Rice County public meetings in 2022
27 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of Commissioners
The Rice County Board of Commissioners will determine 2023 salaries for top county officials. The meeting also includes decisions on tax-forfeited land sales and the hiring of an architect for government office designs.
- Setting 2023 salaries for the Rice County Sheriff, County Attorney, and Commissioners
- Hiring an architect for the Property Tax & Election Office, GSB Courtroom 5, and Courtroom 4
- Resolution #22-086: Conveyance of tax-forfeited parcel to the City of Lonsdale for a road
- Gambling permit application for Holy Cross Catholic School at 6100 37th Street West, Webster
- Final payments for CSAH 38 Rehabilitation, Crane Creek Asphalt, 2022 Bituminous Overlays, and 2022 Culverts
The Board of Commissioners approved annual salaries for the Sheriff and County Attorney and set the 2023 Commissioner salary and per diem. Other actions included approving the Rice County Park System Plan and authorizing payments for highway contracts.
- Set Rice County Sheriff salary at $156,000.00 (5-0)
- Set Rice County Attorney salary at $145,000.00 (5-0)
- Adopted Resolution 22-084 for 2023 Commissioner Salary & Per Diem (3-2)
- Approved Rice County Park System Plan (5-0)
- Approved hiring an architect for GSB Courtroom 5, Property Tax & Elections Office, and Courthouse Courtroom 4 (4-1)
- Approved final highway payments to Crane Creek Asphalt ($68,260.82, $155,998.03, $74,636.55) and RAW Construction, LLC ($62,364.69) (5-0)
- Appointed Matt Purfeerst to Planning Commission/Board of Adjustment for a 3-year term (3-0)
- Approved Resolution 22-086 to convey tax-forfeited parcel to City of Lonsdale for a road (5-0)
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will hold a work session to review a final draft of the Park Plan. The meeting also includes presentations from the SE Minnesota Small Business Development Center and the Historical Society, as well as public health updates.
- Review of Final Draft of Park Plan
- SE Minnesota Small Business Development Center presentation
- Historical Society discussion
- Community Health Assessment Data and Public Health AmeriCorp position updates
- Discussion of Committee Assignment and Commissioner Meeting Calendar
The committee reviewed presentations from the SE Minnesota Small Business Development Center and the Rice County Historical Society. Staff discussed the final draft of the upcoming Park Plan and provided an overview of the 2022 Statewide Health Improvement Partnership. No formal votes were taken on funding or land use requests.
- Adjourned meeting (Approved)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will consider the 2023 budget and taxable property levy. The meeting includes a public hearing on tax abatement for the Scan Air Filter Project and discussions on a 10-year construction plan.
- Resolution #22-079: Levying Tax on Taxable Property and Adopting 2023 Budget
- Public Hearing and Resolution for Scan Air Filter Project tax abatement
- 2023 Fee Schedule
- Preliminary Development Plan for Winjum in Section 21, Wells Township
- Resolution #22-075 and #22-076 regarding Minnesota Department of Health grant funding
The Board of Commissioners approved the 2023 budget and the corresponding tax levy on taxable property. Other key actions included approving a $372,902 change order for the Public Safety Center and accepting over $792,000 in health grants.
- Adopted 2023 Budget and Tax Levy (5-0)
- Approved $372,902 change order for Public Safety Center (5-0)
- Approved $792,732.50 MDH Family Planning Special Project Grant (4-0, 1 abstention)
- Approved five-year single-sort recycling contract with Dem-Con (4-1)
- Approved property tax abatement for certain property in City of Lonsdale (5-0)
- Approved 2023 Fee Schedule (5-0)
- Appointed Garrett Johnson to Planning Commission/Board of Adjustment (5-0)
- Scheduled public hearing for 2023-2032 Transportation Improvement Plan for Jan 24, 2023 (5-0)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is reviewing three land development applications. The body will consider a preliminary development plan, a waiver of plat, and a final plat for various properties in Rice County.
- Preliminary Development Plan for a 9-lot Planned Unit Development (Winjum, Wells Township)
- Waiver of Plat to create one new building site via Transfer Development Right (Schmidt, Northfield Township)
- Final plat to create three building lots (Johnson, Wells Township)
The Commission recommended approval for a nine-lot planned unit development in Wells Township and a waiver of plat for a new building site in Northfield Township. Both recommendations include specific conditions for final approval.
- Recommended approval of Preliminary Development Plan for 9-lot PUD in Wells Township (4-0)
- Recommended approval of Waiver of Plat for Mark Schmidt in Northfield Township (4-0)
Board of Adjustment
The Board of Adjustment approved two variance requests for home construction and additions in Wheeling and Forest Townships. Both approvals were granted unanimously with specific conditions regarding setbacks and building permits.
- Approved variance for Kenneth Walker at 19425 Gates Ave. for a home addition (4-0)
- Approved variance for Brian Duncan at 12524 Fairbanks Ave. for a replacement home (4-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Committee of the Whole reviewed materials regarding the 2023 Final Proposed Levy and Budget, including tax change maps and Truth-In-Taxation hearing dates. No substantive decisions or votes were taken on these items.
