Rice County public meetings in 2024

Board of Commissioners

The Rice County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and consider adopting Ordinance #425, which regulates the sale of tobacco and related products. The meeting also includes resolutions to establish an absentee ballot board for the 2025 election, reappointments of extension members, acceptance of a monetary donation for the sheriff's office, and approval of emergency highway contracts. Additional items are a final payment to Ims Contracting, LLC and setting 2025 salaries for the sheriff, attorney, and commissioners.

• Resolution #24-043 establishing Absentee Ballot, Mail Ballot, and UOCAVA Ballot Boards for 2025
• Resolution #24-059 accepting a monetary donation for the Sheriff’s Office
• Resolution #24-055 approving emergency highway contracts
• Public hearing and adoption of Ordinance #425 regulating tobacco sales in Rice County
• Final payment to Ims Contracting, LLC under Contract #2370

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to adopt the 2025 budget and tax levy. The agenda includes several land use permits, highway contracts, and the 2025 fee schedule.

• Adoption of Resolution #24-052 Levying Tax on Taxable Property & Adopting 2025 Budget
• Award of contract #2570 for bridge replacement on County Road 79 in Northfield
• 2025 Fee Schedule
• Ratification of the 2025, 2026 & 2027 MNPEA General Unit Union Contract
• Interim Use Permits for Xcel Energy, Solorzano-Reuvers, Ebinger-Caron, and Thompson

Housing & Redevelopment Authority

The Rice County Housing and Redevelopment Authority will consider approving the minutes from the November 5, 2024 meeting, hold a public hearing on its five‑year plan, vote to adopt the 2025 five‑year plan, and discuss an update to the Twin Oaks Development Agreement.

• Approve minutes of 11‑5‑24 meeting
• Public hearing on five‑year plan
• Approve 2025 five‑year plan
• Update Twin Oaks Development Agreement

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to conduct a public hearing regarding 2025 Truth & Taxation. No other substantive business is listed on the agenda.

• 2025 Truth & Taxation Public Hearing

Board of Adjustment

The Rice County Board of Adjustment will meet to consider an appeal regarding a denied building permit. The board will review a request from James Hale for a property in Forest Township.

• Appeal by James Hale regarding a denied building permit for property PID# 06.22.3.50.002 in Section 22, Forest Township

Planning Commission

The Rice County Planning Commission will review several land‑use applications, including two waivers of plat for 5‑acre single‑family dwelling sites in Webster and Wheatland Townships. It will also consider interim use permits for solar energy projects, an amendment for a 1 MW solar site, and a preliminary and final plat to split an outlot in Forest Township. Recommendations from this meeting will be forwarded to the County Board for final approval at its December 17 meeting.

• Waiver of Plat for a 5‑acre single‑family dwelling site (Lisa Yetzer) in Webster Township, PID 02.22.4.25.001/002, Zoned A
• Waiver of Plat for a 5‑acre single‑family dwelling site (Bryan Tupy for Scott Pexa) in Wheatland Township, PID 01.06.3.25.003, Zoned A
• Interim Use Permit for a 4.95 MW solar energy production site (Daniel Solorzano for Jeanette Reuvers) in Warsaw Township, PID 14.12.4.75.002, Zoned UR
• Interim Use Permit amendment for a 1 MW solar energy site (Fritz Ebinger & Caron Garden LLC) in Wells Township, PID 10.26.3.00.011, Zoned A
• Preliminary and Final Plat to split an outlot at 11200 Circle Lake Ln, Forest Township, PID 06.15.2.01.002, Zoned RDS

Rice & Steele 911 Center Joint Powers Board

The Rice & Steele 911 Center Joint Powers Board will review the October 31, 2024 financial report and receive an Operations Committee update. Administrators will provide staffing, CAD and phone data updates, and discuss the LOGIS new governance model proposal. The board will also hear status reports on 2024 projects such as dispatch software, online citizen reporting, CAD position replacements, ARMER upgrade, and server replacement, as well as overall center staffing and scheduling.

