Lyon County public meetings in 2024
27 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of Commissioners
The board approved the 2025 budget and set the net levy at $16,896,031, a 4.2% increase from 2024. It also approved a pilot streambank restoration project on the Redwood River with county funding up to 40%, contingent on city and landowner contributions. Commissioner salaries were set at $23,100 with a $100 per diem, and the 2025 merit scale was approved with a 3% increase for non-union employees.
- Approved 2025 budget and net levy of $16,896,031 (4.2% increase) (5-0)
- Approved pilot streambank restoration project with county funding up to 40%, contingent on city 40% and landowner 20% (5-0)
- Approved County Ditch 17 reroute and partial abandonment petition (5-0)
- Approved 2025 commissioner salary at $23,100 and per diem at $100 (5-0)
- Approved 2025 merit scale with 3% increase for non-union employees (5-0)
- Approved Deputy and Jail union contracts (5-0)
- Set 2025 County Sheriff salary at $143,000 (5-0)
- Set 2025 County Attorney salary at $150,000 (5-0)
Park
The Lyon County Park Board recommended moving all Garvin Park camping sites to pre-pay by the 2026 season and approved recommending a camping rate increase to $25/night. Both motions passed with 3 votes in favor. The board also discussed park safety, land acquisition, and other operational items, but no other formal decisions were made.
- Recommended all Garvin Park sites be pre-pay by 2026 (3-0)
- Recommended camping rate increase to $25/night (3-0)
Soil & Water Conservation District
The Lyon County Soil & Water Conservation District approved eight cost-share contracts totaling $4,680 for well sealing and alternative intakes, plus a $775 NACD membership. The board also reviewed the 2023 audit with Peterson Company and received updates on dam restorations and watershed plans. All votes were unanimous (4-0).
- Approved $440 well sealing cost-share for Larry Fischer (4-0)
- Approved $775 NACD Conservation Investment FY25 (4-0)
- Approved $1,200 alternative intakes cost-share for Allen Deutz (4-0)
- Approved $440 well sealing cost-share for Paul Enemark (4-0)
- Approved $500 well sealing cost-share for Janssen Family Farms LLC (4-0)
- Approved $500 well sealing cost-share for Thomas Hook (4-0)
- Approved $600 alternative intakes cost-share for Ronald Louwagie (4-0)
- Approved $500 well sealing cost-share for Jason Alberts (4-0)
Board of Commissioners
The board voted 3-2 to terminate the fiscal agent contract with the Ag Society, citing liability concerns. They also approved a new construction abatement for Westley and Christina Bloome, a jail food service contract with Summit Correctional Service, and authorized applying for an MPCA grant for PFAS testing at the landfill.
- Terminated fiscal agent contract with Ag Society (3-2)
- Approved new construction abatement for Westley and Christina Bloome
- Approved 5-year jail food service contract with Summit Correctional Service
- Authorized application for MPCA grant up to $500,000 for PFAS testing
- Reappointed Tim Buysse to Yellow Medicine River Watershed board (3-year term)
- Approved 7 tobacco licenses and 3 liquor licenses
- Approved payments of approved claims on December 31, 2024
- Approved consent agenda including warrants totaling $1,307,889.32
Board of Commissioners
The Lyon County Board of Commissioners adopted Ordinance No. 25 to regulate cannabis businesses, effective January 1, 2025. The board also approved a conditional use permit for a 4.5-megawatt community solar farm by Dimension Energy, with a modified condition requiring decommission funds at the time of the building permit. Several landfill-related items were approved, including a $348,196.34 wheel loader purchase and a motion to allow staff to push waste at the landfill. A public comment period for a proposed unmanned aerial system program was held with no comments received.