- Adjourned meeting (5-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Rice County Board of Commissioners is meeting to review land use waivers and special assessments. The board will discuss funding applications for transportation grants and law enforcement services for the City of Morristown.
- Public hearing proposal for property tax abatement for Scan Air Filter, Inc. manufacturing facility
- Special assessments for 2023 Circle Lake Improvement District and delinquent utilities
- MnDOT Active Transportation Grant applications for the county and City of Dundas
- Law enforcement services agreement for the City of Morristown
- Temporary 3.2% Malt Liquor License for Church of St. Patrick on December 10, 2022
The Board of Commissioners approved $3,865,795.71 in bill payments and several personnel appointments. They also authorized three waivers of plat, an interim use permit, and two MnDOT grant applications.
- Approved $3,865,795.71 in bill payments (5-0)
- Approved 5-year law enforcement services agreement extension with City of Morristown (5-0)
- Approved three Waivers of Plat for properties in Morristown, Forest, and Shieldsville Townships (5-0)
- Approved Interim Use Permit for property in Forest Township (5-0)
- Adopted Resolution #2-069 for 2023 Circle Lake Improvement District special assessments (5-0)
- Adopted Resolution #22-070 for delinquent utilities special assessments (5-0)
- Approved temporary on-sale malt liquor license for Church of St. Patrick on Dec 10, 2022 (5-0)
- Approved Resolution #22-071 for a public hearing on Scan Air Filter, Inc. tax abatement (5-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Rice County Board of Commissioners and Planning Commission are holding a joint work session. The body is continuing discussions regarding zoning ordinance amendments.
- CPI Analysis
- TDR and Cluster Standards discussion
- Zoning Ordinance Amendments
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole discussed a potential relocation and tax abatement for Scan Air Filter, Inc. and reviewed the Quarterly Financial Report ending June 30, 2022. The Board selected November 15th for a Road and Bridge Tour.
- Selected November 15th as the date for a Road and Bridge Tour
- Approved motion to adjourn (5-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved a series of social services contract amendments and a resolution for energy improvement assessments. They also authorized nearly $901,169 in bill payments and appointed five new full-time employees across public health, social services, and the sheriff's office.
- Adopted Resolution #22-068 for Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Assessments (4-0)
- Approved Social Services Contract Amendment with Minnesota Department of Health (4-0)
- Approved Social Services Contract Amendment with HCI (Healthy Community Initiative) (4-0)
- Approved payment of bills totaling $901,168.84 (4-0)
- Approved five personnel appointments for Public Health, Social Services, and Sheriff's Office (4-0)
- Approved extending maximum year-end 2022 vacation carryovers into Q1 2023 (4-0)
Board of Adjustment
The Board of Adjustment unanimously approved five variance requests for home additions, a lakefront dwelling expansion, a storage shed, and a driveway. Each approval included specific conditions regarding building permits and site plans.
- Approved 23-ft road setback variance for home addition at 11301 230th St E (5-0)
- Approved 27-ft lake setback variance for Accessory Dwelling Unit expansion at 4306 172nd St (5-0)
- Approved variance for 1728-sqft shed with 19-ft peak height at 3200 124th St W (5-0)
- Approved driveway variance for property in Morristown Township (5-0)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission recommended approval for two waivers of plat and one interim use permit. The decisions include a new building site in Morristown Township, an after-the-fact lot split in Shieldsville Township, and a grading and filling operation in Forest Township.
- Recommended approval of Waiver of Plat for David Sorgatz in Morristown Township (5-0)
- Recommended approval of Waiver of Plat for Kenneth Krogh in Shieldsville Township (5-0)
- Recommended approval of Interim Use Permit for Robert DeGroot in Forest Township (5-0)
Committee of the Whole
The meeting consisted of informational presentations regarding the reorganization of Community Corrections and Social Services, program funding, and behavioral services. No substantive policy decisions or budget approvals were made.
- Adjourned meeting (5-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review several land use requests, including a zoning map amendment and conditional use permits. The meeting also includes reports on the Public Safety Center construction and road maintenance agreements.
- Resolution #22-067 to amend the zoning map for property in Section 29 of Bridgewater Township
- Conditional Use Permits for MCJK Holdings (Wells Township), Bongers (Cannon City Township), and Al Rahawi (Webster Township)
- Waiver of Plat for Divine in Section 11, Webster Township
- Road Maintenance Agreements for Bridgewater Township
- Preliminary Plat for Johnson in Section 8, Wells Township
The Board approved several land-use permits and rezoned 37 acres in Bridgewater Township from agricultural to rural industrial. The commission also authorized a large batch of bill payments and approved new personnel appointments for social services and other departments.
