Steele County, Minnesota

Steele County Board Work Session

Steele County Board Meeting

Planning Commission

Board of Adjustment

Steele County Board Meeting

Steele County Board Work Session

Steele County Board Work Session

Steele County Board Meeting

Steele County Board Work Session

Board of Adjustment

Planning Commission

Steele County Board Meeting

Steele County Board Work Session

Steele County Board Meeting

Steele County Board Work Session

Planning Commission

Board of Adjustment

Steele County Board Work Session

Steele County Board Meeting

Steele County Board Work Session

Steele County Board Meeting

Planning Commission

Board of Adjustment

Steele County Board Work Session

Steele County Board Meeting

Steele County Board Work Session

Steele County Board Meeting

Board of Adjustment

Planning Commission

Steele County Board Work Session

Steele County Board Meeting

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Steele County Board Meeting

The Steele County Board will vote on the sale of a former county property and approve a final payment for parking lot work. The board is also reviewing new policies regarding email retention and artificial intelligence tools.

• Authorization to solicit proposals for the sale of 828 Hoffman Drv
• Final payment of $63,487.46 to JJD Companies, LLC for Courthouse and Administration Parking Lot
• Approval of Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Tools Policy
• Approval of Email Retention Policy
• Resolution 2026-37 accepting Kwik Trip gift card donations from Beyond the Yellow Ribbon and Troy Steece

Steele County Board Work Session

The Steele County Board will hold a work session to discuss coroner services and review proposals for an annex building feasibility study. No formal votes are expected; these are discussion items.

• Discussion of Steele County Coroner Services
• Review of Annex Building Feasibility Study Proposals

Budget Work Session

The Steele County Board is meeting for a work session dedicated to discussing the 2027 budget. No specific proposals, dollar amounts, or votes are listed on the agenda.

• 2027 budget work session

Special Board Meeting

The Steele County Board will tour the Annex building and continue discussing the Master Facilities Plan for the Annex. They will also begin planning for the 2027 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The meeting is a special session with no votes scheduled.

• Tour of Annex building at 630 Florence Ave, Owatonna
• Continued Master Facilities Plan discussion regarding the Annex
• 2027 CIP planning discussion

Steele County Board Meeting

The Steele County Board will consider awarding a contract for the Clinton Falls Township Bridge Project and review several Conditional Use Permit applications. The meeting also includes approval of bills, personnel, and minutes from previous sessions.

• Award Clinton Falls Township Bridge Project contract ($784,229.40)
• Review CUP 446 (Mobile Dog Grooming Business)
• Review Wondra Pit CUPs (Pits #1, #2, #3)
• Approve renewal of IUP 2013-03 (Lembke Masonry)
• Adopt Final Plat (Spatenka Addition No.2)

Steele County Board Work Session

The Steele County Board will continue discussing the Master Facilities Plan with Wold Engineering and begin planning for the 2027 Capital Improvement Plan. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the session is a work session for discussion only.

• Continued Master Facilities Plan discussion with Wold Engineering
• 2027 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) planning

Board of Appeal and Equalization

The Steele County Board of Appeal and Equalization will hear property owner appeals and review the county's 2026 assessment report. The board is scheduled to approve the assessor's final appeals report after public comment.

• Review of Steele County 2026 Assessment Report
• Hearing of property owner appeals
• Public comments and questions
• Approval of Assessor's 2026 Property Owner Appeals Report

The Steele County Board of Appeal and Equalization approved the updated 2026 Property Owner Appeals Report. The report included three additional property owners beyond the initial version presented. The meeting also included the administration of oaths of office to several commissioners.

• Approved agenda (Ayes all)
• Approved 2026 Property Owner Appeals Report (Ayes all)
• Administered oaths of office to Commissioners Krueger, Prokopec, and Abbe

Steele County Board Work Session

The Steele County Board will discuss a cannabis ordinance amendment, a highway project update, and non-profit community partner award recommendations. A Master Gardener presentation is also scheduled.

• Cannabis Ordinance Amendment
• 2026 County Highway Project Update
• Non-Profit Community Partner Award Recommendations
• Master Gardener Presentation by Lorrie Rugg and Lisa Dierks

The subcommittee received updates on the Master Gardener program and county highway projects. Discussions included minor term changes to the cannabis ordinance and non-profit award recommendations, both of which were moved to the full Board meeting for future action.

