--------- has been taken. Hopefully you will everybody got their their packets. I didn't get mine till yesterday, but thank thankfully the emails come through already on Thursday night. So
>> no delay there. >> So if there's uh nothing if everybody's had a chance to peruse them, I look for approval of the agenda for tonight. >> Second. Motion made and seconded. All those in favor say I. >> I.
>> Opposed. Motion is carried. >> Chair packet on the email. did who did the motion and who did the second, please? >> Oh, Dennis did made the motion and Leo seconded. Um,
we had our last meeting was on July 15th. If nobody has any additions or corrections to the minutes, look for a motion to approve the minutes from last month. >> Make a motion. >> Second. >> Motion by Leo, seconded by Dennis. All
those in favor say I. I >> opposed. Motion is carried. Now we have three scheduled public hearings. The first one is northern improvement. Request for variance. Look for a motion
to approve the public hearing. >> Make a motion. >> Motion. Motion made by Leo, seconded by Dennis. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Matt. >> Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, the applicant seeking approval of a variance
to reduce the mining uh road rightaway setback on parcel ID27.002.01 0. It's in part of the fractional north half of the north east quarter section 2 township 140 range 46 west spring prairie township.
And so um in the development code uh we have setbacks for uh extractive uses such as mining. So structure storage of excavated materials and the excavation edge have to be set back a minimum distance of 200 ft from the rightway of
existing roads and highways. This is something we looked at potentially changing when we did our code update. We did poll all the townships, especially the ones that do have several active pits, and none of them were interested in in reducing this setback at all. They wanted to keep it at that 200 ft from
the right of way. A lot of zone zoning going on here. It's the in the egg general district has resource protection aggregate, biological, and then shoreland special protection rivers and streams. Uh all the other parcels in the area are zoned similarly. It's been used for
agriculture and aggregate mining. Uh there is a conditional use permit for gravel mining that was granted in 1989 on this property. It's a large it's a very large property. So the focus though is um kind of on the norththeast side of the
property here and looking for uh to allow mining operations to be located 100 ft off the southern edge of county state aid highway 26. uh that practical difficulty that the applicant provided is that there is good material within this
setback. Um that would be used in local infrastructure projects. And then also there there is material down here but um this uh this zoning district mining is not allowed or not permitted. So it kind
of limits them there. And then they're also working uh to obtain an affidavit um to allow mining within the 100 foot east property line setback as well. As you recall, if you recall, this used to require a variance,
but now we're just going with the neighboring landowner permission because that was part of the variance request anyway. So, how's it how this request relates to our comprehensive plan? Um, we have a goal to recognize the importance of aggregate resources to Klay County in the region and to implement policies and
standards to ensure sound steward stewardship of aggregate resources and natural biotic resources. Um, and drafted kind of a finding for this that the setbacks allow the county and townships to regulate proximity and type of mining activities from a county county or township roadway which
balances the extraction of material with safety of traveling public. Then we have a goal to um foster a balanced approach to egg resource extraction that is compatible with the natural resources and rural character of Klay County and to consider cumulative impacts of existing nearby mining
operations for new and expanding operations on the environment, egglands, residential areas, and transportation infrastructure. Uh and just noting here that other gravel extraction sites in the area have been granted similar variance requests to mine and stockpile closer than the
200 foot rightway setback. Um probably not most notably just right across the road here right here is um Klay County owns this property here to the north and we received variance back in 200
12 or 11 I think. Um just noting that the rightway is 138 ft wide here. So, um really what they would be um mining is 43 ft off of the rightway. Just for comparison
across the street, um for Klay County's variance for their pit across the street, that's 34 ft off the right ofway. So, this would be a 78 and a half% reduction. Um there are p electrical transmission lines on the
property. Um, they should be able to mine 20 feet south of those those poles as well. It was 2015 when we got the variance and it was 31 feet, not 34, my bad. Um, we haven't received any comments from the township, though I will note
that a township official is here. Uh the county engineer didn't have any issues with this request at all. Just recommending that no stockpiling of material or burming within the um variance area with the requested variance area within the 200 foot right away just due to snow concerns on um
Cassad 26. Any questions for me at all? Pull this up too. I guess more of a comment than a question. Just wondering why we, you know, in light of the two things that follow this, why we even have a 200
foot. >> I think the main reason is >> in the code. >> It's been in the code forever. And we've and at at least two different township meetings have asked if they would wish to see this changed and it was met with
a resounding no. A majority of our gravel pits in the county are off of township roads. So that's kind of the the reasoning there. >> So >> in this case it's not. It's off of a county road. Yep. >> So Spring Prairie Township could say no, but they have chose not to
>> for this request. likely not because it's not their road. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> Okay. Thank you. Anybody else have any questions or comments for Matt? >> Would the applicant care to
come up and speak? please introduce yourself. And >> I'm Jeff Rhynos with Northern Improvement Company and Matt already did a pretty good job of explaining what we're going to be doing, but if there was any questions regarding what our plans are, we've talked to the um
residents that live closest to that vicinity and we're staying well within off their property lines and and trying to least affect them as we can. So, this area is probably the last area in this this big piece of parcel that we
have here. So, we're we're starting to reclimate the back of it to um into hay fields and pasture again. So, that's our plan with this too is once once we're done with it to try to get the piles and everything out there as fast as we can and put that land back into production. >> How deep is the how deep are you mining?
>> It's it's a very uh shallow deposit. So it's like 8 to 9 ft deep and for the most parts. >> Okay. >> Anyone else have any questions for the applicant? Anyone in the audience care to speak for or against?
>> Leon Schloffman. >> Please come to the mic and state your name, please. >> Good afternoon. My name is Leon Schloffman. I am one of the elected supervisors for Spring Prairie Township.
At our last meeting uh a week ago, we uh discussed this a little bit. It doesn't affect Spring Prairie as far as one of our roads, but it is in our township and it does affect some of our residents. We are one of those that are in uh
agreeance that uh we would like to maintain that 200 foot setback. Um, we had went on record within our minutes of uh opposing any setbacks uh beyond the 200 ft.
If you're going to agree to this setback, again, this is on the county property or on a county road and uh we again don't have much say in in that portion of it. But um my our biggest
concern is we're starting to look like the lunar landscape out there. Things don't get reclaimed in a timely manner. Um weed weeds get way out of control. Um I have no doubt in my mind that Northern's a good company. They're going to take care
of that. I worked with a few of them and uh things are a little better than they used to be. But again, if you're going to allow this variance, strict oversight, uh would be requested from the township and the township officials. Um again, we're not
in agreeance to having them go beyond the 200 ft. We put these rules in place. Uh and we just want them followed. So, it's all I have. >> Thank you. Anybody have any questions for So, >> Matt, you said that the township did not
go back to didn't didn't get back on any comment or >> No, I had I had not received any comment from the township until No. >> Yep. >> I guess I just had planned on coming and talking. >> I didn't send anything in. We didn't send anything in.
>> Thank you. Anyone else in the audience wish to speak for or against? Anyone in the audience wish to speak for or against? Anyone else in the audience wish to speak for against or online?
Hearing none, look for a motion to close the public hearing. >> Have a have a following follow-up question. >> Certainly. >> Have there been any uh any complaints about this mine or any any issues with weeds that haven't been addressed >> for this particular pit?
>> You mentioned he mentioned weeds. Um was it weeds? You you mentioned >> lunar landscape. lunar landscape. >> Yeah, for this particular pit, no, I have not received any >> complaints. Okay, no hearing no further comments or questions. Look for a motion to close
the public hearing. Motion by Tim, seconded by Dennis. All those in favor say I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. improvement to go through the findings of fact.
And as everybody knows, we must get a agreement or a yes on every condition in order for this to pass. Is granting the variance in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the Klay County Land Development Code?
>> Yes. Gravel extraction and related activities are the primary use within the resource area aggregate zoning district. Is the requested variance consistent with the Klay County comprehensive land
use plan? Yes. Does the applicant establish that there are practical difficulties in complying with the strict letter of the Klay County Land Development Code by demonstrating the applicant proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not
permitted by an official control exceptional or extraordinary circumstances apply to the property that do not apply generally to other properties in the same district or vicinity and which result from lot size, shape, topography, or other
circumstances over which the landowner has no control or influence. Granting the variance will not alter the essential character of the property's locality. Practical difficulties as used in
connection with the granting of a variance mean that the property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by an official control. The plight of the land owner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the land
owner and the variance if granted will not alter the essential character of the locality. Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties. Variance shall be granted for earth sheltered construction as defined in
section 21c.06 06 subdivision 14 when in harmony with the official controls and I'm going to say that yes that that yes I mean it it with him saying that you know the gravel is is relatively
shave shallow I that easily reclaimed it's it's I agree Would the literal interpretation of the provisions of the Klay County Land Development Code deprive the applicant of rights commonly enjoyed by other
properties in the same district under the terms of this ordinance? >> Yes. Is the variance being granted the minimum variance that would eliv aliate the practical difficulty? >> Yes.
The request Yeah. Does the variance request meet all the below criteria? No variance shall be granted where any of the conditions are not met. Adequate sewage systems or water supply capabilities can be provided.
The plate over the plate of land owner or hardship is not due to circumstances created by the land owner. Yes. The land owner has no control over the location of the aggregate reserves on this site. The variance would not allow a use that
is not already allowed in the zoning district. Yes. There would not be significant adverse effect on the public health or safety. >> Yes. To keep 2200 ft.
Conditions may be imposed in the granting of variance. A condition must be directly related to and must bear a rough proportionality to the impact created by the variance. Mining can occur as close as 43 feet
from the road rightway of County Road 26, also called 90th Avenue North. No stockpiling of material or top soil top soil burm shall take close take place closer than 200 feet from the road
right away. County road 26. I think condition number two is very important and should be there. Any thoughts or anybody want to add
or modify conditions? Nope. Hearing none. Look for a motion to approve or disapprove the variance. >> Make a motion to approve. Motion by Leo
to approve the variance with conditions one and two. Second by Tim. Any further discussion hearing? None. All those in favor say I. >> I. Opposed. Motion is carried. Variance
is granted. Next item on the agenda is a request of variance from Alexandria Gravel Products. Um, looking for a setback, an after the-act
setback. Look for a motion to open the public hearing. >> Motion by Dennis. >> Second. >> Second by Tim. All those in favor say I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried.
Public hearing is open. Matt. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. You'll notice a theme with these uh variance requests tonight. Uh so this applicant is seeking approval of an after the fact variance to reduce the mining road rightway setback for scale house on parcel ID
11.007.37000. It's in the south half the southeast quarter of township 141 range 44 west section 7 Goose Prairie Township. So again, same um uh variance request to this specific development code section.
Uh the zoning is actually very similar to on on this property. Um the only addition would be general flood plane. All the mining is taking place in the um egg general and resource protection aggregate zoning district. So kind of
along here um it primarily is agricultural parcel for pasture and aggregate mining. They received an interim use permit to mine in 2022. And so this variance request is um for a mining operation specifically a portable
scale to be 160 ft off the property or 175 ft off the center line. Um the practical difficulty provided is the power supply is located at this location and it would be need to be extended the scale would be need to be extended the scale would need to be moved and recalibrated
um which would be co costly. Um also the scale is likely going to be removed in 2026. Um and the applicant is also working on uh similar to the previous request a um a uh after the fact
affidavit for mining into the 100 foot property line setback. If they're not able to get that, they'll have to reclaim this this fall. Uh the comprehensive plan goals and objectives related to this um request
are the same as the previous hearing. uh township does not have any concern. This would be Goose Prairie Township. They don't have any concern with this request. Um county engineer also has reviewed this. Doesn't have any any concerns. Um also any questions for me
at all? I It's going to be moot because they're going to move it or be gone from there next year. But so did they just run power 175 ft instead of 200 ft
>> when they put scale in? >> I would assume that's possible. Um the applicant is online so whenever it's his chance to speak I'll let him speak to that. >> Okay. >> Any one have any questions or comments
for Matt? since at least 2022. It was previously um located to the south or there was a scale on um I believe it was this property to the south uh that was destroyed in an arson
fire actually and so then they they got a new scale and moved it to the new location. Okay, I guess hearing no other questions or comments for Matt. Um, invite the applicant to who is online and invite in
invite him to introduce himself and talk to us. Say Corey, we're having difficulty here. I don't think we can hear you at all. [Music] Still nothing. >> Yeah, I think it's on on his end.
>> Yeah, on his end. Yeah. >> The other thought would be to I think he's going to call in. >> Oh, Darren can hear him. So other folks that's are online can hear him, but we can't. >> Which is strange cuz we're online too,
just like everyone else. So yeah. >> Hey Darren, can you just test your mic to see if you come in? through the audio. No, Darren's not coming in either. What's it on our end? >> Hey, Mac, can you hear me at all now?
>> Yep. Can hear you again. >> Again and again. >> There he was. Like the 30 pointer gone. >> I turned it off just because the echo. Um, let me see here. Okay, let's try it again now.
>> All right. Can you hear me now? >> Yep. I think you might just want to hang up your There we go. Yeah, I think we're good now. >> All right. So, we're we're good now. >> Yep. Thanks, Corey. You're good. Go ahead, please. >> Are you there? >> Yep.
>> Yes. >> Okay, you can hear me now. >> Yep. >> All right. Sorry about that. I don't I don't know what the deal was. >> That was our That was our fault. Our problem. >> Okay, >> you're good. >> All right. So, no. All right. Thank you guys. Uh, so you know, Matt did a job
explaining kind of where we're at. Um, I think the the scale was just placed there honestly by mistake. The power was trenched in and just placed and nobody was really honestly thinking of the 200 foot setback. I think we're probably about 40 ft off of that. Um, I know our
lease on that pit is up in May of 2026. Um, so that, you know, it may or may not get removed at that point, but I guess at this point we're just looking for a variance for just where the scale is located currently. Okay. Anyone have any questions or comments
for Corey? >> Nope. Be straightforward. Um, anybody in the audience or online that wishes to speak forward or against or can I just let him go?
Anybody in the audience wish to speak for or against or online? Anyone in the audience wish to speak for or against? Okay. Thank you, Corey. >> All right. Thank you guys. >> Um,
hearing none. Look for a motion to close the public hearing. >> Make a motion. >> Motion by Leo, seconded by Dennis. All those in favor say I. I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. is granting the variance in harmony with
the general purposes and intent of the Klay County Land Development Code? >> Yes. >> Is the variance consistent with the Klay County Comprehensive Land Use? >> Yes. Does the applicant establish that there
are practical difficulties in complying with the strict letter of the Klay County Land Development Code by demonstrating the applicant proposing to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by official control. exceptional or extraordinary circumstances apply to the property that
do not apply generally to the other properties in the same district or vicinity and which result from lot size, shape, topography or other circumstances over which the land owner has no control or influence.
Granting the variance will not alter the essential character of the property's locality. Practical difficulties as used in connection with the granting of a variance mean the property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by an
official control. The plight of the land owner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner and the variance if granted will not alter the essential character of locality. Economic considerations alone do not
constitute practical difficulties. Variances shall be granted for earth sheltered construction as defined in section 21c.06 subdivision 14 when in harmony with the official controls.
Yes. Yes. Would the literal interpretation of the provisions of the Klay County Land Development Code deprive the applicant of rights commonly enjoyed by other properties in the same district
under the terms of this ordinance? >> Yes. Is the variance being granted the minimum variance that would alleviate the practical difficulty? >> Yes. Does the variance request meet all the below criteria? No variance shall be
granted where any of the following conditions are not met. Adequate sewage treatment systems or water supply capabilities can be provided. Plight of the land owner or hardship is not due to circumstances created by the land owner.
Yes. The variance would not allow a use that is not already allowed in the zoning district. >> Yes. >> There would not be a significant adverse effect on the public health or safety.
>> Yes. >> Okay. And staff has one condition on here. Um only the scale house can be located 175 ft off the center um
of county state aid 33. No other mining activities can be located within the 200 foot rightway setback. Does anyone have any other conditions or adjustment
to the conditions they'd like to add or subtract? Multiply or divide. So, Mr. Chair, one thing you'll have to just be cognizant of is that a variance runs with the land. So, it would become essentially it would
become a land right. So, if someone else wanted to come and mine there, they could put the scale house in the same spot essentially if they had chose to put a scale house there. But if with this condition, if they wanted to mine up to the 200 foot right away, they
wouldn't be able to without a new variance. >> So, we can't do a 12-mon variance. You either do a variance or you don't. >> Yep. >> Not like a cup or >> No. >> Well, and the findings of fact they all
do mention each and every time landowner Not a good operator. >> Well, I think it was careless and shortsighted of them not to do it, but it's 40 ft, >> right? >> And >> three years.
>> He's been at least >> four years coming up. Five, I think. I'm guessing someone measured from the edge of the road versus the center of the road. >> Could be or didn't measure >> to measure. I guess I guess that's kind of what you said. >> That's how much how much line they had
but and not hearing anything from township. There are a lot of mines up there. I mean, aggregate's there and they're there and I guess I would be okay with the condition that he has
as long as the 200 ft mining setback and that would be on the operator, not necessarily the land owner. >> Okay. Motion by Tim. >> Second. >> Second by Dennis. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed.
Motion is carried. Variance is granted. Chair. Did that motion include the um condition >> with condition one as printed? >> Thank you.
Third hearing, Westland Excavating is also looking for a after the fact variance um in Keen Township.
Look for a motion to open the public hearing. >> Motion by Tim. >> Second. >> Seconded by Dennis. All those in favor say I. >> I. Opposed. Motion is carried. Public hearing is open. Ma'am.
>> Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, this is a request um from Wesland X excavating for approval of an afterfact variance to reduce the mining road rightway setback on parcel ID7.03.0000 part of the fractional section 30 um and
parcel 17 um 031.01000 part of fractional section 31. Township 141 range 45 west section 30 and 31 Keen Township. So that's
right up here. So again looking for a variance from the same um section of our development code. Uh the zoning here is um egg general resource protection aggregate. There is a little bit of shoreland um on the south far southeast court of the
southern parcel. Um it's primarily used for agriculture uh and aggregate mining. Uh they did receive an interim use permit for gravel mining in 2024. So, what they're looking for is essentially a after the-act request um
for mining operations, including a scale to be located about up to 50 ft off the center line of 170 street north be 17 ft off the right of way instead of the required um 200 f feet. um their their practical difficulty that they provide
is that the current location provides the best access to the roadway and the all the good materials located kind of hugging up against the road and the um within the setback. They are working on obtaining um that affidavit from the property owner through mining which
should be pretty easy because I think they're the same property owner. So, uh, comprehensive plan, um, similar goals goals and objectives, um, as the previous two public hearings. We didn't
hear any, uh, comments, um, from the township, um, or anyone else about this request. There's similar variances. This is not a very welltra traveled road. I honestly think the only folks who really use it are um
the operators of these pits really are the main users um of these three two pits. Now this third one right here uh um who's ever farming it. Um Mr. Bureicken to the north and bird
watchers. That's basically all who uses it. It's not like a through road or doesn't get a lot of traffic at all. So, any questions for me at all? >> How deep are they going? Say 17 ft off the road. >> They'll be Yeah, 17 ft off
>> to a They would have to slope it. Um, yeah, at least four to one, I think. Okay. Yeah, >> that's in the rules guidelines. >> Yeah. Well, final their final they couldn't have any high walls or anything like that, but yeah, final reclamation
would have to be sloped. Yeah. Yep. >> Anyone else have any questions or comments? Matt, >> the applicant care to come up and speak and introduce yourself and
tell us what you're wanting to do? >> Hi, I'm Jeff with Wesland Excavating. Uh, we actually sublease this pit to Alexandria Gravel and I didn't realize that they had stripped up that far and set their scale
host there till I met up with Erica for the inspection, but I talked to all the town board members and uh they were going to be here tonight, but they couldn't make it. But they're all fine with it because it's a deadend road and
nobody really travels down it much. So, um I would make sure that it's sloped plenty good off of the roadway if the mining does occur up to it, I guess. >> So, how deep to Leo's question, how deep
are you going for gravel? I stopped out there earlier today just to look and I seen they had dug some holes and it's they hit some nasty clay not very far down. So I would assume it's not going
to be very deep cuz the clay looked like it was 8 10 ft deep and that would be too much of a burden to go through I would think. So what you're everything the scale of this is this the same scale that we
talked about in the last hearing? >> Yes, Mr. Chair. Well, it's not same scale but same outfit. >> Yeah. And just as far as depth, um I know like this uh dirt dynamics pit is fairly I
wouldn't say deep, maybe you know 20 plus feet deep in some spots. Um this pit to the north, it's very similar to um the first variance request we heard where it's just a very thin shallow
gravel deposit um where you essentially have your top soil, a thin layer of clay, then you have the vein of gravel and then that more clay essentially. Um, I think you'd have to go you have to go pretty deep before you you have to go
through a lot of clay material before you get to the um to the next deposit essentially. Okay. Anyone else in the audience or online that wishes to speak and ask or ask the
applicant any questions? Anybody in the audience or online that wishes to speak on this or or against? Anyone else in the audience or online wish to speak for or against? Thank you, Jeff. Um hearing none, look for a motion
to close the public hearing. >> Make a motion. >> Motion made by Leo. >> Second. >> Seconded by Tim. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Public hearing is closed.
Is granting the variance in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the Klay County Land Development Code? >> Yes. >> Is the requested variance consistent with the Klay County Comprehensive Land Use Plan? >> Yes.
Does the applicant establish that there are practical difficulties in complying with the strict letter of the Klay County Land Development Code by demonstrating the applicant proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by an official control?
Yes. 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 or shape, topography or other circumstances over which a landowner has
no control or influence. Granting the variance will not alter the essential character of the property's locality. Practical difficulties as used in connection with the granting of variance mean the property owner proposes to use
the property in a reasonable matter not permitted by an official control. The plight of the land owner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner and the variance if granted will not alter the essential character of the locality.
Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties. Variances shall be granted for earth sheltered construction as defined in section 21c.06 subdivision 14 when in harmony with the
official controls. >> Yes. Would the literal interpretation of the provisions of the Klay County Land Development Code deprive the applicant of rights commonly enjoyed by other properties in the same district under the terms of the ordinance?
Yes. >> Is the variance being granted the minimum variance that would alleviate the practical difficulty? >> Yes. >> Does a variance request meet all below criteria. No variance shall be granted
where any of the following are not met. Adequate sewage treatment systems or water supply capabilities can be provided. The plight of land owner or hardship is not due to circumstances created by the land owner. >> Yes.
>> The variance would not allow a use that is not already allowed in that zoning district. >> Yes. >> There would be no significant adverse effects on public health or safety. >> Yes.
Okay. And Matt and staff have three conditions. I think you know number three is important and um concerns with slope and even you know dead end road and drunk
somebody driving off the end if there isn't a slope they can't roll their car >> drunk bird watcher >> or somebody with a tractor and a bor >> and Mr. Chair and board, is that a condition that you'd want to put on this variance about
>> well you minimum slope >> the slope? >> Yeah. >> What is required? >> It's a 4 to one. >> Four to one. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Okay.
I guess I I I had misread. I thought it was 17 feet from like the edge of the road. That's off the right. It was 17 off the right. >> Right. Okay. >> Yep. >> I was picturing like 17 ft off like >> off the road. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Okay. I misread that.
>> So, we're golden with the three. Okay. I'm hearing no further discussion. Look for a motion to approve or disapprove the variance with the three above conditions. So >> Dennis made the motion.
>> Second. >> Seconded by Tim. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Variance is granted with the three conditions. Thank you everyone. Do we have any
unfinished business? Mr. Matt, >> I do not. Mr. Chair, >> how about new business? >> Um the only thing I just want to mention with the new businesses did go to the land use training in Wade Park uh a couple weeks ago and um
good training for the board of adjustment really. I think big focus was on going through the findings of fact and establishing the record and they had some good examples of um how that can be used in court cases and how it's been
used in court cases and other um situations across the state of Minnesota. Um I think like you did a good job tonight just kind of on findings that you don't have to you have
to read each finding. You don't have to address each finding. Um but it is important if there's something that related to the request, the variance request, um that if there's something you want to discuss, do discuss it and that will get put in as a finding. Um
and it's totally acceptable to just say this finding isn't applicable to this request and just not even have a yes or a no on it. Um that's like for example the septic ones for um gravel pits. Yeah. That would not be
>> just be an NA. Yep. >> Mhm. Yep. >> Well, that doesn't reference the outouses that they all have out there or required to have out there for mining operations. >> It's really related to to septic and not necessarily just bathroom facilities
um because that's just how it is in in Minnesota rules. Um, but yes, if they're talking about like an interim use or permit for mining, yeah, that's something that we always have as as a condition on there. Yep. Um, I think you could broadly construe it as Yeah, you
could you could include that in there. I think the intent though is really for septic, but >> yeah. >> So, that's always going to probably be adequate, I would imagine. Yeah. Yeah.
Yep. So, um, yeah, those were kind of the main takeaways from the training just that would directly relate to the board of adjustment. There'll be another one in the spring. So, I'll there usually one in the late
summer and then the spring. So, I'll be sure to let you know about that. That's all I had. >> Thank you. Anything in the cooking in the books for next month? >> So far, no.
>> So, if we have a meeting next month, it will be September 16th. Okay. Okay. Anybody else have any old, new, used business to bring up hearing. None.
Look for a motion to adjourn the meeting. >> Motion by Tim. >> Second. >> Seconded by Dennis. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Meeting is adjourned. Thanks everyone. motion to approve the agenda if nobody
has any. >> So move >> motion by Kurt Shervin. >> Second. >> Second by Sebastian McDougall. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Agenda is approved. Um, next on the
agenda is our minutes from last month's meeting on July 15th. Anybody have any additions or corrections? Hearing none, look for a motion to approve the agenda or the minutes. >> So moved.
>> Move a motion by Ashley. Second. >> Second by Kurt Stubson. Chervin. >> Um, all those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed.
>> Motion is carried. Minutes are approved. Is there anyone in the audience that wishes to speak for 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 that wishes to speak on something that is not on the agenda? Hearing none, moving forward to the public hearings. Our first hearing of the evening is Mincota Power request for
a conditional use permit. Matt or um for a motion to open the public hearing. >> Mr. Chair, I'll offer a motion to open the public hearing. >> Second motion by Jenny, seconded by Curt Stubstead. All those in favor say I.
>> I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Public hearing is open. Matt. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, the applicant seeking a conditional use uh for a substation at 501990th Street South in Glendon, Minnesota, 56547
on parcel ID 10.033.11. It's part of the northeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 33, Township 139 North, Range, 47 West in Glendon Township. So this is um on the south side of County Road 75 uh west of Interstate 94
and east of um northeast of Sabin properties as currently has a substation on it. Uh it is zoned agricultural general and there is a little bit of flood plane fringe just in the mainly in the ditches though on the north side of the property. So the request is to rebuild and expand
the Sabin substation. They're looking at moving it approximately 150 ft um to the south of the current location um and then continue operating the existing substation until the new facility is complete. Just review of this. Um it does meet or
exceed all setbacks. Uh would take less than an acre of prime farmland out of production. We did not receive any public comments nor did we receive any comments from Glendon Township. uh how this request relates to our comprehensive plan. We have a goal uh in
our in commercial and industrial goal category to encourage commercial industrial development that is in harmony with egg and rural character of Klay County. Um and to promote value added egg commercial and industrial development in egg service centers and along transportation corridors and hubs.
Um this is really just critical infrastructure. It supports egg operations just ensuring reliable electric service in rural areas. Um it's in a egg sending along a rural road network. Um which so aligns with the intent to place essential services where
they support the rural economy. Uh it's not in any environmentally sensitive area. Uh it is immediately surrounded by active farmland with no immediate rural residential uses. Um so expecting to have minimal noise, traffic
and visual impacts. Um the existing substation has been there for years without any conflict. Um the relocation would be within that same property and maintain compatibility. Any questions for me at all? Here's its location.
So essentially they they would just be expanding this parcel out and then moving it to the south. >> What will they do to the existing site when the new one is built? >> Oh, once it's complete, I think just decommission it, but I can let the
applicant speak to that in more detail. >> Anybody have any questions or comments for Matt? Hearing none, would the applicant care to come up and speak to the project? Please introduce yourself. >> Hi, I'm Rebecca Mask with Manota Power.
I'm in the rightaway department and I brought along Jeff Jonke. He's a engineer at Manota Power. Um the rebuild is just um to replace aging infrastructure. Um and we are moving it south just so while it's being
constructed that we're able to keep the existing um substation in use. So um uh the existing um site will be decommissioned and will be planted grass
and uh the existing uh access road will be um will be taken out and being relocated just to so we'll only have one access to that parcel and um that has been permitted with the um watershed district and has been approved on the
11th. self. >> Okay. So, you will retain ownership of the land. It'll just go back to a native habitat or >> correct. >> Thank anyone else have any
questions for the applicant? >> Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Is there anyone else in the audience that wishes to speak for or against or online. Is there anybody in the audience or online that wishes to speak
for or against? Is there anyone online or in the audience that wishes to speak for or against? Hearing none. Look for a motion to close the public hearing. >> So move. >> Motion by Kurt Shervin. >> Second.
>> Seconded by Sebastian McDougall. All those in favor say I. I. Post public hearing is closed. Okay. The conditional use will not be injurous to the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the residents of
Klay County. The conditional use will not be injurous to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity for the purpose already permitted. 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. Adequate measures have been or will be taken to provide utilities access roads, drainage, off- streetet parking and loading spaces as required by this ordinance.
Adequate measures have been or will be taken to prevent or control offensive odor, fumes, dust, noise, vibration, water pollution, soil erosion so that none of these will constitute a nuisance. and to control lighted signs or other lights in such a
manner that no disturbance to neighboring properties will result. The conditional use will not create an excessive burden on current or anticipated public infrastructure or services that serve are proposed to serve the area including to but not
limited to parks, schools, public safety services, roads, water supplies, sanitary sewers, storm sewers, unless the county and the applicant establish a development agreement that determine how such impacts will be resolved.
The conditional use is allowed by this ordinance and conforms with any specific use standards established in chapter 8 as may be applicable. The conditional use is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Klay County comprehensive and
transportation plan and any comprehensive plan of a township or city as may be applicable. So staff has six conditions that they have recommended.
And Mr. chair of the one condition was was added a little bit late or suggested condition just about lighting just being downcast and directed away from nearby properties to the greatest extent possible. I know that's not always possible with these these types of projects, but um there have just some
other examples in Klay County of much larger substations though that have had some custom issues with with lighting. So, anything that can be done to reduce that or mitigate that um I think would be appropriate. Even though there isn't a directly
adjacent residential property, there are there is at least one in the in the vicinity. >> I believe that's a valid condition. Mr. Stiken, >> Mr. Chair and Matt, is there lighting that exists there now? I believe so, but
you might want to ask the applicant of that. Just to clarify, >> state your name again, Jeff. >> My name is Jeff Jonkey. There's one light in the northeast corner. >> There you go. >> On a poll.
>> Hey, why don't you just stay up there, Jeff? Um, one other. So, not hearing a lot of talking or discussion. Are you guys able to, willing, and understand the six conditions that are proposed and are you able to work with them?
>> Yeah. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thanks. Anyone else have anything to add? Hearing none, look for a motion to either approve the cup or disapprove the
cup with the conditions listed. >> I'll make a motion to approve the conditional use permit um with the six conditions. >> I'll second that. >> Motion by Ashley, seconded by Curt Stubstead. Any further discussion?
>> Hearing none. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion is carried. Conditional use permit is granted. Next item on the agenda is a interimm use amendment
for um Wesland materials. Look for a motion to open the public hearing. >> Motion by Laura. >> Second. >> Seconded by Ashley. All those in favor
say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Uh motion carries. Public hearing is open. Matt. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yeah, this is a request for an interim use uh mining permit amendment to change a condition for the dates of operation. This would
be on parcel 17.012.4000 in the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 12 township 141 north range 45 west Keen Township. So I'll just zoom to that. So it's this parcel right here.
This parcel So, this is on the um west side of um CASA 33 in between um CASAW 34 to the north and CASA 26 to the south. uh they did receive a interim use permit for a
39 acre gravel mine in 2021 and then in 2022 they did receive variances to setbacks um property line setback to the south uh road rightaway setback and then there was a residence here. These residences have been basically um
removed or in the process of being removed. Um they did receive setbacks a variance to those setbacks as well. Lots of uh zoning on this property. Um the main zoning where the actual mining is occurring is uh agricultural general and then resource protection aggregate uh
which mining is permitted as an interim use in these zoning districts. So what they're looking to do is they're seeking an amendment to their permit um for gravel mining just to expand their operating dates um in the two of the first quarter of the year. So January
through April. Um, condition nine on their current permit limits mining operations from April 1st through December 31st uh between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and Monday through Saturday and no noise producing
operations on uh Saturday. So the primary hall routes um are on CASA 33 to either 26 or 34 and these are all paved roads. Um county engineer does not have an issue with this request. We did not receive any public comment or township comment at all as well. Um,
all right. So, I'm going to hit you with the proposed condition amendment. It's a little wordy, but essentially, um, everything is essentially the same except allowing for mining operations, which would exclude any excavation or expansion um, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00
p.m. Monday through Saturday, be allowed year round essentially. Um and then excavation expansion of of the pit would be permitted in the normal their current um operating window of April 1st through December 31st between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00
p.m. in hauling only during period of posted seasonal load restrictions shall occur only on paved roads or other routes approved in writing by the highway department or township road authority. uh and then if the operator needs to operate beyond stated days and hours that notify the planning office
and uh of the reason and length of time so extended hours can be approved and affected property owners may be notified. So really these are it's essentially the same just be allowing some additional stockpiling activities maintenance and um hauling and I think that's the main thing that they're
asking for is the hauling just in January through April. Um, and I think one of the the big reasons why we currently do not do that is just with this the road restrictions and the conditions of roads of of pits that are
located on um township roads or gravel roads where in this case um you have a paved highway that connects to two of the major paved highways in the northern part of the county. So, any questions
for me at all? So there's no So there those are those are all 10 ton roads year round even in the spring. >> That's my understanding from talking with the county engineer. >> Guess he would.
>> They're all county roads. So yep, >> Mr. Mr. Chair and Matt, it says only one comment was received requesting hours of 7 to 7. >> Are they just requesting what's already >> correct? 7 to 7. Yep. >> Mhm.
>> Um, Mr. share another reason for maybe adding in the uh clause about um hauling during periods of posted seasonal load restriction shall occur only on paved roads or other routes approved just in case they might be
hauling to a location where you would need to take a township road. But just based off of the road network in this area, that is not likely. >> Yeah. They'd have to follow the load limits no matter >> no matter what.
>> What? >> Yep. >> And if we get a lot of snow or a lot of rain, there won't be any mining. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> Anybody have any anything further, Matt? Or any questions for Matt? Would the applicant care to come up to
the mic and introduce themselves. And >> hi, I'm Jeff with Westland Excavating and we're looking to extend our operations into the first quarter cuz we get some projects in the wintertime where we need to haul some sand for back
filling and some other materials. probably won't be any mining going on with the Minnesota winters, but uh I've spoke with the township and they didn't have any issues with it, I guess. So,
>> so it you're not anticipating, not that you couldn't, but you're not anticipating actual mining. You're just going to be removing from stockpiles? >> Yes. Does anybody have any questions for Jeff?
Thank you. Anybody in the audience wish to speak for or against? Anyone in the audience wish to speak for or against? Anyone in the audience wish to speak for or against?
Hearing none. Look for a motion to close the public hearing. So moved. >> Motion by Sebastian, seconded by Josh. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Public hearing is closed.
Okay. Mr. Chair, a question. Have a question? >> Certainly. >> Okay. Thank you. Uh are we you know I I think we've tried to be as consistent as possible at this board.
Are we concerned about um variances in what's been being allowed with other companies? I mean we've tried to remain semicconsistent. Are we worried that we'll have an onslaught of gravel
pits coming for amendments to their conditions? >> Uh Mr. Mr. Chair and Commissioner Mojo, I certainly possible um and in terms of of being consistent um with how um each permit is handled
and addressed. Um you know, it might be totally appropriate for if you have a gravel pit on a paved road or a 10-tonon road that can can handle um additional hauling during the first part of the
year. I would I would I believe that that would be maintaining that consistency um because you'd be treating all of those similarly situated pits and pit operators the same. Um I might ask just further
clarification in regards to um the gravel t in the review it talks about the gravel tax that was re identified first quarter is that receipts is that how it was >> it's it's self-reported. So, um, every
quarter, um, every pit operator, um, reports their, um, the materials removed from the pit from a pit. And once essentially the gravel tax is, um, is
applied once that product or material hits a public roadway. Um, so it's not when it's sold or anything like that. It's actually when it's removed from a public or move moves onto a public roadway. Um and
uh operators are required to report every single quarter and um whether or not they remove material. So for the f first quarter, what we typically will almost always get is um big fat goose eggs. So zero um but they have to
report. >> But there was some that was >> there was reported during that first quarter. Yep. >> And so in comparing it with the conditions on their permits like well this is this had occurred outside of their um their um permitted
window of operation. Yep. I guess and and just further, you know, to what the county engineer the reason he probably likely gave the nod ahead with this is there are other a organizations or
businesses aggregate um type egg commodity that is on the road during these frozen times too. I think so where the fine line is that we're not approving anything that's active mining per se outside of these these times. It's just the hauling. Correct.
>> Correct. >> Thank you, Jenny. The interimm you now time for findings of fact. The interimm use will not be injurous to the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the residents of Klay County. The interimm use will not be injurous to
the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity for the purpose already permitted. The establishment of the interimm use will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding property for uses
predominant in the area. Adequate measures have been or will be taken to provide utilities, access roads, drainage, off- streetet parking, and loading spaces as required by this ordinance. Adequate measures have been or will be
taken to prevent or control offensive odor, fumes, dust, noise, vibration, water pollution, and soil erosion so that none of these will constitute a nuisance and to control lighted signs or other lights in such a manner that no disturbance to neighboring properties
will result. The interimm 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, storm sewers. Unless the county and the applicant establish a development agreement that determines how such impacts will be resolved. The interimm use is allowed by this
ordinance and conforms with any specific use standards established in chapter 8 as may be applicable. The interimm use is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Klay County comprehensive and transportation plan and any comprehensive plan of a township
or city as may be applicable. Staff has 13, Mr. chair, the the conditions um the 12 conditions would remain the same as they are on their current permit. Um would
just be that condition nine. Anybody have any thing to add or discuss conditions. >> Mr. Chair and Matt, I know we technically don't need to ask them if they can abide by the conditions because
it's a IEP, but is that kind of what we've been trying to follow? And Mr. Chair and Mr. Sen, yeah, for an IEP, we would want to ask if there they were okay with this. Yep. The applicant. >> Okay.
