Carver County public meetings in 2024
35 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will discuss 2025 compensation for county leadership and non-bargaining employees. The meeting includes several collective bargaining agreements for 2025-2026 and a closed session regarding real property sales in Dahlgren Township.
- 2025-2026 Collective Bargaining Agreements for Teamsters, AFSCME General, AFSCME Health and Human Services, and AFSCME Public Works units
- Resolution setting 2025 compensation for County Commissioner, County Attorney, and County Sheriff
- Funding approval for Carver County internal program applications via National Opioid Settlement
- Sale of County owned property and lot split for the Highway 212-Dahlgren Township Project
- Professional services agreement with SRF Consulting Group, Inc. for the Highway 41/10 Project
Park Commission
The Park Commission will discuss a recommendation for consulting services for the Baylor Regional Park Long Range Plan Update. The body will also review a draft Capital Improvement Program for 2025-2029 and a draft trail priority listing.
- Recommendation for consulting services for Baylor Regional Park Long Range Plan Update
- Review of 2025-2029 Draft CIP
- Review of Draft Trail Priority Listing
- Special Event Use Permit Request for Waconia Dandy Lions Club
Board of Adjustment
The Carver County Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on a variance request submitted by Donald Schlegelmilch for a minor subdivision of an agricultural parcel at 6350 Hampshire Rd in Dahlgren Township. The applicant seeks to create an approximate 16.5‑acre parcel that would contain 6.6 acres of prime agricultural soil, exceeding the 2‑acre limit for parcels under 20 acres. The board will consider whether the variance meets County Code Sections 152.033(C)(3) and (F) and will adopt an order approving or denying the request.
- Public hearing on variance request (File #PZ20240045) for 16.5‑acre parcel at 6350 Hampshire Rd
- Applicant: Donald Schlegelmilch; owners: Eugene & Joan Schlegelmilch, trustees of J. Schlegelmilch Trust
- Variance seeks to exceed allowable prime ag soils (6.6 acres vs 2‑acre limit)
- Parcel is in Agricultural Zoning District and enrolled in Agricultural Preserve program (expires 2026)
- Board will adopt order approving or denying the variance
Board of Commissioners
The Carver County Board will review and vote on the Administrator's final recommended 2025 property tax levy and budget. The meeting also includes a consent agenda with appointments, grant approvals, contract payments, and amendments to existing grant agreements. Additional regular‑session items cover a budget amendment for the Greater MSP membership, a 2026 long‑term financial plan, and a public hearing on the 2025 County fee schedule.
- 3.1 Administrator's Final Recommended 2025 Property Tax Levy and Budget
- 3.2 Amendment to the 2025 Budget for the Greater MSP 2025 Annual Membership
- 3.3 Administrator's Recommended 2026 Long Term Financial Plan
- 2.1 Appointment of Ben Rutter as Emergency Management Director and Alyssa Martinson as Deputy Director
- 2.6 Final Payment to Sir Lines‑A‑Lot for the 2023 Pavement Marking Project
Water Management Advisory Committee
The Carver County Water Management Advisory Committee discussed updates to the priority water bodies list, including status changes for Goose Lake, Fireman's Clayhole, Lake Grace, and Swede Lake. Members provided input on how often the prioritization should be updated and what criteria to use. The committee moved and unanimously passed a plan amendment to add the updated water body prioritization to the Water Management Plan.
- Amendment passed to add updated water body prioritization to the Water Management Plan
- Priority water bodies list updated: Goose Lake (1→2), Fireman's Clayhole (2→3), Lake Grace (1→2), Swede Lake (2→1)
- Committee sought input on update frequency (suggested every 5 years) and additional criteria for prioritization
- Review of 2025 recommended project list as part of the County’s Water Management Plan
- Business items included discussion of a chloride monitoring program and a GreenCorps service plan
Board of Commissioners
The Commissioners will hear a high‑level overview of the County’s third‑quarter 2024 budget versus actuals. Staff will present draft revisions to the Capital Asset Inventory Policy, including new capitalization thresholds and departmental guidance. A condensed version of the 2026 Long‑Term Financial Plan will be shown for board review and future direction. No formal action is requested at this work session.
