Brown County, Minnesota

Board of Commissioners

Board of Adjustment

Board of Adjustment

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Board of Commissioners

The Brown County Board of Commissioners will review and approve the consent agenda, including prior meeting approvals and general government claims. The board will discuss several operational items such as a badge printer purchase, drainage ditch tree, brush, and weed control spraying and payment request, and equipment replacements for a heat exchanger, a dispatch center heat pump, and a courthouse ADA restroom. Additional topics include planning commission plat recommendations, a Q2 2026 budget report, and a legal services contract with Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP.

• Badge printer purchase
• Drainage ditch tree, brush, and weed control spraying and payment request
• Heat exchanger replacement
• LEC Dispatch Center heat pump replacement
• Q2 2026 budget report

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing regarding a variance application for a property in Milford Township. The board will determine if a side property line setback can be reduced to allow for a building addition.

• Public hearing for APP-V-0080: Variance request by Dennis Gustafson to reduce a side property line setback from 10 feet to 8.6 feet for a 10x32 foot shed addition

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider two subdivision plat applications: a final plat for Mohr’s 2nd Subdivision (APP‑P‑0180) and a preliminary plat for the Berkner 5th Subdivision (APP‑P‑0182). After discussion, the commission will forward any recommendations to the County Board of Commissioners at their July 21, 2026 meeting. The agenda also includes a zoning report and routine administrative items.

• Final plat review for Mohr’s 2nd Subdivision (APP‑P‑0180)
• Preliminary plat review for Berkner 5th Subdivision (APP‑P‑0182)
• Zoning report
• Recommendations to be sent to County Board of Commissioners on July 21, 2026
• Next Planning Commission meeting scheduled for August 11, 2026

Board of Commissioners

The Brown County Board of Commissioners will review and approve claims, staffing reports, and agreements for daycare consultation. The meeting includes updates on public health, highway operations, and a resolution for a Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan.

• Approval of General Government Claims
• 2026-2027 Daycare Consult Agreements
• Resolution No. 2026-19: Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan
• Public Health Q2 Update
• Highway Department Monthly Update Report

Board of Commissioners

The Brown County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to set the 2027 transit budget and purchase a new bus. They will also discuss a procurement policy for the Heartland/Hermann Express, a BCHS bus driver position, and several housing and human services initiatives. Additional items include infrastructure projects, a performance measures report, and an ordinance updating the comprehensive land use plan.

• Resolution No. 2026-18: 2027 Transit Budget Resolution and Bus Purchase
• Ordinance No. 2026-2: Comprehensive Land Use Plan
• SAP 008-617-010 Reconstruction Project on County State‑Aid Highway 17
• County Ditch 44 Tile Outlet Cleanout
• Private Well Testing Grant

Safety Committee

Board of Commissioners

The Brown County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution authorizing a Carbon Reduction Project electric truck purchase agreement with the City of Springfield. They will also review final plats for three subdivisions, approve consent agenda items including an opioid settlement grant recipient, and discuss a park manager position. A closed session will address social services claims payments.

• Resolution No. 2026-16: City of Springfield Carbon Reduction Project EV Truck Purchase Agreement
• Final Plat APP-P-0178
• Final Plat APP-P-0179
• Preliminary Plat APP-P-0180
• Opioid Settlement Grant Recipient

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

The Brown County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the Draft Vision 2040 Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Additionally, the commission will consider final plats for Vogel’s Ninth Subdivision and Lipetzky Second Subdivision, and a preliminary plat for Mohr Subdivision. Approval of prior minutes and a zoning report are also on the agenda.

• Public hearing: Draft Vision 2040 Brown County Comprehensive Land Use Plan
• APP-P-0178: Final plat of Vogel’s Ninth Subdivision (applicant Scott Vogel)
• APP-P-0179: Final plat of Lipetzky Second Subdivision (applicant Tim Lipetzky)
• APP-P-0180: Preliminary plat of Mohr Subdivision (applicant Pat Mohr)

Board of Commissioners

The Brown County Board of Commissioners will meet to approve general government claims, liquor licenses, and a road closure request. The agenda includes reports on highway maintenance, staffing additions for 2027, and open enrollment.