- Approved rezoning 37 acres in Bridgewater Township from Agricultural to Rural Industrial (4-0)
- Approved $2,832,074.57 in bill payments (4-0)
- Approved $25,520.75 final payment to Kielmeyer Construction (4-0)
- Approved request for additional guardianship services personnel in Social Services (4-0)
- Approved Mobile Home Coordinator Request (4-0)
- Approved Bidder Retraction with W. L. Hall Co. Builders Specialties (3-1)
- Approved revised Road Maintenance Agreements with Bridgewater Township (4-0)
- Approved Proclamation Supporting Operation Green Light for Veterans (4-0)
Housing & Redevelopment Authority
The Housing and Redevelopment Authority will meet to consider updates to the Project-Based Voucher Policy and the 2023 Payment Standards. The body will also review a quarterly report.
- Project-Based Voucher Policy Update
- 2023 Payment Standards
- Quarterly Report
The Rice County Housing & Redevelopment Authority approved the 2023 payment standards and an update to the Project-Based Voucher Policy. The board also approved the minutes from the July 26, 2022 meeting.
- Approved minutes from July 26, 2022 (4-0)
- Approved Project-Based Voucher Policy Update (4-0)
- Approved 2023 Payment Standards set at 110% of Fair Market Rent (4-0)
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will hold a work session to review updates from county departments. The meeting includes discussions on the delivery of guardianship services and the relocation of a mural.
- Delivery of Guardianship Services
- Mural Relocation
- Highway Updates
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners is meeting to consider the approval of one highway contract. The remainder of the agenda consists of procedural items.
- Approval of Highway Contract # 2275
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners is meeting to review a highway-related item. The primary action is the approval of a specific contract.
- Approval of Highway Contract # 2275
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is reviewing four applications regarding land use and parcel sizes. These include a request to rezone agricultural land to rural industrial and three requests for plat waivers.
- Rezoning of a 43-acre parcel from Agricultural to Rural Industrial in Bridgewater Township (Section 29)
- Waiver of Plat for the Otto and Darlene Homburg Trust to reduce a parcel to 9-acres in Wheatland Township
- Waiver of Plat for John F McDonough to create a new building site via Transfer Development Right in Wells Township
- Waiver of Plat for Aaron Gillen to create a new building site via Transfer Development Right in Walcott Township
Board of Commissioners
The Rice County Board of Commissioners and City Council are holding a joint session. The meeting includes a discussion on economic development regarding Project Rock.
- Economic development discussion on Project Rock
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will hold a work session to discuss finance-related items and receive highway updates. The meeting includes a period for public comments on agenda items.
- Finance discussions regarding Buckham West, FiftyNorth, and Hope Center
- Finance discussions regarding Lonsdale Public Library
- Finance discussions regarding Rice County Soil & Water Conservation District
- Finance discussions regarding Southeastern MN EMS, Rice County Historical Society, and SEMCAC
- Highway updates
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will discuss proposed amendments to the Rice County Zoning Ordinance. The meeting includes decisions on land sales, plat waivers, and a public safety center project agreement.
- Proposed Rice County Zoning Ordinance Amendments
- Resolution #22-054 and #22-056 regarding the sale of tax-forfeited land
- Early Start Agreement for Cannon River View (Public Safety Center Project)
- Resolution #22-055 for Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Assessments
- 1 Day Temporary On-Sale Liquor License for Church of the Annunciation
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding proposed amendments to the Rice County Zoning Ordinance. The body will also review three individual land-use applications for building sites and grading operations.
- Proposed zoning amendments to add Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as a permitted use in multiple districts
- Waiver of Plat for one new building site in Section 16, Morristown Township (Howe)
- Waiver of Plat for one new building site and modification of an existing site in Section 31, Wells Township (Hofmaster)
- Conditional Use Permit for a grading and filling operation exceeding 400-cubic yards in Section 6, Webster Township (Gillen)
Board of Adjustment
The Board of Adjustment will consider six applications for variances related to setbacks, building sizes, and height limitations. These requests affect properties in Wells, Webster, and Forest Townships.
- Variance for Dan Ableman (Wells Township) for a 70-ft drainage ditch setback for a driveway
- Variance for Randy Velishek (17378 Roberds Lake Blvd) for a 480-sqft shed addition size limit
- Variance for Alan and Debbie Hofmaster (Wells Township) for a 65-ft property line setback
- Variance for Jon Gillen (Webster Township) for a replacement home and building setbacks
- Variance for Kevin Kluzak (13197 Circle Bluff Trail) for a 2744-sqft shed and 24-ft peak height
Housing & Redevelopment Authority
The Rice County Housing and Redevelopment Authority is meeting to review action items and program updates. The body will consider a voucher conversion for the City of Faribault and review a quarterly report.
- Project-Based Voucher Conversion City of Faribault
- Quarterly Report
- Chamber of Commerce Request
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Adjustment is meeting to address items related to the Board of Appeal and Equalization. The session is hosted by the Rice County Assessor’s Office.
- Board of Appeal and Equalization items
Housing & Redevelopment Authority
The Rice County Housing and Redevelopment Authority is meeting to review action items. The primary focus of the meeting is a Request for Proposal regarding home ownership.
- Home Ownership Request for Proposal