- Adopted Ordinance No. 25 regulating cannabis businesses, effective Jan 1, 2025 (5-0)
- Approved conditional use permit for Dimension Energy solar farm with modified condition 6 (3-2)
- Approved $348,196.34 wheel loader purchase from Titan Machinery (5-0)
- Approved $53,505 HHW truck purchase from Lockwood Motors and declared 2001 Dodge Ram surplus (5-0)
- Approved motion to allow Environmental Administrator to start pushing waste at landfill (5-0)
- Approved lawful gambling permits for United Way and Holy Redeemer Church (5-0)
- Appointed Dr. Steven Meister as County Coroner for 2025-2028 (5-0)
- Approved $2,115,878.81 in commissioner warrants and $307,540.86 in auditor warrants
Board of Commissioners
The board approved the consent agenda, including warrants totaling over $1 million, and approved several routine items. They accepted a quote for a new county vehicle, approved a landfill access road bid, declared surplus vehicles, and approved a 3-year agreement with the Extension for the 4-H program. A Midco update was pulled and a closed session for labor negotiations was held.
- Approved consent agenda including warrants totaling $1,032,985.39 (5-0)
- Approved lawful gambling permit for Pheasants Forever (5-0)
- Approved 3-year MOA with Lyon County Extension for 4-H program (5-0)
- Approved $42,106 purchase of 2024 Chrysler Pacifica from Lockwood Motors and declared 2007 Ford Fusion surplus (5-0)
- Accepted $36,136.80 bid from Towne & Country Excavating for landfill leachate pond access road (5-0)
- Declared 2012 Chevy Impala surplus and placed on MnBid (5-0)
- Entered and exited closed session for LELS negotiations (5-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Lyon County Board of Commissioners approved a series of routine and substantive items, including reappointing the county assessor, approving a cannabis ordinance framework, joining a mental health consortium, and raising landfill tipping fees. They also approved conditional use permits, equipment purchases, and intergovernmental agreements. All votes were unanimous.
- Reappointed Mark Buysse as County Assessor for 4-year term (5-0)
- Approved SW MN Adult Mental Health Consortium JPA (5-0)
- Increased alternative intake funds by $7,349.78 to $15,000 total (5-0)
- Approved conditional use permit for Zach Thompson's dog kennel (5-0)
- Raised landfill tipping fees: municipal solid waste to $49/ton, C&D to $36/ton (5-0)
- Approved purchase of 364 recycling carts for $23,889.32 (5-0)
- Approved truck body and snow equipment quote for $362,166 (5-0)
- Approved MnDOT 2025 detour agreements for Hwy 19 and Hwy 23 (5-0)
Soil & Water Conservation District
The Lyon County Soil and Water Conservation District approved a resolution to submit, adopt, and implement the Cottonwood-Middle Minnesota River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan, a first step toward state approval and funding. The board also approved several cost-share agreements and audit-related items. All votes were unanimous (5-0).
- Approved resolution to submit, adopt, and implement Cottonwood-Middle Minnesota River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan (5-0)
- Approved signing Management Representation Letter for Peterson Company LTD for 2023 audit (5-0)
- Approved draft audit by Peterson Company LTD to proceed to final audit (5-0)
- Approved Grant Proceed Disbursal Agreement between Southwest Prairie TSA and Lyon SWCD (5-0)
- Approved cost share for #28/24 Bakker Family Trust water and sediment control basin, $2,156.74 (5-0)
- Approved soil health cost share voucher for Joseph Haney #27/24, $3,126.00 (5-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Lyon County Board approved the Cottonwood-Middle Minnesota River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan, a resolution to cancel and redo forfeiture applications, and a 3-year University of Minnesota Extension MOA. They also approved several landfill-related actions, including agreements for winter storage, computer refurbishing, and quotes for equipment and road work. All votes were unanimous (4-0) with one commissioner absent.
- Approved Cottonwood-Middle Minnesota River Watershed Management Plan resolution (4-0)
- Approved resolution to cancel and redo forfeiture applications (4-0)
- Approved 2025-2027 U of M Extension MOA (4-0)
- Approved winter storage agreement with Dave Gifford (4-0)
- Approved computer refurbishing agreement with Zach Linz (4-0)
- Authorized quotes for landfill loader, HHW truck, waste push, and pond road re-alignment (4-0)
- Approved consent agenda including warrants totaling $908,462.64 (4-0)
Board of Commissioners
The board set the preliminary 2025 property tax levy at a 4.2% increase, totaling $16,896,031. It also approved several contracts and personnel actions, including a grant agreement for the Island Lake 27 project, a new deputy sergeant position, and a full-time parks worker position. The Minneota ARPA request was pulled from the agenda and not discussed.
