Dodge County public meetings in 2025

Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Board of Commissioners will meet to approve routine consent agenda items, including a performance grant agreement and final bills for 2025. The meeting will also cover personnel updates and a loan request for Fairview Care Center.

• Emergency Management Performance Grant Agreement
• Final Payment of Bills for 2025
• Request for Support and Approval of a Loan with Fairview Care Center
• 2026 Authorized Depositories - Updated
• Minnesota Paid Leave (MPL) presentation

Fairview Care Center Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Fairview Care Center Board will review the 2026 budget and discuss loan arrangements. The board will also approve bills totaling $64,665.08 and personnel changes.

• Approval of 2026 Budget
• 2026 Loan Discussion
• Review and Approval of Bills ($64,665.08)
• Review and Approval of Personnel Changes
• HR Discussion (Off Record)

Administration Committee - Committee Meeting

The Administration Committee will receive a report on the Board of Commissioners regular meeting held on Dec 11, 2025. It will consider commissioner warrants. It will discuss personnel matters for the meeting date.

• Report on Board of Commissioners regular meeting (Dec 11, 2025)
• Consideration of commissioner warrants
• Personnel agenda for Dec 23, 2025

Committee of the Whole - Committee Meeting

The Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss the county fee schedule and 2026 board committee assignments. The agenda also includes a discussion regarding Minnesota firearms use during deer season.

• Minnesota Firearms Use During Deer Season
• County Board Committee Assignments for 2026
• Fee Schedule Discussion

Veteran Services Committee - Special Meeting

The Dodge County Veteran Services Committee will meet at 4:20 PM on December 11, 2025. The agenda lists a single item: a request to accept donations for veteran services. The committee will decide whether to approve the donation request.

• Request to accept veteran services donations

Public Health Committee - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Public Health Committee will meet on December 11, 2025 at 4:30 PM. The committee will consider a request to approve the county’s 2026 tobacco retailer licenses. The meeting will also include a public‑health update from Director Amy Evans.

• Request to approve 2026 tobacco retailer licenses
• Public health update from Director Amy Evans

Administration Committee - Committee Meeting

The Administration Committee will consider the reappointment of the Extension Committee. It will review personnel items for December 11, 2025. The committee will also address commissioner warrants and note the dates of the November 25, 2025 Committee of the Whole and Board of Commissioners meetings.

• Extension Committee reappointment
• Personnel agenda for Dec 11, 2025
• Commissioner warrants
• Committee of the Whole meeting on Nov 25, 2025
• Board of Commissioners regular meeting on Nov 25, 2025

Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Board will discuss the 2026 TNT budget, approve a settlement related to Steele County's withdrawal from the MN Prairie County Alliance, and consider a labor agreement with Teamsters Local 320 for assistant attorneys. Additional items include 2026 assessment agreements, certified budget resolution, and updates on elected salaries and a state trail partnership.

• 2026 TNT Budget Hearing (15 minutes)
• Approval of Settlement Agreement Relating to Steele County's Withdrawal from MN Prairie County Alliance (10 minutes)
• Labor Agreement with Teamsters Local 320 Assistant Attorneys (5 minutes)
• 2026 Assessment Agreements (5 minutes)
• 2026 Certified Budget Resolution (5 minutes)

The Dodge County Board unanimously reappointed three Planning Commission members and a Board of Adjustment member while also appointing a new Board of Adjustment member. It approved the 2026 assessment agreements for 18 jurisdictions ($144,415) and a labor agreement with Teamsters Local 320 Assistant Attorneys. The Board set 2026 salaries and per‑diem for elected officials and approved a settlement agreement for Steele County’s withdrawal from the MN Prairie County Alliance by a 4‑to‑1 vote.

• Reappointed Planning Commission members Darren Durst, Jim Checkel, Kevin Asprey (unanimous)
• Reappointed Board of Adjustment member Greg Klevos and appointed Tim Marquardt (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 assessment agreements for 18 jurisdictions ($144,415) (unanimous)
• Approved Labor Agreement with Teamsters Local 320 Assistant Attorneys (unanimous)
• Approved personnel actions: step increases for several staff and vacancy posting (unanimous)
• Adopted 2026 elected officials salaries and $80 per diem (unanimous)
• Approved Settlement Agreement for Steele County’s withdrawal from MN Prairie County Alliance (4‑1)
• Approved letter of support request for Kasson TH 57 trail project (no vote recorded)

Board of Adjustments - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Board of Adjustments will call the meeting to order and approve the agenda, which includes a public hearing notice for the December 10, 2025 meeting. The board will consider Appeal A#25-01 McCool_Hutton. After the appeal, the board will address any other business before adjourning.

• Approve agenda with public hearing notice for Dec 10, 2025 meeting
• Hear Appeal A#25-01 McCool_Hutton

The Board approved the public hearing notice for the meeting with a unanimous vote. A motion to add the attorneys' detailed remarks to the minutes also passed unanimously. The Board then unanimously voted to close the public hearing.

• Approved public hearing notice (unanimous)
• Approved motion to add detailed remarks to minutes (unanimous)
• Approved motion to close public hearing (unanimous)

test BOC regular

The Dodge County Board will open with standard procedural items, including the pledge, quorum check, and agenda adoption. Commissioners will receive reports from the Public Health, Veteran Services, and Public Works committees, and a test public health item will be presented by the County Administrator. The meeting also includes a consent agenda, a break, and deferred business before adjournment.

• Consent agenda
• Test public health item presented by County Administrator
• Public Health Committee report
• Veteran Services Committee report
• Public Works Committee report

Fairview Care Center Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Fairview Care Center Board of Directors will review and approve the 2026 budget, personnel changes, and bills totaling over $39,000. The meeting will also include a discussion on bathroom facilities for nursing mothers.

• Review and Approval of 2026 Budget
• Review and Approval of Bills ($39,087.95)
• Review and Approval of Personnel Changes
• Bathroom/Nursing Mothers Discussion and Approval
• ECPN Contributions: $40.24 per person for 2026

The Fairview Care Center Board modified the agenda to place New Business before Recurring Business and approved the October 2025 meeting minutes. It approved personnel actions, October bills totaling $167,900.82, the October financials, 2025 donations, and write‑offs. The board also approved changing the Laundry Aide full‑time equivalent from 1.0 to 0.8 effective January 2026. The 2026 budget will be presented in December for future approval.

• Added New Business above Recurring Business (motion carried)
• Approved October 2025 minutes (motion carried)
• Approved personnel actions (motion carried)
• Approved October bills totaling $167,900.82 (motion carried)
• Approved October financials (motion carried)
• Approved 2025 donations ($352.74 memorials, $5,930 social hour) (motion carried)
• Approved write‑offs totaling $18,117.90 (motion carried)
• Changed Laundry Aide FTE from 1.0 to 0.8 starting Jan 2026 (motion carried)

Public Works Committee - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Public Works Committee will meet to discuss an e-waste agreement and the purchase of a skid loader. The committee will also review LRIP grant applications for road projects in Hayfield and Dodge Center.

• E-Waste Agreement
• Purchase of Skid Loader
• LRIP Grant Application for Main St. and Center Ave., City of Hayfield
• LRIP Grant Application for Airport Drive North, City of Dodge Center

Administration Committee - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Administration Committee will meet to review personnel matters and financial warrants. The committee is scheduled to discuss the MMUA contract.

• MMUA Contract Discussion
• Personnel Agenda 11/25/25
• Commissioner Warrants
• Petro Fund Reimbursement signature requirement

Public Safety Committee - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Public Safety Committee will review a donation intended to purchase equipment for the Dodge County Sheriff's Office. The committee will also discuss a Hazard Mitigation Assistance Agreement presented by the Emergency Management Director.

• Donation to purchase equipment for the Dodge County Sheriff's Office (DCSO)
• Hazard Mitigation Assistance Agreement

Committee of the Whole - Committee Meeting

The Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss the full-time county attorney position. The body will also consider salary levels for elected officials for 2026.

• Full time county attorney position
• 2026 elected official salary consideration

The Committee of the Whole approved its meeting minutes. Commissioners discussed converting the County Attorney position from part‑time to full‑time, and a majority expressed support for the change. The County Administrator said a resolution will be presented at the first regular Board meeting in January 2026. No formal vote tally was recorded.

• Approved minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting (no vote tally provided)
• Majority of Board expressed support for converting County Attorney to full‑time (no vote tally provided)

Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Board will approve routine consent items and hear updates on grants, labor agreements, and legal matters. A major item is the discussion of the 2026 budget. Committee reports will cover public safety equipment, public works purchases, and hazard mitigation assistance.

• 2026 Budget Discussion
• FY 2026 and 2027 NRBG Grant Agreement
• Labor Agreement with 49ers Highway
• Labor Agreement with 49ers Transfer Station
• Purchase of Skid Loader

The Dodge County Board unanimously approved grant agreements for the County Ag Inspector and the Natural Resources Block Grant, and signed two 2026‑2028 labor contracts with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49 (Highway and Transfer Station). The Board also authorized several personnel actions, bill payments totaling $510,112.55, a travel request for the Finance Director, and a commercial lease with Minnesota Prairie County Alliance.

• Approved $10,300 grant agreement for County Ag Inspector (unanimous)
• Approved Natural Resources Block Grant FY 2026‑2027 (unanimous)
• Approved Labor Agreement with IUOE Local 49 Highway for 2026‑2028 (unanimous)
• Approved Labor Agreement with IUOE Local 49 Transfer Station for 2026‑2028 (unanimous)
• Approved personnel actions: step increase, hire, termination, non‑union pay scale (unanimous)
• Approved bills totaling $510,112.55 from various funds (unanimous)
• Approved Finance Director travel to San Francisco, cost approx $470 (unanimous)
• Approved lease of commercial space with Minnesota Prairie County Alliance at $14/sq ft, saving $12,137 (unanimous)

Committee of the Whole - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Committee of the Whole will meet to receive an annual update regarding the Dodge County Opioid Task Force. The update will be presented by Public Health Director Amy Evans and Health Educator Emma Basness.

• Dodge County Opioid Task Force Annual Update

The Dodge County Board heard the Opioid Task Force annual update covering settlement funds, guiding principles, budget, completed projects, and upcoming plans. The Board thanked the presenters. No motions, approvals, or other decisions were recorded before the meeting adjourned.

Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Board of Commissioners will discuss a housing needs study presented by Maxfield Research and Consulting. The meeting includes reviews of zoning administrator requests and contracts for CEDA and MnPrairie for 2026.

