
crushed rock in Vietnam. So, um I really like this project in that we have rolling, if you will, environmental regulations or I don't know what you
want to call it. Just we're going to reclaim as we go. We'll open up like 10 12 acres and then before we as they move into the next 10 or 12 acres, that first area is going to be resloped and the top soils
that have been stripped off the project will be put back in that area so that the people that own the property, the ecies can continue to to mine or mine continue to farm those areas.
So, in the many years I've made permits and things, I've never actually run across one just like this. And I think it's kind of unique because it's not just going to be a big hole. It's going to be a smaller hole. It'll remain a
smaller hole and it'll be reclaimed so that the Echaries can return back to farming it, you know, as the mining progresses to the north. So, uh, the area is in the area where there are a lot of other sand and gravel
mines. Um, the whole area is rich with that type of materials on the Echer's property. I think it's a little more sand than it is gravel. and Dave Aspen of Aspen uh excavating and
sand and gravel who is here tonight uh is the gentleman that's going to mine the property and he's really looking for good high-grade fill sand and as I suppose most of you know with all the
clays in the river bot or in the lake bottom Fargo and Morehead um you have to have good quality sand to put under most projects because of the expansive nature of the soils of
the clay in the in the lake bottom. So, if you don't pack things like pipes and fiber cables and all this kind of stuff with sand as you're back fill, you know, after you've excavated a pit, um you're
going to have those products break because the sand's going to expand and break them. So, with the sand, you you eliminate that problem. So, a good grade of, you know, construction sand is
very needed in this community. Um, in fact, if you didn't have good quality sand to buffer the expansive clays underneath, um, a lot of projects would
just crumble. So it does have a very high need and as I said it is in the area of many other pits. Mr. Aspen has been in business in this community for I don't know what 50 years
Dave many many many many years. He's highly respected in the business and if he says he's going to do something he does it. and that's how he stays in business because it is a competitive industry that he operates in. So,
and again, as I said, this turned out to be kind of unique with the rolling, if you will, reclamation process. So um for the last 30 years uh I've worked for Agard Industries in Northern Improvement
and my responsibilities there were property manager geologist and the environmental compliance officer for both those companies. And the way Dave has it laid out this is actually
I'll just say this. It's kind of environmentally friendly because of the rolling reclamation and the fact that he does business in that that form because he lives in this community, you know, he's not managed or
owned by somebody in the cities or whatever. So, he behaves. Any questions? Oh, thank you very much. >> Thank you for your time. >> Anyone else in the audience wish to
speak for or against? Anyone in the audience or online wish to speak for or against? Any and one last time, anyone in the audience or online wish to speak for or against? Hearing none. Look for a motion to close the public hearing. >> So offered.
>> Motion by Jenny. >> Second. >> Seconded by Brad, Laura. Laura. Uh, all those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Public hearing is closed.
The interimm use will not be injurous to the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of Klay County. Um, this looks like a very good a good project in a good area. The interimm use will not be injurous to the use and enjoyment of other property
in immediate vicinity for the purpose already permitted. Um, it will not the establishment of the interimm use will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding property
for uses predominant in the area. Um, I like the fact that they're publicly stating that they'll do 10 12 acres and then move to the next 10 12 acres and they immediately reclaim. So, you know, farmland, wildlife
habitat, everything will there won't be a 39 acre hole in the ground. That's a very good um is that have I done three? >> Yeah. >> Adequate measures have been or will be
taken to provide utilities, access roads, drainage, off streetet, parking, and loading spaces as required by this ordinance. They'll be sharing a hall, a township hall road. Um,
county engineer has no issues with it. Um, adequate measures have been or will be taken to prevent or control offensive odor, fumes, dust, noise, vibration, water pollution, and soil erosion. So that none of these will constitute a
nuisance and to control lighted signs or other lights in such a manner that no disturbance to neighboring properties will result. No open water. I mean it the interimm use will not create an excessive burden on current or
anticipated public infrastructure or services that serve or proposed to serve the area including but not limited to parks, schools, public safety services, roads, water supplies, sanitary sewers, storm sewers. Unless
the county and the applicant establish a development agreement that determines how such impacts will be resolved, the interim use is allowed by this ordinance and conforms with any specific use standards established in chapter 8 as may be applicable.
The interimm use is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Klay County comprehensive and transportation plan and any compre comprehensive plan of a township or city as may be applicable.
There are 17 conditions 10-year permit operate within our ordinances. All brand the applicant is or the operator is very familiar with working in
Lake County. Um um I guess number eight is uh you know to uh just to so everybody recognizes that we are looking at approving 39 acres. Okay. Well 38 is works even better than
39. So, um, all mining activities must occur at a minimum 10 ft above the groundwater table. And, um, if you're that would be a different permit to come in if you hit
water and needed to do some >> Yeah. And Mr. Chair, just on commissioners, just an explanation on that. It's just mirroring the a lot of these conditions are mirroring similar conditions to the um recently permitted
um gravel pit just to the southeast. >> This is Yeah. >> Okay. Um and including 17 that is that I know we were working
on. I think that's a that would be the probably the one difference just based on um I know that the planning commission has expressed or has not not only expressed but basically um stated that uh operating hours for all newly
permitted or renewed um mining operations be consistent across the county. >> And this does reflect that? >> Yes. Anybody on the board wish to comment on any of the 17 conditions?
Um, does the applicant and operator understand and able to um comply with Okay. hearing nothing further. Look for a motion to deny or approve
the permit. >> Mr. Chair, I'll motion to approve uh conditions 1 through 17. >> A motion by Brad to approve the permit with all 17 conditions as provided by staff. Second by Kurt. Any discussion?
>> Hearing none. All those in favor say I. I >> opposed. >> Motion is carried. IUP is granted. Thank you everyone. Next on the list, uh Victoria Luck
request for an interimm use permit. The applicant is seeking an interimm use permit for a dog boarding kennel on parcel ID 26.018.0 0201 part of the government lot section 8 lot one section 18 township 138 north range
45W scree township look for a motion to open the public hearing >> motion >> second by Josh >> second >> second by Sebastian all those in favor say I
>> I motion is carried public hearing is open >> thank Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes, this is request for an interim use permit for a kennel. Applicant is Victoria Luck, the owner of Richard and Lisa Burns. >> What are we doing back here? >> Oh, can we Sorry, it's just distracting.
>> All right. Sorry about that, Mr. Chair. Uh, this property is a 12.4 acre parcel. It's about um This is wrong information. I'm sorry. It's residential. It's in Scree Township just north of Barnesville. Uh the base zoning is
agricultural general. The overlay zoning is resource protection aggregate. [cough and clears throat] Some details about the project. The um kennel capacity looking at an average of 20 dogs, maximum of 40 be new construction, insulated runs, sound absorbing
materials, indoor climate control, be an outdoor exercise area that's fenced. um be looking at a 6 6 a.m. drop off to um and looking at outdoor activity being limited uh from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
For noise mitigation, that'd be the building design insulation. There is a significant separation from the nearest residence 600 ft. Looking at existing and enhancing the vegetative buffers um just restricting the outdoor activity during quiet hours. For waste management, they'd have solid waste
collected daily and stored in sealed containers, removed by a license hauler. Uh and then locating that at least 100 feet from wells or septic systems. Uh the use would be a minimum of 100 ft from all property lines and wells. And then just noting that reviewing this, it does maintain or is exceeds the
standards for kennels found in our code. We have not received any uh comments from the public or the township. Uh again, just with our um the IEP request that was uh heard um uh for the the concrete readymix plant just with being
an IEP because this would transfer um ownership that we would the IEP must become effective only after that ownership transfer has occurred uh and is verified by planning and zoning staff for our comprehensive plan and how this
how this proposal relates to our goals and objectives. We have a goal to recognize the diversity of living in raw scale. It's a real business would be compatible with the surrounding residential and egg uses. Uh we also encourage commercial industrial development that is in harmony with the egg and real character of Klay County
and to avoid or mitigate against commercial and industrial development that increases the potential for land use conflicts with rural residential egg uses. Um the applicant in this case has incorporated noise mitigation setbacks, vegetative screening as well as distance to reduce any potential impacts on
nearby residences of which there is just one. So any questions for me at all? Okay. Would the applicant uh care to come up and speak? >> Your name for the record.
Hi, I'm I'm Victoria Luck and um I just wanted to mention that the seller of the um property is uh family to the neighbor that's to the north and they allowed me to uh they gave me his number and I gave him a phone call and um let him know
what I was planning to do and asked if he had some concerns and he just said that um just no barking dogs late at night and otherwise he's happy with it. So just wanted to mention that I did that little part there. So yeah,
that's >> And you are intending are you already you live on site or you >> No, so we are um this permit is contingent on us closing. Um so we would be we would close on Friday and then um
begin planning. We would build in spring. We're not going to do anything over the winter, but um yeah. Yeah, we don't we live in West Fargo. Um I have um worked at doggy daycare as a handler and um like a
kennel technician and then I also own a um I've ran my own dog boarding or I'm sorry pet sitting and dog walking company for the last five years. So which has been successful. I was a um safety coordinator for um a a
contracting company that worked on the wastewater treatment plant. So I kind of know a little bit about disposing of waste as well. So that's kind of one would be big concern and I'm going to live there too. So I don't want to be bothered by the kennels either.
Yeah, there is a home on the site on the um property and then so we would live in the house that's there and then we would build the kennels on the there's that like shelter belt there and then there's some trees starting to grow so we'd put the kennel kind of up up on that so
mitigate the noise and then put some more trees around it trees are very effective. [clears throat] >> Any Josh, >> I just have a question or two maybe. So, this is just going to be like a daycare and boarding kind of situation. No
grooming services or anything like that. >> Yeah. Um, so we would do the initial initially, yes, just grooming or I'm sorry, just boarding and daycare. Um, I wouldn't I would like to do grooming
down the road. Um, but if that's a that's that's a not if you oppose the grooming, then that would be no problem. >> Just curious about the traffic kind of >> Oh, sure. If it's strictly going to be, you know, morning drop off and evening pickup or if there'd be daily in and out
or whatnot. >> Yeah. >> Then how big I guess maybe you already said how big is the dog run or fenced area? >> So I mean I guess it kind of I kind of wanted to work with you guys. So, what um I was thinking was to start out with
a like a 30x40 building and then doing probably about the same in a fence on the outside of it. They wouldn't have their own individual runs though. They would all be indoors and then let out with staff. >> Common common play area.
>> Yeah. Yes. >> Thank you, >> Mr. chair and Matt um for Miss Lux u venture here. Would it be
beneficial? I know a lot of dog boarding places incorporate many other services. Does that substantially change your request if those were included right now or are those kind of could those be attached? I mean, whatever you might be
feeling you would like to do or would she need to come back for that? >> Um, Mr. Chair and Commissioner Second, no, that wouldn't impact that. It wouldn't have she wouldn't have to substantially change if she wanted to do grooming um or anything like that unless
you specifically stated no grooming as a condition. Um, but typically when we look at dog boarding, we kind of think about all of those um I guess surfaces. I wasn't sure if she didn't want to ask that question, so I asked it for you.
>> Yeah, I appreciate that. When you did, I was like, "Yes, because I we're going to start here, you know, with and that I would like to grow, but I don't want I when I worked at doggy daycare when we had 80 dogs on a holiday, that's insane. No, thank you. And frankly, I don't want
the liability either. So, I would I'd like to grow, but I don't want to be huge or anything. But with dog boarding, they do get kind of stinky. So to send them home clean would be nice. >> Thank you.
Hearing no other questions. Anyone else? Thank you for coming up. Is there anyone in the audience or online that wishes to speak for or against? Is there anyone in the audience or online that wishes to speak for or against? Is there anyone in the audience or
online that wishes to speak for or against? Hearing none, I'll look for a motion to close the public hearing. >> Motion by Laura. >> Second. >> Second by Commissioner Mojo. All those in favor say I. >> I.
>> Opposed. Motion is carried. Public hearing is closed. go through the findings of fact. Um, the interimm use will not be injurous to the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of Klay County.
Everything is handled there. The interimm use will not be injurous to the use and enjoyment of other property in immediate vicinity for the purpose already permitted. um nearest resident is over 600 feet
away. She has reached out. Um the hours permitted hours cover anything that I would anticipate is the establishment of the interimm use will not impede the normally and orderly
development and improvement of surrounding property for uses predominant in the area. This is exactly what one of the things that we're trying to promote in Klay County. So,
adequate measures have been or will be taken to provide utilities, access roads, drainage, and off- streetet parking and loading spaces as required by this ordinance. We'll have to follow all the the rules and
they're they're easily very easy to find out what the requirements are going to be. So, um I I have one question though on the be probably for Matt on the septic system
for the kennel. If you're going to be doing um you know any kind of you know washing or bathing, you're going to need somewhere for that gray. Is a will she be required to put in and is that is a second septic allowed?
Um, Mr. Chair, a septics, a separate septic would be allowed. I know Kent is on on the line and maybe he could speak to that. >> K. >> Hello. Yes, this is Kent here. Um, yes, in regards to that, um, there
are a couple of options. Uh, one is that there is a holding tank that is designated for that uh, location wherever those plumbing fixtures may be. Um, another uh, I I I can't speak for sure
on this one, just kind of going off of memory from a few years ago. Um, I believe there was some discussion with the state on uh dog waste into the septic system and if I do recall I believe that was
um more or less allowed but I I don't want to say that for sure but um overall there are options available. >> Okay, thank you. And it's important that the options be available and the applicant understands
the potential cost. Um and no new public utilities. Um, adequate measures have been or will be taken to prevent or control offensive odor, fumes, dust, noise, vibration, water pollution, and soil erosion
so that none of these will constitute a nuisance and to control lighted signs or other lights in such a manner that no disturbance to the neighboring properties will result. Um, daily west waste collection is a requirement and they're going to be
living on site. So that's you're going to do that. Uh the interm use will not create an excessive burden on current or anticipated public infrastructure or services that serve or proposed to serve
the area including but not limited to park schools, public safety services, roads, water supplies, sanitary sewers, storm sewers. Unless the county and the applicant establish a development agreement that determines how such impacts will be resolved.
Um this will be you know personal automobile travel. It's not a gravel trucks or semis or Jake brakes
cruising up and down. The interimm use is allowed by this ordinance and conforms with any specific use standards established in chapter 8 as may be applicable. It is consistent. Interm use is consistent with the goals
and objectives of the Klay County comprehensive and transportation plan and any other comprehensive plan of a township or city as may be applicable. Staff has developed eight conditions and one of them is
something we're familiar with. this wouldn't take effect until a property transfer because this is going to would be specific to her. Um maximum number of dogs is 40.
Uh hours of activity of outdoor activity are 7 to nine. Um 6 a.m. drop off is very common. uh noise mitigation measures described in the application. She's got insulated building, limited
outdoor use, vegetative buffering shall be ma maintained for the duration of the use. She also mentioned she was going to be planting more trees. Um, solid waste shall be collected daily, stored in sealed containers, and disposed of by a licensed waste hauling
service in compliance with applicable state and county standards. Um, it also said that it's a possibility of septic tank holding tank. There is the outdoor play area shall be fully fenced and maintained in good condition
to contain all animals. The IUP shall terminate upon cessation of kennel operations or a transfer of property ownership, whichever occurs first, unless otherwise renewed in accordance with
8-11-8. The operator shall obtain and maintain any other require permits or licenses related to animal boarding as required by state or local authorities. Um, a thing to keep in mind with where you're putting your potentially putting
your building is where your well is. You'll need to maintain 100 feet from the pins. >> Okay. Okay. Mr. Chair, the applicant does have one
question and you she can >> Yes, I will allow. Absolutely. >> So, when I came up with my numbers, I've I was wanted to ask you guys what you thought that number should be, that 40.
What if I don't want to get in trouble if I have 41 dogs, you know? So, how many dogs have you seen or the applications go for? >> Can I be frank? >> Yeah. Well, for me,
>> um I'm only permitted for 25 >> and we've been in business 10 years and nobody's ever came and counted dogs. >> Okay. I mean holidays happen, >> right? >> So,
>> okay. When I submitted I was I asked that and they're like, "Well, you guys will discuss it." They may say you you can do this many, you may say more or less. So, I just didn't want to get pigeonhold right now on 40 if I would say you'd want to be close, though. I
mean, I >> Well, yeah. >> Right. Right. I just I'm I'm thinking about five ten years from now if I built another building would I well let's say if I built another building in 5 10
years would I come back and re apply or amend >> you would ask for a modification of your IUP because you're still the it just be a modification because you're still the land owner you're still the business owner because that IUP is to you >> okay cool >> it's not to the property >> got it
>> mean while you and the property are together, >> right? >> Yeah. Okay, >> Mr. Chair, she could certainly, you know, in 5 to 10 years ask for a um amendment to her interim use permit for that. >> Thank you. >> It's a simple process, but yeah, that
with you know, 20 kennels and 40 that you know doubling up. So that's 40 is a good number. >> Okay, great. Thank you. Okay. Well, I guess that takes care of the question. Does do you do you understand and will you be able to abide
within the eight conditions that we have on there? Um, anybody else have any questions or comments for Matt or for the applicant? Hearing none. Look for a motion to deny
or to approve the permit with the eight conditions. >> Move to approve. >> Motion by Sebastian to approve. >> Second. >> Second by Kurt to approve. Um any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor say I.