• Review of Financial Report for October 31, 2024
• Operations Committee update
• Informational and staffing update, including CAD & phone data
• LOGIS new governance model proposal
• 2024 project status updates (dispatch software, online reporting, CAD replacements, ARMER upgrade, server replacement)

Board of Commissioners

The Rice County Board will hear a presentation of the draft 2025‑2034 Transportation Improvement Plan and set a date for its public hearing. Commissioners will discuss state mandates on social services and approve a joint agreement for child‑care licensing fees. An update to the county condemnation policy will be provided, and a closed‑session attorney meeting will address pending litigation (case 66‑CV‑22‑841). Consent agenda items such as overtime reports, bill payments, and personnel appointments will also be approved.

• Presentation of draft 2025‑2034 Transportation Improvement Plan (Highway)
• Set date and time for public hearing on the Transportation Improvement Plan
• Approval of Joint Agreement for Child Care Licensing Fees
• Condemnation Policy update
• Closed‑session attorney discussion on pending litigation (case 66‑CV‑22‑841)

Joint Ditch Special Meeting

The Joint Drainage Authority of Rice and Scott Counties will meet to consider a petition from Schultz to modify and impound waters on Lateral 1 to County Ditch 31. The body will also discuss the partial abandonment of a portion of the same lateral. If approved, the authority may initiate proceedings under the State Drainage Code and appoint an engineer.

• Petition of Schultz to modify and impound waters upon Lateral 1 to County Ditch 31
• Proposed abandonment of a portion of Lateral 1 to County Ditch 31
• Appointment of an engineer for drainage proceedings

Board of Commissioners

The Rice County Board of Commissioners will consider resolutions for special assessments, cannabis business regulations, and union contracts. The meeting includes public hearings and the approval of various departmental agreements and contracts.

• Public hearing for Ordinance #910 Cannabis & Hemp Retail Business Registration
• Resolution #24-048 amending zoning ordinance for short-term rentals and cannabis
• Ratification of Local 49 International Union contract for 2025-2027
• Approval of King Mill Dam maintenance contract
• Resolution #24-045 setting non-union wages and benefits for 2025-2027

Committee of the Whole

The Rice County Committee of the Whole will discuss setting salaries for the Sheriff and County Attorney, review a contract for King Mill Dam maintenance, and consider offers for the sale of multiple real estate parcels.

• Request to set 2025 salary for Rice County Sheriff
• Request to set 2025 salary for Rice County Attorney
• Professional Services Contract - Barr Engineering for King Mill Dam Maintenance
• Closed Session to develop offers for sale of multiple real estate parcels
• 2045 Transportation Plan/ County Road 9 Jurisdictional Study

Committee of the Whole

The Rice County Committee of the Whole will hold a joint meeting with the City of Faribault, Faribault School, and the Chamber of Commerce on Friday, November 15, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Buckham West/19 Division Street W. No specific agenda items or decisions are listed beyond the joint meeting.

Rice County Board of Commissioners Open Forum

The Rice County Board of Commissioners will hold an Open Forum at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. The meeting allows members of the public to speak on topics not on the agenda, limited to three minutes per speaker. No formal agenda items or decisions are scheduled.

Board of Commissioners

The Rice County Board of Commissioners will discuss a proposed tobacco retailer ordinance and the ratification of a Social Services Union contract for 2025-2027. The board will also consider a funding request for aerial imagery and a joint drainage authority.

• Authorization to set a public hearing date for a proposed Tobacco Retailer Ordinance
• Ratification of Teamsters Local 320 Social Services Union Contract for 2025, 2026, and 2027
• MnDOT Contract Number 1058027 for fuel purchasing
• Acceptance of Cannabis and Substance Use Prevention Grant Funding
• Closed session regarding purchase or sale of real property for seven specific parcel IDs

Board of Commissioners

The Rice County Board of Commissioners will consider and approve a tax abatement for the property at 115 5th Street, the former Northfield News Building. The agenda includes a joint public hearing with the City of Northfield and references the Northfield City Council resolution. The board will adopt Resolution #24‑041 to formalize the abatement.

