Houston County

The meeting addressed the approval of previous minutes. The primary discussion centered on a conditional use permit application by Michael and Susan Bashaw to construct a dwelling on 18 acres in the Agricultural Protection District in Lac Crescent Township. Discussion involved clarifying the parcel size, confirming that the proposed building site is on marginal farmland (Class 5 soil) and that the property is not currently in row crop production, and addressing concerns from a neighboring property owner regarding property value impact, hunting, and adherence to setback rules relative to a nearby ridge road. It was noted that the dwelling construction, including an attached garage, appears to adhere to the one dwelling per quarter-quarter rule, as an existing structure (a shed belonging to the adjacent property) was previously situated across the quarter-quarter line. Additionally, a written comment was read concerning the need for safety barricades and guardrails on steep corners of Bush Valley Road, which was forwarded to the township road authority.

The agenda for the meeting included routine items under the Consent Agenda, which had no specific items moved for discussion. Action items included considering the acceptance of a $100.00 donation from the Winona Community Foundation for foster care children, approving a Purchase Contract for Mosquito Abatement Services with Driftless Region Vector Control LLC, approving an Airport Lease Agreement with the City of Caledonia for a courtesy car, approving the hire of one summer help employee for the Highway department, and reviewing and approving payments. Discussion items involved Coordinator Updates, Board Updates from the Chairman, and Commissioner Reports and Comments. The document also noted an upcoming Special County Board Meeting for a public hearing on deer hunting rifles.

The proceedings cover multiple regular sessions and workgroup sessions spanning January through early March 2025. Key discussions and actions included the election of the 2025 Board Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson during the first session. Subsequent actions involved adopting resolutions to designate the Caledonia Argus as the 2025 Official Newspaper, granting account powers for Merchants Bank N.A. and ESB Banking, and authorizing the use of an alternate method to disseminate bids and requests. Personnel matters included changes in employment status, new hires, and accepting resignations. The Board also adopted the 2025 Annual Appropriations resolution, approved various contracts such as the Wildcat Park contract, and discussed personnel needs for the County Attorney Office, ultimately voting to hire a second Assistant County Attorney. Discussions also revolved around the Minnesota Spongy Moth Treatment Program and updates on the Houston County dental pilot program, which successfully increased dental care utilization for children. Appointments were made to the Parks Committee and Houston County Extension Committee. Later sessions addressed potential changes to the quarter, quarter rule regarding housing density, the adoption of the 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan, and the awarding of bids for paving and equipment purchases. The Highway Department provided an overview of its responsibilities, including road maintenance, airport operations, and park management. Furthermore, the Board discussed the future of the County Recorder position, approved guardianship contracts, and ratified tentative labor agreements.

The meeting agenda included several discussion points under the Consent Agenda, such as the hiring of an Accounting Clerk and a Child Support Officer, the transfer of an employee to Child Protection Social Worker, approval for a competitive search for a Social Worker position, and the award of land rental agreements at the airport to the highest bidders. Action items focused on adopting resolutions, specifically Resolution No. 26-08 opposing the proposed 765 kV "Gopher to Badger Link" Transmission Project, and Resolution No. 26-09 separating Public Health and Human Services into two distinct departments. Further action items involved approving a contract with Ability Building Community, purchasing a Recycling Truck, and approving a cooperative agreement with the City of Houston regarding a specified project, along with several individual equipment purchases including a Plow Truck Chassis, Plow Truck Box, Skid Steer, Mulching Head, and Mowers. Discussion items covered coordinator updates, board updates from the Chairman, and commissioner reports.

The meeting commenced with roll call and the welcoming of a returning commission member. Key agenda items included the election of a Chair and Vice Chair, resulting in Franklin Han being nominated and elected as Chair, and Larry Goustead as Vice Chair. The commission also approved the minutes of the previous meeting. A significant portion of the meeting involved a public hearing regarding a conditional use permit application by One Energy Development on behalf of AC4 Farms LLC for a 5-megawatt commercial solar project located in Calonia Township. Representatives from One Energy and My Energy Cooperative presented rationale for the project, citing benefits such as rate stabilization for the utility, enhanced grid resiliency, progress toward carbon-free mandates (or cooperative renewable energy goals), and expected local economic development through tax revenue. Landowner partners also discussed their interest in the project due to its proximity to a substation and the opportunity for farm income diversity. Discussions also touched upon project longevity, panel efficiency degradation, and system size limitations relative to substation capacity.