Meeker County, Minnesota

Planning & Zoning

The Meeker County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on August 4, 2026 at 5:00 pm. The commission will approve the July 14, 2026 meeting minutes and consider an interim use permit for aggregate mining, processing and crushing in the A‑1 Agricultural Preservation District on the Southwest Quarter of Section 27, Township 117, Range 32, Cosmos Township. Afterward, the agenda includes other business for general discussion.

• Approve the July 14, 2026 meeting minutes
• Interim use permit application for aggregate mining, processing and crushing in the A‑1 Agricultural Preservation District, Southwest Quarter of Section 27, Township 117, Range 32, Cosmos Township
• Other business: general discussion

Board of Adjustments

The Meeker County Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing to consider two variance applications: one from St. Peters Evangelical Lutheran Church for an area variance to create two non-conforming lots in an agricultural district, and another from Stanley Von Bank and Bludorn Builders for an area variance to build a four-season porch closer than the required 100-foot setback from a recreational development lake. The board will also approve the previous meeting's minutes and discuss other business.

• St. Peters Evangelical Lutheran Church, 20314 CSAH 9, Darwin: application for area variance to create two non-conforming lots less than 250 ft deep in A-1 Agriculture Preservation District
• Stanley Von Bank (owner) and Bludorn Builders (applicant), 27266 734th Ave, Dassel: area variance to construct four-season porch within 100-ft setback from OHWL of Recreational Development Lake in R-1 Suburban Residential and Shoreland District
• Approval of June 2, 2026 meeting minutes

Park Board

The Meeker County Park Board will review the May 20 minutes and approve any agenda changes. The board will discuss the West Manuella property and the Stockade site, and consider the proposed 2027 budget. New board member Rochelle (Shelly) Krantz will be introduced, and a seasonal employee update will be given.

• West Manuella Property Discussion
• Stockade Discussion
• 2027 Budget consideration
• Introduction of new board member Rochelle (Shelly) Krantz
• Koronis seasonal employee update

The board approved the minutes from the May 20, 2026 meeting. A motion to adjourn was passed at 9:15 a.m. The 2027 budget and property updates were discussed but no formal actions were taken.

• Approved May 20, 2026 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:15 a.m. (motion carried)

Planning & Zoning

The Meeker County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at the Government Center at 5:00 pm on July 14, 2026. After approving the June 9, 2026 meeting minutes, the commission will consider three permit applications: a Class B‑h swine feedlot for Bergstrom Pork, Inc.; an interim use permit for Jingles Farms, LLC to produce cannabis products; and a conditional use permit for Midwest Metal to operate a wood‑truss manufacturing business. The meeting will close with other business items.

• Permit for Bergstrom Pork, Inc. to build a 900‑animal‑unit (3,000 head) Class B‑h swine feedlot at Government Lot Five, Section 18, Township 121, Range 31, Manannah Township
• Interim use permit for Jingles Farms, LLC (Eric Labraaten) to manufacture, process and distribute cannabis products in the C‑1 Commercial District at 16506 MN Hwy 15, Dassel
• Conditional use permit for Midwest Metal (Karl Miller) to establish a wood‑truss manufacturing business in the A‑1 Agricultural Preservation District at the SW¼ of SW¼, Section 5, Township 119, Range 32, Acton Township

Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors

The Meeker County Soil & Water Conservation District Board will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes, receive treasurer and field office reports, and discuss upcoming events. Notable actions include cost-share requests from Mike & Julie Bredeson, Schiefelbein Farms, and Tom Reynolds. The agenda is largely procedural with no major policy decisions.

• Cost-share applications for Mike & Julie Bredeson, Schiefelbein Farms, Tom Reynolds
• Treasurer report and field office report
• Update on Meeker County Fair and Field Day planning
• Review of Outstanding Conservationist nomination
• Meeting/training reports from Area 2 Meeting, Admin Conference, and CAI Short Course

Ellsworth Township Board

County Extension Committee

The committee will discuss budget updates for 2026 and a proposal for 2027. Members will also receive reports on 4-H, agriculture, and natural resources programming.

• 2026 Budget Update
• 2027 Budget Proposal
• State Fair 4-H Building Renovation
• New Community Development Program brainstorm

The committee approved the meeting agenda and previous minutes from March 10, 2026. Members also reviewed the proposed 2027 budget, which includes adjustments for staff salaries, postage, and mileage reimbursements.

• Approved the June 16, 2026, agenda
• Approved the March 10, 2026, meeting minutes
• Approved the proposed 2027 budget

Planning & Zoning

The Meeker County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider an interim use permit for a second dwelling, a conditional use permit for a 255-foot telecommunications tower, and a proposed 700-animal-unit swine feedlot with two confinement barns. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes and general discussion.

