Steele County public meetings in 2021
40 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Steele County Board Meeting
The Board is holding a continued public hearing to discuss and potentially adopt the 2022 final tax levy and budget. The proposed levy represents a 3% increase from the prior year, following a reduction of $417,000 from a previous proposal.
- Proposed final 2022 tax levy of $27,047,683
- Proposed total 2022 budget of $59,861,858
- Proposed 5% decrease to personnel budgets for Sheriff's Office, Detention Center, Highway, and Public Health
- Proposed 7% decrease to Public Health Department personnel budget
- Public hearing on the 2022 County Budget and Tax Levy
Emergency Board Meeting
The Board is asked to ratify a state of emergency declaration following severe storms and high winds on December 15, 2021. The county is requesting state disaster assistance for damages estimated at more than $243,000.
- Resolution to ratify State of Emergency Declaration
- Request for state disaster assistance under Minnesota Statute 12B.30
- Initial damage estimates of $234,300.38
- Authorization for the Chair to sign a letter to Governor Walz
- Identification of a 75% reimbursement program with a 25% local cost share
Steele County Board Meeting
The Board will conduct a public hearing and take action on the 2022 budget and tax levy. Other business includes awarding an engineering contract for the East side Corridor and approving several final payments for construction services.
- Public hearing and action on 2022 Budget and Tax Levy
- Engineering and Environmental Documentation Contract for the East side Corridor awarded to WSB
- Final payments to AAA Striping Services, Crane Creek Asphalt, and Heselton Construction
- Maintenance & Support Contract with TriMin for IFS
- Landfill Farmland Lease Agreement
Steele County Board Work Session
The Board is reviewing a proposed 2022 budget of $60,318,858 and a certified tax levy of $27,464,683. The session also includes a discussion on joining a multistate opioid settlement to receive abatement funds.
- Proposed 2022 tax levy of $27,464,683 (a 4.6% increase)
- Proposed 2022 budget of $60,318,858
- Discussion of Minnesota Opioid Settlement participation
- Proposed budget increase of $1,207,816 for the tax levy
- Review of 2022 Tax Levy Changes by Department
Steele County Board Work Session
The provided document is a detailed list of committee memberships, roles, and descriptions for the Steele County Board of Commissioners. It outlines the internal policy committees and joint powers boards the commissioners serve on.
- Internal Central Services Policy Committee overseeing personnel and capital expenditures
- Land Use/Records committee focusing on planning, zoning, and property assessments
- Public Works committee overseeing highways, the landfill, and the County Ditch System
- Rice-Steele 911 Dispatch Joint Powers Board for budget and policy approval
- Law Enforcement Center Committee joint board with the city and county
Steele County Board Meeting
The Steele County Board of Commissioners is meeting to review and likely finalize the 2022 budget and tax levy, which is proposed at $27,803,029, a 5.9% increase over 2021. They will also consider the Capital Improvement Plan for 2022-2026, which includes major projects like a CCA addition and an Annex remodel, and discuss a CMS vaccine mandate policy. The agenda includes a budget update, capital plan, and vaccine mandate policy, with no public hearings listed.
- 2022 tax levy set at $27,803,029, a 5.9% increase over 2021
- Capital Improvement Plan includes CCA addition, Annex remodel, and maintenance shop/evidence storage
- Emergency Management travel budget increase of $16,715 for conferences and training
- CMS vaccine mandate policy discussion
- Sheriff's Office relocation decision tabled from Nov 9 work session
Steele County Board Meeting
The Board is meeting to decide on several renewals, including a curbside recycling contract and a drug investigation unit agreement. The agenda also includes the adoption of the 2022 Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Plan and a performance evaluation of the County Administrator in closed session.
- 2022 Curbside Recycling Contract
- 2022 Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Plan
- South-Central Drug Investigation Unit Joint Powers Agreement renewal
- Final payment to Asphalt Surface Technologies Corp. for 2021 sealcoating (Contract No. 212103)
- Strohschein Commercial one-year lease agreement renewal
Steele County Board Meeting
The Board will discuss a multi-year highway capital improvement plan and amend the use of the transportation sales tax. Other agenda items include employee wage increases, contract renewals, and setting a public hearing for the 2022 fee schedule.