• Dodge County Housing Needs Study presentation
• CUP #94-18 amendment for Van Zuilen Enterprises LLC
• ZA #25-05 for Wildwood Cemetery Association
• ZA #25-06 Buffer Ordinance and ZA #25-07 Chapter 4
• CEDA Contract and MnPrairie Lease for 2026

The Dodge County Board of Commissioners approved a rezoning of a 7‑acre parcel from Rural Residential to Agricultural for the Wildwood Cemetery Association. It also adopted amendments to the Riparian Protection and Water Quality Practices Ordinance and the Shoreland Overlay District, and approved a Conditional Use Permit amendment expanding a farm animal operation for Van Zuilen Enterprises. In addition, the Board approved $275,315.66 in bills and removed a 2026 lease item from the agenda.

• Removed item 7.2 – MNPrairie Lease for 2026 from agenda (unanimous)
• Approved $275,315.66 in bills across six funds (unanimous)
• Approved CUP #94-18 amendment for Van Zuilen Enterprises farm animal expansion (unanimous)
• Adopted rezoning of Wildwood Cemetery parcel to Agricultural District (unanimous)
• Adopted amendment to Riparian Protection and Water Quality Practices Ordinance and Shoreland Overlay District (unanimous)
• Adopted amendment to Chapter 4 (Rules and Definitions) clarifying long‑term vs short‑term rentals (unanimous)

Public Health Committee - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Public Health Committee will meet to receive an update from Public Health Director Amy Evans. The meeting is scheduled for November 12, 2025, at 8:30 AM in Conference Room A of the Government Services Building in Mantorville.

• Public Health Update by Amy Evans

Administration Committee - Committee Meeting

The Administration Committee will review Commissioner warrants, a one-day liquor license request, and personnel agenda items. The meeting is scheduled for November 12, 2025.

• Review of Commissioner Warrants
• 1 Day Temporary On-Sale Liquor License
• Personnel Agenda 11/12/25

Public Works Committee - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Public Works Committee will meet at 8:45 AM on November 12, 2025. The committee will consider awarding SAP 020-598-032. No additional agenda items are listed.

• Award of contract SAP 020-598-032

Planning Commission - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Planning Commission will meet to discuss three zoning amendments and one conditional use permit amendment. The meeting includes a public hearing for these items.

• CUP #94-18 amendment for Van Zuilen Enterprises LLC
• ZA #25-05 for Wildwood Cemetery Association
• ZA #25-06 Buffer Ordinance
• ZA #25-07 Chapter 4

The commission approved the meeting agenda and minutes and adopted the public hearing notice unanimously. A motion to close the public hearing on the CUP amendment passed unanimously. The commission then unanimously recommended approval of Conditional Use Permit 94‑18 amendment with seven staff‑recommended conditions, to be acted on at the next meeting.

• Approved agenda and minutes (unanimous)
• Approved public hearing notice for November 5, 2025 (unanimous)
• Motion to close public hearing on CUP amendment passed (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of CUP 94‑18 amendment with seven conditions (unanimous)

Fairview Care Center Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Board of Directors will meet to approve personnel changes, bills, and financial statements. The meeting includes a review of the September and October workforce updates and current cash on hand.

• Review and approval of personnel changes
• Review and approval of bills
• Review and approval of financial statements
• Review of September cash on hand
• Workforce update for September and October

The board approved a modified agenda placing New Business before Recurring Business. It approved the September 2025 minutes, personnel actions, September bills totaling $167,900.82, and the September financials. The board also approved a county contribution of $40.24 per person per day for 2026. The next meeting was scheduled for November 25, 2025.

• Approved modified agenda (motion carried)
• Approved September 2025 minutes (motion carried)
• Approved personnel actions (motion carried)
• Approved September bills totaling $167,900.82 (motion carried)
• Approved September financials (motion carried)
• Approved county contribution of $40.24 per‑person‑day for 2026 (motion carried)
• Scheduled next board meeting for November 25, 2025 (motion carried)

Administration Committee - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Administration Committee will review the Committee of the Whole meeting held on Oct 14, 2025, and the Board of Commissioners regular meeting from the same date. It will consider commissioner warrants, discuss personnel matters for October 28, 2025, and evaluate a change order for the Midway construction project.

• Review of Committee of the Whole meeting (Oct 14, 2025)
• Review of Board of Commissioners regular meeting (Oct 14, 2025)
• Consideration of commissioner warrants
• Personnel agenda for Oct 28, 2025
• Midway construction change order

Committee of the Whole - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Committee of the Whole will meet on October 28, 2025 at 4:35 PM in Conference Room B of the Government Services Building. The agenda includes convening the meeting, a recognition of State Showcase Awards presented by County Administrator Jim Elmquist, and adjournment. No other items or decisions are listed.

• Recognition of State Showcase Awards

The board approved the meeting minutes for the October 28, 2025 Committee of the Whole session. The board also formally recognized the 4‑H State Fair purple ribbon winners from Dodge County, as outlined in a resolution read by Commissioner Toquam. No vote tallies were recorded for the recognition.

• Approved meeting minutes
• Formally recognized State Fair purple ribbon winners

Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Board of Commissioners will meet on October 28, 2025 to consider routine consent items, personnel agenda items, and several presentations. A key agenda item is the discussion of the 2026 County budget. Additional items include a construction change order, a right‑of‑way vacancy request, and community program presentations.

• 2026 Budget Discussion (Finance Director Jim Elmquist)
• Vacate existing right‑of‑way on C.S.A.H 24 (County Engineer Guy Kohlnhofer)
• Midway Construction Change Order (Commissioner Rhonda Toquam report)
• PowerOn Midwest Presentation (Rod Pritchard, ITC Midwest Manager)
• Big Ideas Trade Skills Lab & Career Exploration Day Presentation (Laura Qualey)

The commissioners adopted the meeting agenda and consent agenda items unanimously. They approved $212,736.20 in allocations from the Revenue, Road and Bridge, Environmental Quality, and The Midway funds. Personnel actions were approved, including step increases, two terminations, and authorizations to post vacancies. The board also authorized the sheriff to hire a replacement deputy and set a $300 rental fee for The Midway banquet.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda items (unanimous)
• Approved $212,736.20 in fund allocations (unanimous)
• Approved personnel actions: step increases, terminations, vacancy postings (unanimous)
• Authorized sheriff to proceed with hiring replacement deputy (unanimous)
• Set rental fee for The Midway banquet at $300 (unanimous)

Public Works Committee - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Public Works Committee will meet to discuss one item regarding cell phone authorization. Environmental Services Director Lauren Cornelius is scheduled to present the request.

• Cell phone authorization for Zachary Schultz

Committee of the Whole - Committee Meeting

The Committee of the Whole will meet to hear a report from Leota Lind, CEO of the South Country Health Alliance.

• South Country Health Alliance Report

The Dodge County Board met in Committee of the Whole on Oct. 14, 2025 and established a quorum. Commissioners heard a semi‑annual report from the South Country Health Alliance. The Board approved the meeting minutes and then adjourned.

• Approved the Committee of the Whole meeting minutes

Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Board will first approve routine items on the consent agenda, including tobacco license fees and a cell phone authorization. Commissioners will then discuss a proposed labor agreement with Teamsters Local 320 and several liquor license applications, including a standard license with Sunday sales. Additional topics include a preliminary levy request for 2026, an incident response and artificial intelligence policy, and updates from the public health and administration committees.

• Consent agenda items such as Tobacco License Fees and Cell Phone Authorization
• Labor Agreement with Teamsters Local 320
• Standard Liquor License with Sunday Sale (and related temporary license approvals)
• SEMMCHRA Preliminary Levy Request 2026
• Incident Response Policy and Artificial Intelligence Policy

The commissioners adopted an agenda amendment to add a tax system conversion update. They unanimously approved an interim use permit for an accessory dwelling unit on a 3.31‑acre property in Ashland Township and a conditional use permit for an agricultural sales business on 24.05 acres in Hayfield Township, each with staff‑recommended conditions. They also unanimously adopted an amendment to the Dodge‑Olmsted Solid Waste Management Agreement that suspends Sections 6 and 8.5 from Jan 1 2026 to June 30 2028 and sets a $100 per ton tipping fee for that period.

• Adopted agenda amendment to include tax system conversion update (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda items (minutes, tobacco license fees, etc.) (unanimous)
• Approved Interim Use Permit #25-04 for ADU on 3.31‑acre site with conditions (unanimous)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit #25-05 for Return LLC agricultural sales business on 24.05‑acre site with conditions (unanimous)
• Adopted amendment to Solid Waste Management Agreement suspending Sections 6 and 8.5 and setting $100/ton tipping fee (unanimous)

Administration Committee - Committee Meeting

The committee will consider and vote on multiple liquor license requests, including standard licenses with Sunday sales and a temporary license. Specific applicants are Zumbro Valley Recreation Club and The Oaks Country Club. The meeting also includes discussion of commissioner warrants and a personnel agenda.

• Standard Liquor License with Sunday Sale
• Liquor License – Zumbro Valley Recreation Club
• Liquor License – The Oaks Country Club
• Standard Liquor License with Sunday Sale and Temporary Liquor License Approval
• Commissioner Warrants

Public Health Committee - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Public Health Committee meeting on October 14, 2025 will discuss the county’s tobacco license fee structure, consider a request to approve certain financial write‑offs, and receive a public health update from the director. These items are on the agenda for the committee’s regular session.

• Review and possible adjustment of tobacco license fees
• Consider approval of requested financial write‑offs
• Public health update from Director Amy Evans

Planning Commission - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on two permit applications: IUP #25-04 for Smith_Allen and CUP #25-05 for Return LLC. The meeting will also include approval of the agenda and minutes from the September 3, 2025 meeting. Additional items are limited to standard procedural business.

• Public hearing on IUP #25-04 Smith_Allen (Intentional Use Permit)
• Public hearing on CUP #25-05 Return LLC (Conditional Use Permit)
• Approval of agenda and minutes from Sep 3, 2025 meeting

The commission approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the September 3 meeting, both unanimously. A public hearing was held for Interim Use Permit #25-04 to add an attached accessory dwelling unit on a 3.31‑acre agricultural property. The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the IUP with nine staff‑recommended conditions. The motion to close the hearing also passed unanimously.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Accepted September 3 minutes (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing on IUP #25-04 (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of IUP #25-04 with nine conditions (unanimous)

Administration Committee - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Administration Committee will review September warrants, personnel actions, and a proposed amendment to the Avenu Tax and CAMA contract.

