Mower County, MN

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Adjustment

Mower County Planning Commission

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Adjustment

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Planning Commission

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Adjustment

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Planning Commission

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Planning Commission

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Ditch Board

The Board will hold a public hearing and vote on an interim ordinance to pause permits for new cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, and processing sites. The Board is also deciding on a conditional use permit for a cannabis campus and renewing a law enforcement contract with the City of Lyle.

• Public hearing and vote on moratorium for new cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, or processing sites
• Resolution to deny Conditional Use Permit #1011 for a multi-tenant cannabis campus (Tyler Lange)
• 3-year renewal of Law Enforcement Services contract between Sheriff's Office and City of Lyle
• 2027 annual repair assessments, budget, and levy for Mower County Ditch Board and Joint Ditch Boards #5 and #26
• Discussion of Samsara Fleet Management Software and Trimble S7 Survey Equipment for Highway Department

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and vote on an interim ordinance to pause new cannabis site permits. The board is also deciding on a specific conditional use permit for a cannabis campus and renewing a law enforcement contract with the City of Lyle.

• Public hearing and vote on moratorium for new cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, or processing sites
• Resolution to deny Conditional Use Permit #1011 for a multi-tenant cannabis campus (Tyler Lange)
• 3-year renewal of Law Enforcement Services contract between the Sheriff's Office and the City of Lyle
• Approval of 2027 annual repair assessments, budgets, and levies for Mower County Ditch Board and Joint Ditch Boards #5 and #26
• Discussion of Samsara Fleet Management Software and Trimble S7 Survey Equipment for the Highway Department

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

Mower County Planning Commission

Mower County Board of Adjustment

The Mower County Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing to consider Variance #592, requested by Jonathan and Cassandra Gaul. The variance seeks a front yard setback reduction from 270th Street for a deck and expansion of a nonconforming structure within the 100-foot shoreland overlay. The board will take public comments and may approve, deny, or table the request.

• Variance #592: front yard setback from 270th Street reduced to 6.6 ft (required 18.4 ft) for a 10-ft-wide deck
• Expansion of nonconforming structure within 100-ft shoreland overlay
• Public hearing with staff report, applicant presentation, and public comments
• Board may impose conditions on the variance

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings on five conditional use permit (CUP) requests for commercial, state-licensed cannabis cultivation in Leroy and Windom Townships, including one for a multi-tenant cultivation, manufacturing, and processing campus. The board will also consider setting the 2027 preliminary levy, approving equipment purchases, and adopting several resolutions. The agenda includes a mix of routine consent items, public hearings, and policy decisions.

• CUP #1012, #1013, #1014: cannabis cultivation on Parcels G, H, I, Section 30, Leroy Township (applicants Ramea Land LLC, Space Holdings LLC, Till MN Holdings LLC & So Local LLC)
• CUP #1003A: amendment for additional cannabis cultivation on Parcel B, Leroy Township (Northern Field Land Holdings LLC)
• CUP #1011: multi-tenant cannabis cultivation/manufacturing campus, Section 30, Windom Township (Tyler Lange)
• Motion to set 2027 Preliminary Levy and date for budget/levy public hearing
• Approve Fourth Amendment to Medical Examiner/Autopsy Services Agreement with Mayo (1/1/27-12/31/2030)

The Board approved multiple construction contracts for the Government Center and set the preliminary 2027 levy. Several cannabis cultivation permits were tabled, while one multi-tenant cannabis campus request was denied. The Board also authorized a contamination cleanup grant application for highway facilities.

• Awarded Government Center air quality project bids totaling $3,883,618.80
• Set preliminary 2027 levy at $32,456,010
• Denied CUP #1011 for multi-tenant cannabis campus in Windom Township
• Tabled cannabis cultivation permits CUP #1012, #1013, #1014, and #1003A
• Approved Joint Powers Agreements with MN Dept of Public Safety for Community Corrections
• Approved contamination cleanup grant application to DEED for Highway Facility Improvement
• Approved First Amendment to Mower County/City of Austin LEC Operations Agreement
• Approved LELS #81 MOU regarding employee compensation effective 1-1-27

General

Mower County Planning Commission

The Mower County Planning Commission will hold public hearings on five conditional use permit requests for commercial cannabis cultivation in Leroy and Windom Townships. Four permits are for individual parcels in Leroy Township, and one is for a multi-tenant cannabis campus in Windom Township. The meeting will also include approval of the agenda and previous minutes, staff updates, and adjournment.