• Approve May 12, 2026 meeting minutes
• Geoffrey Canoyer interim use permit for second dwelling for blood relative in A-1 Agricultural Preservation District, Darwin Township
• Jackson & Claire Triplett and Kirk Rasmussen/Great Plains Towers conditional use permit for 255' telecommunications tower in A-1 Agricultural Preservation District, Forest City Township
• Bergstrom Pork, Inc application for swine Class B-h feedlot with 700 animal units (6,000 nursery pigs, 2,000 finishing pigs), two 185'x101'10" confinement barns with 8' deep concrete pit, in Manannah Township

Planning & Zoning

The Meeker County Planning Commission approved an interim use permit renewal for a second dwelling on a farm at 24926 660th Ave, Darwin, with a 15‑year term and specific conditions. The commission also approved a conditional use permit to construct a 255‑foot telecommunications tower on a 38‑acre parcel at 13140 County Rd 35 W, Cokato, with conditions including height limits, setbacks, FCC/FAA compliance, and financial assurance. Both approvals were adopted by unanimous motions.

• Renewal of Interim Use Permit #16793 for a second dwelling at 24926 660th Ave, Darwin (15‑year term) with six conditions
• Conditional Use Permit #16808 for a 255‑foot cell tower on 38‑acre parcel at 13140 County Rd 35 W, Cokato, estimated cost $125,000
• Motion to approve the interim use permit with conditions passed 6‑0
• Motion to approve the conditional use permit with conditions passed 6‑0
• Public hearings were held for both the interim use and conditional use applications

Dassel Township Board

The Dassel Township Board approved several road maintenance proposals and payments for gravel and publishing. The board also reviewed a bill for completed dust guarding work.

• Payment of $20,181.25 to McCarthy Gravel
• Betram proposals for mill patching on 258 for $21,775.00 (3") or $29,975.00 (4")
• Betram proposal for spray patching on 229th, 273rd, 734, and 700th for $23,400.00
• Crow River Construction bill for dust guarding in the amount of $44,697.51
• Payment of $276.75 to Herald Journal

Board of Adjustments

The Meeker County Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing to consider three area variance applications for setbacks on road, shoreland, and impervious coverage. The board will also approve prior meeting minutes and discuss on-site meeting protocols for inclement weather.

• Jason Kautz: area variance to place existing cabin within 100' road setback and 150' OHWL setback of Natural Environmental Lake in A-1 Agricultural Preservation/Shoreland District (74643 200th St, Dassel)
• Gerald Shamla Jr: area variance to construct garage within 68' township road, 100' CSAH 14 setbacks, and 25% impervious coverage limit in R-1 Suburban Residential/Shoreland District (22173 CSAH 14, Darwin)
• Chris & Deb Nistler: area variance to construct shed within 100' road setback in A-1 Agricultural Preservation District (54938 399th St, Paynesville)
• Approve May 5, 2026 meeting minutes
• Discuss on-site meetings with inclement weather

Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors

The Meeker County Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors will meet on June 2, 2026. The agenda includes approval of minutes, treasurer and field office reports, and discussion of a local partners agreement and an NFCR FY26 WBIF subcontract. Several training session requests are also listed for consideration.

• Approval of agenda and minutes
• Treasurer and field office reports
• Farm Bill report and meeting/training reports
• Local Partners Agreement
• NFCR FY26 WBIF subcontract and cost share

The Meeker County Soil & Water Conservation District Board approved the meeting agenda and the May 5 minutes. It accepted the Treasurer's Report showing $29,884.88 in bills payable and closed out CD #29693. The board also approved the State of Minnesota Wells Contract, a 2026 County Fair booth, a local partners agreement with Pheasants Forever, and the FY26 watershed grant subcontract policy.

• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved May 5 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Treasurer's Report with $29,884.88 bills payable (unanimous)
• Closed out CD #29693 (unanimous)
• Approved Steinhaus signing State of Minnesota Wells Contract (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 Meeker County Fair booth (unanimous)
• Approved Local Partners Agreement with Pheasants Forever, Inc. (unanimous)
• Approved NFCR FY26 Watershed Based Implementation Funding Grant Subcontract Policy (unanimous)

Ellsworth Township Board

The board approved bills including election billing, assessor fees, and snow removal, and accepted a $450 tree removal quote. They awarded crack and mastic gap repair contracts for two road sections totaling $67,947. A public hearing will be held June 18 on vacating 170th Street, with an ad to be placed in the Litchfield Rail.