>> I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. IUP is granted. Congratulations. You just bought yourself a job. [laughter] Um, next hearing is a Timothy and Jane
Nephew request for a conditional use permit. The applicant is seeking a conditional use permit to convert an accessory use to a principal use on parcel ID 24.002.1800, 002.1800
the fractional east half of the northeast quarter section 2 township 138N range 44W Park Township. Look for a motion to open the public hearing.
>> So moved. Second. >> Motion by Sebastian, second by Brad. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Public hearing is open. >> Matt. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes, this is a conditional use permit request to convert an accessory use to a principal
use. Um, this property is located uh northwest of Turtle Lake and it's about 3/4 of a mile east of County Road 37. It is rural vacant land. There is a small shed and hoop structure uh that were placed on the property in the late 1990s. Uh a lot of zoning going on in
this property base zoning's egg general. Um there's also general flood plane resource protection, biological and shoreland special protection. So the request is to construct a roughly 1,200 square foot um building just using it for personal use and storage. There
wouldn't be any electricity or utilities. Uh the one thing that did come up with this is just looking at um Nest Lake and its receding and um rising uh water levels throughout the years and where the proposed building is going to go. This is kind of a blend of 2013 and
2025 imagery. Um this blue here, get over here. This kind of shows where the water was in 2013. Um and then this is its current level today right here. And the structure would be kind of roughly in in this area
right here. Had um extensive uh applicants or disc had discussion with the with the applicant. he's aware of the water levels and is confident that the placement would not um be susceptible to to future flooding. Um we just be looking at probably with
shoreland rules um placing it about 3 ft higher than what the um um water level would be, which in this case would be about 1,347 feet above uh sea level. You can see from the um um elevation contours here
that that there is a pretty significant it starts to to rise pretty significantly here. So I'm confident that that's not going to be an issue at all. Uh with the comprehensive plan um again with our uh goal for uh protecting um
egg areas wouldn't take any prime farmland out of production. Um with our shoreland goals to reduce development pressure on in natural environment lakes. This would meet all applicable shortorland shoreland regulations. Um and then we also have a goal to protect and enhance remnant tracks of native
prairie and forest for the benefit and enjoyment of clay county residents and visitors. So this is in that resource protection biological overlay zoning district. There's maple basswood forest community mixed emergent marsh um would occur this would occur in an area that was classified as previously disturbed
land. might be a good idea just to have a wetland consultation um before placing the structure and that might just be a simple like desktop review or or site visit. So um any questions for me at all? >> No, it looks uh
good. The only thing I'd like to add is just to um thank the nephews for their patience tonight. I really appreciate it. I apologize that the the hearing has gone these hearings have gone so long. So, thank you for your patience.
And now, if uh anybody else have any questions or comments for Matt? I had some concerns with the with the distance, but you know, takes a lot of water, you know, you know. you know, for say say that
2013 level was a 100redy year flood plane. I mean, there there's a lot more water that's got to go before this gets wet. So, >> yeah. And Mr. Chair and commissioners, I know the applicant has owned the property since the '9s and so would be able to speak to any uh about the the
water levels as they've varied throughout the years. Hearing no other questions for Matt. Would the applicant care to speak to the merits of their project? >> Hi, I'm Tim Nephew. This is my wife Jane back.
>> Okay, please state your come up to the >> Sure. My wife Jane back here. I'm Tim Nephew. Um, we've had a property for 30 years roughly. Uh, it's storage shed we're going to put out there. Um, it it says no electricity, but I probably we have a standing electricity out there,
but we'd probably run electricity the shed. So um other than that um it's mainly going to be used for storage uh the wetland location the the overlays and Matt if I talked to him a little bit about this too is um that was the you know aberration really that was the
years of the uh if you all remember Turtle Lake rose everything rose all those years and talking to the neighbors who have lived there you know 75 years um that has never been like that before we don't see it coming again I haven't
seen seen it rise. It's done anything but just gone down and I'm probably a little bit further west even from where that is. So, and the elevation kicks up quite a bit. So, I'm not concerned about flooding or anything through there. So,
other than that, any questions you'd have for me? >> Well, you took care of mine. Why would you build that storage shed and not be able to turn a light on? >> Yeah. Well, [laughter] that's that's right. >> Okay. Thanks, You're waiting two hours.
It's the least you can >> I'm I'm just glad those people weren't here to object to me is what I was [laughter] concerned about for a minute there. >> The Turtle Lake Posi. [clears throat] >> Okay. Um is there anyone online or in
the audience that wishes to speak for or against this project? Jim Sheridan >> online that wishes to speak for or against third time. Is there anyone in the audience or online that wishes to speak for or against? Hearing none. All those
uh look for a motion to close the public hearing. >> Second. >> Motion by Laura, second by Kurt. All those in favor say I. I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Public hearing is closed. The interimm use will not be injurous to
the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of Klay County. Oh, I've got same thing, but it's still the wrong Here we go. Timothy and Jane. Yep. The conditional use will not be injurous to the health, safety, morals, and
general welfare of Clay County. >> Mr. Chair, I did just modify that draft finding to include the electricity >> just now on the screen. Okay. The conditional use will not be injurous to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity for
the purpose already permitted. Establishment [clears throat] of the conditional use will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding property for uses predominant in the area. Adequate measures have been or will be taken to provide utilities, access
roads, drainage and off- streetet parking and loading spaces as required to this by this ordinance. Adequate measures have been or will be taken to prevent or control offensive order odor, fumes, dust, noise, vibration, water pollution, and soil
erosion. So that none of these will constitute a nuisance and to control lighted signs or other lights in such a manner that no disturbance to neighboring properties will result. The conditional use will not create an excessive burden on current or
anticipated public infrastructure or services that serve or proposed to serve the area, including but not limited to parks, schools, public safety services, roads, water supplies, sanitary sewers, and storm sewers. Unless the county and the applicant establish a development
agreement that determines how such impacts will be resolved, the conditional use is allowed by this ordinance and conforms with any specific use standards established in chapter 8 as may be applicable.
The conditional use is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Klay County comprehensive and transportation plan and any comprehensive plan of of a township or city as may be applicable. Okay.
So just limited number of conditions that staff has this the use is strictly personal. No commercial activity is to occur on the property. Can't be rented out for storage. It's
you know it's got to be your own. And the floor of the structure must be at 1347 ft above sea level or higher. And I was wondering on uh
you know lighting shall be minimal and oriented to avoid disturbance of neighboring properties. I don't know how close >> Yeah. Please come up to there because I'm going to ask you sir, what are you looking for now that we've established that you're going to have electricity? >> Yep.
>> You going to have a yard mean a yard light a building light on? probably not a yard light full-time anyway, but but um it's down where this is located is actually down low and neighboring properties. My neighbor to my uh to the west of me, Josh Olsen, I'm lower than
his property even. He couldn't probably even see. And there's tree cover throughout the whole area. It's heavily heavy oaks and and things like that in there. So, I don't think there's going to be a lot of uh light issues and we're not going to be having any sense of lights or anything like that.
>> Exact. I know that I we put up a we redid a building that went down and um somebody wanted a yard light on there and that lasted two nights and I turned it off because I lived there and I couldn't handle it. >> Yeah. >> I want dark out my window.
>> Yeah. And you don't Yeah. The neighbors have yard lights so I mean too, you know, I mean farm lights, you know, in their yard. So, I don't think it's going to be any issue, but I don't think I don't even anticipate doing that. So, >> okay. Does anybody else have any
questions or comments for the applicant? >> Just real quick question >> number four in the finding effects. That won't make any difference to him adding electricity to that now, just because it's talking about utilities being added. There's an NA there now. I just just want to make sure there's no issues
for him later on down the road. I think we could just say that utilities because electricity has already been run to the property. Um so there we could we could change this finding if you're agree to um um electrical
utilities the property is serviced by electricity. >> But doesn't number four cover that adequate measures have been or will be taken to provide utilities electricity. >> Yep. It was just NA before. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Just want to make sure he's clarified in
case somewhere down the road later years down the way some Wait a second. >> There's this. >> Okay. I see what your >> Okay. >> Protection. >> We're golden. >> Good. >> Okay. >> Anything else?
>> Thank you. >> Yep. Thank you. >> Um I'm assuming you Oh, yeah. One more question for Can Do you understand and could you can you abide by the the two conditions that we have that the staff has listed? >> Yes,
>> Jane. Yes. >> Okay. Look for a motion to deny or to issue the permit. >> Mr. Chair, I'll make a motion to approve the request. >> Motion by Jenny.
>> Second. Second by Kurt. Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Permit is granted. Let's see. Matt, unfinished business. >> Uh, no unfinished business, Mr. Chair.
>> And then under anything other anything uh other than Ashley on the new business? >> Um, yeah. The only thing I'd like to notice for our December meeting, um the county, uh truth and taxation, um hearing was rescheduled to Tuesday,
December 16th. That goes from 6:00 p.m. to 700 p.m. And so I was hoping that maybe we could look at re um we don't have any applications yet. Uh we have one maybe potential that might be submitted but looking at um looking at
uh >> it's also the not guaranteed to be an hour. >> Yes. Yep. looking at just rescheduling our our time of our planning commission meeting to 7:30 start
potentially or we could just move it to January. >> Well, I am not opposed to that. >> I'm just going to say that's when the public typically comes and provides feedback. We've had nights where no one's shown up and I mean Sebastian knows this. you can have nights where
lots of people show up. So, I'd hate to have a conflict and >> okay, we could we could it would be difficult to reschedule to another time in in December, but so we could just push to January if that's what the board the plan. >> So, then we are going to do the same
thing we did board of adjustment. Let's look at January 27th. >> Yep. Correct. >> I'm fine. >> Okay. I see some nods and Okay. Um and then regarding Ashley, we make a
recommendation to the county commissioners, I'm assuming. >> Yes. So, um Ashley uh has completed her first term and looking for uh reappoint um a recommendation for reappointment to uh her her second uh term on the
planning commission. Um, I have spoken with her and she does wish to um serve again for a second term. She's um wishes she could be here tonight. Uh, one of her sons had a a band concert, so
conflict there, but >> Okay. Um, >> move to nominate Ashley for a second term. A motion by Brad, >> seconded by Kurt to nominate Ashley for a second term.
Uh, any discussion. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion is carried that we pass this on to the county commissioners. >> Anything else? >> That's all that I have at this time, Mr.
Chair, unless anyone else has anything that they want to add. >> Well, I'm looking for that last motion of the night. Motion to adjurnn made by Laura. Pardon >> and a second. >> Second by Kurt. All those in favor say I. >> I.
>> Opposed. Motion is carried. Thank you. Part: 2
Good morning everyone. It's 8:30. We'll call this morning's meeting of the Klay County Board of Commissioners to order for Tuesday, November 18th. Our first item is the approval of the agenda. >> Mr. Chair, I'll make a motion to approve the agenda. >> Second. >> Motion by Commissioner Bayer, second by
Commissioner Ebinger. Any further discussion on the motion? Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying I. I >> oppose the same sign. Motion carried. Citizens to be heard. Do we have any
citizens to be heard on items not on the agenda? There are none in the audience. Do we have any online? >> None, Mr. Chair. >> We'll move then to the approval of bills and vouchers. >> I'll move to approve the bills and vouchers. Second motion by Commissioner
Krabangh, second by Commissioner Bear. Any further discussion? Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppose the same sign. Motion carried. Approval of minutes from
October 28th. Mr. >> Chair, I'll make a motion to approve the minutes from October 20th, 2025. >> And I guess we have end November 4th. We can do them together if you >> All right. and also November 4th, 2025. >> All right, we have a motion. >> Second. >> Motion by Commissioner Bear, second by
Commissioner Abinger. Any further discussion? Any further discussion? >> Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> The same sign. Motion carried. Our next item, our 8:35
item is our state auditor final final audit findings presentation. And we have online with us, we have Karen from the state auditor's office. Good morning. >> Good morning. So, I'm Karen Stacken. I am one of the audit directors with the office of the
state auditor and I'm just here to present uh the findings from the 2024 um Klay County financial statement audit. Um so, the county did receive an unmodified opinion on the financial statements and that is the best opinion you can receive. So that's the one that
you want to have. During our testing, um we did identify three findings in total. Um the first one relates to internal control over financial reporting. Um that was identified in the report as finding 2024-001
and it's related to segregation of duties. So in that finding, we just noted that several of the county's departments that collect fees lack proper segregation of duties. Um these departments generally will have one person that does um
they're responsible for like the billing, the collecting, the recording, and the depositing of receipts. And sometimes they're also involved in recording or reconciling bank accounts. Um just having all of those duties concentrated in one person could affect
the ability of county employees um to be able to identify any misstatements that could occur in a timely period. And so we recommend that the county board and management be aware of the lack of segregation of accounting functions and where possible try to implement
procedures um to ensure that staff are implementing the internal controls. So that was the finding related to the financial um internal controls. And then we also did what's called a single audit
where we um audit some of the federal programs. And so for this year the programs that we audited were the 21.027 which is the CO 19 coronavirus state and local fiscal recovery funds um the child
support services which is 93563 and um 93778 which is the Medicaid cluster. So we did identify two findings and those were both related to the Medicaid cluster. Um both of these
actually related to the eligibility portion and the findings are similar. So the first one is related to um there's there's two different programs that are used to determine eligibility. Um one is METS and the other is MAXIS. And so the
first one is related to the METS program. Um, so there we took a sample of 40 case files and we looked at the case files and compared the information in the case file to the information in the MET system. And there we had one
case file where it lacked um documentation for citizenship and one case file where it um didn't properly ident or document the participants income. And then when we got to the maxis side
of it, there we did test um 40 cases that were under the Maxis program. And there we had a couple of additional findings. There we had um one applicant's pro uh application wasn't processed for 107 days. Um normally they
should be done within about 45. We had six participants where their citizenship verification method didn't match the documentation that was in the file. We had one case file where it didn't document the participants income correctly. And then we had three case
files where it didn't document their um assets correctly. So the effect that this can have is that the lack of the updated information in MAX or the lack of verification of eligibility requirements could allow program participants to free receive
benefits when they're not eligible. And so just for the future, we recommend that the county implement additional procedures to provide assurance that the documentation needed to support the eligibility um is properly input and updated in the
system and that um program program personnel um follow up on issues in a timely manner um and that the county consider providing some further training to personnel. So those were the only findings that we had in the audit this year.
>> Yeah. Um we do have a question Karen Commissioner Mojo. >> Okay. >> Thanks Karen for walking us through this. So my understanding as part of that program that these folks um are updating sometimes information is automatically um up uploaded into a
piece. So are we t are these program findings areas where in which old information could have been uploaded into that information as they're walking through it or is that something separate? So typically with this the what the the findings that we had would be related to
um when they'd have to do like redeterminations and people would have to bring in their information and then it would have to get updated into the system. So in a couple cases they were just data input errors. Um, in a couple places some of the documentation wasn't in the file to support what was in
either the METS or the Maxis system. Um, so >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yep. You're welcome. Were there any further questions? >> We're good, Karen. >> Okay. Um, I just wanted to say thank you
for your time today and also thank you to the staff that worked really hard in putting the audit report together and getting us the information that we needed. >> Yeah. Thank you, Karen. When I sat through the um earlier report that you
had provided to us, um there were there were some comparisons to our cash accounts and our investments and all those types of things. part of the your routine report that you submit through your
audit. And I did have a I do have a couple of follow-up questions on a couple of those that I'll that I would like to do offline with you if that's all right. It's just um >> I just want some clarification on a couple of
>> um values that we that we're reporting. >> Okay. Um, yes. You could either send me an email or we could set up a call after the meeting if you'd like. >> Sure. I'll I'll be in touch. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Anybody else have anything for Karen?
Other than that, I mean, going to Lori and your staff there, um Stacy, it's we've had um just continuously very good audit results. And I in terms of some of those issues regarding the small
departments, it is very difficult for us to it and from a you also got to weigh things from a costbenefit standpoint to have multiple people working on a $500 account or something, you know. So it's some of those things it
you know the amount of people that you can have working on something it doesn't it's not cost effective to do is we put some have to put some trust in but then again the amount of money is so insignificant that I don't think it's a concern on our part. Um, but again, I
think overall your your overall um the unmodified is what we always like to see and and um I G Lori keeps pointing to Stacy over there that she's the she's the the one
in charge here. So, congratulations to the to everybody else. And I think the the areas that you did talk about, we have we have spoken with um um our social service department in some of those
areas on on some of those findings and u we'll deal with it. But again later on I just want to also point out that later today we're going to also be discussing the uh outdated software that we're that all these people have to use and uploading a lot of this stuff and it
goes to it goes to our great argument that we're having going to have with the state legislature right now uh trying to give us uh software that's u more in line with the current century. So, so but but so so hopefully some of
that will be resolved with u with the u better software that's we're we're certain we're looking to get so so with that thank you Karen and and um we'll look forward to next year.