- Draft revision of the Capital Asset Inventory Policy (last revised 2011)
- Presentation of the 2026 Long‑Term Financial Plan (condensed version)
- Updates to capitalization thresholds to align with GASB 87 and GASB 96
- Enhanced departmental guidance for asset tracking and reporting
- Discussion of the 3Q 2024 budget‑to‑actual performance across divisions
Board of Commissioners
The Carver County Board will consider a consent agenda that includes several service contracts, a health‑insurance benefits agreement costing $279,462, and snow‑removal contracts. In the regular session, commissioners will hold public hearings on County Cannabis Retail Registration Ordinance and on Ordinance No. 108‑2024 that amends the County Zoning Code and Zoning Map to include cannabis provisions. The board will also adopt Ordinance 87‑2025 and its accompanying fee schedule.
- Approve Memorandum of Agreement with MNPEA Licensed Sergeants for 2025 health‑insurance benefits ($279,462)
- Public Works RTU Replacements (Contract 24‑472)
- Professional Services Agreement with Dynamic Lifecycle Innovations for electronic waste and battery recycling
- County Cannabis Retail Registration Ordinance
- Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 108‑2024 amending the County Zoning Code (including cannabis) and Zoning Map
Drainage Authority
The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings on a new cannabis retail registration ordinance, zoning code amendments, and the county fee schedule. The body will also convene as the County Ditch Board to discuss 2025 ditch assessments.
- Public hearing on Ordinance 87-2025 regarding the Carver County Fee Schedule
- Public hearing on Ordinance 108-2024 amending the County Zoning Code and Zoning Map
- Proposed JD3A Ditch Assessment of $17,550 for 2025 and 2026
- County Cannabis Retail Registration Ordinance
- Settlement agreements for Right of Way acquisitions for the Highway 10/41 Project
Park Commission
The Carver County Park Commission will hold its regular meeting on November 13, 2024. Commissioners will receive informational presentations on the draft 2025‑2029 Capital Improvement Plan and a draft trail priority listing. Staff will also provide updates on general operations, administration, and upcoming events. No formal actions are listed on the agenda.
- 2025-2029 Draft CIP presentation
- Draft Trail Priority Listing presentation
- General Operations & Recreation Services staff report
- Administrative Update staff report
- Upcoming Events and Activities staff report
Drainage Authority
The Carver County Joint County Ditch Board will conduct public hearings to review redetermination of benefits for Joint Ditch #5, Joint Ditch #4, County Ditch #7, County Ditch #5, and Joint Ditch #1. The hearings follow statutory requirements that property owners benefiting from drainage systems pay for maintenance and buffer‑strip costs. The board will also approve minutes from the October 8, 2024 meeting before adjourning.
- Open JD5 Redetermination of Benefits Public Hearing at 8:00 a.m.
- Open JD4 Redetermination of Benefits Public Hearing at 9:00 a.m.
- Open CD7 Redetermination of Benefits Public Hearing at 10:00 a.m.
- Open CD5 Redetermination of Benefits Public Hearing at 12:00 p.m.
- Open JD1 Redetermination of Benefits Public Hearing at 3:00 p.m.
Board of Adjustment
The Carver County Board of Adjustment will hold public hearings on two variance applications. File #20240041 is a request by Philip and Ann Bovy to reduce the rear yard setback from 30 feet to 15 feet to build a 3,000‑square‑foot shed at 10713 County Road 153 in Cologne. File #20240044 is a request by Mark and Angela Schwalbe to exceed limits for personal storage space, structure height, and sidewall height. The board will also discuss setting the date for its January 2025 meeting.
- Public hearing on variance #20240041: reduced rear yard setback for a 3,000 sq ft shed at 10713 Co Rd 153, Cologne
- Public hearing on variance #20240044: exceed personal storage space, structure height, and sidewall height (applicants Mark & Angela Schwalbe)
- Discussion to set date for the January 2025 Board of Adjustment meeting
Board of Commissioners
The Carver County Board will adopt its consent agenda, which includes several funding and contract items. It will award a $16,136,255.26 construction contract to S.M. Hentges & Son for the Highway 18 Project – Arboretum Area roundabout. The board will also consider a $232,000 pre‑order for a critical incident response vehicle and a $50,000 ICPOET grant for a sheriff’s cadet program, and discuss 2025 legislative priorities.