- Set preliminary 2025 levy at 4.2% increase, gross levy $16,896,031 (unanimous)
- Approved BWSR grant agreement for Island Lake 27 project with 25-year lifespan (unanimous)
- Approved Island Lake 27 resolution (unanimous)
- Approved changing ancillary insurances to Lincoln Financial (unanimous)
- Approved hiring a deputy sergeant for Sheriff's department (unanimous)
- Approved advertising externally for full-time Parks Worker position (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda including warrants totaling $2,965,193.22 (unanimous)
- Appointed Commissioner Draper to cannabis ordinance committee
Soil & Water Conservation District
The Lyon Soil & Water Conservation District board approved several cost-share vouchers and contracts for conservation practices, including grassed waterways, well sealing, and soil health. The board also accepted the 2024 Resource Concerns Survey Results and discussed future cost-sharing for farmable basins. All votes were unanimous.
- Accepted 2024 Resource Concerns Survey Results (unanimous)
- Approved $2,268.11 voucher for Mitzner grassed waterway (unanimous)
- Approved $11,919.68 voucher for Mitzner grassed waterway (unanimous)
- Approved $450 for two pollinator plot signs (unanimous)
- Approved $500 well sealing contract for Verly Brothers (unanimous)
- Approved $500 well sealing contract for Verly Brothers (unanimous)
- Approved $7,500 soil health cost share voucher for Deutz (unanimous)
- Approved three Fischer contracts totaling $45,414.60 (unanimous)
Soil & Water Conservation District
The Lyon County Soil & Water Conservation District approved several cost-share contracts and payments for conservation practices, including grassed waterways, well sealing, and cover crops. The board also approved a resolution on SWCD aid payments and discussed potential changes to non-structural conservation practice cost-share policy. All votes were unanimous except for one abstention.
- Approved cost-share contract #20/24 for Lynda Meulebroeck Trust, $10,306.50 (1-0, 1 abstention)
- Approved cost-share contract #21/24 for Lilianna St. Aubin Trust, $17,137.50 (4-0)
- Approved cost-share voucher #03/23 for Dan Kruger for cover crops (4-0)
- Approved well sealing cost-share for Brett & Evan Petersen Farms, $500 (4-0)
- Approved well sealing contract #26/24 for Gary Johns, $440 (4-0)
- Approved cost-share contract #23/24 for Joyce Greeley, $13,225.50 (4-0)
- Approved soil health payment #27/24 for Joseph Haney, $3,126 (4-0)
- Approved 2024 SWCD Aid Payments Resolution (4-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Lyon County Board of Commissioners approved a three-year law enforcement services contract with the City of Lynd and authorized $180,000 in ARPA funding for City of Tracy projects. Commissioners also set a final public hearing date for County Ditch 17 and approved a Joint Powers Agreement for general election recounts. A decision regarding the University of Minnesota Extension agreement was tabled until September 17.
- Set December 17 at 8:00 a.m. as final hearing for County Ditch 17 (5-0)
- Approved 3-year law enforcement contract with City of Lynd (5-0)
- Approved $180,000 in ARPA funding for City of Tracy projects (5-0)
- Approved General Election Recount JPA (5-0)
- Tabled U of M Extension Agreement until September 17 (5-0)
- Approved consent agenda including $339,532.71 in commissioner warrants (5-0)
Park
The Lyon County Park Board held a discussion-only meeting, approving the agenda and prior minutes but taking no formal action on substantive items. Members discussed raising camping rates from $20 to $25 per night, possibly requiring shelter reservations and fees, and planning an open house for the construction project. No votes were taken on these topics; decisions were deferred to future meetings.