• Approved crack repair on southern portion of 670th ($14,685) and mastic gap repair ($17,640)
• Approved crack repair on 180th & 668th West of Lake Erie ($19,422) and mastic gap repair ($16,200)
• Accepted $450 quote to cut and remove a large tree on west side of 685th
• Placed ad for June 18 hearing on vacating 170th Street, with petition signatures from 8 voting residents
• Discussed gravel bid, culvert on 215th Street, and seal coating of Township Hall parking lot

Darwin City Council

The Darwin City Council meets to discuss property matters, public works, and financial reports. Action items include approving a water tower inspection contract, renewing the West Central Sanitation contract, and a city-wide clean-up expense of $797.00. The council will also consider the Nagel Property and hear from the city accountant.

• Nagel Property discussion
• City-Wide Clean-Up - $797.00
• Approval of water tower inspection contract
• West Central Sanitation contract renewal
• Quast Fence discussion

The Darwin City Council granted the petition to vacate a portion of a street and the entire alley in Block 7, reserving a permanent utility easement. The council also approved a $4,000 contract for a water‑tower inspection, a $1.25 salary raise for employee Russ, and the Quast fence plan. Additional motions approved payment of all city bills, the agenda, and the meeting minutes, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved vacation of portion of street and entire alley in Block 7 (unanimous)
• Approved $4,000 KLM contract for water‑tower inspection (unanimous)
• Approved $1.25 raise for employee Russ (unanimous)
• Approved Quast fence plans (unanimous)
• Approved payment of all city bills (unanimous)
• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Collinwood Township Board

The Collinwood Township Board approved the April meeting minutes and a $130,179.65 payment of bills. The Board discussed the cost and precedent of installing a street light at 746th St and CSAH 6 and decided to solicit bids for patching and overlaying 190th St.

• Board approved payment of $130,179.65 in bills
• Residents requested a street light at 746th St and CSAH 6
• Board to solicit bids for patching and overlaying 190th St
• Board discussed mileage reimbursement rate changes
• Board to follow up with Great River Energy regarding pole replacement

Darwin City Council

The Darwin City Council met on April 14, 2026 and approved several items, including a three‑year certificate of deposit, the Dassel Fire Contract, and a hearing on the Nagel Property vacation petition. The council also addressed road maintenance on CSAH 14 north of HWY 12, scheduled a city‑wide clean‑up for May 9, and approved payment of all outstanding bills.

• Approved certificate of deposit for a three‑year term
• Approved the Dassel Fire Contract
• Approved hearing on Nagel Property vacation petition for May 19, 2026
• Planned CSAH 14 roadwork north of HWY 12 for summer 2026
• Scheduled city‑wide clean‑up for May 9, 2026

The Darwin City Council approved the agenda and minutes, a three‑year certificate of deposit, the Dassel Fire Contract, and a hearing on the Nagel Property vacation petition. They also approved payment of all bills, agreed to call McCarthy for road shoulder work, and set a city‑wide clean‑up for May 9, 2026.

• Approved agenda (all in favor)
• Approved minutes (all in favor)
• Approved certificate of deposit for three‑year term (all in favor)
• Approved Dassel Fire Contract (all in favor)
• Approved scheduling of hearing on Nagel Property vacation petition for May 19, 2026 (all in favor)
• Approved payment of all bills (all in favor)
• Agreed to call McCarthy for road shoulder dirt and rock (all in favor)
• Set City‑Wide Clean‑Up date for May 9, 2026 (all in favor)

Planning & Zoning

The Meeker County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider several permits. Items include renewal of an aggregate mining interim use permit, a second dwelling for a blood relative, earth moving in the shoreland district, and a notice for expansion of a feedlot from 1910 to 2900 animal units. The commission will also approve previous minutes and discuss other business.

• Renewal of Interim Use Permit for aggregate mining, crushing and processing (Mark Ailie Rev Trust, Dassel Township)
• Interim Use Permit for a second dwelling for a blood relative in A-1 district (Sheila Pollman and James Rolf, Action Township)
• Conditional Use Permit to move more than 10 cubic yards in Shore Impact Zone and 50 cubic yards in Shoreland District (Gopher Campfire Club, Collinwood Township)
• Notice of feedlot expansion from Class C (1910 AU) to Class D (2900 AU) (Schiefelbein Agnus Farms, Kingston Township)
• Approval of March 31, 2026, meeting minutes

Planning & Zoning

The Meeker County Planning Commission reviewed several land-use applications, including a feedlot expansion and a shoreland grading project. The board approved permits for aggregate mining and a temporary second dwelling for a relative.

• Approved Interim Use Permit renewal for aggregate mining at 24997 738th Ave, Dassel Township
• Approved Interim Use Permit for a second dwelling for a blood relative at 16565 Falcon Ave, Acton Township
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Gopher Campfire Club to move up to 3,500 cubic yards of material at Lake Byron
• Discussed application for Schiefelbein Agnus Farms to expand feedlot capacity from 1,910 to 2,900 animal units in Kingston Township

Dassel Township Board

The Dassel Township Board approved several payments, including $18,460.50 to the Meeker County Assessor. The board discussed road maintenance options for 273rd and 743 Ave and noted a new fire truck payment schedule starting in 2028.