• Joint public hearing with City of Northfield on tax abatement for 115 5th Street (former Northfield News Building)
• Rice County Commissioners Resolution #24-041 approving tax abatement on 115 5th Street
• Northfield City Council Resolution 2024-105 approving tax abatement on 115 5th Street

Board of Adjustment

The Rice County Board of Adjustment will consider five variance applications. Each request seeks relief from zoning limits for structures such as garages, storage buildings, and sheds. The board will vote to recommend approval, denial, or continuation for each item.

• 4‑ft height variance for an 18‑ft detached garage at 4120 127th Ct W (Zoned RDS)
• 11‑ft height, 2800‑sqft size, and extra accessory building variances for an agricultural storage building at 7685 Dodd Rd (Zoned NES)
• 15‑ft setback variance for a shed at 9068 Canby Ct (Zoned A)
• 10‑ft setback variance for a shed at 24715 Albers Ave (Zoned A)
• 46‑ft road right‑of‑way setback variance for an agricultural storage building at 23765 Albers Ave (Zoned A)

Planning Commission

The Rice County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to the county zoning ordinance. The changes aim to align the ordinance with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and recent state legislation. Items include standards for cannabis and hemp businesses, standards for short‑term rentals, and restructuring of industrial districts. The commission will discuss the proposals and may recommend approval, denial, or continuation, with any items requiring County Board approval slated for the November 26 meeting.

• Establish standards for cannabis and hemp businesses
• Establish standards for short‑term rentals
• Eliminate the Limited Industrial District by merging it into the Rural Industrial District
• Remove material standards for the Rural Industrial District and Urban Reserve Industrial District
• Other technical and administrative clarifications and corrections

Rice & Steele 911 Center Joint Powers Board

The Rice & Steele 911 Center Joint Powers Board will approve the agenda and October 7, 2024 meeting minutes, review the latest financial report, and discuss administrative items such as telecommunicator contract negotiations and in‑service training. New business includes a proposal to relocate the 911 Center to a Rice County lease site and to change the board meeting date to January 1, 2025.

• Approve agenda and October 7, 2024 meeting minutes
• Review financial report (Finance Committee)
• Discuss telecommunicator contract negotiations
• Consider telecommunicator in‑service training on November 14, 2024 in Clear Lake, IA
• Evaluate lease options to move the 911 Center to a Rice County location and change the board meeting date to Jan 1, 2025

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will hear a presentation on the cost estimates for refreshing or replacing the county’s Assureon system. It will also receive the quarterly financial report for the period ending September 30, 2024, and an update on cash and pooled investments for the same period. No formal actions are listed on the agenda.

• Rice County Assureon refresh/replacement estimates presentation
• Quarterly financial report for period ending September 30, 2024
• Cash & pooled investments report for period ending September 30, 2024

Housing & Redevelopment Authority

The Rice County Housing and Redevelopment Authority will review the minutes from the October 22, 2024 meeting, receive an update on the Mainstream Policy, and discuss the payment standards for 2025. These items are on the agenda for the regular meeting held immediately after the Board of Commissioners meeting on November 5, 2024.

• Approve minutes from the October 22, 2024 meeting
• Receive Mainstream Policy update
• Discuss 2025 payment standards

Board of Commissioners

The Rice County Board of Commissioners will discuss a resolution to amend the county zoning map in Section 21 of Bridgewater Township. They will also review a temporary 3.2% malt liquor license application for Holy Cross Catholic School, a cannabis and hemp retail business registration ordinance, a 2025 contract with the Department of Human Services Behavioral Health Division, and final payment for a County State‑Aid Highway paving contract. Additional items include an engineering design services contract and several interim use permits across townships.