• Review of September Commissioner Warrants
• Personnel Agenda for September 23, 2025
• Amendment 9 to MCCC Avenu Tax and CAMA Contract

Committee of the Whole - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Committee of the Whole will meet on September 23, 2025 at 4:30 PM. The agenda includes a follow‑up on JPB presented by the Environmental Services Director. The meeting also includes a presentation of the Insurance Committee Recommendation for 2026 by the Employee Relations Director and an insurance consultant.

• JPB Follow‑Up
• Insurance Committee Recommendation for 2026

The Dodge County Board approved the minutes from the Committee of the Whole meeting held on September 23, 2025. Commissioners discussed a proposed amendment to the Solid Waste Management Agreement with Olmsted County, but no vote or decision was recorded. The Insurance Committee presented recommendations for 2026 medical and dental coverage, and the board noted the item will be taken up for formal action at a later regular session. The meeting was adjourned at 4:54 p.m.

• Approved meeting minutes

Fairview Care Center Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Fairview Care Center Board approved the July bills totaling $173,143.30, reviewed personnel updates, and adopted a three‑year therapy contract with Blue Stone effective Oct 1 2025. It also approved a new wage scale starting Jan 1 2026 that raises entry wages to $19/hour, costing about $147 K with a $50 K reimbursement, and changed the Business Office Manager title to Assistant Administrator.

• Approved July bills of $173,143.30
• Adopted three‑year therapy contract with Blue Stone, replacing Select Rehab
• Approved new wage scale effective Jan 1 2026, raising starting wage to $19/hour (cost ~$147K, $50K reimbursement)
• Changed Business Office Manager title to Assistant Administrator with wage step shift
• Discussed ditch cleaning on east side of building off 10th Street (investigation ongoing)

The Fairview Care Center Board approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from August 2025. It approved the personnel actions for August and authorized payment of August bills totaling $162,980.77. The board also approved the August financial statements. The next regular board meeting was scheduled for October 28, 2025.

• Approved agenda as presented (motion carried)
• Approved August 2025 minutes (motion carried)
• Approved August personnel actions (motion carried)
• Approved August bills totaling $162,980.77 (motion carried)
• Approved August financials (motion carried)
• Set next board meeting for October 28, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.

Veteran Services Committee - Special Meeting

At the special meeting on September 23, 2025, the Dodge County Veteran Services Committee will discuss a request to accept donations for veteran services. The agenda lists only this item, with no further details provided.

• Request to accept veteran services donations

Public Works Committee - Committee Meeting

The Public Works Committee will hear a market price update for 2026 from the Environmental Services Director. It will also consider a contract for engineering services to replace the CSAH 5 bridge (ID 20506) and the 640th Street bridge (ID 20532). The committee will decide whether to approve the engineering contract for these bridge projects.

• Market price update for 2026 presented by Environmental Services Director
• Contract for engineering services for CSAH 5 Bridge 20506 replacement
• Contract for engineering services for 640th Street Bridge 20532 replacement

Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Board will consider routine consent items, insurance recommendations for 2026, and several zoning applications. The meeting includes a legal update, a review of the 2025 preliminary budget certification, and reports on veteran services donations and public‑works contracts for bridge replacements. A closed‑session will address collective bargaining matters.

• Approve 2025 Preliminary Budget Certification (Item 8.1)
• Consider contract for engineering services for bridge replacements on CSAH 5 (Bridge 20506) and 640th Street (Bridge 20532) (Item 10.2)
• Review ZA #25-04 Chapter 21 zoning application (Item 4.1)
• Insurance Committee recommendation for 2026 (Item 2.1)
• Request to accept veteran services donations (Item 9.1)

The Dodge County Board adopted an amendment to Chapter 21 governing subsurface sewage treatment systems with a 3‑to‑2 vote. It approved continuing Blue Cross Blue Shield medical coverage for 2026, adding a high‑deductible plan and keeping VEBA contributions unchanged. Personnel step increases for three staff members and a status change for another were approved unanimously. Three zoning amendments converting agricultural land to industrial, commercial, and rural residential uses were also adopted.

• Adopted amendment to Chapter 21 (Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems) – 3‑2 vote
• Approved continuation of BCBS 2026 medical plan, added high‑deductible option, kept VEBA contributions – unanimous
• Approved personnel step increases for Sarah Johnson, Tobey Hicks, Shelly Grossman and status change for Lindsey Vavra – unanimous
• Adopted rezoning Agricultural → Industrial (Section 10, Ashland Township) – unanimous
• Adopted rezoning Agricultural → Commercial (Section 16, Vernon Township) – unanimous
• Adopted rezoning Agricultural → Rural Residential (Section 28, Westfield Township) – unanimous

Public Safety Committee - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Public Safety Committee will meet to review a grant application for 2026 and discuss the replacement of vehicles.

• Review 2026 Towards Zero Deaths Grant
• Discuss replacement vehicles for 2026

Public Health Committee - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Public Health Committee will hear a public health update presented by Amy Evans, the Public Health Director. No decisions or actions are listed on the agenda. The meeting is scheduled for September 9, 2025 at 8:45 AM in Conference Room A, Government Services Building, Mantorville, MN.

• Public Health Update presentation by Director Amy Evans

Committee of the Whole - Committee Meeting

The Committee of the Whole will convene at 9:00 a.m. and hear a legislative update from Senator Carla Nelson. No other agenda items or decisions are listed.

The Dodge County Board of Commissioners approved the meeting minutes for the Committee of the Whole held on September 9, 2025. The session included a legislative update from Senator Carla Nelson and discussion of nursing home funding, bridge deficiencies, and MnDOT review delays, but no further actions were approved, denied, or tabled.

• Approved meeting minutes (no vote tally provided)

Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Board of Commissioners will hold a 2026 budget discussion. They will receive updates on the "Towards Zero Deaths" public health initiative and a grant for the same program. The board will consider replacement vehicles for 2026 and review several zoning agenda items. A final payment for SAP 020-609-038 is listed on the consent agenda.

• 2026 Budget Discussion (10 minutes)
• 2026 Towards Zero Deaths Grant (5 minutes)
• Replacement Vehicles for 2026 (10 minutes)
• ZA #25-02 Hemingway (10 minutes)
• Final Payment for SAP 020-609-038 (5 minutes, consent agenda)

The Dodge County Board unanimously approved several zoning measures, including ZA #25-02 Hemingway, IUP #25-03 Sprau, and an amendment to Chapter 18 (Removal Permit) via Resolution #2025-29. Personnel step‑increase actions were adopted by a 3‑to‑1 vote. The Board also unanimously approved the listed bill payments. A proposal to upsize sewage treatment systems was tabled unanimously for further review.

• Approved Zoning Amendment #25-02 Hemingway (unanimous)
• Approved Interim Use Permit #25-03 Sprau (unanimous)
• Adopted amendment to Chapter 18 (Removal Permit) via Resolution #2025-29 (unanimous)
• Tabled proposal to upsize sewage treatment systems (unanimous)
• Approved personnel step‑increase actions (3‑to‑1)
• Approved bill payments totaling $89,455.53 (unanimous)

Administration Committee - Committee Meeting

The Administration Committee will meet to discuss the August 26 Board of Commissioners meeting, commissioner warrants, and the personnel agenda.

• Review of August 26, 2025, Board of Commissioners meeting
• Commissioner Warrants
• Personnel Agenda for September 9, 2025

Public Works Committee - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Public Works Committee will review the final payment for SAP 020‑609‑038. The item is presented by County Engineer Guy Kohlnhofer. No additional details such as amount or contract terms are provided in the agenda.

• Final payment for SAP 020‑609‑038 (no amount listed)

Planning Commission - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Planning Commission meeting will discuss several land‑use items. Commissioners will consider Zoning Amendment ZA #25-02 for the Hemingway area. They will also review an Interim Use Permit (IUP #25-03) for Sprau and an amended Conditional Use Permit (CUP #94-18) for Van Zuilen Enterprises LLC. Additional zoning amendments ZA #25-03 Chapter 18 and ZA #25-04 Chapter 21 will be on the agenda.

• Zoning Amendment ZA #25-02 Hemingway
• Interim Use Permit IUP #25-03 Sprau
• Amended Conditional Use Permit CUP #94-18 Van Zuilen Enterprises LLC
• Zoning Amendment ZA #25-03 Chapter 18
• Zoning Amendment ZA #25-04 Chapter 21

The commission approved the agenda and minutes, then unanimously recommended approval of Zoning Amendment #25-02 to rezone a 0.39‑acre parcel from Agricultural to Rural Residential. It also unanimously recommended approval of Interim Use Permit #25-03 for a 3‑acre dwelling with six staff‑recommended conditions. The amendment to Conditional Use Permit #94-18 was withdrawn by the applicant. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved agenda and minutes (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Zoning Amendment 25-02 (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Interim Use Permit 25-03 with six conditions (unanimous)
• Recorded withdrawal of Conditional Use Permit 94-18 amendment (withdrawn)
• Added Westfield Township attendance sheet to minutes (unanimous)
• Added post‑deadline comment to minutes (unanimous)

Fairview Care Center Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Board of Directors will discuss personnel changes, financial reports, and a therapy contract. The board is tasked with reviewing and approving the wage scale effective January 1, 2026, and ditch cleaning.

• Review and approval of January 1, 2026, Wage Scale
• Review and approval of ditch cleaning
• Review and approval of July personnel changes
• Review and approval of July financials and bills
• Information item regarding Therapy Contract

The board approved the July 2025 bills totaling $173,143.30 and the July financial statements. It adopted a new wage scale effective January 18 2025, raising starting wages to $19 per hour and costing about $147,000, with a $50,000 reimbursement application pending. The board also changed the Business Office Manager title to Assistant Administrator with a corresponding wage adjustment.

• Approved agenda (motion carried)
• Approved July 2025 minutes (motion carried)
• Approved personnel actions (motion carried)
• Approved July bills $173,143.30 (motion carried)
• Approved July financials (motion carried)
• Approved new wage scale effective Jan 18 2025 (motion carried)
• Approved title change to Assistant Administrator with wage shift (motion carried)

Administration Committee - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Administration Committee will meet to review commissioner warrants and personnel matters. The committee will also discuss a phone stipend for Landry Nanga Nzinga.