• Approved total bills of $24,302.71
• Payment of $5,000.00 to the City of Dassel
• Dust guarding for 250th, 692nd, 743rd, and 730th
• Road maintenance estimates pending from Bertrum Asphalt for 273rd and 743 Ave
• Payment of $330.00 for 300 ft of dust guarding

Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors

The Meeker County Soil & Water Conservation District Board will hold its regular meeting on May 5, 2026. Supervisors will review standard agenda items including reports, minutes, and a cost‑share discussion involving several participants. The meeting will also set the date for the next board session on June 2, 2026.

• Cost Share discussion (participants: Jeff Johnson; Andrew & Tony Fisher; James Prieve; Rick Rossow; Angelica Hopp; Michael Kaping / Jeff Houston)
• Local Work Group Meeting scheduled for April 27, 2026
• Next Board meeting scheduled for June 2, 2026
• Treasurer Report
• Farm Bill Report

The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda, the April 7 minutes, and the Treasurer's Report. They also approved the 2027 budget and county allocation request. Two contracts for conservation projects were approved, covering up to $62,500 and $31,540 respectively.

• Approved agenda with 2027 Budget addition (unanimous)
• Approved April 7 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Treasurer's Report, $105,787.88 bills payable (unanimous)
• Approved 2027 Budget and County Allocation Request (unanimous)
• Approved contract NF-FY22-49 for Critical Planting and Shoreline Protection up to $62,500 (unanimous)
• Approved contract NF-FY26-03 for Water and Sediment Control Basin up to $31,540 (unanimous)

Board of Adjustments

The Meeker County Board of Adjustment is meeting on May 5, 2026, to review and approve the minutes from the March 31, 2026, meeting. The March 31 meeting included a public hearing and approval of an area variance for a sunroom replacement on Lake Washington. No new items are listed for this meeting.

• Approval of March 31, 2026, meeting minutes (3-0 vote)
• Public hearing for Michael & Luann Schiller variance application at 67870 217th St, Darwin
• Approved 37.5-foot area variance from 75-foot setback to OHWL of Lake Washington for sunroom remodel
• Allowed impervious coverage of 27.3% (682 sq ft over 25% limit) in R-1 Shoreland District
• Property owner agreed to change driveway to pea rock to reduce impervious coverage

Board of Adjustments

The Meeker County Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing to review a variance application for a property in Darwin. The board will also approve minutes from the March 31, 2026 meeting.

• Variance application for Michael & Luann Schiller at 67870 217th St, Darwin, MN
• Request to replace a sunroom in variance to the 75' setback to the OHWL
• Request for variance to the maximum 25% impervious coverage in the R-1 Suburban Residential District

Collinwood Township Board

The Collinwood Township Board approved the payment of $15,972.70 in bills and set officer compensation for 2026. The board also decided to have WSB provide an estimate to patch and overlay half of 190th Street and designated Dassel Cokato Enterprise Dispatch as the official newspaper.

• Approve bills totaling $15,972.70
• Set officer compensation: Clerk $3,050, Treasurer $2,650, Chair $1,950, Supervisor $1,650
• WSB to estimate patch and overlay of 190th St
• Designate Dassel Cokato Enterprise Dispatch as official newspaper
• Pay election judges $17.50/hour plus meals

Ellsworth Township Board

The Ellsworth Township Board approved paying $30,375 for the Litchfield Fire & Rescue contract and authorized the town to pay one-third of a $60,000 road repair project on 660th Street with Darwin. The board also discussed the status of 170th Street and set a date for a road inspection.

• Litchfield Fire & Rescue contract: $30,375
• 660th Street repair: Ellsworth pays 1/3 (~$20,000)
• Approve March 19, 2026, meeting minutes
• Seal coat town hall parking lot
• Road inspection set for May 8 at 9 AM

Planning & Zoning

The Meeker County Planning Commission will approve the February 10, 2026 meeting minutes and hold a public hearing on several permit applications. The agenda includes a Conditional Use permit for Allied Dairy LLP‑Alpha Foods to expand a Class D feedlot from 2,100 to 2,959.6 animal units at the site in Section 30, Township 120, Range 30, Forest City Township. Additional items are a Conditional Use permit to move material in a Shore Impact Zone and Shoreland District, an Interim Use permit for a temporary second dwelling in an Agricultural Preservation District, and other general business.