- Award construction contract to S.M. Hentges & Son for Highway 18 Project – Arboretum Area ($16,136,255.26)
- Authorize pre‑order of a critical incident response vehicle ($232,000)
- Approve Office of Justice Programs ICPOET grant for sheriff’s cadet program ($50,000)
- Eliminate petty cash fund for Waconia Library
- Purchase agreement for right‑of‑way acquisition for Highway 11 Project – Carver Park Reserve
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will convene as the Carver County Community Health Board. The primary item for discussion is the Semi-Annual Report to the County Health Board.
- Semi-Annual Report to the County Health Board
Water Management Advisory Committee
The committee is meeting to discuss priority water bodies and the CCWMO levy and water plan project list. The session includes updates on the Metro Children’s Water Festival and a proposed change to the November meeting date.
- Discussion of priority water bodies
- Review of CCWMO levy and water plan project list
- Proposed November meeting date change
- Update on Metro Children’s Water Festival
Park Commission
The Carver County Park Commission will meet to approve meeting minutes and discuss a request from the Southwest Trail Association to use a portion of the Dakota Rail Regional Trail.
- Approval of June and September 2024 meeting minutes
- Southwest Trail Association request to use Dakota Rail Regional Trail portion
Board of Commissioners
The Carver County Board will consider a consent agenda that includes a Memorandum of Agreement with the MNPEA Deputy Sheriffs covering 2025 health‑insurance benefits. The Board will vote on awarding the Highway 18/82nd St. construction contract in the Arboretum Area to S.M. Hentges & Son, Inc. for $16,136,255.26. Commissioners will also discuss the county’s 2025 legislative priorities during the work session.
- Approve Memorandum of Agreement with MNPEA Deputy Sheriffs for 2025 health‑insurance benefits, funding $1,149,938
- Award Highway 18 Project – Arboretum Area construction contract to S.M. Hentges & Son, Inc. for $16,136,255.26
- Adopt resolutions for right‑of‑way acquisition settlements for the Highway 18 Project – Arboretum Area
- Discuss 2025 Legislative Priorities (pages 13‑33 of agenda)
Board of Commissioners
The Carver County Board adopted the consent agenda, which included a joint powers agreement for the Highway 11‑14 project, a donation to the Sheriff's Office, and several professional services contracts. It approved a $1,000,000 release from the CDA Housing Project Fund for the Carver Oaks development and extended the Trail's Edge senior‑living timeline. The board also adopted the $82 million Master Space Plan and approved health‑insurance contribution rates for employees, retirees and non‑bargaining staff. A special event use permit was authorized for T‑Road Tavern’s Octoberfest.
- Joint Powers Agreement for the Highway 11‑14 Project with the City of Victoria
- Donation to the Carver County Sheriff's Office
- Professional Services Agreement with Avicado Consulting for Procore implementation
- New Tobacco License for Tobacco King Chanhassen
- Public Works Building D Trench Drain Repair
Drainage Authority
The Carver County Board of Commissioners will vote to adopt a resolution establishing a Joint County Drainage Authority with McLeod County for Carver Ditch 5. A similar resolution will be considered for Carver Ditch 7. Both actions would create a five‑member board (four Carver commissioners and one McLeod commissioner) to manage drainage benefits across county lines. The decisions have no direct impact on the county budget because ditch projects are funded by benefiting property owners.
- Adopt resolution forming Carver‑McLeod Joint Drainage Authority for Carver CD 5
- Adopt resolution forming Carver‑McLeod Joint Drainage Authority for Carver CD 7
- Joint Powers Agreement for the Highway 11‑14 Project with the City of Victoria
- Donation to the Carver County Sheriff's Office
- Professional Services Agreement with Avicado Consulting Services for Procore implementation
Planning Commission
The Carver County Planning Commission will approve minutes from the September meeting and hold public hearings on a conditional use permit for a church in Waconia Township and amendments to county cannabis regulations.