- Resolution approving 2022-2026 Highway Capital Improvement Plan
- 2022 Non-Union Employee General Wage Increase/COLA
- Final Payment Resolution for Contract No. 212101, Countywide Striping
- Renewal of USI Consulting Group Contract
- Public hearing for 2022 Fee Schedule set for December 28, 2021
Steele County Board Meeting
The Board will conduct a public hearing regarding the 2022-2026 Highway Capital Improvement Plan. The meeting includes decisions on several personnel backfills, road feasibility studies, and various county contracts.
- Public hearing for the 2022-2026 Highway Capital Improvement Plan
- Contract with Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. for CSAH 48 (Main St.) feasibility study
- Final payment resolution for James Brothers Construction (Contract No. 211241)
- Approval to backfill Public Health Nurse and Public Health Director positions
- Access variance request for Bixby Feed Mill on CSAH 47
Steele County Board Meeting
The Steele County Board will open a public hearing on County Ditch #4, then consider consent agenda items including personnel changes, a lease rate increase, and a resolution for final payment on a road contract. They will also review conditional use permit renewals, the annual audit, and a proposal to change Auditor and Treasurer positions from elected to appointed.
- Public hearing for County Ditch #4 completion
- CUP 294 (JJD-Springer/Brady Pit) renewal with 18 conditions
- CUP 428 (GJW – Stormwater Pond) with 3 conditions
- Authorize process to change Auditor and Treasurer from elected to appointed
- Approve MRCI Lease with rate increase
Steele County Board Work Session
The Board is reviewing proposed 2022 tax levy increases across multiple departments and discussing long-term facility options. A primary focus is deciding whether to keep the Sheriff's Office at the Law Enforcement Center or build a new addition at the Detention Center.
- Proposed 2022 levy increases including Sheriff ($3,124,318), IT ($336,478), and Emergency Management ($170,359)
- Sheriff's Office location options: stay at LEC (est. $4.1M budget impact) or build addition at Detention Center (est. $4.9M budget impact)
- Proposed $5.5 million construction for Sheriff's Department addition at Detention Center
- Proposed $2.65 million new construction for Community Corrections at the Attorney site
- Proposed $100,000 move of UMN Extension offices to the Fairgrounds
Steele County Board Meeting
The Steele County Board will meet to set the preliminary 2022 net tax levy, adopt the county Emergency Operations Plan, and accept the draft 2022-26 Highway Capital Improvement Plan with a public hearing. The consent agenda includes routine approvals such as minutes, bills, personnel report, and several resolutions, including renaming East Highway 14 and County Road 180 to Claremont Road. A public hearing is scheduled for the highway plan, and the board will also consider renewing a conditional use permit for Ulland Bros. Olson Pit.
- Set preliminary 2022 net tax levy
- Adopt Steele County Emergency Operations Plan
- Accept draft 2022-26 Highway Capital Improvement Plan and set public hearing
- Rename East Highway 14 and County Road 180 to Claremont Road effective Dec 1, 2021
- Renew CUP #233 (Ulland Bros. – Olson Pit)
Steele County Board Work Session
The Steele County Board of Commissioners is holding a work session to discuss three main items: a request to increase the library appropriation, options for Detention Center operations, and a master plan/space study for county facilities. The library request includes data showing the levy has not increased since 2008, while the detention center discussion covers five operational scenarios with different costs and levy impacts. The space study outlines potential moves and renovations for county departments.
- Library appropriation increase request by Andrew Langholz; levy has been flat at $191,500 since 2008, with a cumulative shortfall of $361,056.55 for Owatonna and $40,117.39 for Blooming Prairie by 2022 if adjusted for 1.84% inflation.
- Detention Center operations: five scenarios from current operations to a book-and-transport station, with 2022 levy impacts ranging from $3,819,755 (Scenario 2) to $4,833,355 (Scenario 3).