• Approval of 2026 3.2 On-Sale/Wine Liquor Licenses
• Approval of 2026 Tobacco Licenses
• Approval of 2026 On-Sale Liquor License
• Approval of 2026 On and/or Off-Sale Liquor and Sunday Licenses
• County Road/Street Closure Request

The board approved a series of drainage repair contracts with individual costs ranging from $460.00 to $30,448.06. It also approved the UKG online enrollment service at $5,280.00 and the creation of part‑time bus driver positions for Heartland Express. A proposal to add an additional deputy sheriff to the 2027 budget was rejected by a 1‑4 vote. Consent agenda items, including liquor licenses, and the Highway Department monthly update were also approved.

• Approved multiple drainage repair contracts with costs $460.00–$30,448.06 (motion carried)
• Approved filing of the Highway Department Monthly Update (motion carried)
• Rejected addition of an extra deputy sheriff to the 2027 budget (1‑4 vote)
• Approved UKG online enrollment service costing $5,280.00 (motion carried)
• Approved opening Heartland Express intermittent part‑time bus driver positions (motion carried)
• Approved consent agenda items, including liquor licenses (motion carried)
• Accepted printed agenda (motion carried)
• Accepted and filed the consent agenda pending liquor license review (motion carried)

General

The Brown County Park Commission is meeting to review updates for the Lake Hanska Park Master Plan and a tree plan for Lost Dog and Fox Hunters Park. The body will also receive reports on several county parks and review actions taken by the County Board on May 19, 2026.

• Lake Hanska Park Master Plan update
• Lost Dog and Fox Hunters Park Tree Plan
• County Board acceptance of low bid from GK Drone Services LLC for spraying at Mound Creek
• County Board denial of Sandgren Trucking request for the Culvert Project
• Direction to replace South 15" culvert

Board of Commissioners

The Brown County Board will approve official proceedings, human services claims, and a lower-potency hemp retailer registration. The meeting includes presentations on corrections, family facilitation, and behavioral health programs.

• Approval of previous meeting proceedings and human services claims
• Lower-potency hemp edible retailer registration
• Presentation: FT Corrections Agent
• Presentation: Family Facilitator Program
• Presentation: Behavioral Health Program Update

The Board approved the hiring of a Corrections Agent for Mark Rolloff at the specified compensation rate. It also approved several program updates and reports, and convened a brief closed session for litigation strategy before reconvening the open session.

• Approved Corrections Agent offer to Mark Rolloff at $41.43/hr (motion carried)
• Approved Family Facilitator Program Overview filing (motion carried)
• Approved Behavioral Health Program Update filing (motion carried)
• Approved Human Services Monthly Update filing (motion carried)
• Approved consent agenda items including claims payments and staffing report (motion carried)
• Constituted closed session for litigation strategy planning (motion carried)
• Ended closed session and reconvened open session (motion carried)

Board of Commissioners

The Brown County Board of Commissioners will review several Planning Commission recommendations, including interim use permits, final plats, and a preliminary plat. The board will also consider a resolution for regional park and trails designation, discuss cybersecurity insurance and password manager purchases, and set the 2027 budget policy and guidelines. Routine items include claims approvals, a deputy registrar appointment, and monthly reports.

• Interim Use Permits APP-I-0029, -0030, -0031
• Final Plats APP-P-0175 and -0176
• Preliminary Plat APP-P-0178 and -0179
• Resolution No. 2026-14: Regional Park and Trails Designation
• 2027 Budget Policy, Guidelines, and Review Schedule

The Brown County Board approved several contracts for road work, infrastructure, and IT security, and made key personnel appointments. Kelly Hotovec was appointed as the County License Agent and Deputy Registrar. The board also approved multiple interim use permits for gravel mining.

• Approved Auditor‑Treasurer Kelly Hotovec as County License Agent and Deputy Registrar (5‑0)
• Approved $136,895 highway maintenance striping contract with Sir Lines‑A‑Lot (5‑0)
• Approved $278,000 aggregate screening contract at Alfred’s Pit with Timm’s Trucking Inc. (5‑0)
• Approved purchase of cybersecurity insurance for $22,256.64 (vote 4‑1, Commissioner Borchert dissenting)
• Approved purchase of Keeper Password Manager for $52,814.92 (5‑0)
• Approved four‑year appointment of Andrew Lang as Highway Engineer (5‑0)
• Approved drainage repair requests totaling $8,841 (Prairieville intake $2,836; Stark replacement $1,500; Prairieville slough tile outlet $4,505) (5‑0)
• Approved Interim Use Permit APP‑1‑0029 for gravel mining in North Star Township (5‑0)

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment will conduct routine business including officer elections and approval of the September 9, 2025 minutes. The main agenda item is a public hearing on variance application APP-V-0079. The applicant seeks to reduce the required 50‑foot setback to 20 feet to build a 630‑square‑foot garage on Lot 9, Block 1 Oakwood Heights in the R‑1 Residential District.

