--------- Good morning. Today is uh March 17th. It's 8:30. I'll call today's meeting of the Klay County Board of Commissioners to order. Our first item on the agenda is an approval of the agenda. >> Madam Chair, I'll make a motion to approve the agenda. Second. We >> have a motion offered from Commissioner
Bayer to approve the agenda. A second from Commissioner Campbell. Any further discussion? Any further discussion? Any further discussion? All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppose. Same sign. Motion carries. Are
there any citizens in the audience wishing to address the board on any item today? Any citizens in the audience? Steve, have we had any online correspondence for this? >> Nothing, Madam Chair. >> Thank you. The
>> next item on the agenda is the payment of bills and vouchers. >> Madam Chair, I'll make a motion to pay the bills and vouchers. Second. >> Motion offered from Commissioner Bayer to approve the payment of bills and vouchers. A second from Commissioner Ebinger. Any further discussion?
Any further discussion? Any further discussion? All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed. Same sign. Carried. The minutes from March 3rd, 2026 were in the packet.
>> Madam Chair, I'll move to approve the minutes from March 3rd. >> We have a motion offered from Commissioner Ebinger. >> Second. >> A second from Commissioner Campbell. Any further discussion? Further discussion? Further discussion. All those in favor
of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppose. Same sign. Motion carries. Item two today is our annual department update from the assessor's office. We have our county assessor with us this morning. Good morning, Jill.
>> Good morning. Thank you, Madam Chair and commissioners. I realized this morning that about half of my presentation you already heard yesterday unless I just talk directly to Dave. So I will go quickly and it's a short presentation.
Um the mission statement of the assessor department is to serve the taxpayers by accurately and equitably valuing and classifying all Klay County real and personal property as established by the statutes of the state of Minnesota. um either even though we're called the
assessor department, we do not work with special assessments and we do not work with tax calculation or taking payments. Um we've been very lucky. We've had no changes in staffing the past year. Um I really appreciate the longevity and
reliability of my assessor staff. Their years of experience show their commitment to quality assessment work and and commitment to Klay County. Um the same goes for the city of Morehead local assessor staff. They handle almost half of the county parcels.
Uh we just completed work on the 2026 assessment. Um this includes the city of Barnesville, city of Comtock, city of Glendon, Kragnus Township, Mullen Township, Morehead Township, and Oakport. Um there was a total of about
3,35 parcels that were viewed by staff as well as um going out and reviewing any new construction and building permits. Um for the 26 assessment, uh the law requires assessors to value property at its most likely selling price. This estimated market value
divided by the actual sales price equals the sales ratio. And I then use this ratio to do studies that ensure uniformity and quality of the assessment and to set the final values. Um then notice valuation statements are mailed out. Property
owners have an opportunity to ask questions and appeal the valuation. Um the county has five jurisdictions that hold local board of appeal meetings and then there's 36 jurisdictions under open book appeals which means that they
can appeal directly to the assessor's office andor come directly to county board of appealization. >> Commissioner Campbell has a question. >> Jill just a real the adjusted sale price what what is that? adjusted sales price is the the sales price less any personal
property or seller paid points. >> Thank you. >> Um also um if we have a time trend then we calculate it after it's adjusted for that time trend. We did have a 3% on residential this year um but no other
time trend. things are seem to be quite stable in the market and I will have um a full assessment summary that will come in the next week or two that I will send out to you and I could come back and do a presentation on that if you want. >> Yes, Commissioner Bear.
>> What's a time trend? Um, if the market is appreciating greatly, like if you you buy a house and then now the same house sells for say 20,000 more, it's it's uh we're not keeping up to the market. So, it's looking forward and matching the
sales price to that forward trend. And same goes for if it's a declining market. >> So, in 2025, we had a 3% Tony wide >> annual. Yeah. So, like a 0.25% monthly. So then we adjust it for if it's sold in July, we would just add six months of
adjustment to it to bring it to uh January 2nd of 2026. >> And uh the big project for this year uh for the 2026 assessment, the assessor department completed a five-year project changing the soil rating used for a land
valuation. Staff used aerial imagery in a GIS soil module. um while reviewing mass appraisal the past four years, they would draw out the tillable acres into this soil module and from there then I took that acre file um and exported it
and merged it with the CPI data to determine a weighted CPI rate of each parcel. Uh the CPI conversion did not show significant trends that differed from the CER that we've used in the past. um some parcels increased, some remain
similar, some decreased and where I expected low CPI rates potentially in like the ridge areas, some were high ratios and vice versa. So ultimately I still followed the sales ratio study and land valuation changes were made based
on the sales information available. um to coni continue transparency in our assessment work. Anformational flyer is going to be inserted into the envelope with the tax statement and the notice evaluation statement. Those will get mailed out the last day of March and
there's a sample of it there on the screen. >> Commissioner Mayor have one other question. How many other counties are assessing that way? >> I don't know the exact number. Um it's not half. Most many are still on
CER rates. Some use an oldfashioned ABC. They just have three tiers of of rates. Um I do know Wilin, Grant, and Ottertale converted in the last two to three years. Norman County is working on it. Um Poke County also converted this year.
So I was working closely with them to looked at the way um they used factors or multipliers to set rates to the south of us at Ottertale and ultimately we followed the way Poke County was doing it. >> So most of everybody in our region is
working on it have done it. >> Yeah. Uh currently we Klay County received five tax petitions on the 2024 assessment. Deadline for that is April 30th of each year. Um three property tax
petitions remain active in Minnesota tax court and these cases are in various stages of the process including information exchange, potential settlement discussions with the petitioners. Um all active petitions have trial dates scheduled for October and December.
And because of these cases are still pending, I can't discuss specific details in this presentation today. Um, I continue to work closely with Nathan Ori, the Morehead City Assessor Office, and Katie Stock, our chief assistant county attorney. Uh Nathan has been
instrumental in setting settling two of the cases that are in Morehead and adding also settlement of the 2020 25 assessment to um the 2810 Second Avenue North property that settled that is the former Golden Living Center nursing home
that's been vacant um for a couple of years. Um it was listed actively for sale much higher than our assessed value. Um but then since then there has been some deterioration, physical deterioration and blighting of the
property. And so even though we had been um lowering the valuation, they still filed in uh tax court on the 24 assessment. >> Commissioner Campbell has a question. >> Jill, when they when they file for uh tax court, are they not paying any taxes
during that time? >> They have to pay the taxes or they can't file. So then we taxes are fully paid, but we send a refund >> if if they're successful. >> Yeah. Right. >> Thank you. >> Uh and then the Wells Fargo Bank
building downtown that has been vacant. Um we settled that after there was a current sale. Uh Essentia, uh Innovas, so that was a good guideline for true market value there. Uh, starting May 1st, we will begin work
right away on the 27 assessment for taxes payable 28. Seems way off into the future, but we're working on it. >> Um, we will be working. >> Can you talk a little bit about how you the rotation in which we have set to
make sure we're working through the municipalities and the townships? There was some questions about how assessments collided with a a storm and and we don't we don't change what's on the schedule to get assessed based on storm damage type information. >> Right. That would just be additional
review. Um we do have I might have a copy of it with here I and I could send it out to you. It's a set rotating every five-year plan of each jurisdiction. The only change is um
uh Greg in our office is a local assessor to Holly Township. So he does only a seventh of Holly Township each year. But all the other jurisdictions, we fully do a jurisdiction every 5 years. And so
that rotates and is set. And then if there's additional new construction permits or um damage assessment, that would be we go out. So yeah, sometimes we might see somebody two times in a
year if something like they demolished a building late in the fall after we'd already been there, we would go out again. Okay, >> let's have that rotation available for the small cities meeting that's coming up. I think the 16th or 17th just to
have available because I think there were some small city questions on what the rotation is. Okay, thanks. And so coming up, we will be working in the city of Sabin and the city of Yulan and then Eglund Township, Holy Cross
Township, Kurtz Township, Morin, and Yulan. And then before I conclude, um I should also inform you of a current project that's been taking a lot significant portion of my time, not necessarily my staff, but um Lori Johnson and I uh work
closely with the momentum tax software that we use. It is a national software. Um 10 counties in Minnesota are currently still on that software. And um though we work the assessors department
works in Kama computer aided mass appraisal software the valuations and classifications then integrate into the amentum tax software. So this includes all of our program management such as homesteads um the bets program a linking for
homestead that all gets managed within the momentum tax software. Um and so then Klay County In January, we moved to managed services while the um and that's been going great. I think Rory came and talked to you about that change. Um so it's less
burden on Tracy Cummings. Um but then the next step is that all of the counties are upgrading to what's called a new version of the software platform. and it's been two to three weekly meetings in preparation and now starting um in April we will start three weeks of
active training and then the final upgrade is going to happen in early June for Klay County. So and that concludes my presentation. >> Thank you Jill. Thank you also for being at the township meeting yesterday to
explain and I know it was repetitive for some of us but for the public watching it's really helpful to understand the mechanism of how the department works. Any questions? I do have >> Commissioner Campbell. It's it's somewhat of a hypothetical but I um and
we don't have a lot of lakes in in Klay County. Uh and a lot of the lake properties can there's there's a limited number of them. So obviously they there seems to be a value
there to the point where you know it hap isn't happening so much in Klay County right now but um in other areas people will buy these properties and you have a split value between your land and
your structures on that property and they will pay above the full value of the combining of the land and the structures. and go and demolish the structure.
>> And and so obviously that brings up the sale value. And so then all all the other comparable properties are basically charged on that when the the true value is they they was no value
to the structure because they demolished it. Do you do you follow what I'm saying? >> Yeah. >> So how does that work? Is there any is there anything given for that that they absolutely just demolish the structure because the the current property owners
who were there are being increased because of that sale when that building was just demolished. So to the to the people who bought it, there was zero value to that building. They just demolished it. potentially we would look
at it as that's the value of the land then. >> Okay. >> Um >> so >> so your land value would go up. >> Yeah. Um I since I've been here we've it's been pretty stable in like Park and Tansome townships as far as on the
lakes. Um and I do check with Becker County. Um especially when Turtle Lake is it Turtle Lake? Yeah. Is >> Portland. Yeah. And um they will see an increase this year, but it is not I did
not increase the actual lake frontage rates um or the residential portion of it. Woods, we are seeing $4 to $5,000 an acre wood sales and they're the area that has has more.
So um that's the the reason why that so it's going to be like Eglund Park and Tansom will see the largest increases. The remainder of the county other than industrial has been pretty much stable and some decline. Well, I'm I'm you know, I'm just going to say, you know, I
happen to own some lake property in Ottertale County, >> and within two years or three years, that went from a 200 and some thousand value to over 500,000. >> And it's because of properties that were sold on the lake that were demolished and rebuilt on.
>> Yeah, that happened a lot on Pelican Lake, didn't it? I believe all of them. >> Right. Thank you. >> Any other questions, Jill? Well, again, thanks to you and your staff. Uh, we talk about forward- facing departments, and there's probably
not another one more forward- facing than you and your team, uh, working with residents. I appreciate the flexibility and in meeting residents where they are. You're always so great to be active in committees and and help us work through issues. So, thank you.
Item three is the request approval of the final contract voucher for SAP014-634-031. We have our county engineer Justin Sorum with us today. Good morning, Justin. >> Good morning. Yes. So, this is the approval of the final contract voucher for the Milan overlay project. This went
from the east city limits at Ulin to the Clay Becker County line. This project was the project that was completed a year early due to favorable bid prices last year. Central Specialties Incorporated was a contractor and I think the project turned out really
well. The final amount to be approved today would be $743,98351. >> Justin, briefly, I know you have in the packet the information for us, but you can talk a little bit about what that overage over the bid was. >> Sure. So none of the actual quantities
other than one minor striping quantity were actually overplanned quantity. So on a paving project if everything goes perfect, we nail all of our quantities. The contractor gets a lot of really good densities and a lot of they also profile it at the end. They actually get
incentives. So the overage is strictly on density incentives and ride incentive. Thank you. >> Any questions from the board? >> Really happy with how the project turned out. wishes of the board. >> I guess I'll make a motion to approve
the final contract vouchure for SAP 014-634-031 in the amount of 743,983.51. >> Second. >> We have a motion offered to approve the final contract voucher as noted from Commissioner Bar, second from Commissioner Campbell. Further discussion?