• Commissioner Warrants
• Personnel Agenda 8/26/25
• Phone stipend for Landry Nanga Nzinga

Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss the 2026 budget and review commissioner warrants. The agenda also includes a presentation from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation and a request to approve tobacco retailer licenses.

• 2026 Budget Discussion
• Approval of 2025 Tobacco Retailer Licenses
• Commissioner Warrants
• Phone Stipend for Landry Nanga Nzinga
• National Preparedness Month Proclamation

The board unanimously approved the National Preparedness Month proclamation and a 2025 tobacco retailer license for Hayfield Grocery & Hardware. It also approved several personnel actions, including hires, step increases and a termination. Finally, the board authorized $286,366.84 in payments from the Revenue, Road and Bridge, Environmental Quality and The Midway funds.

• Approved National Preparedness Month proclamation (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 tobacco retailer license for Hayfield Grocery & Hardware (unanimous)
• Approved personnel actions: step increase for Jessica Brennan, hire Alysia Borowski, termination of Ken Schuck, vacancy posting for deputy sheriff, step increase for Jim Lee, hire Renae Forsman (unanimous)
• Approved bills totaling $286,366.84 from Revenue, Road and Bridge, Environmental Quality and The Midway funds (unanimous)

Board of Adjustments - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Board of Adjustments will meet to review and potentially decide on a variance request. The meeting includes a public hearing for the specific variance application.

• Variance V#25-05 Kunz

The Board of Adjustments approved the meeting agenda and the July 29, 2025 minutes by unanimous vote. A motion to close the public hearing on variance V#25-05 was passed. No final decision on the Kunz variance request was recorded in the minutes.

• Approved agenda (4-0 unanimous)
• Approved July 29, 2025 minutes (4-0 unanimous)
• Motion to close public hearing passed

Administration Committee - Committee Meeting

The Administration Committee will consider the Commissioner warrants. It will discuss a gambling permit request for the WGA 4 Kids 50/50 raffle at the Big Iron Truck Show. The meeting also includes a personnel agenda covering staff matters.

• Commissioner warrants
• WGA 4 Kids 50/50 raffle gambling permit – Big Iron Truck Show
• Personnel agenda items
• Committee of the Whole meeting review
• Board of Commissioners regular meeting review

Veteran Services Committee - Special Meeting

The Dodge County Veteran Services Committee will meet to discuss a request to accept donations for veteran services. The meeting is scheduled for August 12, 2025, at 8:45 AM in Conference Room C of the Government Services Building in Mantorville.

• Request to accept Veteran Services donations
• Veteran Services Officer Jacob Petersen to present

Public Works Committee - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Public Works Committee will meet to discuss a road use and repair agreement. The session features a report from County Engineer Guy Kohlnhofer.

• Road Use and Repair Agreement for Dodge County Wind, LLC

Committee of the Whole - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Committee of the Whole will meet to review the 2026 Soil and Water Conservation District budget. The committee will also discuss fees related to Midway.

• 2026 SWCD Budget Presentation
• Midway Fee Discussion

The County Board decided that the county‑owned chairs and tables will remain in The Midway and the county will not enter the chair‑and‑table rental business. The Board also approved free use of The Midway for the Big Iron Classic this year, but required the promoter to sign the county’s rental agreement and use permit. Future rentals will be managed directly by the county and will be charged a fee. The Board supported sending a letter to the Fair Board President asking it to stop misrepresenting its authority over The Midway.

• Keep county‑owned chairs and tables in The Midway; no county rental business
• Allow free use of The Midway for the Big Iron Classic event this year
• Require Big Iron Classic promoter to sign county rental agreement and use permit (no fee this year)
• Establish that future rentals of The Midway will be managed by the county and will be fee‑based
• Support sending a letter to the Fair Board President to cease misrepresenting authority over The Midway

Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Board of Commissioners will review the 2026 budget and 2025 mid-year financials. The meeting includes discussions on zoning applications and a road use agreement for Dodge County Wind, LLC.

• 2026 Budget Discussion
• Road Use and Repair Agreement for Dodge County Wind, LLC
• Zoning requests: ZA #25-01 Oslo360 LLC, IUP #25-02 McNeilus, and CUP #25-04 Oslo360 LLC-Wade Gulbransen
• Ditch #7 petition to impound, reroute, and divert a portion of Lateral A
• WGA 4 Kids 50/50 Raffle Gambling Permit for Big Iron Truck Show

The commissioners unanimously approved the Road Use and Repair Agreement with Dodge County Wind, LLC for its 259‑MW wind project. They also accepted the MetLife bid for Paid Family Medical Leave, authorized personnel hires and step increases, and approved funding for a traffic‑safety education grant and a $2,000 contribution to a mobile trade‑skills lab. Zoning amendment 25‑01 and Interim Use Permit 25‑02 were also approved.

• Approved Road Use and Repair Agreement with Dodge County Wind, LLC (unanimous)
• Accepted MetLife bid for Paid Family Medical Leave effective Jan 1, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved multiple personnel actions: step increase for Joe Flett, hire Zachary Schultz, vacancy fill for Recorder Office Supervisor, hire Landry Nanga Nzinga, step increase for Darin Wilking (unanimous)
• Authorized Public Health to apply for Towards Zero Deaths traffic‑safety funding (unanimous)
• Approved up to $2,000 county contribution to Big Ideas Mobile Learning Lab and contract (unanimous)
• Approved Zoning Amendment 25‑01 to rezone 0.46‑acre parcel to Commercial District (unanimous)
• Approved Interim Use Permit 25‑02 for dwelling on 4.38‑acre parcel in Agricultural District (unanimous)

Planning Commission - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Planning Commission will review a zoning amendment (ZA #25-01) submitted by Oslo360 LLC. The commission will also hear an interim use permit (IUP #25-02) for McNeilus and a conditional use permit (CUP #25-04) for Oslo360 LLC and Wade Gulbransen. Public comments are accepted in person, via Microsoft Teams, or in writing before the meeting.

• Zoning Amendment ZA #25-01 submitted by Oslo360 LLC
• Interim Use Permit IUP #25-02 for McNeilus
• Conditional Use Permit CUP #25-04 for Oslo360 LLC and Wade Gulbransen

The commission approved the meeting agenda and minutes unanimously. It closed the public hearing on the zoning amendment and then unanimously recommended approval of Zoning Amendment 25-01 to rezone 0.46 acres from Agricultural to Commercial. The commission also closed the public hearing on Interim Use Permit 25-02 and unanimously recommended its approval with three conditions.

• Approved agenda and minutes (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing on Zoning Amendment 25-01 (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Zoning Amendment 25-01 (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing on Interim Use Permit 25-02 (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Interim Use Permit 25-02 with three conditions (unanimous)

Board of Adjustments - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Board of Adjustments will hold a public hearing and decide on Variance V# 25-04 submitted by Oslo360 LLC (Gulbransen). The meeting includes standard agenda approval and other business items. Participation options are provided for in‑person, Zoom, or written comments.

• Variance V# 25-04 Oslo360 LLC_Gulbransen

The board approved the meeting agenda unanimously. It also accepted the minutes from the June 25, 2025 meeting unanimously. No decisions were made on the variance request presented.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Accepted June 25, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Fairview Care Center Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Fairview Care Center Board will review and approve the May 2025 bills totaling $161,432.05, along with the accompanying financial statements. Personnel changes from May, including promotions and terminations, will also be reviewed and approved. The meeting includes routine updates on workforce, census rates, and upcoming legislative and funding changes.

• Approval of May bills totaling $161,432.05 (Early Bills $38,176.77, Regular Bills $123,255.28)
• Approval of May financial statements with no major changes noted
• Review and approval of May personnel actions, including promotions and terminations
• Discussion of upcoming holiday pay rule change for 2026
• Update on transition from RUG to PDPM resident payment rates

The Fairview Care Center Board approved the meeting agenda, June 2025 minutes, personnel actions, June bills totaling $157,751.40, and the June financials. An off‑record vote also approved requested changes to staffing and scheduling. All motions were carried.

• Approved agenda including closed session (motion carried)
• Approved June 2025 minutes (motion carried)
• Approved personnel actions (motion carried)
• Approved June bills in the amount of $157,751.40 (motion carried)
• Approved June financials (motion carried)
• Approved requested changes to staffing/scheduling (motion carried)

Public Health Committee - Committee Meeting

The Public Health Committee will review the Third Judicial District Cooperative Agreement for FY2026. It will also discuss a donation for the 2025 Drug Court Sober Fest and receive a public health update from the Public Health Director.

• Third Judicial District Cooperative Agreement (FY2026)
• Donation for Drug Court Sober Fest 2025
• Public Health Update

Administration Committee - Committee Meeting

The Administration Committee will consider the commissioner warrants, which are routine approvals of expenditures. It will also address items on the personnel agenda for July 22, 2025. No other substantive agenda items are listed.

• Review of commissioner warrants
• Discussion of personnel agenda items for July 22, 2025

Public Safety Committee - Committee Meeting

The Public Safety Committee will consider a donation intended for purchasing equipment for the Dodge County Sheriff's Office. The discussion will focus on the terms and approval of the donation. No other agenda items are listed.

• Donation to purchase equipment for DCSO

Public Works Committee - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Public Works Committee will review and approve the final payment for two State Aid Projects, identified as SAP 020-599-121 and SAP 020-599-122. The payment decision will be made during the July 22, 2025 meeting.

• Final payment for SAP 020-599-121
• Final payment for SAP 020-599-122

Committee of the Whole - Committee Meeting

The Committee of the Whole will convene and consider the SEMMCHRA Preliminary Levy Request for the 2026 fiscal year. No other agenda items are listed. The meeting will adjourn after this discussion.

• SEMMCHRA Preliminary Levy Request 2026

The Dodge County Board of Commissioners approved the minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held on July 22, 2025. The board heard a presentation on SEMMCHRA’s preliminary 2026 HRA levy request but took no action on it. Commissioners were told the levy request will be considered at a later meeting.

• Approved meeting minutes

Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Board will consider routine consent agenda items and approve commissioner warrants. It will receive updates from the legal, public health, public safety, public works, and administration committees. A donation to purchase equipment for the Dodge County Sheriff's Office and a final payment for two SAP projects are among the specific items discussed.