• Approve February 10, 2026 meeting minutes
• Conditional Use permit: Allied Dairy LLP‑Alpha Foods feedlot expansion to 2,959.6 animal units at East 532.9 ft of N½ of SE¼, Sec 30, Twp 120, Rge 30, Forest City Twp
• Conditional Use permit: move >10 cubic yards in Shore Impact Zone and >50 cubic yards in Shoreland District at Lot Eleven, Jepson’s Subdivision, Lake Washington, Darwin Twp
• Interim Use permit: temporary second dwelling for a blood relative in A‑1 Agricultural Preservation District at North Half of NE Quarter, Sec 30, Twp 120, Rge 32, Swede Grove Twp
• Other business – general discussion

Planning & Zoning

The Meeker County Planning Commission held a public hearing on Allied Dairy LLP‑Alpha Foods' application for a conditional use permit to expand its Class D feedlot. The proposal would increase animal units from 2100 to 2959.6 and add new confinement barns and a 20,321,881‑gallon earthen manure storage basin. After discussion and public comments, the commission approved the permit with a set of conditions, including inspection fees, tree‑planting requirements, and a 24‑month construction deadline.

• Increase animal units from 2100 to 2959.6
• Add a 568' × 120' free‑stall confinement barn
• Construct a 20,321,881‑gallon earthen manure storage basin
• Total manure storage capacity after expansion ~33,904,260 gallons
• Ordinance change raising feedlot setback from 1000' to 1320'

Dassel Township Board

The Dassel Township Board accepted the March meeting minutes and approved the Treasurer's report, authorizing payment of $40,464.91 in bills. The board also appointed Matt Kelly as chairman for 2026. Members discussed upcoming road grading and a dust‑guarding project on 240th, Big Swan Lake Road, and Spring Lake Road. Additional items such as attorney information and a Collinwood Township contract were noted for the record.

• Approved payment of bills: McCarthy Gravel $22,331.25; Knife River $15,575.81; Anita Harmala $74.60; Galen Nyman $133.25; City of Dassel $1,200.00; Dassel History Center $500.00; Jason Randt $450.00 (total $40,464.91)
• Appointed Matt Kelly as chairman for 2026
• Discussed upcoming road grading by McCarthy Gravel
• Dust‑guarding project planned for 240th, Big Swan Lake Road, and Spring Lake Road (quote pending)
• Attorney Troy Gilcrest provided information for board investigation

Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors

The Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors will meet to discuss district reports and apparel. The board is scheduled to review cost share requests for six specific applicants.

• Cost share requests for Angelica Hopp, Jeff Johnson, Tony Fischer, Mike Kaping, Schiefelbein Farms, and Rick Rossow
• Farm Bill Report
• District Apparel discussion
• MACDE Managers and Area 2 meeting reports

The Meeker County Soil & Water Conservation District Board approved the agenda, the March meeting minutes, and the Treasurer's Report. It voted to donate roughly 180 trees to the Pioneerland library system and to increase the annual apparel allowance to $100 per employee. The board also approved attendance at two training meetings and scheduled a Local Work Group meeting after the May board meeting.

• Approved agenda with added MACFO report request (unanimous)
• Approved March 3, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Treasurer's Report, including $94,948.90 in bills payable (unanimous)
• Approved donation of roughly 180 trees to Pioneerland library system (unanimous)
• Approved Clark's attendance at Administrative Conference June 17‑18 (unanimous)
• Approved Steinhaus's attendance at Manure Management Meeting (unanimous)
• Approved increase of annual apparel allowance to $100 per employee (unanimous)
• Approved holding Local Work Group Meeting after May board meeting (unanimous)

Board of Adjustments

The Meeker County Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on March 31, 2026. It will consider approving the minutes from the January 13, 2026 meeting and a variance application from Jeffrey and Wendy Bertrang to replace an existing garage on 69669 233 Rd St, Dassel, MN. The application seeks relief from the required 35‑foot setback in the R‑1 Suburban Residential District and Shoreland District. The meeting will also include general discussion of other business.

• Approve minutes from the January 13, 2026 Board of Adjustment meeting
• Hear variance application from Jeffrey & Wendy Bertrang for property at 69669 233 Rd St, Dassel, to replace an existing garage and obtain a setback variance in the R‑1 Suburban Residential District and Shoreland District
• Other business: general discussion

Board of Adjustments

The Meeker County Board of Adjustment nominated Kim Hempel and Al Anderson as co‑chairs for 2026 and approved the minutes from the January 13, 2025 meeting. A public hearing was held for Jeffrey and Wendy Bertrang’s request to replace an existing shed with a larger accessory building on Lot Nine, Block One, Clifford’s Addition. The board voted to approve a 15.5‑foot area variance allowing the new detached garage to be placed 19.5 feet from the road right‑of‑way on 233rd Street.