>> All right. Thank you. Right. Okay, we are early for our Mr. Chair. We could I could do uh eight and and eight and or nine if it works for the board. Um
yeah, let's go ahead and do eight. Well, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. This morning for for your consideration uh is a is a document of Klay County Board of Commissioners operating uh guidelines. What this document would do is really establish a structure and and
the procedures that you guys already are following, memorialize some of the the non-written policies that uh that we've had in in some different areas. Uh and really I think our goal is defining defining the goals, the roles and responsibilities uh as commissioners.
This isn't brought about because you're not doing something. In fact, I would say it's being brought about because of the great work that you do. Uh and uh again, as I've shared with you, I've received multiple compliments uh on how you guys carry your meetings. And so, uh
we're just looking to to memorialize uh this. Many of the many of the items that are part of this aren't just items that we do or but are statutes that are required uh by county boards. Uh and again, we're just looking to to put these guidelines forward for some uh
efficiency, transparency. And so with that, I would yield for any questions. >> Mr. Ev. >> Yes. Um and I can direct this to Mr. Melton or you, but uh our attorney has had a chance to review this.
I see that it's very clearly delineated with reference to Minnesota statute. in in much of this material that we have here and I we have it in front of us at pick and I've had a chance to read it totally uh from end to end and I think
it is an extremely useful document and it again it's nothing trying to hem us in. It's actually shown where the line lanes are for the performance of our duties under state law. So I think it's very well done and I'm grateful for
the effort that was put into it. Anybody else have that comes? Yes, commissioner. >> I also concur with Commissioner Ebinger. If I would paperwork to run for this office, I don't know if I would have, but no, it's very well well done and yeah, I I would appreciate being handed
this earlier. Yeah. So, this is very very nicely done. I think it'll help out the next people that sit on this board tremendously. So >> I think a lot of it I think a lot of it might have you know as you said it it it goes to the involvement that that we all
do. Um I don't you know it's important for everybody to understand that this is a guideline and I I for one is would am somebody in elected position who I I need to know where my lanes are but I also need to know that I have the ability to speak up
when I need to speak up and you know and guidelines are not going to prevent me from speaking up if if I think it's important to do so. So um yeah, so I think you know from I I thought back to this and I think we
um in our diversion board of authority we did something similar to this with our diversion board too was just kind of um yeah just so people understand the whole process. So anything else?
I would make a motion that we approve the Klay County Board of Commissioners operating guidelines. >> I'll second. >> We have a motion by Commissioner Ebinger, second by Commissioner Krabanov. Any further discussion on the motion? >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes, Commissioner Mojo.
>> Thank you. Uh my question in this um my understanding generally the committee reports is um when commissioners are reporting on that that's also needed for PDM reimbursement and so does that need
to be reflected in any of the guidelines or is that done earlier in >> uh we can make sure that that's uh that's clear uh when making an addition >> I thought that Well, I don't it's not in the committee
reports, commissioner updates. Uh I did look in the compensation piece, but it's not mentioned on reporting. >> I would accept that change into my motion if
>> I have an office. If I if I um Okay. So, we have a motion in a second. Uh and you're looking at maybe amending just a friendly amendment to include Commissioner Mojo. And I'm just
wondering if I look at page 130 of 145 under board committees. I wonder if we could just expand that. >> I didn't know if that needed to be on board committees or if that needed to be on committee reports. You know, maybe maybe with that it would be whatever the
attorney, >> but I maybe maybe under the board committees it could it could be stated that you know the committee reports will be provided to the board. I think that would cover it then. I
think that's a good >> I'd accept that in as a an amendment to my motion. >> Okay. We that meet your with your approval. I think we just >> over wordsmith but you want to put the word in must
>> well I I I you know and again it goes to the statutes that require us to to report so in order to be eligible for the pdium. So if we can just ask Steve to put that proper modify that language in there
>> we'll do. All right, Paul, did that meet your uh agreement for the friendly? All right, >> any further discussion? >> Just a followup to your comment earlier. This is nothing new. This is what the board has practiced for years. Uh I
think it's important to have clarification for future board members and some of us that even been have been on here longer, but also for the public to know. >> Yeah. And I, you know, they the one the one thing that I did uh notice in here
that um under the role of the presiding officers and uh it talks about the board chair being the only being the one who would call for a workg group. Um, you know, when we had some discussions and I think back to our
discussions that we had with the diversion board and and if you it it seems to me that you could you might have four commissioners who have an interest in wanting to have a workg group and you might have a board chair
who's adamantly opposed to that. you know, I I I think we we should there should maybe be something in there that says a board chair or um >> um you know, well, I you can't even get into majority because then you're you'd
be you would have been dis but I think if you any other two commissioners >> um >> I almost wonder though is that is that something that in a point of contention a full board could act on in their meeting and call for and vote for
in a situation like you're talking about? >> Well, I I guess there's I my only part of the reason why we why we do have workg groups is that we like to be able
to maybe spend more time and expand on a certain topic than we would in a normal >> group setting. And so the all I'm saying is just the ability to or how you or who has the authority to call the workg
group. >> That's what I'm saying. Then if the board chair refuses, the board can act to call you can create a motion to call a workg group at a >> but then we'd be going against the guidelines.
>> But you said the guidelines are guidelines. >> All right. Okay. I'm good with that then. Okay. >> All right. Any further discussion? All in favor signify by saying I. >> I.
>> Oppose. The same sign. Motion carried. All right. Um, let's see. Who do we have coming for when we'll be here? Okay. >> Do you want to So, do you have the
budget stuff, Steve? Do you want to >> Uh, thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, Over the last week or so, uh we've been working with public health and and social services just to make their final adjustments uh for what their uh what their grant amounts are. Uh we did uh
did see some adjustments that took our took our levy down from 4.93 to 4.86 uh with those adjustments. Um, and so that uh we did see a minor
minor decrease there. Uh, we did I think I shared last week that we did meet uh with Troy uh Lori uh at the detox number. We did uh we did uh we've seen some trends again. We have been open for
about a year. Uh we've seen increases at the facility from a population standpoint uh starting in April. Uh, one of the challenges that that we've had is as I shared I think in the past that we have we have hit our capacity already
several several times. Uh, and so uh the the the uh part for Troy is he has had to staff up from a from a staffing standpoint uh a little bit higher than what he had potentially anticipated at the beginning. So there's been uh been some additional costs that have come
there. Having said that, um, in in talking with Lori, uh, we feel like, uh, if if it were the board's wishes that we would be able to, uh, have additional revenue or anticipate additional revenue of about $100,000. Um that would if the board's wishes were to address that, we
could um we could uh uh take that $100,000 off the what that number the funding number from Quinn's uh budget that gets transferred to uh to uh to the detox facility. Is that factored in as the 4.86 or not?
>> That is not >> Mr. Mr. Mayor. >> Is that a conservative number? >> Uh it it is is a conservative number from the standpoint that if uh if the uh population continues from April moving
forward uh that it would be a conservative number. I think I would add it in. >> That's great. >> Okay. Are we good with that? Okay. >> Great news. >> We have anything else?
>> I I have one thing. I had uh a director reach out to me from 4G Advisory Group LLC. They are an audit group that goes around and audits company to see where they can save money. He reached out to me and said he would be willing to look at Klay County as a whole and it takes
about four to six weeks. I've me mentioned this to Steve earlier and four to six weeks to see if there's any savings in the county in any department with anybody. And the way we would pay them is with the savings say we'd save
$200,000. We'd split that 5050. I just seen if that's an option if we want to go down this path. I've mentioned it to Steve earlier. We had a brief conversation on it. I just wondering if we want to go down that path and audit the whole county and see if there's sa
real savings anywhere. We wouldn't have to pay anything if they find nothing. The company's the main one of the main people's out of Morhead here. >> God, Mr. Chair, commissioners, I as was mentioned, we had a brief conversation. I don't know a lot about it. My my
understanding is is the majority of the work that they do is in private versus public. Uh and so um you know I I think that you know anytime that the the fee is based off findings makes me a little bit
nervous. I think we just got done with our audit um from the state. Um I know that uh I do know that Anna has been looking at at different programs uh to find if there's a if there's more of an necessarily an audit but an efficiencies
looking at departments. Um, you know, we do that I feel fairly well uh as as a county, but certainly uh certainly uh something that we could we can look into. >> Mr. Mojo, >> thank you. You know, I appreciate the
perspective and um the conversation that Commissioner Bayer had. I think it's important to bring that forward. you know, it it seems as though you are implementing some things in the leadership group with Klay County to make sure we're doing just that, auditing components that there might be
redundancies or areas for effectiveness. Uh I I will say that AMC is in the process of implementing something quite similar that has more to do with what are the state mandated components and then how does the county
look to reflect in and and see where the cost drivers for each specific county are with that. It seems to me something like that would would be a better fit once we have identified those specifically to to look at where there could be
potential savings. >> Commissioner Einger. >> Yeah. Again, I I have some concerns when the individual, the company that's doing this, their fee is based on what they find, particularly when they're private
sectorbased. Uh there's a lot of things in government that they may identify as wasteful that are actually requirements and mandates and um we could end up having to litigate who's paying what if we don't
agree with what their their identified cuts are. If AMC is looking at doing something similar, I'm all for jumping on that. But I don't know. But not questioning their integrity, it's questioning their perspective. is my
Yeah, >> Mr. Krabn, >> I I just my response to it, I think it's um uh I'll put it this way. I wouldn't be in favor of it. I I just feel I trust the leadership that exists. I think they've
shown even where we started at a figure of a levy at 12 and bring it now down to 4.86 86 and perhaps some more. We have supervisors, administration that are all fine-tuning their process as they go
along. And we know that certain things will come into play that might be identified and then all of a sudden the state comes out with something else or or we find new ways of strategy between departments like public health and
social services where they can make those adjustments within. I think we have very good management control. >> Okay. >> Just a topic. >> Thank you.
>> All right. We are very close to our Matt. Do you want to start getting yourself set up for All right, my watch says nine o'clock. So, we are ready to um have the public hearing for
Steve and Terresa Opt request for platted subdivision. >> Mr. Chair, I'll make a motion to open the public hearing. >> Second. >> Have a motion by Commissioner Mojo, second by Commissioner Evinger. Any further discussion on the motion? Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in
favor signify by saying I. >> I >> oppose the same sign. The hearing is open. Good morning, Matt. >> Good morning, Mr. Chair and commissioners. Yes, this is a request for uh a plaid subdivision, the the final plat uh for a oneb block, two lot
uh subdivision uh located on the east side of US Highway 75, north of 90th Avenue South, about uh 1 and a 3/4 mile south of uh Morehead's um urban uh planned urban growth area and about 3
miles south of Morehead. Uh zoning on this property uh base zoning is agricultural general. There is a little bit of flood plane fringe. Uh that would be on uh primarily on lot two. So this would be lot two.
This is lot one. And so property information, it's about 66 acres. Land use right now is currently agriculture. Uh there's no structures on the property. Um looking at the crop uh equivalency rating of this this would be prime farmland kind
of ranges from 67 um to 73 um which is once you get into the 70s that's that's good. There aren't any wetlands um on the property. It'd be two lots. One lot would be 10 acres um and then this is north just so
you know going this way. So 75 is down here. Um, and then the other lot be 53.73 acres. Wouldn't be any internal roads. There'd be a direct access connection to US Highway 75. And they do have restrictive covenants as well.
Uh, later this evening, the planning commission will hear an interim use permit request for a concrete readymix plant to be cited on lot one. Uh, concrete readymix plants are permitted as an interim use in this zoning district. So, um, we do allow them in the A general zoning district as an
interim use. Uh, there was not an interim use permit application for lot one formally submitted until after that October 1st planning commission meeting when the planning commission heard the preliminary plat. Uh just to give you a bit some
background on township action, uh September 8th, they did consider a request from uh an applicant different from this uh applicant for the plat to reszone and plat the same property. The township did deny those requests. Uh and then on September 23rd, they hel he
heard a request from the land owners for this plat. Um it was approved, but the township did voice a strong opposition to sighting of a concrete plant or other industrial use at this location. And the reasons they gave were loss of farmland, neighborhood concerns, concerns about traffic safety uh and potential
groundwater use. Uh we have received another uh number of public comments uh about this plat and the proposed use. Uh there are noise, dust, vibration concerns, uh water use, so quantity and quality concerns. Um highway safety just
being a 60 mile per hour two-lane road. Uh there's been some comments about long-term planning and zoning. So having an industrial use at this location, disrupting progression and undermining long-term planning at this location. Uh cumulative impact. So recent um
commercial industrial development impacts have already been observed on US Highway 75 from from the public. Um county should be protecting rural character. uh the desire for development along this corridor matching the US uh
81 corridor in North Dakota just across the river. Um there was a comment about industrial development limiting limiting the growth of Morhead to the south. Uh there's also a petition online um opposing the concrete plant but not the
plat um 131 plus signatures um for that. Uh we did additional comments. Uh Mandot did require an access permit site plan. Um they don't at this time think there's a turn lane or traffic study required
for the proposed site um and use. And just to comment that there's about 1646 vehicles traveling daily on on US Highway 75. Um, for the proposed use, I think they're
looking at potentially at at a peak maybe adding 50 trucks a day to that. Um, but significantly less off off peak. Um, the planning commission did look at our how this platting request relates to the comprehensive and transportation
plan goals and objectives. So looking at our goal to recognize and protect egg character of Klay County and protecting prime egg soils from commercial industrial residential development. Um it would take about 10 acres of prime farmland out of egg production. Uh just
in context we have in Klay County about 297600,600 acres of prime farmland if drained and about 154,240 acres prime farmland. Then they looked at the goal uh that we encourage an indust commercial
industrial development that is in harmony with the egg and rural character of Klay County promoting value added egg commercial industrial development in egg service center areas and along transportation corridors and hubs. Um it would this proposed plat you know would allow
for some of these uses would be situated on US Highway 75 which is a minor arterial in Klay County. So, it's one of our major major roadways. And then looking at um our goal to encourage commercial industrial development that is in harmony with the egg and real character of Klay County
and to avoid or mitigate against um commercial or industrial development that increases the potential for land use conflicts with rural residential or egg uses. Uh just noting where the closest residence is. It's about a/4 mile to the north. And then there's also a resident that's approximately point4
miles to the west of the proposed plat as well. Um, and then the planning commission did make the recommendation to authorize the preparation of the final plat and sent to the board of commissioners for approval. And one thing I should say with the
planning commission, um, when they were considering this plat, um, they weren't considering it for specifically a I think it was in the back of everyone's mind that it was going to be for a concrete readymix plant, but they weren't considering it it as as part of
the plat. Um, just because a concrete readymix plant was already be would already be allowed as an interim use permit in that zoning district. Any other qu any questions for me at all? >> So, so it was brought before the
planning commission. Uh there was no discussion uh through that process of a concrete plant. >> There was there was some there was some discussion about that because that was essentially but the decision was not necessarily based on that.
>> All right. Any other questions of the board at this time? All right. Public comment. Do we have the applicant here? Would the applicant care to speak? Good morning. Um, my name is John Lowry. I'm with Lowry Engineering and I'm here on behalf of the land owner, Steve
Opatrell, uh, who's also a local resident here. So, um, Steve and his wife own this property and they have an individual who would like to purchase 10 acres and as, uh, Mr. Jacobson said, uh, there is an intention for a concrete
readymix plant and that application has been applied for, uh, as an inner muse permit and will be heard this evening by the planning and zoning commission. So, I think um I'd just like to define that what we're here today is not the use
that's proposed on this property, but the ability to plat it into a 10acre parcel. The ability for Mr. El Patrol to create a 10acre parcel that is sold without an intermuse permit uh as permitted uses underneath the egg zoning. And uh that's an agreement, you
know, that's an understanding to between two private parties and a later discussion I believe on what the uses are going to be or can be on that property and we'll go through the proper procedures and channels to uh to obtain those approvals. So um
you know we can certainly get into some of the details of the the concerns and uh uh questions that have been raised about this. we'd be happy to. Um I I don't know that this is the right forum for that. As I said, it's it's this is about creating the 10acre parcel, not
the proposed use at this time. So >> yeah, that so and that Matt, that's my question. So, you were saying that that if if this zoning is is approved or
what we're doing here today is approved that the concrete plat would would automatically fall within or are we making a change for the uh zoning? >> So, Mr. Chair, there is no zoning change. concrete readymix plants and
asphalt batch plants are currently allowed as interim uses under the current zoning. >> Okay. >> Um the the connection here would be um with the plat being for a commercial or industrial use. Um
I mean the connection might be would would it be likely that the readymix plant permit would go forward without the plat? I I don't know. um because there wouldn't be a change in ownership. It would have to be like a lease situation. Um just speaking to
concrete plants that are in either our um agricultural general zoning district or our resource protection aggregate zoning district. Um most of them are I mean some of them are on one-year interim use permits, some are on five,
some are on 10. Um but they're typically um tied to specific jobs or the potential for jobs. Um they get taken down, they get broken apart, they get moved around. Um there are a couple that are more permanent. Yes. Um but one of
the reasons why it's allowed as an as an interim use uh in the egg general zoning district is for that that reason. So, what's the purpose of them going to the planning commission tonight? >> That would be for that interim use
permit for the So, that's still required. That would still be required. Yep. No matter what, that would have to be required. So, >> um even if this without this plat, if they were seeking to just put the concrete readymix plant on this 66 66
acre parcel, they would still need to go for an interim use permit. And that would that that would be the path that they would have to take for that. Okay. >> This is loting off 10 acres that be sold off and be >> right.