• Third Judicial District Cooperative Agreement (FY2026)
• Commissioner Warrants
• Donation to Purchase Equipment for DCSO
• Final Payment for SAP 020-599-121 and SAP 020-599-122
• Drug Court Sober Fest 2025 Donation

The commissioners unanimously approved a $57,045.50 final payment to ICON Constructors for completed bridge replacements in Mantoville and Hayfield townships. They also authorized UBS Financial Services and the MAGIC Fund as new county depositories. Additional actions included approving $654,301.04 in bill allocations, personnel step increases and hires, and accepting donations for the Drug Court Sober Fest and the sheriff’s office.

• Approved $57,045.50 final payment to ICON Constructors for bridge projects (unanimous)
• Added UBS Financial Services and MAGIC Fund to authorized depositories (unanimous)
• Approved $654,301.04 in bill allocations from various county funds (unanimous)
• Approved step increase for Matt Bollum, Building Operations Manager (unanimous)
• Authorized hire of Jannalynn Delzer, Account Technician (unanimous)
• Approved step increase for Mayra Rodriguez, Community Health Worker (unanimous)
• Accepted $96 donation for 2025 Drug Court Sober Fest (unanimous)
• Accepted $175 total donations for sheriff’s office equipment (unanimous)

Administration Committee - Committee Meeting

The Administration Committee will receive reports on the recent Committee of the Whole and Board of Commissioners meetings. It will consider the commissioner warrants presented by the Taxpayer Services Director. The meeting will also include a personnel agenda item presented by the Employee Relations Director.

• Review of Committee of the Whole meeting held June 24, 2025
• Review of Board of Commissioners regular meeting held June 24, 2025
• Consideration of commissioner warrants
• Discussion of personnel agenda items

Committee of the Whole - Committee Meeting

The Committee of the Whole will hear an update from the University of Minnesota Extension about the financial impacts of recent legislation. The presentation will be given by Lisa Dierks, the regional director. No other items are on the agenda.

• Extension update on financial impacts of legislation (presented by Lisa Dierks)

The Committee of the Whole met on July 8, 2025, and received an update on federal and state funding cuts affecting University of Minnesota Extension services in Dodge County. Commissioners expressed concerns about the cuts and the impact on staff, and discussed the cancellation of the Fairview community garden for this year. No votes or formal actions were recorded.

Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Board will consider a request for funding from the Local Housing Trust Fund presented by the Adult & Disability Services Supervisor. Additional agenda items include a GIS open data discussion, a resolution supporting regional park designation, a legal update, and a closed‑session labor negotiations strategy. The meeting also features routine consent items and commissioner reports.

• Local Housing Trust Fund Request – presented by Brandon Smith, MNPrairie Adult & Disability Services Supervisor
• GIS Open Data presentation – Ryan DeCook, Land Records Director
• Resolution Supporting Regional Park Designation – Melissa DeVetter, Project Manager
• Legal Update – Paul Kiltinen, County Attorney
• Closed‑session (Statute 13D.03) labor negotiations strategy – Nichole Farnsworth & Jim Elmquist

The Dodge County Board approved two 0% interest deferred loans of $25,000 each for gap financing of workforce housing in Claremont, with forgiveness after ten years. The Board also adopted a motion to host the county’s GIS data on the MN Geospatial Commons in 2026. Additional actions included approval of several personnel step‑increase and FTE adjustments and the payment of $96,993.31 in bills from various county funds. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved gap‑financing loans $25,000 each for two Claremont homes (unanimous)
• Approved GIS data hosting on MN Geospatial Commons for 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved bills totaling $96,993.31 from Revenue, Road & Bridge, Environmental Quality, and The Midway funds (unanimous)
• Increased Becky Lubahn’s FTE from .90 to .95 (unanimous)
• Step increase for Andrew Aswegan to $29.54 (unanimous)
• Step increase for Tania Olson to $42.82 (unanimous)
• Step increase for Joel Waltz to $28.14 (unanimous)
• Adjusted FTEs for Bob Morris (+.10), Ken Schuck (to on‑call), Michael Weaver (to .40) (unanimous)

Board of Adjustments - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Board of Adjustments will meet to conduct a public hearing. The board is scheduled to consider a variance request for Hemingway.

• Variance V#25-03 Hemingway

The Board of Adjustments unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the prior meeting minutes. The board also unanimously approved the public hearing notice for the June 25, 2025 meeting. No final decision was recorded on variance request V#25-03 for the Hemingway property.

• Approved agenda and minutes (unanimous)
• Approved public hearing notice (unanimous)

Fairview Care Center Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Fairview Care Center Board reviewed and approved the May meeting minutes, authorized personnel changes including new hires, wage adjustments, and terminations, and accepted May financial statements and bills totaling $187,057.89. The board also approved a proposal to merge sub‑accounts. The meeting concluded with adjournment.

• Approval of May meeting minutes
• Approval of May personnel changes (new hires, wage increases, terminations)
• Approval of May bills totaling $187,057.89
• Approval of May financial statements
• Approval of merging sub‑accounts

The Fairview Care Center Board approved a change to holiday pay that removes double‑time for holidays beginning in 2026. It also approved May bills totaling $161,432.05, merged the Resident Personal Needs fund into the Social Hour Fund, and ratified personnel actions and the May financial statements. All motions were carried.

• Approved holiday pay change: no double time for holidays in 2026 (motion carried)
• Approved May bills totaling $161,432.05 (motion carried)
• Approved merging Resident Personal Needs fund into Social Hour Fund (motion carried)
• Approved personnel actions discussed (motion carried)
• Approved May financial statements (motion carried)
• Approved agenda as submitted (motion carried)
• Approved minutes of May 2025 (motion carried)
• Approved next board meeting date: July 22, 2025 (motion carried)

Public Works Committee - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Public Works Committee will consider two contract awards. Item 1.1 authorizes SAP 020-599-124 for bridge work in Westfield Township. Item 1.2 authorizes SAP 020-601-016. Both items are approvals of standard procurement agreements.

• Award SAP 020-599-124 for Westfield Township bridge repairs/replacements
• Award SAP 020-601-016 (project description not specified in agenda)

Committee of the Whole - Committee Meeting

The Committee of the Whole will meet to hear a presentation from Medical Examiner Dr. Ross Reichard. No other decisions or discussions are listed on the agenda.

• Medical Examiner presentation by Dr. Ross Reichard

The Committee of the Whole approved the minutes of the June 24, 2025 meeting. The board received a medical examiner report and a district outreach representative introduction, but no further actions were taken. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 a.m.

• Approved meeting minutes

Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Board will discuss routine consent agenda items and a personnel agenda. A key item is a resolution to support the State of Minnesota capital budget request for the Dodge County Restoration Park expansion, including quarry and adjacent land acquisition. Additional items include commissioner warrants, a legal update, and an administration committee report on pull‑tabs gambling permits.

• Consent agenda items (routine approvals)
• Personnel agenda
• Resolution of support for state capital budget request for Restoration Park expansion – quarry/adjacent land acquisition
• Commissioner warrants
• Administration Committee Report – pull‑tabs gambling permit(s)

The board approved a resolution (2025‑22) fully supporting a $1,500,000 state general‑fund request to acquire 170 acres of the Stussy Quarry and 6 acres of private land to expand Restoration Park. It also authorized the posting and filling of a vacant Solid Waste Facility Operator position, approved step‑increase salary adjustments for three employees, and adopted several bills totaling $205,649.38 from various county funds. Additionally, the board unanimously approved pull‑tabs gambling permits for K‑M Snowdrifters at the Dodge County Fairgrounds for July 16‑20 and September 4‑6, 2025.

• Approved Resolution #2025-22 supporting $1.5 M state request for Restoration Park expansion (unanimous)
• Authorized posting and filling of Solid Waste Facility Operator vacancy (4‑1)
• Approved step‑increase for Samantha Smith, Environmental Technician (effective 7/1/25) (4‑1)
• Approved step‑increase for Erik Hannigan, Property Appraiser I (effective 6/5/25) (4‑1)
• Approved step‑increase for David Miller, 911 Dispatcher (effective 6/17/25) (4‑1)
• Adopted bills totaling $205,649.38 from Revenue, Road & Bridge, and Environmental Quality funds (unanimous)
• Approved pull‑tabs gambling permits for K‑M Snowdrifters at Dodge County Fairgrounds (unanimous)
• Adjourned Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting (unanimous)

Administration Committee - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Administration Committee will review several agenda items. It will receive a report on the Board of Commissioners regular meeting scheduled for June 10, 2025. It will consider commissioner warrants and personnel matters for June 24, 2025. It will discuss Pull‑Tabs gambling permit applications.

• Board of Commissioners regular meeting scheduled for June 10, 2025
• Commissioner warrants
• Personnel agenda for June 24, 2025
• Pull‑Tabs gambling permit(s)

Veteran Services Committee - Special Meeting

The Dodge County Veteran Services Committee will meet on June 10, 2025, to discuss and vote on accepting donations for veteran services.

• Accept Veteran Services Donations
• Veteran Services Officer Jacob Petersen to present

Administration Committee - Committee Meeting

The Administration Committee will meet to review commissioner warrants and personnel matters. The meeting includes reviews of previous committee and board sessions from May 27, 2025.

• Review of Commissioner Warrants
• Personnel Agenda for June 10, 2025

Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss infrastructure priorities and land use permits. The board will also consider a joint powers agreement for emergency management and a request to accept veteran services donations.

• 2025 Bridge Priority List
• HSEM Region One Joint Powers Agreement
• CUP #25-03 VZ Hogs LLP
• IUP #25-01 Hamersma
• Request to accept Veteran Services donations

The board unanimously adopted the 2025 Bridge Priority Resolution, approved an updated Southeast Minnesota Emergency Management Joint Powers Agreement, and authorized $491,040.01 in bill payments from several county funds. It also approved a Conditional Use Permit for VZ Hogs LLP, tabled an Interim Use Permit pending a site visit, and approved multiple personnel step increases and hires.

• Adopted 2025 Bridge Priority Resolution (unanimous)
• Approved updated Southeast Minnesota Emergency Management Joint Powers Agreement (unanimous)
• Approved bills totaling $491,040.01 from Revenue, Road & Bridge, Environmental Quality, Midway, and Agency funds (unanimous)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit #25-03 for VZ Hogs LLP (unanimous)
• Tabled Interim Use Permit #25-01 Hamersma pending site visit (unanimous)
• Approved personnel actions: hire Ny Aina Rakotonindrainibe; step increases for Ramona McAndrew, Dawn Frieberg, Shawn Dolsen, Madison Snitker, Haakon Colwell; other staffing changes (unanimous)

Planning Commission - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Conditional Use Permit #25-03 for VZ Hogs LLP and Interim Use Permit #25-01 for Hamersma. The meeting will also approve the agenda and minutes from the May 7, 2025 session and address any other business. Residents may participate in person, via Microsoft Teams, or by submitting written comments.