Further discussion. Further discussion. All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppose. Same sign. The request carries. Item four is a request approval of permit and license agreement with the diversion authority. >> Yes. So this is something that we've
been working on for quite a while. I have brought this to highway tracking a couple different times and also had Brian Melton review this document as well. Um so this is kind of in addition to theou that was signed in 2023. So what this permit and license agreement
with the diversion authority does, it's mainly just SC4 and SC5 where they either cross county roadways or are the roadway itself. This agreement just allows the diversion authority to maintain that infrastructure. And then in the event that there was damage from
a flood or also general maintenance in this agreement also if um us as a county feel as though the diversion authority is not making repairs in a timely option or timely manner we can actually seek outside repair options and get
reimbursed for the work that's done. >> This did come before the highway tracking committee meeting. We've uh discussed it thoroughly. I know the attorney's office had an opportunity to review this and felt like uh it was um
worthwhile signing. I have a comment that's not about this, but it's in in regards to how the diversion authority and say the core of engineers who's doing the same uh work. >> Um I agree with this. This is I'm I I
will support this. But in regards to my comments last week about subcontractors or contractors for the core >> not fulfilling uh u repair and damages to residents. I'm really struggling and those who sit on the diversion authority can put
pressure on the core that we have um an item in here talking about uh subcontractors in repair obligations and damages not seek um making sure people are made whole within 120 calendar days
and the core is not able to do that on uh other folks behalf is infuriating >> and I I said this last week but uh residents that had $70,000 plus dollars worth of damage and the core is not being helpful right now. So, the most
pressure we can put on them, I I would help support that, but um that's that's more of a a soap box uh for those of us that sit around different tables. But in regards to what's before us today, I support. >> Board wishes. >> Madam Chair, I will give an additional
report on your on your what you just talked about in my committee reports. Um but with that I would um move the approve the permanent license agreement with the majority. >> A motion offered from commissioner to approve a second from commissioner
Ebinger. Any further discussion? >> Any further discussion? >> Any further discussion? All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed? Same sign. Carried. Okay, Justin, let's move into your
annual department update. >> Yes. Um, so just like every other department update, I always start with what the highway department's mission statement is. So the main objective of the Klay County Highway Department is the construction and maintenance of county
highways and bridges, county state aid highways and bridges, and township roads and bridges. The goal of the highway department is to ensure that the roadways and bridge structures in Klay County are designed according to federal and state guidelines, constructed according to the contract
specifications, and properly maintained to ensure the safety of the traveling public. Um, this is kind of our our highway department or chart. So, county engineer and then the assistant county engineer. We do have a maintenance supervisor, a
maintenance foreman who oversees 11 motor greater operators, a road foreman who oversees 11 maintenance workers, our shop foreman who oversees our diesel mechanic. We have five engineering technicians. In the summertime, we hire anywhere between two and four summer
helpers. We have a sign foreman and one of our maintenance workers acts as a seasonal assistant to the sign foreman. We have an office manager, an administrative assistant, and a highway accountant.
On the maintenance side, we have 24 full-time employees. We do provide maintenance on all county gravel, and then we also contract with 27 out of the 30 townships for gravel roads. Each district averages over 130 miles. Um,
some other things that our maintenance side does is snow plowing, ditch mowing, culvert replacements, tree removal, patching and crack filling, graveling, just kind of obviously I keep this picture from a few years ago just cuz I think it's kind of cool. Blowing snow.
We've only had to do it once this year, so we're pretty fortunate there. On the shop side, we have two employees, a shop foreman and a diesel mechanic. shop is always a very busy place and our staff does a really good job at keeping our fleet up and running. Just a
snapshot of some of the equipment that we have. So, we do have 12 motor graders, 13 tandem trucks, five tractors, two payloaders, 25 pickups andor SUVs. Another thing that the shop does is a lot of different fabrication. And then
one highlight from 2025 is we were able to purchase three new motor graders. I have a question. >> Commissioner Bear, >> are we are we looking at this year buying any equipment or no? >> Um, so we're working our way through that right now. Um, we don't have any
motor graders currently on the seven-year rotation. I think that's next year. Um, we're looking at a survey pickup and a couple other different vehicles, but not as of right now, no big purchases like a three motor graders.
Um, on the engineering side, we do have five engineering technicians and like I mentioned, two to four summertime interns. This group does a really good job at keeping construction moving. They're the ones that ensure everything is done according to plan and spec. They're also doing all the staking.
Um, and then when they're not on construction, they handle all of our access permits, utility permits, and also work handinhand with Alex and I on plan design. Engineering technicians statewide are probably one of the tougher positions to
fill. As you are aware, we do have we're looking to fill two full-time openings before June. We really we're struggling right now. Um, we're advertising everywhere we can. I'll actually be going to the transportation conference in St. Paul this week where I'm hoping I
can spread the word that we have an opening or openings. Um, another thing that our engineering techs do is bridge inspection. So, we do have two team leaders, myself and one other, and then two assistant inspectors
who are working their way to be certified team leaders. In the past, we've only had one inspector and one program administrator. So, it's my goal is to have all five be team leaders in the event where somebody retires or leaves. We're not stuck in a bind.
Um Oops. This year we inspected 338 bridges. One thing that um we do, we inspect all of the township bridges. That's per state statute and we do not charge for that service. Um and then
this year we were also able to purchase a drone. We have not received it yet, but it should be coming any day. Then all of our technicians will also have their part 107 so they can fly the drone whenever necessary. >> Madam Chair, so I I understand what the bridges are.
Could you tell the public because I'm going to Some people watching this might say Klay County doesn't have 338 bridges. >> Yeah. So even a box cover's considered a bridge. Um, so when we're when we receive bridge bonding to replace like an old timber structure, a lot of times
it is a box culvert, but that is considered a bridge. >> Yeah, >> there's a state definition of a bridge and a federal definition of a bridge. States a little less than a federal, but yeah, even some of the larger arch pipes are considered bridges as well.
>> Any other questions? And I did mis misstate we did not I'll get to this later but we didn't inspect 338 bridges this year. We have 338 total. >> Correct. >> Um on the administration side we have one registered engineer myself, one
assistant engineer, our highway accountant. We do have two front office staff and they handle anything from moving permits to dust control which dust control can be a really big lift. Um, we help residents get signed up and
work with the contractor. And then also trying to get spots graveled like was mentioned yesterday during the township meeting is always everybody wants their dust control now, but they also want gravel now which trying to coordinate that all in May can be tough. They also our front office staff also handles our
annual permits, our county graveling, and then also we work with um marks department on road closures, news flashes. We do a try to inform the public as much as we can. And one big thing this year that we're going to be doing with the roundabout project is
kind of having our own separate project um website that'll kind of give weekly or bi-weekly updates and we're going to do a drone flight probably every couple weeks which will be really neat. >> I really like that. I think that's a a
great way to keep the public informed on how projects are progressing. >> I agree. Um, so our sign department is made up of one full-time sign foreman and then few years ago when we did add another maintenance worker, we did replace, we used to hire a seasonal assistant in the
summertime. So that's now covered by a full-time employee. So when that employee is not plowing snow, he's helping out the sign department. So we maintain 5,213 signs and 4,087 blue fire number signs.
One thing we do now also with having two different people in there, if a township does call and request some help signing, we also do that as well. Um, this year we implemented a new GIS-based software program to help manage our sign
inventory. Um, this is included in our EZRI license. It was just a lot of it was a onetime fee and also a really big lift by Mark's department and our sign department to get our old it was called simple signs implemented into GIS and
it's it's been working really well. Um I'll show some screenshots of that later on. They also our sign department also does traffic control for our annual pavement testing and then we use portable message boards for construction and miscellaneous projects. And then in
the event where we do have a bad winter or even this winter we've had some mailbox repairs. Um they also handle that. And then they also handle emergency road closures. >> Are those swing mailboxes? >> If they are a swing away, we will go fix it.
>> I can speak from experience that I have a swing away mailbox that so happened to uh land in the ditch and the staff was out to repair it. One thing a swing away will not withstand is a bobcat though. >> Nope.
>> So, this is kind of just a screenshot. Um, just showing kind of all the information that's on one sign, the MUTCD code, the road that it's on, status. So, we have two iPads that have this software on it.
one one individual can flag the um actual sign and the repair that it needs and the next individual will get a kind of a message on his dashboard then he'll go fix it. It's been working really well. Then another thing this also covers is few years ago we bought a
retrorefletoter so it also measures the reflectiv or we can put the reflectivity on the specific sign and make sure we're in compliance there. This is just kind of a screenshot of how many different signs. This is south of Highway 10 east of Dworth. Just the
sheer amount of signs is crazy when you think about it. >> And those are just county signs, >> correct? >> So, for example, like if you're driving on trunk highway 75, wherever there's a stop sign on a county road, that's actually the state's sign.
>> Likewise, on a township road, if it stops at a county road, that's our sign. or crossing a railroad track, right? If it's a stop sign for a railroad track, is that the railroads or is that the >> That's ours. Okay. Yeah. The only thing we don't as far as a railroad goes, we don't take care of the crossing arms or
anything like that, but the actual pavement markings and everything else we take care of. >> Commissioner Campbell, >> do they do the signs still have to meet reflectivity? >> Absolutely. >> Is that part of what you do when you go out? You can determine >> Yep. So, there's a couple different ways
you can meet compliance. Um there is a standard life given to a sign. So you can either blanketly replace whatever that year is which we don't do that. That's the purpose of buying the retrorefletoter. So you basically just have to have a
sample size of say signs were replaced in 2002. If you have say you replaced 100 stop signs, you go check 15 of them. You'd be in compliance if they're all just so you don't have to check every single sign.
And that that thing has paid for itself because we would have been in the middle of replacing a lot of different signs throughout the quadrants of the county and it's worked really well. >> Question, >> Commissioner Bear. >> How long does a sign last for Reflect? >> Oh, on average
>> I want to say our warranty is 13 years. We've been seeing 15 to 17. >> And there are different grades you can buy which obviously go up in prices. >> Yeah. Can that depend on on the sun. >> Absolutely. So
>> you have a door south one you might not have the sun in as much as east west. >> Absolutely. So when we're shooting a sample group, we're not all we're not shooting all north facing ones. We're shooting north, east, south, and west because definitely does play a part in it >> in the life.
>> Yep. >> Thank you. questions. >> Um, in 2026, a new Minnesota manual of on uniform traffic control devices, we call it the MUT manual, was adopted.
This happened in January. One big thing with this is the requirements for county state aid highways. We have the white county road signs currently. In the future, we will be replacing these by it
is going to be state statute that they have to be these blue with gold letters. So, as those signs meet their life, we'll be replacing them with these blue ones. >> So, we don't have to go and change them when they replace. >> Yeah. You don't have to change them now? No. Um just in the future, we do.
And then one thing we're also doing with some of the advanced route markers is if we used to have advanced route markers on every gravel road, which we're not really doing that anymore. We're just doing it right where the county road starts instead of, you know, at the half
mile line saying county road 100 is coming up. >> Yeah. >> So we're saving some money there. Uh so our roadway network our Cass system is made up of 404 miles 272 which
of which are paved and 132 of gravel. The maintenance and construction of these are funded through the gas tax aotment and wheelage tax. And then our county road system is made up of 337 miles 16 of which are paved. Then the
maintenance and construction of these roads are funded through local dollars and at times wheelage tax. And then I did include this picture from last summer just kind of showing our one thing we do quite a bit of is emergency road closures too. Dispatch will call in
the middle of the night such as this underpass which is just by Barnes Barnesville. So we will provide um road closures when necessary as well. some maintenance highlights from 2025. So, we did, as I mentioned in the um
township rate contract, um we did have 1,000.25 hours of snow removal. While that does seem like a lot, it was still 1,618 less hours than 2023. We had 5,57 hours of blading gravel
roads. And between motorg graders and tandem trucks, we had just under $330,000 worth of fuel expenditures. Um, one thing our maintenance staff also did was 25 miles of crack filling, 15 pipe replacements. Um, this year we
actually rented a hot box and went through 291 tons of hot mix purchased from local asphalt suppliers. Um the picture up there is from the bridge on Cassaw 11 after the diamond grind. We did actually repair that in house and
that's worked really well and gotten a lot of compliments on it. >> Um we did also go through three semi- loads of mastic which is used for patching and then CDL license program. I just wanted to update the board. It's
still working as intended. We did have two new employees in 2025 utilize this program. Some construction highlights from 2025. We did have 10 miles of paving. We did a township bridge removal in Elmwood Township. We had the Casaw 11 concrete
pavement rehab project. Two township bridge replacements. We had a CASW 45 mil and overlay through Dworth. We completed year one of two of the Commtock reconstruction. Lots of different surveys for 2026
construction. We did 291 bridge inspections out of the 338 that we have. Then we also worked on design for this year and next year's construction projects. And then like I've mentioned multiple times, we did stripe every Cassaw and county road. And I think
that's been a really good program. Um, some project highlights. This this was one of the projects that was final today, but it's Cass 34. So, it was a 10mi paving project, 42,500 tons of batuminous. So, much
needed improvement and it went really, really well. Another project highlight is Cass 14 bridge replacement. So, this utilized $886,000 in federal BRS funding, which is bridges
off system, $686,000 in bridge bonding. >> Thanks for clarifying what the BRS funding was. >> Yep. I had meant to type it in, but I forgot. Right. >> And then just under $160,000 in CASA regular. >> One thing I also like to include in my
annual update is the historical state aid construction aotment. As you can see, this has been trending upwards, which is a good thing. We're just under $5 million this year in CAS regular. My next slide, this is kind of included
from a recent state aid presentation. It's just kind of showing what the highway user tax distribution fund is and where all that money goes to. Just in case you guys have never seen this slide, I think it's pretty neat to see where all the transportation funding
comes from and where it goes. Then a look ahead for 2026. So in the coming months, I will be bringing the 5-year plan update to highway tracking and then also to the board for a public meeting. My plan is to have once the CASAW 26 project bids
and seeing where that comes in at updating the five-year plan and working through that. We also be doing quite a bit of different pavement testing for future projects, some light equipment purchases, and then our main really big lift is going to be the Cass 12 and 52
roundabout. >> Any questions? >> Questions for Justin? >> One one question. Mr. Bear, >> I know we've talked about it, but the the roundabout, how long of process is that going to you figure will take? >> So, >> start to be completion.
>> If I had to guess, was construction will start miday and completion I think is September 15th time frame. So, it is going to take all summer. Like there is quite a bit of grading and tie-in work to it, >> but hopefully get done before beat harvest.