• CUP #1012: Cannabis cultivation on Parcel G, Leroy Twp. (Ramea Land LLC)
• CUP #1013: Cannabis cultivation on Parcel H, Leroy Twp. (Space Holdings LLC)
• CUP #1014: Cannabis cultivation on Parcel I, Leroy Twp. (Till MN Holdings LLC & So Local LLC)
• CUP #1003A: Cannabis cultivation on Parcel B, Leroy Twp. (Northern Field Land Holdings LLC)
• CUP #1011: Multi-tenant cannabis campus, Windom Twp. (Tyler Lange)

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board will hold public hearings and consider approving three housing tax abatement applications, a $23.6 million capital improvement plan bond issuance, and several highway and personnel items. The agenda also includes a consent agenda with fee and loan assessments, and a Committee of the Whole session for budget and department updates.

• Resolution to adopt feedlot fee assessment for Robert Leverington - $236.15
• Resolution to adopt Septic Loan Assessment for Jesse & Molly Cass - $20,000.00
• Public hearing and resolution for housing tax abatement for Bigelow & Lennon (PIN 34.471.0040)
• Public hearing and resolution for housing tax abatement for James Roe (PIN 01.024.0010)
• Resolution to approve Capital Improvement Plan and issue up to $23,595,000 in bonds

The Board adopted a five-year Capital Improvement Plan and authorized general obligation bonds up to $23,595,000. Other actions included granting three housing tax abatements and awarding two bridge repair contracts to ICON Constructors.

• Approved 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan and bonds up to $23,595,000
• Granted housing tax abatements for properties owned by Daniel Sparks, James Roe, and Thomas Kasel
• Awarded $90,290 bridge repair contract to ICON Constructors for CSAH 19 Bridge 50509
• Awarded $32,790 bridge repair contract to ICON Constructors for CSAH 9 Bridge 93079
• Approved $20,000 septic loan assessment for Jesse and Molly Cass
• Adopted $236.15 feedlot fee assessment for Robert Leverington
• Approved UAW (Highway) contract effective 7/1/2026 - 6/30/2029
• Amended Personnel Policy D130 regarding Personal Leave of Absence

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

Mower County Board of Adjustment

The Mower County Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on a variance request by Greg and Loni Swenson to build a new 40x50-foot feedlot structure on an existing concrete pad, with a 16.3-foot variance from the rear property line. The board will also approve the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting. The meeting is open in person and virtually.

• Variance #596: Greg & Loni Swenson request 16.3-ft variance for new 40x50 feedlot structure over existing 35x45 concrete pad, 3 ft 9 in from rear property line, Section 35, Windom Township
• No increase to animal units (AU)
• Public hearing with staff report, applicant presentation, and public comments

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings on two housing tax abatement applications, then vote on resolutions to approve them. The board will also consider feedlot fee assessments, a contract to relocate the Extension office, a bridge replacement agreement, a new solid waste hauler license, and a joint powers agreement for a criminal justice data network. Later, in Committee of the Whole, they will review a leave of absence policy, an amendment to the LEC operations agreement, and the 2027 budget.

• Public hearing and resolution for housing tax abatement for Bill & Kathy Wildeman, Pheasant Run Estates Third, Grand Meadow (PIN 25.203.0215)
• Public hearing and resolution for housing tax abatement for John & Sharon Grass, Section 26 LeRoy Twp (PIN 09.026.0010)
• Feedlot fee assessments for Jacob Garness ($449.71 each), Jay Gaskill ($405.29, $229.29), Eric Klingsporn ($236.15), Robert Leverington ($236.15)
• Approve proposal to relocate Extension office to 4-H building at Mower County Fair Grounds for $66,641.00
• Approve new solid waste hauler license for Yellow Jacket Dumpster Rental LLC effective 8/25/26-1/31/27

The Mower County Board of Commissioners approved the agenda after removing a public hearing on the Wildeman housing tax abatement due to non-eligibility, and voted to table a decision on relocating the Extension office to the 4-H building. The Board approved the consent agenda, including commissioner warrants totaling $759,509.77 and HHS accounts payable of $250,059.42, granted a housing tax abatement for John and Sharon Grass, approved feedlot fee assessments for multiple properties, accepted a $163,430.13 state bridge grant, and approved a solid waste hauler license.