Jeff, do you understand and have read and able to follow the conditions that have been proposed prior to us voting on your proposition. Thank you.
Now, I'm assuming that the, you know, the conditions are all from mostly the same as they were for the initial IEP. They're just looking for a modification of the first quarter. >> Correct. They're all the exact same
except for condition nine. >> Okay. Well, I'm hearing no questions or comments. Look for a motion to approve or disapprove
the IUP, the change to condition 9. I'll make that motion to approve that the permit be issued um with the addition of number nine and all of the other conditions. >> Motion made by Ashley.
>> Second. >> Seconded by Curt Shervin. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor say I. I. opposed. Motion is carried.
Up is granted. Next item on the list is novel Noville request for a cup for a solar garden. Look for a motion to
open the public hearing. offered. >> Motion by Jenny. >> Second. >> Second by Laura. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Public hearing is open. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, the applicant
seeking a conditional use for a 1 megawatt community solar garden on parcel ID 08.034.25000 2500 in part of the norththeast half of the northeast quarter of the northwest quarter of section 34 township 141 north
range 46 west flowing township. So this property is on the east side of um trunk highway 9. It's about 5 miles a little over 5 miles south of Felton. Um it's agricultural. Uh there is already a 1 megawatt solar garden um that was
permitted in 2019. and it was one of the first in the county. Uh zoning of the property is egg general. Uh they're looking to establish that 1 megawatt community solar garden on approximately 10 acres of farmland. Um
essentially a community solar garden is a a subscription model um that allows residents, businesses, and other entities to subscribe to solar power and receive credits. It's through um Excel Energy. So Excel Energy customers in Minnesota. So looking again at their
site selection criteria, um looking at for level terrain, looking at sunlight, proximity to electrical infrastructure, that's probably the biggest one. Um landowner participation, they'd be interconnecting to the grid through Excel Energy. They aim to um
begin construction in 2026. It have about 2500 solar panels, so single panels, looking at a 30-year project lifespan. Um there would be they had established a beneficial habitat pollinator vegetation um and they intend
to develop own and operate the project. So they'd be looking to access trunk highway 9. Um so there's a uh intermittent stream ditch complex to the north and on um this this township road.
So they'd be looking at using um an a existing access um on Highway 9. They would need uh a permitting um do remote monitoring of the project and then some by annual or twice annual inspections. Um and that project project lifespan is
30 years. It can be extended um with equipment upgrades and a new landowner agreement. uh included is a they had a vegetation management plan, storm water management plan and then a a decommissioning plan as well.
Some considerations um is that in the project they indicate that there would be overhead electrical line running from the project to trunk highway 9 would likely interfere with farming operations and things like that. In our code, we
require them to bury that. Um, so typically what a operator will do was they'll bury the line though they do need it to come up for at least there needs to be three poles before they can interconnect with um um to Excels to Excel's um
lines and that's a requirement from Excel. Um, also there are two residences to the west. Um, one up here, one down here. And so also in our code, we do have a requirement for screening, vegetative screening. Um, and that's
really it's a requirement, but the planning commission has some latitude on whether or not to requirement or what type of screening or anything like that. would take um 10.3 acres of prime farmland out of production
uh put it into the the solar um garden and then also the um pollinator beneficial habitat. Uh we did not receive any public comment or township comment. We did receive comments from Mindot just regarding
access and right-of-way permitting. So, um, for the access that would require an access permit and then any work that was utility work that would be done in the in the rightway would require permitting as well. Um, comprehensive plan goals and objectives related to this request. We
have a goal to support the long-term protection of the countyy's strong and diverse egg economy. Um, this has come up before, but community solar gardens just adding diversity to the agricultural economy, allowing for producers to diversify their operations and revenue streams in a manner that's
not entirely at odds with egg production. Um, ensuring new development is compatible with the character and quality of the county's egg areas. Um, can be seen as as detracting um from the egg character of the county. All of them are virtually installed along major
transportation corridors and hubs. would take um we have a objective to protect prime egg soils from commercial industrial and residential development. This would remove about 10 acres of prime farmland um or prime farmland if
drained for a minimum of 30 years. Could be could be uh restored to farmland um at the end of that 30 years could could potentially be extended again. Um, and again, it's another it's a small scale relative to our total prime farmland in
in the county. We also have a goal to encourage commercial industrial development that is in harmony with the rural and agriculture and rural character of the county. Um, been talking to a lot of folks about this. Some see it as distracting from their real aesthetic uh
and landscape. Some also see it's just um, you know, a new part of the of the egg landscape as well. uh again and avoiding or mitigating against commercial and industrial development in and near environmentally sensitive areas. This project is not is
not in it or near any in identified environmentally sensitive areas. Um they have done some wetland delineations though as part of this project as well and are not avoiding I think there's one wetland they're avoiding. It's a small wetland. Okay.
um avoid and mitigate against commercial industrial development that increases potential for land use conflicts with rural residential egg uses is a relatively passive use um does not generate excess traffic noise, vibrations or dust um only during the construction period really.
And then we have a goal to grow and restore prairie and woodland habitats in Klay County for the benefit, enjoyment of Klay County businesses, residents, and visitors. Uh and this project would result in about 10 acres of pollinator and wildlife habitat. And that's essentially here um
establishing prairie. We have a goal an objective under that to provide um incentives essentially to um establish prairie woodland out areas on properties to provide ecosystem permitting or ecosystem services through
permitting. Uh we do have that beneficial habitat establishment. That's a requirement. Um and that's something you can actually track online through the board of water and soil resources website. They have all the solar projects that have come online and um
you can see if they're meeting that beneficial habitat standard as they're uh inspected by Bowser to make sure they're meeting that. Any questions for me at all? And I'll zoom over to it here too.
So, here's the existing one megawatt. This one would go up in this area here. And then you got four residential properties here and Highway 9. >> Mr. taken. >> Mr. Chair and Matt, u I'm just going to
ask this for some clarification and is the existing one is owned by the same company. Correct. >> Different company. >> Different company. >> That probably changes my question a little bit, but seem like on the same
property, can you have more than one solar garden? >> Yes, you can. >> As long as they're not connecting each other to >> Correct. Thank you. And I know that's something that Excel regulates pretty heavily in terms of
collocation and sighting of these >> question. Um so the beneficial uh acreage for the soil for the pollinators is that mitigated on site or is that something that is they identify property to do that? That is done on on site. Yep.
That's all. And that's >> and then we uh we do some monitoring as soil and water to make sure that it isn't doesn't become a thistle patch. There is
and just as a an aside, maybe that's something we might want to be looking at in the future. Um, as agrovoltaics is becoming more of a thing, I know like the University of Minnesota has got a project going on right now where they have a little bit taller solar panels
that are more compatible with grazing of of cattle. Um, so providing cattle access um to pasture and also shading providing shading benefits to cattle as well. Um, so it might be something to
think about too in the future and how we would incorporate the agro voltaics stuff into our permitting. >> I have seen some of that happening and I haven't seen cattle, but I have seen
where they beefed it up enough that you could put gray sheep under it. >> Yep. I think sheep is really common right now. Now, I know in Illinois they've tried some with cattle and the cattle have basically destroyed the panels, but um University of Minnesota is building or testing a a new kind of pan
panel that's a little more accommodating um for larger animals. And so, it kind of remains to be seen on how that will will work out, but I know they started that I think this this summer or last summer.
>> That has been one of my concerns over this whole is it does take land out of production that will feed won't feed any families for 30 years and nothing else can be done with it. and they they talk about wildlife and that's great, but
they're not talking they're not going to let you go deer hunting and the deer are already in the corn so it didn't really enhance a lot there but it does for pollinators until the plane comes over. >> Anybody else have any questions or
comments for Matt? One question I kind of do have when it comes to the solar gardens is are they all is it concrete underneath them or what kind of imperial service surface is there? Say as you just discussed solar panel gets destroyed and it starts
leaking its chemicals out. Does that just go straight into the ground? Does it go what happens to those? >> That's a great question and I don't have the exact answer for that. the applicant might be able to speak to that a little bit, but as far as as I know as they're
basically just mount ground mounted just post driven into the ground. So no um concrete or any any impervious surface underneath them. >> So if worst case scenario, say you have a hail stom damages a bunch of those solar panels, now you have all those
chemicals going in the ground. You have to we mitigate that by having them take it all out and then we put fresh soil in nontoxic soil in there. >> Yeah, that's a really good question and I would I'm going to defer to the
applicant um on that just to see what they have to say and that's something that I can certainly research more and follow up with you on and the poll commission. Good evening uh Ralph Fanio and U Mottman on behalf of Novel Energy. Um so
I'll I'll address uh so with solar panels f first 90 about 96% of a solar project is recyclable where we deal with uh certain recycling companies that deal strictly with um solar panels and and
it's different than the wind turbines where they take those the the turbine part off and they have to bury them in the ground because there's nothing they can do with them at this point. So that that's a positive about solar. Um, in regards to um on on almost every site we
do, the posts are just driven into the ground. So they no concrete, no anything. Sometimes we use concrete in um rocky areas where there's a lot of stone and we have to drill in and just add that little extra bit of uh security so they don't fall over. But also as a
requirement when it comes to decommissioning, that all has to be removed as well. um in regards to like a hail storm and you know panels breaking, they don't leak out um any kind of fluid or anything like that. So that's not
something that that uh we would worry about or even have to deal with because they're not they don't have a fluid in them to leak out that way. Um you know, the same way they they don't reflect light back because they're made to absorb the light as well. Um
so that there's that part. Uh, a couple other things I just wanted to touch on that you me you you had mentioning what we've actually looked into um the grazing of sheep in in uh Maine. Uh we've looked into that as well. It hasn't worked out yet for us. Uh we've
put calls out, but I know there are individuals out there that'll bring their whole herd over and uh let them munch uh for a few days. Um our sites and someone had touched on it and it's in one of our uh our handouts. We we maintain the site. We'll cut it two
times a year so it doesn't get too high and and fall over and die. But we we cut it at least twice a year so it stays healthy. Um and we also go back and we'll sprinkle um any kind of seeds we need the the local pollinators if
there's some dry spots or spots that just haven't taken as well. Um what else can I tell you? Uh I I heard the requirement for burying the line. Uh we have no issue with that. We we certainly can bury the line up to
where uh Excel requires us to have the pole as well. Um one other interesting thing that I wanted to mention. So we we have these sites. We have a lease in place for 30 years. And I can tell you from the time we get an approval to the
time we start building, the actual what we actually wind up going with equipment wise always changes because it comes down to supply chain issues and not being able to get what we thought we could get today. that doesn't necessarily mean anything u in the big scope of the project. But what it what
does change over the course of a year is that if we're projecting to use 256 panels, 60 panels right now, it'll be less than that um by the time we start building and we you know we provide you that information before we we actually
uh break ground. So the sites over time continue to get smaller and I would venture to say that probably in 15 years, maybe even less because the way things are changing so quickly. Uh I wouldn't be surprised if we're back and
we're ripping out probably everything that we have and replacing it with probably less than half of what's there and it'll probably do twice the amount of work um it does now. But that's in the future and and we can see the trend going that way because every time we
wind up changing a panel and going with something else because we can't get it as part of the supply chain issues, it's always something better that usually shrinks the site a little bit. Um, and the other part of it too is that even in 30 years, if that that whole site still
keeps the same footprint, when it's ready to go back into um the agricultural uh environment again, it's so much healthier because it had time to rest. It's not being farmed. It's not having chemicals uh dropped in it and fertilizers. Uh it it's had time to kind
of regroup and it'll be fresh land um when it comes to that point again. Uh so so solar sometimes gives it gives land that might be beat up a little bit a little bit of a break. And the other thing it also does is that being a farmer in the United States is very
tough. And this gives the opportunity for a farmer to generate a little extra income um while trying to maintain farming. So th this sometimes a little extra money they get makes a big difference in them being able to stay in business and continue to farm as opposed
to going out of business and not farming anything at all. Um so I think I kind of I hope I touched on everything that was kind of mentioned. Um, if I didn't, I'd be happy to answer anything else you might have. >> Sebastian, you
>> questions. >> Mr. Chair, I I have a question for Ralph. Um, so say at the end of your your lease agreement with the with the property owner and they want to continue um for another 30 years or 15 years or
whatever. Um would there ever be a instance um where you would be able to move the site within the property to a different location or would you keep it on the same in the same footprint the
same site? I'm thinking of like a more modern take on rotational grazing almost or rotational cropping. >> Right. So so that's a very good question. uh one um secondly we I mean 30 years we don't have any sites and
honestly I don't know of any solar uh projects this size anywhere in the country that have had that kind of time in where something that would come to be uh the what I'll say to that which personally to me might make more sense would be if I if if you're changing the
equipment because all this equipment will be outdicip probably be outdated in 5 years you know they'll still make replacement parts and and you'll still be able to, you know, do things like that, but 5 years it'll it'll probably be outdated and then it'll come a point probably in 15 20
years where you might not even be able to get some of the stuff anymore because the technology is just so much better. But I think if if we were going to go into a situation like that where let's say it's the 30 years and it makes sense to um try to re-up the lease again if
that's a possibility. I think probably what would wind up happening would be two things. one, maybe you would look for a new spot on site where you at that point you probably have to come back for a new application, whatever might that might look like in the future. Um, and then build that new site while you're in
the process of decommissioning the the other site. And our decommissioning removes everything, every last little wire, every last little screw, everything. So that site looks like farmland um that was never touched. But it it's it's a little hard to say in
the future how that might be. I mean, solar's been around for well over 50 60 years. Um, most of us remember being in school with the little solar calculators, how cool we thought that was. And and now, you know, you can coals the the department store, if
you've ever seen them, they every one of their stores have solar panels on the roof, which pretty much knocks out the need for any kind of electricity from the grid. So you can see the technolog is getting better and it's the same thing with this. We see this every time we go for try to get something. We can't
get something and we wind up switching to something that's just actually better. Um but 30 years down the line to try to really forecast what that might look like is a little tough. But I would think because things won't be compatible and it would be probably much much
smaller. it would probably make sense to shift it someplace and just build new and then take out what's there. So, I I I kind of hope that answers your question somewhat, but it it's very difficult to uh kind of look down the road that far and really know honestly
what the outcome might be. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. You know, I I've been on this for a while, so I'm trying to remember. We've permitted other projects from novel, correct? >> Correct. of some of those I know there's been
difficulty coming to fruition. Have any of the permitted novel projects been built? >> Uh Mimu, do you So we have we have the company started in Minnesota. So we have a ton of projects in Minnesota. Um I
don't know. It's hard to search by county to see what's open. And the reason why some things don't well first of all nothing gets built overnight. So, I I I kind of touched on it. We're sitting here tonight. If we get an approval, it'll be
at least a year to maybe a year and a couple months before we can break ground because what what the process is once we get an approval, that's when we start actually drilling in to try to procure all the equipment we need for a particular site. So, it's not like there's a warehouse where you can just
go and run and get the stuff from. Uh, every piece of equipment that's on our sites is custom made for that site. So, a lot of times you might see uh one of ours that might look complete and it might be missing something because they didn't send uh a piece of equipment
that's needed or a piece and and it happens a lot. Uh a piece of equipment that they sent us that's brand new doesn't work properly. So, it that takes several weeks for them to manufacture and get it to us. Um so, so those are some of the problems we run into. it like we haven't had an issue in
Minnesota, but like in Maine for instance, we've had a couple sites where people have broken in. Um it was two years ago, July 4th weekend, where people broke in and they hotwired all the tractor the tractors that were on site and ran over all the panels and and all our stuff which caused a couple
hundred,000 in damage. Um and and that's how such an expert on the decommissioning or the the recycling part of it because we had to do that for that site because so much was damaged where normally, you know, you would talk about what could be recycled but nobody really has that much experience in it
because these are all fairly new being built and nobody's taking down, you know, a couple acre sites yet because they're just too young. Um Mimu, did you see any other sites that >> Yeah, so we do have a few. We've permitted with Klay County a few times
now as far as active construction or at least in the process. Matt may be more familiar. Uh Ole is one of them that we are at least internally beginning construction. A few others we have are also Daryl and Hildy which were in the
procurement stages. Uh again preparing those supply chain issues and whatnot. But I think Ole Matt is the only one uh right now that's under construction and ready to operate soon. Okay. >> Yeah, Mr. Chair and Commissioner Mojo, I think that's correct. That's I had to go
through my rolodex of of solar uh farms in my brain, but um yeah, OLEC is the one that um construction has started. It looks like there was a pause on that um and assuming I think just connecting with their team just with supply chain
issues um with that site. Um so I think that's the only building permit that we've actually issued. Um >> I know there's been several that have been gone past and we had to re-up. >> Yeah. And we've Yeah. So US Solar is a
company that's completed projects. Uh Nex AMP is a company that's that's also completed projects in Klay County. >> Okay. And the last gentleman that spoke, could you please say your state your name for the record? Or maybe you didn't. I didn't catch it.
>> I didn't. It's Mahmud Oathman with Novel Energy. Thank you. That answer your question, Jenny? >> Thank you. >> I I do have a question here, Ralph. Um, you talked about 90% of the materials
are recyclable. Um, is that >> about It's actually about like between 94 and 96%'s recyclable. >> Okay. Um, as far as the panels themselves, where do you get those recycled? So the I the company takes them all.
There's one company out of Virginia that I know we've dealt with, but they come in, they take everything. So we we don't there's nothing that goes to any kind of local um instate recycling center. Everything goes out of state to to where
they they get rid of it. >> Is there a cost to you guys to recycle? >> Oh yeah. Yeah. Okay. Is that based on square footage or it >> it's well it's based on the decommissioning um price that we have. So you know that that's kind of an
estimate like so in the state of Maine for instance we we have the decommissioning plans you know it's required by the state and you put up the bond um and then after 15 years you revisit that because the CPI the cost of living goes up. So after 15 years it's re-evaluated. So that number goes up and
then it's every 5 years after that it's adjusted and in that it's they don't take into consideration the price of the recycling that the money you would get back for the metals and things that's not included in that. But the I think the the answer is yes.
We would probably get we would get money back or off our bill because there's value in the metals and different things that are part of the project. Laura, >> I have a question. >> Thank you. I have a question that I'm
just curious as to do the recycled parts go back into making new panels or is there other byproducts that are made from the recycled parts? >> I I hon the panel part. I honestly don't know uh what they do with that or or the
recycling process with that if it goes into other products. Um but the metal certainly does. I mean what the frames are and all the racking um that gets melted down and they can use it again for for anything that requires metal. Um you know all the wire there's value in
wire and you know they strip all that down and also melt it down. But the the panel portion of it, I'm not exactly sure um what they what they break that down and do do uh with afterwards. I'll have to look into that.
>> Thank you. >> Anyone else have any questions for the applicant? Anyone in the audience wish to speak to this? Anyone in the audience or online wish to
speak to this project? Anyone in the audience or online wish to speak to this project? Um, thank you. And at least one of you hang out online because we'll have at least one more question for you in a few
minutes. >> Thank you. Um hearing no further discussion. Look for a motion to close the public hearing. >> So moved. >> Move. Motion by Curt Stubstead. >> Second. >> Second by Curt Shervin. All those in
favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Public hearing is closed. >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes sir. Uh just really quick, I apologize, but I just looked it up real quick because it did pique my curiosity.