>> Well, our completion dates as always is centered around beet harvest. Commissioner Campbell. >> Yeah, I I don't have a question. Uh some comments here regarding the historical state aid constructionman. Um one of the um important things that
we as counties have tried to do over many years, and this goes back when I when I served on a gas tax committee, um going back a little further than 2015 on here, we used to be 2 million. >> Yep.
and it's up to 4.9 million now. And that and a lot of that is thanks to the lobbying efforts, you know, just like what we do now as counties when we go and we lobby for things. Um for a number of years at AMC, the number one topic
was always highway money. It was for years we that we needed more highway money. And so that has improved. Now we do have a gas tax that's indexed. I know people don't like paying gas taxes, but they also don't like bad roads.
>> Mhm. >> And the only way you fix bad roads is getting money from someplace. >> That's how you get it. Um the one the one thing that does concern me, and this re really looks good in terms of dollars, but also is the cost of the
worksh the com, you know, I mean certainly we're getting $5 million versus two million, >> but how much do those project cost? I think we're still coming out better. I think we're able we've been able to fit more things in in our five-year plan the
last couple years than than what we, you know, thought we were going to be able to do. So, that's a good thing. But anyway, I just I I and I even from the I I was going to maybe mention something yesterday at the township officers meeting because it that's so important
for even the townships to be advocating for the things that they're doing >> and and the the distribution formulas. they can become critical to uh local units of government. So um I think in this case it's been a job well done by
counties to see that distribution work in this fashion. So >> that was just more of a comment than anything but >> yeah and on this slide it actually does show that where town road comes from as well if a township officer was ever curious.
>> Additional questions. Madam Madam Chair, uh Justin, in the event that uh we are unable to hire our technicians, what impact will that have on our our season, upcoming season? >> So, I think we're in a we're in a okay
spot for now. Um couple years ago when we did hire an assistant engineer, that was not a we went the route of a technician. One advantage to that is he does have all of his mindot certifications and in the event where we don't have enough full-time inspection
staff he can shift to help which is a big thing. >> Can I commissioner Campbell? >> I think Go ahead. I'll >> No, you >> um one big thing where it will hurt in the future is this time of year when we're designing plans for the next year.
If we don't have a full staff, it's really going to hurt. One of the one of the things that over the last few years there's really been especially in this area in this region the demand on engineers is because of the of the diversion project. I mean not
not only did the diversion authority itself hire engineers but a there were still a lot of subcontracts with engineering firms that had a lot of engineers working on that project. >> Absolutely. that's coming to a conclusion here pretty soon.
>> And so I'm I'm just I'm hopeful that maybe in some other areas that will free up some um some engineering uh that had been targeted towards that massive project. >> Absolutely. >> Now to become more available for other
things like what you're looking for. So hopefully we'll maybe see some something in that regard as well. >> I would agree. >> Commissioner Bear, >> do you want to make a comment on road restrictions? Yes. So, road restrictions are going on north of Highway 10
starting Wednesday and then it was about a week and a half ago would have been Friday the 6th that south of Highway 10 went on. It can be on a maximum of eight weeks. >> I don't know if I recall a spring in which I've seen so much movement. Uh we
heard from the township about 26 those uh speed bumps. um several of the road constructions that projects we've done in the last 5 years, there's a lot of movement. >> Absolutely. I think I mean one thing we've noticed in the last couple of years, it seems
like now I'm not wishing for more snow, but it seems like when you have more snow, frost levels aren't quite as deep from some insulation. Now that we don't have much snow and we get those 30 below days, it seems to really affect us more than it
>> say it has in the past. >> Additional questions. Thank you for uh what you do. Both Commissioner Campbell and I were at the uh township meeting when we talked about the maintenance contract. Those of us that were at the township officials
meeting yesterday, thanks for keeping them up to date on items that are coming up. Uh, you know, I think we all do better when we are provided information so that we can plan. And, uh, I've texted you several times when, uh, different road issues have been brought
to my attention from residents and your department is always so quick to respond to folks. I know that you work handinhand with the sheriff's office, particularly during storm events, >> uh, keeping our residents as informed and as po as as possible. Thank you for that responsiveness. We really
appreciate what you do. >> Thank you. else. All right. >> Thank you. >> Yep. >> Thanks, Justin. >> Committee reports. Commissioner Ebinger, keep it to committee reports. That's not here about
the hogs. >> Well, I'm holding my breath. >> You want me to talk about the hogs? >> Arkansas. >> My razor backs are looking good. All right. My committee reports Wednesday the 11th.
I attended the Northwest Emergency Communication uh board meeting virtually. Had a lot of general business that was just discussed on emergency talk groups and some technical stuff. Uh one of the things that does impact us here is a school
mapping project. It's moving forward. Well, uh we are partnered in this northwest area with uh the Twin Cities with a group that's come in, an engineering group that does the schools and our emergency uh managers here with
the county and with Morehead have done a good job of getting all the information out to our schools and the information about our schools out to this company. and they'll be um preparing um a a uh sis or a map mapping system
that will allow emergency responders if the software is is in the vehicles and in the dispatch centers which may be a cost down the road. But the data will be there to give them exact locations of emergency phone calls. So we know if
somebody calls from one of the schools exactly where they are. It shows where the closest entrance is. Uh really gives you a very good um program for emergency responders, be it an ambulance call with somebody who's
maybe having a heart attack or an active shooter or a suspicious person where they've got a lockdown. It gives you great information. And so this is a good program and it is uh being overseen by the emergency communication board uh to
get the entire state uh this resource. on uh Thursday the 12th, I tended to be on the yellow ribbon meeting. A lot of concerns just with uh the current world issues about possible future deployments
and being able to provide services for families if uh their family members are deployed and there was general discussion on that. Uh yesterday uh I uh on the 16th I attended
the Dancing Skies Senior uh area or Dancing Sky a area agency on aging which is real hard to say but I attended that meeting in Manomomen
had uh the annual report uh showing 2025 in view. Uh the area area area a agencies on aging across the state do a really good job of just
gathering the resources for our our senior citizens, distributing it, distributing it out and make sure it's being distributed equitably to all the counties and areas. We did discuss uh the annual match that we have to make
for this funding and uh it's covered by the county in a payment we make and all the other jurisdictions served uh just their willingness to be open and have have somebody respond here. We want
a presentation budget planning. Uh we have regional uh grants that are currently being requested, but as we all know, state and federal funds uh are kind of a best guess right now. We're going to see
what's available for next year. um had a presentation by Justice North which provides legal services not only for senior citizens but a anybody who's unable to pay for civil legal services
on their own and uh I did get a request I'm going to forward it to Kurt. I'm sure Kirk Cannon's already in in uh contact with them, but they asked all of us to make sure our our uh veteran service officers are aware of
their presence and that they will provide services for veterans who have who meet the qualifications. And that completes my reports. >> Thank you, Commissioner Ebinger. Commissioner Campbell, >> thank you. On March 10th, we had our
personnel issues committee meeting. We had uh two items on the agenda. One was a replace a waiver case manager position and also replace an eligib. We we dealt with both of those today through our
consent agenda as uh the process was approved to do so by this board. On March 11th, we had a building committee meeting. Uh we our first conversation was regarding uh the West Central
Regional Juvenile Center. um and the area that Birthright currently has in the facility. It appears that um it's it's looking from Joe's standpoint, he's recommending that I think their
lease is up at the end of June and that that probably should not be renewed at that point in time. Uh there might there's might be an option given to Birthright if they want to get out of that lease sooner that
the ability to do that would be there and there's already a very large interest in West Center Regional Juvenile Center taking over that and it's a really good plan by James. Uh so
I you will be hearing some uh we first asked um Joe to reach out with Birthright and try to get some timeline information from them before we bring more information and or move on with with what's being proposed.
We also discussed the um financial unit the second floor. Um as you recall, public health had an area in there that um since Jessica's been on there, they've determined that they no longer need that. Uh so Quinn is um
putting in a plan in place where he'd like to have that that area that public health no longer uses. Um he's got they've between him and Joe, I think they've worked out a a really good plan that project cost uh to implement that
would be about 115,000 in construction cost and upgrading the HVAC and that type stuff of which a portion of that would be able to be resubmitted for reimbursement from the state and they believe the fund 13 would
probably be able to cover a significant portion of that. uh more will be involved with that. Joe will be uh coming before this board with that as well. And then with our current uh five-year
uh plan, we did have a scheduled power plant roof replacement project for for this year. That's about in tune of 95,000. That still is a go. We'd like to see that get done before those costs go up. So, all of those things Joe will be
bringing before us here in the near future. >> Commissioner Campbell, >> final approval. Yes. >> I have a question about your building committee. Uh, I did notice last week I read an article in the forum that talked about Morhead with a potential intent to vacate the lease at the LEC. Can and I
know that your meeting likely happened after that discussion, but given the fact we found out about it in the paper, um is there an opportunity to maybe reach out to the city of Morhead and see if they have more concrete plans on what that looks like? That would be a
significant shift in our space utilization at the county and just think that >> right >> something we should be on top of. you know, I think, you know, there is the they have they have previously informed it of an interest. Um, I guess now it's
good a time as any to uh it's so early on, but I there's some discussions about space in general that um school district might want some space, they've got some space, the city's got some space, and they're they're wanting to bring the
county into that discussion. Uh we obviously in that plan uh that you read about um if Morehead were to leave there would be a significant hole in our revenue, you know. So that that is certainly a a large concern on the part
of the county uh moving forward. And I and I think and I just talked to uh Administrator Larson about that this morning that we're going to have to bring everybody to full speed on this. uh some of these uh discussions that have been going on behind the scenes a
little bit here, they've been very premature and preliminary, but before they go much further, I think we owe it to the full board to have those conversations. And it there is there is some involvement both between, like I said, between the county,
uh the city of Morhead, and the school district. So I, you know, unless you want to get me more involved, >> I don't think that needs to be in the weeds now, but I just I I put that back on the plate of the committee. I know you guys are on top of it, >> but it's certainly it's certainly something that um
depending on what route would be suggested that we go. One of our concerns uh overall on this whole thing is if if if there's to be changes, how it can be costneutral to Klay
County. That's that's that's the critical thing that we're >> and you know if Ezra wants to chime in on because he's been a little bit part of it behind the scenes. >> Yeah. >> I mean so yeah with the city of Morehead the school district and Klay County we're looking at how to utilize space
better with all all the parties at play and yeah we're working through that right now. I but to go into the weeds I wouldn't go any weeds any deeper than that. We've had a couple meetings with all three of us to discuss space and utilization of it. So, we're working through that and then yeah, with the LEC
over there on how to if it does happen, how to utilize that space as well. >> Yep, that's fair. >> Yeah. And and as as this developed and I >> Yeah. I just talked about this morning for a meeting that I felt it was important that we we have the avenue and
you know at the appropriate time and I'm thinking rather sooner rather than later have this as an agenda item where we can have a full update on some of the previous discussions that have been going on so that everybody is aware. We don't want this to get too far without
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. Anyway, um then on um March 12th, we had a diversion authority planning committee meeting. And at that meeting uh we went through um we heard from our
some some of our staff had gone up to uh review the operations with the Winnipeg diversion and they came back and reported that the Winnipeg uh diversion right now has even after it's all done they have a staff of 53 people
that are used for operations and maintenance of that. I'm certainly hoping that we don't end up having 53 people on ours. But but anyway, so they were they were just trying to review that. And then another topic that that uh we have to do on a
quarterly basis is review re review our governance policies. At our this last meeting, there were three areas of the governance policies that we and the the review is done by as part of the process is done by the planning committee. And
so we did review three the three of those and we basically um determined that uh all has been in compliance uh with with the governance policy on those.
uh before the then we did have a before the meeting was over I did have I did uh talk about this issue regarding uh SE5 which is a core projects in southern Klay County. Uh it's a a core project
and um we've had we've had a landowner or land owners that have have had some significant damage done as a result of the contractor's work and learning to the extent of those uh I
shared how disappointed we were not in our local I mean our lands guy or Justin Fischer who was our lands person for the diversion he's done a great job and even the land owners are appreciative of his efforts but where there really seems to be a lack of communication is between
the core and their contractors and there has been communication sent with no replies And so after that discussion yesterday, I know um the chair of the diversion authority this year was Mayor Mahoney
basically mentioned that we should be be in touch with um the core and try to get that problem resolved as soon as possible with a check to the land owners. Now, having said that, you know, we don't,
you know, there's a dollar amount that's out there and that, you know, there sometimes there's two sides to every story. So, we just got to make sure. But there obviously there's damage is done there and um and I think I based on what
I've seen, they've the landowners have put in legitimate claims. And one of the things that I emphasized was from the start of this thing, none of these people down there wanted this project. And they've given up an awful lot of
lands to to do it. And the one thing that we need to be certain of is that we do our best to make sure that they're treated fairly. And by having no communications on on damage claims is not being treated fairly. And I think that message was heard and I think it's
going to be forwarded on too. I think as of last night, m uh Mr. Fischer reached out to me and the core did provide the insurance uh policy of this the contractor. And so now it sounds as though the diversion will have to go
after the insurance claim. And that's part of my frustration. It's not the diversion authorities contract. It's the onus is on the core. And so I appreciate uh Mayor Mahoney reached out to me last week. I appreciate your planning
committee meeting. I I somewhere it's the message is getting lost that the the work needs to happen on the diversion authorities account and it it's the core. >> Yeah. Well, I'll have to find check some
more on that because uh until until each the core has several phases that they're working on. They have they have certain bridges that the core is doing along highways. they have the infrastructures
uh control structures and then they have these uh SC5 SC4 which is basically what the public would call the dam. And once once once those according to the
contract between the core and the diversion authority, once those projects are complete, the core turns those over to the diversion authority and it becomes the diversion authorities's responsibility. SC5 is not complete.
