Michelle Ashe

The board conducted the election of officers for the year 2026, choosing to retain the existing positions. The board approved a variance request for a septic system upgrade, allowing a 5-foot setback from the side property line subject to specific conditions, including parking restrictions during construction. Additionally, the board denied a variance request for a proposed solar farm that sought to exempt the project from full perimeter tree screening requirements, mandating instead that coniferous trees be planted on all four sides of the perimeter in compliance with county ordinances.

The meeting addressed the appointment of new advisory board members, specifically a new Probation Officer Representative and a Rivers of Hope Representative. Key topics included updates on the Minnesota Risk/Needs Assessment (MRRA), the forthcoming implementation of Earned Compliance Credit for individuals released from prison, and compliance requirements for state-mandated Comprehensive Plan submissions. Additionally, the board received a presentation regarding the success of sex-specific caseload models and reviewed various departmental operational updates, ranging from facility construction projects and staffing changes to judicial and attorney office modifications.

This strategic plan update for Sherburne County aims to provide accessible and cost-effective services to enhance the community's quality of life. It is structured around five key organizational objectives: strengthening a healthy, safe, and livable community; promoting active economic growth; fostering appropriate partnerships and an informed public; ensuring fiscally responsible government to guarantee public trust; and fostering organizational excellence.

The Sherburne County Planning Advisory Commission convened for a public hearing concerning planning and zoning matters in unincorporated Sherburne County, Big Lake Township, and Livonia Township. Key agenda items included the election of 2026 Planning Commission Officers, establishing the 2026 Public Hearing Schedule, and consideration of two residential preliminary and final simple plat requests by Matt Agrimson for "Creekside Woods" and "Creekside Woods Two," each consisting of one lot, with recommended conditions attached to both approvals. Additionally, the commission discussed items for the Zoning & Subdivision Ordinance based on Steering Committee feedback, such as minimum lot size and multi-family hamlets.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and the financial report, which showed an ending balance of $265,926.26. Administrative updates covered membership changes, noting a vacant position at Tri-CAP and an upcoming transition for the Rivers of Hope representative. The LCTS update noted 12 missed moments in Quarter 4. Work group reports detailed progress in co-located mental health services, noting therapist turnover but quick replacements, and significant growth in Family Resource Centers, including serving families with housing needs. Annual funding report-outs detailed service provision across various organizations, including Becker Schools serving 75 students, Lutheran Social Service serving 42 students, Regroup utilizing equine services, Community Corrections utilizing funds for registration fees and rewards, Rivers of Hope reaching over 1000 students with presentations, Main Street Family Services serving 27 individuals with uninterrupted continuity of care, The Wave focusing on youth advocacy and surveys, STIR revamping its website and resource guides, Spirited Adventures serving 116 clients through adventure-based counseling, and Big Lake Schools funding co-located therapy and new social-emotional curriculum. Coordinator updates included scheduling a training and planning the kickoff for the Annual Report, which will involve a survey to determine accomplishments and next steps. Agency sharing highlighted an opportunity to become a certified Changing Our Mental and Emotional Trajectory (COMET) Facilitator.