• Nomination and approval of Kim Hempel as 2026 co‑chair
• Nomination and approval of Al Anderson as 2026 co‑chair
• Approval of January 13, 2025 meeting minutes
• Public hearing on variance application for 69669 233rd St, Dassel
• Approval of 15.5‑ft area variance for new detached garage at the same address

Park Board

The Meeker County Park Board will meet on March 25, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. to review the January 21, 2026 minutes and discuss several operational items. Topics include the stockade operation, a staff update from Koronis, the opening of a campground, general park updates, and disc‑golf statistics. No specific decisions are indicated in the agenda.

• Review minutes of January 21, 2026
• Discussion of stockade operation
• Koronis staff update
• Campground opening
• Disc golf statistics

The board voted to approve the minutes of the January 21, 2026 meeting, with a clarification about the Stockade loan total of $6,000.00. A motion to adjourn the March 25 meeting at 10:19 a.m. was also carried. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved minutes of Jan 21, 2026 meeting (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:19 a.m. (motion carried)

Ellsworth Township Board

The Ellsworth Township Board approved paying bills totaling $975.05 and a $270 training cost to complete a county accounting program conversion. The board also discussed road maintenance projects and upcoming community events.

• Approved $975.05 in bills payable
• Approved $270 for CTAS training
• Approved $350 donation to Meeker Food Shelf
• Supervisor Dave Jutz to attend Darwin Township meeting
• Road work items carried forward for 2026 season

Collinwood Township Board

The board approved the February minutes, the treasurer’s report, and the 2025 cash control statement. It authorized a request to WSB for a quote to manage a mill and overlay project on the yellow sections of 190th Street and orange sections of 746th Avenue. The board also approved payment of seven bills totaling $6,477.29 and discussed upcoming fire service costs and gravel procurement.

• Request to WSB for a quote to manage a mill and overlay on yellow sections of 190th St and orange sections of 746th Ave
• Approval of payment for bills 3104‑3110 totaling $6,477.29 (e.g., $5,500.00 to MSB, $73.29 to Meeker Energy)
• Fire Advisory Board update: new fire truck delivery in 2028 and call cost increase from $1,100 to about $2,000
• Gravel quotes sought for 6,000‑8,000 yards of Class 5 gravel with 6‑10% clay
• Dust‑coating quotes to be obtained by the clerk

Collinwood Township Board

The Collinwood Township Board accepted Skyline Aggregate’s bid to supply 6,000‑8,000 yards of Class 5 gravel at $15.32 per yard. The board also authorized a dust‑coating program for 200th St, 215th St, and portions of 728th Ave, limited to $20,000. Additional actions included a $500 donation to the Dassel History Center and approval of $63,088.14 in outstanding bills. A special meeting was scheduled for March 23 to authorize a fund transfer.

• Accepted Skyline Aggregate bid: $15.32/yard for 6,000‑8,000 yards of Class 5 gravel
• Authorized dust‑coating of ~7 mi of roads, cost capped at $20,000
• Approved $500 donation to Dassel History Center
• Approved payment of bills totaling $63,088.14 (checks 3111‑3116)
• Scheduled special board meeting on March 23 to authorize fund transfer

Dassel Township Board

The Dassel Township Board accepted the February meeting minutes and the Treasurer's report, approving payment of $5,343.67 in bills. The Board discussed and approved the Laughlin Acres plat signing and gave the Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club permission to groom 240th Street from the County line to MN Hwy 15. Additional items included dust‑guarding price talks, a review of a Collinwood Township contract, and a reminder about board of appeal training deadlines.

• Approved payment of $5,256.25 to McCarthy Gravel and $87.42 to Herald Journal (total $5,343.67)
• Granted permission to Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club to groom 240th from County line to MN Hwy 15
• Approved signing of Laughlin Acres plat by Chairman Kelly
• Discussed dust‑guarding pricing and road work with Orville Anderson
• Reviewed Collinwood Township contract for revisions before signing

County Extension Committee

The Meeker County Extension Committee will meet to approve the November 18, 2025 minutes, welcome a new member, and appoint a chair and vice chair. The agenda includes a budget update and reports on the Leadership program, 4‑H program, and Agriculture and Natural Resources programs. A brief Extension Trivia segment is also scheduled.

• Approval of November 18, 2025 meeting minutes
• Appointment of board chair and vice chair
• Budget update presentation
• Leadership Program update (Tim Erickson)
• 4‑H Program report (Cassidy Martin)

The committee approved its agenda and the minutes from the November 18, 2025 meeting. Members voted to confirm Corey Cervin as chair and Jennifer Welling as vice chair. Subcommittee members for Farm Family and Budget were selected. The meeting was adjourned at 2:41 p.m.

• Approved agenda (motion carried)
• Approved November 18, 2025 minutes (motion carried)
• Approved Corey Cervin as chair and Jennifer Welling as vice chair (motion carried)
• Selected Farm Family subcommittee members: Matt Johnson, Jennifer Welling, Cheryl VanOrt (selection reported)
• Selected Budget subcommittee members: Tim Erickson, Steve Schmitt, Holly Nelson (selection reported)
• Adjourned meeting at 2:41 p.m. (motion carried)

Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors

The Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors will meet on February 3, 2026, to approve minutes, review reports, and discuss cost-share agreements for local farmers.