• Public hearing on APP-V-0079: variance to reduce setback from 50 ft to 20 ft for a 630 sq ft garage addition on Oakwood Heights (R‑1 Residential District).

Planning Commission

The Brown County Planning Commission will hold public hearings regarding three applications for interim use permits for gravel mining and processing. The commission will also consider four subdivision plat applications. Recommendations from this meeting will be sent to the County Board of Commissioners on May 19, 2026.

• Public hearing for APP-I-0029: gravel mine permit for Joseph Greobner & Groebner Farms Partnership
• Public hearing for APP-I-0030: gravel mine permit for L&S Construction Corporation
• Public hearing for APP-I-0031: gravel mine and hot-mix plant permit for Brian & Teresa Aschenbrenner
• Final Plat consideration for Bartz Subdivision (APP-P-0175) and Jackson Subdivision (APP-P-0176)
• Preliminary Plat consideration for Vogel’s Ninth Subdivision (APP-P-0178) and Lipetzky Second Subdivision (APP-P-0179)

Board of Commissioners

The Brown County Board of Commissioners will meet to review road surface projects and land sales. The board will also consider bids and proposals for the Brown County Health System (BCHS).

• Resolution No. 2026-13: Tax-Forfeited Lands Sale
• Surface Rehabilitation Projects on CSAH 2, CSAH 8 & CR 102
• BCHS ACME Bid Approval
• Miller Dunwiddie BCHS Proposal
• County Ditch 16 Tile Replacement Repair

The Board adopted Resolution No. 2026-13 to hold a public auction of tax‑forfeited lands on June 25, 2026 (5‑0 vote). It also approved several infrastructure contracts, including a $49,041.45 tile‑replacement project, a $4,578,579.50 surface‑rehabilitation contract, and a $23,710 historic‑preservation design fee. Additional actions included approving drainage repairs, a road closure for The Pig & Plow, and authorizing feed‑lot program reporting.

• Approved Tax‑Forfeited Land Sale 2026 auction (5‑0)
• Approved drainage repair payments totaling $15,? (motion carried)
• Awarded CD 16 Tile Replacement contract to Ellingson Companies for $49,041.45 (motion carried)
• Awarded Surface Rehabilitation contract to Duininck, Inc. for $4,578,579.50 (motion carried)
• Approved road closure for The Pig & Plow on CSAH 31 (motion carried)
• Approved Miller Dunwiddie exterior preservation design fee up to $23,710 (motion carried)
• Approved Brown County Historical Society Phase 5 contract to ACME Tuckpointing & Restoration for $275,200 contingent on grant (motion carried)
• Tabled UKG online enrollment request (motion carried)

General

The Brown County Park Commission will elect officers, approve minutes from November 3, 2025, and receive reports on four county parks. New business includes discussion of a spraying contract for noxious weeds at Mound Creek County Park and an update on the Lake Hanska Master Plan. Old business covers updates on a proposed tree planting at Lost Dog and Fox Hunters Park and the Altermatt Lake Outlet project. The commission will also consider changing the June meeting location to Lake Hanska County Park.

• Mound Creek Spraying Contract – staff requested bids for weed spraying
• Lake Hanska Master Plan Update – staff to provide update
• Lost Dog and Fox Hunters Park Tree Update – proposed tree planting
• Altermatt Lake Outlet – staff to provide project update
• Park Commission Schedule Change – move June meeting to Lake Hanska County Park

Board of Commissioners

The Brown County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting on April 28, 2026. The consent agenda includes approval of previous minutes, human services claims payments, a Leavenworth Baseball Association off-site gambling application, and a staffing report. New business items include employee recognition, a 30-minute presentation on the SCHA annual report, human services write-offs, and a 25-minute update on the Income Maintenance Fraud and Collections Program. The board will also consider historical society bills and committee reports.

• Leavenworth Baseball Association off-site gambling application
• SCHA annual report (30-minute presentation)
• Human Services Income Maintenance Fraud and Collections Program update
• Human Services write-offs approval
• Historical Society bills review

The Board approved the consent agenda items, accepted the 2025 South County Health Alliance Annual Report, and approved Human Services write‑offs totaling $19,661.28. It also approved a $2,829.50 payment for 50% of drain relocation and valve replacement costs for the Brown County Historical Society building. All motions were seconded and carried.