- Approved agenda as presented (5-0)
- Approved minutes from May 16, 2024 meeting (5-0)
- Discussed camping rate increase to $25/night, no action taken
- Discussed shelter reservation and fee options, no action taken
- Discussed open house event for construction, no action taken
- Discussed land acquisition at Twin Lake Park, no action taken
Board of Commissioners
The Lyon County Board of Commissioners approved three-year law enforcement service contracts with the cities of Cottonwood, Balaton, Ghent, and Russell for 2025-2027, with annual amounts set by the board. The board also approved 2025 ditch maintenance assessments, the purchase of new CIS servers, replacement body-worn cameras for correctional staff, two highway trucks, and a snowblower. All votes were unanimous (5-0).
- Approved 3-year law enforcement contract with Cottonwood ($105,312 for 2025, $108,663.60 for 2026, $112,147.20 for 2027) (5-0)
- Approved 3-year law enforcement contract with Balaton ($78,984 for 2025, $81,475.20 for 2026, $84,110.40 for 2027) (5-0)
- Approved 3-year law enforcement contract with Ghent ($26,328 for 2025, $27,158.40 for 2026, $28,036.80 for 2027) (5-0)
- Approved 3-year law enforcement contract with Russell ($26,328 for 2025, $27,158.40 for 2026, $28,036.80 for 2027) (5-0)
- Approved 2025 ditch maintenance assessments and amended six 2024 assessments (5-0)
- Approved purchase of CIS servers from The Computer Man for $56,799 (5-0)
- Approved replacement of body-worn cameras for correctional staff from Axon for $133,244.10 using Public Safety fund (5-0)
- Approved order for 2 highway trucks from Boyer Ford and Truck Center Companies (5-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Lyon County Board approved a 3% rate increase for law enforcement services in 2025, with 3.15% and 3.25% increases for 2026 and 2027 respectively. The board also approved the sale of a used patrol car, a streambank stabilization project, a cooperative construction agreement with the City of Russell, and several other routine items. All votes were unanimous except for one abstention on a conservation contract.
- Approved 2025-2027 Law Enforcement Services Contract Rates: 3% (2025), 3.15% (2026), 3.25% (2027) (5-0)
- Authorized sale of 2019 Dodge Charger to Environmental office for $7,000 (5-0)
- Approved up to 90% of engineer's cost ($29,295) for Amiret Township streambank stabilization from Riparian Fund (5-0)
- Set CD 17 Final Hearing on Petition & Engineer's Report for September 3, 2024, at 8:15 AM (5-0)
- Approved Public Hearing Notice for CD 17 to be published and sent to landowners (5-0)
- Entered into Cooperative Construction agreement with City of Russell (5-0)
- Accepted quote from Sir Lines-A-Lot, LLC for county maintenance re-striping at $54,414.07 (5-0)
- Approved Joint Powers Agreement for primary recount, authorizing Auditor/Treasurer to sign (5-0)
Board of Commissioners
The board declared a state of emergency due to flooding, with damages totaling $78,244.10, to seek state reimbursement of 75% of costs. They also approved a lease amendment with SWHHS for additional office space and approved the consent agenda, including warrants and per diems.
- Declared state of emergency for flooding (5-0)
- Approved lease amendment #3 with SWHHS for additional space (5-0)
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, warrants, and per diems (5-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Lyon County Board of Commissioners approved transferring $1.2 million from the general fund to ditch account CD 14 as a loan, with Commissioner Anderson abstaining. The board raised the salaries of two assistant county attorneys to $125,000 each effective July 1, 2024, citing a shortage of attorneys. It also approved $55,397.29 to replace the Minneota ARMER tower microwave link using 911 funds and $51,653 for two outdoor warning sirens at Twin Lakes and Garvin parks using public safety dollars. A body-worn camera item was pulled from the agenda and will return at a later meeting.