So with the panels themselves, the recycled material, particularly the silicone, um can be purified and reused in the manufacturing of new solar panels. It's also the glass that's used with them can be used again for other products. Um the aluminum frames of
solar panels can be smelted down and reused in various applications. Um, so yeah, so the all that stuff uh can get reused. I'm not sure when they talk about that there's that couple percentage numbers that is not recyclable. I'm not exactly sure what
that is in the in the whole process, but it's a pretty efficient um uh operation. They're even saying green houses panels can be used to create or enhance existing green houses as well. So there there's apparently quite a few uses um
for for them aftermarket. I just wanted to share that. >> Thank you. >> Oh, the conditional use or going through the findings of fact. The conditional use will not be injurous to the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of
Klay County. The conditional use will not be injurous to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity for the purpose already permitted. >> Same Mr. Chair, um just in the draft, excuse me, in the draft findings for
this particular finding did want to add that about vegetative screening from those residences and just making sure that that was included in there as well. >> Matt, does that include trees? Is that what you're talking about? or what is vegetative screening can you?
>> Yeah, I would imagine it would be something like a spruce or something dense that can grow quickly or is already somewhat mature when planted, not a seedling or a sapling. >> Mr. Chair, >> we could cover that and then in the in
the conditions. Yes, >> I was just going to say um so generally with plantings uh we can do a uh a 6-ft um spruce because they grow in in you know pretty good conditions. They'll
grow 2 3 feet a year in every direction. Um we could do uh a double row of those so they're offset. We plant them 20 ft on center because they do grow pretty big and then the row in front would be in the middle about 10 ft. So it grows together much quicker and provides that
kind of um screening you're looking for. So we certainly could do um a row of those u at 6 foot of planning uh between the abutters property and our uh our fence line. >> Okay. And we will uh revisit that when
we get to the conditions before we vote on your permit. >> Okay. The establishment of conditional use will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding property for uses
predominant in the area. Adequate measures have been or will be taken to provide utilities, access roads, drainage, off- streetet parking and loading spaces as required by this ordinance. Adequate measures have been or will be taken to prevent or control offensive
odor, fumes, no dust, noise, vibration, water pollution, and soil erosion so that none of these will constitute a nuisance and to control lighted signs or other lights in such manner that no disturbance to neighboring properties will result.
The conditional use will not create an excessive burden on current or anticipated public infrastructure or services that serve or are proposed to serve the area, including but not limited to parks, 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, the conditional use is allowed by this
ordinance and conforms with any specific use standards established in chapter 8 as may be applicable. The conditional use is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Klay County comprehensive
and transportation plan and any comprehensive plan of a township or city as may be applicable. Okay. Staff has seven conditions if everybody would take a and Mr. Chair, I'll just note that these
conditions are fairly consistent with um previous um projects that have been permitted. Um the only exception maybe being that the the vegetative screening because that is a new standard that we require as a result of our updated
ordinance. We have we have no issue with any of these. And you know, if you want to be more specific with number seven, we'll do the double row um along the line, you know, between the Abutters property and ours. The the double row 6T uh high at
planting uh spruce trees if that's acceptable. >> Couple of nods to include that. >> Yep. number that will definitely spruce will bring in some definitely some bird habitat and
okay the apple >> and the deer don't and the deer don't like them too much so that's Good. The applicant has already stated that they are able to they understand and are able to comply with conditions 1 through
7. So now it's up to us. Um look for a motion to approve or deny. >> I'll make a motion to approve the uh permit with the conditions one through seven. Okay. Motion by Kurt Stubstead to approve.
>> Second. >> We have a second by Sebastian. Any further discussion? >> Hearing none. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. >> I. >> Motion is carried. Do I need to do a
roll call to register the NA vote? I think it was clear. We got it. >> We got Okay. >> Yep. >> Okay. Uh motion carries. Permit is
granted with conditions 1 through 7. >> We thank you very much for your time and appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Have a good evening. And for the next public hearing, I need to step aside and Mr. Stiken is going to
run this because I have a conflict. Thank you, Dave. [Music] So this is a public hearing for you want me to read through the Okay.
Soda sewn cannabis request for conditional use permit. Application is seeking a conditional use to establish a cannabis micro business at 22312 highway 10 Holly, Minnesota 56549
on parcel ID 13.055.0030, 0030 lot 003 block 001 Gloryland subdivision section 11 township 139 North Range 45W
Holly Township. Is there a motion to open the public hearing? >> I'll make that motion. >> Motion made by Curt Subst. >> Second. >> Second by Sebastian. Matt, do you want to take the staff
presentation >> on that? >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> Thank you. >> Oppose. Same sign. Public hearing is now open. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, this is a conditional use permit request for a
cannabis uh micro business. Uh this is just west of Holly. It's on the south side of US Highway 10. Uh there is an approximately 7,680t retail building on the property as well
as a 4600 square foot uh paved parking lot uh on the building as well and then gravel gravel parking in addition to that. There are currently two other businesses in the building. Uh the property is zoned highway commercial. Uh surrounding properties are also zoned
highway commercial. So the request is for this conditional use permit for a cannabis micro business which would be to cultivate uh uh cannabis and then also for retail sale. Um they have received their preliminary approval from the state of Minnesota um
office of cannabis management just pending a background check. So in the building they're looking at using about 1300 square ft which would be the southern half of the building. Uh they would have cultivation and processing space on the second floor. So, 144
square feet of processing, uh 360 feet of of cultivation, uh plenty of parking, uh on site, would have that direct access to County Highway 10, uh would be out building would be outfitted with 24/7 surveillance, secure entry, alarm
monitoring, and restricted access areas. Uh looking to meet or exceed Minnesota state requirements. Uh looking more specifically on the first floor would be where their retail space would be. um also have some product storage and then delivery access just for receiving
deliveries and managing any transfers. And so this is kind of what that looks like. Um so you would have the kind of a unidirectional or oneway flow coming in um and then and then moving through and
then checking out. So, one-way traffic delivery, secure storage, um, bathroom. Uh, so this would be the retail space. Uh, the upper floor would be a secured indoor grow area. They'd be using about
five 16 square foot grow tents. Um, it's designed with its own like HVAC lighting and odor mitigation systems. Um, so they're not anticipating any light, odor, noise, or order problems. um would have to need to have all um procedures in place for pest management, storage,
waste management. Uh the processing would just be for preparing and packaging. So they don't plan on doing any um uh hazardous or solventbased extraction methods. Um as part of this um that would be something you might
could potentially see if you're making like a an edible product or or beverages or something like that. So then there would be a lounge for employees and a manager's office. And so that's kind of what that's looking like upstairs, mainly employee space, packaging,
processing, and then a very small um grow area. Uh the use does meet or exceeds all the setbacks. They did provide a very robust solid waste and wastewater um disposal plan. Just need that integrated uh pest
management plan. Uh and then um they would need retail registration from um public health prior to operation just for the retail side of their their business. I would also need a um
No, that's the that's it. So they didn't state their business hours, but uh they must align with our our um regulations, which are essentially mirror the states um regulations. Uh just noting that there is just doing a review of the the
property records, they do have a shared well um with lots one and two and in that well agreement there's just a stipulation of no unusual or excessive water use. Uh did not receive any public comment or from Holly Township or the city of
Holly. Uh just did receive a couple comments from Minnesota Department of Transportation. Uh just uh asking about any building additions or improvements that they submit a site plan to um the DOT on that. Uh I think the main thing
that they're looking for there is just to ensure drainage into their into their um right ofway. Uh and then also just reiterating no signage being permitted in the in the highway right away as well. So all this request would um relate to
the goals and objectives of our comp comprehensive plan. We do have a goal to encourage commercial industrial development that is in harmony with the egg and real character of Klay County and to promote value added egg s egg commercial and industrial development in agricultural service center areas and
along transportation corridors and hubs. And this would be in a highway commercial zoning district um adjacent to US Highway 10. uh to avoid or mitigate against commercial and industrial development that increases the potential for land use conflicts with rural, residential or
agricultural uses. Um this meets or exceeds all those setbacks from egg and and rural uses. Virtually all of the uses of property um in this area are commercial or industrial. uh and then promoting the incorporated
communities of Klay County as prime locations for commercial industrial development and encouraging uh commercial industrial development to locate within those incorporated communities. It's not in an incorporated community. It was very close. It's in the city of Holly's kind of growth area.
Um and they did have not provided any comments on um the proposed use to our office. Any questions for me at all? So, this I'm just going to show you where this is located.
It's in that Glory Land subdivision. Um, just right outside of Holly. And this is all zoned highway commercial. Oh, this is the city, but this is all zoned highway commercial.
Any comments or questions of from format? Okay. Would the uh applicant come to the podium and state your name and uh you can talk about your project.
>> Yeah. So, my name is Cody Ericson. Um I'm the owner of Sodone and we started in 2019 growing and extracting making our own products um CBD products. Basically the store in Ottertale is just a long ways out for me. I grew up just
south of Ulan farming still actively farming. Um want to be close or wanted to find something in in a little closer vicinity. Uh I I currently own the building so it's kind of a plus. I know there is a stigma around the cannabis community a little bit. So, um it's a
little easier for me to know the longevity of the company is a little more safe and secure owning the the premises and and trying to operate out of uh you know, something that I own myself. So, I guess the the whole goal here is just um open up a a clean, nicel
lookinging cannabis retail location. The one thing too, like I said, I'm from Uland. I have kids that go to Holly uh school. I I definitely want my reputation, the building, everything to to be um up to par. So, I don't want it
to just be this uh this pot store, I guess, like some people would would view it as. So, um yeah, that's basically retail cannabis is is what we're looking to do. >> Mr. Ericson, are you using all the space you have available
right now? And do you plan for expansion? >> So, currently there was a coffee shop on the south side of the building. Um, they exited the location that we'd be taking over about a year and a half ago. The state has kind of been wishy-washy on how they or when they were going to
allow this to happen. So, we I haven't actively looked for anyone else to fill the the location. Um, so right now the upstairs is vacant. There's nothing up there except studs. uh outer perimeter of the building up top is just studs with some insulation.
The lower portion was used as a coffee shop and that's where we would be setting up our uh our retail location. So really the only changes that we would do would be adding a few walls upstairs and um just setting up you know office
employee lounge the grow and stuff like that. >> Any other questions for Mr. Ericson? How many employees do you anticipate having? So, >> I think on site we'll be looking at having two to four uh at all times.
Currently thinking seven days a week we would try to open up and then we would adjust our hours and and days accordingly. So, right now 10 to 8:00 p.m. is kind of what we're looking for, but uh yeah, we'll just kind of see how winter and and different hours and
seasons affect that. So if this gets approved, when would you anticipate going forward with your building? >> So I think based on construction and stuff like that, I the earliest that we could be, you know, if everything goes through on the county level, we're it
sounds like background check and state level, we're sitting fine. Um, October 1 would be a very, you know, hopeful date, but I think December 1st is is maybe a little bit more believable. >> Well, there might be some questions later, but appreciate you coming
forward. >> Okay. Thanks. >> Does anybody in the audience want to speak in favor or against this request? Is there anybody in the audience that would like to speak in favor or against
the request for the third time? Is there anybody in the audience that would like to speak in favor or against or I guess online in favor against this request? Hearing none. Is there a motion to close the public
hearing? So moved. >> Motion by Ashley. Second. >> Second by Josh. All in favor say I. I. >> Oppose. Same sign. Motion carried. Public hearing is closed.
I'm going to go through the findings of fact. The conditional use will not be injurious to the health, safety, morals, morals, and general welfare of residents of Klay County. The conditional use will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of
other property in the immediate vicinity for the purpose already permitted. 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. 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.
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. The conditional use will not create an excessive burden on current or anticipated public infrastructure or services that serve or are proposed to
serve the area, including but not limited to parks, 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 how such impacts will be resolved. The conditional use is allowed by this ordinance and conforms with a any specific use standards established in chapter 8 use regulations as may be
applicable. The conditional use is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Klay County comprehensive and transportation plan and any comprehensive plan of any township or city as may be
applicable. Then we got um conditions stated here. Um Matt, is there anything you want to highlight on those? Um Mr. Chair, no, they're pretty
standard with the one that we did or was approved um in July. I'm just making sure that um any copies of um the security solid waste wastewater which they provided pest management um parking
and other plans like that would be be submitted. So and just to note that the um applicant um from July is has been submitting those as they come through through the the state. It'd be good to see the final state state license as
well. So, >> so everything the state is going to require is covered in is that statute chapter 342? Is that correct? >> Yep. And and Minnesota rules 9810. >> Even though they're not state, they need to adhere to those.
>> Yep. They would need to adhere to those. they would not um be able to get a final license issued without um I think the big things would be you know making sure that they have the um background checks their um zoning local zoning compliance
um and then as well as um just related to the operations of their business but also that the building that they're going to be operating in is is um meets the state building code, fire code, um electric code, plumbing
would have that would all need to be done prior to to beginning operation. And then that retail registration from Klay County Public Health and that retail registration is essentially um the mechanism for public health to do
those and for planning and zoning as well to do those compliance checks typically annually and that's something that's renewed annually as well. >> Okay. the applicant, have you had a chance to review the conditions and are you agreeable to uh the seven listed there?
>> You want to state your name and go back up there and answer? >> Uh Cody Ericson. Yes, I have reviewed them. I don't see any issues with it. And and like Matt was saying, um so the Office of Cannabis Management does have someone designated for the area that's going to come through and inspect
everything before we're able to open. So, um, they have a pretty extensive hit list of things that we have to stay, you know, up to code with and, yeah, should be good. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Any other questions or comments before
we finalize this? Okay. Is there a motion to approve the conditional use permit? I'll make that motion to approve permit with the conditions listed. >> Motion made by Kurt Substids.
>> I'll second. >> Seconded by Ashley. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Same sign. motion or the conditional use permit is granted. >> Thank you, Dave. You're welcome.
And our final final hearing for the evening is a petition for a text amendment. petitioners looking to um change
um change to the ordinance um to be able to put a cannabis business in agricultural service center zoning district.
So look for a motion to open the public hearing. >> Motion to open. >> Motion by Josh. >> Second. Seconded by Ashley. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Hearing is open. Matt.
>> Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, this is a petition from a text amendment from Scott DMS seeking an amendment to the Klay County Land Development Ordinance and subdivision regulations to allow for cannabis business as a conditional use in the Agricultural Service Center zoning district.
Um, so just to give you an idea of where we have these egg service center zoning districts, um, essentially all the the small communities, unincorporated towns, sites in Klay County, of which there are six.
Um, in this petition, um, the petitioner did site, uh, historic, uh, I should say the the focus of of this, uh, request is, um, a grain elevator in Baker. Um, but this petition for a text amendment
is countywide. So, the focus, um, should be just on on countywide. The petition does site uh the the Baker site. Um but whatever um this amendment would apply to all of
these locations um in in Klay County. And so they they have a few things that they cited in the in their request. Um one um as a a reason for for granting their request or the need for for the petition. Um the first one being historic preservation and that the Baker
grain elevator is described as an iconic egg structure that should be preserved and repurposed. Um economic development, they project uh 1 million in the first year of revenue. So approximately 7,500,000 of that going to state tax. Uh note we
would not receive any Klay County would not receive any sales tax uh revenue from can this cannabis businesses. So that was that was a change that was made this year. Um adaptive reuse. So positioning the egg the elevator as a
modern egg service center through cannabis cultivation retail and then also looking at a rural re revitalization model. So replicating this kind of approach um well starting in Baker and then other other communities and and other rural areas as
well. So currently uh cannabis is zone is allowed as a conditionally use in the highway commercial in limited highway commercial zoning districts. And so those um turquoise or blue green dots on
there is roughly all of our um highway commercial zoning in the county right now. The egg service center district is comprised of these small um unincorporated communities. It's the purpose of it is really to support rural residential, commercial, industrial and
agricultural industry to supplement the agricultural economy of the county. Um so looking at um cannabis business uses pertaining specifically to this zoning district. just doing like a high
level suitability looking at um some of the performance standards that are required in our ordinance as well as in um rules and regulations in in state law. Um looking at the suitability. So
looking at all 259 parcels that are within the egg service center district just looking at them strictly from a setback perspective. So the setback standard, we have a 500 foot setback from a residence. Um there's also a 500
foot setback from a daycare, residential treatment facility, park, playground, thousand ft from a school. Um of those um 23 of the 259 would meet that setback. Um of the 23, only 20 or 22
would meet our minimum lot size uh in the egg service center of of one acre. Um so should note that that's about 8% of all these parcels in this zoning district. Um and should also further
note that the setbacks can't be met on the entire parcel and it will also be very sight specific. So doing a analysis like this a higher level countywide analysis was looking at these setbacks based off where we have the address
point which is typically on the structure somewhere. Um if you were to measure edge to edge, structure to structure is how we normally do it, this would probably go down even further um would be reduced even further. And then also should note that virtually
all the suitable parcels um would be green field development, meaning that they are currently in agricultural production. They don't have any structures on them right now and they're kind of on the fringes of the egg service district. So kind of going
through these um I can go through kind of town by town. So AIL you can see the green is the areas that would meet that 500 foot setback. Looking here if you wanted to if say this was allowed as a conditional use, you would have to do
some extensive um infrastructure upgrades, namely putting roads in and things like that. Uh moving on to Baker. Again, looking at Baker, uh the dots are residences. Again, virtually all the the parcels
within this egg service center district in Baker. Um would be along the outer edges of of of it and of the the town site. Um and currently none of them have structures on them.