SC5 is still a project by the core and it's the core's contractors who are currently working on that project who are held held responsible. So I I find it odd that we have to go to um diversion authorities insurance
policy when it hasn't been turned over to us yet. I So I have that's just something new to me here that that I'm just hearing this morning. So I'll I'll be asking for I'm going over to the diversion authority building this afternoon on some other issues. So, I will be raising that. >> Thank you. >> Yep.
Uh and then um um on March 16th, we had our township officers meeting um that all of us were weren't able to be attending. Commissioner Erbinger was on another county project that he was or committee that he
was working on. Uh, I just want to thank Steve and Mark um, Mayor or um, Sheriff Empting, Corey, Jill, uh, Brian Milton Quinn, Mark
Sloan, Gabe, and Justin, um, and soil and water for all coming and giving updates to the town just on various things we're working on. Um, that concludes mayor. >> Thank you, Commissioner Campbell.
Commissioner Ebinger, >> Commissioner Bayer. >> Oh, sorry, Commissioner Bear. I wrote down Commission. Commissioner Bear >> on Wednesday, March 11th, I was at the Wild Rice Wershed District where they approved eight permits and uh, no, they had eight permits approved, five, tabled
three of them. And then we als they also had discussion on road authority road road authority on who has to get a permit to replace culverts or not if if the township has to get a permit from the water district to get a permit or if they don't or any road authority. So
they're having discussion on that and then we have the one wershed one plan coming up March 23rd. Then after that meeting, I went to the building committee, which we already had a very good discussion on from Commissioner Campbell. I have nothing
else to add on that. And then later that afternoon, I went to the Klay County Collaborative Group where we had an financial update and a review of our bylaws. Our bylaws haven't been updated since 2022 and we're
reviewing them just to make sure all voting members are appoint are on that group that should have voting rights. And we also had a first reading of a Klay County Collaborative midyear reallocation policy. We did the first
reading of that because right now what it looks like is when these groups come and ask for money, they're not use utilizing it all. And instead of having it go back into the bank, we're looking at reallocating it to the other groups that have received money so we make sure we get it all spent before the the year
is up. And then on March 12th, I went to the SWCD meeting where they approved eight windbreaks, well field windbreaks and farmstead windbreaks
with their cost share program. So they approved eight of those. We had an update. They signed a three-month tree storage lease agreement. So, they have a place to store their trees this spring and get those all out when it's time to get planted. And they are right now
still taking tree orders. So, if you need any trees, just reach out to the SWCD. We also had a Oh, they also approved a feeasants forever farm bill biologist to split time between them and the other
people inside the building. And it would cost them about $7,500 to have one person for a pay period, one day a pay period for the fiscal year to come in and help them do whatever needs they need to do.
Um that's pretty much what we discussed there. There still they also have a building committee to look at if they want. So their lease comes up in the end of 2027 in that facility. So they're looking at what what long-term plans they have to stay in that building or
maybe move elsewhere or build. But so but right now that building committee was put on hold because they got back some prices on buildings there and put it on hold. And then later that afternoon or after that meeting, I went and had a shack
meeting. First time going to that. So we had an MDH update there. And uh we had an update on measles in the state. So right now there's 12 as of last Thursday there's a update of there is 12
reported cases of measles across the state. And so and in 2026 they had in 20 2025 I believe they had 1281 reported cases of me measles nationwide. So right now Minnesota has 12 nationwide there's 1281
reported cases. We also had an update let me pull it up here. We also had an update on the leg legislative session and then we had a panal on cannabis
prevention strategies with a couple people from across the county across the state I should say giving a panel on cannabis prevention strategies. Um that was about what happened there. I
I sat on in that meeting. it was all virtual and then our Jessica Mickelson also sat through that that and Rory Beal all so there's three of us that sat through that shack meeting I thought it was very informational my first one sitting through there and yeah good
topics talked about there and then after that I also went to the CATCO meeting that was yesterday at the law enforcement center and I would like yeah to uh give my thanks to all the staff that were there and gave an update So it was very good turnout I thought
with all the county township and county officials there. So the highlight was the the robot bomb dog I thought was very >> everybody >> named precious >> named precious. So it was yeah it was very good. That is all my reports madam chair.
>> Thank you commissioner bearer. Commissioner Kabanov is on his uh flight to Washington DC this morning to advocate for regional issues particularly with community action block grant dollars. appreciate his willingness and availability to do that. Last week I attended the pick committee
meeting as reported on. I then attended the innovate 28 investor briefing. Uh you know obviously Klay County had made a decision to not uh be an investor for 26, but this covered the last quarter of 25 as well. appreciate the opportunity
to sit down with folks on that to see um what those dollars are being used for in the community. Really uh spent the majority of my time talking about public policy that the work that the chamber is doing. I then Wednesday traveled to St.
Paul on behalf of the of Klay County uh the Fargo Morehead West Fargo regional Morehead and Detroit Lakes day at the capital. really appreciate that we had representation from businesses uh all along the Highway 10 corridor as well as
uh rural Klay County had an a wonderful opportunity to have briefings from the governor's office explore Minnesota. They're doing a pilot focus of the Becker and Clay region this summer. Appreciate that. uh the Minnesota Business Partnership, the Department of
Agriculture, and uh the House Majority Leader, uh the Senate Minority Leader, the Senate President, and also the Senate Majority Leader. Great um opportunity and availability to meet with those folks to elevate priorities
that counties have raised, the cities are raising. We talked about border cities legislation. We talked about the the social districts that uh Dworth and Morehead are really trying to push. Obviously, capital investment is really high on the list particularly with our
requests, but with the other uh city's initiatives as well and talked about some of the policies if there's any any area for flexibility in terms of um of bills and how it affects those of us in greater Minnesota. uh believe we talked
to over 20 legislators. That was really important over the course of Wednesday and Thursday. Uh did have the opportunity to work with our lobbyist on some additional meetings with capital investment committee members after uh we wrapped up on Thursday. So we did have
two quite full days of uh lobbying on our behalf. Um some people reached out to me over the week to ask why Klay County is uh spending so much time in St. Paul and I would say I in my time serving in this capacity have never seen
historic mandates and shifts. We've always dealt with uh unfunded mandates, but the shifts in which counties are on the cusp of of taking has uh why this board has taken such an um a bold approach to continue to share our story.
um because those those will be very painful if they come to fruition for our land owners and uh residents. Uh after that had the opportunity to attend the non-secured detention conversation on Friday to continue to
work um in advancing that request. really hopeful. Um I had the opportunity to work with uh both the chairs of the House committee on what that means regionally and if that is able to come to fruition would be a huge savings for
counties all throughout Minnesota. Yesterday had the opportunity to attend the township officers meeting with all of you. I appreciate the sheriff opening up the lac for that. It's such a great use of of space particularly to have such great participation from township
officers and hear from them who are also spending a lot of time at the capital to talk about what shifts would mean for them. Uh also just want to highlight uh Lauren Britson who served as a township officer for 46 years uh is now uh we
always joke about that how do you get off the township board? It's kind of tricky those of you that have done so, but um really grateful for Lauren's uh dedication. Uh a true um uh servant leadership is what I think is the best
way to highlight that. But Kevin Cassenberg wrote a really powerful poem about Lauren's service to Klay County and really um wish him and the family the best as he u moves on to a life that will will still uh revolve around community service just not necessarily
township service and I believe that concludes my reports. >> Steve, thank you madam chair. Last Tuesday participated in the pick meeting that has been well covered. On Wednesday we had our management meeting. uh we uh spend a portion of that talking about uh
our upcoming retreat where we're going to be doing some strategic planning around uh our budget upcoming budget season. Uh our department heads were were given their homework uh for for that meeting. Uh and so we're uh planning to be well prepared coming in for that discussion. We had update from
Joe on our risk management. Uh we talked about uh computer security. We had updates from Darren who's providing uh leadership over human resources while Anna's out. We also talked about legislative priorities and I think that just want to touch base on
a few uh different things. I've been working with Quinn over the last week and a half now with the with the potential governor's restructuring of human services. uh we're looking at uh we're looking at what the potential impacts would be to to that department uh should that legislation uh get
approved and with SNAP access choice just a few of those. Uh we also with the changes there also would be some potential impacts to public health uh with with care coordination uh and so working working with Jessica uh to to
find out what those impacts would be. And also this past week, House File 1567 uh was brought forward and that would provide peace peace officers, the privacy bill that the judges received. Uh and so uh that would certainly have a
significant impact for for our assessors and recorders office. And so those are some pretty big things that are coming forward. Uh we provide each management uh each time to provide some updates on uh both either positive or concerning legislation that's out there. Uh so as
when when we have our representatives down in St. Paul, we can have those conversations. Participate in the building committee which has been uh well covered. Uh also uh with on your consent agenda item today uh there was six remnants opioid settlement uh
submission. Uh if you recall back uh in 2021, this board opted into all the opioid settlements in Minnesota. Uh in 2023 uh you gave the county administrator the authority to just opt in. uh uh and then make a notification through consent. Uh
this was a significantly small smaller uh settlement. It's a onetime settlement of roughly $9,635. Uh but uh just a notification there. Also continue to work with the our national opioid settlement advisor. Uh
the Purdue settlement was went through last fall. Uh but we've not we've not yet received our funding. Uh and so uh we're looking to potentially receive that hopefully by uh late spring, early summer and I'll notify the board uh what
that dollar amount would be. Uh participated uh on Friday on the non-secured attention PRTF uh heard updates from our commissioners who were in St. Paul last week and also had discussions about moving forward with our lobbyists. Uh yesterday participate
in the township. Again, thanks for our staff that were able to to present or participate in that meeting. Taking time out of their day uh is important. Uh and uh uh that concludes my report. >> Thank you, Mr. Melton. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I I I wanted to
say I think without it goes without saying although the Arkansas Razerbacks and we're excited they're there. I think what we really need to talk about is the powerhouse of uh the two basketball powerhouses of the NDSU Bison that are in the tournament as well as then the Nebraska Corn Huskers, which uh you
know, both are going to do outstanding in there. They're all those basketball teams that are ready to go. So, um with that said, I I I did attend the pick uh building committee um and um management committee that were talked about. I also
had a meeting. There's a a lot going on within Morehead, some of their strategic planning, but also within law enforcement. Uh some of the work that's going on with uh the New World system, with their systems of uh body camera, uh that continues to impact everything we
do within uh law enforcement and within prosecution. So I had a meeting with Bill Offelt to kind of work through changes that are occurring both within their office ultimately how it impacts our office and how we uh manage uh data
and information. So I I I think those will be some ongoing uh meetings that we'll have as well. Um and so uh I just wanted to to mention those as well. So uh and with that I don't have anything else. Thank you. >> Thank you Darren.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I also attended the PIC meeting on uh March 10th, the manager meeting on March 11th. Um also prepping for negotiations on the 11th and the building committee meeting which has already been covered uh on 12 uh 312
worked on a data request form and a flow trying to get all these data requests are coming in having some kind of way of tracking them and then making sure that they're being answered. So I think we're almost done with that. Uh also on Thursday we had the lieutenants and
sergeants negotiations which we came to a tenative agreement on. So that was good news. Um on the 13th had a meeting with Joe Olsson and Brian Frederick on uh personnel issue. attended the PRTF meeting and also worked on the data
request form and then uh also attended the township meeting yesterday and then had a HR meeting with HR folks also yesterday. That concludes my report. >> Anything else? Commissioner Campbell?
>> Yeah, I have one last thing. Um, in honor of my favorite Irish lady, um, Lucille Irene Oshana C. Campbell. I happen to be wearing one of her Irish necklaces that she wore for years on
this very day. And for all you Irish people out there, Erin Gopra, >> the funny thing is I was literally going to hand it over to you to uh, end with some Irish uh, greeting. Um, so >> and one last thing,
>> as uh >> as Mr. Milton said, >> go Bison. >> Go Bison. Uh, well, I'm excited that the Gover have also um made it into the tournament. But, uh, that concludes the um business that we have before the board today. Our next meeting will be
March 24th here at 8:30. Happy St. Patrick's Day. We are adjourned. Part: 2
Not at this point. I'd like to call the meeting to order. Um, roll call has been taken. We have a quorum. Um, hopefully everybody got a chance to read the
agenda. And uh I never got mine >> Thursday. >> Um so if uh I look for a motion to approve the agenda. >> So move.
>> Motion by Tim, seconded by Dennis. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Um agenda is approved. Um uh we are going to do a little moving around. Um as Mr. Dams is
not here at this moment. Um, so we are going to begin with the hand. >> Mr. Chair, I wonder if we had the Did we do the minutes? Approval of the minutes. >> Oh, you are correct. Like to approve the amendments from look for a motion to
approve the amendments from January 27th if there are no additions or corrections. >> Motion by Dennis, seconded by Tim. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion is carried. >> Okay, we're going to move things around
a little bit. We're going to um see the uh the second applicant first. So, I am looking for a motion to approve to open the public hearing for Matt and Amanda Henry.