• Approved agenda removing Wildeman housing tax abatement public hearing (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants of $759,509.77 and HHS accounts payable of $250,059.42 (unanimous)
• Approved Res. #63-26 for John & Sharon Grass housing tax abatement (PIN 09.026.0010)
• Approved feedlot fee assessments for Jacob Garness, Jay Gaskill, Eric Klingsporn, and Robert Leverington (Res. #64-26 through #69-26)
• Tabled decision to relocate the Extension office to the 4-H building (unanimous)
• Approved Res. #70-26 for Local Bridge Replacement Program Grant of $163,430.13 (Bridge No. 89212)
• Approved solid waste hauler license for Yellow Jacket Dumpster Rental LLC
• Approved Res. #71-26 for BCA criminal justice data communications network joint powers agreements

General

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board will hold public hearings on a conditional use permit for a short-term rental in Austin Township and on an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance amendment. The board will also consider tentative labor agreements with three unions, a bridge replacement bid, and set a public hearing date for capital improvement bonds.

• Conditional Use Permit #1008 for short-term rental (up to 8 people) by David & Stephanie Huse, Section 35 Austin Township
• Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance amendment to Zoning Ordinance
• Modification to Housing Tax Abatement policy to exempt ADUs as qualifying housing
• Bid for SAP 050-605-018 to replace Bridge 89212 with Bridge 50L03 on County Road 5 near Freeborn County line
• Tentative agreements with LELS #81, LELS #83, and AFSCME for 7/1/2026-6/30/2029

The Mower County Board of Commissioners approved a new Accessory Dwelling Unit zoning ordinance, issued a conditional use permit for a short-term rental, and scheduled a September 8 public hearing on a five-year capital improvement plan and up to $23.95 million in bonds. The board also awarded a $566,034.06 bridge replacement contract to Jensen Excavating and ratified three union labor agreements.

• Approved agenda adding Towards Zero Deaths grant and tabling Extension Office relocation (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including commissioner warrants totaling $760,004.26 and Vanguard contract renewal (unanimous)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit #1008 for short-term rentals by David & Stephanie Huse in Austin Township (Res. #60-26)
• Adopted Ordinance #04-26 adding Article X Accessory Dwelling Units to the zoning code (unanimous)
• Amended Housing tax abatement policy to exclude Accessory Dwelling Units (unanimous)
• Approved Health & Human Services accounts payable ($110,064.20), Bright Life House grant, KSMS housing support, and U of M internship agreement
• Adopted Res. #61-26 setting a Sept. 8 public hearing for a Capital Improvement Plan and bonds up to $23,595,000
• Awarded $566,034.06 low bid to Jensen Excavating for County Road 5 bridge project SAP 050-605-018 (unanimous)

General

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss budget proposals for Discover Austin and SELCO for 2027. The board will also receive department updates regarding facilities and engineering.

• Discover Austin 2027 budget proposal
• SELCO 2027 budget proposal
• Discussion on office space for Extension
• Cold Storage Building Move discussion

The Mower County Board of Commissioners held a work session to review budget proposals from Discover Austin and SELCO libraries. The board also received a report regarding the proposed relocation of Extension offices to the 4-H building. No formal votes were taken during this work session.

• Reviewed Discover Austin 2027 budget request
• Reviewed SELCO library 2027 budget and service plans
• Reviewed $65,000 proposal for Extension office relocation

Mower County Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a conditional use permit for short-term rentals. The body will also consider an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance concerning Accessory Dwelling Units.

• CUP #1008: Request for short-term rentals (including VRBO) for up to 8 people in Section 35, Austin Township
• Ordinance Amendment: Proposed changes to Zoning Ordinance Article X regarding Accessory Dwelling Units
• CUP #1011: Request for cannabis cultivation and processing in Windom Township rescinded

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will discuss a cannabis ordinance for commercial outdoor grow facilities and a request for an additional staff attorney. The board will also review financial updates and disaster assistance requests.

• Cannabis Ordinance regarding Commercial Outdoor Cannabis Grow Facilities
• County Attorney request for budget amendment and one additional staff attorney
• Adoption of the All Hazard Mitigation Plan
• ProWest proposal for parcel fabric integration
• First Amendment to Mower County / City of Rochester Mutual Aid Agreement for Dispatch Services

The board passed Ordinance #03-26, adding Division 4 to Article VIII of the zoning ordinance to regulate commercial outdoor cannabis grow facilities, including setbacks, security fencing, odor abatement, parking, and lighting. The vote was 4-1, with Commissioner Mueller dissenting. The board also approved adding an attorney to the County Attorney's office (4-1), adopted the 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan, and approved several other items.