• Cannabis ordinance amendments moved to Board meeting for vote
• Non-Profit Community Partner Award recommendations moved to Board meeting for vote

Steele County Board Meeting

The Steele County Board will vote on final payments for several construction projects and the purchase of property at 213 South Oak Street. The board is also establishing a Community Health Board and appointing a Trail Administrator.

• Final payment of $745,029.00 to JD Driver, Ltd for the Steele County Sheriff's Addition and Renovation
• Real Estate Purchase Agreement and Lease for 213 South Oak Street
• Final payment of $80,230.84 to Schwickert's Tecta America, LLC for the Four Seasons Centre Roof Replacement and Wall Panel project
• Final payment of $47,610.47 to APX Construction Group, LLC for the New Steele County Community Corrections Facility
• Resolution 2026-34 appointing Ed Nelson as the Steele County Trail Administrator

The Board approved several administrative resolutions, including the formation of the Community Health Board. Financial decisions included final payments for a roof replacement, a corrections facility, and a sheriff's addition. The Board also approved an amendment to the county cannabis ordinance.

• Approved agenda with cannabis ordinance addition (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2026-34 appointing Ed Nelson as Trail Administrator
• Approved $80,230.84 final payment to Schwickert's Tecta America, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved $47,610.47 final payment to APX Construction Group, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 Non-Profit Community Partner Award Recommendations (unanimous)
• Approved Cannabis Ordinance amendment and church definition clarification (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2026-35 to form the Steele County Community Health Board (5-0)

Steele County Board Work Session

The Steele County Board will hold a work session to discuss planning for the 2027 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). No formal votes or decisions are expected; the session is for preliminary discussion. The only substantive agenda item is the CIP planning.

• Discussion of the 2027 Capital Improvement Plan

The Board reviewed the proposed 2027 CIP project list and funding sources. Discussion of these items will continue at the June 23 work session.

• Reviewed 2027 CIP project list and funding sources

Planning Commission

The Steele County Planning Commission will meet to review building permits and hold a discussion on a county bond. Several public hearings will be held on land‑use applications, including a plat for Spatenka Addition No. 2 and multiple conditional use permits for the Wondra area. The commission will also consider an improvement permit for Lemke Masonry.

• Review Building Permits
• Bond Discussion
• Public hearing on Spatenka Addition No. 2 Plat
• Public hearing on CUP 446 (published by Angela)
• Public hearings on CUP #216, #218, and #285 for Wondra pits

Board of Adjustment

The Steele County Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing and decide on Variance #677, a request from Mislinski for a yard setback variance. The meeting also includes approval of prior meeting minutes and routine procedural items.

• Variance #677 Mislinski (Yard Setback) – public hearing and decision

Steele County Board Work Session

The Steele County Board will hold a work session to receive updates on three items. A presentation will cover the PowerOn Midwest project. The board will follow up on the Enterprise leased vehicle program and receive an update on the county’s 2026 highway projects.

• PowerOn Midwest project update presentation
• Enterprise leased vehicle follow‑up
• Update on 2026 county highway projects

The board received updates on the PowerOn Midwest transmission line project, the county fleet lease program, and noted that the 2026 highway project discussion will be moved to the June 9 work session. No motions were adopted, denied, or voted on.

Steele County Board Meeting

The Steele County Board will vote on a drone policy, approve a contract for road design, and authorize the use of bond funds for a specific project. The meeting also includes the approval of bills, personnel, and a feedlot report.

• Authorize $357,351.00 for SAP 074-643-010 via MnDOT bond funds
• Approve contract with WSB up to $1,780,542.61 for East Side Corridor design
• Adopt Resolution 2026-31 authorizing execution of Agreement No. 1057390
• Adopt Resolution 2026-32 approving Negative Declaration for SAP 074-628-004
• Approve On-Sale 3.2 Beer and Wine License for Blooming Prairie Country Club

The board unanimously approved a professional services contract up to $1,780,542.61 for the East Side Corridor project and authorized the purchase of 213 South Oak Avenue for $900,000. It also approved the county UAV (drone) policy, a step‑increase in pay for Administrator Renae Fry, and adopted two MnDOT resolutions. Additional approvals included a feedlot report, a beer‑and‑wine license for Blooming Prairie Country Club, and the renewal of IUP 2010‑05 with conditions.