• CUP #25-03 VZ Hogs LLP
• IUP #25-01 Hamersma
• Approval of agenda and minutes from May 7, 2025 meeting
• Public hearing participation options (in‑person, Teams, written comments)
• Other business

The commission met on June 4, 2025 and unanimously accepted the meeting agenda and minutes. It also unanimously approved the public hearing notice for the June 4 meeting. No vote was recorded on Conditional Use Permit #25-03 for the VZ Hogs feedlot expansion.

• Agenda and minutes approved (unanimous)
• Public hearing notice approved (unanimous)
• Conditional Use Permit #25-03 – no decision recorded

Veteran Services Committee - Special Meeting

The Veteran Services Committee will meet to discuss a request from Veteran Services Officer Jacob Petersen to accept donations.

• Request to accept Veteran Services donations

Committee of the Whole - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Committee of the Whole will meet to receive an investment update and discuss waste management. The committee will also hold a dialogue regarding County Road K in Hayfield Township.

• Investment Committee Update
• Solid Waste Management discussion
• Dialogue regarding County Road K in Hayfield Township

The board agreed to receive quarterly updates from the Investment Committee. It also approved moving forward with the letter to terminate the Solid Waste Management Agreement with Olmsted County after the director meets with Olmsted County’s environmental services chair. No formal votes were recorded; the actions were approved by consensus.

• Adopt quarterly Investment Committee updates (consensus)
• Proceed with presenting termination letter to Olmsted County after meeting with Ms. Hall (consensus)

Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Board will consider routine items on the consent agenda before moving to substantive business. Commissioners will discuss a potential temporary assessor agreement with Freeborn County, the 2024 Road & Bridge annual report, and related warrants and legal updates. Public health updates and a request to accept veteran services donations will also be presented. The meeting will conclude with commissioner reports and any deferred business.

• Potential Temporary Assessor Agreement with Freeborn County
• Road & Bridge 2024 Annual Report
• Commissioner Warrants
• Request to Accept Veteran Services Donations
• Public Health Update

The Dodge County Board unanimously approved a temporary Assessor Agreement with Freeborn County, allowing Dodge to provide SAMA‑certified appraisal services. The Board also approved several personnel step increases and authorized payment of $136,054.53 in bills from various funds. Additionally, the Board accepted two veteran‑service donations totaling $180.30.

• Approved temporary Assessor Agreement with Freeborn County (unanimous)
• Approved step increase for Nikki Hader, Account Technician (unanimous)
• Approved step increase for David Crable, Investigator (unanimous)
• Approved step increase for Faith Faro, 911 Dispatcher (unanimous)
• Authorized posting and filling of 911 Dispatcher vacancy (unanimous)
• Approved payment of bills totaling $136,054.53 from Revenue, Road & Bridge, Environmental Quality, and The Midway funds (unanimous)
• Accepted veteran donation from Bruce Nord $115.18 (unanimous)
• Accepted veteran donation from Raymond Tyler $65.12 (unanimous)

Administration Committee - Committee Meeting

The Administration Committee will consider the commissioner warrants and discuss the personnel agenda for May 27, 2025. The agenda also references the Committee of the Whole meeting and the Board of Commissioners meeting held on May 13, 2025, but no specific actions from those meetings are listed.

• Review of commissioner warrants
• Discussion of personnel agenda

Public Health Committee - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Public Health Committee meeting on May 27, 2025 will begin with a public health update presented by Amy Evans, the county’s Public Health Director. The agenda lists only this item, with no specific actions or decisions noted. Residents can expect information on current health initiatives and status.

• Public Health Update presented by Amy Evans, Public Health Director

Fairview Care Center Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Fairview Care Center Board will approve the March 2025 bills totaling $294,205.40 and adopt the April financial statements. It will also review and approve April personnel changes, including new hires, wage increases, and terminations. Additional items include introducing new managers and reviewing cash on hand (information only).

• Approve March bills in the amount of $294,205.40
• Approve April personnel changes: new hires, wage adjustments, and terminations
• Review and approve April financials and cash on hand (info only)
• Introduce new managers: Ian Klingus (Dietary Manager) and Alan Wagoner (Maintenance Director)
• Approve minutes from the March 2025 meeting

The Fairview Care Center Board approved the meeting agenda, the April 2025 minutes, personnel actions, April bills of $187,057.89, and March financials. The board also decided to keep the community garden in place for the year and to deposit $284.12 from a staff appreciation fundraiser into the donations sub‑account. All motions were carried.

• Approved agenda (motion carried)
• Approved April 2025 minutes (motion carried)
• Approved personnel actions (motion carried)
• Approved April bills $187,057.89 (motion carried)
• Approved March financials (motion carried)
• Decided to keep community garden in place for this year (motion carried)
• Deposited $284.12 staff appreciation fundraiser into donations sub‑account (motion carried)

Board of Commissioners - Work Session

The Dodge County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to analyze a proposed joint human services collaborative with Waseca County. The meeting is scheduled for May 20, 2025, at 12:00 PM in Waseca, Minnesota.

• Analysis of a Joint Human Services Collaborative
• Deferred business discussion
• Upcoming Memorial Day office closure
• Fairview Care Center meeting
• Social lunch for commissioners

Public Safety Committee - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Public Safety Committee will meet at 8:20 AM on May 13, 2025. Sheriff Scott Rose will present an item on chaplain equipment. The committee will discuss the equipment needs and any related considerations.

• Chaplain equipment presentation by Sheriff Scott Rose

Public Works Committee - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Public Works Committee will discuss a proposed cell phone stipend presented by County Engineer Guy Kohlnhofer. The committee will also review a Renovation ReUse entryway memo presented by Environmental Services Director Lauren Cornelius and Waste Management Administrator Rita Cole.

• Cell Phone Stipend – proposal presented by County Engineer Guy Kohlnhofer
• Renovation ReUse – Entryway Memo presented by Lauren Cornelius and Rita Cole

Committee of the Whole - Committee Meeting

The committee will receive a presentation on Cloudpermit from the Environmental Technician and Zoning Administrator. Additionally, the CEO and CFO of South Country Health Alliance will provide a report.

• Cloudpermit presentation by Samantha Johnson and Catherine Grondin
• South Country Health Alliance report by Leota Lind and Scott Schufman

The commissioners heard a presentation on the new Cloudpermit online permitting software and discussed its testing and public interest. No votes or formal approvals were recorded. A semi‑annual report from South Country Health Alliance was also presented, with no decisions made.

Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Board will hear a presentation on the county's recycle agreement. A constituent will raise a zoning concern, and the board will receive updates on the 2025‑2027 garbage/recycling services contract. Additional reports include zoning, 4‑H program, server purchases, and committee updates.

• Recycle Agreement presentation (Agenda item 3.1)
• Constituent zoning concern (Agenda item 2.1)
• Garbage/Recycling Removal Services contract 2025‑2027 (Consent agenda item 1.3)
• CUP #25‑02 Burkholder zoning case (Agenda item 4.1)
• 2025 Server Purchases (Agenda item 8.1)

The board adopted the amended agenda and approved the consent agenda items, both unanimously. No action was taken on a resident's short‑term rental zoning request. The board unanimously approved the Conditional Use Permit for the Burkholder agricultural sales business. The board also unanimously approved county bills totaling $637,038.45 and a series of personnel hires and step‑increase actions.

• Adopted agenda, pulling recycling agreement item (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda items (unanimous)
• No action on short‑term rental zoning request (no vote)
• Approved Burkholder Conditional Use Permit for agricultural sales (unanimous)
• Approved county bills totaling $637,038.45 (unanimous)
• Approved personnel actions: hire Nolan Zippel and multiple step increases (unanimous)

Administration Committee - Committee Meeting

The Administration Committee will review several routine items, including references to a Committee of the Whole and a Board of Commissioners meeting held on April 22, 2025, and will consider commissioner warrants and a personnel agenda. The committee will also discuss the county’s garbage and recycling removal services contract covering 2025‑2027.

• Committee of the Whole – Committee Meeting – Apr 22, 2025, 4:30 PM
• Board of Commissioners – Regular Meeting – Apr 22, 2025, 5:00 PM
• Commissioner warrants
• Personnel agenda for May 13, 2025
• 2025‑2027 garbage/recycling removal services

Planning Commission - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Planning Commission will approve the agenda and minutes from its February 5, 2025 meeting. It will consider a public hearing notice for the May 7, 2025 meeting. The commission will discuss Conditional Use Permit (CUP) #25-02 for Burkholder. Other business items will be addressed before adjournment.

• Approve agenda and minutes from Planning Commission meeting on Feb 5, 2025
• Public hearing notice for May 7, 2025 meeting
• Review Conditional Use Permit (CUP) #25-02 Burkholder
• Discuss other business items
• Adjourn the meeting

The commission approved the meeting agenda and minutes and the public hearing notice, all unanimously. After a public hearing on Conditional Use Permit #25-02 for an agricultural seed sales business, the commission unanimously recommended approval of the CUP with condition #11 removed and fourteen conditions attached. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved agenda and minutes (unanimous)
• Approved public hearing notice (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of CUP #25-02 with condition #11 removed (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Adjustments - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Board of Adjustments will consider a variance application (V#25-02) submitted by Zwingli Church of Christ. The meeting also includes routine approval of the agenda and minutes and a public hearing notice. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Variance V#25-02 – Zwingli Church of Christ
• Approval of agenda and minutes

The Dodge County Board of Adjustments approved the meeting agenda and minutes with a unanimous vote. The public hearing notice for the April 23, 2025 meeting was also approved unanimously. The minutes from the February 26, 2025 regular meeting were accepted unanimously. No decision was recorded on variance request V#25-02 for Zwingli United Church of Christ.

• Approved agenda and minutes (unanimous)
• Approved public hearing notice (unanimous)
• Accepted February 26, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Variance V#25-02 discussion held, no decision recorded

Fairview Care Center Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Board of Directors will meet to approve March personnel changes and financial reports. The agenda includes discussions on coding changes and a review of bills and cash on hand.

• Review and approval of March personnel changes
• Discussion of financial coding changes
• Review and approval of bills
• Review and approval of March financials
• Review of March cash on hand

The Fairview Care Center Board approved the meeting agenda, the March 2025 minutes, personnel actions, the March bills for $294,205.40, and the overall financials. All motions carried without recorded vote counts.

