Rock County

The board meeting covered various topics, including the approval of claims, a fund balance report, and a resolution authorizing a property owner to repurchase tax-forfeited property. Discussion included setting the preliminary levy for 2021, a review of a development agreement with Elk Solar LLC, and a request to table action on the Walleye Wind Decommissioning Plan until the next meeting. A 1-year law enforcement contract extension with the City of Luverne was approved. The board also discussed Rock County's selection to conduct community testing and heard reports from commissioners on their attendance at various meetings.

The meeting included a public hearing on tax abatement requests for New Vision and Rock Home Initiative. Resolutions were approved for tax abatements for both projects. Support was given for a regional trail system between Rock and Pipestone counties. A gambling site permit was approved for the Hardwick American Legion Post 478. Updates were given on building projects, including HVAC and Terrace project delays. Claims and per diems were approved. A fund balance report was reviewed and approved. Commissioners were appointed to the Canvassing Board. A service agreement was approved for exploring Rock County Landfill expansion options. A Conditional Use Permit for Northern Con Agg for gravel mining and processing was approved with conditions. A final plat for the Prairie Ridge Estates Subdivision was approved. A crash analysis report for the intersection of CSAH 4 and CSAH 6 was reviewed. Bituminous projects were authorized to be bid. A public hearing was scheduled to review a modified Hemp Derived Products Ordinance. Updates were provided on various activities in the Administrator's office. Funds were designated for additional gravel and red rock materials for the Rock County Highway Department. A discussion on daycare needs was noted.

The Rock County Board meeting involved discussions on various topics, including a capital campaign update from the Rock County Food Shelf, approval of claims and per diems, a fund balance report, authorization for bid letting of bituminous pavement rehabilitation and overlay projects, acceptance of a low bid for a new pickup truck, appointment to the Historical Society Advisory Committee, a public hearing scheduling for a tax abatement request, approval of agreements from Walleye Wind, LLC, and approval of board and committee appointments for 2021. The meeting also included updates on the Business Relief Grant program and a COVID-19 vaccination clinic.

The meeting included an update on the MN Counties of Planning and Zoning Administrator's Fall Conference, where the Land Management Office Director received an award. A document scanning project for land records was presented, with a cost estimate of \$128,501.00. A new employee was introduced in the Auditor/Treasurer's office. Claims were approved, and a Fund Balance report reflecting the collection of the second half of real estate taxes was reviewed. A tax abatement was approved for a clerical error. The Petty Cash Fund at the Transfer Station was increased. Bid results for bridge replacement projects were presented and the low bid was accepted. A construction update was given, and the purchase of a new lawn mower was discussed. An update on building projects was provided, including the Terrace Project, soffit repairs, chiller replacement, and floor renovations at the courthouse. The County Board discussed attendance at the upcoming AMC District VIII meeting. The Administrator's office reported on various activities, including grant submissions, meetings, and personnel matters. Finally, each commissioner reported on their recent meetings and events.

The meeting included presentations on the proposed Elk Creek solar project, encompassing roughly 1,700 acres and anticipated to employ about 150 construction workers. The board directed the administrator to invite township representatives to discuss the project further. Claims and per diems were approved, along with a fund balance report and an audit report from the MN Department of Public Safety. A resident's request to regulate hemp seeds was referred to the County Attorney and Administrator for research. A conditional use permit for Reker Construction to continue mining operations was approved. A program update and budget increase request for the Plum Creek Library were also addressed. The board received legislative updates and information on upcoming events, including an open house for the new Rock County Ambulance Garage and a meeting with US Representative Jim Hagedorn.