But that but by by doing that they're they're not guaranteed the interim. >> No. >> Until they go through the planning commission process. >> Correct. >> Okay. I just I'm trying to put this puzzled. I was trying to read this earlier and I I'm going to wait and ask my questions
here. >> Yeah, Chair Campbell, great questions. It it's not a a simple manner, but it it's part of the process to to work through and and that's, you know, we've been in conversation with the county staff and just working through the process here. So the creating this
parcel so that he has the ability to sell it is is the first step and I think he has the right to subdivide his parcel here fronting highway 75 create this 10acre parcel. Well, when I, you know, when I when I look at the, you know, I'm just from my
standpoint, when I when I look at the subdividing and the in, you know, I I think land owners have rights, you know, and and for us to say that we're we're not going to split something up
um because it's prime farmland, it's also privately owned. And I think we, you know, from my standpoint, I think owners have, you know, maybe that's their maybe that's their future finances is based on the
ability to sell that 10 acres but fashion. So I from that standpoint I you know I I would I would side from that standpoint with and I'm just I'm just talking about the
prime eggland argument here that we you know I don't want to say that somebody can't sell their land because it's prime egg land. >> Mr. Matt, could you uh distinguish the difference between an interimm use permit and a conditional use permit? I
know the difference just so the board knows the difference. >> Yeah, so that's a um Commissioner Campbell and Chair Campbell and Commissioner Bear. Uh a conditional use permit is essentially a a land right. So, um, if a conditional use permit is
granted, it runs with the land and, um, the only way that it could be terminated or revoked is if the conditions of the permit are violated. Uh, interim use permits are not a land rate. Um, they're either their expiration is triggered by
either an event or a specific deadline or point in time. With batch plants, it's 99.9% of them have um specific deadlines. It's not an event that that necessarily, but whether it be one year,
5 year, 10 year. Um um and also with with that too, if the conditions of the interim use permit are violated, that um would be a grounds for a revoking of of the permit. So with that being said, even if this
does become a concrete plant, in five years it could be back into farmland. So it runs with the applicant, not with the land. So that's there's a difference there. >> That's can be time specific. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And Mr. Chair, if there's ever an ownership change as well, um that permit
would automatically need to be renewed when the uh when the planning commission they they held a public hearing >> for the plat. Correct. >> The plat. >> Yep. And in that public hearing process, the the notice
had no information regarding what is now the intent of a part part of that land. Right. >> It was it was just about the plat. Correct. >> Just about the plat. And so the you know from from that standpoint you know the and again I think I'm I'm
trying to separate the difference between what we're doing in in terms of should we or should we not allow this to go from one lot to two. >> Sure. >> That's what we're here for today. >> Mhm. Um, I don't want to get ahead of the planning commission in terms of a
hearing tonight because, you know, obviously based on what you've said, there's there's many people that are opposed to this and did they have the ability to raise that opposition at that previous planning
commission meeting when they when some of them may not have known what was the intent. This time they will, right? Isn't it? So, what's on the planning commission tonight? Is it about the concrete plant? >> Yes, Mr. Chair, that is correct. And yeah, concerns were raised at the um at
the planning commission meeting. A lot of the concerns that I conveyed. >> Yeah, but what I'm saying is that there might be others who weren't aware based on the previous public hearing notification. >> Correct. >> Yes. >> About about the concrete plan. >> Correct.
>> That's that's that's the issue that I have there. Um, >> Chair Campbell, if I may. Yes. Um, you know, it we're not trying to be >> it was a question of what you do first and we applied for the intermuse permit
to make sure that it was known and that there weren't, you know, we're not trying to go behind anybody's back. We understand the concerns of the neighbors and and um, you know, want to work through the process >> as it's supposed to work. Um,
so I think I think as you said, the opportunity is there for to raise those concerns and properly go through the process. We could have held off on this application and went through this morning and then applied and been hurt in a month or whatever,
but you know to not try and you know, we were trying to be forthright with our process. >> Well, I apologize if I gave the impression that something was being done underhandedly here. That's not at all what I was getting at here, but >> um >> right,
>> we we'd appreciate the consideration with the understanding, you know, it's fully well known that that there's going to be consideration tonight. I think this is a separate process that also needs to occur. So, we would appreciate the support of creating the 10acre parcel, understanding that there might be implications for what happens
tonight. So, >> all right. U any other public comments? Thank you. >> Come on up and you state your name, please. And >> morning. >> Good morning. Uh Dan Moore. I live at
846 14th Street South. I would be on the northeast corner of that property right across the road. um when you talked about and as he if I can just do keep this short but he applied for a permit
for 13 buildings previously and at that time there was talk of a concrete batch plant possibly going in there. I was told that that had been dropped. Since then I've received no notices that this was going to come in. I found out from
the neighbors there that this was coming up. So, I was a little disappointed there. Um, when he says this doesn't lead to the that it's a separate meeting or whatever, it does lead to the possibility of the batch plant. and um
on a separate issue. And um when his first 40 acres were plotted and they were going to put concrete and dirt and other things on that property, um he said that there would be, you know, a little bit of concrete stored
there, some dirt and some clay and and that's fine. But, you know, now he said that there would be like maybe 3 days a year of uh concrete cut crushing. Well, this last year there was a month, month and a half
of it. The piles got so high that I called just to see how high they were going to get cuz I shoot across that property before it was there to get my Wi-Fi and I never got a response back. I just so once once this stuff goes into
play, things happen all the time that um are kind of brought in and it's just um it's just not good. When they did the substation by my place last summer, two summers ago, um they actually took the
black dirt off and hauled it over to their site. And not just his trucks, but the gravel trucks and everything else literally destroyed that road. They pushed my road out. Now, instead of mowing it, going up at a taper, it comes
up like this cuz the road got pushed out from so much. So, you start getting all those trucks and the equipment and everything and it just not only the valuation of your property, but roads and everything around it just get beat up, destroyed.
So, I have Yes, it will go to later tonight and I will be back again, but I have some pretty big concerns about this. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. >> Well, I might answer to the first part of your statement because we had talked about those subdivisions in there and
and when we said it was going away, I guess my intention was communicating that it had gone away for those parcels. The possibility is what I had meant, >> right? And and to my understanding, you know, I'm not against people. he owns a property to put the 13 condos on there,
whatever. You know, it's up against the highway and sometimes when things get built, the condos, you can talk to the people or whatever, and they can make it look neat and decent. I understand that. But most of the time, you get out in the country and you get condos or whatever,
and there's junk piled all around, all over, and you guys don't get to see it, but the people that live there see it and work around it. So, um, not trying to stop him from doing business, but at the same time trying to protect what I've been there for a long time. I grew
up there. I've been there since ' 66. So, thank you. Any other comments? Schaefelt, 9216 14th Street South. I also have lived on the property since 73.
And we're just so against this. It's just so much more noise and trucks coming by. And he's talking uh 50 more trucks a day coming out on 75. He didn't say that they're going to be turning against traffic, stopping traffic on 75 to turn into their property. There's no
turn lanes. And then like Joe said about the cement factory or the grinding the cement last year that went on forever. And they had track holes out there was just clanking. They're making noise and beeping all day long. And I'm outside a
lot and it just bothers you. And then you got the water issues. We have a couple different neighbors that have ran out of water and had to redrill wells this year. So, where's this water going? How long is it going to be there?
And then um 90th Avenue, it's a cut across from County Road 10 and I live right on 90th Avenue and it's that's the gateway to gravel. You know, they're going to be coming down this little gravel road with their trucks. They were when they redid the substation. It was just constant
trucks going by and it's a narrow road. If you met them, you had to stop and literally stop and pull over because trucks weren't moving over. They just fly right on by you. And well, obviously it's awesome farmland and I am a farm laborer, so I am for that,
which I know you you have your opinion on that, too. Well, then you got the beeping and the when they dump their trucks, you know, they pull ahead and bang their boxes to get their truck empty. You hear that all day long. I'm I'm 4/10en of a mile away. I was the one that was 4/10en of a mile
away from this. And it's it's just not what we really want. I have several neighbors that voiced the same opinion. They couldn't make it here today. >> That's it. >> Thank you. Yep. >> Matt, I have a question for you. Um, a
number of years ago, there was somebody who wanted to business that wanted to do something on Highway 75 South and Mindot required a turning lane.
Uh, is there has what's MDOT's uh discussion on this been? So I did reach out to Mindot, excuse me, and sorry, and basically what they told me was just based on what they have received from the applicant for the
concrete readymix plant that um and and this plaid um that they wouldn't require a traffic study or turn lane just based on the >> they would not >> they would not. >> Right. >> Their main concerns were just about the shoulder paving on the access.
>> I agree. I thought that we It see Morhead Marine seems to yep come up in my brain. I think the discussion was with Morehead Marine and >> that's what it was >> and MDOT did think that that would cause >> significant effects to 75. And that's
where I I also you know I I do live down there. So I you know I do have concerns with >> those trucks pulling out without Mandot having some sort of turn lane requirement. It just seems that Did Did somebody say
50 a day? 50 trucks? >> That was the the peak um at the peak. Um typically I think they were looking at maybe 10 10 a day and that speed limit there is 60. Y >> do we have any other comments from
public? My name is Laura Walker and I'm canol but I'm a walker and we I have a five generation farm there that Laura >> did you want to >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> There you go. >> I'll hold that down here. Um it's been five generations of our family have been
out there farming that land out there. So, we have a lot of um legacy, I guess, and I feel like the idea of the growth of Morehead, I really would like it to reflect a lot of what's going on on the Fargo side as well and not to be so
industrialized on this side. Um there are concerns. I'm going to speak for the Bannerman's because they're they live right there as well and it's their golden years. they're retired and now to have beeping and truck noise and um just for their safety and concern. I don't
personally live out there. We have family members that do and that farm out there, but it's it's kind of devastating to that area. It's not really what people have envisioned for that area. And same with the environmental concerns. Um we just want to respect and
and keep it, you know, to its true culture of the farming community that it is. and honor that. And so I know that that's not what's on the table right here. And I know that but it is indirectly it's going to be voted on in that regard. And I talked to Mandot. I
was the one who started the petition because a lot of people weren't informed and it was just a very very few people. So that's what I feel like there needed to be a voice out there for those people that this is going to directly impact. And so because I felt like the last
because there is a batch plant I believe right out there already on this property or not their property but right next to it. So I feel like that's already been in play. Why do we need another one that's going to only increase more industrial use in that area is kind of
going to set the standard. And my concern is we're going to be up. It's going to be a lot like North Fargo with sewage lagoons and trucking companies. And I'm not about progress. I love the fact that Morehead could be a community with churches and
schools and parks just like the Fargo side. We've got Brierwood. We've got the Fargo Country Club and there's churches and schools and green space. That would be awesome if Morehead does tend to and this is kind of the last area that Morehead can really grow towards because everything else has been pretty
developed out in that area. So I feel like if I can speak up for the people that didn't hear about it and we're just trying to be a voice of of those area of the farmers and of the legacy that's been before that. It's been a hundred
years our family has been out there and the old farmstead is still there. And so that's that's all I have to say. >> Thank you. Any other comments? question uh for the applicant again.
tonight. Um if if this plat or if this if this proposal was not approved um or or if they uh I should say if if the planning commission
um rejected these this concrete plant >> um would the would the applicant still have gone through this this portion this splitting that
into a 10acre piece, >> you know, uh that that's a difficult question to to answer. The two are definitely tied. You know, the the the proposed use precipitated the creation of this lot, but um you know, I I think the intention is to plat it into a
10acre parcel at this point in time. So, um, you know, there were there were a few comments made and and again, I know we're here to consider the plat, but but I feel like, uh, you know, some things should be could be addressed a little bit. Um, you know, the MDOT piece, the
the applicant is more than willing to follow all requirements and safety. I think MDOT's pretty conservative with with their requirements. And so if we're underneath the threshold to require improvements, um, you know, that we're not dictating that that if MDOT was
going to require it, it'd be on somebody else's dime, which is the case right now. So, you know, we'd be happy to build out anything that they're requesting. The truth is, you know, and we we we made the application some time ago to MDOT before this went to the township
and and they're just not that concerned with it. That's the truth of it. it's underneath the threshold of their concern and like I said, they're conservative with that because they get it in on the developer dime. And so if they had any concern, they'd be requiring it. Um
the the the crushing was brought up a little bit, you know, and I Steve's involved with that and he said they crushed a few times on there, maybe two days total last year, but there's the other concrete plant that is also crushing. And so I think there was a
little bit of confusion maybe on what activities are occurring on the the property to the north that that steep is part owner in. um you know uh traffic that was also brought up on the township roads and this plant's going to be fronting
Highway 75. So and they they they're for sure going to follow any requirements for hall road restrictions and and uh respect the loss of the land. Um, and I think another point that was brought up was
regarding the Bannerman's and and Steve's been personally in contact with them. So, you know, he's they've spoken on their own behalf. They don't need somebody to speak on their behalf. >> I I think that's fair. We do have the statement in here that there were Bannermans were opposed. I mean, so it
what she commented on was not out of line with what we have from Bannerman's. >> Sure. Well, I guess different conversations have been had and maybe better communication is needed between the bannermans, but uh um
>> you know, this gets down to an issue of we need facilities such as this to continue to own and operate in the area in order for Fargo Morehead to be in business. And
as she mentioned, there's a concrete ready mix plant directly in this vicinity. And there's probably not a more perfect spot for this location. You know, the county came up with standards and setbacks and restrictions and beyond that for the visual impairments that
that were mentioned that that's a valid concern. And I think there's conditions and things that we can do today that'll be discussed further tonight in order to improve on that. and and maybe not even meet in the middle, but go beyond that
and provide screening and provide uh lighting, you know, down lighting and other things to reduce that noise. And they'll hear tonight, but we're in favor of that. You know, they they want the freedom to use their land in a productive manner, but also be good
neighbors. And I don't think that's an unreasonable request. you know, they they have the right to use their property and and their enjoyment as does this land owner and and that's what we're looking for. So, >> all right. Um,
so the the action that this board is being asked to take is >> basically the plat, >> dividing the plat. Um be because even prior to this and because everybody who's here is concerned about more of the actions that
are going to be ongoing this evening at the planning commission level. Uh my question Matt is for all parties involved. Uh if we were to prove this plat today and they go in there tonight
and the planning commission were to approve the request, do the landlorders do the land owners have the right to appeal that to the county board?
the if they were to approve it, the the appeal would go to um either the district court or court of appeals. >> We just changed that just recently. >> Normally it used to come to the county board if you appeal. >> Yeah, it would go to >> Wait a second. I think we're He said if
the applicant gets the approval, he's not talking about the applicants appealing. He's talking about the residency. >> I'm talking about I'm talking about tonight. If if the planning commission were to
approve what they have before them, assuming that we've done what the request is this morning and they approve it, we have a lot of people here who are in opposition to this.
What is their method to challenge that? would have to be challenged in district court or the Minnesota Court of Appeals. >> I see. >> Yeah. >> Yes. Oh, Commissioner, did you >> ask if there's any other comments? >> Oh, yeah. Thank you. Yeah. Thank you. Do
we have any other comments? If not, Mr. Chair, I'll make a motion to close the public hearing. We have a motion to close by Commissioner Bear, second by Commissioner Abinger. Any further discussion on that motion? Any further discussion? Seeing none, all
in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppose. The same sign. The public hearing is now closed. The record is um what we have in the record is what's been part of the packet as well as the public comments today.
All right. Uh, what's the board's wishes, Mr. Chair? >> Yes, Commissioner Mojo. >> Thank you. I serve on the planning commission, but Commissioner Kavanagh uh attended this meeting uh for me, so he was part of the dialogue and I think can add some additional comments on that. Uh, you know, when we look at what
future land uses are, I think those that conversation is very vital and very needed and important, and I think the the avenue for that will be this this evening. I uh do live in Kurtz Township. I attended the Kurtz Township board meeting I think we had on the 23rd and
there was a long dialogue about future land use but also the request before us today and um I appreciate uh the fact that we're talking about um prime farmland and the values of f prime farmland and the importance of um
retaining that character. I'll also remind the board that um not everyone can afford farmland. Uh so uh when you have newer families that maybe want to settle in Klay County, uh buying a a quarter section of land isn't always in
the financial cards for folks. And so by doing a a parcel split and making a 10acre piece that does become a avenue for additional folks to maybe attain uh purchasing farmland if you know if the if we don't talk about a badge plant or
uh concrete pieces those those pieces I live on a on a a parcel of farmland that was quartered out that my family could afford and and so I think that's important to talk about too as Klay County is the fastest growing county outside of the metro area. So, those are
important components. Um, I also say that um, you know, while a 10acre split might not raise a flag for Highway 75 access, I would I would guess if you were to look at that corridor of development with the new the new parcels
that are out there with what Knife River and the batch plant is, um, we're getting to a threshold in which um, someone who's driven that road since she could drive will be an access issue. uh we are approaching accesses on that that piece. When you look at residents, not
only the one on the river there, but that whole kind of um section of land that's served by Highway 75 access, we will have issues. And um I I've worked with Mindat a lot to know they are conservative and I will say when they
get to hearing how many trucks will be coming in and out of that piece, we'll have some issues. Um, you know, I I'm really torn as I believe the the township officers will were also in that dialogue about um what future um uses
could be understanding prime farmland is important understanding we're also in this growing area which needs to be served by product and I understand that. Um, but when I look at what's ahead of us today, what is not today, but tonight's different, but right now with
this parcel split, um, you know, I I don't see anything um that I can vote against this. I do have concerns about other pieces, but when we talk about it, a parcel split, I I've not seen anything right now where I can vote against.