• Approved agenda (motion carried)
• Approved March 2025 minutes (motion carried)
• Approved personnel actions (motion carried)
• Approved March bills totaling $294,205.40 (motion carried)
• Approved March financials (motion carried)

Administration Committee - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Administration Committee will meet to discuss financial warrants and personnel matters. The body will also consider a donation for a Wedding & Event Expo and snowmobile club sponsorship for 2025/2026.

• Request to accept Wedding & Event Expo donation
• 2025/2026 Snowmobile Club Sponsorship
• Commissioner Warrants
• Personnel Agenda 4/22/25

Public Works Committee - Committee Meeting

The Public Works Committee will meet to review a hauler's license resolution and award two infrastructure projects. The meeting includes reports from Environmental Services and the County Engineer.

• Backwood Enterprises, LLC Hauler's License Resolution
• Award for 2025 Seal Coat Project
• Award for SAP 020-615-022

Public Health Committee - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Public Health Committee will hear a public health update from Amy Evans, the county’s Public Health Director. The agenda lists only this informational briefing and does not specify any decisions or actions.

• Public health update presented by Amy Evans, Public Health Director

Committee of the Whole - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Committee of the Whole will meet on April 22, 2025 to consider two public‑safety agenda items. The first item is the Patrol Pickup Re‑Purpose Plan. The second item is the DCSO’s use of The Midway. No decisions are recorded in the agenda.

• Patrol Pickup Re‑Purpose Plan
• DCSO Use of The Midway

The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office agreed to sell two patrol pickups to the Highway Department at $20,000 each, generating $40,000. The proceeds will be used to pay off the lease balances on those vehicles. The County Finance Director said the arrangement makes sense for reducing vehicle costs. No final decision was made on the rental fee for the Midway building; the Sheriff will discuss the matter with the event committee.

• Sell two patrol pickups to Highway Department for $20,000 each (total $40,000) – agreed

Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Board will discuss a proposed handgun upgrade presented by the Sheriff. Additional items include a joint powers agreement for the Dodge‑Steele Community Health Board, a proclamation for National Volunteer Week, and a resolution on a hauler's license for Backwood Enterprises. The meeting also includes routine consent agenda items and reports from various committees.

• Handgun Upgrade (Sheriff Scott Rose)
• Dodge‑Steele Community Health Board Joint Powers Agreement
• National Volunteer Week Proclamation
• Backwood Enterprises, LLC Hauler's License Resolution
• Gravity ACFR Proposal (Finance Director Kevin Venenga)

The Board unanimously approved a contract for Gravity ACFR software costing $42,444. It also unanimously authorized the Sheriff's Office to purchase 34 handguns from Scheels for $20,400 and approved $588,055 in various county bills. Additionally, the Board adopted multiple personnel actions, including new hires and step increases.

• Approved and authorized Finance Director to sign contract for Gravity ACFR software ($42,444) (unanimous)
• Approved and authorized Sheriff's Office purchase of 34 handguns from Scheels ($20,400) (unanimous)
• Approved county bills totaling $588,055 across Revenue, Road and Bridge, Environmental Quality, Ditch, and Midway funds (unanimous)
• Approved Joint Powers Agreement with Steele County Public Health (unanimous)
• Proclaimed April 20‑26, 2025 as National Volunteer Week (unanimous)
• Authorized hiring of Engineering Technician Tyler Ranslow (effective 4/21/25) (unanimous)
• Authorized hiring of Seasonal Transfer Station employee Mykola Oleynyk (effective 4/29/25) (unanimous)
• Approved multiple step increases and position changes in Land Records, Public Health, and Sheriff's Office (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Board of Commissioners will meet on April 8, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. in the Government Services Building, Mantorville. After a consent agenda of routine items, the board will discuss a public health proclamation, a request for proposals for bridge design services, the 2025 agency appropriations, and several committee reports. Additional items include a detour agreement for TH 56, cannabis registration fee changes, and a request to accept veteran‑services donations.

• Authorization of TH 56 Detour Agreement
• Request for Proposal for Bridge Design Services
• 2025 Agency Appropriations
• Cannabis Registration and Renewal Fees
• Request to Accept Veteran Services Donations

The Dodge County Board unanimously set 2025 cannabis registration and renewal fees as recommended by Public Health. It also unanimously approved a series of agency appropriations and bill payments totaling $325,024.44, and authorized multiple personnel hires, step increases, and a public‑health building lighting upgrade. The personnel actions were adopted by a 3‑to‑1 vote.

• Approved cannabis registration and renewal fees as presented (unanimous)
• Authorized agency appropriations totaling $325,024.44 (unanimous)
• Approved bill payments totaling $325,024.44 from various funds (unanimous)
• Approved personnel actions including hires and step increases (3‑to‑1)
• Authorized public‑health building lighting upgrade at approx. $190 per fixture (unanimous)
• Authorized signing of National Public Health Week proclamation (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda amendment removing Senior Property Appraiser item (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda items (unanimous)

Committee of the Whole - Committee Meeting

The Committee of the Whole will convene at 9:10 AM to hear a follow‑up discussion from the Environmental Services Director and Waste Management Administrator on staff reuse matters. No decisions or votes are listed on the agenda.

• Reuse staff discussion follow‑up

The board approved the meeting minutes. Commissioners discussed three staffing options for the Dodge County Renovation ReUse (DCRR) position but did not adopt a final choice. The board agreed to revisit the DCRR staffing discussion in six months. No other motions were adopted.

• Approved meeting minutes (no vote recorded)
• Agreed to revisit DCRR staffing discussion in 6 months (no vote recorded)

Public Health Committee - Committee Meeting

The committee will consider the fees for cannabis registration and renewal. It will also receive a public health update from Director Amy Evans. No other agenda items are listed.

• Cannabis registration and renewal fees
• Public health update

Administration Committee - Committee Meeting

The Administration Committee will meet to review commissioner warrants and a personnel agenda. The meeting also includes reviews of previous committee and board meetings from March 25, 2025.

• Commissioner Warrants
• Personnel Agenda 4/08/25

Veteran Services Committee - Special Meeting

At the special meeting, the Dodge County Veteran Services Committee will review a request to accept donations for veteran services. The committee will decide whether to approve the acceptance of these contributions. No other agenda items are listed.

• Request to accept veteran services donations

Public Works Committee - Committee Meeting

At its April 8, 2025 meeting, the Dodge County Public Works Committee will consider authorizing a detour agreement for County Highway 56. The agreement will be presented by County Engineer Guy Kohlnhofer. The committee will vote on whether to approve the detour arrangement.

• Authorization of TH 56 detour agreement (presented by County Engineer Guy Kohlnhofer)

Fairview Care Center Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Board of Directors will meet to approve personnel changes, February financials, and bills. The board is also seeking approval for sprinkler head bids.

• Approval of sprinkler head bids
• Review and approval of February financials
• Review and approval of bills
• Review and approval of personnel changes

The Fairview Care Center Board approved the meeting agenda and February 2025 minutes. It also approved personnel actions, February bills totaling $294,205.40, and the overall financials. Finally, the board accepted the Ahern bid to replace sprinkler heads at a cost of $9,138.00.

• Approved meeting agenda (motion carried)
• Approved February 2025 minutes (motion carried)
• Approved personnel actions (motion carried)
• Approved February bills totaling $294,205.40 (motion carried)
• Approved February financials (motion carried)
• Approved Ahern sprinkler head bid for $9,138.00 (motion carried)

Public Health Committee - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Public Health Committee will meet on March 25, 2025, to consider a request to approve public health donations and receive an update from the Public Health Director.

• Request to Approve Public Health Donations
• Public Health Update

Administration Committee - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Administration Committee will discuss several agenda items, including commissioner warrants, personnel matters for March 25, 2025, and a proposal to acquire a Midway table and chairs. The committee will also recognize the 2025 State Championship. The meeting follows earlier Committee of the Whole and Board of Commissioners sessions held on March 11, 2025.

• Commissioner warrants
• Personnel agenda for March 25, 2025
• Midway table and chairs procurement
• 2025 State Championship recognition
• Reference to Committee of the Whole and Board of Commissioners meetings on March 11, 2025

Committee of the Whole - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Committee of the Whole will convene at 4:30 PM and hear from Project Manager Melissa DeVetter about the current status of county parks, available grant funding, and upcoming plans. The agenda lists this as a discussion item with no specific decisions noted. The meeting is set to adjourn at 5:00 PM.

• Discussion of park status, grants, and future plans

The Dodge County Commissioners approved the minutes of the March 25, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting. No other actions were formally decided; the remainder of the session provided updates on Restoration Park funding, grants, and project plans. The meeting was adjourned at 4:46 p.m.

• Approved meeting minutes (no vote tally recorded)

Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Board will consider and vote on Ordinance #25-01. Additional items include a legal update from the County Attorney, a request to approve public health donations, and a closed‑session meeting for attorney‑client privileged matters. The meeting also features routine reports and committee updates.

• Adoption and enactment of Dodge County Ordinance #25-01
• Legal update from County Attorney Paul Kiltinen
• Request to approve public health donations
• Closed session (Attorney‑Client Privilege) at 6:15 PM
• Public Health Committee report and update

The Dodge County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted Ordinance #25‑01, which regulates the retail sale of lower‑potency hemp edibles. The Board also approved a $36,104 well‑inventory agreement with the Minnesota Department of Health, granted a one‑year solid‑waste hauler license to Northstar Recycling LLC (4‑1 vote), and authorized a proposal for $750,000 of ENRTF funding for a Restoration Park building. Additionally, the Board accepted a $550 donation of baby items from the Dodge Center Dorcas Society.

• Approved minutes of the March 25, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Authorized Melissa DeVetter to sign the MDH Well Inventory Agreement ($36,104) (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution to apply for $750,000 ENRTF grant for Restoration Park building (unanimous)
• Granted Northstar Recycling LLC a solid‑waste hauler license (4‑1)
• Adopted Ordinance #25‑01 regulating lower‑potency hemp edibles (unanimous)
• Accepted $550 donation of baby quilts, sweaters, hats and blankets from Dodge Center Dorcas Society (unanimous)
• Approved resolution to support ENRTF funding application (unanimous)

Administration Committee - Committee Meeting

The Administration Committee will meet to review commissioner warrants and personnel matters. The agenda also includes a cell phone stipend for Nichole Farnsworth and sports championship recognition.