- Approve minutes from September 17, 2024
- Public hearing: Conditional Use Permit for Freshwater Community Church (Waconia Township)
- Public hearing: Amendments to County Code Chapter 152 (Cannabis Regulations)
- Public hearing: Conditional Use Permit for Roger Nitz (CBR, LLC)
- Meeting held at Government Center – Chaska
Board of Commissioners
The board is meeting as the drainage authority for three joint ditches to appoint new viewers for the redetermination of benefits. They will also discuss the timing for upcoming public hearings. These activities are funded by benefiting property owners with no impact on the county budget.
- Joint Ditch 4 (Carver, Wright, McLeod): Appoint Larry Murphy, Scott Henderson, Ken DeGier, and Robert Conely as viewers
- Joint Ditch 1 (Carver, McLeod): Appoint new viewers and discuss public hearing timing
- Joint Ditch 5 (Carver, McLeod): Appoint Chair, Vice Chair, and new viewers
- Discussion of scheduling public hearings for joint ditches in November or December 2024
Drainage Authority
The authority is meeting to appoint new viewers and discuss public hearing timing for the redetermination of benefits for Joint Ditches 1, 4, and 5. These activities are funded by benefiting property owners and do not impact the county budget.
- Joint Ditch 4: Appoint Larry Murphy, Scott Henderson, Ken DeGier, and Robert Conely as viewers
- Joint Ditch 1: Appoint Larry Murphy, Scott Henderson, Ken DeGier, and Robert Conely as viewers
- Joint Ditch 5: Appoint new viewers and discuss public hearing timing
- Discussion on scheduling public hearings for joint ditches in November or December
Board of Adjustment
The Carver County Board of Adjustment met on Oct 2, 2024 to approve the September 4 minutes and consider three variance requests. It approved a variance for Matt Yaeck to exceed the allowable personal storage space on his 20.4‑acre parcel in Section 29, Camden Township, permitting a 60‑by‑120‑foot structure of about 7,976 sq ft, 976 sq ft over the code limit, with conditions. The board also held public hearings on variance requests from Mike Lueth (exceeding storage space, sidewall height, total height, and rear‑yard setback) and Todd Hoerter (reconfigure non‑conforming parcels and reasonable use). The Yaeck variance was approved by a vote of five to one with conditions on subdivision, building permits, and use restrictions.
- Approve minutes of the September 4, 2024 meeting.
- Approve variance (Order #PZ20240039) for Matt Yaeck to exceed personal storage space – 60 × 120 ft (7,976 sq ft) on a 20.4‑acre parcel at 9950 County Rd 33, Camden Township.
- Public hearing on variance (File #20240038) for Mike Lueth to exceed storage space (2,048 sq ft), sidewall height (16 ft), total height (22 ft) and rear‑yard setback (15 ft) on a .89‑acre parcel in Section 22, Camden Township.
- Public hearing on variance (File #20240040) for Todd Hoerter to reconfigure non‑conforming parcels and request reasonable use in Watertown Township.
- Motion to approve Yaeck variance passed with conditions on minor subdivision, building permits, and use restrictions.
Board of Commissioners
The Carver County Board will consider a consent agenda that includes professional‑services agreements, payments, and right‑of‑way settlements related to road and infrastructure projects. Regular session items cover updates to the Carver Oaks trail agreement, the Master Space Plan, labor‑union health‑insurance agreements, and employee/retiree insurance contributions. The meeting also includes public comments, a county administrator report, and routine procedural actions.