Um moving over to downer, same kind of trend here as well. If you wanted to do if this was approved um and you wanted to do a can a cannabis business within downer per se as a
conditional use um you wouldn't be able to meet the setbacks. Uh same thing with Craigness and kind of the same situation with rollog as well. And then in Rustad, you wouldn't even be able to do it just because none of the
none of Rustad would meet the it's all covered by a 500 foot setback from a residence. So wouldn't wouldn't be possible without without a variance. Um comments, we did not receive any comments um regarding this request. We
did notify all townships and we did also notify every township that has a egg service center district in it. just tailored it so they are aware that this request would could impact that um their particular town site within their
township. How this uh amendment would relate to our comprehensive and transportation plan goals and objectives. We have the land use uh commercial and industrial goal category. So encouraging commercial and industrial development that is in harmony with the egg and rural character
of Klay County and promote value added egg commercial and industrial development in egg service center areas and along transportation corridors and hubs. So this proposed amendment in this use would provide could provide uh value added egg commercial and industrial development has the potential to
stimulate economic activity. tourism, preservation of historic structures such as grain um elevators. Should be noted that um use setbacks really limit the use in existing structures um without a variance. Um most of this development
would be green field development. So it would be brand new development. Uh we also have an objective under this goal to avoid or mitigate against commercial and industrial development that increases the potential for land use conflicts with rural residential or
egg uses. Uh what kind of walk through this analysis um looking at um which where this would be suitable and really just limiting limited to 23 out of those 259 parcels. Um
and then should also add to that um because only 8% of these parcels are technically suitable, it's highly highly likely that our board of adjustment would be seeing a number of variance requests to these
setbacks. Um, as a result of this, should also note that of these 259 parcels, there's about 109, so that's like 42%. Uh, they're substandard for lot size, meaning that the minimum lot size for uh commercial
use in or industrial use in an egg service center zoning district is 1 acre. So 42% or below that 1 acre threshold. That includes this Baker site as well. So this would also could further increase that variance pressure. Um these lots would be considered
nonconforming um and so you might see more um variance requests uh to the the minimum lot size as well. So um based my recommendation would be to go through the findings of facts for
this. Um you know there's potential reasons for recommending amendment approval. um one being that the use does have the potential to re revitalize and diversify these egg service center economies. It could also be very considered very similar to other conditional uses that are permitted in
the egg service center. So bars, restaurants, commercial entertainment, those are all allowed in egg ser in the egg service center um with conditional use permits. uh they generate similar they're similar business type in terms
of uh traffic generated noise, lighting, parking, uh those those types of things. Uh they don't often have the same setbacks um as the cannabis business and um again that adaptive reuse of structures that
might be contributing to blight conditions or nuisance nuisance conditions. there's that chance to or an o another opportunity to stimulate economic activity and and revive them a little bit. Uh recommendations for denial. So
properties in the egg service center, they're overwhelmingly rural residential. Um allowing another uh commercial industrial use has just an additional opportunity potential to create land use conflicts. There's just a lot of nearby residences on small
lots. um would not the use would not meet the required setbacks on over 90% of the properties. Um same with lot size. Uh 42% would not meet that that lot size. This would likely result in
increased variance requests. Um and for a variance you have to demonstrate a practical difficulty. It can't be created by you can't create the practical difficulty. Um it has to relate to the property. Um, and so just because you want to open up
a cannabis business, that would not meet that that bar. Uh, the other the other potential reason for denial is this is a very new use in the state and in the county. Um, it's, you know, we our ordinance is just over a year old. the
administrative rules uh from the state were um just adopt or just approved in April of this year and I can uh amend this now. We have only two businesses that have received a conditional use
permit from from Klay County. So new ordinance amending it could be considered premature at this time. Any questions for me at all? has any questions for that. Would the applicant care to is
appropriate for the applicant to come up and introduce and >> speak? I'm Kelly WGshide, one of the architects on the project. >> And I'm Scott, excuse me, I'm Scott Doms. I'm the owner. >> Uh Derek Drager. I'd be the facility
manager. >> Um I would like to thank everybody for their time and attention and for people that had the opportunity to come out and take a look at our Baker location. We do realize that this is not um an ordinance
that specifically is related to our project, but would directly affect all of these other smaller farming communities. Um allowing this zoning use does not automatically
grant a conditional use permit which is later in the whole process of this project being approved. I think that Matt had a lot of numbers that got thrown out and I would like to
say that just because 60% or 70% of those lots in those unincorporated areas do not meet the current setbacks in this ordinance. Just because that's the case does not
mean that you should punish or automatically reject the other properties that have the potential to meet those guidelines. And I think that allowing this ordinance change would allow property owners such as Scott or
other, you know, rural use properties to prove that they can meet these conditions. But for a property owner such as Scott to say, "Yeah, I am going to purchase that other half an acre of property from my owner uh my neighbor to
be compliant with that one acre requirement." You know, we need the opportunity to prove that we can do that. So just because properties are possibly not compliant with the setbacks at the moment, I think that changing
this use to still be heard before the board, you still have that opportunity to regulate with that conditional use permit. But I really think that this egg use coming full circle back to the cannabis
um some retail but also the cultivation is the exact use for these types of buildings. All of these buildings were egg use before in small communities. And if we don't preserve some of these buildings, such as this specific
building, but other buildings as well, there's no other practical use for a lot of these buildings, and they will disappear. So these iconic buildings that are right now in disrepair require a lot of money to renovate and use them.
So, if we don't figure out a way to make these old egg buildings usable once again and come full circle right back to egg or, you know, any other type of of growing or use like that, we're going to lose all of these buildings. So yes, the
numbers are um showing that you know setbacks and things like that need to be addressed and there is still an opportunity to do that with the conditional use process but give properties an opportunity to
prove that they can do that. And I think it's a chicken and an egg thing where the property owners need to know that they can come to you with a conditional use permit and say, "Hey, yes, we are working to, you know, acquire additional
property to meet the 1acre regulation. We've been talking with with neighbors about possibly purchasing um their neighboring property as a residence that would possibly be um moved or relocated
outside of that 500 ft um setback area. If given the opportunity to prove that these conditions can be met, I think that opportunity needs to be heard. I think it needs to be encouraged. I think these small unincorporated um communities, they need to have that
option to say yes, we want to keep this cultural icon. We want to put a um some type of a business in those disregarded and disused and being neglected egg buildings. What else are we going to do with them? This is the original intent
was egg use, you know, and this is exactly that egg use. So again, we realize that there are a lot of properties that are non-compliant and we get that, but there are still some of those properties that have the
opportunity to be compliant and to be heard in this use. So >> I screwed up. >> Yeah. Well, and this this does exp you know, this is the first situation here in the un unin um incorporated community
of Baker. We've talked to neighbors. You know, the closest neighbors to this specific project are actually excited for this specific property to be upkept. It takes a lot of money
with a building of this size to keep it heated, cooled, all of those things. Takes a lot of money to repair the windows and repair the roof lines. How else are we going to do that? Otherwise, eventually we're going to lose all of these very significant
cultural buildings if we can't make some accommodations for the ones that are really trying hard to meet all of the requirements. I I would like to actually add one thing is I've I've owned this elevator for eight years now and I've lived in it and
racked my brain around what could actually become of this thing. Um we found some options but nowhere near um the revenue that the cannabis industry can bring into us to allow to fix this
building. Um, it's it's like Kelly said, it's it's it's been a daunting task up to this point. I I know this is specific to this building. Um, but it's it's there's just nothing that I've come across that has can even touch
what the cannabis industry and the revenue of the cannabis industry can do for this for this icon. So, that's just kind of what I I wanted to say. And I think it's important with these small communities to give them every tool that
they can to survive. And this is this is one of them. This is one that we've found could could work. So thank you. Anybody have any questions? >> I just have one. Um, I didn't get an
opportunity to go and tour when you guys offered them. Um, were residents also involved in those tours? I know you spoke to some that were for it. Was there any that were against it? Can you talk to that? >> Um, not yet. the people that we have
encountered through the township meeting, through knocking on doors, talking with neighbors, calling them, um have actually been in support of this building being renovated instead of leaving it to fall down or be in disrepair. Um we've talked to them about
some of their concerns. You know, security was a big one, which is covered by, you know, the Office of cannabis um management. Um we've talked a lot about those things. Yeah, that was pretty much just their only concern was security and
we're heavily re regulated for that. >> One of the comments that I thought was really um interesting from actually the very direct neighbor said that the use of this facility in this type of use would be way less
disruptive to their life than the old grain trucks that were there or the potato trucks that go by. So, in that regards, it's actually less of a nuisance than some of the other farming types of trucks and things that go by. >> That's correct.
>> No. So those would go away. >> Yeah. The uh the current areas that are set up in in bedroom situations and stuff that certain section of the building would become office space.
So all of all of the living situation and stuff in there would would get rearranged and and used for employee only office space. And it's kind of conveniently located between the retail and where the
section would be. So, it it kind of worked out well that way. >> No, >> no, we're not allowed to >> not allowed to have any residents on site per the state. >> Thank you. Anybody in the audience or online wish
to speak for or against? Anybody in the audience or online wish to speak for or against? Anybody in the audience or online wish to speak for or against? Thank you very much and thanks for hosting
the open house. You guys very very welcoming. Thank you. Okay. Um, look for a motion to close the public hearing. >> So moved. >> Motion by Sebastian. >> Second. >> Seconded by Kurt Shervin. Thanks, Kurt.
All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Public hearing is closed. Now I have a question, Matt. Now, are we the final say or does this go to the board of commissions?
>> So, Mr. Chair, this is a recommendation to the board of commissioners and whatever you recommend regardless, it would still go to the board of commissioners. >> You Findings of fact. The development authorized by the text
amendment will not create an excessive burden on any public facilities or utilities. Um, Mr. Chair, sorry, this is I know this is kind of a new um with our code, but we do have the review standards on
before the first question, which actually does have some findings in there as well that we might want to touch on. We'll start with that. In in granting a text amendment, the planning commission shall consider the effect of the proposed amendment upon the health,
safety, morals, and general welfare of occupants of surrounding lands, the effect on existing and anticipated land uses, and especially the effect on agricultural uses. The degree to which a text amendment will affect
nonconformities or variance requests. and Matt covered the comments on there >> and I did provide two sets of findings um which you all have. So feel free to um
use whichever ones you feel are most appropriate for the situation. >> Um I'm assuming they're the the questions are the same. >> The questions are the exact same. Yep. Consistency with ordinance. The text amendment is consistent with the general
purposes of this ordinance. Um there is some uh could be some disagreement there. Conflict with the comprehensive plan. The text amendment is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Klay
County comprehensive and transportation plan. >> Um, so there's only three questions. >> Four. Four. But yeah, tech. Yeah. >> Um, so what is everybody what is everybody
thinking on the board? Um, I guess I'll go first because nobody's jumping up. Um, I appreciate the open house. They were very open and excited with their plans.
He's got a great vision and a big dream. And I am not in favor of this text amendment. We worked not that that's a there's a reason that we decided
in our new plan to host these put these kinds of businesses on commercial land. This was commercial property. It kept the business and the traffic away from
homes. Um, other businesses, the one we did last month, you know, that was about as close as you can get, 501 ft. Um, but that was all but that was zoned to the highway commercial or the industrial.
Again, I'm only one person, but that's my piece. Anybody have any comments? Mr. Sten, >> Mr. Chair and Matt, u I do appreciate your uh I was out at the site and
they did a very good job of explaining their their plans and all that. So, uh, and I'm all for, uh, development and
new businesses and all that. And we spent a lot of time working on this text amendment. I don't know how many meetings we had. Um, and it's kind of there for a purpose. Um
I'm I'm not in favor of making any change. Um the fact that there's so I know there's ways you could possibly get around it for increasing the lot size and getting a variance, but when 8% of the properties
in all these communities would probably qualify. Um, I'm not saying, you know, the truck traffic from potatoes and grain obviously is one thing, and this has nothing to do with cannabis. It's a legal business, and I support legal
businesses. uh a lot of these communities they're living there because the quietness, the stableness and you know I suppose comm the development is always
good in some fashion but uh for us to approve it would be putting such a burden on the uh board of adjustments and if they get bombarded with uh requests I'm not sure. I very likely
will could be, but like as it stands now, this one doesn't even come close to qualifying for two of the major. Uh I know they probably can fix the building. It's probably needs a lot of work and to get up to uh the standards the state has
set forward is very high and they're fully aware of that. Uh I do appreciate their their motivation and ideas and excitement and wanting to improve their their lot in life. Um but as it stands
now u and I understand if it when it goes before the commission it takes a supermajority to make this change and that's that's a higher standard than typically is involved. So that puts it to the next level that this is this is
very important to get it right. Um Commissioner Mojo will be on that. So um as it stands now I I can't support any change. >> No, this is not a we're in a This is not
a give and take. I'm sorry. >> I guess I would just like to echo what you guys are both saying. Um I agree it's people are out there because they want the peace and quiet. I really appreciate that they want to, you know, try and preserve this iconic building.
Um when Holly's built or burnt down not too long ago, it was it was a sad day. So it's it's sad to see these structures removed from our communities. Um but yeah, the amount of work on the back end that could go in, you know, for variances, I just think is just too much
at this time. And like um Matt had spoke about, we just got these new rules in April. So I think we need to give it some time. Anybody else? Well, um, I'll I'll chime in.
When I drive through these communities, I I realize people go there for the peace and quiet, and I'm I'm not totally disagreeing with what you're saying, but I also see a lot of dilapitated buildings and a lot of things that people want to do. I'd like to give them an opportunity to
do that. I don't think that we're going to have an influx of people because um so few are even close to complying and I just don't think we're going to have a lot of conditional use permit people coming. I think we're there's a
small percentage of anything that would qualify or get close to qualifying now if I'm understanding you correctly. >> Yes, that's correct. >> I I don't see that influx. I I just would like to see an op option given um for them to be able to do something with
some of these structures and and u and and not let them all fall into disrepair and and some of these other communities have those as well. So that's my two cents. >> Thank you. Guess that brings up a question I've had
in my head. What other avenues have they pursued or what other ways they accommodate the way they want to use this particular building require reszoning or I guess they pursued any other opportunities other than this text
which is a heavy lift that I'm new on here but I understand that's what >> so that's that's a good question um looking at potentially reszoning it to a highway commercial limited highway commercial I think would be difficult
due to the findings that it has to be consistent with the ordinance so if you are going to reszone a property, it should ideally meet all of the minimum standards for the zoning district which you are going to um try to be reszoned
into. And so um that's kind of that's that's the big barrier. I don't think you could you could do that. Now, say if they came back and had a property that did meet some of those that met those those
standards, then maybe I'd say, yeah, reszoning would be a appropriate uh avenue for that. Um, but just because it's a it's not a conforming lot as it is right now. Um
that's those are kind of the two main processes that we that we have in in Klay County for um for property owners. um if they are not able to do something
within the the permitting process um they do have the ability to come and plead their case before you and the board of commissioners. So that's their due process to do that. And um and those
are the two avenues that that we and all essentially all counties in in Minnesota have is the text a text amendment or a a zoning district amendment or zoning map amendment. Yep. >> Mr. Chair.
>> Thank you. Uh thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh one, I just want to thank the applicant. I I think Scott called me here probably a month and a half ago, if that. uh just to really uh bring me up to speed on what the vision and the excitement regarding the project is. So I thank you
for that, Scott. Um I will say the invitation that went out to I think all the county board. I'm not sure if I was out of town, so I'm not sure who um had had the chance to go out there. Um and then obviously members of this board that had the opportunity to do that. Not
often in all of the work that we all do regarding land uses do we have applicants willing to go through that um those steps to uh fill folks in on what the vision is. So I I really do appreciate the fact that they're doing
that. Uh there are a lot of hurdles with this project and I think the applicant is well aware of that and I think the applicant is also willing to do what he can to get it to this point based on what Scott has uh talked to me about. Um, you know, I certainly uh appreciate
that this will be a recommendation to the county board and then the county board will have the opportunity to kind of factf find from there and see what makes the most sense. Um, we are kind of in um a new territory regarding cannabis business in Klay County because it is so
new. uh we did work at length on amendments uh or on what the rules and regulations what we thought would be the best fit and it's challenging to know what what that is. I'm not saying that uh we've not adjusted pieces that seem to make more sense similar to what we
did with the condition on the gravel permit earlier. Uh, I I will recuse myself from this vote just because I think it's important to make that vote at the the um the um county board, but uh certainly thank you Scott for the
work that you've done to make sure that uh you've provided as much information as as possible. You know, I think I'd have to agree with Kurt um and a little bit of Jenny's comments just because it is lack of terminology. It's the wild wild west right now in
this area. It's being almost made up as we go. Uh there are some guidelines that are there, but it's still being changed and thought through as a dayby-day process. I guess I don't see the harm of sending it to the county and let the board would let them deal with it and go
from there. Everybody that wants to speak, have they spoken? Okay. Hearing no further discussion, look for a motion to approve or deny the recommendation to the board
for a text amendment. Mr. Chair, um just so I'm I've been trying to jot jot notes down just so I make sure that I have the the findings of fact that I want to make sure that they reflect whatever recommendation that you choose to make. And so based on
the discussion, um, do you feel that that it would be appropriate to go through the findings again and get comments on on each from each member? Um, or you could even
have a vote on if you if the majority agrees or disagrees with with findings. Um, we just want to make sure that they accurately reflect your decision making for your recommendation. >> Yes, we can
go through them again. >> I'm happy to type them on the fly. I, as you know, my keyboarding isn't the best, but >> um so item number one, burden on public utilities. Um
it very likely not to have any effect because they have no public facilities other than power. Consistency with ordinance. The text amendment is consistent with general
purposes of this ordinance. Um, as we've heard from the board, that's, you know, kind of a 5050 toss up there on what we all think. Um, I don't think that the to me the sentence that it would
likely create a substantial variance demand on the board is okay. I mean, that doesn't make it doesn't make any sense, but it has no merit.
That's why we're here. But conflict with comprehensive plan, the text amendment is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Klay County comprehensive and transportation plan.
In my opinion, there are substantial conflicts there. And just so I'm clear on these, what would for your consistency with the ordinance, is there something specific to that that you as a planning commission feel makes this not
consistent with the ordinance. I should add in drafting the this particular finding with the the substantial variance demand, I mean that's a possibility. We don't know. Um, one of the things that you would need to
look at is the impact of the text amendment on how it willffect nonconformities or variance requests. And so because of that, if something has the potential to have a high variance request, even if it
doesn't, it's suggesting that it might not be consistent. Now the there was a good point made that there are um still 8% of the parcels that's not 0% that could potentially meet
the just looking at the setback standards or the lot standards. And so you that's another thing to to consider as well. So if you if you as a planning commission agree with how this finding is drafted, happy and want to keep that
as your finding, we can do that or we can modify it in any way that you see fit because ultimately it's your your finding. >> Well, I would your your paragraph your sentence does in in my view accurately
state Okay. We okay to move on to number three then? >> Yep. Um, this property doesn't meet currently, you know, before the horse. Um, it there's
it there's so many things that it does doesn't work. you know the setbacks, the partial size. Um that is no a definite in my mind a definite conflict.
this and it does not, you know, it's doesn't fit what we worked on and approved as a board for this type of business. Um, I don't know that I would feel any
different if it was any other type of business, but um, the fact is that this is what he's wanting to do. So, what anybody else have any comments on the comments?
Okay, I'm going to Pardon. >> Should probably roll call if it looks like there's >> And I'm gonna ask ask again for a motion to approve or >> deny. Recommend approve.
>> Pardon? >> Recommend approval or denial to the county board. >> Okay. Yes. >> Sorry. >> I would make a motion to recommend denial to the county board.
A motion by Kurt Shervin to recommend that the board of commissioners gets a denial from this board has been made. Is there a second? >> I'll second that. >> Second by Ashley. Any further discussion?