• Accepted printed agenda (motion carried)
• Approved consent agenda items (motion carried)
• Accepted and filed 2025 South County Health Alliance Annual Report (motion carried)
• Approved Human Services write‑offs of $19,661.28 (motion carried)
• Accepted and filed 2025 Human Services Income Maintenance Fraud and Collections Program report (motion carried)
• Accepted and filed Human Services Monthly Update report (motion carried)
• Approved payment of $2,829.50 for 50% of drain relocation and valve replacement costs for the Historical Society building (motion carried)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider several interim use permits and preliminary plats. The meeting includes discussions on a public alerting program agreement and a first-quarter budget report.

• Interim Use Permits APP-I-0026, APP-I-0027, and APP-I-0028
• Preliminary Plats APP-P-0175 and APP-P-0176
• Everbridge Public Alerting Program Agreement
• County Ditch 16 - CSAH 5 Tile Road Crossing
• Q1 2026 Budget Report

The board approved a $96,500 purchase of a Marathon 270 EP Melter, authorized three Interim Use Permits for gravel mining, and approved two preliminary plat splits. Additional actions included hiring a part‑time license bureau technician, a $665 drainage repair, dismissal of a tile‑bore quote, and payment of $203,731.87 in social services claims. The Q1 2026 budget report was accepted and filed.

• Approved purchase of Marathon 270 EP Melter for $96,500 (5-0 roll‑call)
• Approved Interim Use Permit APP‑I‑0026 for Home Farm Partnership gravel mine (5-0)
• Approved Interim Use Permit APP‑I‑0027 for Leon & Renee Kral gravel mine (5-0)
• Approved Interim Use Permit APP‑I‑0028 for Jeremy R. Seifert gravel mine (5-0)
• Approved Preliminary Plat APP‑P‑0175 to split Bartz Subdivision parcels (5-0)
• Approved Preliminary Plat APP‑P‑01676 to split Jackson Subdivision parcels (5-0)
• Approved hiring of a part‑time license bureau technician up to 29 hrs/week (motion carried)
• Approved payment of $203,731.87 for Social Services claims (motion carried)

Planning Commission

The Brown County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on four interim use permit applications for gravel mines and consider two preliminary subdivision plats. The commission's recommendations will be sent to the County Board of Commissioners on April 21, 2026.

• Public hearing on APP-I-0026 for Home Farm Partnership gravel mine
• Public hearing on APP-I-0027 for Leon Kral gravel mine
• Public hearing on APP-I-0028 for Jeremy Seifert gravel mine
• Consideration of Preliminary Plat for Bartz Subdivision (APP-P-0175)
• Consideration of Preliminary Plat for Jackson Subdivision (APP-P-0176)

The commission approved the March 10, 2026 minutes by a 5‑0 vote. It then unanimously recommended the County Board approve three interim use permits for gravel mining (applications APP‑I‑0026, APP‑I‑0027, APP‑I‑0028) with the conditions outlined in the packets. Finally, it unanimously recommended approval of two preliminary plat applications (APP‑P‑0175 and APP‑P‑0176) to split parcels.

• Approved March 10 minutes (5‑0)
• Recommended approval of Interim Use Permit APP‑I‑0026 (5‑0)
• Recommended approval of Interim Use Permit APP‑I‑0027 (5‑0)
• Recommended approval of Interim Use Permit APP‑I‑0028 (5‑0)
• Recommended approval of Preliminary Plat APP‑P‑0175 (5‑0)
• Recommended approval of Preliminary Plat APP‑P‑0176 (5‑0)

Safety Committee

Board of Commissioners

The Brown County Board will discuss several new business items, including a purchase of IT network equipment and a screening of aggregate material for highway maintenance at Alfred's Pit. It will also consider appointing a Red Rock Rural Water System commissioner and an addendum for an FT investigator position. The meeting includes routine reports and committee updates.

• Resolution No. 2026-12: Appointment of Red Rock Rural Water System commissioner
• IT Network Equipment Purchase
• 2026 Highway Maintenance Aggregate Screening at Alfred's Pit
• Addendum: FT Investigator Position
• Highway Department Monthly Update Report

The Brown County Board approved a full‑time sheriff’s office investigator hire, appointed Andy Geiger to the Red Rock Rural Water System Board, and authorized a $45,048.43 purchase of networking equipment. It also set the bid letting date for the 2026 Highway Maintenance Aggregate Screening and accepted the Highway Department monthly project update. All items were carried by the board.