- Amendment 4 to Professional Services Agreement for CSAH 11 Project with Alliant Engineering Inc. – additional $88,490 (total $403,645.13)
- Professional Services Agreement with Stonebrooke Engineering for 2024 Bridge Safety Inspections
- Final Acceptance and Payment to Henry G. Meigs, LLC for the 2024 County Wide Seal Coat Project
- Settlement Agreements for Right of Way Acquisitions for the Highway 11/14 Project
- Request to hire Part‑Time 0.5 FTE Licensed Deputy
Drainage Authority
The Carver County Board of Commissioners, acting as the Drainage Authority, will adopt a second amendment to the findings and order that confirms four new viewers for the redetermination of benefits for County Ditches 2‑3, 5, 6, 7, 9, and 10. The board will also consider creating two new joint ditches with Wright County for Ditches 5 and 7 and will direct the timing of public hearings for the remaining ditches. Additional consent‑agenda items include several professional services agreements and a final payment for a seal‑coat project.
- Adopt Second Amendment to Findings and Order appointing Larry Murphy, Scott Henderson, Ken DeGier, and Robert Conely as viewers for County Ditches 2‑3, 5, 6, 7, 9, and 10
- Create two new Joint Ditches with Wright County for County Ditches 5 and 7 and appoint four Carver County board members to each joint ditch
- Provide direction on timing for public hearings on County Ditches 2‑3, 6, 9, and 10
- Amendment 4 to Professional Services Agreement for CSAH 11
- Final Acceptance and Payment to Henry G. Meigs, LLC for the 2024 County Wide Seal Coat Project
Water Management Advisory Committee
The Carver County Water Management Advisory Committee approved the preliminary 2025 levy recommendation of $1,006,953. It also reviewed the draft Lake Bavaria Management Plan and asked for public comments. The meeting included updates on the 2024 levy ($953,429) and budget allocations, and staff reported recent fish kills in lakes such as Grace, Jonathan, and Bavaria.
- Approval of preliminary 2025 WMO levy recommendation – $1,006,953
- Presentation of draft Lake Bavaria Management Plan with request for comments
- 2024 levy amount $953,429, an increase of $59,365 (6.64%) over 2023
- Report of fish kills in lakes Grace, Jonathan, Bavaria, and others in the Minnehaha Creek Watershed
- Review of no‑wake ordinance triggers for Lakes Bavaria, Waconia, Pierson, and Reitz
Park Commission
The Parks & Recreation Commission is reviewing a request for a Special Event Use Permit for the T-Road Tavern Octoberfest. The event would take place on a portion of the Dakota Rail Regional Trail owned by the Carver County Regional Rail Authority.
- Special Use Permit request for T-Road Tavern Octoberfest (Oct 18-20, 2024)
- Proposed event activities: live music, alcohol service, food, and overnight camping
- Camping limitations: maximum 20 RV units, 80 people, no campfires, and no tent camping
- Estimated attendance: 750 people over 3 days
- Lake Minnewashta Playground groundbreaking hold date: 10/22/24
Board of Commissioners
The Carver County Board will review the preliminary 2025 levy and budget, along with several construction and trail projects. The meeting includes a recess to reconvene as the Carver County Regional Rail Authority.
- Preliminary Carver County 2025 Levy and Budget
- Preliminary Carver County Water Management Organization 2025 Levy
- CDA 2025 Budget and Levy
- Highway 11/14 Project design services agreement
- Highway 5 Project initial offers
Board of Commissioners
The Carver County Board will hear a presentation on the possibility of converting land within Lake Waconia Regional Park. Staff will provide an update on the County Solid Waste Management Plan and discuss the Master Space Plan. Preliminary 2025 levy proposals for the Water Management Organization and the Regional Rail Authority will be reviewed. No formal actions are requested at this work session.
- Lake Waconia Regional Park land conversion discussion
- County Solid Waste Management Plan update
- Master Space Plan presentation
- Preliminary 2025 levy for Carver County Water Management Organization
- Preliminary 2025 levy and budget for Regional Rail Authority
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss infrastructure projects, budget amendments, and land use requests. Key items include property acquisitions for Highway 11/14 and the 2025 CDA budget and levy.
