Pierce County

The agenda for this session included several resolutions for first reading, specifically concerning amendments to fees for issuing permits and investigations (Resolution 25-23), and authorizing the use and source of additional funds for the Communications Towers Project, approving an unbudgeted expenditure (Resolution 25-24). Ordinances proposed for first reading included amendments to the Zoning Code for consistency with the Table of Uses (Ordinance 25-06). Second readings covered ordinances to amend the composition of the EMS Committee (Ordinance 25-04) and to include the 2025 Pierce County Farmland Preservation Plan in the Comprehensive Plan (Ordinance 25-05). The meeting also included appointments to the EMS Committee.

The committee addressed several key agenda items. Actions included amending fees for issuing permits and conducting inspections for certain establishments to align with state administrative code changes and ensure financial sustainability. The committee approved accepting a grant from the Fred C. & Katherine B. Andersen Foundation for hunger relief and prevention, contingent upon Board of Health approval, requiring an amendment to the 2026 Public Health budget. An ordinance amending Chapter 240 Zoning Code, including housekeeping changes and amendments to the Kinnickinnic River Bluffland section requested by the Town of Clifton, was approved for recommendation to the County Board. The committee authorized the sale of excess equipment from the Sheriff's Office, specifically three out-of-service Motorola radios to the Town of Rock Elm and 30 handguns to a vendor. Additionally, the committee approved a resolution to authorize the source of additional funds for the Communications Towers Project, covering a bid amount that exceeded the initial funding, and approved temporary compensation for an employee assisting the Finance Department during a transition period.

The Land Management Committee addressed several significant agenda items. A Public Hearing was held concerning a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) request for a Retreat Center involving ice sculptures, weddings, and other events on agricultural land; the CUP was approved with eleven conditions focusing on capacity, parking, restrooms, and site management. The committee also addressed a request for a Rule Exception to waive the requirement for an Erosion Control Plan for a 3-Lot Major Certified Survey Map (CSM), which was subsequently approved under specific policy criteria. Preliminary Approval for the 3-Lot Major CSM was granted following the erosion control exception approval. Furthermore, the committee discussed the renewal and potential modification of a CUP for the expansion of a non-conforming agricultural use (pig feedlot) adjacent to Residential zoning districts. After extensive discussion regarding the required 30-foot buffer's effectiveness as both a visual screen and a filter strip against agricultural runoff, the committee voted to renew the CUP with modifications to Condition 3, requiring a buffer management plan reviewed by the Land Conservation Department.

The Highway Committee meeting addressed several agenda items, including the approval of a snowmobile trail request on a portion of CTH A, which was granted as a 1-year trial contingent upon proper signing for 25 mph speed limit, establishing it as a route rather than a trail. The committee recognized employee Rick Kornmann for over 35 years of service, reviewing his tenure as a welder and crushing foreman. Discussions were held regarding options for cameras for outlying shops for monitoring weather, security, and theft prevention. The committee reviewed accounts payable and payroll, and discussed various staff training needs. Action was taken to approve the attendance of Chad Johnson at the 2026 Winter Excavation Damage Prevention Conference, and to approve the specifications for a new Pickup truck for the Patrol Superintendent. A rebuild proposal for the CAT 14H Grader Unit #171 was approved, yielding approximate savings of $265,000.00. Bridge aid approvals were granted for projects in Martell Township (870th Ave.) and Hartland Township (570th St.). Staff reports covered the trial of dash cams on maintainer trucks, the performance of new trucks with belly blades, the crushing crew's start in Bisel Quarry, and the arrival of General Transportation Aids for the next year.

The Building Committee meeting addressed several operational and financial matters. Key discussions included accepting and implementing recommendations from the Trane Intelligent Report concerning cost savings for the Law Enforcement Facility, PCOB, and Courthouse energy usage. The Committee approved the purchase of new computer controllers for the building automation system to maintain remote access capabilities past the federal regulation cutoff date of January 1, 2026, and forwarded the funding request to another committee. Furthermore, the Committee approved a three-year contract extension with CleanPower for janitorial services for the Courthouse and PCOB buildings. The Committee also approved a 4% rate increase for 2026 Fairground rentals, excluding specific small event rentals. Finally, an issue regarding a gas smell in the Law Enforcement Facility was addressed by installing a manual reset on kitchen appliance gas valves to prevent uncontrolled gas emission after a power disruption.