Rice County public meetings in 2021
40 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will receive updates from several county departments. The session includes reviews of the county's comprehensive and park plans.
- Rice County Comprehensive Plan Update
- Park Plan Review
- Human Resources Department Update
- Highway Department Updates
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review several conditional use permits and plat waivers across various townships. The meeting also includes discussions on social services department contracts, highway contract awards, and jail construction proposals.
- Conditional Use Permits for Bertram, Simms (Prieve), and Johnson
- Waiver of Plat applications for Anderson, Tutewohl (Nielsen), and Jacobson
- Social Services Department contracts with Allina Health System, Northfield Union of Youth, and Northfield Community Action Center
- Minnesota Lawful Gambling Application for Waterville Sportsmans Club
- Construction Manager Agency proposals for Jail/LEC
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will receive updates on children's mental health and therapy. The Parks & Facilities Department will also discuss downtown updates and the Jail/LEC delivery method.
- Children's Mental Health and Therapy Update
- Jail/LEC Delivery Method discussion
- Downtown Updates
Board of Adjustment
The Rice County Board of Adjustment is meeting to consider several variance applications. These requests involve building sizes, height limitations, and setbacks from roads and lakes.
- Variance for a 66-ft by 166-ft agricultural barn at 16829 Elmore Trail
- Variance for a 40-ft by 64-ft shed at 150th St W
- Variance for a house and garage addition at 20150 Geneva Ct
- Variance for a new home 25-ft from Clearwater Trail Road Right of Way
- Variance for 6,000-sqft of business use buildings at 9733 Kent Ave
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is reviewing several Conditional Use Permits and Waiver of Plat applications. These include requests for a solar energy facility, a gravel mining operation, and various building parcels.
- Conditional Use Permit for 1MW solar energy production facility at 18425 Belview Trail
- Conditional Use Permit for gravel mining and crushing operation in Forest Township
- Conditional Use Permit for agricultural equipment repair business at 23790 Essig Ave
- Conditional Use Permit for home occupation therapy business at 9733 Kent Ave
- Three Waiver of Plat applications to create building parcels using Transfer Development Rights
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners is holding a work session focused on the Parks & Facilities Department. The primary agenda item is a County Park Tour.
- County Park Tour
Board of Commissioners
The Rice County Board of Commissioners will review several liquor and tobacco license applications for local businesses. The board is also discussing land use permits and a request to bid for landfill wall repairs.
- Conditional Use Permits for Hintz (Erin Township) and Musta (Forest Township)
- Liquor license applications for Roberds Lake Resort, Grandma's Lakeside Resort, Straight River Golf LLC, and LeMeiux Resort
- Tobacco license application for Dennison Depot, LLC
- Request to go for bid for Landfill Pre-cast wall repair
- Request For Proposals for Medical Examiner and/or Crime Scene Investigation Services
Housing & Redevelopment Authority
The Rice County Housing and Redevelopment Authority is meeting to review a revolving loan request and discuss policy updates.
- Revolving Loan Request-Skopos Inc.
- Policy Updates
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners is meeting to discuss the Rice County Board of Appeal & Equalization with Assessor Joshua Schoen.
- Rice County Board of Appeal & Equalization
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will meet to receive updates from the Information Technology, Parks & Facilities, and Highway departments. The session includes a period for public comments.
- Information Technology department update
- Jail/LEC updates from Parks & Facilities
- Highway/Transportation updates
Board of Commissioners
The Rice County Board of Commissioners is meeting to review several liquor license applications and renewals. The board will also consider transportation planning agreements and grant contracts for the Sheriff's Office.
- Professional Services Contract with Bolton & Menk for Transportation Planning
- Cooperative Transportation Planning Agreement with City of Faribault
- Liquor license applications for Roberds Lake Resort, Grandma's Lakeside Resort, Sasquatch Saloon Bar & Grill, Ettilin's Ranchero Supper Club, and Webster Sports & Rec Assn
- Resolution #21-027 to abate a public health nuisance
- Resolution #21-031 regarding the potential sale of non-conservation forfeited land
Board of Adjustment
The Board of Adjustment will review several variance requests regarding building setbacks and structure counts. These items include requests for a new home, an accessory structure replacement near Circle Lake, and a home addition.