>> So, move. >> Motion by Tim, seconded by Dennis. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Uh public hearing is open. Take it away, Matt. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yeah, this is a variance request to reduce the ordinary high water level and road setbacks for a
residential use. Um this property is uh located just north of uh Morehead in Craigness Township. Its zoning is agricultural general. Uh the overlay zoning is a little
complicated just with the the river um just to the east there. So flood plane fringe floodway shoreland special protection rivers and streams are all overlay zoning districts on this property and it is a residential parcel currently has a residence now building
on it. Uh the applicant is asking for an 18t variance from the required 150 ft ordinary high water level stream setback. Uh so bringing that down from 150 feet to 132 feet and then a 13 foot
variance from the required 53 foot road setback uh that's in the shoreline district. Um all other um requirements could be met including the sideyard setbacks as well. And the applicant did provide a a narrative um in terms of their practical
difficulty. And I'll just read this. Strict application of both the 150 ft lake stream setback and the 53 ft road setback creates a practical difficulty due to the unique configuration and depth of the lot. When these two setbacks are applied simultaneously, the remaining buildable area is extremely
constrained, leaving minimal space for new construction. Without the requested variances, we would be required to make drastic modifications to the home design that would significantly limit the functionality for our family, delay our ability ability to build this year, and potentially prevent construction on the
lot altogether. It is not a self-created hardship or rather results from the cumulative effect of the required setbacks on this specific parcel. Their intent is our intent is to build our family home on this lot because of its natural beauty, its proximity to the city while still offering a rural
setting and its location near extended family members who also live in the same culde-sac. The proposed variances are the minimum necessary to allow reasonable use of the property and will not alter the character of the area or negatively impact neighboring properties. Even with the requested adjustments, the home will continue to
maintain significant separation from the lake stream and the roadway. Uh we respectfully request consideration of these variances so we may proceed with building our family home in a manner that is responsible, compatible with the surrounding area and consistent with the intent of the ordinance. So you can kind
of see here where the plan would be to build um so closer to the roadway um and and further back from the lake than than the existing residence. Kind of see here as well. Um,
so it would be 100 between the setbacks of 110th Avenue North in Buffalo River. Um, they do have the driveway and septic area shown on there. And I should say that um, Environmental Health has looked at the at these plans and doesn't have
any issue with the septic placement. says there's adequate space for for drain fields and that meets all their their requirements. Um, one thing that should be noted is right now there's already an older residence on the property that was constructed in
the late 50s and the the existing residence is about 64 ft from the ordinary high water level. So, this would be a significant reduction from from that. Uh, also part of the existing residence is located in the regulatory
regulatory floodway. That's another constraint on this lot is just the flood plane and the floodway. And so um the current placement would take or the proposed placement would take it out of um the floodway and the the flood plane
as well. How this request relates to our comprehensive plan. We have a goal to protect and enhance the health and vitality of Klay County surface waters including lakes, rivers, and streams for the benefit enjoyment of Klay County residents and visitors. And this request does appear generally consistent with
that goal. Um just be even though um they're requesting variance relief from that or 150 ft ordinary high water setback. uh the 132 ft is is much um further from the the Buffalo River than
this the current structure which is at 64 ft. And we have a um uh objective to reduce development pressure uh on natural environment lakes but also on uh rivers and streams in
Klay County. And again, it's not creating any uh more intensive use. Um just removing an existing residence and replacing it with a new new residence essentially that is further away from uh the river than the current residence.
Any questions for me at all? >> No comment from the township. Nope. They would sign off on the a building permit though for it. Yep. Hearing none. Excuse me. Would the applicant is the applicant here? And would the applicant care to us speak for
your project? If so, please come to the podium and state your name. And >> uh my name is Matt Henry. um grew up out in that area my entire life. Um like I said, when the opportunity arose for us
to uh get this property, we jumped on it. Um and like it was stated, it will enhance that neighborhood. The structure that was originally on there was kind of
dilapitated and old. Um, I guess I don't see any issues. All the neighbors are uh for it. I know all the neighbors grew up with all of them. So, none of them have any issues with the proposed
building house that we have there. >> Anyone have any questions for him? I'd like to thank you for doing your homework before you come here. Um, a big thing for me is the meeting with the environmental, you know, health agency for the county
and having that all done ahead of time. That's a big deal to me personally. >> Thank you. >> The light is green. >> Perfect. >> Um, and and thank you. And I I think I don't see, you know, it's a win win the
the new away from the water. >> Yep. And potential flood damage um flood flood mitigation that you would have to do. You move it out, you know, out of the flood plane, you know, part of it. Um this looks like a good a good thing.
Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh anyone in the audience or online that wishes to speak for or against? Any again, anyone in the audience wish to speak for or against this
proposal? Anyone in the audience or online that wishes to speak for or against this proposal? Hearing none. Look for a motion to close the public hearing. >> So move. >> Motion by Dennis, seconded by Tim. All those in favor say I. I.
>> Opposed. Motion is carried. Public hearing is closed. Now we will go through the findings of fact and Mr. Chair and uh board members just as um we've done previously do have
draft findings for you for approval or denial if applicable. Um so please um feel free to do with those as you see fit. >> Thank you. I will begin. Uh, is the granting of the variance in
harmony with the general purposes and intent of the Klay County Development Code? And a yes finding would be uh granting the requested variance appears to be in harmony with the general purposes intent
of the Klay County Development Code because the request is for dimensional relief to allow a single a permitted single family residential use on an existing lot, not to establish a prohibited or more intensive use. The
proposal would still maintain substantial separation from the roadway and the ordinary high water level. The record does not indicate the request would materially undermine the ordinance's purpose of the ordinary
development and protection of public health, safety, and water. And a denial finding or no would be granting the requested variances not in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the Klay County Land Development Code because the request
would allow continued encroachment into the shoreland setback area rather than full compliance with the current standard. approval would require permit construction closer to the ordinary high water level than ordinary allowed and
reduce the protection intended by the setback requirement. >> Yes, >> I would 100% agree. >> Dennis, if you could read number two.
>> Is the requested variance consistent? with the Klay County comprehensive land use plan approval findings. Yes, the requested variance are consistent with the Klay County comprehensive and transportation
plan. Proposed does not create additional lot, increase the density or induce a more intensive use. It replaces existing residence that is
suit substantially closer to the orderary high water level and particularly within the regulatory floodway within the new residents located further from the water thereby reducing the site's existing
level of shoreline encroachment and the development of pressure on the lake environment. Yeah, >> I'd say yes, I would agree. The third finding, does the applicant establish that there
are practical difficulties in complying with the strict letter of the Clay County Land Development Code by demonstrating that the applicant proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by an official control?
An approval finding. Yes, the applicants proposed to place a single family dwelling on the property, which is a reasonable use of the lot. The difficulty arises from the challenge of placing the dwelling in a fully conforming location due to the combined
setback requirements not from an unreasonable proposed use. Um, part B is exceptional or extraordinary circumstances apply to the property that do not apply generally to other properties in the
same district or vicinity in which result from lot size, shape, topography or other circumstances over which the landowner has no control or influence. I'm gonna continue through and say yes.
An approval finding. Yes. The exceptional circumstances apply appear to apply to the property because the buildable area is constrained by the combined effect of the shoreland setback and road setback on this specific lot. These constraints appear tied to the
lot's existing physical configuration and location rather than to the circumstances created by the current owners or denial. The applicants have not sufficiently established exceptional or extraordinary circumstances unique to this property.
If it can be found that similarly situated lots in the in the same district or vicinity are subject to comparable setback limitations and that the claimed hardship reflects a common condition of sorand lots rather than a
circumstance unique to this parcel. >> Yes, >> Dennis if you want to do C. Granting the variance will not alter the essential characteristics of the property's locality. Yes, granting the request variance would
not appear to alter the essential character of the locality because the proposed remains a single family residence used on an existing residential lot and does not appear to introduce a different land use, greater
in intensity or a pattern of development inconsistent with the surrounding areas. Practical difficulties as used in common are in connection with the granting of a variance means a property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable
manner not permitted by an official control. The plight to the land owners due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the land owner and the variance if granted will not alter the essential characters of the
locality. Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties. Variances shall be granted for earth shelter construction as defined in section
216 C.06 subdivision 14 when in harmony with official controls. >> Yes, >> I agree. Would the literal interpretation of the provisions of the Klay County Land Development Code deprive the applicants of rights
commonly enjoyed by other properties in the same district order under this ordinance? The approval would mean that a literal application of the setback requirements would deprive the applicants of a right
commonly enjoyed by other properties in the same district, namely the ability to place a principal single family dwelling on the parsonable on the parcel in a reasonable manner. The combined setback requirements leave a limited building
envelope and the requested relief allows continued residential use of the property while still improving the existing setback condition relative to the current residence. And a denial finding would be the literal literal application of the
ordinance would not deprive the applicants of rights commonly enjoyed by other properties in the same district because the record does not conclusively establish that no conforming building location, reduced footprint, alternative
orientation or other compliant design solution is available on the parcel. Yes, >> Dennis. Why don't you do numbers? >> Is the variance being granted the minimum variance that would alleviate
the practical practical difficulty? Approval finding. Yes. The request variance are the minimum necessary to alleviate the practical difficulties based on the site plan and the physical constraints of the parcel. Limited
encroachment into both setback areas is necessary to place a reasonable single family dwelling on the lot. The proposal also represents a sub substantial improvement over the existing residence
which is much closer to the OWL and particularly within the regulatory floodway. Denial finding. No, the request variance have not been shown to be the minimum necessary to alleiate the practical
difficulties because the record does not include sufficient analysis and alternative building footprints, reduce encroachment, reorientation of the structure, or any other layout option that may allow reasonable use with less
variance relief. That's a yes. >> Number six. Does a 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. An approval finding um would be uh adequate sewage capac capability can be provided. The environmental health director has
reviewed septic plans and determined that the proposed septic system placement is acceptable. The record therefore supports a finding that adequate sewage treatment can be provided for the intended residential use subject to installation and
permitting in accordance with the approved plans and require applicable requirements. >> Yes. >> Yes. Go ahead and do B. Dennis, >> the plight of the land owner or hardship
is not due to the circumstances created by the landowner. Approval finding, yes, the practical difficulty is not due to circumstances created by the applicant. The hardship arises from the parcel's existing configuration,
location of the roadway, and the aptical shoreline setback requirement and say yes. I would agree. Okay. The variance would not allow a use that is not already allowed in the zoning
district. Approval finding are yes. The requested variances would not allow a use that is not already allowed in the zoning district. The application is for a single family dwelling and the dimensional relief only not for a
prohibited use or a use variance. Yes. >> Dennis, >> there would not be significant adverse effects on the public health and safety. Approval findings
granting the request variance would not have significant adverse effects on the public health and safety. The request is a dimensional in nature. The redevelopment would move the residential substrate further from the ordinary high
water level and out of the more problematic existing location near the water and floodway. Yes, I agree. Okay. Conditions may be imposed. Condition number one, the
dwelling shall maintain a minimum setback of 132 feet from the ordinary high water level of the Buffalo River. Number two, the dwelling shall maintain a minimum setback of 40 ft from the road center line of 110th Avenue
North. And as we are all aware that a a single no negates the request completely >> and they were all yeses >> and they were all yeses.
>> So I look for a motion to either approve or deny the variance. >> I make motion to with the conditions. >> I'll second that. Does the is the own does the owner of the property or the
applicant understand the and able to live within the conditions? Okay, we have a motion by Dennis and a seconded by Tim. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion is carried. The variance
is granted. Thank you for your time. Okay, moving on to our second hearing. Um, it's from Mr. Scott Dams request for a variance.
>> Mr. Chair, if I could, Brian Melton here. I I just want to advise the board. Mr. DMS is not present. Um I think in looking at the statute, it it's silent in regard to moving forward without the applicant, but under administrative
rules, the the board can and I'd be recommending that the board would move forward. There is proper notice to Mr. Doms. he was aware of the hearing and specifically it was moved previously with the notice to this date. The public is present. They're aware of the date.
Um so I do believe it's appropriate under the rules, administrative rules and and the statute being silent to move forward basically default of of him or he wouldn't be able to make any comment. But I think Matt has the application is going to advise the board of what he's
asked for. So you'll have the facts as he's presented to them and then obviously you'd still be able to take uh public statements uh from other people that are present. So I would be advising the board to move forward.
>> Thank you. >> I I would just ask that the board would make a specific finding that we're moving forward by default or making a record that Mr. Dom is not present just so it's on that record. I mean, he has this he'll have the same ability to to
move forward and do whatever he wants with that after the fact, but it should be on the record clearly from the board. >> Okay, this is a new one for me. So, okay. I would uh look for a motion to approve to open the public hearing for
Mr. Dom with the full knowledge that he is not currently present. Um, and that upon approval by the county attorney, we are able to move forward.
>> And now he's calling you. >> I I think it it's advisable at least to let Matt make contact and find out. I mean, if he has >> if there's a specific excuse that the board have to determine what that is. So,
uh Mr. Chair, that uh applicant just contacted me by phone and wishes to just withdraw his application. >> Okay, we can do that. >> Yep. So, I don't know if you did you open the public hearing.
>> We did not. Okay, perfect. So, >> um, >> and he advised that he will be sending that request in in writing as well. >> Okay. So, then there is uh no opening of
the hearing. So, there's no public comment. >> Yep. Because he is he has chosen to withdraw it. >> Okay. >> His application How are you people coming? >> We'll see you next month. >> Your fault.
>> Well, thank you and I thank Klay County Sheriff's Department for Okay. Uh, and I neglected to ask this at the beginning, but is there anybody in the audience or online that wishes to speak for something that is not on the agenda? >> You don't have to do that for the board.
>> This one? Nope. >> Okay. Um, >> thank you everyone and >> I know your entire team >> welcome changes please >> recognize faces
>> over the last three months except for Jerry >> nothing okay um is there any Other are there any unfinished business? >> Uh, no, Mr. Chair.