• Approved professional services contract with WSB for East Side Corridor design, up to $1,780,542.61 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2026‑31 authorizing $357,351 MnDOT bond funds (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2026‑32 approving negative declaration for environmental impact (unanimous)
• Approved Steele County Sheriff's Office UAV (drone) policy (unanimous)
• Authorized purchase of 213 South Oak Ave. for $900,000 and lease drafting (unanimous)
• Approved step increase in pay for County Administrator Renae Fry (unanimous)
• Approved renewal of IUP 2010‑05 with 22 conditions; Commissioner James Brady abstained
• Approved on‑sale 3.2 beer and wine license for Blooming Prairie Country Club (unanimous)

Steele County Board Work Session

The Steele County Board will hear a presentation of the South County Health Alliance's 2025 year‑end financials. It will discuss an update on the City of Owatonna and UW‑St. Cloud affordable housing aid proposal. The board will also receive an overview of the 2027 Capital Improvement Program process.

• South County Health Alliance presentation of 2025 year‑end financials
• Update on City of Owatonna/UWSC affordable housing aid proposal
• Overview of the 2027 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) process

The board agreed to hold a special budget meeting on June 9 at 3:00 p.m. to consider the preliminary 2027 Capital Improvement Program draft. The board, by consensus, moved the City of Owatonna’s affordable‑housing aid request for the UWSC 10‑lot development to the regular meeting for formal action.

• Schedule special budget meeting for June 9 at 3:00 p.m. (consensus)
• Move affordable‑housing aid request to regular meeting for formal action (consensus)

Steele County Board Meeting

The Steele County Board will meet to consider several routine and action items, including awarding a $996,116 contract for the CSAH 43 Bridge Project and approving a $167,934 state bond agreement for Bridge No. 74J36. The board will also hold a closed session to develop an offer for purchasing real property. Other items include conditional use permits for an anaerobic digester and a gravel pit, as well as annual tobacco licenses.

• Award CSAH 43 Bridge Project (SAP 074-643-010) to Structural Specialties, Inc. for $996,116.16
• Adopt Resolution 2026-30 authorizing MnDOT Agreement No. 1061908 for Bridge No. 74J36 ($167,934.26)
• Approve CUP #443 (Swinergy – Anaerobic Digestor) with 5 conditions
• Accept review of CUP #316 (Benjamin Bishop – Bishop Pit) with 18 conditions
• Approve renewal of IUP 2010-05 (JJD Companies LLC – Meixner Pit) with 21 conditions

The Steele County Board voted 4‑1 to award $200,000 to the City of Owatonna/UWSC for affordable housing infrastructure. It also adopted resolutions appointing a new highway engineer, authorizing bridge contracts, and approving a solid‑waste services agreement. The renewal of IUP 2010‑05 was tabled until May 26, 2026.

• Approved $200,000 affordable housing aid award (4-1)
• Adopted Resolution appointing Jacob Rezac as Highway Engineer (unanimous)
• Authorized MnDOT Bridge No. 74J36 agreement for $167,934.26 (unanimous)
• Awarded CSAH 43 Bridge Project to Structural Specialties, Inc. for $996,116.16 (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 Solid Waste Professional Services Agreement (unanimous)
• Approved HMA Statement of Work #3 and authorized Administrator to sign (unanimous)
• Tabled renewal of IUP 2010‑05 until May 26, 2026 (unanimous, with one abstention)
• Accepted review of CUP #316 with conditions (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Steele County Planning Commission will discuss bonding requirements for a local gravel pit and hold public hearings on several conditional use permits, including an anaerobic digester project by Swinergy. The commission will also review the renewal of a permit for the Bishop Pit and consider an interim use permit for the Meixner Pit. An informational review of the 2025 Planning & Zoning Department activities will be presented.

• Gravel Pit Bonding Requirements Discussion
• CUP #443 Anaerobic Digestor (Swinergy)
• CUP #316 (Bishop Pit) Renewal
• IUP 2010-05 JJD (Meixner Pit)
• 2025 Planning & Zoning Department Review

Steele County Board Meeting

The Steele County Board meets April 28, 2026, to act on a consent agenda and several general agenda items. Notable actions include awarding a $1,082,164.78 box culvert contract, accepting donations, approving on-sale liquor licenses, and carrying forward unspent funds for attorney office renovations. The board will also hold a closed session to discuss a property purchase offer.