- Resolution authorizing petition for eminent domain for the Highway 11/14 Project
- Creation of a $250k reserve account from HHS Out-of-Home/Residential Placement 2023 savings
- Request from B.H. Aggregate to mine aggregate for a road project (IUP)
- Professional Services Agreement with Mathiowetz Construction Co. for Hwy 51 Railroad Crossing
- CDA 2025 Budget and Levy discussion
Planning Commission
The Carver County Planning Commission will hold public hearings on three permit applications. The applications include a Conditional Use Permit for a public/quasi‑public facility in Waconia Township, an Interim Use Permit for a land reclamation project of over 10,000 cubic yards in Benton Township, and a Conditional Use Permit for a large‑scale church activity in Laketown Township. Each hearing will allow the public to comment before the commission decides on the permits.
- Public hearing on Conditional Use Permit for public/quasi‑public facility – Waconia Township (Applicant: Martin Walsh, Carver County Parks)
- Public hearing on Interim Use Permit for land reclamation of 10,000+ cubic yards – Benton Township (Applicant: Greg Huiras, Mathiowetz Construction Company)
- Public hearing on Conditional Use Permit for large‑scale church activity – Laketown Township (Applicant: Elijah Kracht, Freshwater Community Church)
Park Commission
The Carver County Park Commission will meet to approve a Special Event Use Permit for a speed walking marathon on the Dakota Rail Regional Trail. The meeting includes a tour of the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail and a review of long-range plans for Baylor Park.
- Special Use Permit – We Walk Marathon (Dakota Rail Regional Trail)
- Baylor Park Long-Range Plan
- County Road 10 Trailhead update
- MN River Bluffs: Circle the Brick Project
- Dakota Rail Regional Trail Crane Creek Bridge Repair
Board of Adjustment
The Carver County Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing to consider four variance requests regarding property setbacks and homestead requirements. The meeting will also include the approval of previous meeting minutes.
- Public hearing for Craig & Kimberly Foster (Waconia Township) to reduce SSTS setbacks
- Public hearing for Katherine & Jill Wachholz (Waconia Township) to reconfigure non-conforming parcels
- Public hearing for B H Aggregate Services, Inc. (Watertown Township) to reduce setback from residence
- Public hearing for William Dietz (Watertown Township) regarding property homestead requirement
- Public hearing for Tim Erhart (Laketown Township) regarding property homestead requirement
Board of Commissioners
The Carver County Board will vote on a consent agenda that includes a $51,186.43 contract amendment and final payment for the Paradise Commons park project, as well as a settlement stipulation with the CCRRA. The meeting also covers several professional‑services agreements, special‑event permits, and a proposed ordinance placing a moratorium on cannabis business activity in unincorporated areas of the county. Additional growth‑related items such as an aggregate mining request and a highway intersection construction contract will be discussed.
- Final Payment and Contract Amendment for Paradise Commons – $51,186.43 amendment, total contract $966,305.35
- Stipulation for Settlement Agreement between CCRRA and Carver County
- UAS (unmanned aerial system) purchase budget amendment
- Ordinance No. 107-2024: Moratorium on cannabis business activity in unincorporated Carver County
- Award contract to New Look Construction for Highway 17/West 78th Street Intersection Project
Board of Commissioners
The Carver County Board of Commissioners held a work session on July 23, 2024. Commissioners listened to a presentation by the Metropolitan Council’s new regional administrator about regional collaboration opportunities. They also received the annual report from the Carver County Mental Health Advisory Committee, covering its mission, needs assessment findings, and upcoming action plan. No fiscal or staffing impacts were noted.
- Metropolitan Council Introduction and Reconnection – presentation by Ryan O'Connor, Met Council Regional Administrator
- Annual Report from the Mental Health Advisory Committee – presentation by Chair Kelli Brenny
Park Commission
The commission will consider special event use permits for cross country meets at Baylor Regional Park and a yoga festival at Lake Minnewashta Regional Park. The meeting also includes a review of 2025 Parks Department budget requests and an update on the County Road 10 / Dakota Rail Regional Trailhead.
- Special Event Use Permit: ISD 108 High School Cross Country meets
- Special Event Use Permit: St. Johns Lutheran elementary school cross country meet
- Special Event Use Permit request: One Love Yoga festival
- Review of 2025 Parks Department budget requests
- Update on County Road 10 / Dakota Rail Regional Trailhead