Nicollet County

The agenda for the Board of Adjustment & Appeals meeting included a Roll Call, review of cancellations and additions, public appearances, and Old Business and Other Business sections. The primary focus was a public hearing for an after-the-fact variance request (PLN25-19) submitted by Joseph & Christina Meyer. This variance requests a reduction of the minimum bluff setback from 30 ft. to 0 ft. to allow for the placement of an existing 40 ft. storage container within the Conservancy Zoning District. The meeting materials also included detailed documentation supporting the variance criteria, such as survey data and site plans, and referenced the prior meeting minutes from December 15, 2025.

The Board of Adjustment & Appeals meeting agenda scheduled for February 17, 2026, included the election of 2026 officers. The agenda featured two public hearings requiring variance considerations. The first public hearing (PLN 26-02) concerned Leon J. Matties' request for variance to reduce the Ordinary High Water Level (OHWL) setback from 200 ft. to 78 ft. and the bluff setback from 30 ft. to 27 ft. for constructing a replacement shed. The second public hearing (PLN 26-03) involved Noah Klaseus' request for a variance to permit a Level II Home Occupation in an accessory structure within the Conservancy Zoning District. The agenda also included reviewing findings of fact from the January 27, 2026 meeting.

The Wellness Committee meeting covered various topics, including updates on the Derm Cafe and the March Soup Challenge, focusing on nutrition. Plans were discussed for a virtual presentation on soup/nutrition and a potential Wellness Cafe on gardening. A speaker on job burn-out and mental health was considered for April. The Arctic Challenge winners were announced, and new Wellness Center equipment is expected. The committee also discussed the Bookworm Challenge in April, a possible blood drive in August, and sharing wellness event info. Gardening the Clubhouse and National Bike Month were also mentioned.

The Wellness Committee discussed the budget, park challenge, and blood drive. Survey results regarding budget items were reviewed, and adjustments were made, including replacing treadmills, discontinuing Halloween Fun Run entry fee payments and Spring wellness kits. A Social Connection Challenge was planned for the FFA boxes. The updated budget will be sent for approval. The committee will continue with Random Acts of Kindness cards. A speaker from Mayo Clinic was approved to speak in May. A Bookworm Challenge is scheduled for April, the park challenge for June/July, and the Poker Walk was moved to August/September. A survey will be sent to gauge interest in hosting a blood drive, potentially in November or later. Clarification was provided on the use of accrued time for attending wellness events.

The board reviewed findings of fact for multiple cases, including KOTZER, ENGEL, and EMICH. A variance public hearing was held for applicant Mark Wilcox / Donald Roland Klossner, regarding a request to reduce the minimum County right-of-way setback for the construction of a replacement septic system. The board discussed the application, heard testimony, and approved the variance with specific conditions related to project execution, compliance, permits, and adherence to submitted plans.