• Award 2026 Box Culvert Contract to Fitzgeral Excavating & Trucking for $1,082,164.78 (SAP 074-599-043, 074-599-044, 074-618-031)
• Adopt Resolution 2026-26 accepting $25,700 donation from Harvey & Sharon West Fund
• Approve on-sale liquor licenses for Monterey Ballroom and Spurgy's Trailside Tavern
• Adopt Resolution 2026-21 to carry forward unspent FY2025 appropriations for Attorney Office Renovations to FY2026
• Closed session to develop an offer for purchase of real or personal property

The Steele County Board approved several donations, adopted two resolutions, and awarded a $1,082,164.78 box culvert contract. The $25,700 donation from the Harvey & Sharon West Fund and the FY2025 unspent appropriations carry‑forward were each approved by a 5‑0 vote. Additional items such as liquor licenses, waste‑service agreements, and temporary event permits were also approved unanimously.

• Awarded $1,082,164.78 box culvert contract to Fitzgeral Excavating & Trucking (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2026-26 accepting $25,700 donation from Harvey & Sharon West Fund (5‑0)
• Adopted Resolution 2026-21 to carry forward FY2025 unspent appropriations for Attorney Office Renovations (5‑0)
• Adopted Resolution 2026-24 accepting 10 $50 Walmart gift cards for veterans (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2026-23 accepting $400 donation for Honor Guard (unanimous)
• Approved On‑Sale Liquor License for Monterey Ballroom (unanimous)
• Approved On‑Sale Liquor License for Spurgy's Trailside Tavern (unanimous)
• Approved Solid Waste Division Credit Application Policy and 2026 Solid Waste Professional Services Agreement (unanimous)

Steele County Board Work Session

The Steele County Board will hold a work session to continue discussing the Master Facilities Plan with Wold Engineering. No other substantive business is listed on the agenda.

• Continued Master Facilities Plan Discussion with Wold Engineering

The board eliminated the proposed new health and human services building and the purchase of the former school district office from further study. It identified the Annex building as a top concern and asked staff to develop cost estimates for rehabilitating it and for a possible addition to the Administration Building. The board also expressed interest in renovating the Court House entrance for security improvements and directed staff to gather related estimates. Staff will assemble the Annex estimates and begin financing analysis for the next planning meeting.

• Removed new health and human services building from consideration (consensus)
• Removed purchase of former school district office from consideration (consensus)
• Requested staff to develop cost estimates for Annex rehab and Administration Building addition
• Requested staff to gather estimates for Court House entrance security renovation
• Directed staff to assemble Annex estimates and analyze financing options

Steele County Board Work Session

The Board will hold a work session to receive a presentation on fleet management from Goodhue County. The meeting also includes an update on Human Services.

• Goodhue County Fleet Management presentation by Scott Arneson and Stacy Lance
• Human Services update

The board heard a Goodhue County fleet management presentation and received a Human Services update, including a conditional offer for the director position. No motions, votes, approvals, denials, or tabling of items were recorded.

Steele County Board Meeting

The Steele County Board will discuss a new ordinance regarding firearms for deer hunting and review several land use permits. The board is also scheduled to approve a $2,000 donation for CERT and a detour agreement with MnDOT.

• Ordinance #43: Limiting Firearms allowed for Deer Hunting in Steele County
• Resolution 2026-19: $2,000 donation from Federated Insurance for CERT
• Resolution 2026-22: MnDOT Agreement No. 1062323 for CSAH 45 and CSAH 60 detour route
• CUP #445: Northern Natural Gas fill in a floodplain
• IUP 2020-04 renewal: JJD Companies- Jirele Pit

The Steele County Board adopted Resolution 2026‑22 authorizing the execution of Agreement No. 1062323 with MnDOT to use CSAH 45 and CSAH 60 as a detour route. The board also accepted a $2,000 donation from Federated Insurance for CERT, approved several routine items, and denied an ordinance to limit firearms for deer hunting.

• Adopted Resolution 2026‑22 authorizing MnDOT detour agreement (ayes all)
• Adopted Resolution 2026‑19 accepting $2,000 donation from Federated Insurance for CERT (ayes all)
• Approved County Surveyor Appointment Agreement and Fee Schedule (ayes all)
• Approved CUP #445 for Northern Natural Gas placement in floodplain with one condition (ayes all)
• Approved renewal of IUP 2020‑04 for JJD Companies‑Jirele Pit with 19 conditions (4‑0, 1 abstention)
• Denied ordinance limiting firearms for deer hunting (2‑3 vote)
• Approved Consent Agenda items, March 24 minutes, bills, and personnel report (ayes all)

Board of Adjustment

The Steele County Board of Adjustments will meet to approve previous minutes and conduct a public hearing. The board will consider a variance request regarding an OHWL setback.