- Approved agenda with removal of item 5.4 Body-Worn Cameras (5-0)
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, per diems, and warrants totaling $618,813.03 (5-0)
- Approved $1.2M transfer from General Fund to CD 14 ditch account as a loan (4-0, Anderson abstained)
- Approved resolution amending Joint Ditch 24 and appointed Commissioners Anderson and Crowley to the Ditch Authority (5-0)
- Approved Assistant County Attorney Carlotta Navarrette's salary increase to $125,000 effective July 1, 2024 (5-0)
- Approved Assistant County Attorney Julianna Passe's salary increase to $125,000 effective July 1, 2024 (5-0)
- Approved $55,397.29 bid from West Central Communications to replace Minneota ARMER Tower microwave link using 911 funds (5-0)
- Approved $51,653 bid from Federal Signal Corporation for two outdoor warning sirens at Twin Lakes and Garvin parks (5-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Lyon County Board of Commissioners approved adjustments to the Garvin Park deer hunting season, set the county coroner's salary at $3,063.36, and approved a conditional use permit for an 806,500-gallon manure storage basin. The board also approved a drug court testing contract extension, a boat and water safety grant, an office space lease amendment for SWHHS, and discussed the preliminary 2025 budget. Additionally, the board approved the agenda, consent agenda, warrants, and moved item 5.2 to the July 2nd meeting.
- Approved agenda and moved item 5.2 to July 2, 2024 meeting (5-0)
- Approved consent agenda including minutes and warrants totaling $462,134.59, $150,206.29, and $248,035.44 (5-0)
- Approved drug court testing contract up to $2,880 (5-0)
- Approved 2024 MN DNR Boat and Water Safety grant for $1,709 (5-0)
- Approved Garvin Park archery deer hunting from Nov 1 to Dec 31, 2024, with ADA and 70+ age crossbow exceptions (5-0)
- Approved conditional use permit for Doug Loyson to construct an 806,500-gallon manure storage basin (5-0)
- Approved 2024 county coroner salary at $3,063.36 (5-0)
- Approved SWHHS lease amendment for 750 square feet of additional office space at $11.50 per square foot (5-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Lyon County Board of Commissioners met as the Board of Appeal & Equalization to review property values and hear appeals. The board adjusted valuations for specific parcels, including Lavoie and Gruhot Investment properties, and approved three assessor-recommended value decreases.
- Set the value of parcel 31-108029-0 (Lavoie) at $145,500
- Changed 26.10 acres of pasture land associated with the landfill for parcel 04-029003-0 to zero value
- Changed 5 acres of tillable land to pasture land for parcel 04-029003-0, reducing value from $8,800 to $1,800 per acre
- Set the final valuation of parcel 04-029003-0 at $184,300
- Approved assessor recommendations to decrease 2024 proposed estimated market values for three parcels
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved a federal paving project for County Road 22 and an annual agreement for bituminous materials. Other actions included approving a lease amendment for DEED and purchasing a new patrol vehicle for the Sheriff's Office.
- Approved $1,465,252.40 paving contract with Mark Sand & Gravel (4-0)
- Authorized $443,750.00 annual bituminous materials agreement with Flint Hills Resources (4-0)
- Approved DEED lease amendment for up to 4 years at $15.00-$15.50 per sq ft (4-0)
- Approved $40,668.00 purchase of a 2024 RAM SSV patrol vehicle from Lockwood Motors (4-0)
- Committed $39,375.00 to the 18 County Mental Health Consortium (4-0)
- Approved out-of-state travel for County Attorney Wikelius to attend a symposium in Albany, NY (4-0)
- Accepted $100 donation from Arlene Schoephoerster for the DARE account (4-0)
- Approved Commissioner and Auditor warrants totaling $407,764.66 (4-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved funding for a 60-unit multifamily affordable housing project and authorized several infrastructure and park improvements. Other actions included approving a trail master plan contract and a grant application for Garvin Park.
- Approved $224,000 from 2024 and 2025 housing funds for City of Marshall affordable housing project (4-0)
- Approved One Watershed One Plan Redwood River By-Laws (4-0)
- Approved Fairgrounds Sewer Lift Station upgrade (4-0)
- Approved $18,500 contract with SRDC for Camden Regional Bike Trail master plan (4-0)
- Approved $780,499 Legacy Grant application for Garvin Park (4-0)
- Approved one-year land rent agreement extension and conversion of land to native prairie and pollinators (4-0)
- Approved Commissioner Warrants of $414,574.48 and Auditor Warrants of $213,508.45 and $35,439.37 (4-0)
Park
The Lyon County Park Board approved removing 8 total acres from agricultural use (4 acres from hay land and 4 acres from the field) to begin prairie restoration. The board also approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the March 21, 2024 meeting, and heard project updates regarding park construction, grants, and bike trail master planning.