- Scenario 2 includes a $1 million wall in one pod to house females and maintain revenue.
- Space study options include moving Sheriff's Dept. to Detention Center site ($5.5 million), renovating Admin. Bldg. ($350,000), and building facilities maintenance shop and evidence storage ($1,650,000).
- Annex options include renovating for Public Health ($4.5 million) or building a stand-alone building ($5.5 million).
Steele County Board Meeting
The Steele County Board will consider routine consent items including minutes, bills, personnel changes, and a contract for the Courthouse HVAC Upgrades Project. They will also discuss 2022 health insurance renewal rates, a human resources delivery agreement, and authorizing CRRSAA funds for a 29th Avenue environmental assessment.
- Approve low bid from JD Driver for Courthouse HVAC Upgrades Project
- 2022 Health Insurance Renewal Rates
- Authorize CRRSAA funds for 29th Avenue EA/EAW
- Backfill Adult Health Lead and Office Support Specialist positions in Public Health
- Reappoint Veterans Service Officer
Steele County Board Work Session
The Steele County Board is holding a work session to discuss the 2022 budget, with a focus on the Detention Center's operational future. They will also consider a Veteran Services Operational Enhancement Grant Agreement and other business. The board must decide on a detention center scenario before adopting a preliminary levy by the end of September.
- Veteran Services Operational Enhancement Grant Agreement with MDVA
- Detention Center operations plan: four scenarios with levy impacts from $4.07M to $5.26M
- 2022 preliminary budget: total levy $28,156,203, up 7.2% from 2021
- Detention Center levy request: $4,521,432, up 15.8%
- Capital improvements: potential funding from ARP ($7.1M), reserves, bonding, levy
Steele County Board Meeting
The Steele County Board meets to approve routine consent agenda items including bills, personnel, donations, 2022 ditch levies, an online election judge training agreement, a family homeless prevention resolution, a water plan extension, and a compliance fund budget. The agenda is largely procedural, with one action item on a CSAH 28 professional services proposal and an information item on an Ellendale economic development update.
- Approve 2022 Ditch Levies
- Approve Three-Year Online Election Judge Training Agreement
- Approve Acceptance and Execution of Family Homeless Prevention & Assistance Program Resolution
- Approve Water Plan Extension Request Resolution
- Approve Compliance Fund Budget 2022 and changes to the Governance Document
Steele County Board Meeting
The Steele County Board will meet to approve routine consent agenda items, including bills, personnel report, and a radiological preparedness grant, and to consider a conditional use permit (CUP #426) for an RC car track with seven conditions. The board will also receive updates on coronavirus and discuss a resolution for redetermination of benefits and appointments related to CD 20.
- CUP #426 (Dokken – RC Car Track) with 7 conditions and Findings of Fact
- Approve HSEM Radiological Preparedness Grant for 2022/2023
- Approve Out-of-State Travel for IT Director to attend 2021 ISM Annual Conference
- Approve Backfilling Highway Maintenance Technician Position
- CD 20 Redetermination of Benefits Resolution, Appointment of Viewers, and Appointment of Engineer
Steele County Board Meeting
The Steele County Board will consider a contract award for striping, signing, and channelization on County State Aid Highways 19, 34, and 45, and receive updates on the old highways shop property. The agenda also includes routine consent items (minutes, bills, personnel report), a letter from the City of Owatonna about events permit applications, and a closed session to discuss pending litigation. The board will also receive the 2020 Highway Annual Report as an information item.
- Contract award for striping, signing, and channelization on CSAH 19, 34, & 45
- Old Highways Shop property updates
- 2020 Highway Annual Report (information item)
- City of Owatonna events permit applications letter
- Closed session on Coffey, et al. v Sheriff Lon Thiele (pending litigation)
Steele County Board Meeting
The Board will consider several personnel backfills and routine consent items. The meeting includes discussions on the Steele County 2040 Transportation Plan and a presentation on Engage Owatonna.