• Public hearing for Variance #676 Vance (OHWL Setback)

The board approved the meeting agenda and the February 3, 2026 minutes. After a public hearing, members voted 3‑2 to deny Variance #676, which would have allowed a cabin and deck to be built close to the ordinary high‑water level of Beaver Lake. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved agenda (motion by Ulrich, second by Hansen)
• Approved February 3, 2026 minutes, 5‑0 (motion by Jaster, second by Ulrich)
• Denied Variance #676 for cabin/deck at 64 Beaver Lake Road South, 3‑2 (motion by Jaster, second by Ulrich)
• Adjourned meeting (motion by Hansen, second by Jaster)

Planning Commission

The Commission will approve its agenda and prior meeting minutes, and review February and March building permits. It will also hold public hearings on three development applications: CUP #445 for Northern Natural Gas floodplain fill, and two IUP applications for the Meixner and Jirele pits.

• Approve agenda
• Approve Planning Commission Minutes (20260302)
• Review February building permits
• Review March building permits
• Public hearing on CUP #445 Northern Natural Gas (Fill in Floodplain)

The commission unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the March 2, 2026 minutes. It recommended and approved a conditional permit for Northern Natural Gas to place fill in a floodplain at 8801 88th St SW. It also approved a conditional permit for JJD Companies to mine sand and gravel at the Jirele Pit with 19 specific conditions. Discussion of the Meixner Pit renewal was tabled to allow further talk on bonding requirements.

• Approve agenda (unanimous)
• Approve March 2, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Recommend approval of CUP #445 Northern Natural Gas fill‑in floodplain – motion passes
• Recommend approval of IUP 2020-04 JJD (Jirele Pit) with 19 conditions – motion passes
• Table discussion of IUP 2010-05 JJD (Meixner Pit) – motion passes
• Adjourn meeting – motion passes

Steele County Board Work Session

The Steele County Board will hold a work session to review a Smart Transit presentation and discuss cannabis retailer setbacks for places of worship. The board will also review recommendations for 2026 Local Homeless Prevention Aid and an affordable housing aid proposal update.

• Smart Transit presentation
• Cannabis retailer setbacks for places of worship
• 2026 Local Homeless Prevention Aid Award recommendations
• City of Owatonna/UWSC Affordable Housing Aid Proposal update

The Steele County Board held a work session on March 24, 2026. Presentations covered SMART Transit usage, cannabis retailer setbacks near places of worship, and recommendations for homeless‑prevention and affordable‑housing funding. No formal approvals, denials, or votes were recorded; recommendations were forwarded to the regular Board for later action.

Steele County Board Work Session

The Steele County Board will hold a work session to hear a presentation of a space study. After the presentation, members may address other business items. No specific decisions are noted in the agenda.

• Presentation of Space Study

The board heard a presentation on Steele County's long‑range space study, which identified a 13,000‑square‑foot overall space shortfall and highlighted needs for Human Services, Public Health/Extension, and the County Attorney’s Office. No resolutions, approvals, or votes were recorded. The meeting was then adjourned.

Steele County Board Meeting

The Steele County Board will consider routine consent‑agenda items such as minutes, bills, personnel reports, and travel approvals. Commissioners will vote on a $2,500 Wellness Dividend Funds distribution for the employee picnic and renew the 2026 Turnkey Corrections inmate communications contract. The board will also authorize an agreement with Union Pacific Railroad for preliminary engineering of a railroad crossing on the CSAH 12 Trail in Medford. A public hearing will be held on Ordinance #43, which proposes limits on firearms used for deer hunting in the county.

• Approve Wellness Dividend Funds distribution of $2,500 for the employee picnic
• Approve renewal of the 2026 Turnkey Corrections Inmate Communications/Commissary contract
• Authorize execution of an agreement with Union Pacific Railroad for preliminary engineering of a railroad crossing on CSAH 12 Trail in Medford
• Approve out‑of‑state travel for Community Corrections to the Montana Summer Institute 2026
• Public hearing on Ordinance #43 – limiting firearms allowed for deer hunting in Steele County