Hearing none. All those in favor say I. >> Mr. Chair, may I can I I think we should do a roll call vote. >> Want to do a roll call right away before we Okay. I I think so. It sounds like there's differing opinions. I think >> Josh
I Josh votes to deny the permit. Sebastian >> nay. >> Sebastian votes nay. Ashley >> approve. >> Ashley votes to
approve the denial. Mr. Stiken. I vote to approve the denial. >> Laura, >> I approve the denial. >> Mr. Mojo recuses. Mr. Shervin,
Mr. >> I vote n >> and chair votes I. So, uh, roll call has been taken. It has been voted to deny
and to send that recommendation to the board of commissioners. Thank you everyone. We have any unfinished business, Matt? Uh, no unfinished business. Mr. Chair,
>> new business, MCIT land use training. >> Yeah, I just want to give a brief update update on our um, land use training. Sebastian uh, attended uh, as well as Rita and um, I don't know. I thought it was a good
good training um, talk on just record. So um drafting your your record um is very and the importance of of doing that. Uh data centers was a a large topic of discussion uh and just kind of the lack
of of regulation currently with data centers in in Minnesota. Uh and then some potential rules that might be coming um in the future. um currently right now because we don't have them on our land use table as we wouldn't allow
them. Um but might be something to keep on our radar is if that's something that the planning commission would want to um look into drafting some some regulations on concerning data centers um
non-conforming uses uh structures and uses. I think Sebastian I don't know if you had any thoughts on that but basically it sounds like you can't wouldn't really be able to consider a use abandoned unless a tree fell on it and it stayed there for a year or a tree
grow through it and it Yeah. So bar is pretty high for for non-conforming uses. Um uh and then just some other emerging issues. Solar always comes up. Canvas comes up. Um those are kind of the two
that that come up constantly. Um and so we got some free legal advice too as well. So that was nice. I don't know if you have anything to add, Sebastian. >> Not really. It's more of like you were right on the nose, but like you said earlier, the onset of cannibis, they literally said it's like the wild west
of trying to come up with rules and regulations because it is like on the fly. The card is way in front of the horse on some of that. So, yeah, it's it was very informative. I'm glad I went um a little bit more. And hey, we're doing a great job on record keeping up. Good job, guys.
with with the data centers. So, do are there any So, do they have to prove that they mean do they need to have a they we've all been told they take a tremendous amount of electricity? Do they are they going to areas where they
have to show that they have the proper power to run there? They just >> I think >> Becker where they were going to build and then they just don't >> I think they're they're so large that a lot of them are going through the the public utilities commission and then
also with um whatever the um electrical service provider is for for that area and and trying to make it work. And um in terms of of local governments, there's really whole not a whole lot that's currently happening right now. There's nothing like that
says that the local government can't prohibit them at this point. Just it's you know unlike you think of like a utility scale solar or a utility scale wind farm. Um you you know local governments have
jurisdiction but only up to a certain size and then then it's the PUC that has the jurisdiction. So right now it's there that type of rule making has not been been made. So um a lot of the sighting of these really I think a lot
of these data center developers are are engaging with um the electric utilities in the area and and who has excess power. Um where is a good spot for sighting? I know a lot of them want to site with
renewables. Also, water is a a big thing, too. Water usage. So, there's a data mining center in Grand Forks that we toured and it takes more power every day than the city of Grand Forks. >> They're huge users of power. So, that's
generally where they start is like you said, where the power is. And I've I've also heard that like um there's 10 planned in Minnesota right now around the metro area that will consume as much power as every residential household in the state.
>> So the Grand Forks is that all that power comes from western North Dakota the coal mines and >> correct that's where it comes from? It comes from Makota Power and it comes from coal. Yeah, the vast majority of it comes from coal. Uh 32% any given day is probably coming from so solar or wind,
but that's on the high side. Generally, it's coming from coal. >> Cass County Electric is doing the one proposed to do the new one >> in Harwood. Yep. >> What will that do to Cass County? That have any change to existing consumers? I
wonder. No, it's it's probably a benefit for them because there's more. Well, the Cascan Electric is going to make money on that and so it they don't they don't have to charge their customers as much to keep the trucks and the rigs going. We've got several in
reas. We've got data mining centers but smaller ones and they're quite lucrative. >> M Mr. Mr. Chair, just really quickly, uh, just looking at current event conversations in regards to the sustainable aviation fuel project
proposed for Morehead, are there any pieces similar to that that are gaps in our our allowed usage with the county that understanding that's within the city of Morhead's jurisdiction, but if there's anything like that that maybe we
should address? >> Yeah, I think that's that's not a bad idea. data centers, sustainable fuel. Um, ethanol would might maybe fall under um some of our commercial egg um um
uses. Um battery storage is one that's a big one. Um so on-site battery storage paired with with renewables or um another type of use is an emerging one
that's that's coming up as well. I I just would prefer that. I mean, you've done a really great job of continuing to update kind of current event type pieces. Um just want to make sure that we have some of those conversations had before we're in a point where it's a
challenge >> cuz he knows >> and this project could be like five to seven years down the road. So yeah, it's you don't know if and when it could take place, >> right? There's no I can see pre-planning and then looking at it at least.
>> Yep. >> Yeah. >> Yep. >> Think that be smart. >> I agree. >> Anything else? Anyone hearing? Nothing. Our next meeting and I'm sure that there it will be September 16th.
>> Correct. Is there one more month this year where it's not on the third Tuesday or are we or was that just once? >> We're third Tuesday from here on to the end of the year until January. >> Y >> anybody have anything else they need to
would like to discuss? There was an update on outstanding violations on the agenda and >> I have failed to prep prepare for that so I apologize. >> Yep. It was on last month's >> Yeah. >> 17 violations. Yeah.
>> Very no change. That's what I should just say. No changes to report. Well, really, even after the after the fact things we did tonight, was that none of the violations? >> They both they all still had affidavit
for property line setbacks that needed to be addressed. Yeah. >> So, I'm pretty sure that none of them changed. >> Yep. So, they've partially been addressed, but not fully. >> Okay. Thank you. Um, hearing nothing further,
look for a motion to adjurnn. >> Moved. >> Motion by Sebastian. >> Seconded by Ashley. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion is carried. Meeting is adjourned. Thanks everyone. Part: 2
All right, good morning everybody. It's 8:30. We'll call this morning's meeting of the Klay County Board of Commissioners to order for Tuesday, August 19th. First item is the approval of the agenda. Mr. Chair, I'll offer a motion to approve the agenda. Second.
We have a motion by Commissioner Mojo, second by Commissioner Barry. Any further discussion? Any further discussion on the motion? All in favor signify by saying I. I. Oppose the same sign. Motion carried. And I do want to note that there was
another um donation from Johnson's Auto Repair to the Sheriff's Department uh for the K9 program. and we certainly appreciate their continued their continued uh contributions to that um
program. So, thank you. All right. Next, we have citizens to be heard. Do we have any citizens to be heard on items not on the agenda? See none in the audience. Any online? None, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Steve. We move on then to the
approval of the bills and vouchers. I'll make a motion to approve the bills and vouchers. Second motion by Commissioner Bayer, second by Commissioner Abinger. Any further discussion? Any further discussion? None. All in favor signify by saying I.
I. Oppose the same. Motion carried. All right. Approval of minutes from August 5th. Move to approve the minutes of August 5th. Second. Motion by Commissioner Krabanoft
and second by Commissioner Abbinger. Any further discussion? Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying I. I. Oppose. The same. Motion carried. All right. We'll move into our request to fill a full-time detox technician
position. Good morning, Troy and Kathy. Good morning, Mr. Chair, commissioners. Yes, today we are here to request our approval to fill a full-time detox position. We recently had a resignation
and uh this is a budgeted position and just looking to get back to full staff. It looks on the salary calculation piece there will be some savings.
Yes, possibly depending on who applies within. Okay. Are you needing a back fill in this? Uh, I don't believe so. Any other question? One question. Yes. Go ahead, Commissioner Bear. Once this position is filled, will you
be fully staffed with technicians? Technicians. I'm still looking for nursing. With that, Mr. Chair, I'll make a motion to fill the full-time detox technician position at the withdrawal management detox facility with backfill if needed.
Second. Right. We have a motion by Commissioner Bayer, second by Commissioner Ebinger. Any further discussion on the motion? Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying I. I.
I. Oppose. The same sign. Carried. All right. Good to go. Thank you. Thank you. Next we have our budget presentation from the Fargo Moride West Fargo Chamber and the Greater Fargo Morid EDC Innovate 2028.
We have Shannon and Joe here this morning. Morning. Morning. Morning. Good morning commissioners. Uh thank you for the opportunity to be here today. Uh as you know uh my name is Shannon Fo, president of the Fargo Morehead West Fargo Chamber joined by my colleague Joe
Reo. And so we wanted to give you uh an opportunity to hear a little bit about the work that we've been doing uh with investment dollars that you have made through our innovate 28 uh and then obviously make a budget request for 2026. So uh we may I'll jump right in.
Uh as you know innovate 28 is a joint partnership between the chamber and the economic development uh corporation. Uh it's a four-year uh initiative really focusing on three major areas of public policy, workforce, and business development. As we all know, we are uh a
growing community, but we need to have intentionality behind that growth as well. And this uh plan uh dives into that. So, I'm going to start first with uh talking about public policy. This is a piece that as you all know um uh the county has been very engaged with us and
uh it's a it's a significant amount of work that we do here on the Minnesota side with your help and partnership. We've seen significant um uh growth in this area. We've seen a lot more recognition of our region. uh a lot more clout as we are looking at the issues
that are important for our growth here uh and uh strengthening our voice uh down at the capital but also with our business community as well. So some of the areas that we worked on over this past year uh again with the help of all of you uh and the help of our business
leaders uh the the city as well uh although we would have loved uh the flood mitigation to be more and need it to be more. It will be a continued per uh push that we will have at the capital. Uh 9 million was uh dedicated statewide. Now, it'll be a part of uh
continuing to strengthen that voice to make sure we can get as much of that uh those dollars here as we possibly can. The the residential uh psychiatric residential treatment facility, I know, was a a big priority uh of the counties. It's a piece that we added to our
legislative priorities and uh spoke very uh passionately about that down there. Uh in addition to that, there were other pieces around uh the R&D tax credit that will allow our companies to stay competitive. Uh and pushing for that expansion. Um also trying to minimize
and limit the regulation component of this. Again, um uh we have uh significant border cities components that we also looked at to make sure that we can stay competitive with our neighbors uh on the North Dakota side. And then um the the paid family leave is
another uh continues and will continue to be a massive issue for our businesses. We have a lot of businesses very concerned about January 2026 is the start of paid family leave. Um yes, they reduced it from 1.2% to 1.1%. I don't
know if that is really a a strength. uh more so we do have our relationships have been strengthening with DED even though we may disagree with them. Uh the DED um uh commissioner and staff uh the staff will be here on September 15th for
another business leaders uh um conversation about this. The last one we had 65 business leaders attend. Uh we're going to ask some more hard-hitting questions of deed around the implementation of this. uh as we know this also will directly affect the
county as well considering public sector is not um uh not uh excluded from that. So uh the other important role that we play uh from a public policy standpoint is the convening side of things bringing business leaders, community leaders uh
elected leaders together um uh to have discussions on the critical topics that we have. So, uh, we had, um, a numerous different events, um, that worked in partnership again with the county and the city, uh, of of Morehead. Uh,
Senator Clolobashar's tariff event, uh, was a significant conversation about, uh, tariffs and what's happening, um, especially with our proximity to, uh, Canada, uh, our neighbors to the north. that is a a concern of ours, but also just uh general tariff uh regulations or
or um I should say um uh the the tariff um new requirements coming on that are affecting our businesses. The Governor Walls round table in on April 16th uh meeting with statewide partners on flood mitigation. Uh that was a really well
attended event. uh um we again were able to um have a very succinct message to them from through the diversion and the flood authority but uh we'll continue to try to find those events in the future. Our roundt events with leaders and legislators continue to to great have
strength and then our session previews and session wrap-ups where we're actually able to hear from our state leaders about uh what the progress was uh during the year. As you all know, we also convene um two major um pieces uh
of interest here for the county. The DC flyin was our largest flyin we've ever had. at 41 business and community leaders traveled to DC. We were able to um get meetings with uh face-to-face meetings with uh significant cabinet
leaders like um uh Secretary Gnome as well as uh Secretary Bergam, uh Congresswoman Craig, Congresswoman Finstead, uh along with our local congressional delegates as well. And so it was a very um productive and very
impactful flyin. Uh the next is our Morehead area day at the Capitol. Again, 34 business and community leaders joined us there. Uh this was another uh this one continues to grow and the strength of this isn't just in numbers. It's in who we're actually able to have
conversations with as well and advance those priorities. So, we know as a as a greater Minnesota community how important it is for us to have a strong voice uh and also to build a coalition uh which is one of the things that we'll be focusing on is how do we strengthen
our greater Minnesota coalitions to strengthen the voice going forward. So for 2526 really um looking at a couple major areas um building up our center for civic engagement um we all have talked about uh and seen across the country there is a continual decline in
civic engagement so that's everything from getting candidates to run for positions like yours but also um in our middle schools in our high schools uh a lack of civics uh and focus in our college campuses uh and so the center for civic engagement is going to focus
on um getting out the vote uh to showing up uh understanding your ballot to showing up to actually serve in positions like this school board um state level leadership. Um on September 25th, we will have our CE our first
CEO's uh dinner about the center for civic engagement. So uh more to come on that. Uh we'll continue to engage with our elected leaders and business leaders um and um build up candidate and employer toolkits um also to support the
center for civic engagement. That's a pretty massive agenda item. In addition to that, you all know the lobbying and the um advocacy component of this will continue. We look forward to working in partnership with you on the uh um priorities that are most important to
the county and making sure that our voice is is one that is uh collective uh and continues to resonate at the state level. We'll uh turn it over to workforce now. Excuse me. Good morning. Thanks for the opportunity. Um I do want to make a connection here and the importance of
the alignment of this initiative um especially as it relates to public policy. So, um, one of the things that, uh, Shannon and Kale and the EDC team, including myself, have have continued to work on, but are working on even more is
how are we making sure that as our chamber uh, partners go in front of um, legislative policy issues that they have data from the companies in our region um, to support those positions. And so, uh, just in the last, um, session, um, I
think on a weekly basis, Kale and I were on calls, um, talking about what information we have within our databases because of the outreach we do, um, to companies across the region that can support public policy. And I think that's one of the benefits of this alignment and this relationship for the
benefit of of Klay County and and our entire region. Uh, as Shannon said, you know, workforce development is is is really the the area of focus um that we know if we can do well, our region's going to win. Right now, we still have over 8,600 jobs being posted by
companies across the region. And we know in order for us to be successful, we have to focus in a comprehensive way um to be successful. uh doing so uh as the EDC as many of you know we've taken um the lead on the workforce attraction uh
for the region um you know having the site uh live in FM area uh to support um bringing people here who just don't know what this region has to offer authentically who we are um I'm happy to say that right now we have over 20,000
individuals um from around the country who are um we're keeping track of they're keeping track of us learning about what it's like to live, work, and play here. Uh, and that that uh relationship continues to grow. Uh, so um very successful uh outreach that's
happening. Uh we're doing that with alumni um from our institutions um which obviously is important because they already have a relationship uh here and uh um so but they may have not been here for 10, 15, 20 years and we know how things have changed uh for the better
for everybody. Uh we're also um doing direct recruitment assistance. So, there are companies across the region, here's an example of a handful, um that we work with one-on-one um to identify people that they need um to recruit into the
area. Uh healthc care is one that we don't have a company listed, but it's obviously the largest area of need uh that we have for our health care uh providers. Um and we've been doing very targeted support of of uh their needs um to individuals around the country. Uh
this is a a video um that we want to just play. It's about a minute. Um this is a program that we developed to help our companies recruit um people not only in the region, but it maybe inform students that are going through the trade uh expo that the chamber puts on
um to give them uh an experience that they may not have had and couldn't have because they might not be able to get into the facility. So if you'll play that, that'd be great. Or do I get to play it? I think you can do it. I It's my control. Well, maybe you get to do it.
I'll do it. Here we go. The number one thing I'd say is this will change your recruiting for sure. It doesn't matter how, you know, deep your culture is or how much you can speak to how great your company is. Being able to show it versus tell it is indescribable.
I guess you you you cannot get that same uh wow factor, that same effect from describing it as you can from putting them in the in the experience. And when you're inside that headset, you know, the web experience is is great, too, but when you're inside that headset, you really feel like you're there. Um, you
know, we have a couple shots in ours where we're up on catwalks and we're looking down and and people have that feel of, "Oh my god, I'm up high." Um, so you can see they're really reacting to it and it's really like they're there and I you can't put a price on how great that is.
So So this uh is a a virtual reality experience created by Be More Colorful right here in our region. We have 14 companies who've had this created this experience. And I I I saw a picture I think of the career and tech expo this past year where you know a student's got
the headset on and they're looking around and then they're talking to a representative from American Crystal Sugar. It's just a really um engaging way uh for people to understand what's happening in business and industry and really proud of that. I'll turn it over to
So So in addition to the attraction, clearly it's a numbers game. we don't have enough people, enough bodies uh to fill the positions. So, we have to uh look at both bringing people into the region, but also making sure that we have uh we're retaining as many of those
students as we possibly can. We also are uh upskilling those individuals into positions that are in high demand and high need. And so, the um the chamber continues to work on the retention and the development aspect of this. Uh career awareness and retention is a is a
specific part of this. So, uh, a lot of work is being done right now, uh, with K12 and higher education on, uh, career awareness and exploration. As Joe mentioned, uh, the chamber has, um, just been asked to, uh, take on the health,
tech, and trades expo. So, this is about uh, over 4,000 students will come through uh, the expo uh, this year. and uh formerly the the business industry or the building uh industry association. Uh we're doing that now in partnership with them, but under our leadership uh we
will continue to look at how do we amplify this? How do we grow it and expand it um and make it a little bit more innovative? Continue to have it be hands-on. Our adventures program is our teacher immersion program. This year we were able to move this into continuing education credit. So we have had about
40 teachers that were immersed in 27 different companies. Uh and this was to give teachers and educators real world examples of uh what are the skill sets that are needed? What are the top high demand jobs? How do I teach that to my students? Uh and then um when we look at
um the attra the attraction inclusion and and retention component, I'll touch on a couple of the numbers on the next slide. Uh I mentioned that uh 32 educators uh we actually had 36 by the time I think it all said was said and done uh with those 27 businesses for
adventures. Um over 3,000 students at the health and tech trade expo the 250 um participants. We also are looking at our companies are really wanting to do and needing to do that uh more with work-based learning. So you think about
internships, apprenticeships, the importance of us having companies that are doing that. So, we've put together um both some training um components for companies to use. How do I do a good internship? What does this look like? Can we model this? Um we also had uh
webinars on what work-based learning really looks like. How do I get engaged? Um because what we're hearing from companies is it's difficult to navigate that system, especially if you're working looking at multiple school districts over two different states in um multiple colleges. And so we're
really trying to streamline that through these these initiatives and efforts. We also are um convening industry sector partnerships. This is in our major areas of focus, agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, IT. Uh and these areas are
um bringing business leaders together with educators um with government and um nonprofits to really understand specifically for manufacturers. What are we needing? how are we advancing that? Over 300 have attended that. And then
our um concierge program is really um taking off. This is our um acclamation program where when we're bringing in uh people from outside of the area, not only that prospect, but also their spouse or their family unit. uh really doing um and giving white glove
treatment to allow them to say um what is the stickiness that the the counties the community offers and how we can make sure that we are connecting them to the right resources so that they stay uh that is continuing to um uh advance with
um companies similar companies that Joe showed um uh on the screen as well. So the talent and workforce development component is a large section uh of focus of the work that we're doing. Uh but we are definitely moving the needle. Uh we just need to move it a lot faster and
farther. So and and I think on that front, you know, um when we think about um the the outreach to our high school students and to the college students who are going through the system right now in our region, uh we're putting on the third um
bioscience summit on October 15th and 16th. Um we have um students both in the high schools in in the region and here in the county um and also um MSUM, Concordia, uh MState. They're bringing students through to meet with the
companies because we obviously want to connect them to the bioscience industry and the healthcare industry here in the region. Um so that's you know something definitely want to share with you today so you know that that's happening. Uh and we're partnering with the chamber on kind of the career exploration piece to
that. Uh, also, you know, Shannon mentioned the workbased learning. Uh, it was just announced yesterday, I saw on social that, um, uh, Golden Pass Solutions who has the Compass system that's partnered with the chamber and the business community. Uh, Concordia, uh, is the first private institution
using that system uh, in our region and they announced that yesterday. So, I think that's good news to show that connectedness. As far as business development goes, I'll be very quick on this um, because we want time for some Q&A. Um we set a very lofty goal of 130
projects that we would work on over the course of four years. Uh to date there have been se 12 successful projects. Uh just one announced yesterday if you saw uh in the paper on the news applied digital uh is investing a small $3 billion um in a facility uh here in the
region that we know is going to have huge impacts uh for uh its relationships with higher ed with other companies. um you know just um puts our name out there at even a stronger level. Um and we're continuing to work with them. You'll see
more information. I think they're going to have a information session next Monday uh on on that particular project. Um we're continuing to work on attraction. Uh this is just a list of some of the conferences that we've attended and will be attending. Uh some
we're putting on as I mentioned the bioscience. Many of them are happening in this region, which is great because we're bringing in hundreds of people who have no experience of what's going on here. Uh so we're allowing them to have giving them that experience. And then um just wanted to mention we're continuing
to support what we call our document ready site program. Uh the Mara Industrial Park obviously is is the the one identified uh asset that we're selling here in Klay County uh along with others across the region. Uh our site consultants uh were in this past
year. They were just in a couple months ago uh looking at that site. Um also looking at the uh former Annheiser Bush facility to talk about how we could find another util utilizer of that um property.