- Approval of Courthouse HVAC upgrades advertisement for bids
- Discussion of the Steele County 2040 Transportation Plan
- Temporary Body Art Establishment License for Kat’s Tat’s LLC
- Backfilling of Environmental Specialist and Public Health coordinator positions
- Review of Steele County ML2022 Proposed Parcel List
Steele County Board Work Session
The Steele County Board of Commissioners is holding a work session to discuss the Detention Center and a space study. The agenda contains only this single substantive item, along with routine procedural steps. No decisions are listed; the item is for discussion.
- Discussion of Detention Center / Space Study at Steele County Detention Center, 2500 Alexander St. SW
Steele County Board Work Session
The Steele County Board of Commissioners is holding a work session to discuss a 20-year master plan for county facilities, including options for relocating the Sheriff's Department, Community Corrections, and Public Health. The board will also consider the sale of 26th Street lots, introduce the new Emergency and Risk Management Director, and review a resolution to recognize county workers. The agenda includes a mix of operational updates and long-term planning discussions.
- 26th Street lots: parcels 17-307-0101 through 17-307-0105, land values from $3,600 to $5,200, with 90% values listed
- Master plan options include moving Sheriff's Dept. to Detention Center site (costs up to $6.8 million) and purchasing warehouse for FM/evidence storage
- Community Corrections options include new construction at Attorney site or renovating current leased space (purchase price approx. $1,500,000)
- Public Health options include building a stand-alone building or renovating Annex (deferred maintenance costs $1,750,000)
- Resolution to recognize county workers
Steele County Board Meeting
The Steele County Board will consider a consent agenda including a plow truck purchase, an aerial imagery agreement, and CAMA software, plus three conditional use permits for a recreation facility, a pit, and a solar project. The board will also review financial reports and a presentation on emergency medical services.
- Approve purchase of tandem axle chassis for plow truck
- Approve 2022 Aerial Imagery Agreement from Compliance Fund
- Approve purchase of Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) Software
- CUP #425 (Northstar Recreation LLC) with 5 conditions
- IUP #2021-06 (Pivot Energy MN Solar LLC) with 15 conditions
Steele County Board Meeting
The Steele County Board will consider routine consent items, award a contract for the CSAH 34 & CSAH 45 roundabout, and discuss reopening in-person meetings. They will also review a telecommuting policy, set wine license fees, and approve a cooperative agreement with Medford for road improvements.
- Award contract for CSAH 34 & CSAH 45 roundabout
- Reopen board meetings to in-person attendance and discontinue live streaming on July 1, 2021
- Approve cooperative agreement with City of Medford for CSAH 45 (Main St.) improvements
- Set wine license fee and approve Blooming Prairie Country Club wine license
- Steele County Detention Center security upgrades and contract award
Steele County Board Meeting
The Board is meeting to award contracts for culvert replacements and shoulder paving on CSAH 2. The agenda includes a presentation on the Dodge County Wind Project and a discussion on a Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission grant.
- Award contract for 2021 Culvert Replacements and Drainage Improvements
- Award contract for CSAH 2 and Waseca Co CSAH 14 Shoulder paving
- Landfill fee reduction for demolition waste requested by the City of Ellendale
- Purchase of a replacement lawnmower for the Landfill
- MASC (Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission) Grant Resolution
Steele County Board Work Session
The Steele County Board of Commissioners is holding a work session to review an updated Telecommuting Policy, which was discussed at the May 11 meeting. The board will also receive an update on the Detention Center and set the next work session. The agenda is otherwise procedural.
- Review of updated Telecommuting Policy
- Survey shows about 37 employees may telecommute, mostly hybrid
- Detention Center update
- Set next Board Work Session
Steele County Board Meeting
The Board will consider three land-use permits for excavating and quarrying operations. Other agenda items include personnel reports, a telecommuting policy, and a presentation from the South County Health Alliance.
- CUP #316 (Bishop Excavating-Bishop Pit) with 18 conditions
- CUP #302 (MN Paving & Materials – Quarry) with 25 conditions
- IUP 2021-04 (Ulland Bros. – Bergland Pit) with 18 conditions
- Final payment for Courthouse Exterior Renovation/Innovative Masonry Restoration
- Resolution for donations to Public Health
Steele County Board Work Session
The Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to review the draft Steele County 2040 Transportation Plan. Staff will summarize the document and seek direction from the Board on specific areas of the plan.