>> Commissioner Kraov. >> Yeah. Thank you. I appreciate all the comments. Um I guess uh I disagree. Um I I think that the um in my opinion
uh uh when we look at the 2045 comprehensive plan I'm reading this the land use for agriculture recognize and protect the agriculture character of Klay County. protect prime agriculture
soils from commercial, industrial, and residential development. And it's not part of the I think I heard Matt say it's not part of the comprehensive growth plan right now. Is that correct or did I misunderstand, >> Mr. Chair and Commissioner Campbell for
the for the city of Morehead? >> Morehead. Okay. Thank you. Um but I I just think this um continuing to build and especially when we start and I uh from the
hearing that we had at at the U planning commission I asked why does it need to be uh there and they didn't uh the reason he wanted it there is because that's where Mindot told him he could
have one uh access point and that's why it's there. But the idea of um you know just creating more development when I think there are other opportunities with things Clay County for him to do the same thing. I um I'm opposed.
>> Commissioner Bear, >> I believe what's sitting in front of us right now is to for the the flat and what happens tonight happens tonight. And I believe I appreciate everybody coming, but I think their concerns are for what's tonight's meeting would be about. I believe in front of us is a
plat and I'm in favor of the plat. >> Commissioner Abinger. >> Yeah, I I think what we have in front of us, we have to take it face value. What the planning commission does
tonight and subsequent to that, what if it if it requires litigation, that's a different matter. But we we don't want to be in a position where we're restricting people from using their or from
using their land uh in a manageable fashion. And in absence of the other issues that have been brought up, this is a fairly simple transaction and a simple request.
So I'm going to be supportive of it. >> With that, Mr. Chair, I'll make a motion to approve the El Patrol subdivision final plant based on the planning commission's recommendations. >> All right, we have a motion by Commissioner Bear, second by Commissioner Ebinger. Any further
discussion on the motion? I'm going to point out that um I agree if this if this were to be brought before us and that had there not been any discussion of a concrete plant I think there wouldn't be the
hesitancy on the part of this board to uh to go along with this. So the issue is the is the concrete plant and that's an issue for tonight and it's an issue that the planning commission is going to have to deal with tonight. Uh I'm disappointed that the
appeal process if it were to be approved that our own Klay County people couldn't come back to this board. U that but again we're we're the ones who made that decision to have it go to district court. Um, and again I going back to the
land issue. I I firmly agree that uh we had somebody talk about the uh lifelong time on on their family farm and they you know they probably want to see that for several more generations.
But we also I've also seen that we have family farmers who decide that they want to move on to something else and they don't want to be restricted from their value of their property in
being able to do what's best for them. And so that that goes my argument goes to the opposition of what Commissioner Krabnoff was saying is that by hell or high water we can't do we can't let anybody do anything but farmland.
That's the farmer's choice. It's their it's their invested in it and it's their right. So I'm going to uh I'm going to support this motion. Uh, I I hope the planning commission
strongly hears the concerns of all the residents tonight. So, any further discussion on the motion? Any further discussion? We want a roll call vote on this one? Roll call vote, please. >> Commissioner Kanha,
>> no. >> Commissioner Mojo. Hi. >> Commissioner Campbell. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Bear. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Abinger. >> Hi. >> Motion carried. All right, we'll move on. We have our next public hearing is a request of a
platted subdivision for Scott Menthy. >> Make a motion to open the public hearing. >> Second. >> We have a motion to open and we have a second by Commissioner Bayer. Any further discussion?
Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppose the same sign. The public hearing is open. All right. Matt. Thank you, Mr. Chair. This is a request for a platted subdivision final plat uh for this is a
uh 12 one block 12 lot residential subdivision. Uh it is located uh west and south of Holly on the east on the west side of um of Mariah Lake. Um and its zoning is egg general and the
overlay zoning on this property is general flood plane shoreland special protection. So as I mentioned it's for uh that oneb block 12 lot residential subdivision. The plat name is the oaks on Mariah Lake subdivision.
The 67 acre par parcel currently used for agriculture. There aren't any um structures on this property. Uh the crop equivalency rating on this is varied, excuse me, 24 to 67. Most of it is not
prime farmland. There are three major wetland complexes on the property kind of running um from the south up to the north. Uh this larger one um is where that general
flood plane uh is is located. The developer did work with the um SWCD and the board of water and soil resources. They did a wetland delineation. They had a what's called a technical evaluation panel meeting. So that's where they all meet and um review all the information
about wetlands and make a determination of what's a wetland and what's not a wetland and what's upland. So, the improvement plans for this uh subdivision, it's an 11 residential lots ranging from just over two and a half acres to over eight and a half acres. An
average size of uh just over 4 acres. There'll be one 15 1/2 acre outlot kind of in the middle here. >> Uh one 24 foot wide road uh which would be named 7th Avenue South. Um they do have storm water management and restrictive cover covenants as well.
Uh the sewer would be um private. The lots do have space for two drain fields. Those have been marked out too on uh the preliminary plat. Private wells. Uh nearby well depths did range range from about 55 to 88 ft uh with pump tests ranging from 15 to 40 gallons per
minute. Our minimum requirement is five um for this. It's like it's just kind of a closer look at where the the road comes in off of um 200th here and then kind of follows along this high spot between the lake and this wetland then terminates in
this culde-sac right here. Um these lots would be all shoreland lots and then these lots would actually be outside that shoreland area. Uh township action. So Holly Township did approve the preliminary and final plat. They did adopt a road resolution
for 7th Avenue South, which is a requirement before this board can make any consideration. Uh they also did enter into a road agreement with uh the developer. We haven't received any public comments or uh comments from the DNR on this at all.
How this relates to our comprehensive um and transportation plan. Um we have a residential land use goal to provide opportunities for quality rural residential development in Klay County. The planning commission found this to be the case to encourage development of agriculture and conservation
subdivisions that cluster residential development uh on small lots and provide for shared open spaces. Um this is not necessarily a conservation subdivision, but the developer did um working with their um engineering firm kind of design
the layout of this to um uh lessen impacts to environmentally sensitive areas as such as wetlands and floodplane zones. Uh and then make sure that it's consistent with all of our shoreland standards as well. Uh we do have a objective two to per
permit large non-farm residential development if a portal portion of the property is preserved or converted to a use that retains a rural character. Um a lot of these um lots will have just because of the wetlands on the property um a lot of um uh open space and in
undeveloped areas that'll help preserve that that rural character. and then avoiding or mitigating uh any residential development on or near environmentally sensitive lands. And as I mentioned before, they had a um worked with Clay SWCD and Bowser to delineate
and avoid wetlands. Um they don't have any structures or uh roads proposed within flood plane areas and the development setbacks would meet or exceed those those standards. I just want to go back to the uh and it's a little difficult to see, but
one thing that was kind of um useful that the developer provided was potential spots for uh a drain field, um an out building, and a um a residence for each of these lots. So
that was kind of nice to see uh meeting all all the setbacks there. So any questions for me at all questions applicant? >> Good morning.
My name is Scott Manthy and uh I live in Eglund Township just east of Holly and uh had we had moved out there in 2012 and the kids grew up in Holly High School and now they're getting older and they're looking for a spot to bring
their families back to our married and one's not yet and uh so was looking for a place. I actually looked at this property once in 1998 when it was on a on a foreclosure sale with the prior owner and uh wasn't able to buy it at
that time and I saw it come up for sale with Pipers and we got to looking at it and went out with my family and looked over the land and um actually the first three lots on the south side of the lake will be looked at for their properties and also the first three on the west
side of the property so they can have back lots if they want to build a shop or something like that. Um, grew up on a farm, so I like large lots, not small city lots. And, uh, want to definitely keep our kids in the area. So, looking to sell the lots to the north to help
defay some of the cost of the of the development and, uh, but then would do the road oursel. We have the equipment to do that and, uh, have done had that experience before and, uh, want to make a really nice place for them to have their homes. they'd all be on the end of
the road be low traffic road because of you know only eight residents off the new road and u they're looking they're excited about it looking forward to it and hope you'll consider it. >> So in terms of the of the road
would that become Township Road then? >> Yes. >> Okay. So that part's been >> handled with the township. Yeah. That's where the road agreement came in. But you're you're going to build the road. >> Yep. >> And you're going to you'll obviously do it to >> Yep. >> specification >> because uh they'll have the township
engineer. Okay. Uh Jade from Apex and Detroit Lakes. >> Okay. >> I've spoken with him and my engineering firm, more engineering that designed the road. >> They they've also visited with him directly. >> And I think our I think requirement is our county engineer has to sign off on
this. >> Yep. They'll all Well, there's no I talked to him and there he doesn't sign off on it. >> Okay. >> It's the They got >> part of the review process. >> Yep. >> Okay. Right. Questions? Any other comments?
Well, I this is a to me this is this this matches the story that we've talked about for a long time and the need to be able Commissioner Mojo talked about a little bit earlier the ability to um expand in certain areas where we have people who grew up uh living on a farm
or living on big acres like you talked about and they're and and if we don't allow some sort of expansion some of these rural areas, you know, these kids and grandkids are not going to be able to move back to to those rural areas and to the to the large lot. So, this is this is exactly
why um I certainly support this type of development. So, yeah. Anything else? Uh any other comments? Do we have a motion to close the hearing? >> Yeah. Make a motion to close. >> All right. We have a motion by Commissioner Kabanov, second by
Commissioner Mojo. Any further discussion on that motion? Any further discussion? Yes. >> Yeah. I'll just make a comment again. when I was at the planning commission and uh I believe there was no opposition. Uh every it was a unanimous vote uh for I'm very excited for this
family. I made a comment about it the other day. They the three kids even have the lots picked out already. So I thought that was pretty fun. >> Was there like seniority who got >> or did you arm wrestle for it? priority
given by who gets the most work. >> Yeah, >> I like it. >> Anyway, I I too really appreciate what they're doing out here and I think it's wonderful and I'll fully support it. So, with that, I'll make a motion to approve the oaks Maria Lake subdivision final
plant based on the planning commission recommendation. >> Second. >> Uh we have a motion by Commissioner Krabnoff, second by Commissioner. >> Did we move out of we didn't move out of public? >> Oh, yeah. Yes, that's right. Well, we didn't >> we didn't I don't think we have
>> Well, we didn't we didn't we didn't vote and we had a motion to second his discussion came. So, let's just >> let's vote on that first. All in favor of that motion signify by saying I >> I >> oppose the same sign. Motion carried. Now, you're okay to
>> as read. Okay. >> We have a motion by Commissioner Krabnoff, second by Commissioner Mojo to approve the final plat. Any further discussion? Any further discussion? Seeing none, all
in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppose the same sign. Motion carried. We are going to take a fiveminut break. in session here. We're going to take our 9:35 item at 10:06. >> All right. We have an opioid
presentation. Um, >> oh, excuse me. >> Yeah, we have Quinn. Yes. faster. >> I was going to give it to Annabelle. >> That's right. Our 9:30 item we're doing
now. Yeah. Item number >> We're doing item number five. >> Maybe we should go back on break and start over. >> A break's not going to help me. >> Good morning, Quinn. >> Good morning, Mr. Chair and
commissioners. Thank you. Uh I'll go whenever you want me to go. That's fine. Um, so I am here today to request a motion approving a letter of support for some modernization advocacy uh with some of our information systems. Um, as you're aware, but for the community to
know, social services is facing a significant turning point and how we administer our essential safety net programs like medical assistance and SNAP. With Minnesota's statewide human service systems in the midst of long-awaited modernization efforts, we are simultaneously preparing for
substantial changes stemming from the recently passed one big beautiful bill which I know I spoke to this board about a few months ago. Uh these changes include sweeping new administrative mandates that will directly impact our day-to-day work. Some of the most significant changes are the new work
requirements for certain Medicaid recipients, mandatory six months eligibility renewals instead of annual, monthly address verifications, and quarterly cross checks with Social Security Administration's death file. These changes will dramatically increase the workload for our eligibility workers
uh who are already managing complex and growing case loads. The reality is pretty clear. without modernization, the only way to meet this increased demand and these con these uh added burdens is to continue adding staff and that approach is just not sustainable. Uh we're already seeing the strain on our
workforce and relying solely on staffing growth to absorb these changes right now and we know that that's not a long-term viable solution. Um comp funding that counties rely on to support this work by about 25%. In essence, counties like ours are being asked to do more with less by the state and federal government
at a time when the complexity and program rules and the volume of the work is also increasing. Combination of new requirements and reduced funding underscores why system modernization isn't just helpful, but it's essential. So, the systems that I'm referencing are
Maxis, METS, MEC squared, SSIS. These are fragmented and outdated. They're really not equipped to meet the demands of today's real world situations and the clients that we serve, let alone tomorrow's. Without streamline and in integrated tools that support autom automation, reduce redundancy, and
improve data accuracy, we risk failing both our own staff and the residents who depend on these services. If we cannot increase efficiency through technology, we'll be forced to make difficult decisions about service levels and local funding commitments. So, that's the context in which I'm
calling for a strong county- centered approach to this modernization effort. And I've attached a letter of support uh addressed to the commissioners of DHS and DCYF emphasizing the need for shared governance, sustained local funding, and an equal investment in counties of all
sizes. It also emphasizes the urgency of this work. Modernization must not only happen, but it has to happen quickly uh and it has to be done well. Uh, social services is ready to be a collaborative partner in building a modern human services system that works for residents
and staff alike. But without decisive action to modernize the tools we use every day, we will not be able to meet the demands of the new federal requirements without passing the burden entirely onto the shoulders of our workforce. Uh, I did attach a draft letter for your review. Uh and uh at the
request of Commissioner Bear on my copy, I did add Representative Jim Joy uh to be CCD into this as well. With that, I would yield for any questions that that you may have. >> Yes, Commissioner Bear. >> I know I reached out to you on that one. I'd also like to see Representative
Gander CCD and Senator Johnson. They represent three four townships on the northern half of Klay County just to make sure we hit them all. >> Yeah, I was going to mention that as well. Representative Gander is in a position of committee power uh on those and that would be helpful as well. >> Gander and who else? I'm sorry. >> Senator Johnson.
>> Thank you. >> Well, this is a you know, this is a good letter. It's something that's been it's on a it's on a high priority uh at this county board level as well as at AMC. Uh we had a we had a report given this morning by our auditor and and there was
a couple of findings in there that we that we talked about you Quinno I think you were part of that audit findings >> y >> and part of that I think can be attributed to this outdated you know some of those some of those things that were missed uh if we had a better
updated system probably would you know would have improved that. >> Sure make it easier. I did I did listen to that this morning and I kind of dug into that a little bit just for this board. A few of those things were so the examples of the errors that were found. There was a missing signature page on
one of the cases. Everything else was done 100% correctly. The application was there, but the page where the signature wasn't included in our files. Um we had two cases that were transferred from other counties where the application didn't come with in the transfer and we
were dinged for that. Um we had uh two two situations in which the application itself uh was entered correctly but not uploaded into our electronic filing system. Um and about four others where we simply I would say we made a mistake where there was data entry errors um
there. So I just wanted to follow up as I did hear that from the audit >> doing that. >> Yeah. Well, this I think this is a good letter. It's timely and it kind of coincides with um Just one question.
So the 40 million that we got last year, right? It one was toward technology improvement, right? Correct. >> Do you know um and I thought that was I could be wrong. That was put toward SSIS. >> Yes. That was all your marked towards
SSIS modernization. Can you tell me a little just briefly a little the differences between these four that you you know and uh does one work into another? >> Sure. >> Um there's not as much crossover as we'd
like to see. So uh Maxis and Mets are primarily and MEC squared are primarily the ones that our eligibility workers in our financial services division use. That's to handle SNAP benefits and MA benefits. U Mets is the medical system. MAXIS is the SNAP is the SNAP system.
SSIS is a completely separate program and a completely separate system that our social workers use for disability services, adult and behavioral health, child protection, things of that nature. There is no the programs do not communicate with one another at all. >> Okay.