- Variance request for a 20-ft road right of way setback at 23220 Glynview Trail, Faribault
- Variance request for an additional accessory structure and a 42-ft lake setback at 4333 120th Street West, Lonsdale
- Variance request for a 68-ft road right of way setback for a home addition at 3420 Jackson Ave, Webster
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will review multiple applications for business uses on agricultural land and a property boundary correction. These items include requests for farmstay lodging, equipment repair, and a construction office/yard.
- Conditional Use Permit: Stacy Hintz for farmstay vacation lodging at 11172 100th St W, Montgomery
- Conditional Use Permit: Joshua Bertram for agricultural equipment repair at 23790 Essig Ave, Morristown
- Conditional Use Permit: Joel Musta for a construction business office and yard at 2068 Millersburg Blvd W, Dundas
- Waiver of Plat: Gloria Flicek for a 6.71-acre parcel in Wheatland Township
Housing & Redevelopment Authority
The Rice County Housing and Redevelopment Authority is holding a regular meeting. The body is scheduled to take action on Emergency Housing Vouchers.
- Action item: Emergency Housing Vouchers
Committee of the Whole
The committee will receive updates on the LEC/Jail construction delivery and downtown projects. The meeting also includes a retirement presentation and department updates from Social Services and the Sheriff's Office.
- Delivery information for LEC/Jail Construction
- Downtown updates from Parks & Facilities Department
- Investigation update by Sergeant Nathan Budin
- Social Services Department Accounting Unit update
- SMIF Presentation
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will discuss liquor and tobacco license applications and hold a public hearing on changes to Liquor License Ordinance 101. The meeting also includes reviews of conditional use permits and various county contracts.
- Public hearing and adoption of Liquor License Ordinance 101
- Conditional Use Permits for Almen (Northfield Township), County Line Aggregate (Webster Township), and Speckmann (Webster Township)
- Award of Highway Contract No. 2170
- Professional services proposal from Klein McCarthy for Parks & Facilities
- Tobacco and liquor license applications for businesses including Pilot Travel Centers and Boonies Bar & Grill
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will hold a work session to discuss facilities and highway updates. The body is reviewing plans for the Jail/LEC and downtown development.
- Jail/LEC Architectural Firm discussion
- Downtown Development discussion
- Highway updates
Board of Commissioners
The Rice County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss the selection of a law enforcement jail location. The board is also reviewing various liquor and tobacco license renewals and a Department of Corrections contract.
- Law Enforcement Jail Location Selection
- Department of Corrections Contract for 2021-2022
- SAN (Storage Array Network) Replacement
- Greater Zumbro River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan Joint Powers Agreement
- Liquor and tobacco license renewals for Brewster's Bar & Grill, Channel Inn, and Boonies Beef & Brew, Inc.
Board of Adjustment
The Board of Adjustment will meet via electronic means to consider several land-use variances. These requests involve accessory structures, retaining walls, setbacks, and building locations across various townships.
- Shed height and size variances in Webster, Forest, and Cannon City Townships
- Retaining wall setback variances at 6869 Garfield Trail, Faribault
- Horse shed road right of way variance at 11031 Shieldsville Blvd, Montgomery
- Home and garage bluff and lake setback variances in Forest Township
- Grain bin stream setback variance at 24531 Ibson Ave, Faribault
Planning Commission
The commission will review several applications for conditional use permits and a waiver of plat. These items include proposals for agricultural tourism, an aggregate mining operation, and an excavation company office.
- Conditional Use Permit: Agricultural tourism business at 9748 110th St E, Northfield
- Conditional Use Permit: Aggregate mining operation at 3240 Hazelwood Ave, Webster
- Conditional Use Permit: Farmstay vacation lodging at 11172 100th St W, Montgomery
- Conditional Use Permit: Excavation company office and yard at 4480 30th St W, Webster
- Waiver of Plat: 1.32-acre building parcel via Transfer Development Right in Walcott Township
Committee of the Whole
The committee will receive department updates regarding property tax, elections, and adult mental health. The body will also review cash, pooled investments, and a quarterly financial report for the period ending March 31, 2021.