• Application for a temporary 3.2% malt liquor license for Holy Cross Catholic School, 6100 37th Street West, Webster, MN
• Resolution #24-040 to amend the Rice County Zoning Map in Section 21 of Bridgewater Township
• Ordinance #910 – Cannabis & Hemp Retail Business Registration
• Department of Human Services, Behavioral Health Division 2025 contract
• Final payment – Contract #2471 for CSAH 38 paving

Housing & Redevelopment Authority

The Rice County Housing & Redevelopment Authority will consider approving the minutes from the September 17, 2024 meeting. It will discuss the appointment of a Resident Commissioner. The board will also receive a quarterly program report. No other substantive actions are listed.

• Approve minutes of 9-17-24 meeting
• Consider appointment of Resident Commissioner
• Review quarterly program report

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss updates from the Highway Department and Social Services. The session includes a recognition of National Guardianship Awareness Month.

• National Guardianship Awareness Month discussion
• Highway Department updates

Board of Adjustment

The Rice County Board of Adjustment will consider four variance applications. Each request seeks relief from zoning or grading limits for properties in Wells, Forest, Warsaw, and Warsaw Townships. The board will hear staff reports, applicant statements, and public comments before recommending approval, denial, or continuation.

• Parker variance: request to exceed the 18% slope grading limit to 60‑90% for Lots 5 & 6, Roberds Shores Subdivision, 4345 & 4355 Roberds Lake Trail, Faribault (zoned GDS).
• Oertli variance: request to add a 200‑sqft detached storage shed, exceeding the three‑shed limit, at 6551 143rd St W #16, Lonsdale (zoned RDS).
• Kappelmann variances: 49‑ft road right‑of‑way setback and 60‑ft lake setback variances for a replacement home at 3990 Cannon Lake Trail, Faribault (zoned GDS).
• Graves variance: request for a 19,624‑sqft reduction from the 40,000‑sqft lot‑size requirement to permit a 20,376‑sqft buildable lot at Lot 2, Block 1, Lakeside Estates, Warsaw Township (zoned GDS).

Planning Commission

The Rice County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a proposed zoning map amendment that would change several parcels from Agricultural to Rural Residential in Bridgewater Township. The commission will also consider a conditional use permit for a commercial dog training and breeding kennel at 5982 Bixby Ave, Northfield. Additional items include interim use permits for a 5 MW solar facility on Albers Ave, aggregate mining operations in Walcott and Warsaw Townships, and an amendment to add a concrete batch plant to an existing mining permit in Wells Township.

• Conditional Use Permit for a commercial dog training and breeding kennel at 5982 Bixby Ave, Northfield (Zoned A, Agricultural)
• Zoning Map Amendment to change parcels from Agricultural to Rural Residential in Bridgewater Township (Thompson Second Addition and Thompson Addition)
• Interim Use Permit for a 5 MW solar energy production facility at 23128 & 23450 Albers Ave, Faribault (Zoned A, Agricultural)
• Interim Use Permit for an aggregate mining operation by Bituminous Materials LLC in Section 12, Walcott Township (Zoned A, Agricultural)
• Amendment to an existing Interim Use Permit to add a concrete batch plant at 2150 165th St W, Faribault (Zoned URI, Urban Reserve Industrial)

Rice County Board of Commissioners Open Forum

The meeting is an open forum for the public to speak on topics relevant to the county's work. There are no specific legislative items or decisions listed on the agenda.

Board of Commissioners

The Rice County Board of Commissioners will discuss a school transportation contract for 2024‑2025 and consider Resolution 24-039 to request designation of a disaster or emergency area. They will also review local‑option disaster abatements and credits, accept a monetary donation under Resolution 24-038, and amend the Crime Victim Services Grant contract. Additional items include final payments on two highway contracts and routine consent‑agenda approvals.