The Steele County Board approved its agenda and consent agenda unanimously. It approved several routine items including a $2,500 wellness dividend distribution, out‑of‑state travel for Community Corrections, a new member appointment to the Community Corrections Advisory Board, and the 2026 Local Homeless Prevention Aid Award recommendations. The Board also authorized execution of an agreement with Union Pacific Railroad for preliminary engineering of a railroad crossing on the CSAH 12 Trail in Medford. Ordinance #43 limiting firearms for deer hunting was tabled to the April 14 board meeting.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
• Approved $2,500 wellness dividend distribution for employee picnic (unanimous)
• Approved out‑of‑state travel for Community Corrections to Montana Summer Institute (unanimous)
• Authorized Union Pacific Railroad agreement for preliminary engineering of CSAH 12 Trail crossing (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 Local Homeless Prevention Aid Award recommendations (unanimous)
• Approved new member appointment to Community Corrections Advisory Board (unanimous)
• Tabled Ordinance #43 limiting firearms for deer hunting to April 14 meeting (unanimous)

Steele County Board Meeting

The Steele County Board will consider Resolution 2026-20, which declares a state of emergency for the county due to severe winter storms. If ratified, the resolution formally acknowledges the emergency condition and enables appropriate response actions. No other agenda items are listed for this meeting.

• Ratify Resolution 2026-20 – State of Emergency for Steele County due to severe winter storms

The board unanimously ratified Resolution 2026-20, declaring a state of emergency for Steele County due to severe winter storms. Commissioners Brady and Krueger moved and seconded the resolution, and all five commissioners voted in favor (5‑0). The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous consent.

• Ratified Resolution 2026-20 declaring state of emergency (5‑0 unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Steele County Board Meeting

The Steele County Board will consider several routine consent agenda items and a series of resolutions. Key decisions include authorizing EFT transactions, approving attendance at the NACE conference, supporting the CSAH 12 Trail Project, and approving a $21,700 engineering service for the Detention Center reroof. The board will also vote on a resolution to change the County Surveyor position from elected to appointed.

• Adopt Resolution 2026-16 to authorize personnel to process EFT transactions
• Approve request to attend the National Association of County Engineers (NACE) Annual Meeting in Arlington, Texas
• Adopt Resolution 2026-18 and approve a Letter of Support to the City of Medford for the CSAH 12 Trail Project
• Approve the Detention Center Reroof Engineering Service Proposal from Braun Intertec for $21,700.00
• Adopt Resolution 2026-13 approving the change of the Steele County Surveyor from elected to appointed

The board adopted Resolution 2026-13, changing the County Surveyor position from elected to appointed, with four commissioners voting in favor and one absent. It also approved a $21,700 Detention Center reroof engineering contract and adopted Resolution 2026-16 to allow personnel to process EFT transactions. Additional approvals included a letter of support for the Medford CSAH 12 Trail project and renewal of several contracts and agreements.

• Adopted Resolution 2026-13 to change Surveyor from elected to appointed (4‑0, Abbe absent)
• Approved Detention Center Reroof Engineering Service proposal, $21,700
• Adopted Resolution 2026-16 to authorize personnel to process EFT transactions
• Adopted Resolution 2026-18 and approved Letter of Support to City of Medford for CSAH 12 Trail Project
• Approved request to attend the National Association of County Engineers Annual Meeting
• Approved renewal of the Equitable Sharing Agreement through the County Attorney's Office
• Approved renewal of IUP 2020‑02 (R&E Enterprises of Mankato – Hanson Pit) with 18 conditions

Steele County Board Work Session

The Steele County Board will hold a work session to discuss information for an upcoming public hearing on firearm changes for deer hunting. The board will also review fleet vehicle management and receive reports on legislative activities and human services.

• Information for public hearing on firearm changes for deer hunting season
• Fleet Vehicle Management - Goodhue County Model
• AMC Legislative Conference and County Day at the Capitol Report
• Human Services Department Update

The board reviewed materials on possible firearm changes for the deer hunting season but took no action. It discussed Goodhue County's fleet vehicle management model and formally requested additional information to evaluate options for Steele County. The Human Services Department update was postponed to the regular board meeting. The work session adjourned at 3:58 p.m.

• Requested additional information on fleet vehicle management practices (no vote recorded)
• Moved Human Services Department Update to the regular Board meeting (no vote recorded)

Planning Commission

The Steele County Planning Commission will hold its regular meeting with routine items such as approving the agenda and minutes, reviewing building permits, and providing bonds information. The meeting includes an informational review of January building permits. A public hearing will be conducted on the IUP 2020-02 (BH Agg- Hanson Pit) renewal staff report.