• Approval of meeting minutes
• Review of treasurer and field office reports
• Discussion of Farm Bill and training reports
• Cost-share agreements for Preston Sommerfeld, Blayne Johnson, Jane Reich, and Dave Carlson
• Next meeting scheduled for April 7, 2026

Ellsworth Township Board

The Ellsworth Township Board approved the Treasurer's report and paid listed bills. It authorized the purchase and installation of an iron filter costing about $350. The board increased the General fund budget to $40,000 and the Fire fund budget to $70,000 while keeping the Roads budget unchanged. The hourly rate for election judges was raised to $20.

• Approved Treasurer's report and payment of bills totaling $1,332.05 (e.g., Miller Outdoors Insurance $250, Snowplowing $135, etc.)
• Authorized purchase and installation of an iron filter for approximately $350
• Increased General fund budget to $40,000 and Fire fund budget to $70,000
• Raised election judge hourly rate from $14 to $20
• Carried forward road work items: 180th washout, 672nd gravel work, 654th ditch sinkhole repair, culvert repositioning near 215th St

Planning & Zoning

The Meeker County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to review a conditional use permit for a solar project and discuss potential 2026 ordinance amendments. The board will also consider a final plat for Laughlin Acres and a proposed plat from Lindberg Excavating.

• Conditional Use permit for Ice House Solar 2, LLC to build a 1-megawatt solar garden with approximately 2600 panels
• Review of possible 2026 Ordinance Amendments
• Final plat of Laughlin Acres
• Lindberg Excavating proposed residential and commercial plat

The Meeker County Planning Commission reviewed a series of proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance, covering permits, conditional uses, interim uses, setbacks, and cannabis-related regulations. The minutes record the proposals but do not indicate any approvals, rejections, or vote totals. No substantive decisions were documented in this meeting.

Planning & Zoning

The Meeker County Planning Commission elected Jans as chair and Hempel as co‑chair. It approved the corrected minutes from the November 18, 2025 meeting. The board then voted to approve a Conditional Use Permit for parcel 07‑0532000 to build a 1‑megawatt solar garden with about 2,574 panels on an eight‑acre site in Dassel Township. The approval includes conditions such as $1,500,000 liability insurance and a $127,500 decommissioning guarantee.

• Election of Jans as chair and Hempel as co‑chair
• Approval of corrected November 18, 2025 meeting minutes
• Conditional Use Permit approval for a 1‑MW solar garden (≈2,574 panels) on parcel 07‑0532000
• Requirement of $1,500,000 liability insurance per occurrence
• Financial guarantee of $127,500 for decommissioning the solar array

Planning & Zoning

The Planning Commission will hold hearings on proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance. These amendments cover permit expiration timelines, land use restrictions, and new regulations for cannabis and data center operations.

• Extension of building and land use permit expiration from 180 days or 12 months to 18 months
• New regulations for cannabis businesses, including cultivation, retail hours (10am-9pm Mon-Sat), and location limits
• Increased setback requirement for dwellings from Class A or B feedlots from 1,000 to 1,320 feet
• Addition of data centers as a conditional use requiring infrastructure strain data
• Increased size limits for repair shops (up to 4,800 sq ft) and welding shops (up to 6,000 sq ft)

Dassel Township Board

The Dassel Township Board approved a 2026 fire contract worth $77,701.64. It also accepted the 2025 financial report and kept the levy unchanged for 2027. The board authorized payment of $8,519.50 in bills and scheduled the March 10 annual meeting and election. Additional discussion covered a possible contribution to MN DOT RR Crossing 708 repairs.

• Approve 2026 fire contract for $77,701.64
• Pay bills totaling $8,519.50 (Town Law Center $392.00, McCarthy Gravel $7,322.50, Minnesota Benefits $805.00)
• Discuss covering asphalt patches and traffic control for MN DOT RR Crossing 708
• Approve 2025 financial report and keep levy the same for 2027
• Set annual meeting and election for March 10, 2026; appoint election judges and absentee board

Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors

The board will approve the agenda and minutes. It will hear the Treasurer’s report on billing rates and the 2025 audit engagement, as well as field office and Farm Bill updates. The meeting will also review training requests and consider cost‑share allocations for Richard Goebel and Mark & Julie Bredeson.

• Treasurer Report – billing rates
• Treasurer Report – Peterson Engagement Letter for 2025 Audit
• Field Office Report
• Farm Bill Report
• Cost Share – allocations for Richard Goebel and Mark & Julie Bredeson

The Meeker County Soil & Water Conservation District Board unanimously approved several items, including raising drill rental rates, funding a water retention basin project, and allocating state aid for a windbreak project. All motions were passed without opposition. The board also approved conference attendance, dues, and a tree donation to local third‑graders.