• School Transportation Contract 2024‑2025
• Resolution 24-039 requesting disaster or emergency area designation
• Local Option Disaster Abatements and Credits
• Resolution 24-038 accepting monetary donation
• Crime Victim Services Grant Contract Agreement Amendment

Rice & Steele 911 Center Joint Powers Board

The Joint Powers Board will review August 2024 financials and receive updates on staffing and 911 expansion. The meeting includes a closed session to discuss a union labor contract.

• Approval of August 31, 2024 Financials
• Staffing and 911 expansion updates
• Closed session regarding Union Labor Contract

Special Meeting

The Rice County Board of Commissioners and Planning Commission will hold a joint work session to continue discussion of zoning ordinance amendments. Topics include proposed zoning regulations for cannabis businesses, proposed requirements for short‑term rentals, and miscellaneous issues affecting industrial districts. The meeting will also include a brief public comment period.

• Cannabis Business – proposed zoning regulations
• Short‑term Rental – proposed zoning requirements
• Industrial Districts – miscellaneous zoning considerations

Board of Commissioners

The Rice County Board of Commissioners will vote on the preliminary property tax levy for 2025. They will also consider several environmental resolutions, including a watershed management plan and a partnership agreement for the Lower Minnesota River East. Additional items include removal of a conservation easement and the sale of a parcel of land.

• Resolution #24-035 – Setting the Preliminary Tax Levy for 2025
• Resolution #24-036 – Establishing the Lower Minnesota River East Partnership (Joint Powers Agreement)
• Resolution #24-034 – Adopt and implement the Lower Minnesota River East Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan
• Resolution #24-037 – Removal of Conservation Easement for Property IDs 08.18.1.50.004 & 08.18.1.25.004
• Consideration of Sale PID #01.32.4.50.002

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss the preliminary levy and receive a report from Circe Lake. The session also includes highway updates.

• Preliminary levy discussion
• Circe Lake annual report to County Board
• Highway updates

Housing & Redevelopment Authority

The Rice County Housing and Redevelopment Authority is meeting to review action items. The primary item for consideration is a land transfer involving Twin Oaks Habitat for Humanity.

• Twin Oaks Habitat for Humanity Land Transfer
• Approval of 8-27-24 meeting minutes

Rice & Steele 911 Center Joint Powers Board

The Rice & Steele 911 Center Joint Powers Board will review its latest financial report and discuss operational updates, including staffing, CAD and phone data, and a 911 expansion. The board will vote to approve the 2025 budget and set the date for the October meeting. It will also consider the 2022 Motorola charge and move into a closed session to discuss legal issues related to the LOGIS Oracle ERP Project.

• Approval of the 2025 budget
• Review of the financial report
• Discussion of the 2022 Motorola charge
• Setting the October meeting date
• Closed session to discuss legal considerations for the LOGIS Oracle ERP Project

Rice County Board of Commissioners Open Forum

The Rice County Board of Commissioners will hold an open forum at 8:00 AM on September 10, 2024. The meeting provides an opportunity for members of the public to speak on topics not on the agenda, with each speaker limited to three minutes. No specific agenda items, resolutions, or contracts will be considered during this session.

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will discuss technology upgrades and various social service agreements. The meeting includes reviews of drainage ditch damage rates and treatment court reports.

• Server and Network Attached Storage purchases
• Healthy Community Initiative Agreement 2024-2027
• School Transportation Contracts 2024-2025
• Drainage Ditch Damage rates for 2024
• FY25 Treatment Court Agreement

Board of Adjustment

The Rice County Board of Adjustment will consider five variance requests for property modifications, including building size, height, and setback adjustments. The meeting will include a public hearing for each item.

• Variance for 37-ft storage building at 4190 Circle Lake Trail
• Variance for 1936-sqft storage building at 11342 Circle Ridge Lane
• Variance for replacement cabin at 5989 177th St W #12
• Variance for shed at 20994 Goodhue Ave
• Variance for addition at 3567 Chappuis Trail

Planning Commission

The Rice County Planning Commission will meet to consider four applications: a plat waiver for a single-family home, a conditional use permit for a dog kennel, a final plat for five residential lots, and amendments to a cat sanctuary permit. The public can attend in person or via Zoom.