• Approve agenda
• Approve minutes
• Review building permits
• January building permits (informational)
• Public hearing on IUP 2020-02 Hanson Pit renewal staff report

The Planning Commission unanimously approved the agenda and the January 5, 2026 minutes. The commission then voted to recommend approval of the IUP (BH Agg‑ Hanson Pit) sand and gravel mining permit, attaching 18 specific conditions. The motion to recommend approval passed.

• Agenda approved unanimously
• January 5, 2026 minutes approved unanimously
• Recommend approval of IUP (BH Agg‑ Hanson Pit) permit with 18 conditions (motion passed)

Steele County Board Meeting

The Steele County Board will consider appointing Jacob Rezac as the County Highway Engineer. The board is also reviewing a professional services contract for bridge design and a new building access policy.

• Appointment of Jacob Rezac as Steele County Highway Engineer
• Professional Services Contract with Erickson Engineering for Bridge 6743 (CSAH 45) and Bridge 74510 (CSAH 18) not to exceed $140,880
• Resolution 2026-15 accepting 20 Kwik Trip fuel cards valued at $25 each from Beyond the Yellow Ribbon
• Approval of Building Access and Control Policy
• Release of the 2026 Steele County Non-Profit Community Partner Award RFP Program

The Steele County Board approved its agenda, consent agenda, and several routine items. It approved a professional services contract with Erickson Engineering for bridge design up to $140,880 and adopted a resolution accepting a donation of 20 Kwik Trip fuel cards for veterans. The board also appointed Jacob Rezac as the county highway engineer by a 4‑0 vote with one commissioner absent.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
• Approved professional services contract with Erickson Engineering for bridge design, up to $140,880 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2026-15 accepting donation of 20 $25 Kwik Trip fuel cards for veterans (unanimous)
• Approved Steele County Public Health release of updated 2026 Non‑Profit Community Partner Award RFP (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2026-14 appointing Jacob Rezac as Highway Engineer (4‑0, 1 absent)
• Approved agreement for sale of material (clay) (unanimous)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous)

Steele County Board Work Session

The Steele County Board will receive an update from Allina regarding the Owatonna Birth Center and review award reports for opioid response and non-profit community partners. The session also includes a presentation from the Owatonna Community Center Taskforce.

• Update from Allina regarding Owatonna Birth Center
• 2025 Steele County Opioid Response Initiative Award Report
• 2025 Steele County Non-Profit Community Partner Award Report
• 2026 Steele County Non-Profit Community Partner Award RFP
• Owatonna Community Center Taskforce Presentation

The Steele County Board reached consensus to formally consider the 2026 Non-Profit Community Partner Award RFP at their regular meeting later that night. The meeting also included updates on the Owatonna Birth Center, the 2025 Opioid Response Initiative award report, and the 2025 Non‑Profit Community Partner award report. No other actions or votes were recorded.

• Consensus to consider 2026 Non‑Profit Community Partner Award RFP at regular meeting (no vote tally provided)

Steele County Board Work Session

The Steele County Board will hold a work session to review updates on leased vehicles and Human Services/HMA. Members will also discuss whether to hold a public hearing regarding firearm changes for the 2026 deer season.

• Discussion on public hearing for 2026 deer season firearm changes
• Enterprise Leased Vehicle update
• Human Services/HMA update

The Steele County Board discussed the possibility of allowing rifle use during the 2026 deer hunting season. Commissioners expressed support and directed staff to prepare a public hearing notice, with the hearing targeted for March 24. Written submissions will also be accepted as part of the public input process.

• Approved public hearing on rifle use during deer season (target date March 24)

Steele County Board Meeting

The Steele County Board will approve routine items such as the agenda, minutes, bills, and personnel report. It will also approve a $33,546.22 final payment to Ulland Brothers Inc. for the CSAH 28 reclamation project and exempt permits for Holy Trinity Catholic Church Litomysl. The board will consider Beaver Lake design revisions and set a public hearing on March 10, 2026 for the Surveyor appointment.

• Approve Certificate of Completion to Ulland Brothers Inc. for final payment of $33,546.22 for CSAH 28 Reclamation (Contract 252807)
• Approve Exempt Permits for Holy Trinity Catholic Church Litomysl
• Approve Beaver Lake Final Design Revisions and Amendment No. 5 to Professional Services Agreement for CSAH 28
• Set a public hearing for March 10, 2026 to discuss the appointment of the Surveyor position
• Approve January 27, 2026 Board Minutes

The board approved the slate of officers for the Regional Rail Authority and a $33,546.22 final payment to Ulland Brothers for CSAH 28 reclamation. It also approved the Beaver Lake Phase Two design revisions and amendment to the professional services agreement. A public hearing on the surveyor appointment was scheduled for March 10, 2026. All motions passed with ayes from every commissioner present.

