Andrea Benck

The board discussed informational items, including DAANES reports and a restorative justice update. The meeting also included staff reports, a recognition of a former employee as a Hall of Fame inductee, and information regarding a cannabis education campaign. The board approved the payment of all accounts as presented.

The board discussed multiple variance requests, including one for a shed addition which was tabled, and another for grain legs which was approved. Additionally, the meeting included a year-end report from the Zoning Office, the election of a new Vice Chair, and the administration of Oaths of Office.

The Board of Commissioners addressed several agenda items, including the approval of a consent agenda featuring the award of a traffic marking contract, extension committee appointment, lease agreement for office space, administrative performance evaluation, cannabis delegation agreements, surplus property management, and a concrete paving contract award. A public hearing was conducted regarding a successful zoning request to change property from business to industrial usage. The board also passed a resolution to amend the Park Board By-Laws and received information regarding a Local Road Improvement Grant for a roundabout project. Finally, the board authorized the payment of various county claims.

The Board received an update regarding enforcement actions to address unpermitted construction and land alterations at a property in Cannon Falls and on County-owned land at Byllesby Park. The discussion outlined a corrective action plan involving project bidding, contractor engagement, and site access coordination. Additionally, the Board reviewed complexities involving an existing land lease with neighboring property owners, anticipated project costs, and proposed methods to recoup expenses from the property owner.

The Budget Committee reviewed and recommended approval for an out-of-state travel request for an investigator to attend a crime information conference. Additionally, the committee authorized the pre-order of a tandem plow truck included in the 2027 Capital Plan to ensure timely delivery.