>> Which that would be a very helpful thing to be able to have. >> Okay. Thank you for that, Mr. Chair. Yes, Commissioner M. >> Thank you, Quinn. Thanks for providing this. I think it's the best first step
as we continue that march forward towards telling the story of the inefficiencies in a time when we are all trying to find uh reduced fraud risk uh enable our staff to do the best work possible. This
is the number one priority that from going to all 10 of the association of Minnesota county's district I heard uh we understand that we want to limit fraud in any um in any department that we work with and for our staff to have
the tools. This is it. uh you know to make sure that that signature page is included. Well, they didn't have to work through 15 minutes of of worthless questions to get that piece. It's my understanding that making sure
that both of these commissioners on here have this information is important, but also maybe if it would be of support from this entire board once we know who the committee chairs are for the legislative session to make sure that this letter is forwarded to them. Both
uh DFL and GOP caucuses need to have this as part of the dialogue. But I've I fiercely support what we're trying to accomplish here. >> All right, Commissioner Abinger. >> Mr. Chair, I make a motion to approve
letter of support to the commissioners of the Department of Human uh services and department of child, youth, and families to support modernization of efforts for social services technology system. also add to that uh the
appropriate legislators who have been identified during our discussion. >> I'll second that. >> Okay. We have a motion by Commissioner Ed, second by Commissioner Bear. Any further discussion on the motion? >> All right. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I oppose the same sign. Motion carried.
Thank you, Quinn. >> Thank you so much. >> All right. Now we'll do our 9:35 item, opioid prevention and arm reduction program update. Good morning.
>> All right. Good morning, Mr. Chair and commissioners. Uh thank you for the time this morning to share some progress updates on our opioid prevention and harm reduction program as well as a status update on our Klay County opioid settlement funds.
Just some quick definitions for context before we jump jump in. Um opioids probably most of us are pretty familiar but just a recap of what those are. A broad class of drugs known for reducing feelings and intensity of pain. Um,
these are very potent, very addictive drugs and we have both prescription and elicit opioids. Uh, things like heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, etc. Harm reduction is another term you'll hear me reference quite often. Uh, harm reduction is
really at its core is about meeting people where they're at. It's an evidence-based approach that really focuses on minimizing the negative consequences of substance use, both for that individual and for the community as well.
With harm reduction, like I said, it's really about meeting people where they're at with the understanding that not everyone is ready for treatment and we can't force them to that stage of readiness, but we can try to keep them safer and save their life. um make sure they're alive and continue that
connection with them, trying to help them to that point of readiness. Some examples of harm reduction include things like nlloxxone distribution and access to nlloxxone and corresponding education. Fentanyl test strips are another example where people are able to
test their drug supply for presence of lace substances like fentanyl. Um and syringe service programs like the one in Fargo is another example of harm reduction. Nlloxxone versus Narcan. You'll hear these terms commonly used interchangeably. Nlloxxone is the drug
itself. It's the medicine that reverses opioid overdose. And Narcan is Nlloxxone, but it is a name brand of the nasal spray version. All of the work under this program has been grant funded thus far. So, just wanted to give a brief background on
that funding. We have a few different grants from the Minnesota Department of Health. Uh the first is our substance misuse and suicide prevention grant. This grant really focuses on that really upstream prevention uh specifically with youth in Klay County and looking at those different shared risk and
protective factors when it comes to both suicide and poor mental health and substance use. So the factors that influence both of those things. This is a four-year grant. We are in year two and it's $500,000 total. Next from MDH is our drug overdose
prevention grant. Um, this is another four-year grant. Again, we're in year two of this $200,000 grant. And with this grant, as it sounds, really focuses more on overdose prevention and harm reduction. We work pretty closely with our Churches United uh shelter and their
entities and Klay County HR under this grant, which I'll talk about later. We've also received two different awards from the FM Area Foundation. Uh the first was last year for a $10,000 award and then this year again for 5,000 to
support our efforts. And lastly, our CHB has a cannabis and other substances prevention grant or CUP grant as it sounds really focuses on cannabis prevention and other substances like tobacco and opioids. So some of my work is housed under here as well and that
was uh split that funding is split between our CHB. So around 55,000 for clay for year 1, around 75,000 for year two. Opioid settlement funds are um come from legal uh settlements with opioid
manufacturers and distributors for their role in perpetuating the opioid crisis. And these funds are really intended to address the harm caused by the opioid crisis by supporting efforts like prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction services within the
community. Overall, the goal with these funds is to save lives, um limit opioid related harms and risks, and uh continue to increase community coordinated response and capacity to address this issue.
These funds do come in waves and both the timing and the amounts of these waves are somewhat unpredictable because each settlement is structured differently. For instance, we have some settlements where we will receive all of the payments over a four or fiveyear
period whereas others are more drawn out. So, we're about 2 years into an 18-year timeline and we will continue to receive payments. uh roughly another 2.5 million is estimated over the next 16 years. That number and that time frame
is a bit fluid because we are able to opt into additional settlements as they become available. So until they uh go through all those legal hoops, we don't know those exact amounts. To date, we've received a little over 1.3 million. As you know, that first million did go to
our new detox withdrawal management facility, expanding that bed capacity from 16 to 32. So, that leaves us with a little over uh $330,000 to um use for what we see fit um or what
is decided by the commission. And with that um money that we have left over or the money we have right now is most of that has come just in the last couple of months from various settlements. As we move forward with our programming,
um we anticipate needing roughly around at least $100,000 annually to really sustain countywide efforts and make sure that we have that coordinated community response. we will have opportunities to partner with different community organizations
to get the funds out into the community and to make those dollars work effectively uh with more of those grassroots efforts as well. You may have heard of other counties or cities opening an RFP process for their uh settlement funds so eligible um
community organizations can apply with projects centered around this to receive that funding. again putting more money out in the community to expand the work. Can I just really interject quick? >> Thanks for this slide. I am really
excited about the work that Klay County Public Health has done with this board to address a lot of different areas with the opioid supplement dollars. And the work that we're doing with the treatment facility is just enormous. And we heard earlier about the need and how it's
growing. And as we talk about so many different layers of how we address this crisis, the treatment component is just so heartwarming to me about what we're able to do with this. I appreciate this is on there. >> Thank you. Are there any other questions? We can
pause at this point talking about settlement funds. If there's any questions about this before we move forward with more program updates, >> I've got Okay, go ahead. >> I've got one question. across the river there. They were uh using spending money on crack pipes and methamphetamine pipes. Are we using any of that money
for that? >> We are not. No, we do not have a syringe service program um on this side of the river. >> All right. Thank you. >> Yep. >> The 100,000 that you're saying needed annually. >> Is that is that for staffing? >> Uh for staffing staffing and for program
expenses as well. Uh we estimate this just based on the different grant funding sources that we have right now and how that funding is utilized to support our efforts. >> Okay, any other questions?
Okay, we will move on to some more program updates. So when I started at Klay County a little over two years ago, this was a brand new position, a brand new program. So was really able to build it from the ground up and with that was able to make sure that all of the
different program components really align with evidence-based practices and align with those recommended strategies for using settlement funds. Although this was all grant funded thus far, one big chunk of my work is really
education, prevention and awareness. Uh one training I provide is an overdose response training. This training focuses on uh background on the opioid crisis, really how we got to this point. We also cover signs and symptoms of an overdose,
how to effectively respond using Narcan nasal spray, and we also cover good Samaritan laws, so what people's rights are when carrying and using Nlloxxone in good faith, as well as responding to an overdose, whether they are the person overdosing or if they are with someone
who is overdosing. So, we educate on what the law says their rights are. And then we also make sure during each one of those trainings to uh let people know where they can find other harm reduction resources in the community through this training. Uh this is done
with a variety of community organizations. It's open to any group that is interested, but I do regular trainings at the shelter monthly and in our jail regularly and with treatment groups around the area as well. So since October of 2023, 871 people have been
trained in overdose response. We've also created and distributed many different education materials and awareness materials trying to address the stigma around substance use and keep people informed as well. Some of those materials include things like good
Samaritan law uh nlloxxone and harm reduction education where those resources are risk of lace substances and connection to treatment and other resources as well. Under our grants we have had the opportunity to translate some of these materials as well which
has helped us reach even more people and helps with accessibility. One really exciting program we have is called the one program um or opioid and nlloxxone education program. This is a collaboration with NDSU's CAP center
under their school of pharmacy. And NDSU actually created this program. It's an evidence-based program that they have implemented throughout many sites in North Dakota. And we are actually the very first site outside of the state of North Dakota. Um so bringing this to Minnesota was very exciting. What this
is is a screening tool for pharmacists to use. And so when someone is prescribed opioids, the pharmacist is trained in how to use this screening tool to see if there is risk of opioid misuse, addiction, and overdose. From there, they use the results of that tool
to then provide interventions such as education with the patient. Um, they can also contact the patient's provider for followup. They can refer to outside resources, but they also provide things like nlloxxone, medication disposal bags for proper medication uh removal and
then education materials as well. And that is really where the public health partnership comes in here is we provide the funding for the program making sure that all of the pharmacists are onboarded and trained by NDSU and then we provide the materials like the nlloxxone the med disposal bags and the
educational materials. We do have four pharmacies currently under this program in Klay County and they're listed up here. Um most are three of them are in Morhead and then one is in Holly. One of the things we're very fortunate of in this position is uh having really
strong community partnerships and one of those is with Morehead Fire Department and uh this has really helped us identify system gaps and ways we can improve our response to the opioid crisis. One of those gaps that was identified when I started in this role
was our followup and connection with individuals after an overdose. So, what we've done with this new system change is partnered with Morhead Fire Department and a treatment provider, Beth's Place. And how this works is the fire department at the scene of the
overdose will connect with the individual and say in so many words, "We have someone who can follow up with you. We have people who want to help you." Um, and really, they're taking that contact information of that person for that follow-up and then putting the referral into the overdose response
team, which is led by Beth's Place. Beth's Place then makes contact with that individual within 12 to 24 hours is the goal and that window was decided because it's a very critical time um after that overdose. Oftent times what we've seen is someone's readiness after
an overdose for maybe seeking help or uh wanting to go to treatment, things like that is a lot higher. And so reaching them during that critical window of time instead of just having no follow-up at all is very important. We continue to grow this partnership um including law
enforcement as well. We are working on a new software platform right now that law enforcement, public health, fire and treatment would have access to to really have a more coordinated effort and to see be able to track a little bit more who's followed up with who. As somewhat
of a sister program to this overdose response team, we have a Narcan leave behind program. And again, this is with our partnership with Morehead Fire Department. Uh they leave Narcan behind at the scene of an overdose, either with the person who overdosed or with family or friends or those around. The intent
behind this is um to keep saving lives and to again keep offering that connection to resources. Uh someone is at risk of overdosing a second time after their Narcan wears off. It's only active in the body for about 30 to 90 minutes. So that makes these leap behind
programs quite important as well. We do a ton of Nlloxxone distribution under this program. That was one of the very first priorities when starting in this role was becoming a Nlloxxone access point and making sure that the residents of Klay County had access to
free Nlloxxone. Um it is an expensive product. It's about $45 a box. So making sure that people have barrierfree access to it is important. We have many different distribution hubs. Um, we of course are able to give it out to people
at public health by individual request. We have spots at our shelters. Our detox offers to people when they are leaving uh jail as well. Our HR buildings have some Nlloxxone kiosks where people are able to grab supplies in connection to
resources and our food pantries as well. I've also partnered with our campuses to make sure students have access to Nlloxxone and education and we've stocked all of our county AEDs with Narcan as well. And of course, anyone who participates in overdose response
training is offered Narcan too. Uh through this, we started our distribution in February of 2024 and we have distributed 304 3,483 doses thus far. In terms of harm reduction supplies that
we offer outside of Narcan, um under our overdose prevention grant, we do work closely with Churches United and with Klay County HR. The harm reduction that we supply um or harm reduction supplies we have in addition to that Narcan are things like the fentanyl and xylazine test strips, which is an evidence-based
strategy and wound care kits and safer sex supplies as well. So again, the intention behind these things is to reduce disease transmission, keep people safer, and keep them informed. The through line in all of this work really has been collaboration and
capacity building for the community's response. I do co-coordinate two different coalitions. One is the Red River Recovery Initiative. This is a crossber collaboration led by um me and then my counterpart Robin Lickisel from
Fargo Cass public health and we have a variety of sectors on this coalition representing everyone from health care to treatment people with lived experience um and really our focus is overdose response and overdose prevention with this group. I also co
co-coordinate a rethink mental health and substance misuse coalition. Again, going back to some of our grant funding, um this coalition focuses on that really upstream prevention more with youth looking at those different risk and protective factors that influence
suicide and substance misuse. We do collaborate with the harm reduction center in Fargo and their syringe service program. Um while we are not a syringe service program, we know that they provide services to Minnesota residents and with our partnership where
we can help address needs is really just by providing the NOX zone for the Minnesota residents that they see. Uh with this partnership too, it also helps us really stay informed of what's happening in the community when it comes to substance use based on the clients that they are seeing and hearing from.
grant funding. We are constantly uh seeking new funding opportunities, keeping an eye out for grant opportunities that would be good for community organizations that we work with. We've collaborated on applications before or shared with organizations
encouraging them to apply as well. Data evaluation innovation again is really part of everything that we do. making sure that it's evidence-based, driving um all of our decisions based on data. And one of those projects that we're working on is a pilot project
called MN OD alerts or Minnesota overdose alerts. And this is under uh the Minnesota Department of Health. And what this looks like is uh the Minnesota Department of Health has access to real time data around substance use and
overdose uh much more expanded data than what we would have at public health. And so they monitor that for spikes, clusters or new emerging drug threats. And then they are able to assign a tier level of alert and notify public health
who then really mobilizes our response team which is that Red River recovery initiative. those different sectors. From there, we can have a more coordinated response. They provide recommendations for each tier for how a community should respond to a potential spike or a cluster or a new drug.
Again, this is a crossber collaboration with that group. So, this impacts the entire Fargo Morehead area, not just Morehead and Klay County. We've also gained access to OD MAP over the last year. This is um an overdose tracking system that traditionally law
enforcement only had access to. They were inputting um when they would respond to an overdose call or when they have an overdose report, they would input that. So that was really our only tracking tool for overdoses. And now we have public health access to that as
well. And EMS has started uploading data. So it's really expanded what we know about substance use and overdose in our community. We get listening session and community feedback quite often. Um, college students, community partners, overdose
response training participants, those with lived experience in the jail or at the shelter um, in treatment as well and our different coalition members. And this really helps us to identify where we have those gaps and guide our planning for the future.
Lastly, just some upcoming priorities in this program. I am working on getting a few sharps disposal kiosks uh put in place across Klay County. This is something that we don't have on the Morehead side. Um many people have shared that they have to go to Fargo to
dispose of sharps and this is not just elicit sharps. This can be sharps for any medical conditions as well. So this is uh one place we want to invest in a little bit more with our grant funding making sure that people have safe accessible spot to dispose of sharps. We
also are working on an opioid prevention and awareness media campaign under our CEUP grant um that cannabis and other substances grant and again just to make people more aware connect them with the services and resources that we provide. >> Annabelle, can I um Commissioner Moshoz?
>> Yeah, absolutely. Thanks for highlighting the sharps disposal kiosks. You know, Commissioner Campbell and I serve on solid waste and we talk a lot about medical waste and but making sure that our solid waste department employees are um safe. And
>> I think a coordination with Corey on how we, you know, if there's an ability to have something at the resource recovery for more of that that piece. I have animals. I've got, you know, I need to vaccinate animals too. So, it's something that affects me as well, making sure that we dispose of those in
a better way. So, I appreciate you bringing it up. >> Absolutely. Thank you. Yeah, that is something that we have grant funding approval for and we have some grant funding to support a medical waste company contract as well to help with some of that. And lastly, we will continue to search
for grant funds to sustain this work and plan for our settlement fund dollars as well. And I'd be happy to answer any questions that you may have. >> All right, any questions? Commissioner Abinger,
>> just a comment. Uh, two years ago when we realized we had some a funding source and we needed to do something about the o opioid crisis, um, we hired you and you have done a remarkable job. you've become part of this community and reached out to a lot of different
entities that um needed needed their efforts coordinated. And I just uh this is a great example of uh people who have have the skill and the ability to bring something on board and make it work. So I want to thank
you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Anything else? Thank you for the update. >> Great. Thank you. Well done. >> All right, our next item. We're just
about back on schedule here. Next, we have a uh request approval to consider the early retirement incentive program. Darren, are you going to come on up for this? Anna come up on this too. Uh she may have some more information that I might
have to rely on her for, but uh thank you for this. Um several weeks ago, the PIC was tasked to come up with a possible um early retirement incentive program for Klay County. uh scenes at the the budget and the levy and
everything and we're looking at any possibility to possibly save some money uh next year. And so uh the the I ran some numbers uh based on who we have right now and that's this
sheet that you'll see right here. And so I'll walk you through right off the bat on what this sheet is telling you. And then uh I've got some stats here as well that we can discuss. Um so the sheet will show you the the uh age,
the years of service, the pay scale, and the sick leave hours that that person has available to them as of uh this was at run on November November 14th, I believe. Um
then taking the years of service and the percentage of payout. So for instance, the first person would have 45% of their payout for sick leave, which means they would have 440 hours that we would pay them uh if they were to leave employment
right now. Uh they would get their sick leave severance. Uh then I took their wage and their payout amount, which would be 14. I'm just using the first row as an example here and talking through it. The payout would be $14,962.