- Property Tax & Elections department update
- Social Service Department update on Adult Mental Health
- Cash & Pooled Investments report for period ending March 31, 2021
- Quarterly Financial Report for period ending March 31, 2021
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review several departmental items including social services fees and IT equipment cycles. Discussion includes a contract for a bridge replacement on 230th Street East and potential changes to liquor sale regulations.
- Contract #2175: Bridge replacement on 230th Street East
- Resolution #21-025: Public hearing date for possible changes to 3.2% malt liquor and intoxicating liquor licensing/sales
- Agreement with Jane Egerdal for Registered Nurse Services
- Resolution #21-024 regarding title clearing
- Selection of law enforcement jail location
Housing & Redevelopment Authority
The Housing and Redevelopment Authority will meet to review minutes and a proclamation for Fair Housing Month. The body will also receive a quarterly report and an update regarding the Resident Commissioner.
- Fair Housing Month Proclamation
- Quarterly Report
- Resident Commissioner update
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will hold a public information and feedback session regarding options for a future jail and law enforcement center. The meeting also includes updates from the highway department and a facilities proposal.
- Public Information and Feedback Session: Future Jail and Law Enforcement Center Option Review
- Cannon River Wilderness Area Buckthorn Proposal
- Highway Department updates
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will discuss potential jail collaboration considerations. The discussion includes a review of the Steele Co CJ System Assessment draft.
- Steele Co CJ System Assessment 4.15 Draft
- Steele-Rice County Jail Collaboration Considerations
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is holding a public information and feedback session. The meeting focuses on reviewing options for a future jail and law enforcement center.
- Public Information and Feedback Session: Future Jail and Law Enforcement Center Option Review
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review several zoning amendments and conditional use permits across various townships. The meeting also includes discussions on social services policies, highway contract awards, and regional rail service support.
- Zoning Map Amendment for Section 31, Webster Township
- Conditional Use Permit/Engel in Section 24, Wheatland Township
- Conditional Use Permit/Tempel (Hu) in Section 18, Northfield Township
- Award of Contract # 2174 Bridge Replacement
- Resolution of Support for a Regional Passenger Rail Corridor Study
Committee of the Whole
The committee will hold a work session to review updates from the Recorder's Office and Social Services. Discussions include the Social Welfare Fund Policy and a law enforcement jail study.
- Social Services Social Welfare Fund Policy
- Law Enforcement Jail Study discussion
- Child protection services report
- Recorder's Office department update
Board of Adjustment
The Board of Adjustment will consider six separate variance applications regarding structure size, height, and setbacks. These requests affect properties in Wells, Warsaw, Shieldsville, and Morristown Townships.
- Variance for 42-ft by 60-ft pole shed at 5550 Kelly Lake Trail
- Variance for roof mounted solar array at 5396 Elkton Trail
- Variance for 40-ft by 64-ft shed setback at 9586 170th St W
- Variance for 30-ft by 40-ft garage height at 8905 Shields Lake Path
- Variance for 30-ft by 50-ft shed setback at 24616 Jackson Ave.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is meeting to discuss a zoning map amendment and three conditional use permits. These items involve land use changes for agriculture, business, and energy production.
- Rezoning of 141 acres from Urban Reserve to Agricultural in Webster Township (Section 31)
- Conditional Use Permit for a 1MW solar energy production facility at 7609 Dennison Blvd, Northfield
- Conditional Use Permit for an agricultural tourism business at 9748 110th St E, Northfield
- Conditional Use Permit for a contractor's office and appliance installation yard in Wheatland Township (Section 24)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review environmental service permits, social services coordination, and highway resolutions. Discussions also include a proposed public health nurse visit fee increase and department vehicle purchases.
