Traci L. Green

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Key discussion points included staff updates, notably the receipt of over two million dollars in Cares Act funding for distribution, and Personnel Committee discussions regarding the Assessor's office and filling that position. The consent agenda involved approval of previous minutes, claims, and a cooperative agreement with Waukesha County for the 2021 treatment court. A significant portion of the meeting involved discussion on repealing the feedlot ordinance and amending the zoning ordinance, focusing on the implications of county enforcement versus state regulations regarding feedlot registration and setbacks, concluding with a decision to seek input from the county attorney before further action. Other items included a discussion regarding the cost associated with demolishing a tax forfeiture property in Bellchester and securing board consensus to proceed with design costs for a donated pavilion structure, contingent on county funding for related expenses. Finally, the board discussed the need to fill the county assessor position, considering a contract with Winona County for temporary assessment services and leadership mentoring, and the need to fill an appraiser position due to backlog. There was strong sentiment to protect the agricultural nature of the county and to review the comprehensive land use plan before making significant changes to dwelling ordinances.

The meeting commenced with staff updates from the IT Director regarding a security project, including an initial epistemological assessment and subsequent threat assessment mitigation, noting positive progress on reducing severe vulnerabilities identified by monthly state scans. The IT Director also reported on work related to an election grant, security assessments of hosting companies, and connections to Information Sharing and Analysis Centers (ISACs). Administrator updates recognized several employee anniversaries across Social Services and other departments, including recognition for work on the new electronic time management system implementation. A public forum addressed financial reports for Natural Resource Block Grants (NRBG) to be approved under the consent agenda, and information regarding a Waterside Chat for the WinLAK planning process. A significant portion of the meeting involved a public hearing on redistricting, where it was reported that current district populations met state statute requirements (the 10 percent rule and comparison between least and most populous districts), meaning no redistricting was legally required, with final approval scheduled for the next meeting. The Auditor Treasurer section discussed the approval for converting the current county assessor/tax system from Avenue to Tyler Technologies Cama and Tax Systems, citing improved efficiencies and advanced features.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. The administrator provided an update, noting attendance at a training session on managing workplace stress and a luncheon meeting discussing transportation, Head Start, and affordable housing projects. During the citizen involvement forum, a representative from the Water Conservation District presented final financial reports for several grants, including the Natural Resource Block Grants, Shoreland, and wastewater management acts, slated for closure. A representative from Angie Craig's office discussed various legislative efforts, including addressing vaping, securing funding to claw back improper federal payments, improving rural maternal health, and ensuring veterans have access to the Mayo Clinic facilities via TRICARE. Commissioner reports covered updates from the Emergency Communications Board regarding a CAD to CAD pilot program for inter-county information sharing, discussions on regional trails, and forestry day activities. Financial updates were provided for South Country Health Alliance, indicating budget adherence despite county transitions. Hiawatha Transit figures showed service usage increases across most areas except for Plainview/Elgin, and a need for volunteers for a medical transport mileage reimbursement program was noted, along with the resignation of the transit director. The board recessed into a closed session to discuss labor negotiation strategies with the Teamsters and AFSCME unions, providing direction to the director.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the approval of the agenda. Staff updates included the promotion of Jason Lawrence to Sergeant in the Sheriff's office, the hiring of six new deputies with over 50 years of combined experience, and the initiation of taking in 12 inmates from Ramsey County at a rate of $780 per day. Administrator updates recognized Martha Wunderlich for her service in Veterans Services and provided an update on Hiawatha Broadband communication's plans to submit grant requests for broadband projects in Wabasha County, potentially leading to two projects in 2024. The consent agenda included the approval of the June 27, 2023 minutes, claims, per diems, meal vouchers, and acceptance of a $500 donation to the veterans service office from the American Legion Auxiliary 546. Highway Department approvals involved final payments to Doyle Connor Company and All States Pavement Recycling and Stabilization, and approval of project agreements with MnDOT for Highways 58 and 65 LRIP. The IT Department sought approval for purchasing a copier for Public Health, a VPN Appliance and firewall, and five network switches, with a note on potentially sourcing switches via eBay to reduce costs. The Sheriff's Department sought approval for the disposal of a 2014 Dodge Ram 1500. Discussion items included the consideration of the Marine Martin conditional use request for a driveway and bluff impact zone on a parcel in the Town of West Albany, which the Planning Commission recommended for approval with five conditions. The meeting also featured a presentation by Dr. Ross Reichert, Chief Medical Examiner, reviewing the 2022 report for Wabasha County, detailing statistics on reported deaths, autopsies performed, manners of death (predominantly natural, with 20 accidents and two suicides, and zero homicides), and specific data on accidental deaths, including motor vehicle crashes, falls, and poisonings/drug overdoses. Notably, there were no fentanyl-related deaths reported in Wabasha County for 2022.

The Board of Adjustment meeting involved the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the previous September meeting. The primary focus was on two public hearings concerning variance requests. The first public hearing, a continued hearing, involved Arthur Rabel's request for a variance to construct a 26x26 foot garage within the Bluff Impact Zone, requiring specific construction methodologies related to retaining walls and elevation. The second public hearing concerned Richard Hall's request for variances regarding road setback and expansion of a non-conforming structure (a 12x20 addition/enclosed porch) in front of the property. The board discussed findings of fact for both requests, ultimately approving the first variance request subject to six conditions, including adherence to representations made regarding the garage size and distance from the house.