• Approved FT Investigator job offer to Randee Murphy, $45.61/hr + $100 on‑call (motion carried)
• Appointed Andy Geiger to Red Rock Rural Water System Board (5‑0 vote)
• Approved purchase of networking equipment from CIT for $45,048.43 (5‑0 vote)
• Set bid letting date for 2026 Highway Maintenance Aggregate Screening at Alfred's Pit for May 13, 2026 (motion carried)
• Accepted and filed Highway Department Monthly Update for Construction and Maintenance Projects (motion carried)
• Approved consent agenda items, including General Government Claims totaling $222,054.88 (motion carried)
• Approved printed agenda and addenda (FT Investigator Position) (motion carried)
• Approved previous meeting’s official proceedings and synopsis (consent agenda) (motion carried)

Board of Commissioners

The Brown County Board of Commissioners will review program updates from Human Services and discuss several operational items. Specific agenda items include a liquor license request for Searles Bar and Grill, surface rehabilitation projects on county roads, highway maintenance pavement markings, a habitat easement acquisition with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and an AFSCME contract for courthouse services. The meeting also includes reports on child support, adult protection, and other county business.

• Searles Bar and Grill Liquor License (5 mins)
• Surface Rehabilitation Projects on CSAH 2, 8 & CR 102 (2 mins)
• 2026 Highway Maintenance Pavement Markings (2 mins)
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Habitat Easement Acquisition (15 mins)
• AFSCME 65 Courthouse Contract (5 mins)

The Brown County Board approved the AFSCME Highway Union contract covering 2026‑2028. It also approved the AFSCME Courthouse Union contract, set bid letting dates for two highway projects, certified a conservation easement protecting about 126 acres, denied a public‑health flooring replacement, and authorized temporary Income Maintenance staff through April 2026. All motions were carried without recorded vote tallies.

• Approved AFSCME Highway Union contract for 2026‑2028
• Approved AFSCME Courthouse Union contract for 2026‑2028
• Approved new on‑sale, off‑sale, and Sunday liquor licenses for Searles Bar and Grill (3‑month term)
• Set bid letting date for 2026 Highway Surfacing Rehabilitation Projects – May 4, 2026, 2:00 PM (electronic via BidVAULT)
• Set bid letting date for 2026 Highway Maintenance Pavement Markings – May 6, 2026, 10:00 AM (electronic via BidVAULT)
• Approved certification of conservation easement protecting ~126 acres in Mulligan Township
• Denied Public Health flooring replacement, directing it to the 2027 budget
• Approved temporary Income Maintenance staff through April 2026

Board of Commissioners

The Brown County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution establishing joint powers agreements with the State of Minnesota, the County Attorney, and the Sheriff. They will also review a new ordinance regulating deer hunting firearms and approve purchases of a side dump trailer and a wood‑brush chipper for the Highway Department. Additional items include a daycare consultation agreement, IT surplus equipment, and planning commission interim use permit recommendations.

• Resolution No. 2026-11: State of Minnesota Joint Powers Agreements with County Attorney and Sheriff
• Ordinance No. 2026-1: Regulate Deer Hunting Firearms
• Highway Department Side Dump Trailer Purchase
• Highway Department Wood‑Brush Chipper Purchase
• Daycare Consultation Agreement between BCPH and Little Rascals

The Brown County Board of Commissioners adopted an ordinance that defines the shotgun use area as the entire county. It lists the firearms permitted for deer hunting, authorizes Minnesota law enforcement and DNR conservation officers to enforce the rule, and makes violations a misdemeanor. The ordinance becomes effective on March 17, 2026, after passage and publication.

• Adopted shotgun hunting ordinance (no vote tally provided)
• Defined shotgun use area as the whole of Brown County
• Specified allowed firearms for deer season
• Authorized enforcement by Minnesota law enforcement and DNR officers
• Established misdemeanor penalties for violations
• Set effective date as March 17, 2026

Board of Commissioners

The Brown County Board of Commissioners will convene a special meeting to hold a public hearing on a proposed Shotgun Regulation Ordinance. The hearing is scheduled for March 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the Law Enforcement Center Training Room.