• Adopted Ordinance #03-26 zoning amendment for outdoor cannabis grow facilities (4-1)
• Approved adding an attorney to County Attorney's office, contingent on City of Austin contract (4-1)
• Adopted 2025 Mower County Hazard Mitigation Plan (unanimous)
• Approved ProWest parcel fabric proposal, approx. $20,000 (unanimous)
• Approved First Amendment to Mutual Aid Agreement with City of Rochester for dispatch services (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants totaling $711,485.05 and HHS payables of $180,931.79 (unanimous)
• Authorized letter to Governor Walz seeking disaster assistance for flood damage, approx. $1,589,855

Mower County Board of Adjustment

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board will hold a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the cannabis ordinance for commercial outdoor grow facilities. The board will also consider resolutions for housing tax abatements and a $22,000 assessment for a septic loan.

• Public hearing on Cannabis Ordinance Amendment: Commercial Outdoor Grow Facilities
• Resolution to approve housing tax abatement applications for Murphy Creek Meadows Subdivision
• Resolution to approve housing tax abatement application for Tim Sheedy
• Amendment to fee schedule to add marriage ceremony ($100)
• Amend County Board Meeting Schedule to add a committee of the whole

The Board approved three housing tax abatements for new construction in Austin and Lansing Township. A proposed zoning amendment for outdoor cannabis grow facilities was tabled for further revision of fencing and setback standards. The Board also adopted a peacetime state of emergency for July 2026 flood events.

• Approved tax abatements for two HRA of Austin twin homes and one Tim Sheedy single-family home
• Tabled zoning amendment for Commercial Outdoor Cannabis Grow Facilities to July 28
• Adopted peacetime state of emergency disaster Resolution #54-26 for July 2 flood events
• Approved $22,000 septic loan assessment for Marvin and Diane Lenway
• Approved $839,923.64 in Commissioner Warrants
• Authorized 20% financial match for JC Hormel Nature Center GMRPTC grant application
• Approved $100 marriage ceremony officiant fee for the Auditor-Treasurer’s office
• Authorized write-off of $79,906.59 in unpaid mobile home/personal property taxes

Mower County Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings to discuss modifying the Zoning Ordinance regarding outdoor cannabis grow facilities and accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

• Public hearing on Zoning Ordinance Article VIII, Division 4 (Outdoor Cannabis Grow Facilities)
• Public hearing on Zoning Ordinance Article X (Accessory Dwelling Units)

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board will consider a resolution to approve a housing tax abatement for Caleb and Lexy Frank's replacement home in Dexter Township. The agenda also includes approvals for a liquor license for Echo Lanes, a fireworks display permit for Deer Creek Speedway, and several service agreements and property disposals. A public hearing will be held on the tax abatement application.

• Approve housing tax abatement for PIN 05.022.0060 (Dexter Twp)
• Approve liquor license for Grafing Company, Inc. d/b/a Echo Lanes (July 1 2026‑June 30 2027)
• Approve fireworks display permit for Deer Creek Speedway, LLC (July 4 2026)
• Approve Dataworks Plus service agreement renewal (Sheriff)
• Approve Ballot on Demand system purchase and processing services agreement

The commissioners unanimously authorized the Development Corporation of Austin to submit an Opportunity Zone 2.0 application using tract 0410. They also approved a Minnesota Lawful Gambling exempt permit for St. John the Baptist Church, a liquor license for Echo Lanes, a fireworks permit for Deer Creek Speedway, and a five‑year tax abatement for Caleb and Lexy Frank’s new single‑family home. The board accepted the rescission of a cannabis cultivation permit application.

• Authorized DCA to submit Opportunity Zone 2.0 application for tract 0410 (unanimous)
• Approved MN Lawful Gambling LG220 exempt permit for St. John the Baptist Church (unanimous)
• Approved liquor license for Grafing Co. d/b/a Echo Lanes (July 1 2026‑June 30 2027) (unanimous)
• Approved fireworks display permit for Deer Creek Speedway (July 4 2026) (unanimous)
• Approved five‑year tax abatement for Caleb and Lexy Frank’s replacement home (unanimous)
• Accepted rescission of cannabis cultivation permit application #1010 by Austin Property Holdings LLC/McIntire Feed and Grain Inc. (unanimous)

Mower County Board of Appeal and Equalization

The Mower County Board of Appeal and Equalization will hear appeals on property valuations from Lincoln Highway LLC and Isaac Stromlund, plus any walk-in appeals. The board will also consider assessor recommendations for adjustments to several parcels. They will vote to approve, reject, or table each item, affecting taxes payable in 2027.