• Waiver of Plat for 4.95-acre single-family site at 11291 Canby Ave
• Conditional Use Permit for commercial dog training and breeding kennel at 5982 Bixby Ave
• Final Plat approval for five single-family lots
• Amendments to cat sanctuary permit to add veterinary clinic and increase cat capacity to 500
• Approval of August 8, 2024, regular meeting minutes

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole work session will hold a public comment period, then discuss a preliminary levy under the Finance item. An administration item will be addressed in closed session, focusing on labor negotiations strategy per Minnesota Statute 13D.03 Subd.1. The meeting will adjourn after these items.

• Preliminary levy discussion (Finance)
• Closed session on labor negotiations strategy (Administration)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review several interim use permits and a zoning map amendment. The meeting also includes requests for temporary liquor and gambling permits and a highway department reorganization.

• Zoning Map Amendment for Thompson in Section 21, Bridgewater Township
• Interim Use Permits for Martin (Webster Township), Mariska (Morristown Township), and Mathy Construction (Forest Township)
• Temporary consumption, malt liquor, and gambling permits for Church of St. Patrick
• Exempt gambling permit for Rice County Steam & Gas Engines, Inc.
• Highway Department re-organization

Housing & Redevelopment Authority

The Housing and Redevelopment Authority will meet to discuss the HRA budget. The body will also hold a closed session for attorney-client privilege.

• HRA Budget Discussion
• Closed Session pursuant to Minnesota Statute 13D.05 Subd.3 (b) Attorney-Client Privilege

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will hear from several outside agencies and receive highway updates. The meeting includes a closed session to discuss labor negotiations strategy.

• Reports from Buckham Memorial Library, Northfield Public Library, and Lonsdale Public Library
• Reports from Southern MN Initiative Foundation, Buckham West, and FiftyNorth
• Reports from Rice County Soil & Water Conservation District, Southeastern MN EMS, and SEMCAC
• Highway updates from Dennis Luebbe
• Closed session regarding labor negotiations strategy

Rice County Board of Commissioners Open Forum

The Rice County Board of Commissioners will hold an open forum where members of the public may speak on topics not on the agenda. No specific resolutions, contracts, or policy changes will be considered. The meeting is procedural and provides an opportunity for community input.

Board of Commissioners

The Rice County Board will consider a $12,500 MDVA Enhancement Grant for veterans services and adopt a new van policy. Commissioners will also discuss a local option sales tax, ratify a professional services agreement with Trimin Systems, and address a highway safety‑plan grant. A closed‑session will be held to evaluate offers for three county parcels.

• MDVA Enhancement Grant of $12,500 for veterans services
• Ratification of Professional Services Agreement between MnCCC and Trimin Systems, Inc.
• Discussion of Local Option Sales Tax (LOST)
• Resolution #24-032 Safety Plan Grant for highway projects
• Closed session to consider offers for parcels No. 1819350003, 181935004, and 0132450002

Board of Adjustment

The Rice County Board of Adjustment will consider three variance applications. The first request is from WWBKD LLC for a 12‑ft lake‑setback variance and a 162‑sqft accessory‑structure variance at 20120 Geneva Ct. The second request is from Josh Ihlenfeld for a 6% impervious‑surface variance for patio additions at 8365 Hennepin Way. The third request is from Harold Martin for a 50‑ft road‑right‑of‑way setback variance for a compost building at 6001 Hazelwood Ave. The Board will hear staff reports, applicant presentations, and public comments before recommending approval, denial, or continuation.

• Kaul variance: 12‑ft lake setback and 162‑sqft accessory structure at 20120 Geneva Ct
• Juskiv variance: 6% impervious‑surface increase for two patios at 8365 Hennepin Way
• Martin variance: 50‑ft road right‑of‑way setback for compost building at 6001 Hazelwood Ave

Planning Commission

The Rice County Planning Commission is meeting to consider several land use applications. The body will review requests for interim use permits, a zoning map amendment, and a plat waiver.