The benefit that we would incentivize for this program would be one year of benefits and an additional $9,600. So the total payout total payment payout is in yellow there of $24,562.
>> Darren, can I just interrupt just for a minute for a little bit of background on that part? >> Yes. So when the pick committee discussed and how that $9,600 was arrived at was we originally had one number out there >> and then we started looking at the
potential of the ability to pay or to at least have have enough incentive to pay the premium for at least one of our county insurance policies. >> Correct. because I think the number that we started off with was less than the
9600 when we were talking about it within our within our pick committee, but then the suggestion was was and I think the 9600 does cover one of them. Is that am I correct, Anna? >> Yes, you're right. >> Thank you. Uh it covers the $2,600
health deduct that premium, excuse me, not the deductible, the premium, the single dental, and then continuing the basic life for 18 months. Okay. I just I just for the board, I wanted to add that >> and and just for a little bit of history, uh we did have an early
retirement program back in 2010. It was right before I got here, so I wasn't really a part of it. Um but so this isn't something new that we've done. We've done this before several years ago. Um so then, uh I ran the 2026
yearly county contribution of what the these individuals have right now. If you see the 17,028, that would be a single grandfathered plan. If you see the 20,532, that would mean that that person has a
family plan. As you know, uh going forward, as of 2020, we have a non uh non-grandfathered plan, which anybody that would be hired at this point would go into that non-grandfathered plan. So for instance, the first person has a
single grandfathered plan. The new person replacing that person would have a non-grandfathered plan and that would be a single county contribution, which would mean a savings of $5,388 per year. Now, that's if they take a
single plan. The family plans are the same. So if you go down to the 20,532 and then you go across, you'll see zero because grandfathered and non-grandfathered. If they take a family plan, they get the same amount. If a
person currently has a family plan and then they we hire another person to come in and they take a single plan, there would be even greater savings there. But if somebody goes from a single to a single grandfathered to a single non-grandfathered, the savings would be
$5,388 per year. The other uh column there is what I did is I took somebody's wage at step 12 and how much we pay them every year and then compared that to what we
would pay somebody on the same grade at step one. So for instance that first person at grade 12, there's a $20,592 difference. So the blue column that says total, that's taking the county
contribution savings plus the difference between the step one and a step 12 for that year would be $25,980 savings. >> Does that also add in the colas? >> This is just for next year.
>> Yeah. >> So this would be uh >> I believe I added the colas would be happen. Yeah. Regardless, >> yeah, >> this is just comparing >> Yeah. >> apples to apples on the >> right >> on the grid. >> Correct.
>> So for that individual uh on row number one, the to the total savings to the county would only be $1,418 >> for the first year. >> For the first year. Now, uh Commissioner Campbell has pointed out that that's for the first year. Going forward, there
would be obviously savings going forward because that person is not going to be paid at step 12. They're going to be paid at step two and three and four and up until they get to step 12. >> The 2027 savings for that same individual
>> or that same just that line item that we're talking about that that $1,418 the second year that go to 25,980. >> Yep. because you're not paying out the uh the the pay out that >> Well, I I take that back. It it's but
then we would also assume that they would have got gained two steps. >> Correct. >> So So you have to take that into consideration. I did some math there that I figured on an average two steps
would $5,000. I I did but I think that might be a little bit high. >> Yeah. But >> yeah, that's >> but still you're talk you're still talking 20, you know, in excess of 20 grand. >> Yep. >> Yeah. Once you look at, you know, steps
three, four, five, that's that's higher math. I didn't get that in high school. So, um I did run some numbers that uh I looked at how many people have been termed uh so far. Just this year we've we've termed and when I say termed,
we're not like dismissing them. they're leaving employment. That's that's just a term that we use. Um 129 people have left employment since the beginning of the year. 62 of those were variable hour, seasonal, or temporary.
And out of those 129 people that have left, only four of them have been on step 12. Um, if you took that down to step 10, there was only nine of the 129 that have left employment that have been uh on step uh 10 or above. So, we're not
talking a ton of people here. >> So, one question. So, out of the four that left at step 12, how many of those retired? >> Um, can you remember? >> You don't. >> Yeah. Um
and the other thing is um so so part of this program would be uh if it's implemented would a person would have to notify human resources that they want to take advantage of this program and they would have to be basically off the roles
and what we used is June 30th of next year. um the board can make that change or different. We can also um the board can institute uh when they want to start this program if that is what they want to do. The other thing that I want to
point out on this early retirement calculations is that you see on the sick leave, you'll see people that have a red block. And um those people currently would not be entitled to a sick leave severance because they don't have a
minimum of 300 hours of sick leave. So if you go over to the column uh where it says payout dollars, you'll see zeros there because we wouldn't pay them out. the the the only thing that they would get would be the $9,600.
If they don't have if they don't meet the current sick leave severance um policy, they wouldn't get the sick leave severance payment. >> Darren, can I um I'd like to jump talk a little bit about each of these as you
talked about them. And so you talked about that June 30th date. Another um another good reason for that is you know we also talked about could there be some concern on the part of somebody in management where they might have two or
three people wanting to do this at one time. This this would allow a little bit of staggering to go on, you know, so if somebody somebody came in there on January 1st because part of the criteria here also it goes through HR, but then
it also has to have supervisor. >> Correct. It it has to be a benefit to Klay County, a savings to Klay County and has to be approved by the department head. And one of the things that you know if we had if we had two or three people that might want to do it at the
exact same time that could that could have an a hiring impact. So the so the ability would from a supervisor standpoint would be well you know the first one that gets this can probably do it first and then but then the next person might have to wait but you'd
still get get within that window of June 30th >> right and and maybe as as the the first person leaves we advertise like we normally would >> uh once we get somebody on board then maybe the second could take advantage of the program >> try to avoid everything happening at
once >> right Um, and I think uh the the June 30th or whatever date is uh deemed by the board is is there's the intent is not to let us know on June 25th that you intend to
retire in 6 months. No, >> the the June 30th date means that they have to be gone. So they could they can notify us tomorrow, >> but they have to be gone by June 30th. And I think that's what that's what we talked about in pick is that they would
they in order to qualify for this they would have to be off the payroll by June 30th. >> Correct. >> With that being said, uh did you have anything to add? >> Okay, perfect. >> Well, I have one question. We
implemented this in 2010. Do we know how many people took advantage of it in 2010? >> It was about five employees. >> Five? >> Yeah. We've probably got what an additional 200 employees over and above what it was in 2000. So if we gained a
lot of >> employ so when we when we talk about this and again I >> you know first off I want to talk about these people that have 20ome plus years they're you know they have some institutional knowledge that's that's important to us. Um I think this thing
is probably more designed for maybe the people who might pl be planning on retiring and maybe between now and the next 3 years. This might be an incentive for them to to do it a little bit early. Uh the institutional knowledge uh that they have it certainly is very important
and it serves a purpose but ultimately they those people with that institutional knowledge leave and and they somebody new does have to come in. But I so I I just wanted to I did a little bit of work on this in
terms of the uh if you guys have the columns open up there, the blue column that um actually it's the green column, the net savings
>> for the county. Um, I I happen to total those numbers up and if all of these people were qualified to do it, there would have been a saving there'd be a savings of 703,000. Obviously, that's not going to happen. >> Mhm. >> And I don't think we want that.
>> I hope not. >> Be a lot of hiring. But so but if you and the and the average and I have I according to this I have 58 people >> because there because for some reason there was a line missing in or a row
number missing. >> Yeah. Uh there's two in there that are duplicated. I tried to get them out of there, but I mean this this sheet that you have um just has the 60 people, >> but um yeah, between >> Well, anyway, I so I took an I took so I
I just took an average per person savings per year uh you know because each one obviously each one is different, but if you if you just assumed an average that's $12,134 uh the first year savings
Um, and you know, so if we had if we had 10 people retire, that could be 121,000 in that first year. >> Mhm. Um, then I then I expanded your numbers there to this to 2027, which
really is of concern for us. Uh, we've all been told to expect much worse things coming out of the state in 2027. And so where this where this really seems to really then have an impact
instead of that total for the 58 being $73,000 savings in 2026 or the first year, the second year would be $1.8 million. And then you but then you also have to
take away from that the fact that those people would move up two steps. And so I put in I put an average of $5,000 a year for that. That's $290,000 in step increases. So you'd still have a
1.5 million. And the average of those 58 then becomes $26,900 per person. That would retire on an average. So if we had 10 people in 2026 for 2027, that savings would be
$270,000. That's, you know, that's a that right there is what probably a little over a half percent of a levy, you know. So I when we're when we're talking about things to do for savings, those are
I mean those are those are significant dollars. Just uh one more thing to point out on the back there, you'll see uh on the second column uh in age you see I highlighted some orange. Um,
so they may not necessarily be retiring. Yeah. As we in in the general sense, they could be just leaving and going and getting another job. So, just wanted to point that out as well. >> Do anybody else have questions of >> I I don't have a question, but I think
this this is a great idea. I think this if if this works, I think this it can save us some money long run and yeah and then it helps people, you know, if they if they're already looking at retirement, helps them, you know, maybe make that decision. >> Well, you know, another, you know,
there's I I happen to know some people have been talking about retiring, but then I also know some people who have second thoughts about retiring because of right now what's going on with the um current insurance that that's out there. uh with you know with the Affordable
Care Act you're talking about some people let's face it when you retire and all of a lot of us are well aware of that with their other jobs when you one of the biggest concerns you have is your health insurance and making sure that that's going to be
affordable to you and you know if there right now right now there's all these subsidies are gone that were part of the health and so that makes some people having second thoughts on whether they should or not. Um,
that $9,600 might be able to help them in that in that regard. So, um, can you ask Commissioner Koff? >> Well, for guidance, um, kind of the P discussion, um, I mean, are you pushing
for this or is there pros and cons we should be aware of? I mean, I'm hearing pluses right now. Um, and and kind of want to know where did it come from? >> The idea and the term.
>> Um, I think that the idea came from when we did it last time in 2010. Um, we didn't, it was before I got here. Um, but I know that there was a couple years where we had 0% colas. I think in 2009, 2010. Um,
and they were looking for ways to save money just like we are today. Um, so I think the idea was we've never, as far as I know, we've never floated this idea prior to this year, uh, since 2011 when
I got here. Um, so I think with the the budget concerns of next year in 2027, um, I think we're open to anything that might save some money. I think some of the cons of this is that you're losing a
lot of talent, senior talent. Um, and that all depends on how many people take it, which is an unknown right now. you know, if we have 30 people take it, that might be a pretty big hit to the to the county of losing that much uh in
experience walking out the door and then hiring back. Um, I think the other thing you got to realize is that we don't hire everybody at step one. So, there's going to be some, you know, people that we hire at step two or step three. Your savings are still going to be there, but
it might not be quite as as much. Um, so those are the couple things I could come up with >> pros and cons. part of the part of you know in our first pick committee when we were
al we were also talking about where we're at right now and we talked about there was actually some discussion about hiring freezes and so one of the one of our strip first steps on that was rather than do a
hiring freeze all of these um when somebody does leave needs to go to pick. They don't come directly to this board. Part of that part of that is this process that we're dealing with with how can we save money
during this critical time. I mean there there's there's c there are certain times when you know if we're sitting there with a two or 3% levy that's that's one thing but um that's not the case right now. And I'm I'm
really concerned 2026 is going to be tough and 2027 is going to be worse. And when I when I see the numbers here that you know if we have 10 people and again this is voluntary on their part. We're not forcing anybody out. >> Correct.
>> You know >> correct. My my my assumption on this thing on on this incentive plan, people who were probably intending on doing it in the next one to three years will take
a serious look at it. >> Commissioner Abiger. >> Yeah, this we we brought it back and discussed this twice and and were provided with updates on on this the uh data that you've got in front of you now.
Uh I think we sent it forward because we wanted to see how the the full commission feels about it. Uh but I think this is has been assessed and talked through at the pick level to
where we can bring it up here. And I think this is as good as this particular plan can be. And again, as as as the chair pointed out, we're not pressuring anybody to leave, but this gives some people a little bit of a break in
worrying about where their insurance is going to come from uh if they do leave and they they are either coming up to where their their Medicare uh eligible or they are uh just needing
a a a year of breathing space to figure out how they're going to address their insurance needs. Thank you. Um, >> yes. >> Yeah. Um, well, I'll just say it. I I have really concerns about this. I um
I know it's about Levy and and um maybe it's my way of thinking, but I just feel again, I said this a few weeks ago, you know, we're trying to find a spot to hit a number. It almost feels like without
allowing a natural management to figure out our ways through these uh challenges and and I'm really concerned about that
experience. Uh my involvement on other boards has been you lose someone with all that knowledge. How do you replace that? and how many people or a person and a half does it take to get back to that spot.
Um I'm really concerned about um you know the people that understand now I'm speaking to social services that understand the technology and its inefficiencies that we talked about earlier today
>> and and I I'm guessing they're probably the most efficient people that can work that technology until the new stuff comes. Um I'm concerned about paying family medical leave. Now we're taking people away
and if someone takes that program, we got to be able to cover that spot. So um to start shorting ourselves without managing it, I think there are some serious risks.
Um um I don't know. I I just I guess I'm more organic than that. I I just feel that our management should be able to guide us uh through these times and we
we need the best and I think a lot of the people with the most experience are the best. They are committed. There's a low turnover and we just have a more solid workforce. And last, I'll just say,
you know, we we tout proudly, as we should, you know, uh, Klay County is the fastest growing county outside of the metro. And if that's what we are, how short staff, how how long staff are we really in keeping
up as I see it with more and more mental health needs, more and more people living at the poverty level. Um I I would be concerned about about our support systems. So all right, any other comments?
No other comments. Mr. Chair, I'll make a motion to approve the creation of the early retirement incentive program for Klay County employees. >> We have a motion. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> We have a motion by Commissioner Bear,
second by Commissioner Ebinger. Any further discussion on the motion? >> I just want to say it's voluntary. Nobody's forcing anybody to retire. >> Correct. >> It is voluntary. And I also believe we do listen to our staff, but when hard decisions have to be made, it's the five
of us that are elected officials that have to make those decisions. >> And can I get some clarification? Would this go into effect right away or would you start it when January or >> we'll go December 1st? >> December 1st. >> That okay with your second.
>> Yeah, that's good. Um, and I want to point something out. This did originate with staff. Um, I think there's been a lot of brainstorming uh on where we could try and identify efficiencies and try and keep costs
down. I think I'm going to assume, correct me if I'm wrong, that uh this came out of those discussions as an option that they wanted to go forward and present to us to see if it could help us keep the levy down. Uh, so
you know, it originated, it didn't originate from from commissioners here. It originated with with our staff. >> Can I get a clarification? So So you're that that that would include the June 30th date as well? >> Yes.
>> All right. Any further discussion? Any further discussion? All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> I. Oppose the same sign. >> I
>> All right. Motion carries 3 to two. >> Thank you. All right. Committee reports. Who did I start with last? >> Started with me last. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, Thursday the 6th, uh, I attended an emergency
communication board's legislative committee meeting remotely. uh a lot of discussions about um strategic planning and among which was uh reddraft of the
911 statutes. We've been trying this since 2012. Um they've efforts in this have failed because the telecommunication industry does not want to move forward into
uh the world we're in today where most of the calls are coming in from cell phones. They still want to be able to get get their funding augmented by the state as if 80% of the calls were on landlines and maintain a system designed
for landlines. Um, we adjourned discussions on that two years ago with the idea that we're going to get a moderator to try and bring this straightness out. Uh, that has
for one reason or another not explained has not occurred. But right now, uh, we're going to request a legislative board to work on this a work group. uh sorry not not a board but a legisl
legislative uh commission workg group to try and form a new statute and get it up to date and that is going to I don't know how many more years it'll be but it's an ongoing work.
uh Friday november 7th uh met with uh blue sky remotely blue sky I'm sorry dancing skies uh agent agency on aging uh to discuss an upcoming exchange panel
that uh we were putting up for age friendly regional meetings uh Wednesday November 12th attended the pick meeting on the incentives that we had Today on Thursday the 13th, I went to um
Park Rapids and attended the uh agenda for or attended the the committee meeting for the on behalf of the Dancing Skies for the Northwest Minnesota Age Friendly Exchange.
Uh this consisted of a panel and several other activities. Uh we are the last of six exchanges that have been held in the state and it's to develop a blueprint for age friendly the age friendly community initiatives.
It was well put together. Um the panel was good. We answered a number of questions concerning where the priorities need to be in addressing needs of not just city uh and urban aging populations, but particularly uh
the focus in this district was on rural needs. Um, Monday the 11th, I attended the Klay County Township Officers meeting, uh, which I myself and, uh, Commissioner
Bear, uh, were there, staff was there, and did some great presentations. As always, it's good to talk to our township officers, hear the needs. I think we can be particularly appreciative of our county engineer and
the sheriff uh bringing some really good information to that group. And I know Commissioner Mojo and Commissioner or Sheriff Campbell were in the Twin Cities. >> I wasn't >> doing Huh? >> I wasn't in Twin Cities, but I had a >> Oh, okay.