- Review of existing system conditions, including pavement condition and traffic volumes
- Discussion of proposed goals, objectives, and performance measures
- Analysis of future system needs, including jurisdictional transfers and safety improvements
- Review of Highway Preservation analysis regarding revenues and expenses
- Discussion of the Implementation Plan for recommended improvements and funding
Steele County Board Meeting
The Steele County Board will consider routine consent agenda items including contracts, purchases, and agreements, plus a public health presentation and consent to a Benedictine refinancing project. The most consequential item is a $657,713.82 contract for county-wide sealcoating.
- Contract award for 2021 County Wide Sealcoat CP 074-021-003 in amount of $657,713.82 to Asphalt Surface Technologies Corp
- Agreement with Clinton Falls Township for removal of Bridge No. L5573
- Purchase of annual license from Visual Labs and authorize County Attorney to sign agreement
- Consent to Benedictine Refinancing Project
- Approve MNDOC Work Release Contract Amendment
Steele County Board Meeting
The Steele County Board is holding a special meeting to discuss a proposal for a joint jail venture with Rice County, which would allow Rice County inmates to use the Steele County Detention Center. The board will consider potential buy-in amounts and cost-sharing scenarios for the partnership.
- Proposal to Rice County for joint use of Steele County Detention Center
- Net book value of detention center assets: $14,007,032
- Outstanding debt on facility: $8,064,925 through 2024 plus HVAC/LED project
- Example buy-in scenarios: $10 million over 10 years or $6.75 million over 5 years
- Cost-sharing options by beds, population, or 50/50 split
Steele County Board Work Session
The Steele County Board of Commissioners is holding a work session with a single substantive item: a joint meeting with Rice County to discuss jail collaboration. The rest of the agenda is procedural, covering call to order and agenda additions. The meeting is held electronically due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Joint meeting with Rice County to discuss jail collaboration
Steele County Board Meeting
The Steele County Board is meeting to decide on routine consent agenda items, including approving bills, personnel, and several contracts, as well as more substantive items like conditional use permits for local businesses and an access variance. They will also hear a presentation from economic development partners and discuss a jail collaboration with Rice County. The agenda includes a closed session for pending litigation.
- Award 2021 Maintenance Overlays Contract CP 074-021-002 to Crane Creek Asphalt
- Award 2021 Pavement Marking Contract CP 074-021-001 to Sir Lines-A-Lot, LLC
- Approve Steele County Detention Center Security Upgrades Advertisement for Bids
- Approve Purchase of Wheel Loader Replacement from RDO Mankato
- Renewal of CUP #210 (RDS Trucking Inc./O’Connor Pit) with 12 conditions
Steele County Board Meeting
The Steele County Board will consider routine consent agenda items including bridge replacement agreements with Clinton Falls and Meriden townships, sale of tax-forfeited properties, and purchase of four Fujitsu scanners. They will also discuss the 2021-2025 draft strategic plan, a policy for resolutions and proclamations, and appoint a committee for the American Rescue Plan Act. The board will review economic relief grant awards and committee minutes.
- Approve agreement with Clinton Falls Township for replacement of Bridge No. L3951
- Approve agreement with Meriden Township for replacement of Bridge No. 95975
- Approve resolution and authorize sale of tax forfeited properties
- Approve extension of Families First Coronavirus Response Act Emergency Sick Leave through June 30, 2021
- Approve four Fujitsu scanners for Auditor's office using Compliance fund
Steele County Board Work Session
The Steele County Board of Commissioners will discuss extending the FFCRA Emergency Sick Leave provision through June 30, 2021, allowing employees to carry over their original 80-hour entitlement. They will also hear a preliminary detention center population analysis and forecast, and receive updates on Minnesota's Stay Safe Plan, the strategic plan, and the American Rescue Plan Act. The board will also consider old highway shop properties and a master planning/space study.