- Approved the meeting agenda (4-0)
- Approved the March 21, 2024 Park Board meeting minutes (4-0)
- Approved removing 4 acres from hay land and 4 out of field for prairie restoration (4-0)
- Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (4-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved significant funding for local housing projects and a veteran's memorial. They also entered into a wastewater agreement with the City of Marshall and authorized several landfill-related grants and applications.
- Approved $100,000 ARPA funds each for City of Tracy and City of Balaton housing projects
- Approved $15,000 for Cottonwood American Legion Veteran's Park sculpture (2025 budget)
- Approved $3,250 funding request for Plum Creek Library
- Approved Significant Industrial User Agreement with City of Marshall Wastewater Plant
- Approved $10,000 from landfill budget for Lyon County Small Grant program
- Authorized landfill department to apply for PFAS grant up to $125,000
- Approved tax abatements for J.F. Taylor & Sons, Inc. ($1,018.33) and Karin & Robert Elton ($232.50)
- Approved hiring Rinke Noonan and Bolten & Menk for County Ditch 17 project
Board of Commissioners
The Lyon County Board of Commissioners approved a $811,560.83 contract with Cooreman Contracting for ditch construction, with Commissioner Anderson abstaining. The board also authorized a $43,000 feasibility study for landfill gas utilization, approved a restrictive covenant for Garvin Park, and passed a comprehensive plan for Lincoln-Lyon Probation services. Additionally, the board issued a letter of support for a UCAP grant application for propane buses and approved routine warrants totaling over $572,000.
- Approved agenda and consent agenda (5-0)
- Approved letter of support for UCAP Low Emission Grant (5-0)
- Approved Lincoln-Lyon Probation Comprehensive Plan (5-0)
- Awarded CD 14 ditch contract to Cooreman Contracting for $811,560.83 (4-0, Anderson abstained)
- Authorized Landfill Gas Reuse Feasibility Study with Burns and McDonnell, not to exceed $43,000 (5-0)
- Approved Restrictive Covenant Resolution for Garvin Parks (5-0)
- Discussed Camden Regional Trail Master Plan update; no vote recorded
- Approved Commissioner and Auditor warrants totaling $572,853.18
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved up to $6,000 for portable restrooms at the county fairgrounds and signed a joint powers agreement for the Dayland Marsh water control structure. Officials also scheduled drainage benefit hearings for May 14 and authorized an appraisal for a potential land purchase for gravel.
- Approved up to $6,000 for 2024 portable restroom expenses from the contingency fund (5-0)
- Approved joint powers agreement for Dayland Marsh-Water Control Structure (3-0, 1 abstain, 1 absent)
- Authorized appraisal for potential land purchase for gravel daily cover (4-0, 1 absent)
- Set hearing date for May 14 at 1:30 PM for JD 14 redetermination of benefits (Passed)
- Set hearing date for May 14 at 1:30 PM for JD 12, 16, and 24 redetermination of benefits (Passed)
- Approved Commissioner Warrants of $186,006.36 and Auditor Warrants of $83,638.63 and $441,813.57 (5-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved funding for a market-rate housing project in Balaton and issued a tobacco license for D's Liquor and Tobacco Shop. Other actions included approving a sand and gravel pit permit and promoting an assistant county attorney. The Board also adopted findings regarding stormwater connections for County Ditch 62.
- Designated $100,000 for the Balaton Workforce Housing Project (5-0)
- Approved tobacco license for D's Liquor and Tobacco Shop (5-0)
- Approved conditional use permit for sand and gravel pit for Tom Sterzinger and Gary Jorgenson (5-0)
- Promoted Julianna Passe from Assist Co. Atty I to Assist Co. Atty II effective March 18, 2024 (5-0)
- Adopted findings and order for City of Marshall stormwater connections to County Ditch 62 (5-0)
- Approved Commissioner Warrants totaling $258,844.63 (5-0)
- Approved Auditor Warrants totaling $160,654.25 and $82,157.67 (5-0)