• Public Hearing: Shotgun Regulation Ordinance
• Meeting Location: Law Enforcement Center (LEC) Training Room, 15 S. Washington St.
• Meeting Date: March 11, 2026 at 7:00 PM
• Next Regular Meetings: March 17, March 24, April 7, and April 21, 2026

The commissioners approved the printed agenda after a motion by Berg and a second by Borchert. They later voted to close the shotgun regulation public hearing, also on a motion by Berg and seconded by Borchert. No other actions were taken before the meeting was adjourned.

• Accepted printed agenda (motion carried)
• Closed shotgun regulation public hearing (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting (no further business)

Planning Commission

The Brown County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on three applications for interim use permits to operate gravel mines, including extraction, screening, processing, and a hot‑mix plant for one site. The hearing will consider applications APP‑I‑0023, APP‑I‑0024, and APP‑I‑0025. The commission will also review plats and other business, and forward its recommendations to the County Board of Commissioners on March 17, 2026.

• Public hearing on APP‑I‑0023: interim use permit for a gravel mine by Arland Roiger
• Public hearing on APP‑I‑0024: interim use permit for a gravel mine and hot‑mix plant by Mathiowetz Construction Co.
• Public hearing on APP‑I‑0025: interim use permit for a gravel mine by James & Beverly Schindele
• Review of plats
• Recommendations to County Board scheduled for March 17, 2026

The commission approved the minutes from the Jan. 13, 2026 meeting. It then voted to recommend approval of three Interim Use Permit applications (APP‑I‑0023, APP‑I‑0024, APP‑I‑0025) for gravel‑mine operations, each with conditions, to the County Board. All votes were 4‑0 unanimous. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved minutes from Jan 13, 2026 (4-0)
• Recommended approval of Interim Use Permit APP‑I‑0023 to County Board (4-0)
• Recommended approval of Interim Use Permit APP‑I‑0024 to County Board (4-0)
• Recommended approval of Interim Use Permit APP‑I‑0025 to County Board (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Brown County Board will review and vote on the DNR Electronic License System (ELS) Agent Contract. They will also receive updates from the Highway Department and discuss a ventilation system replacement on the LEC 4th floor. Additional items include a letter of support for Divine Providence and routine committee reports.

• Review and approval of DNR Electronic License System (ELS) Agent Contract
• Highway Department monthly update report
• LEC 4th floor VAV (ventilation) replacement discussion
• Divine Providence letter of support
• Commissioner committee reports and calendar coordination

The commissioners approved the purchase of 18 variable air volume units with new reheat valves for the LEC fourth floor, estimated at $91,125 plus fees, by a 5‑0 roll‑call vote. They also approved a letter of support for a grant to Divine Providence Community Home in Sleepy Eye. Additional routine items such as the agenda, consent agenda, and a highway department update were accepted without recorded vote counts.

• Approved purchase of 18 VAV units ($91,125 estimate) – vote 5-0
• Approved Letter of Support for Divine Providence Community Home grant
• Accepted printed agenda – motion carried
• Approved consent agenda items – motion carried
• Accepted and ordered file of Highway Department Monthly Update – motion carried
• Recessed meeting and convened County Board Workshop regarding CD 74 – motion carried

Board of Commissioners

The Brown County Board will approve claims payments, tax-forfeited properties, and a staffing report. The meeting includes a public hearing on a joint ditch bond agreement and a vehicle purchase.

• Approval of 2025 Tax-Forfeited Properties
• County Vehicle Purchase & Trade-in
• Redwood & Brown Joint Ditch No. 5 Bond Agreement
• Highway 2026 Seal Coat Oil Bids
• Resolution 2026-10: General Obligation Joint Ditch Bonds

The board approved the Redwood & Brown Joint Ditch No. 5 bond agreement, authorizing up to $835,000 of Brown County’s share and creating a pricing committee to set the debt service schedule. It also approved the purchase of a 2026 GMC AWD Terrain for $32,642, a guardianship services agreement with the Presbyterian Family Foundation, and a seal‑coat oil contract with Jebro, Inc. Additional actions included accepting several reports and the January 2026 budget documents.