>> another commit. >> Just uh one one particularly with Commissioner Mojo. I know she loves to get out the township meetings. They missed you, but you were you were doing work for us on that, so I appreciate it. >> Thanks. >> And that completes. >> All right, Commissioner Krabnoff.
>> Uh on the 5th, uh on the Wednesday, we had our um briefly uh nonsecure facility uh PRTF strategy meeting with our lobbyist. Um main thing of that meeting was preparation for the Senate bonding
through which was to come in the next week. Al also we were working on uh with the great help of Steve and Lori uh our final numbers for the um 20 roughly the
$28 million ask to our um honor uh 20 to get that uh in the bonding and then also um starting to add figures when we asked for the 28 what's our investment today in this project and Steve did a great
job and coming up with about 15 million that we've uh got in in the space of what it took to build the current juvenile facility, its operations, updates, additions, and uh so uh we're
able to show legislature that uh we do have an investment in this project. Uh on Monday the 9th, uh um Commissioner Mojo and I were at the Buffalo Red WHED district meeting. Uh there was a land
owner in down in Holy Cross uh township wanting to put some additional acreage into a existing drainage uh system district and that was approved and then along with that that uh landowner uh got
a drain tile permit for that use to put in that drain system. Um, also another discussion was down in our uh part on ditch 11 in southern Elwood I believe it is um township. There is an area in there where there's
been excessive erosion in on the river on the creek going through that area and uh they're going to look at a reshaping of that area. uh the discussion on that. It sounds like they'll reach out landowners and then become uh we'll find
out more in the future. Also other various small ditch repairs. Uh then I'm back to Wednesday on November 12th again. One more meeting with our lobbyists and that was the final prep for the Senate U bonding tour
that we had. I'll let Commissioner Mojo speak much deeper about that. um think we made great inroads. I thought it was wellreceived and we'll also start making inroads now with our lobbyists toward the governor
and more to DHS for additional funding. Uh also, uh I had a kind of the next emergency meeting is what we're calling it as far as the food commission. Again, once again, lost uh we've lost a lot of our funding and trying to figure out
where we can go with leadership to get these um integrate these things in other food systems and other strategies working with food supply. And uh so it was some outside membersh
uh having to do with uh our cast public health and then also other um people involved from the hunger coalition and in issue. Uh so there more stakeholders. So, there's going to be one more meeting uh that's coming up in a uh on the 24th,
and that one is bringing in uh potential uh investors into the program uh to keep it going to find uh ways for financing. So, more to come on that one. Um last thing I will say, we didn't get a report
on SNAP today. Uh but uh from what I see and what I heard, the amount of food and the amount amount of don donations that were brought into the community over the last couple weeks, amazing. Just absolutely amazing. Uh food bank had
over two and a half times the supplies of food that they've had in distribution. Uh my wife is very active with a a place for hope and and those freezers are full and there's people
come twice as much just trying to you know make sure they have their supplies and their needs and I know uh legislative shutdowns coming are done these benefits are going to start up again but there's going to be a trickle
effect uh going for a while for need. So anyway, thank you to community and and uh the people who are in charge of these places and pantries. And then uh let's see, then we had the Senate bonding tour. I already mentioned that. And uh
the last part of that um just a real thank you to uh again our juvenile staff uh for them helping us out. I mean again they're just that day was just awesome and and the reception I believe
that came back feedback I think from the uh senators that were there was good and I mean kind of gave us ideas uh areas to pursue and so with that I'll leave the rest on commissioner Mojo on that.
That's my report. >> Thank you Commissioner Mojo. >> Thank you Mr. chair. On Tuesday, November 4th, I attended the highway tracking committee meeting. We talked about project wrapups, the county road two piece and um future planning
discussion for the transportation school district meeting that happened the next day. We also had the county owned property meeting that day. We discussed county owned parcels, what's allowed, what's not allowed, how we communicate to the public during deer season and uh
direction moving forward there. The next day, I attended MetroCog HR coordinating meeting for some uh office reviews that were happening. The following day, I attended the highway department transportation dialogue with the sheriff's office and
our school districts. I just think that is such a critical meeting that happens every year and how we triage weather related events or announcements or response and I appreciate the highway department and all of those school districts for attending that and
obviously Sheriff Empended the Klay County legislative strategy meeting uh with our lobbyists that day and the next day had um annual performance reviews at Metrocog.
Friday, I attended the non-secured detention PRTF legislative strategy meeting and then a flood mitigation strategy meeting with the chamber uh diversion authority staff, city of Morhead staff, Buffalo Red, and Klay
County. On November 11th, I was able to attend the Barnesville's Veterans Day program. I appreciate all of the schools in Klay County that do that. Was that the day we also had or I on the 10th I attended the
Buffalo Red Watershed District meeting with Commissioner Kabana. Further dialogue on um with them on what they allow on on their properties. Wanted to make sure that it's aligned with Klay County properties as well. There was a
dialogue on um removal of logs that have built up in rivers. I think that Commissioner Kavanagh has worked with them on that. And then on sorry
November 12th I attended um the Casclay Food Partners meeting only as a a discussion for historical context on where we've been as that was the first committee that I was assigned to as part of this board. also had the Klay County
legislative strategy meeting that uh was final prep for the bonding tour on November 13th. Happy to host the Senate bonding tour. Uh so important for them to stop in Klay County. We did have a discussion on the Red River diversion
flood mitigation ask that was a presentation at the Yum Compst and then also able to host them at our West Central Regional Juvenile Facility. Our staff is amazing. uh they just did such a great job in making sure that that
presentation was up to snuff and uh explaining to them all of the components that our staff do to the um work with the kiddos there. One question that came up from a senator was why do uh
jurisdictions choose this facility? Why is this working? why, you know, why do they um look at a a list of available PRTFs and non-secure components throughout the entire United States and pick us and it's because of the program
that has been implemented, the um conversations that happened with Morhead public schools to make sure that the schooling component in there and the uh the therapy component is there. So, a huge gratitude to them for that.
The next day was the uh legislative uh strategy groups and then yesterday I apologize for missing the township meeting township officers meeting. I did have a invitation to meet with the uh
Governor Walls's staff at the capital. Uh we also met with the office of management and budget and DNR on the remaining components of the Minnesota um flood mitigation needs. Uh really fortunate for the opportunity to attend
that in public uh or in in in person. It was public but also in person about 15 to 17 people there around that table making sure we're revisiting what the agreement was with the task force and what those needs are for our residents moving forward. And I think that
concludes my reports. Mr. Chair, >> you Commissioner Bear. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. On November 4th, I was also at the county own lands committee. We Mrs. Mojo did a very good job going over that. We als but we also had a pictometry overview. We spent some
money, if you don't remember, back in I want to say it was early spring, late late winter on designating some money for that system for taking pictures of the county for staff to use. It's very the Yeah, the overview was very nice.
They did a very good job. I think that'll help staff tremendously. Then also on November 5th, I was at the Wild Rice Wershed District meeting where they passed three permits and tabled three and denied one. It was a very
informational meeting. It was very quick. There wasn't too many permits on the agenda. After that meeting, I went to uh the highway school district meeting and it's the first time I've sat through that and I thought it was a very good meeting, very informational for the
school districts and the highway department and everybody getting to know what's going to what we expect during the winter with snow plows and how they run. Then on November 11th, I went to the Glendon Township
meeting. They had some questions about the federal trust land that might be going in on the west side of their county. I informed them, they invited me there, so I gave them an update on the tribal trust land over there. Then November
12th, I was up in H Hallstead for the Senate bonding tour for the West Central Regional Water District where we gave an update there. And our ask in that group is a $10 million to help us run a pipeline from Holstead down to Felton.
That was very well received as well. I want to give credit to staff for putting that together and the Senate bonding tour for making a stop there. Then on November 13th, where are my notes at?
I was at the Klay County SWCD board meeting where we had an audit report and uh it all looks good just like ours was. We also discussed they also wanted to discuss a county county budget proposal
update for what we proposed to them. So I gave them an update on that on where their ask is. We we decided as a board as of right now not to just to hold their ask at the same ask they had last year. We had discussion on that.
Um that's pretty much what happened there. Oh, they're they also made a decision on their paid family medical leave update. They decided to go with an outside agency with a 0.59% there and the S SWCD is going to pay
that entire portion. Most SWCDs in the state are paying it because they're getting it at that lower rate. So, they are paying that for their employees. And I left that meeting to go to the Senate bonding tour in Morehead here
with a PRTF and a non-secure unit. And that's my first time sitting through that whole thing. And I thought the staff and you guys did a very wonderful job there. I was very impressed by staff and you two both and Steve as well that how you presented that. I I think we've
we've got a very good chance there. So then after that on November 17th I was also at CatCo meeting up in Morin Town Hall, their new town hall. Very appreciative for them opening that up to all of us. There was 16 36 members there
from 18 different townships. So, it was very wellreceived and I want to give credit for staff for showing up there and getting Dave out of the city of Morehead and seeing God's country. So, with that, that is all I have to say. Okay. All right.
>> Wait, you stopped in my district. >> Well, north of Highway 10, Jenny. >> All right. >> You referenced the good country. You know, >> on um November 4th, I also had the highway tracking committee meeting which Commissioner Mo report on. I don't have any additional things to add to that. On
Thursday, the November 6th, we had the intergovernmental committee and we spent an awful a lot of time talking about the school bond issues that had that both Morhead and and Dworth, one was successful and one not so much. And so
we talked about that and there was um a lot of discussion about planning for the intergovernmental retreat. Um, I think we've got some ideas in mind there for that. Um, more to come on that. November 7th, we
had the flood mitigation check-in with the chamber and uh, Commissioner Mojo reported on that one as well. And on Wednesday the 12th, we had the Red River Dispatch Budget and Finance Committee meeting.
And um we just reviewed the current year-to- date budget was pretty much all all that was done at that particular meeting. Uh that afternoon we had the pick meeting which uh the primary purpose of that was the continued
discussion on the early retirement incentive program. Um, I do want to bring up uh another thing that came out of those discussions and something that I think Darren brought up
that we're going to probably have to be looking at in the future and that's the um the impacts to paid family leave act has on our sick policy. So, I you know, I think that's something that we're going to have to um be
looking at that going forward and how that all correlates together. Um and on Thursday the 13th, I had the Lakes Country Service Cooperative I uh
meeting and um they were talking about the different positions that are up. I think we there's four positions that are going to be up for that board this year and there's four candidates and there's an additional candidate from the Mor public schools that are going to be on there.
So, it's likely that Lakes Country Service will have two members of the Morhead school district on their board as well as myself from the county. And then on the 14th, we al yes or Friday morning, we also had the
flood mitigation update again with the chamber. And I said on that there was a lot of planning that was um involved with that one for the um trip that Commissioner Mojo and others took yesterday uh where they had a meeting with the Governor Walls. And
so we're thankful for all of you that participated and took that trip for that purpose. Uh I'm sorry that I wasn't not able to attend the township officers meeting
and that I believe concludes my report. Steve Eve, thank you Mr. Chair. Uh the fourth I participated in highway tracking which has been well covered. Uh also participated in the county owned lands meeting. Uh on the that afternoon
I met uh with Darren and Mr. Milton in regards to some union negotiations. Uh on the 5th participated at the United Way Taco Bar uh the juvenile center staff donate all of the food there and every year it's it's amazing. So uh appated
>> huh >> do you eat or you participate? >> Oh I participated. All right. >> By eating. Um and uh on the on the uh fifth participated in a meeting with Dan Dan Molly, Derek Leo, Payton in regards
to the White Nation discussion. Uh on the sixth participated in the IGR meeting, which has been well covered. Uh that afternoon had meetings with Darren, our labor labor attorney with union negotiations. Uh on the that afternoon
met with Lori on some ongoing budget discussions. Uh on the 7th, Lori and I met uh we had our closing wire confirmation call for the refinance of the of the law enforcement uh correctional facility bond. Uh that was
completed last week. Uh on the 7th also participated in our legislative lobby call that's been well covered. uh the flood mitigation uh check-in with uh we where we discussed the Senate bonding tour preps uh and uh that afternoon and also on Monday participated in the
public health screening director screening director uh interviews on the 12th they had Klay County management uh we had budget discussions we heard updates from Kimberly on the judicial security legislation and also she's been working uh on a credit card payment
system to collaborate with all of our departments uh to to uh be more consistent and then had some HR updates on the 12th. Matt Jacobson, Derek Leo Point and I met with Kyle Roman, a representative from Orion
Strategies. Uh I did provide you guys a handout uh in your in your boxes. a DG Midstream uh purchased purchased a pipeline uh from Oak One and they just wanted to make their um make an
introduction and know that they're in our in our county. Um again, uh the 12th we had our legislative meeting which has been well covered. I've been working with MMB uh to uh receive the $1.2 million uh that the legislaturator
awarded for a PRTF remodel. Uh and so we got some information on that. Uh just a little bit more data and that should be coming soon. Uh we got some timelines of when we can utilize uh those funds. Uh and uh with good news of of uh a ability
to go to legislature to ask for a no cost extension. Participated in the bonding tour at the at the juvenile center. Uh I think as as was has been talked about that was an exciting day. uh there's a lot of
positive feedback that we received which was wonderful. I think that the other thing that to some of the comments that uh were made I think it's important uh why uh facilities use this is uh because of the programming but it's because of the investment that this board made uh
and it's goes back 10 years ago uh when other facilities were stepping back you guys were stepping into it and that's made all of the difference. Uh we found out this morning that we'd uh we are we are on the my MYAK agenda uh for their
quarterly quarterly meeting uh next week or two weeks I guess and uh they've supported our PRTF uh plan moving forward and and are looking forward to an update. So that was nice to see. On the 13th and 14th I participated in the AMC futures uh conference down in St.
Paul. Uh we heard presentations on pack uh property tax reform ideas. Uh there's about 20 different states that are looking at uh different funding sources and so we heard from Julie Ring's counterparts in Texas and Florida. Uh we had an update from Matt Hillgard
and federal shutdown. Um again we are now we're now budgeted through the end of January. Uh the positive news is that both SNAP and WICK which you heard presentations on last time we were here at board are actually funded through September and so if there are any issues
we won't have that same same challenge moving forward. Uh we we heard from economic development uh programming ideas for ita county uh and uh uh that was a good a good conference. I appreciate the opportunity to be there.
uh participated yesterday in the township officers meeting. Uh again, appreciate our staff for coming out and sharing uh sharing different things happening at the county and yesterday afternoon met with Darren and Anna on a series of issues. Just of note, uh this
this week is Minnesota winter hazard awareness week. Everyone from in the county would have received an email from Gabe uh talking about uh some of the dangers that we're we'll be facing probably shortly. Um and uh just a couple of other things. Uh today's the
16th annual county campus craft and sales boutique over at the family service center and taco in a bag will be served over lunch. Uh we do have interviews uh for the public health director starting this afternoon at 1. and just wanted to provide an update
based on your action today on shifting $100,000 uh of uh of cost from Quinn's budget that uh brought our levy down to 4.64%. That concludes my report. >> Great.
>> Great. Thank you, Steve. Brian, anything for us? Darren, >> thank you, Mr. Chair. Um November 4th, county owned lands committee. I also attended that. Uh also on the 4th had a discussion with Steve Brian and myself on attorney's uh negotiations. November
5th worked on a report for Mark Sloan legislative planning meeting with our lobbyists and I met with Corey and Ashley on some score funding. I'm trying to find the the calculations for that. November 6th I had the highway third
highways third negotiations and also the attorney's negotiations. um had a meeting with MC on uh improv project that we've been working on. November 7th worked on updating all the negotiation status sheets and PRTF
legislative meeting with the representative from Amy Clolishar's office. November 10th I participated in the public health director interviews as well. 11th I was off for Veterans Day. November 12th. Uh I also attended the manager meeting and had the corrections
fourth negotiations and uh attended the pick meeting. November 13th, Senate bonding tour. I participated in that as well. November 14th, we had detox's fourth negotiations and social workers fourth negotiations.
Uh November 17th, I yesterday attended the township meeting as well and had a meeting with Kimberly and Lori. uh on some um establishing how we can do some online payments. Um so we are we are making progress with the union
negotiations which is good. I sent an email to everybody I think yesterday uh kind of an update on that. And last but not least, open enrollment closes tomorrow. So if you haven't done your open enrollment
yet, please do it today or tomorrow. I guess >> that's all I have. >> All right. Sarah, do you have anything for us? >> Um, Mr. Larson, from the uh calendar standpoint,
uh, what when are we when have we decided that we're going to be dealing with the setting the levy? Uh we are we're having truth and taxation on December 16th at 6 PM and then we would be setting the preliminary levy on December 23rd.
>> Okay. >> All right. And we are planning on a meeting December 30th as well. >> That's correct. The board made made that action so the under treasures office could make their final payments. Okay. >> One question. >> One question that can we make that final
levy on the 30th or I mean, if we don't decide on the 23rd, is the 30th another day or are we going to decide on the 23rd? >> I'm Yeah, my understanding is Yeah, you can. As long as you make it prior to the end of the year, >> right?
I would certainly hope that by the 23rd we're ready to deal with this. >> We would hope so. One way or the other. Okay. All right. We're journed.