>> Any new business? >> No, Mr. Chair. >> Would you like to make some up? >> No, Mr. Chair. >> Got nothing. >> Okay. Um, >> move to adjourn. >> Motion by Tim to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Dennis. All those in favor
say I. I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Meeting is adjourned. I'd like to call the meeting to order. Roll call has been taken. Um,
first thing on the list is I'd like look for a motion to approve the agenda as printed if no one has any additions or corrections. >> So moved. >> Motion by Ashley. >> Second. >> Seconded by Laura. All those in favor
say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Approval. Approval. Approval of agenda is completed. Um, next thing on the list is approval of minutes from the February 17th, 2026 meeting. Are there any
additions or corrections to the minutes? >> Mr. Chair, I'll make a motion to >> Mr. Chair, I'll make a motion to approve the agenda. I mean, uh, approve the minutes from February 17th, 2026. >> Motion by Commissioner Bar to approve to approve the minutes. Is there a second? Second by Ashley. All those in favor say
I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Minutes are approved. Is there anybody 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 on something that is not on the agenda? Hearing none, we will move to the first
public hearing and it concerns me. So I will remove myself and Mr. Stiken will be in charge. Okay. Tonight before us, we have a public hearing. It's Joel Hildebrandt request for an interim use permit
amendment. The applicant is requesting to amend conditions of interim use permit number 745283 at 22263 Highway 10, Holly, Minnesota 56549
on parcel ID number 13.055.0010, 0010, lot one, block one of the Gloryland subdivision. Section 11, Township 139N, North Range
45W, Holly Township. >> Mr. Chair, I'll make a motion to open the public hearing. >> We got a motion to open a public hearing. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Second by Mr. McDougall. All in favor of opening the public hearing at 7:03 on uh
March 17th, say I. >> I post. Same sign. >> Okay. Uh public hearing is open and uh Mr. Jacobson Mr. Jacobson has the staff report on this. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes, this is an
interim use permit amendment uh brought forward by Joel Hildebrandt. Uh the property in question is um just on the west side of Holly, city limits of Holly and south side of Highway 10. Uh the zoning is highway commercial. It
is also um zoned Holly Municipal Airport Safety Zone C. All adjacent parcels are zoned similarly. It's currently a kennel grooming uh and grooming business, retail business as well. Uh there's an interim use permit for this that was granted in 2015. Uh there was also a
variance to the minimum lot size and property line setbacks granted in 2015. Uh though it looks like there is some encroachment that's occurring on the adjacent parcel. That parcel is also under the same ownership.
So the applicant is requesting an amendment to its existing intermuse permit for the kennel. Uh the amendment would expand the animal limit from 25 to 80. So currently the IEP condition reads as a maximum of 25 animals of any age
may be housed on the site at any given time and the applicant is requesting this amendment um as just the business is expanding um and then there's also interest by several Klay County municipalities for the the business to be their stray dog holding facility.
They currently are that for the city of Holly. As far as area um adjacent uses, um there are no residences. There's approximately five businesses within 500 ft uh of the property and they would be looking at doing um an
expansion uh in the future. Uh so it's my understanding is that a lot of the expansion would occur here to the to the north um for this business. And these are just some site plans from the previous um interim use permit and
then and then the expansion as well. Um we have not received any comments from the public regarding this request. Uh we did get a comment from Mindot um just about the access uh and its current location um with the Highway 10 dedicated site
corner. uh that really doesn't have any bearing on um the the current interim use permit amendment request at all and approval from Holly Township may be required as well. How this relates to our uh comprehensive plan, we do have a goal to encourage
commercial industrial development that is in harmony with the agricultural agricultural and rural character of Klay County. Uh this request would be relevant to and generally consistent with this plan goal because it involves the expansion of existing commercial kennel on a property that's designated
commercial zoned highway commercial and surrounded by commercial uses. So as proposed it continues a highway oriented commercial use and established commercial area rather than introducing a new commercial use into an agricultural setting. Any questions for me at all?
>> Mr. Jacobson, can you explain the uh the DO's uh what you referenced on that site line at the corner of the property for our benefit? >> Yeah, so on the the Gloryland subdivision plat um there was an area that was platted out on this
intersection. Essentially, these are site corners. Um you can kind of see them on essentially every intersection along Highway 10 in Holly. and really just limiting kind of the development that could happen here um just with in terms of protecting this this
intersection and line of sight and things like that. And so what the DOT will likely be requiring is just moving this access um to another location on the property. But that will would likely happen regardless of um has nothing to
do really no relation to um the request to increase the number of animals from 25 to 80 on this property. >> Are there any other questions for Mr. Jacobson? Any other questions for Mr. Jacobson?
Okay. Is the applicant here? If you would like, if you could come to the podium and state your name for record. >> My name is Joel Hildebrand. My wife Charlotte Tui and I own the property at 22263
US Highway 10. And um yes, we've been in existence, this is coming up on our 11th year. and we are, you know, have been approached by several different municipalities within
Klay County about operating their straight hold program. Um, and which is one of the reasons for looking for the increased number and the other reason is that we are talking about um expanding
our footprint a little bit. We have plenty of room and um just want to be able to before we invest in building permits and drawings that we are able to
have the additional animals. >> And Mr. Hellbrand, if you uh get the approval to expand to a larger number, is your operation going to be essentially the same, just a larger
number, but no imple uh no implications on water, sewer, uh pollution control type issues that you've already taken care of. Is that correct? >> Correct. We we currently have the the approved parking plan, you know, is
already there. to say we've been in business coming up 11 years. We are not adding any bathrooms. Um so uh we we have our own well and we in
our opinion and we are completely covered there. It's uh we have our current solid waste plan. Nothing changes except for potential building size.
It's we still will be a boarding, grooming, and daycare facility. >> Okay. >> Mr. Chair, I have one question. >> Go ahead. >> Going from 25 to 80, what do you do with all the animal waste? Do you have a plan for that?
>> Yes. Um, we currently have a contracted with a we have weekly pickup by a local disposal company and we will maintain that service. Um, all our runs are
um built with PROC. So we the the solid waste is all picked up and removed from the site. Nothing is composted on the site. Nothing is left. There's no runoff. There's no vehicle
contamination potential that way. >> One other thing. Go ahead. You understand that you encroached onto that the neighboring property which you also own? >> Yes. And uh we have talked with Matt about we've got
two two possibilities on that that yes I I we do own that the lot that we've encroached on that is a temporary fence um which can be moved which and we haven't 100% decided yet if we are going to move
that fence to be back in compliance or Matt has proposed and we are looking into combining the two properties and then that would >> solve that >> eliminate that variance violation. >> That's all I have. Mr. Chair,
>> Mr. Hellbrandt, when you increase the dog number from 25 to possibly 80, does that create issues as far as confinement, uh, health concerns, veterary type services? How do you handle that?
I would rather have my partner handle that. Okay. Could you state your name? >> My name is Charlotte Tui. Joel and I are husband and wife. So, um I'm Can you clarify the question for me? I guess I'm
not quite sure what you're asking. Well, I'm not sure how you're set up inside, but when you increase the number of animals in a area, um, is there more potential for transmission of disease? And how do you handle that issue? And far as veterary services, do you
contract with somebody for that as well? >> So, if we use the if we do strayolds for the cities, they will each have to contract with for their own veterinary services. So, that'll be on them to obtain that. Um and uh with Holly we
have an arrangement where once the animal the stray time is up we take care of it out of our own pocket but the numbers have been small enough that we can budget for that. So um if the
animals are sick and need quarantine then they should go right to the vet. They don't stay with us. We don't accept boarding guests that are not healthy if they're exhibiting any um symptoms of illness. Um but part of
our plan for an addition is to include an isolation room. So one of our rooms would be repurposed as an isolation space so that anything that might be suspicious or needs to be kept by itself, we have that ability to do that.
Um in the addition we're also putting in so more space means more animals with more space. So rather than have 80 animals in the space that we have we were expanding so that we can make room and the addition the intended plan for
that are indooroutdoor private kennel suites and uh those will be far more isolated than the setup that we have now. So, it'll expand the personalities that we'll be able to house because
sometimes we have dogs that don't get along great with other dogs and that becomes a management problem. If we have separate indoor outdoor kennels, then there's no need to run them by other dogs or socialize with other dogs or anything like that. So, did did that
take care of your >> Yes. Very good. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> One more. >> Go ahead. >> One more comment. You understand what you're asking for is to amend your 25 to 80 animal units. And if you do plan to expand, you still have to go get a building permit, just so
you're aware of that. >> Yes. >> Just go ahead, Ashley. >> Just a quick question. So, you're going from 25 to potentially 80. Are you thinking that you might need to increase staff or are you guys able to handle that yourselves?
>> Uh, no. staff staff depends on how many guests we have and so we have to double up on holidays and busy times and things like that and and you know we pitch in as needed also. So yeah, it depends on
how business grows. >> This is just a follow up on Commissioner Bear's question. The whole idea of this hearing is you're not going if you don't get approval obviously you're not going to spend any money on the process that would lead you to. So this is just like
preliminary uh up get the approval and get the ball rolling if you if you so choose at that time. So I think we all understand that whoever whoever might be questioning that. So, it's
Any other questions of the applicant? >> Go ahead. >> No, we have cameras and then we have a night guy who stops and checks on everybody and um but we can't legally live on property. So, it's is not zoned for residential.
You're not close. >> We're We're close, but And we have staff in town, but we're not on the property with the residents. >> Go ahead, Josh. >> Question, Mr. Chair. Um what's the breakout you're going to if you have the 80 animals? Is there a certain amount
that you're going to have for boarding and then so many your spots you're going to reserve for potential stray uh housing or where'd you come up with the 80? I guess >> yeah, that that number is still uh dependent on which municipalities want
our help and um I I have an average number and it's not very many with each one. So, you know, and uh it it more cats than dogs usually for the stray holds, but that we don't have a
hard number on that until they get back to us with which which agencies really want to use us for stray holds. Okay. >> Right now for Holly, like I said, it's maybe eight a year that we take in. So,
more of those are cats than dogs. Most of the dogs get claimed within 24 hours and most of the cats get fixed and rehomed. >> Okay. >> All right. That answers question. >> Okay. >> Well, if there's no other questions, we'll move on to Thank you for
presenting. Is there anybody in the audience or online that would like to speak in favor or against this um proposed um uh
>> text amendment? >> Text amend or intermuse permit amendment. Yeah. Anybody online or in the in the audience like to speak for against? Third time. Anybody in the audience or online would like to speak for or
against this amendment to their intermuse permit? Okay. Hearing none. Is there a motion to close the public hearing? >> So moved. >> Moved by Ashley.
>> I'll second. >> Second by Josh. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Oppos. Same sign. So the uh public hearing is closed at 7:18 on March 17th.
Okay. Now we're going to go through the findings of fact. The interim use will not be injurious to the health, safety, morals, morals, and general welfare of the residents of Klay County. Excuse
me, Mr. Chair and commissioners, too. I also drafted findings, um, approval findings and then denial if applicable. Um, no need to read through these in their entirety, but um, you can read them on screen if you have any additions or um, subtractions from either of these
or if there you find you're leaning towards more towards one than the other. Um, just a way to um, for conversation and discussion. What's the uh commission's uh wish on the uh first finding of fact far as the
u increasing the kennel capacity from 25 to 80. I would say the existing commercial kennel grooming is not going to change its operation just going to increase the number. Uh there's no uh residents
within the 500 feet. No comments opposed to the request. So to me it looks like uh for the finding a fact number one uh it looks like I would be in approval. Any any other comments on that? >> I'll agree with that. >> Okay.
Number two, the interim use will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of the other property in the immediate vicinity for the purpose already permitted. Like as I already stated, the surrounding area is commercial. There's no residences that are going to be affected. Um
u noise and waste controls or issue uh conditions are still going to be met. Uh does everybody agree with that finding? It's approval. >> Okay. Number three, the establishment of the
interim muse will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding property for uses predominant in the area. >> It's an existing kennel, Mr. Chair, so I don't see it affecting any of the the area.
>> We agree. Great. >> Okay. Number four, 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. >> Ample space on the property.
>> Agree. Okay. Number five, adequate measures have been or will be taken to prevent or control offensive odor, fumes, dust, noise, and 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. >> We're in it's sitting in a commercial zoned area so I don't see that being a problem. >> Okay. Number six, the interim 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, schools, public safety services, roads, water supply, sanitary sewers, and storm sewers. Unless the
county and the applicant establish a development agreement that determines how much impacts will be resolved, how such impacts Yeah, we'd approve that. >> Okay. Number seven, interim use is
allowed by this ordinance and conforms with any specific use standards established in chapter 8 use regulations as may be applicable. >> I agree with that. >> Okay. Number eight, intermuse 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. >> Approve of that too. >> Okay. Okay. We went through the findings of
facts. Uh we do have um looks like seven conditions that need to be met. Um, I'm going to read these because it's I like to get it in record. Number one, must meet all standards of Klay County
Land Development Code and subdivision ordinances. Maximum of 80 animals of any age may be housed on the site at any given time. Number three, prepare and submit a parking plan for a minimum of 10 parking spaces to the planning office for review
and approval. Number four, prepare and submit an operations plan, including waste and noise management, to the planning office for review and approval. Number five, hours of operation at the site will be from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
unless there is an emergency situation. Number six, permit terms expires upon the sale of the property. Also number six, uh probably number seven, approval of septic system due to
change in its use. Approval of a septic system due to change in its use at the site. So if there's a change, it has to be get approved. And the last one uh in red is um parcel ID 13.05.0010
must be combined with parcel ID 13.005.0020. Does the applicant understand and agree to these conditions? If you come to the >> And Mr. Chair, I could just add with regards to the to condition eight there
could also add an or um >> that's what I was that's what I was going to add. Mr. Chair, it could we put or move the existing kennel that's sitting on that's push or >> Yeah, you could say or remove the kennel encroachment. It >> gives them the option. Yeah,
>> I would put that in there. Do we need to give him a time frame on that? >> Certainly up to You certainly could. >> He kind of doesn't really know what he's he just This is very preliminary. So, I don't know. I understand what you're saying, though. But, um,
>> I'd give him a year. >> A year. >> Combine them or move it. Okay. And I Yes, we understand that. I would, however, I would like the word kennel not being there because
it actually isn't a kennel that's encroaching. It's a playard, an exercise yard. It is portable kennel panels and pock and railroad ties. But I mean, it's a
>> I mean, it's it's ex Yeah, I just object to the word kennel. >> Yeah. And Mr. Mr. Chair, I think the reason for using the term kennel would be and just generally and kennel referring to the entire operation essentially but yeah playard is
>> so with the change in number eight removing kennel and giving the option that's also in agreement with you Mr. Hillbrandt. >> Yes. >> Okay. Okay. What's the board's idea on this? Um just tell me what you think of this um if this interim permit you should be
issued or denied. >> Move for approval. >> Everybody agree to that. Commissioner Bear you guys. Okay. Okay. Someone want to make a motion to uh >> Sebastian already did.