• Approved Joint Ditch No. 5 bond resolution (share up to $835,000, carried)
• Approved purchase of 2026 GMC AWD Terrain for $32,642 (5‑0 roll‑call vote)
• Approved service agreement with Presbyterian Family Foundation for guardianship services (carried)
• Approved seal‑coat oil contract with Jebro, Inc. (carried)
• Approved change of License Bureau Assistant Supervisor to Lead position (carried)
• Accepted and filed the January 2026 Budget Report (carried)
• Accepted and filed the 2025 Brown County Child Protective Services Annual Report (carried)

Board of Commissioners

The Brown County Board of Commissioners will consider Resolution No. 2026-9 to approve a joint powers agreement between the Department of Public Safety and the Brown County Agricultural agency. The agenda also includes highway department purchases of a mowing tractor and a side‑dump trailer, lease agreements for Milford Pit Farm and the county landfill farm, and collective bargaining agreements for LELS Union 94 and Union 98. Additional items cover a sheriff’s office activity report, a park commission appointment, and reports on budget, human services claims, and other routine business.

• Resolution No. 2026-9: Approving DPS / BCA Joint Powers Agreements
• Highway Department Mowing Tractor Purchase
• Highway Department Side Dump Trailer Purchase
• Milford Pit Farm Lease
• LELS Union 94 2026‑2028 Collective Bargaining Agreement

The Brown County Board adopted collective bargaining agreements with the Law Enforcement Labor Services unions for 2026‑2028. It also approved a joint powers agreement for the Probation Office, a $75,000 tractor purchase, ten telematics units, a farm lease at $100 per acre, and an $8,000 landfill lease. Additional actions included creating a bus‑driver position and authorizing $219,831.15 in social‑services payments.

• Approved Collective Bargaining Agreement with LELS Union 94 (Licensed) for 2026‑2028 (4‑0)
• Approved Collective Bargaining Agreement with LELS Union 98 (Non‑Licensed) for 2026‑2028 (4‑0)
• Approved Joint Powers Agreements for the Probation Office (Resolution 2026‑9) (4‑0)
• Approved purchase of a Case IH Farmall 90C mowing tractor from Miller‑Sellner for $75,000 (4‑0)
• Approved purchase of ten Samsara Telematic units with $184.80 annual license per unit (4‑0)
• Approved 2026 farm lease to Mark and Alan Kuehn at $100 per acre at Milford Pit (vote carried)
• Approved 3‑year landfill farm lease to Eric and Ryan Pierson at $160 per acre ($8,000 total) (vote carried)
• Approved $219,831.15 payment of Social Services claims (vote carried)

Planning Commission

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss legislation, road weight restrictions, and the 2026 County Board of Review. The body will also schedule a public hearing regarding a shotgun ordinance.

• Spring Road Weight Restrictions
• Scheduling of Shotgun Ordinance Public Hearing
• 2025 Polling Place Accessibility Grant
• Incentive Funds for Truancy Intervention Program
• ADA Transition Update Plan

The Brown County Board approved the 2025 Polling Place Accessibility Grant of $5,415.48 and directed its use. It also approved the 2026 spring road weight restrictions, the ADA Transition Update Plan, and authorized a $400 donation from the Optimist Club for truancy incentives. The Board set the Board of Review for June 15, 2026, and scheduled a March 11, 2026 public hearing to consider Ordinance 2026‑1 regulating deer‑hunting forearms to shotgun‑only.

• Approved $5,415.48 Polling Place Accessibility Grant (motion carried)
• Approved spring road weight restrictions for 2026 (motion carried)
• Approved ADA Transition Update Plan (motion carried)
• Authorized $400 from Optimist Club for truancy incentives (motion carried)
• Set County Board of Review for June 15, 2026, with contingency date June 23, 2026 (motion carried)
• Scheduled public hearing for March 11, 2026 on Ordinance 2026‑1 (deer‑hunting forearms) (motion carried)
• Accepted Highway Department Monthly Update for construction and maintenance projects (motion carried)
• Accepted and filed the Consent Agenda items, including $340,363.34 in claims over $2,000 (motion carried)

Board of Commissioners

The Brown County Board will approve payments for human services, a 2026 medication management contract, and the purchase of three 2026 Chevy Tahoe PPVs for the Sheriff's Office. The meeting also includes a workshop on the MMAAFPCWDA.

• Human Services Claims Payments
• 2026 Medication Management Contract
• Sheriff's Office Purchase of (3) 2026 Chevy Tahoe PPV
• Resolution No. 2026-8: Absentee and UOCAVA Ballot Boards Establishment
• Holiday Program Wrap Up

The Brown County Board approved a resolution creating an Absentee Ballot Board and a County UOCAVA Ballot Board, with a 5-0 vote. Several other items were also approved, including a bus purchase, sheriff vehicle purchases, a propane tank placement, an electronic bidding platform, and appointments to the canvassing board. The board also filed the 2025 Holiday Program Wrap Up and the annual Housing Program Overview reports.