So our um so the work that we're doing continues as you know it's a public private partnership. Uh we have just about $3.9 million is what's raised per year. Uh uh the public the public sector or the private sector dollars are matched with public sector dollars. Uh
we use uh dollars that Klay County uses along with Cass County dollars uh to leverage that. In all honesty, um it is a uh it is what has made this partnership as effective as it is is because we've had both the public sector and the private sector at the table. And
so we are very appreciative uh of the investment that you made in that in this first year, the year that we're in right now. We hope that you look favorably upon investment in the future at the same uh level or greater if you so choose. But uh the next investor
briefing is October 21st. As investors, all of you are invited to join us and we'll make sure you all receive that invitation. We do these investor briefings in person twice a year and then you get a um a written um update on the progress in the opposite quarters.
And so um but by all means if there's ever an opportunity that you want to hear from us more frequently or you'd like us to come uh and engage with you, we're happy to do so. Um we'll now stand for any questions that you may have. All right, questions.
Maybe not a question, but comment. I And I I'm going to start off by saying um um this past year during the legislative process, there was an awful lot of time spent in St. Paul on two critical areas that Klay County had set as priorities
being the flood protection and the PRTF. And um this board had designated commissioners Mojo and Krabanov to be you know in the capital uh uh representatives on behalf of the board.
But along with that was the chamber was there and uh I want to just emphasize how much the our two commissioners came back and and said how wellcoordinated uh things were when they were in St.
Paul and Avid had to do with kale. And so I just, you know, I just we recognize that and we really appreciate those efforts um that have gone on. And and when it comes to the funding, um we actually have a another topic on our
agenda for later this morning talking about a lobbyist because we're down to some critical time frames for um for get helping get some of these needed funds. And um we certainly don't do that or we
won't be looking at that because we're not satisfied with the efforts and the help that you've had added. But just the fact that uh it's required these two to spend an awful lot of time there. Uh and they probably could have even spent more time than than what they did. And so
we're going to be having that discussion. But I I just want to really um thank you for uh those efforts. And I think back to the days when I was serving on the Greater Fargo at EDC. Uh I remember early on uh the goals were to try to bring in more high-paying jobs
into the region. And you know I I think that's now it's become the opposite of that. Well, not not the opposite of that, but it's become okay, now we have we have some pretty um enticing opportunities for people to
come here, and now it's become how do we get the workforce here? So, it's it's kind of a role reversal in in some ways, Joel, compared to early on in my days uh when I when I served on that board. But um
it's a nice problem to have that we have the jobs available but now to get the people to be here. If I could commissioner I think you know um the evolution of of economic development the relationships between our two organizations you know coming eight years ago and where we are today.
Um because of quite frankly the leadership that our organizations have seen through the counties coming together the cities the private sector. um you know it doesn't happen overnight and as you said um we're we're sort of have this opportunity of we have to
attract companies and we have to attract people because when people look at a market they want to see that there are a number of companies a number of places that they can work um and doing both is critical and continuing to grow that entrepreneurial spirit which really
comes a lot out of our our colleges and universities. Um we you know most of the companies that have been here that started here I think if you look at their leadership they probably went to Concordia MSUM and DSU right um so it it's there's there's more work to be
done but there's more opportunity within that work and and commissioner if I might add uh to so thank you for the comments on on the public policy I'd be remiss if I didn't say uh Kale is a rock star and we're very lucky to have him he's very committed to the work we're doing he's
very committed to the partnership that we have with the county. Uh, and it really is about leveraging. So, how do we leverage dollars to the greatest extent that we can? And so, I I'm uh encouraged that you're looking at the lobbyist side of it. I do know um how important that is and our voice to have
uh Klay County's voice at a consistent level in at the capital is an important as well. Whatever we can do to help uh in that process, if we can leverage that, give recommendations, whatever that might be, please let us know. We're happy to do so. So, and and that's probably one of the
things that I was going to suggest in before we, you know, we have to first determine if that's the route we're going to take as a as a board and if so, how would we do that selection process and we might we might um please get lending an ear there to please call on us. We've got some ideas
on expertise in some of those areas. So, and I I just want to I know Commissioner Eber has something, but I just wanted to state the the efforts um that we've had over actually since the 2009 flood and our flood mitigation process that
we've gone on and the efforts that we've done it not only was it was to save our community, but to build it. And um Joe, what you just talked about with this proposed new AI facility, the $3 billion
plant, I doubt that would have ever been uh considered had it not been for knowing that there was permanent flood protection in this area. You are very correct on that statement and and I and I'm and I'm guessing there's going to be uh I know we're scheduled to have that completed by the
end of um by the end of 2026. And my guess is there's going to be more to come in that area. Now, I I get it that there's, you know, I just saw it yesterday, too, and and there's some comments of concern about, you know, is it going to raise electrical rates and all that, but those things will work
themselves out, I'm sure. And and I've seen some response from the electrical industry that no, it won't. Uh so, um so we'll see. These decisions are not made lightly on projects like that. when you talk about utility usage, um, companies like Manota
and Cass County Electric are very aware and put the effort into um, when those decisions are made knowing they have things lined up. Sure. Commissioner, you go to Yeah, I just want to I kind of echo some of Commissioner Campbell's comments.
chamber has been remarkable in working with us on our local issues and bringing you there and you bring in our business community when we need to address our leaders out of St. Paul. We've got a voice there now in the chamber and kale
are very much part of that. I went up twice this last session and it was gruesome. Um and I'm not being being dramatic. It was Commissioner Krabangh, Commissioner Mojo earned their earned their CIB doing
this truly. And Kale was there both times. I was up there and he was there when when they were there. Uh we got heard and they know we're out here now. And it's very much on on
uh you can be credited for that. The chamber can. We're also looking at a lot of things happening in this county uh between uh business interest coming from White Earth uh obviously the jet fuel plant these
things are all happening and we really want to reach out to the uh economic advisors that our smaller communities have and you've had people there at the meetings uh you know we want to support am this
whole entire county is going to be growing. It's not just going to be agricultural. And I lived in two different communities where I saw that happen. I'm old and I s had decades to look back what happened to Dallas Fort Worth and what happened to Northwest Arkansas
and uh what was cotton fields or soybean fields at one point ends up a real hot bed for for business. And uh we appreciate the support you and your staff have given us in reaching out to our rural communities and we're going to
continue. We have quarterly meetings now with the EDAs and we're going to continue to work with them. So I appreciate your efforts. Great. Thank you, Commissioner. And we uh we would welcome that opportunity as well to uh if there's opportunity where you'd like us to be at the table for
more of those meetings um with our rural communities. We believe that's also very important that we're able to provide resources to the rural communities that may need it as well. So, please let us know that. We're happy to engage. Great. Yes, Commissioner Mojo. Thank you. Uh I echo the sentiments of
my colleagues. I mean, I I think it as serving on your public policy committee and having spent a lot of time in St. Paul with Kale, uh I really appreciate that joint uh collaboration. We heard a lot from folks at the capital um how
amazing it was that you had workforce and business community supporting the initiative of the entire region and how that's not necessarily something that you see in other areas of the states. I'll I'll take that further to um how closely aligned we as a region
work with our partners in North Dakota and having um the avenue for us to create and advocate with folks on the North Dakota side I think is also really important. It elevates what we're talking about as a a a piece of the Red
River doesn't separate us. it really defines us and really helps unite us in a lot of the work and uh just can't speak enough on that piece uh to maybe a segue in regards to the the site uh shovel ready site pieces. I really
appreciate Joe that you've got those on uh I think it's your site, the Innovate 28 site, but um also how they're incorporated in the Minnesota shovel ready site program pieces. I know it's only the 20 acre piece, but um it's really helpful for us
as we have these conversations as um you know, just last week uh Commissioner Bear and I were talking with a business in Klay County who understands that the challenges but but really is wanting to get the most out of being in the region. And so we appreciate that. But um to
have those shovel ready sites that we can bring forward when businesses say maybe they want to relocate or um get more land or less land. I think to have those uh varied acre components is really important too and and the
documents are very valuable. So thank you for having those um available. I think that's really good. Oh, thank you commissioner. One one thing I'll share with everybody is this past year um MSN CNBC did a study with the uh site selectors guild which is the
largest makeup of of site selectors globally and they look at the top factors for um location business location and for the first time in a decade um having available sites was on par with the workforce uh needs. So it's
really a one-two punch. you have to be able to approve that workforce. Um, and you have to have a a facility or a piece of land that has the infrastructure ready to build on. And then my further piece, and I think I say this every year, is um we're really
excited about um the big broad businesses that are bringing, you know, three to seven billion dollars into the region. I think that's fantastic. I also think it's great when we um can help foster an environment where mom and pop shops can thrive, too. And so, you know,
I I think we're talking all over the spectrum, and that's tricky and that's hard, but we've done a great job, I think, of including that as part of um the discussion. When a $3 billion project comes to the region, there are also some challenges
that come with that in regards to how we plan services or plan school districts, plan for for all of those pieces. And what I will say, I've said for a long time, is we need to be part of that dialogue so we can help bring all of the planning with. Um, and there's been
years where maybe we haven't been great about that. But I will say now I'm I'm seeing we've made a breakthrough in regards to you've got school districts part of the dialogue, part of the planning, part of the initiative so they can get the ball rolling on what are the
needs that we will see as these newer employees with families come to the districts and all of a sudden a 600, you know, employee plant has children that, you know, need to be in school, too. So, um, those things take time and I think,
um, we we've done a good job of in being inclusive in what that plan looks like going forward. You know, Commissioner, if I could say on on your comment, you know, most of the projects aren't the three billion dollar projects. In fact, that list up there of 12, most of them are are
relative in size. Um, and in terms of that relationship, you mentioned education. I think of, um, companies like Personal Touch Marketing, working with the career academy, uh, and educating their students on the type of work that they do for companies like Otterbox and others are, you know, it's
these ones that add up. Uh, and and we obviously recognize that and the leadership in this region has recognized it for a long time because the entrepreneurial ecosystem here is like no other. Uh we have people from all over the country coming here. A whole delegation from Ames visited last year
and one of the questions they asked was share what's how are you working as two states and how are you working in this entrepreneurial space? Um so you know credit to the region it's it's just didn't happen overnight. Mr. Kra
uh again thank you for all your work. Um I think uh for me and I'm not going to repeat what's been said but I do agree with it all. Um, I really appreciate um what I've uh seen over the last three
years as a commissioner as also being part of the chamber for years and its development. but from what it used to be when it uh even 10 years ago and the depth and the um the growth in your in
your in your work. I just see a real macro part into the detail of a into the microwave uh area of our work for our specific things in the county and and how we uh lobby with that or advocate
for that. Um, one question I do have, uh, you know, we invest, uh, also much like in the innovate, uh, along with downtown, uh, Inc., and I'm just curious, uh, I'm such a huge one on collaboration. you're showing that, but
if you could just elaborate a little bit, if you don't mind, uh how you also work with them and and the fact that Morehead, you know, is doing pretty darn big things, you know, biggest I've seen in my lifetime. Uh and how you work
along with that piece as well, if you wouldn't mind. Start. You go, you can go start now. I'll go. Well, thanks for the question. you know, the heart of any community in any region is its downtown or downtowns. And so the investment that's being made, the
leadership um that Derek and Dan and and the team have had within the city of Morehead has been, you know, critically important. Um we're in constant communication um especially with Derek because of his broader role um to make sure that as um
deeds bringing a project into the region, how do we support that? um our our job is to sort of um you know find out at a community or county level what are those needs and then what what within our mission can we be playing. So
um I'm sure you can ask Derek and Dan and the team uh about you know the the um Morehead Inc. and and the work that they're doing uh with us, but our our teams are in constant contact with one another, especially on the entrepreneurial side um working um with
the higher eds and their work on downtown and the development of of you know what's taking place there. So, I don't know if there's a specific question. There wasn't. You're kind of on it. Yeah. And I'll just add to it. I think that this is where we see the Klay County leaders round table really uh
taking shape when we pull those leaders together including um uh all of both of our organizations but downtown Morhead Inc. all of the colleges, the city, the county. Um what we're really striving for is uh stronger clarity and alignment. So alignment to say where can
how can we make sure that we are not duplicative of what we're doing, but we're amplifying the work that we're doing. And I I do think that it's all about leverage, right? But it's also around understanding understanding what are the roles that each play. uh even though those roles may shift uh how can
we make sure that we are uh look and we've done this with uh innovate 28 very successfully identifying uh who's best positioned to lead an initiative and who's best positioned to support it and then how do we make sure that we uh kind of organize our uh work around those
initiatives. So we're continuing to work on that with other organizations not just with the two of ours. So yeah well thank you for that. It was kind of a broad question but I mean it's just that effort of our investments you know our leverage too you know right in a bigger way and I I that's where my
head goes and then again a deep thank you for uh again Ken and our involvement all the programs you've done with us help down in St. Paul, it's been fun getting to know you much better, I
guess, on a personal basis as we do our work together. So, yeah. Thank you. All right, Commissioner, real quickly, I missed one thing I I want to emphasize. And Kale was again
your your your tip of the spear on this thing. I went through a campaign for the first time in my life a year ago. And one of the things knocking on doors I found out is people do not understand local government.
And the chamber did a great uh service to the candidates that wanted to get their qualifications and their their ideas out to our public and to uh the public themselves and helping us towards
educating them in exactly what county commissioners do and city council members do. Even township uh representatives need to get the word out, but uh the uh candidate forums were great. They were done very professionally.
Um they ask tough questions. You know, we had to we had to be prepared and come in and it was just a good opportunity. Please keep that up. that is necessary for the the the little groups of government like county commissioners and city ma uh city uh
council members as well. It really helped us a lot in getting getting our positions and our our faces out there. Great. We will do so and and that's the the kind of the premise behind the Center for Civic Engagement. So, we're going to lean in even heavier to that to
to make even more people aware of the opportunities but also just the process. So, thank you. All right. Well, thank you for your presentation this morning. As you know, we're um in our budget process right now and we set our preliminary levy. I think
it's by the end of September, somewhere in that area. And um if we have any additional uh questions regarding your request, uh we will forward them u to you. So, but thank you for your presentation.
Very well done. Appreciate it. Thank you. All right. Next, we have a close session uh with for the board discussion regarding labor negotiations per statute 13D.03. Do we have a motion to close?
So move. Second. Motion by Commissioner Bear, second by Commissioner Ebinger. Any further discussion? Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying I. I. Oppose the same sign. Motion carried. We
are in close session. We're back in session and our next item is strategic discussion regarding a lobbyist for engagement. And I just Steve I know you're going to but if I can just start off here um last week we
had our um diversion planning meeting and uh there was a lot of discussion about uh the significant need for we're down to the very basically next year is going to be the last year um for um obtaining funds for the
diversion project and that's been our number one priority and with that I you know I did mention to that group that we had been in pre in a previous meeting we had talked about um
hiring lobbyists to help with our our um efforts and it was based on that that I asked Steve that let's get this on early. I think if we want to if if this is the route that the board wants to take I think now is the appropriate time
to do it. If we're going to wait uh from my standpoint, if we're going to wait and incorporate into the 2026 budget, we're going to already be way behind. And so I I think if we're going to do it, we should um be talking about
doing it now and whether we have to find those funds in reserves or whatever, but get that ball rolling now. That's and that's kind of that's kind of how this got on the agenda today. I asked Steve to put it on uh for that purpose and and
Steve, you can start with your comments and we'll give it the Yeah. No, Mr. Chair, I think you did an excellent job teeing that up. Uh you know, as a board, you have uh especially over the last several years, you made being down in St. Paul a legislative priority uh in in designating
Commissioner Mojo and Commissioner Kavanagh uh to uh to be down there on a routine basis along with their engagement with the chamber. So, uh, you've had discussions, I think we had a discussion last year with about the potential of a lobbyist. So, this isn't something that is new to to this
discussion. Uh, but, uh, but again, I think Commissioner Commissioner, uh, Campbell teed it up very well. And so, I would turn it back for your comments, Commissioner Kraboff. Yeah. Uh, so I'd just like to make some
first remarks. I think our priorities uh we've been the there's been two or three that come together every year here and I think and you already mentioned the diversion we we'll see where the future discussions go with
BRTF um and and just even between those two um as well as we do along with the chamber I and and especially uh commissioner Mojo being down there uh much more than
I I think our message is doing well and but I've also been around legislature long enough to know that we end up with our certain groups that we know well. These people know well. We grow from
that. But a professional lobbyist being there on a consistent basis is just gonna always be quicker to um to advocate. And I think the other thing they do to us, they have
relationships that they've established for a while that then gets to Commissioner Mojo and I so that we can tap those in a way that maybe you know someone's broken that ice and we can
refer and talk with. So I'm largely in really in fa favor of this. I think uh urgency is a little bit now and so many things for summertime and we got to have these things going by by October,
November, you know, for the next legislative session. I have one name I I'm kind of keen in in uh investigating with um the chamber obviously you know she mentioned potentially some names but
my point is investigation at the same time of knowing uh trying to settle on a number that would seem appropriate. So, so, so my thoughts on on this are if if we as a board could
come up with a, you know, something financially, what what's our target area that we're we could maybe look at between now and December 31st and then then we can incorporate some additional discussion. And then in terms
of the who that person might be, I think that we should probably um and I I hate to lean on these people again, but I I think between Stephen, Paul, and Jenny, you know, because you've been down
there, I I think maybe those those like a little subgroup could maybe look at who who would our who would be best to invest with. Uh I I'm going to make No bones about it here. Sometimes in terms of lobbyists, there's there's lobbyists
that you can get that some people hired based on the politics of it who who might be more effective with one party or the other. I hope we don't go that route. I think that we need to look at the uh who can be most effective with the issues that we're talking about.