- Preliminary Detention Center Population Analysis & Forecast by Justice Planners
- Extension of FFCRA Emergency Sick Leave through June 30, 2021
- Minnesota's Stay Safe Plan Update
- Old Highway Shop Properties
- American Rescue Plan Act
Steele County Board Meeting
The Steele County Board will consider consent agenda items including agreements for bridge replacement and a roundabout, plus several conditional use permits for campgrounds, quarries, and a temporary hot mix plant. They will also discuss a public tile ditch repair, an emergency management position, and authorize economic relief grant disbursements.
- Agreement with Blooming Prairie Township for replacement of Bridge No. 74504
- Cooperative agreement with City of Owatonna for roundabout at State Ave. (CSAH45) & NW 26th St. (CSAH34)
- Amendment to CUP 410, Riverview Campground with 10 conditions
- Renewal of CUP 347, Milestone Materials/Engelstad Pit with 20 conditions
- IUP 2021-01, Crane Creek Asphalt-Temporary Hot Mix Plant with 4 conditions
Steele County Board Meeting
This agenda contains only boilerplate instructions for viewing a PDF portfolio and provides no substantive items for the Steele County Board meeting. No decisions, discussions, or notable actions are listed.
Steele County Board Meeting
The Steele County Board will hold its regular meeting on February 9, 2021, starting with the Regional Rail Authority to elect officers for 2021. The main board will then consider a consent agenda including routine approvals, a contract for pavement reclamation on CSAHs 7, 29, and 43, and renewals of three conditional use permits for the Wondra Pit in Blooming Prairie. The meeting also includes public comment, committee reports, and information items.
- Election of Regional Rail Authority officers for 2021
- Contract award for pavement reclamation on CSAH 7, 29, & 43
- Renewal of CUP #216, #218, #285 for Wondra Pit in Blooming Prairie
- Approval of additional dark fiber at Four Seasons and Detention Center
- Approval of revised depository and electronic transfer resolutions
Regional Railroad Authority
The Steele County Regional Railroad Authority met and approved its agenda, the minutes from the prior meeting, and a slate of officers for 2021. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting adjourned shortly after.
- Approved agenda (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of February 11, 2020 (unanimous)
- Approved 2021 officers: Chair James Brady, Vice Chair John Glynn, Secretary Scott Golberg, Treasurer Cathy Piepho (unanimous)
Steele County Board Meeting
The Steele County Board will hold its regular meeting on January 26, 2021, to discuss and vote on a proposed Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district in Owatonna, approve a consent agenda with routine items, and consider several resolutions and contract amendments. The agenda also includes a closed session to discuss pending litigation.
- Proposed Tax Increment Financing District, Owatonna, Minnesota
- Approve Resolution – Prioritized Bridge Replacement List
- Approve Lease Renewal of Farmland Adjacent to the Public Works Facility
- Approve 2021 Advanced Correctional Healthcare Service Contract Amendment
- Approve 2021 Summit Food Service Contract Amendment
Steele County Board Work Session
The Steele County Board of Commissioners is holding a work session to review 2020 and discuss 2021 business, including board norms, strategic planning, organization structure, projects, and policies. No specific decisions or dollar amounts are listed; the agenda is largely procedural and planning-focused.
- 2020 review
- 2021 business discussion including board norms and function
- Strategic plan discussion
- Organization structure discussion
- Projects and policies review
Steele County Board Meeting
The Steele County Board will reorganize for 2021 by electing a chair and vice chair, then consider a consent agenda including routine approvals, a bridge construction contract award, and several resolutions. The board will also vote on 2021/2022 labor contracts for licensed sergeants and the AFSCME courthouse unit, and set the citizen per diem amount.
- Award contract for Bridge No. 74J25 over Rush Creek on CR 198 to JJD Companies (SAP 074-598-014)
- Approve cooperative agreement with Rice County for bridge construction
- Approve 2021/2022 LELS Licensed Sergeants Contract
- Approve 2021/2022 AFSCME Courthouse Unit Contract
- Set 2021 mileage rate per IRS guidelines