• Approved raising minimum drill rental rates to $180 (under 10 acres) and tiered rates for larger acres
• Approved $11,000 encumbrance for SA23-06 Water Retention Basin Project using FY23 State Aid Funding
• Approved $1,508 encumbrance for SA23-07 Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment Project using FY23 State Aid Funding
• Approved donation of trees to Litchfield 3rd graders at a cost of $588
• Approved Treasurer's Report including bills payable of $57,137.67
• Approved 2026 MACFO conference attendance for Ann Steinhaus
• Approved payment of $150 MACFO dues for 2026
• Approved payment of $150 MACAI dues for 2026

Park Board

The Meeker County Park Board will meet to discuss the 2026 budget and the Stockade Annual Report. The board will also receive updates on a pickleball request for Shaw and the Joint Powers Committee.

• 2026 Budget
• Stockade Annual Report
• Shaw Pickle Ball Request Update
• Koronis Seasonal Employee

The board approved the minutes from the September 17, 2025 meeting. The 2026 budget was adopted, allocating $50,000 for a new playground at West Ripley Park. Camping rates were raised by $5, setting tent sites at $25, RV sites at $45, and cabins at $75. The meeting was adjourned.

• Approved September 17, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Adopted 2026 budget, including $50,000 for West Ripley Park playground (motion carried)
• Increased camping rates by $5: tent $25, RV $45, cabin $75 (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:32 a.m. (motion carried)

Collinwood Township Board

The Collinwood Township Board approved meeting minutes, authorized reconciliation of a $244.78 voided check discrepancy, and approved the November financial statements and a $9,991.32 bill payment package. It also approved Resolution 2026-1 on mailbox damage and an Indemnification and Hold Harmless Agreement pending attorney review. In old business, supervisors discussed a potential $500,000 resurfacing project for yellow sections of 190th St and orange sections of 746th Ave.

• Authorize reconciliation of a $244.78 voided 2023 check with cash rebalancing
• Approve payment of seven bills totaling $9,991.32 (including $8,166.81 to MSB)
• Discuss estimated $500,000 cost to resurface yellow sections of 190th St and orange sections of 746th Ave
• Approve Resolution 2026-1 assigning responsibility for mailbox damage during snow plowing
• Approve Indemnification and Hold Harmless Agreement, contingent on attorney review

Ellsworth Township Board

Board of Adjustments

The Meeker County Board of Adjustment approved two area variance requests for properties on Lake Washington and 657th Ave. The board approved a 43-foot variance for a second story on a home and a 33-foot variance for a detached garage, both requiring approval from the Army Corps of Engineers and the Soil and Water District.

• Approved 43-foot variance for second story on Lake Washington home
• Approved 33-foot variance for detached garage on 657th Ave
• Condition: Parcel 10-0507000 and 10-0459000 must be combined
• Condition: Overhead powerline must be buried or moved
• Condition: Wetland credits must be purchased for garage project

Board of Adjustments

The Meeker County Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing to review two area variance requests. The board will also vote to approve the November 25, 2025 meeting minutes.

• Variance request for 22899 696th Ave to build a second level on a house within the 75' setback to the OHWL
• Variance request for Lot 129 to build a detached accessory building within the 35' road right of way setback

Dassel Township Board

Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors

The Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors will meet to conduct annual organizational business. The board will elect officers, designate 2026 meeting schedules, and review compensation and reimbursement rates.

• Election of officers
• Purchase of a new laptop for Clark
• Determination of Supervisor Compensation Rate
• Setting of IRS and PERA rates
• Review of existing policies and cost share

The board approved several unanimous actions, including electing officers, setting meeting times, and amending the State Aid Cost Share Tree Planting Policy to permit up to $20,000 per year with a $5,000 cap per landowner. Other approvals covered a new laptop purchase, the highest IRS mileage rate for 2026, and a $125 per‑meeting supervisor compensation. All motions were affirmed without opposition.

• Elected Bob Schiefelbein as Chair, John Haffley as Vice Chair, Greg Jans as Secretary, Fred Behnke as Treasurer (unanimous)
• Approved the agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved the Treasurer's Report, including $47,733.97 in bills payable (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of a new laptop for Clark (unanimous)
• Set district board meetings for the first Tuesday of each month at 8 a.m. at the USDA Service Center (unanimous)
• Amended Tree Planting State Aid Cost Share Policy to allow up to $20,000 annually, $5,000 per landowner (unanimous)
• Adopted the highest IRS mileage rate for 2026 (unanimous)
• Continued supervisor compensation at $125 per meeting (unanimous)