• Interim Use Permit for a private compost facility at 6001 Hazelwood Ave
• Waiver of Plat for a 5-acre single family dwelling site at 13168 Dawson Ave
• Zoning Map Amendment to change two parcels from Agricultural to Rural Residential in Bridgewater Township
• Interim Use Permit for aggregate crushing and washing at 10355 Morristown Blvd
• Interim Use Permit for a temporary asphalt plant at 4995 Millersburg Blvd W

Rice & Steele 911 Center Joint Powers Board

The Rice & Steele 911 Center Joint Powers Board will review the June 30, 2024 financial report and receive an update from the Operations Committee. It will discuss informational and staffing matters, CAD and phone data, the planned 911 expansion, and dispatch protocol and call‑take software. The board will also consider the updated 2025 budget recommendation. New business items will be addressed later in the meeting.

• Review of Financial Report June 30, 2024
• Operations Committee Update
• Informational & Staffing Update
• 2025 Updated Budget Recommendation
• Discussion of 911 Expansion

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will hear public comments and review finance reports for the period ending June 30, 2024. It will discuss the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) and receive updates on cash and pooled investments. An administration update includes a tour of the Public Safety Center after the Board Meeting. Outside agencies will present brief remarks.

• Cash & pooled investments report for period ending June 30, 2024
• Quarterly financial report for period ending June 30, 2024
• Discussion of Local Option Sales Tax (LOST)
• Public Safety Center tour (following the Board Meeting)
• Presentations by outside agencies (Agricultural Society, Hope Center, etc.)

Board of Commissioners

The Rice County Board of Commissioners is meeting with Steele County to address Drainage Authority JD #6. The board will review findings and an order to appoint viewers.

• Findings and Order Appointing Viewers for Drainage Authority JD #6

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider several conditional use permits and a zoning map amendment in Webster Township. The meeting also includes discussions on courtroom technology upgrades and bridge replacement agreements.

• Resolution #24-031: Zoning Map amendment in Section 25 of Webster Township
• Resolution #24-030: Removal of Conservation Easement for property 01.29.2.25.002
• Conditional Use Permits for Nelson, Rud(Hautman), Saemrow, Skluzacek, and Sevcik
• Township Bridge Replacement Agreement
• Courtroom AV Technology Upgrades

Board of Adjustment

The Rice County Board of Adjustment will consider several requests for land use variances. These items include adjustments to building setbacks, height limits, and impervious surface coverage across various townships.

• Manure storage basin setback variance in Morristown Township
• Storage building height variance in Northfield Township
• Lake setback and impervious surface variances in Wells Township
• Home addition setback variance in Cannon City Township
• Building size and height variances in Forest Township

Planning Commission

The Rice County Planning Commission is reviewing several land-use applications. These include requests for zoning amendments, conditional use permits for business yards and airstrips, and a dairy feedlot expansion.

• Zoning Map Amendment in Webster Township to change property from Agricultural to Highway Commercial
• Conditional Use Permit for a dairy feedlot expansion and manure storage in Morristown Township
• Conditional Use Permit for a private airstrip in Warsaw Township
• Waiver of Plat for a 4.2-acre single family dwelling site in Webster Township
• Preliminary Plat for five single family dwelling lots in Northfield Township

Rice & Steele 911 Center Joint Powers Board

The Rice & Steele 911 Center Joint Powers Board will review the May 31, 2024 financial report and the Baker Tilley financial audit report. The board will also discuss 911 expansion and dispatch protocols. New business includes a maintenance contract for Voice Products.

• Review of May 31, 2024 Financial Report
• Discussion regarding 911 Expansion
• Voice Products Maintenance Contract
• Baker Tilley Financial Audit Report
• 2025 Preliminary Budget