• Appeal by Lincoln Highway, LLC (parcel 34.521.0120)
• Appeal by Isaac Stromlund (parcel 34.390.0050)
• Walk-in appeals accepted
• Assessor recommendations for Mueller, Sampson, Schulz, and Barber properties
• Board will approve, reject, or table appeals and recommendations

The Board of Appeal and Equalization reviewed multiple property value appeals. The Board approved several recommendations to decrease estimated market values for specific parcels and denied a multi-parcel appeal by Doran Kasel.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Decreased John & Dawn Mueller parcel 16.025.0060 value from $284,200 to $258,500 (unanimous)
• Decreased John Sampson parcel 17.033.0041 value from $1,874,200 to $1,864,900 (unanimous)
• Decreased Wade Schulz parcel 17.025.0030 value from $501,000 to $482,200 (unanimous)
• Decreased Evan Holst parcel 07.029.0010 value from $2,309,400 to $2,277,500 (unanimous)
• Decreased Mallissia & Leann Barber parcel 25.003.0170 value from $77,800 to $65,300 (unanimous)
• Decreased Doran Kasel parcel 10.033.0010 value from $2,187,500 to $2,156,000 (unanimous)
• Denied Doran Kasel appeal on six parcels (unanimous)

Mower County Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a conditional use permit for a state-licensed outdoor cannabis cultivation operation. The proposal involves a 44.24-acre parcel in Red Rock Township.

• CUP #1010: Proposed outdoor cannabis cultivation on a 44.24-acre parcel in Red Rock Township
• Proposed installation of 21 shipping containers for drying, curing, and packaging
• Proposed 20,000 feet of 8-foot high deer fencing with privacy screens
• Water irrigation usage estimated under 10,000 gallons per day for the first year

General

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will approve a series of liquor licenses for local businesses and two housing tax abatement applications. The meeting also includes resolutions regarding the SKB Lansing Landfill and the county's withdrawal from a rural energy board agreement.

• Approve Transient Merchant License for TNT Fireworks (June 20, 2026 - July 5, 2026)
• Approve Liquor Licenses for Cedar River Country Club, Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery, and Prime Stein, LLC
• Approve Housing Tax Abatement for Jay & Courtney Soltau (8.76AC NE1/4 NW1/4 Section 33)
• Approve Housing Tax Abatement for Joshua Gavin (NORTH SIDE PARK 2ND ADDN)
• Resolution to approve SKB Solid Waste Facility License with modifications

The Board approved a waiver for SKB Lansing Landfill to use a geosynthetic clay liner instead of a soil barrier. Additionally, the Board granted several liquor and merchant licenses and approved the county's continued participation in the Council on Local Results and Innovation performance measurement program.

• Approved agenda with cyber security insurance discussion (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including May 26 minutes and commissioner warrants (unanimous)
• Approved DAV Mayo Southeast Chapter 28 gambling exempt permit (unanimous)
• Approved TNT Fireworks transient merchant license (unanimous)
• Approved Cedar River Country Club liquor license (unanimous)
• Approved Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery, LLC liquor license (unanimous)
• Approved Prime Stein, LLC liquor license (unanimous)
• Approved Church of St. John of Adams temporary liquor license (unanimous)

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will hear 2027 budget presentations from several outside agencies. Presenters include representatives from the Whitewater Project, Historical Society, Soil & Water Conservation District, SE MN Initiative Fund, and Southeast Minnesota Citizens Action Council. The board will also receive department updates from Correctional Services and Veteran Services. Miscellaneous business and walk‑in items will be addressed before adjournment.

• Whitewater Project – presentation by Nate Smit
• Historical Society – presentation by Randy Forster
• Soil & Water Conservation District – presentation by Cody Fox or a board member
• SE MN Initiative Fund – presentation by Alissa Oeltjenbruns
• Southeast Minnesota Citizens Action Council – presentation by Jeff Wyant, Wendy Todd, and Jennifer Hengel

The Mower County Board met in a work session on June 2, 2026 and heard 2027 budget presentations from several agencies, including the Whitewater Project ($10.7 M), the Historical Society ($68,000), the Soil & Water Conservation District ($175,000), and others. Each agency outlined its funding needs and ongoing projects. No motions, votes, or approvals were recorded during the session.

Mower County Board of Commissioners