But, you know, so I you know, that's my thoughts on it right now. So, um, you know, if we if we just kind of want to move this along, if if that's something that the board is fully interested in, maybe let's let's establish a dollar amount and then, uh, if if we could
maybe have that subgroup that's been doing all of this work down there, maybe give a recommendation back to us in terms of who that that agency might be uh, that we would hire. Commissioner Evinger, you just a couple of things.
I don't have any idea and I've I've worked for or been part of organizations that have hired a lobbyist. It was many years ago and I can't remember what we paid them. So I don't have an idea what the cost would be. But I agree we need to do this with some expediency. Not
just so the lobbyists get familiar with the issues, but Jenny and and Paul have put tons of hours in on this. And Steve, they're going to be more effective being able to be brought in by the lobbyist to
talk to, who we need to talk to, when we need to talk to them. It's going to save them time on where to put their efforts. So, I agree. Paul or Jenny, do you have an idea what a lobbyist a range of what what it would cost us? Well, I'll just speak to the last one.
It was only the last one when I approached it what year and a half ago, wasn't it? Uh thereabouts and in that one to work it through and and that was specific more just the PRTF that we were trying to move forward. Uh at that point that
one was a little session was already going. They were going to be brought up to speed. We were going to finish through and that was 25 grand. Mr. Chair, I I apologize. Yeah. Jenny,
I do have to run to a funeral and I think but I think it's really important that we're having this conversation. So I appreciate the board for and Mr. Chair for bringing this up. Um, you know, in regards to what we're looking at, I I would say $40,000 is a a fairly good
starting point. It's an allocart piece, so you're going to, you know, get more or less depending on what we're wanting or in regards to the issues. If you're adding additional issues, obviously, then it get goes up. Um, our board did a phenomenal job of getting into um a
roundts at the capital to try to uh forward our concerns. Uh, I will just say based on who the chamber hired, the the fantastic mix of the the agency that they hired was you had um longtime leaders in um in both parties
represented in one agency. And so different members of each organization or different members of that agency were able to get us into the leaders of the DFL caucus and also leaders of the GOP caucus. And and I would like to see something similar to that. Um, if we're
serious about the conversation of uh legislative decisions have drastic uh um effects locally, which I believe that they do. Uh $40,000 is a drop in the bucket as to what we are um what what we
can get return on investment pieces. I would say they could be a lot higher than that, too. That's just a if you're looking at uh getting us through 25 um it might be less. If you're looking at a full legislative session, it's likely going to be more. But um getting
something on um in an agreement sooner rather than later. Uh most of our legislative work for our uh our um um priorities happened in October, November, December last year.
Yeah. So, I I mean I I guess I don't I think that number is a probably a an okay number to start off with. And I'm I'm sure if we you know I you know if we want to put a motion out
there to start that process and use 40,000 as a target and again I think there's it's always open to see where that goes and what it's how it's developing and and um I would think that would be plenty to get us through December. Um, and then it becomes, it just goes
back to the thought of having uh Jenny and Paul and Steve coming up with this. You know, we I think we still want to kind of target what our original priorities were
because those both those priorities still exist. and and maybe maybe there might be one lobbyist who might be better in water issues than that that wouldn't be as knowledgeable in the PRTF area. So, so you would have to that's something that you guys can determine
and if one agency has all of those um abilities within it that's great but um what so the thoughts on the 40k you want to make it a little north of that just so we have I think I think 40 is a good start
because if I mean we can always adjust it okay we we have the ability to adjust for 25 I think that for 2025 for 20 okay this is this is for 2025. Mr. Chair, if I might uh provide a motion, um I would like this board to give direction to our administrator to
look um at gathering uh proposals for legislative representation for 2025. Uh you know, we took a shot in the dark in numbers and so I think that motion would be around that that mark. If we have discussions and and see that we're off
base, you know, he can bring it back. And then I guess furthermore with that motion allow him the freedom to craft a 26 uh budget request as well. I second that. Okay. So the motion uh the motion is the
40k uh for him to work finding proposals around that for us. Okay. So there is no dollar amount tied to it. Well, because I I don't know. I mean I once he comes up with the proposals he'll come back with as a boom and then
okay hire him or not. Well actually we should I shouldn't even be having this discussion without a second. So I let Dave second. Oh did you have second? All right. All right. I guess the only thing I would I would still propose just with our inside
knowledge of others that you and I are involved in helping Steve and I Yeah. And I well we have a motion and a second and I and I uh I would I would ask that if
this motion carries that when you make get those submitts that you go to Jenny and Paul and the three of you come up with a recommendation to the board. Is that fair? That okay?
Yeah. We accept that in the motion. I I it's her motion. And I I'm just I'm just I I think based on how we usually do committee structure, I think it would be assumed that you'd work with the legislative committee on that. Okay. Very good. All right. We have a
motion and a second. Uh any further discussion on the motion? All in favor signify by saying I. I oppose. The same motion carried. Do you want to do your committee reports? Yes. And I just want Thank you for that.
I I for the public it is uh most cities and counties have uh legal representation as part of their budget. So this is not an outlier. I mean all of the agencies that we work with have that. So I appreciate uh that. Now I just shut down my computer. Um okay.
Last week I had looking at schedule um county own land county own lands committee. We did have a pretty good update on all of the existing county uh parcels. There were a couple requests that uh Ezra can move
through um that we thought were within the parameter of that. Um the next day I had the a discussion regarding uh tipping fees generated with our solid waste department particularly at the resource recovery facility for
2026. I attended a AMC lunch and learn on accessing and understanding local census data which I thought was really interesting. And then on the 14th I attended the soil and water conservation
district just as a mom uh but also want to you two that are on that board to um extend gratitude to that board for supplying funds for kiddos to go to conservation camp. I think that's a really important uh outreach that your board does. So thank you. And that concludes my report.
All right. Very good. Before I move on to the next one, as Jenny's kind of packing up to go, I just want to point out that I did receive a letter from uh the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources where they're going to be conducting a water survey
uh for Klay County uh this year and it's a a fairly significant study. And um in my co phone conversation with the um Wes was his name. Um I did I
did suggest they offered uh to come before the board and maybe give a 20 minute presentation because this could be something that you all might get questions on uh as they're doing the survey and dealing with land
owners. So, I will probably be asking Steve to uh line that presentation up so we're all aware of just what all is included in this study because it sounds like it's a major undertaking. So, so yeah. So, we'll we'll plan that
process as all right. All right. So, let's move on. Let's do Ezra. Last Tuesday after board, we had county owned lands committee that Commissioner Mojo talked about, but on there we also
had an update on the county own lands parcels. They have all been addressed. That was something we've been working on to get them all addressed. So, they have a fire number, Adam. And then we also had an update on the Debuke erosion acquisition up property
that we had at county board less than a month ago. and Matt has filed with the state to see if we can get 12.5% for the land owner there so they won't be out so much. And then that is about we talked a
little bit about repairing aid dollars being used for some county land maintenance on some burning projects. That's pretty much what happened at that committee. Then on Wednesday, I was up in Ada for the Wild Rice Wershed District
where they approved 17 of permits and tabled five. And then they set their general budget levy at uh four 4.7% increase. And they dropped their levy on the ditches by about
6 or 7% on their levy for the ditch maintenance. And on Thursday, October 14th, I was at the Yellow Ribbon. It was not that well attended. A lot of people were gone. And
a little not much talk. I'll let if Commissioner Ebinger wants to go in more into he was also there. But uh next month there will be no meeting. The next meeting will be October 16th, 2025. We had good discussion there, but not
too much came from there. And then on Friday, I was over in Detroit Lakes for Partnership for Health where Commissioner Ebinger is the chairman on that. I'll let him take the lead on that, but we had we had an
update on our grand splits and we sorted we had one that had mistake on it and we figured that out. I'll let uh Commissioner Einer go more in detail on that. We are coming to the end of Partnership for Health with Wilin County and Ottertale going out on their own. So,
there was some discussion on that, but that was all my committee reports. Right. Thank you, Commissioner Abinger. Thank you. Uh, last Tuesday met with Kathy McCay and some of the public health staff. Reference the upcoming
meeting with our partners at the uh, uh, partner for partnership for health. uh reference PHP funds and I'll address that here later. We just had a problem and needed to discuss it. Um Wednesday
the 13th attended virtually attended the meeting for the positive community norm strategic planning for year five on that grant. That'll be the last year of that grant. However, um we are applying for a drug-free
community grant that would be ongoing and this is in the DGF school district for the positive norms. I had a good meeting there. Next uh morning I attended on Thursday uh beyond
the yellow ribbon. Um, again, it was it was a lot of the folks weren't there to participate. However, Joshua Clark and Aaron Johnson from the uh MDVA and the the uh Veterans Resource
Outreach, a lot of good things going on at uh MSUM uh for the veterans there, and they just had a a pretty good oversight on on the progress they're making with that. Later that day, I attended a full board
meeting of Lake Ay Regional Library. Um, I'm checking my email because I'm trying to get an update on that. Okay. Um, and I just got an update on that. We voted to accept an offer from
Morehead for a 10-year lease at $18 a square foot with 1% per year uh increase uh which comes to $55,764 a year starting this year for 3,98
square feet. We are um there were some corrections in the in the lease agreement that we want to see incorporated. So the director of the library system is taking it to an attorney. It's nothing earth shaking,
just some things that need to be clarified that uh our acceptance of that offer and the changes to the lease will then go to the city min or city manager at Morehead and they can review it and bring it before the Morehead City
Council for approval. So, it looks like we are probably where we need to be in ending the u negotiations on that. On Friday, we had the partnership for health uh community health board meeting
on the PHP grants. Uh we had mistakenly in the last meeting split the PHP grant evenly among the four counties. There was a uh within statute there was a formula that's to be used in dividing
up those funds and that had mistakenly not been used. Uh the result was a loss, a minor loss for for uh one of the counties, a loss of about $3,000 for Becker, and I
think we were $11,000 where we had lost it, and Wilin County was 16,000 over what that split would have uh would have been. We needed to vote on it because we had voted on the original four-way split. Everybody was good about it. they
realized a mistake had been made. There was a vote passed unanimously to use the state designed um division on that and I I told him at the meeting and I'll say here it is really nice to work with people that
want to do the right thing even when it hurts a little bit and I appreciate our colleagues with the partnership being as reasonable as it were and that completes my report. Thank you Ezra. You had one more thing. Yep. I forgot. Last Tuesday night,
myself, Commissioner Campbell, and chair of the West Central Regional Water District, Lucas Spaith, we went to the city of Yulan to talk to them about signing anou to being to be part of the design phase of the West Central
Regional Water District and they signed that night. So, they will be included on the design and the planning of that water district. Thank you, Commissioner Krabanhoff. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
U as I was not uh able to be part of the commission meeting last uh Tuesday, I'm going to go back with a couple uh reports that were the week prior. So on August 5th uh it was part of the uh insurance committee meeting again
ongoing discussions with our group on health company RFPs and other auxiliary benefits that um we're still in process of going through. Uh also I was part of a presentation or excuse me went to a
presentation by NAMI that evening. Minnesota Alliance on mental health and that organization um legisl advocates with Minnesota legislators on mental health issues. I was there in
partnership with uh other people from our uh adult mental health lac um I did have a um the adult mental health lac executive committee meeting uh developing the agenda for the month
and future topics and presenters uh in the next coming months. on uh Thursday, August 5th, I was too uh probably talked about last week uh the went to that opening uh ceremony for the
diversion structure that reroutes the Red River uh at the event uh event of major flood um occurrences to the area uh working toward that permanent protection of a 500year
uh event level. uh quite a structure, $150 million and to be around it is certainly impressive and as one who's been part of diversion um advocacy for a
decade. Um it's glad to see this finally uh moving on and like as you mentioned earlier today getting that in place by the end of 26 27. Um this week um
on uh Wednesday the 13th I had our monthly or our bimonthly or every other month now u uh county extension committee meeting. Uh at this meeting uh we mainly did their staff reports. There
was also a followup on uh the fair. Uh just to let you know that um over $200 uh 200 adults volunteered along with the kids which uh did in total 222 total
exhibits. Um 150 animal and and then the other were general. Uh so it just uh they felt it's some of the highest level that they've they've had uh at the fair and uh so
those programs continue to grow which is uh kudos to extension and the 4 programs that go on. The last thing I'd like to me mention in in extension with 4 uh they this year have been doing 4
adventure camps uh that have been done in in camps in Holly Eland and Barnesville and they have had 40 attendings uh in attendees uh that were part of these adventure which involve outdoor adventures and
wild wildlife biology. Um that was the main dress of it. We we did have reports from um master gardeners their their events still go on throughout the year and are growing in
in depth and in people attendance. And uh we do have one board position open. uh there's a search going for that and looking for a member that might be interesting be on on the county extension committee and we'd like that
uh it's uh in in line for that to be a role for person uh to join in. Um then Thursday uh August 14th I had the monthly KSWC board member meeting. Um
Commissioner Mojo uh mentioned she was there in place of Commissioner Bear and she was there because it was her son getting the award. And so Lyken did a uh very good report 11 years old
and he talked about the firearms safety training he received as well as uh conservation um uh education which also uh got involved in beehive beehive activities. So I mean it was very good
report from him. Um also uh um couple other things. Two water sediment uh control basins being put in as part of one watershed, one plan. We had two whale ceilings uh over the last month. In the old days, we used to have well
ceilings quite a bit more often, but uh at least we had two more that came up in the area. Um there's a cost share of that um for them of thou up to $1,000 for that ceiling. Uh other than that uh
uh two other things I guess sorry uh we had Bowser come in give status of grant agreements that all went out now at the uh beginning of July and been distributed. I know for the county our natural resource block grant remain the
state same. And then uh as far as uh S SWCD aid uh that they they now get directly from the state that that number dropped to $12 million. It had been at 15. And uh so that was a reduction on
their their programs um or not programs for their administration uh of about $28,000. Both those were reflected in the budget they gave us um when Kevin was here and so no surprises and that their request
is uh current. Um there was last they're putting out estimates. This is for the Crestwood area that we're involved with for a prescribed burn to be done on that maybe or hopefully next spring if all things look in order and that would be a
prescribed burn on that 80 acres. And uh first estimate they have is around $5,000 to do so. And uh last uh here uh we have um in as far as uh county egg
inspector uh they've applied for a grant for $5,000 to help along with that work. Sounds like that's coming their way and uh we'll have those funds in October. And then also uh the tree programs and
no tail uh programs were uh at full level again this year and th those have all been been completed. So that's my report I have for today. Thank you. Thank you.
On August 12th I attended the diversion authority planning committee meeting. The um discussions that we had were around the planned fall retreat for the full board which is going to be on September 16th in the afternoon.
Uh we also talked about a full uh diversion authority board project tour along with the media that we're looking at doing. And then as we talked about, we did we
did talk a little bit about um lobbyist. Um I brought that up during our Minnesota funding update. Uh there was a Jason Benson talked about the red board
and trying to get the red board. The red board also uh lobbies a lot for water funding from the Minnesota DNR. And what Jason was was hoping for is
that the red board because we're we're kind of competing for these funds, you know, and and because we're down towards the end of the diversion project, Jason was uh going to be in contact with the red
board to see if they would um agree that our that what we need should be a priority. uh it's, you know, still part of that whole Red River. Now, this is the red board is different than the Red River Basin, you know. So, and I I guess I
bring that up for any of you who may have uh contact or information with the red board to maybe help uh with our uh needs in terms of we're in the final stages of being able to get
funding from the state of Minnesota. Um, and then that's and that was and I think there might also be a letter Jason was going to maybe have a letter um drafted that would be signed. you know, we're
looking at maybe all the local mayors and the Cass County Commission chair and myself as the Klay County Commission chair to forward a letter to the red board just stating that this is really a critical uh time period for for funding
from the state of Minnesota and if they could help us that would be great. That same evening, uh, I I attended the, u presentation from the West Central Regional Water District that Commissioner Bear talked about, and they
did sign the MOU. Uh last week we talked about our our previous the evening before that we had attended Hitterd Doll's meeting and it's my understanding that through um Commissioner Bear that
um Hterdall is also if they they're going to sign or have signed the they're going to be signing theou. Uh so every entity that we've gone to so far we've had good success. Um, obviously there's still a lot of questions that they all
have, but they certainly want to be part of the planning process in that regard. On Thursday, August 14th, I attended Lakes Country Service Cooperative and I basically on that board I represent uh several different counties. It's not
just for for um Klay County, but we talked about um in all the different insuranceances. As you know, Lakes Country used to be provider of um Klay County's health insurance through
that through that cooperative. We went out on our own last year or two years ago, but we reviewed several uh insurance quotes and updates on that. And that I believe concludes my
report. Steve, thank you, Mr. Chair. Last week I participated in the county Owens lands. It's been well covered. On the 13th, we had county management where we highlighted the budget discussion. We had an update uh from our IT department
and also our human resources department on the 13th. Also met with Sheriff Mine in regards to some county issues. Uh participated that afternoon in a administrative uh meeting with uh with Robert Wilson from Cass County and Dan
Molly City of Morehead uh on shared issues. On the that late that day, I met with Anna and had some HR discussions. On the 14th, met with Troy Amenson, director at the detox facility. Uh the 15th met with both Commissioner Kraov,
Commissioner Bayer on a series of county issues. Uh yesterday, I participated uh kind of continuation of our intergovernmental discussions, the city of Morehead, Morhead school district, Derek Le Point, just some shared planning uh that's being done within our
with our respective entities. And that concludes my report. All right, Brian Dur. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, on Tuesday, I also attended the county own lands meeting, which has already been covered.
Um, gathered some colas from other counties for our union discussions this morning. On Wednesday, I attended the manager meeting as well. And also, we had our meeting with the resource recovery center for tipping fees. Um,
also Wednesday had a meeting with Anna on some personnel issues. Thursday worked on the costing sheets that we discussed today and also had a meeting with MC on the officers that were elected this year just going over some of the rules and regulations uh for MC.
on uh Friday I was off Monday um attended a meeting on our pictometry training um which was uh headed up by Mark Sloan uh the board approved that uh I think it was last year uh finalized
unit costing sheets yesterday and also had a meeting with uh Steve Anna on some personnel issues yesterday that concludes my report. Thank you. I I did I forgot to talk about too. I was also part of the uh discussion on Wednesday, August 13th,
where we where we met and discussed the um resource recovery facility and part of what we had uh uh asked for there was um if we were to create two separate tipping fees, one being based on the
true costs of operations at the resource recovery facility and also what the true cost would be on a tipping tipping fee at the landfill with two two potentially different rates. Uh the information that we got is that the tipping fee rate for
u the resource recovery facility would go up to about $81, which is currently $56. So you'd be talking about a $25 per ton increase. Um and if you look at
you know the for example the total cost of um ton or the total tons that I believe Morehead brings to that facility is about 22,000. I use 22. I use 22 and that would be that would be basically an increase of
$550,000. It's something we certainly don't uh obviously that's not very attractive and we would like to certainly avoid that. Um so we'll see where that goes. But again, I mean we're just we're just trying to provide all sorts of true
numbers um for comparison purposes to what the current contract is. So just to clarify that's simply to run the operation. Nobody's making any money on that. Nobody's making any money. That's to run the operation. and the true cost of running the operation. And that would be
that would be if Klay County ran it all, you know, so we'd have to, you know, we would have to take over some of the current positions that um Morhead does. All right, that um that concludes everything that we have to have. I
apologize for running long again today, but some of these issues just take longer than we anticipate. So, um, I'll I'll be the guilty one for running long here. With that we are