• Commissioner Warrants
• Personnel Agenda 3/11/25
• Cell Phone Stipend for Nichole Farnsworth
• 2025 Sports Championship Recognition

Public Works Committee - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Public Works Committee will meet on March 11, 2025 at 9:00 AM. The committee’s agenda includes a discussion of a renovation reuse project for a holding tank. No other items are listed on the agenda.

• Renovation ReUse – Holding Tank

Committee of the Whole - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Committee of the Whole will convene to discuss a reuse program with Environmental Services Director Lauren Cornelius and Waste Management Administrator Rita Cole. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9:10 AM on March 11, 2025, in Conference Room B of the Government Services Building in Mantorville.

• Discussion of Reuse Staff Program
• Presentation by Lauren Cornelius and Rita Cole
• Meeting in Conference Room B, Government Services Building

Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Board of Commissioners will convene a public hearing to discuss a proposed Low Potency Hemp Ordinance. The meeting will also cover routine consent agenda items, financial reports, and personnel updates.

• Public Hearing: Low Potency Hemp Ordinance
• MMUA Safety Contract discussion
• Potential Temporary Assessor Agreement with Fillmore County
• 4th Quarter Financials, 2024
• Commissioner Reports

Board of Adjustments - Regular Meeting

The Board of Adjustments will meet to conduct elections and approve bylaws and rules of procedure. The board will also hold a public hearing to consider a variance request.

• Variance V#25-01 Schlund & Callahan
• Approval of Bylaws and Rules of Procedure
• Board elections

Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Board will review routine consent agenda items and several reports from department directors. A 15‑minute discussion will focus on the SEH Construction Contract. The board will also consider a resolution agreeing to the State Transportation Fund Local Bridge Replacement Program grant terms and conditions. Additional items include updates on South Annex facilities, public health, and seasonal weight restrictions.

• SEH Construction Contract (15 minutes)
• Resolution for Agreement to State Transportation Fund Local Bridge Replacement Program Grant Terms and Conditions SAP 020-618-003 (5 minutes)
• South Annex Entry (5 minutes)
• South Annex Landscaping (10 minutes)
• 2025 Seasonal Weight Restrictions (5 minutes)

Fairview Care Center Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Fairview Care Center Board will approve the January meeting minutes and recent personnel changes. It will review and approve December bills totaling $294,205.40 and the January financial statements. The board will discuss legislative updates, a denial of payment issue, and a retirement post bulletin.

• Approve bills for December totaling $294,205.40
• Approve January financials
• Approve personnel changes
• Discuss legislative updates
• Discuss denial of payment

Public Works Committee - Committee Meeting

The Public Works Committee will hear a resolution to enter an agreement with the State Transportation Fund for a local bridge replacement program, including grant terms and conditions. The committee will also discuss a renovation project for a bathroom in the ReUse facility and seasonal weight restrictions for 2025. The meeting includes presentations from the Environmental Services Director, Waste Management Administrator, and the County Engineer.

• Resolution for agreement to State Transportation Fund Local Bridge Replacement Program (grant SAP 020-618-003)
• Renovation ReUse – Bathroom project
• 2025 seasonal weight restrictions

Public Health Committee - Committee Meeting

The Public Health Committee will meet to receive a Public Health Update from Director Amy Evans.

• Public Health Update provided by Director Amy Evans

Administration Committee - Committee Meeting

The Administration Committee will review the commissioner warrants presented by the Taxpayer Services Director. It will also discuss items on the personnel agenda prepared by the Interim Employee Relations Director. No other substantive actions are listed.

• Review of commissioner warrants (presented by Jean Allen)
• Discussion of personnel agenda items (prepared by Nichole Farnsworth)

Committee of the Whole - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Committee of the Whole will convene on February 25, 2025, to receive an update from the Dodge County Historical Society Museum Director.

• Convene Committee of the Whole Meeting
• Dodge County Historical Society Update

Public Works Committee - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Public Works Committee will consider awarding contract SAP 020-618-003 and the 2025 season supplies. It will also review a renovation project for the ReUse facility’s HVAC system. Decisions will be made by the County Engineer and the Environmental Services and Waste Management directors.

• Award contract SAP 020-618-003
• Award 2025 season supplies
• Renovation of ReUse facility HVAC system

Administration Committee - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Administration Committee met on February 11, 2025 to address administrative matters. The agenda includes a review of the January 28, 2025 Committee of the Whole and Board of Commissioners meetings, consideration of commissioner warrants, and a personnel agenda. No specific decisions or proposals are detailed in the agenda.

• Review of Jan 28, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting
• Review of Jan 28, 2025 Board of Commissioners meeting
• Consideration of commissioner warrants
• Discussion of personnel agenda for Feb 11, 2025

Public Health Committee - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Public Health Committee will meet to discuss an amendment to the Third Judicial District Cooperative Agreement for Fiscal Year 2025. The agenda lists a presentation by Drug Court Coordinator Eric Thompson as the first item.

• Third Judicial District Cooperative Agreement Amendment #2 (FY25)
• Presentation by Drug Court Coordinator Eric Thompson

Committee of the Whole - Committee Meeting

The Committee of the Whole will meet to hold a discussion regarding a safety consultant. The meeting is scheduled for February 11, 2025, in Mantorville, MN.

• Safety Consultant Discussion

Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Board of Commissioners will discuss a new ordinance to regulate the retail sale of lower potency hemp edibles and set a date for a public hearing. The board will also review a conditional use permit and receive updates on county water and infrastructure projects.

• Discussion and public hearing scheduling for Ordinance 25-01 regarding lower potency hemp edibles
• CUP #25-01 Bartel
• Third Judicial District Cooperative Agreement Amendment #2 (FY25)
• 2025 Hauler Licenses
• Pleasant Valley Repower of Southern Wind Turbines update

Planning Commission - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Planning Commission will meet to conduct elections and approve bylaws. The commission is also scheduled to discuss a conditional use permit (CUP) for Bartel.

• CUP #25-01 Bartel
• Approval of Bylaws and Rules of Procedure
• Commission elections

Committee of the Whole - Committee Meeting

The Committee of the Whole will convene at 4:30 PM and spend time reviewing the proposed cannabis ordinance. The discussion is led by the Public Health Director and an intern. The meeting will adjourn after the discussion.

• Cannabis ordinance discussion led by Public Health Director Amy Evans

Fairview Care Center Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Board of Directors will meet to elect officers and approve personnel changes and bills from December. The board is also considering a change to the Dietary Care Aide position and a tree replacement project.

• Election of officers
• Review and approval of December personnel changes
• Review and approval of December bills and financials
• Approval of ReLeaf Tree Replacement
• Approval of change in Dietary Care Aide position

Administration Committee - Committee Meeting

The Administration Committee will review administrative items including a request to correct the December 23, 2024 meeting minutes referenced in Ordinance No. 24-01. The committee will also consider the Commissioner warrants and a personnel agenda. Additionally, the agenda notes the Committee of the Whole and Board of Commissioners meetings held on January 14, 2025.

• Committee of the Whole meeting – Jan 14, 2025 at 9:00 AM
• Board of Commissioners regular meeting – Jan 14, 2025 at 9:30 AM
• Request to correct Dec 23, 2024 meeting minutes (Ordinance No. 24-01)
• Commissioner warrants
• Personnel agenda for 1/28/25

Public Health Committee - Committee Meeting

The Public Health Committee will consider approving the 2025 Tobacco Retailer Licenses and receive a public health update.

• Request to approve 2025 Tobacco Retailer Licenses
• Public Health Update

Public Works Committee - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Public Works Committee will meet at 4:20 PM on Jan 28, 2025. Commissioners Lauren Cornelius (Environmental Services Director) and Rita Cole (Waste Management Administrator) will discuss the Renovation ReUse – Insulation agenda item. No decision or vote is indicated in the agenda.

• Renovation ReUse – Insulation discussion

Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Dodge County Board will review a request for out‑of‑state training presented by the Sheriff and discuss a proposed wage adjustment for the Operations Captain. Additional items include routine consent agenda items, a report on tax forfeiture property sale results, and updates from public health, public works, and administration committees.

• Out‑of‑state training request (Sheriff presentation)
• Operations Captain wage adjustment
• Results of tax forfeiture property sale
• Public Health Committee update
• Public Works Committee report on insulation renovation reuse

Administration Committee - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Administration Committee will consider the commissioner warrants presented by the Finance Director. The meeting also includes a review of the personnel agenda. Additional items are references to upcoming full board meetings.

• Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for Dec 23, 2024 at 4:30 PM
• Board of Commissioners regular meeting scheduled for Dec 23, 2024 at 5:00 PM
• Board of Commissioners special meeting scheduled for Jan 7, 2025 at 9:00 AM
• Commissioner warrants presented by the Finance Director
• Personnel agenda item for Jan 14, 2025

Veteran Services Committee - Special Meeting

The Dodge County Veteran Services Committee will meet to discuss a request from the Veteran Services Officer. The primary item is a request to accept donations for veteran services.

• Request to accept Veteran Services donations

Committee of the Whole - Committee Meeting

The Dodge County Committee of the Whole will convene at 9:00 a.m. and hear a presentation by the IT Director and the Facilities & Fleet Manager on technology and security for the Midway Event Space. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Presentation on technology and security for Midway Event Space

Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The board will hold a public hearing on Ordinance #98-01 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a vote to approve its amendments. Other items include a labor agreement for the Sheriff’s Department, the swearing‑in of the new County Auditor/Treasurer, and a lease agreement with MnPrairie for 2025. The meeting also covers routine reports, finance warrants, and veteran services donations.

• Public hearing for Ordinance #98-01 – 25 minutes at 10:00 a.m.
• Approval of amendments to Ordinance #98-01 – 5 minutes
• Labor Agreement Law Enforcement Labor Services – Sheriff’s Department – 5 minutes
• Swearing in of new County Auditor/Treasurer – 5 minutes
• MnPrairie lease for 2025 – 5 minutes

Board of Commissioners - Special Meeting

The Dodge County Board will swear in Commissioners Allen and Kenworthy, elect officers, and adopt a fee schedule. It will also set the 2025 meeting dates, assign committee memberships, and approve policies on emergencies, travel, and by‑laws. The agenda consists of procedural items for the new term.

• Swearing in of Commissioners Allen & Kenworthy
• Election of Officers
• Set Meeting Dates for 2025
• Adopt Fee Schedule
• Committee Assignments 2025