- Public Health Fee Increase - Public Health Nurse Visit
- Vehicle Purchase-Facilities Truck
- Vehicle Purchase-Department of Veteran Services Transport Van
- Resolution # 21-018 MnDOT Agreement #1045697
- Resolution # 21-019 MnDOT Agreement #1045068
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is meeting for a work session. The primary agenda item is a highway update provided by Dennis Luebbe.
- Highway update from Dennis Luebbe
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will consider several highway contracts and a zoning map amendment in Webster Township. The meeting includes decisions on liquor permits and the ratification of AFSCME Council 65 union contracts for 2019-2021.
- Zoning map amendment for Section 31, Webster Township from Urban Reserve to Agricultural/Kes
- Award of Contract #21-51 Aggregate Surfacing, #21-52 Pavement Markings, and #2173 CSAH 6 Rehabilitation
- Ratification of 2019, 2020 & 2021 AFSCME Council 65 Union Contract
- Consumption & Display Permit renewal for Red Barn Farm of Northfield LLC
- Temporary 3.2% Malt Liquor License for Church of St Patrick, Shieldsville
Housing & Redevelopment Authority
The Rice County Housing and Redevelopment Authority is holding a special meeting. The body will consider action items regarding payment standards.
- Payment Standards
Board of Adjustment
The Board of Adjustment is meeting to consider variance requests for two properties zoned as Recreational Development Shoreland. The board will determine if the applicants meet the criteria for exceptions to setback, size, and height limitations.
- Variance request for 13511 Fox Lake Trail for a 22-ft by 28-ft garage including a 5-ft road right of way setback variance
- Variance request for 15462 Shieldsville Blvd for a 40-ft by 80-ft pole shed with a 24-ft peak height
- Variance request for 15462 Shieldsville Blvd to allow business use buildings totaling 4,100-sqft
- Variance request for 15462 Shieldsville Blvd for a 2,000-sqft variance from shoreland accessory structure size limits
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is considering several conditional use permits for businesses and temporary equipment placement. The body will also review four applications for waivers of plat to create new building parcels using Transfer Development Rights.
- CUP for dock & lift business at 15462 Shieldsville Blvd
- CUP for agricultural tourism at 3175 122nd St W
- CUP renewal for demolition landfill at 8784 240th St W
- Temporary equipment permits for aggregate screening at 10355 Morristown Township Blvd and an asphalt plant at 4995 Millersburg Blvd W
- Four Waiver of Plat requests to create building parcels in Richland, Webster, Cannon City, and Shieldsville Townships
Board of Commissioners
The Rice County Board of Commissioners is meeting to review several Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) applications and zoning requests. The body will also discuss landfill equipment and liquor permits.
- Zoning map amendment to rezone property from Urban Reserve to Agricultural in Section 31, Webster Township
- Seven resolutions supporting LRIP applications for various townships and CSAH projects
- Award of Contract # 2172 for bridge replacements on CR No. 80
- 1-day temporary on-sale liquor license for St Patrick Church Shieldsville on March 20, 2021
- Resolution #21-017 regarding the Rice County Emergency Election Plan
Board of Commissioners
The Rice County Board of Adjustment is meeting to review a variance request for a property on Roberds Lake. The board will determine if the applicant may deviate from standard setback and vegetation rules.
- Variance request for Barbara Mitchell (PID#: 10.21.2.26.006) to build a house 90-ft from Roberds Lake instead of the 120-ft limitation
- Request to remove lakeshore vegetation and grade the top 7-ft of elevation within the shore impact zone of Roberds Lake
Committee of the Whole
The committee will review financial reports and the annual ditch inspector's report. The meeting includes updates on COVID-19 and highway transportation.
- Annual Ditch Inspector's Report
- Cash & Pooled Investments report for period ending December 31, 2020
- Quarterly Financial Report for period ending December 31, 2020
- COVID-19 Update
- Highway Transportation Update
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss a Law Enforcement Jail Study presented by the Facilities Department. The meeting includes a period for public comments.
- Law Enforcement Jail Study discussion