>> Oh, Sebastian did. Okay. Is there a second to that? I >> second that. >> Is there any question on the You got a first and second. Is there any question? Okay. All in favor of um getting the permit issued say I. >> I.
>> Those opposed, same sign. The permit is going to be issued. >> Thank you, Mr. Hildebrand, for showing up and and uh explaining what you're doing. Our second public hearing of the evening is
uh the Glendon Rod and Gun Club request for a conditional use permit. Um the applicant is requesting to amend conditions of the conditional use permit number 598349 at 1525860th
Avenue South Glendon, Minnesota 56547 on parcel ID 25.034.2400 2400 part of the northeast quarter, southwest quarter and southeast quarter. Northwest quarter and southeast quarter.
Southwest quarter section 34, township 139 in range 46W, Riverton Township. Look for a motion to open the public hearing. >> So move. >> Second. >> Motion by Ezra, seconded by Sebastian. All those in favor say I.
>> I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Public hearing is open. Take it away, Matt. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. You almost have enough quarters in that legal description to take him to the arcade. >> All right. So, this is a conditional use
permit amendment for uh the Glendon Rotten Gun Club. Uh this property is um zoned agricultural general and resource protection aggregate. Uh all immediately adjacent parcels are very similar to that. property is currently a shooting
range. There was a conditional use permit granted uh for a shooting range on this property in in 2004. So, they're looking the the club is looking for an amendment to this conditional use permit. And essentially, this amendment would modify the existing
hours of operation restriction to allow afterhour shooting only for law enforcement agencies conducting official training events. So currently the cup um condition regarding shooting hours is hours of operation for shooting be limited from 8 a.m. to 1 hour prior or
sunset Monday through Saturday and then from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays. Uh the requested amendment would be to add afterhour shooting is permitted by law enforcement agencies conducting official department sanctioned events. Such activities require that all residents within one half mile of the
permitted location be notified no less than 24 hours in advance of the event start time by way of an established subscription-based email notification list. So there are approximately three residences within 1500 ft of the range.
Six additional within 2,000 ft. Uh there has not in the 20 plus years history of uh this shooting range there has not been any com no history of complaints received by the the planning and zoning department. Uh the club has received uh
complaints recently um just with a noticing miscommunication for afterhour training exercise. Um they've taken place approximately 20 years with few issues. uh typically one to two times per year and the trainings really go
beyond uh 900 pm. And so this was established prior to enactment of Minnesota statute 87A which happened in May 20, 2005. So this is a legal non-conforming shooting range and the statute protects its status so long as it remains in compliance with just noise
and shooting range standards which it has. Just some images of the of the range, the shooting areas and then the bays as well. Um, we have received a number of phone calls to our office about this request.
Um, but most mainly from people who have questions. Um, I don't think we've received any official comments or anything like that. We did get a letter or a letter of support did accompany uh this request from Klay County Sheriff Mark Empting. And then Riverton
Township, they did reach out just for the conditional use permanent application materials. They would likely require something as well. How this relates request relates to our comprehensive plan. Um we have a comp we
have a plan goal of community and resilience in our comprehensive plan. Uh one, the goal is to maintain and improve community preparedness and emergency response capacity to ensure public health and safety. This amendment would be consistent with this goal as it supports emergency response readiness by
allowing for limited after hours training for law enforcement activities. Uh we have an objective under this to promote cooperation and assistance to other emergency response agencies in Klay County. Uh this amendment would support cooperation assistance um by allowing the facility to be used for
department sanctioned law enforcement training. Uh and I know it's not just the sheriff's office that would use this. Um they do also partner with other law enforcement agencies and um use this for for trainings as well. Uh to we have an objective to continue to improve
emergency preparedness through emergency preparedness plans, training and facility enhancements. Uh this proposed amendment would support that um continued improvement in emergency preparedness by accommodating training opportunities at the existing facility.
Any questions for me at all with the applicant? does not appear to be any questions. Would the applicant please step forward and state your name for the record, please? >> Thank you, Mr. Chair, members, and Mr. Jacobson. My name is Tom Bergland. I'm
here on behalf of the Glendon Rod Gun Club. Uh with me tonight is Troy D. Young, our past president, and Jeff Albby, our secretary, our president, Bill Norris, and vice president, Randall Hendrickson, were unable to attend. Uh the rod and gun club was established in 1947
and the current location was purchased in 2000 and as Matt noted uh the cup for the existing was put in place in 2004. Uh the club facility has been used by law enforcement agencies to do this required training that they have to do
uh since this facility's been in operation. Um many of their activities occur during the daytime which are consistent with our operating procedures. Uh but from time to time we do accommodate them when they have to complete their required nighttime training exercises. Uh historically it
was the agency that was responsible for notifying the neighbors. Uh typically they go around knock on doors um prior to initiating those after hours exercises. During a recent review of our
conditional use permit, we discovered that after hour shooting is prohibited and the reason for this is understood. Uh however, we'd like to continue to allow those law enforcement partners to use our facility uh for those sanctioned
training events. That's why we're here. Um events must be official department training events. Uh, as an example, if a law enforcement member was a member of our club, they would not be able to come out there as an individual after hours and use that facility. It would only be
for those official events. Uh, we do acknowledge that there was an event recently where an agency used the facility and did not notify the neighbors. Didn't notify us either. They just went out and did it. Um, based on that, we've created a notification
system that these properties next to us can subscribe to, and we'll receive notification when such an event would occur. Uh, all property owners within one mile have received a letter in the mail already from us to sign up for that
list. And if this amendment goes through, we'd send out one more letter just as a reminder. Um, we appreciate the support from Mark Empting and other agencies and we believe that providing our facility and support of our law enforcement partners
is in the best interest of the community and are happy to accommodate them in any way we can. Thank you for your time and consideration. Any questions for us? >> Mr. Chair, I have a question. What how do you deem a
what would it be called a law enforcement agency to come out there and do it? Do they notify you asking you to come out there or how do you >> how would we know to send this notification? >> Yeah. So yes, part of the um agreement that we have with them and they've
already all received this and acknowledged it is uh we've asked them at least a week prior to their event to send an email to our club secretary as well as myself and then we've built a notification system. It's kind of like if you ever heard of constant contact
blast emails, it's a different brand, but we've c we signed up for one of those services to send out these notifications. So they would notify you saying in a week from now we'd like to use the facility after hours. You would send out an email blast to the residents within a mile of the
>> the send out that blast. Also as part of that list, those law enforcement agencies are on that same list and their requirement is that they have to receive that notice. That's their way of knowing that it went out and they have to have a printed copy with it when they show up. >> When they show up,
>> if they don't have if they didn't get it, then they can assume it didn't go out. So, >> have you thought about some people don't check their emails regularly. Have you thought about adding a cell phone text message blast out too?
>> That hasn't come up, but uh we would cross that road if we had to. >> If if not everybody signs up for the email, maybe that's >> there was actually a request that we put it on Facebook, but I am vehemently opposed to that. Uh mostly from a security concern. Yeah. We don't want the public and the whole world knowing
that law enforcement is out in this area in the middle of the night and it's a limited access and >> y >> so we would double check that list that the members on it are verified in that area and no one else. >> Yeah, I make
>> that's all I have. Mr. Chair, >> Mr. Chair and Mr. Bergland, when you say agencies, what agencies exactly would you expect to be used out there? I have a list but the it's it is very restricted. Klay County Sheriff's
Office, police departments from Glendon, Barnesville, Holly, and Dworth. The only ones that we've entertained >> and you said it probably would get utilized once or twice a year. Would all those agencies combine one one night
shoot? >> They uh have coordinated events from time to time. Um, but historically it's, you know, how Mark can maybe let us know, but some of these things they have to do every two to four years. So you might have Glendon doing it one year,
Barnesville doing it another year, and and they do uh cooperate and do them in conjunction at time to time, too. >> Now, I've been out there for various reasons in the past. Is this a small arms fire, right? And those BMS should
deaden the sound. you the place has been improved amazing um from when I first would go out there. So I'm guessing the what with those BMS being shooting within those I call them BMS. I don't know if that's >> that's the correct term and they are all
NRA um I don't know if certified is the right word but they're built to NRA specifications >> but it's not only for safety but it's for sound deadening I'm guessing as well. Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you. >> Yes, thank you.
>> Phil, would you please come up to the mic? Uh, give us your full name and your address. >> I'm Phil Swan. I live 5323 157 Street South. So, I just live on the norththeast corner of the gun range. Um,
couple different things. Um, number one, we we don't know and our township clerk was out of the country, so it could be this reason, but we don't know if all the township supervisors were notified of this. Um, I was notified because I'm a neighbor to here. So, um, just if we
could be notified, uh, prior to this. Um, but another township supervisor thought he did get notified of it. So, it could just be that our clerk was out of the country and so it didn't come to us the way it normally would. Um, I'm very much in favor of this. I think it's
a good idea to have this area for law enforcement to practice. Um, I understand the intent right now is that it would be used once or twice a year. Um, and I just would just ask that uh if there's a way that we can either make
this a yearly conversation. So, there's another hearing in a year. That way, if it gets excessive, neighbors can come in, you bring that to your attention and have it reviewed again. Or if they can set a certain number, four days out of a
year, they can have this extended um the extended hours just so that way uh neighbors have some control over it or uh are able to have their input. Thank you. >> Shannon,
good evening. I'm Shannon Noak and I reside at 54457th Street South Glendon and I am just on the east side of the rod and gun just down from Phil, my husband and I. Um we have been out here for 20 plus years. So
we were here prior to the to the rod and gun. Um we are not necessarily against this um extension, but we do ask that there's perimeter set uh within this. How many days uh year is this going to be allowed? What is the maximum time? Uh
we don't want to be in our homes at 10:00 at night listening to a bunch of gunfire going on. So, I think it's a a great thing opportunity for law enforcement, but I have never received a notification in the whole time I've been there about night shooting or anything
from the rotten gun. So, I don't know how that was set up or if I've been missed, but I have never been notified the even now I haven't. So, there has to be some better communication there. Um, as things change, people change. Um, and
when the lines areas are too gray, I think that just leaves up too much interpretation. And as neighbors, we've got to live through this. Um, when it started, it was small and it has grown over the year. And there over the years, and there are some weekends, I mean, it
is very excessive to be outside and you're listening to gunshot after gunshot after after gunshot. So, I think that's where some of the neighborhood frustration has has come in is just how much it's grown. Um, and just we want to
be neighborly with that, too. So, >> have you I have a question for you. Have you received the letter that he referred to? >> No. >> Okay. If >> Shannon Noak, >> Shannon and Ken Noak. Yep.