• Approved High Level bus purchase from United Bus Sales for $169,740.25 (5-0)
• Approved purchase of three 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe PPV for Sheriff's Office at $53,647.76 each and declared three older Tahoes excess property to be sold (5-0)
• Authorized placement of a propane tank at the Highway Department yard as part of OTAT No‑Lo grant (unanimous)
• Approved implementation of electronic bidding platform bidVAULT for highway projects, $35 fee per bidder (unanimous)
• Appointed Commissioners Borchert and Windschitl to County Canvassing Board through Dec 31 2026 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2026‑8 establishing Absentee Ballot Board and County UOCAVA Ballot Board (5-0)
• Accepted and filed the 2025 Holiday Program Wrap Up report (unanimous)
• Accepted and filed the annual Housing Program Overview (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Brown County Board will review and approve items on its consent agenda, including claims payments and staffing reports. It will discuss infrastructure projects such as drainage ditch repairs, a highway seal‑coat, and a culvert replacement on 140th Ave in Linden Township. Additional topics include a prosecution services agreement with the City of Hanska, public‑health updates, and personnel policy matters.

• Resolution No. 2026-7: SAP 008-599-061 Culvert Replacement and Approach Work on 140th Ave in Linden TWP
• Drainage Ditch Repair and Payment Request(s)
• Highway 2026 Seal Coat Oil Letting
• Agreement for Prosecution Services between the City of Hanska and the Brown County Attorney's Office
• SCHA Delegation Agreement Amendment

The board unanimously approved the final acceptance of the Linden Township Bridge Replacement project (Resolution 2026‑7) funded by town bridge funds and $10,000 local funds. It also approved several contracts and permits, including a $5,000 annual prosecution services agreement with the City of Hanska, a bid letting date for the 2026 highway seal‑coat oil, drainage repair orders totaling $13,612.27, a conditional use permit for a dog kennel, a final plat replat for Tommy’s Subdivision, and a $48,100 environmental reporting services contract. In closed session, commissioners authorized $224,156.87 in Social Services claim payments.

• Approved final acceptance of Linden Township Bridge Replacement (5-0)
• Approved $5,000 annual prosecution services agreement with City of Hanska (5-0)
• Set bid letting date for 2026 Highway Seal Coat Oil (carried)
• Approved drainage repair orders totaling $13,612.27 (carried)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Rose Farm Kennel dog kennel (5-0)
• Approved Final Plat replat for Tommy’s Subdivision (5-0)
• Approved 2026 GEI environmental reporting services contract $48,100 (carried)
• Authorized $224,156.87 payment of Social Services claims (carried)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Conditional Use Permit APP-C-0187 submitted by Taylor Rose of Rose Farm Kennel to allow a kennel with up to 18 dogs in the A‑1 Agricultural Protection Zoning District. The commission will also consider the final plat for Tommy’s Subdivision (APP-P-0174). Recommendations from this meeting will be forwarded to the County Board of Commissioners on January 20, 2026. Routine items include officer elections and approval of the December 9, 2025 minutes.

• Conditional Use Permit APP-C-0187: dog kennel up to 18 dogs in A‑1 Agricultural Protection Zoning District, applicant Taylor Rose, property Lot 1, Block 1 W. Rose Addition, Section 31, Township 111 North, Range 33 West, Eden Township, Brown County, Minnesota
• Final Plat APP-P-0174: consideration of the final plat for Tommy’s Subdivision
• Election of Commission officers (Chair, Vice‑Chair, Secretary)
• Approval of minutes from the December 9, 2025 meeting
• Recommendations to be sent to the County Board of Commissioners on January 20, 2026

Board of Commissioners

The Brown County Board of Commissioners will meet on Jan. 6, 2026 to review and vote on several items. New business includes a liquor license application for Searles Bar and Grill and several resolutions on authority, infrastructure repairs, and elected official salaries. The meeting also includes routine consent agenda items such as grant awards and legal service renewals.

• New Liquor Licenses for Searles Bar and Grill
• Resolution No. 2026-6: Delegate Authority for EFT Transfers to the A‑T
• Drainage Ditch Repair and Payment Request(s)
• Resolution No. 2026-1: SAP 008-599-060 Culvert Replacement and Approach Work on 110th St in Bashaw Township
• Resolution No. 2026-2: Publication of Transportation Project Bids on County Website