• Approved officers for the Regional Rail Authority (Chair John Glynn, Vice‑Chair Josh Prokopec, Secretary Renae Fry, Treasurer Ashley Jergenson) – ayes all
• Approved Certificate of Completion payment of $33,546.22 to Ulland Brothers Inc. for CSAH 28 reclamation – ayes all
• Approved Beaver Lake Final Design revisions and Amendment No. 5 to Professional Services Agreement for CSAH 28 – ayes all
• Set public hearing for March 10, 2026 at 4:05 p.m. to discuss appointment of the Surveyor – ayes all
• Approved agenda for both the Regional Rail Authority meeting and the Steele County Board meeting – ayes all
• Approved consent agenda items (routine items) – ayes all
• Approved January 27, 2026 board minutes – ayes all
• Approved personnel report – ayes all

Board of Adjustment

The Steele County Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on Variance #675 submitted by Hager concerning a front‑yard setback. The meeting also includes routine business such as approving the agenda and the minutes from the January 6, 2026 meeting. No final decisions are recorded in the agenda.

• Variance #675 – Hager front‑yard setback request (public hearing)

The board approved the meeting agenda. The January 6, 2026 Board of Adjustment minutes were approved 5‑0. The board approved variance request #675 for Robert Hager's property 5‑0. The meeting was adjourned.

• Approved agenda (motion passed)
• Approved Jan 6, 2026 minutes (5-0)
• Approved variance #675 for Robert Hager (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Steele County Board Meeting

The Steele County Board will adopt Resolution 2026-11, which records the decision and negative declaration for an Environmental Impact Statement on the East Side Corridor Project. The board will also adopt the Steele County Solid Waste Management Plan and approve several permits and contracts, including a cannabis operation and a roll‑off truck purchase. Additional items include a donation acceptance, appointment to a citizen advisory committee, and establishment of absentee and UOCAVA ballot boards for the 2026 election.

• Adopt Resolution 2026-11: Record of Decision and Negative Declaration for East Side Corridor Project
• Adopt Resolution 2026-12: Steele County Solid Waste Management Plan
• Approve CUP 444 (Hirsch Cannabis Operation) with 17 conditions
• Approve purchase of a Western Star roll‑off truck
• Adopt Resolution 2026-9: establish Absentee Ballot Board and UOCAVA Ballot Board for 2026 election

The board adopted Resolution 2026‑11, approving the Record of Decision and a Negative Declaration that an Environmental Impact Statement is not required for the East Side Corridor project. It also adopted Resolution 2026‑12, approving the Steele County Solid Waste Management Plan. Additional actions included approving a cannabis operation permit with conditions, authorizing the purchase of a Western Star roll‑off truck, and appointing Amy Gillis to the Extension Advisory Committee.

• Adopted Resolution 2026-11 approving Record of Decision and Negative Declaration for East Side Corridor (4‑0)
• Adopted Resolution 2026-12 approving Steele County Solid Waste Management Plan (4‑0)
• Approved CUP 444 (Hirsch Cannabis Operation) with 17 conditions (ayes all)
• Approved purchase of a Western Star roll‑off truck (ayes all)
• Appointed Amy Gillis to the Extension Advisory Committee (ayes all)
• Approved amendment to IUP 2024-01 (EESolar 33 LLC) with 18 conditions (ayes all)
• Approved renewal of IUP 2011-01 (Mathiowetz Construction – Jirele Pit) with 19 conditions (ayes all)
• Approved renewal of IUP 2020-05 (Ulland Bros – Aurora Pit) with 18 conditions (ayes all)

Steele County Board Meeting

Steele County Board Meeting

The Steele County Board will elect its 2026 Chair and Vice Chair. It will also consider a series of routine approvals, including minutes, bills, personnel reports, and several resolutions covering travel, banking, and donations. A public comment period is provided, but no new actions will arise from it unless an item is on the agenda.

• Election of 2026 Board Chair
• Election of 2026 Board Vice Chair
• Adopt Resolution accepting a $2,000 donation (20 gift cards at $100 each) from American Legion Post 77
• Adopt Resolution authorizing out‑of‑state travel for elected officials
• Approve 2026 mileage rate