>> Anyone else have any? Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Is there anyone else in the audience or online? Okay. Hello, Mr. Chair, commissioners. My name is Mark Empt. I'm Klay County Sheriff
and as you are aware, I am supportive of this, but I just want to assist in clarifying some questions that were brought up here tonight. Um, as far as the times would go, um, generally we we weren't we're not going to go past 9:00. Um, we can set our trainings up for that
either between 6:00 to 9 or 7 to 10, but generally we're shooting for about 2 hours and then we take that last hour to clean our firearms and things like that. So, we would not be going past 9:00 p.m. Um, and then the other thing would be is um, how often we would use it. So, we
have to do this once a year and um it's a it's called a low light cold weather shoot. For example, we just did this low light cold weather shoot last month and we had it scheduled for four nights for that week. And the reason why it's four nights for that week is we're trying to
get about 45 people through it. And right now we have limited space. This could shorten that up just because there's a lot of space out there now. Um, so we could have larger groups shooting, but we also want to make sure that they're not so big that we're jeopardizing our safety either. We as
well want to make sure that we are good neighbors. Um, and be respectful for the community out there. So, we're willing to say 9:00 and we would be done shooting. Um, the shooting would not go in the early hours. It wouldn't be midnight 1 2:00 in the morning. It would
most definitely be done by 900 p.m. And with that, I would yield to the commission or anybody in the audience for questions. >> Mr. Chair, I have a question. Do you coordinate with other law enforcement agencies when you're going out there to
do low cold night shooting? >> So, we send out our yearly um training calendar to the other agencies. Generally, they have their own firearms instructors. So those agencies use their use their own. They will collaborate between the um I believe Glendon and
Glendon and Barnesville, maybe even Dworth is using it now. They will collaborate between each other. Um but they get our training calendar. If they want to join in, they can join in at any time. Mr. Chair and Sheriffing, I can hear the ones I'm guessing you
shoot off of 15th Avenue. >> That's correct. I was fortunate enough to go out one time and shoot with with the Dworth police just for uh demonstration, understand what their money is being spent on. It's a comforting comforting
fact knowing that you guys are maintaining your your uh yearly accreditation or however often it is, I guess. Um but I guess if you to me after nine o'clock would be a reasonable time to be done. So I understand the uh
frustration on from Miss Novak and I guess that would just have to be noted in the conditions >> and and if I may, Mr. Chair, uh like I said earlier, we do want to be good neighbors and good partners in this as well. And we don't want to, you know, this is this is a community we serve. So
we want to make sure that we have our our citizens that um can reach out to us if it's getting to be too late or whatever. We'll we can we can work with them. We're more than willing to do that. Thank you, sir. >> Thank you. >> 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? Is there anyone else in the audience or online that wishes to speak for or against this cup? Hearing none. Look for
a motion to close the public hearing. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Motion by Ashley. >> Second. >> Seconded by Sebastian. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Public hearing is closed. To find my
Now for the findings of fact um the conditional use will not be injurous to the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the residents of Klay County and an approval finding um is uh the amendment
meets this standard because it is narrowly limited to law enforcement training events. rather than a general expansion of shooting hours. The record indicates the activity is infrequent, typically occurs only one or two times
per year, and rarely extends into the late evening. The request also supports public safety training needs and does not authorize general public after hours shooting. And a denial finding would state that the standard is not met if
the commission finds that after hours firearm discharge would create safety concerns or general welfare impacts for safe for nearby residents, particularly during nighttime training conditions. or if the commission is not satisfied that the proposed limitation to official
training events is sufficient to protect surrounding properties. I would say that it will not be injurous to the health, safety and morals. They need to train. They serve 247. They need to be able to train in adverse conditions
>> as needed. The conditional use will not be injurous to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity for the purpose already permitted. An approval finding would state that this amendment meets the standard because the requested activity is limited in scope
and frequency. The site is an existing range already operating under a conditional use permit and the proposed 24-hour advanced notice requirement is intended to reduce impacts on nearby residents.
The record also indicates very limited complaint history suggesting that the use has not generally interfered with neighboring property enjoyment when advanced notice is provided. >> Mr. Chair, I also approve with that.
The establishment of the conditional use will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding property for uses predominant in the area. An approval finding would say that the this amendment meets the standard because it
does not expand the use area, add structures or change the principal use of the property. Instead, it amends one operational condition on an existing use that has already been established and functioning on the on the site. The
request does not appear to materially alter surrounding development patterns. >> Mr. Chair, I'd approve that finding. Thank you. Adequate measures have been or will be taken to provide utilities access roads,
drainage, and off- streetet parking and loading spaces as required by the ordinance. The amendment meets the standard because it does not involve any new construction, site expansion, or other changes that require additional utilities, road
improvements, drainage changes, parking and loading improvements. Existing site conditions and prior permit requirements remain in place. >> Mr. I'd approve that >> adequate measures have been or will be
taken to prevent or control offensive odor, fumes, dust, noise, vibration, water pollution and soil erosion 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 surrounding properties will result. >> Mr. Chair, I approve it's it's just existing shooting range just very infrequent and used specifically by law enforcement training events after hours after normal hours.
The conditional use will not create an excessive burden on current or anticipated public infrastructure or services that serve are proposed 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. I'd agree with the approval finding on this one.
>> Ashley, the conditional use is allowed by this ordinance in conformance with any specific use standards established in chapter 8 um use regulations as may be applicable. >> Mr. Chair, approve the amendment meets
standards for standard shooting range. The conditional use is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Klay County comprehensive and transportation plan and any comprehensive plan of township or city as may be applicable.
>> I agree with that. >> Mr. Chair, I have one question for the applicant before we go through uh the conditions. Did the applicant come up to the mic? >> Did you did you say that you are getting an email blast for a half mile of the
residence or a mile? >> We sent notification out to one mile. Um, and they those people would be allowed to sign up, but the uh cup request was for a half mile and I'm opening. One mile is fine too if that determined clarification on that. Thank
you. Uh staff has the following nine conditions. Any firing range on the site must be designed, constructed, and certified as meeting NRA firearms range specifications. That hasn't changed and that condition
has is already currently being met. >> Yeah, Mr. Chair and commissioners, I should just note that um these conditions are all the same as the um current conditional use permit. Uh
conditional use permits being a little bit different than interim use permits isn't that they are a land rate. Um the request was specific to the hour the shooting hours. And so when looking at this um the only changes here would be
um related to the shooting hours. Uh, and then who would be allowed to shoot during those after hours? All the other conditions are the is are the exact same um as the current. >> So, Mr. Chair, the items in white are in our existing cup.
>> Y >> the the red appears to be the change. >> Yep. >> Just want to make that clarification. >> Okay. Well then, so we need to look at the changes in condition two and three and not
specifically all of them. After hours shooting is permitted by law enforcement agencies conducting official department sanctioned events. Such activities require that all residents and Ezra do we want to change that to
one mile? I I think a half mile is fine. I mean, he sent a letter out to a mile so they can sign up if they want to, but we're talking 26,000 feet, 2600 feet, and I think that' get most of the residents there on that circle that is in our report. I think a half mile is
fine. >> And Mr. Chair and Commissioner, that was the intent was with the email to or the printed notification was to notify as many people as we thought. >> Yeah. And they can I mean, they can still sign up and they'd be on that email blast. So I think a half mile is still fine.
>> Okay. >> With no less than 24 hours in advance um of the event start time by way of an established subscriptionbased email notification list. And the other change is local law
enforcement because it's it's a time change. Local only local local law law enforcement agencies are exempt from this condition for training purposes. So as he said, it's not you and I can't go out there, but sheriff emptying
other local agencies can >> with proper notification. Mr. Chair, I think based on some of the feedback we've gotten from residents, we need to consider putting a time limit on how late these exercises are allowed to
go. That should be written into the permits. If if 9:00 is reasonable, um if the training can be done in that amount of time, I guess that's what I would propose. >> No shooting after 9. or shooting after 9. >> I'd make that clarification. So,
>> yes. Yeah, they're >> if they are there cleaning cleaning their guns, they can stay there later, but no no firing after 9:00. >> I would add that. >> I think that would go into condition two there, Matt. Yeah, I guess you >> I would and
specifically spoke to that time. >> And Mr. chair, I think uh not to cut any agency short on their chances. You know, just the one or two times a year might not be sufficient enough for your needs. Um and all these
conditions can be changed by coming back in the future if there is some issue. But I would personally like to see it extended to more than one or two times a year. I don't think it addresses. >> I don't think that I don't think any of the conditions address how many times.
>> No, but I think according for Miss Novak Novak's u um I mean obviously you're not going to use it weekly or monthly, but I think to protect you guys and if things do come
up um to have the option of going out there a little bit more than once or twice a year. Does that make sense? Yeah, Mr. Chair and Commissioner Stikken, currently there is not a limit in the number of times that they can go
out. It's currently would be just if as proposed would just be restricted to 900 p.m. and earlier for for firearm discharge. Um it just on average I guess it seemed
like they would had only been using it one to two times a year. >> Mr. Chair, Mr. Stike, and I'd say that's probably been a historical average, you know, and and I would consider an event, like uh Mr. Empting said, if it's a
three night for one training, I would consider that one event. But >> well, I think we should address that a little bit more specific, especially M Miss Noak addressed that in her comments. Um
to me, four four nights is four events. Um it's my opinion. So that in itself I mean if you just say one to two it's you know people like defined uh parameters for events and not saying
you have to define it to a certain number but um what's your feeling on on uh just leaving it out and let them police them police themselves um control how they do it themselves and then deal with it after the fact or
>> if it ever became excessive. We would certainly work with neighbors and planning and zoning to, but I don't think it's been an issue in the past and it should continue as it >> Well, I I expect future use to be consistent with past use. >> I I I agree. I I don't believe that we
should put a number on it that hasn't been an issue. What was an issue though was recently an event that was not >> there was no notification. Nobody knew about it. >> And Mr. Chair, we fully acknowledge that that that occurred and
>> and I appreciate >> taking steps to >> that. >> I also don't think we should limit the number of days that it can get used after hours just because if you're dealing with the sheriff's department, the city of Holly, Dworth, Glendon, and they all pick different days and then you're limiting you're limiting which
one say we give them 10 days and then Holly didn't get it done in those 10 days. If you know, sheriff's department used four, Dillworth uses three, you know, and and then one town's left out, they didn't get in on time. I I I I don't think we need to limit how many
days it gets used. I think they will limit themselves by knowing not to go out there with these agencies and and it might be four times one year and one time the next year. You know, it's kind of a lot of averages. I'm fine with that.
>> So, while you're up there, uh do you um acknowledge or you know okay to work with the conditions and then we adjusted the condition of the
>> Yeah, we're good with all those. Okay. Well, >> seeing no other questions or comments, look for a motion to approve or deny the modified conditional use permit. >> I'll make the motion to accept the um or
approve, I guess, the the modifications to the conditional use permit. >> Motion by Ashley to approve the cup with conditions one through nine. and a second by Laura.
Any further discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion is carried. Conditional use permit is granted. >> Thank you all for your time. Okay, thank you everyone.
Any unfinished business, Matt? >> Uh, no unfinished business, Mr. Chair. >> Okay. Under new business, we have the the groundwater groundwater report. >> Yeah. Um this is just something that
came up every I get a um just update from um uh just the legislature and what's been going on in the legislature and recently the legislature did receive this um report just highlighting uh areas in the state of Minnesota um that
there DNR is citing as groundwater areas of concern. And what piqu my interest about it a little bit is because Klay areas of Klay County um was mentioned a couple of times in here. uh one being uh the Buffalo aquifer
um as being one of the the 17 areas of um groundwater concern uh typic and and the reason for this I think it's very similar to other um aquifers that supply uh water either for um irrigation or in
this case irrigation drinking water um it it supplies our largest population um center in uh the county with on average about 20% of the groundwater every year and then um 80%
80% uh uh during um um drought years as well. So, uh, one of the things about this, uh, aquafer is that because of the clay that overlays it, a lot of the rainfall does not end
up in the aquafer. So, it's a lot of old water. It doesn't recharge quickly. Um, so once it comes gets pumped out, um, it's it there's definitely a deficit uh, for that. Um the DNR is the entity that
regulates groundwater uh in in our area, but we also do with our resource protection wellhead protection zoning district uh and just making sure that um uh that aquifer is is protected to some extent uh and that we can ensure that it
is um viable for for future generations. Um so that's just interesting to note that that was getting some attention um at at the state level. Uh the other one just being our beach ridges uh that was mentioned as well. Um specifically the
beachridge aquifers um are what have you know kind of along the let's see if we can find them here. Yes, this dark blue here on this map. So here's the Buffalo aquifer here. um didn't just notice they do have observation wells in the Buffalo
aquifer noting a downward trend um in those observation wells. Uh the beach ridge aquifers um again an another area where we have a lot of sand and gravel uh some
development with it that requires groundwater withdrawals. Uh mainly though for the beacher jockifers is what's is more of a um their influence on the calccarious fens uh that are protected in state statute.
They have a specific statute for those. Uh and the reason why those fens exist is because of these these beachridge aquifers. Um so that was just another uh area of of note there uh to point out. I don't know if anyone has any questions on this. Um certainly something you know
as these things come up and as they uh from our around the state and if they relate to our county I'm happy to bring them to the planning commission. Um but yeah just thought it was interesting information
>> and I'm part of uh the we're redoing the wellheaded protection area. on that group. And we have also recognized that specifically the South Buffalo Aquifer
is needs some special attention to make sure it keeps the water quality what it has. There is some potential for growth and other things that are happening that
negatively affect the water in there. >> Yeah. A similar aquifer in the United States would be like the Ogalala aquifer in Kansas. Um it's very similar in that
it's really it's a large aquifer, but um it the area doesn't get a lot of rain anyway and the rain water that does hit the ground does not get to the aquafer. And so really important um for um
irrigation, agricultural irrigation and and maintaining that very very similar to the to the Buffalo aquifer as well. >> Okay. And the other item of new business was we have a Do you handle that or do I handle?
>> Yes, I certainly can. Yeah, we have uh received an interest in um uh someone who is interested in in joining the planning commission. Um he was going to be here tonight, but unfortunately he is ill, so was not able to attend, but he
did message me and said he's still very much in would like to be considered um for this. Uh his name is Jeff Winter, and he is a lifelong Klay County resident of 65 plus years. grew up in Klay County, lived in rural Klay County
his whole life. Uh worked for American Crystal Sugar. Uh and then um also was on the Mulland Town Board for 18 years as well. And so um would be looking essentially for a uh recommendation
um to the to the board of commissioners to appoint him to a three-year term on the planning commission. And he would be serving in a a rural representative capacity. Currently, we're down two spots on the on the planning commission.
>> He would be essentially Ezill spot that Ezra had then >> Ezra or Kurt. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> Yes. Is anyone opposed to Mr. Winter? Okay. Then I look for somebody to
recommend that nomination proceed to the county board of commissioners. >> I'll make the recommendation. >> Second. >> A recommend a motion by Sebastian. >> Second. >> Seconded by Josh that Mr. Winter gets recommended to the board. Any further
discussion? >> All those in favor say I. I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. We would like you to recommend him to the board. And anything else?
Okay. Pending business. Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21st. Correct. >> Correct. Hearing nothing else. Look for a motion to adjurnn.
>> So moved. >> Motion by Ashley. >> Second. >> Seconded by Laura. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Meeting is closed. Thanks.