Steele County public meetings in 2024
17 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Steele County Board Meeting
The Steele County Board will consider disbanding the Steele County Park and Recreation Commission, approving the 2025 Fee Schedule, and authorizing various contracts and payments totaling over $212,000.
- Disband Steele County Park and Recreation Commission
- Adopt 2025 Fee Schedule
- Authorize $56,623.67 Snowmobile Grant-In-Aid Program Contract
- Approve $300,000 CCA Surplus for construction
- Approve $1,850 bad debt write-off
Steele County Board Meeting
The Steele County Board will adopt the amended and restated Ordinance No. 26 regulating tobacco sales, Ordinance No. 39 prohibiting smoking in public places and workplaces, Ordinance No. 41 regulating cannabis use in public places, and Ordinance No. 42 regulating cannabis businesses. The Board will also adopt a resolution setting the 2025 levy at $30,303,710.00 and the county budget at $70,753,408.00. Additional items include approval of contracts and final payments for county projects.
- Adopt Ordinance No. 26 – Regulating the Sale of Tobacco Products (public hearing and adoption)
- Adopt Ordinance No. 39 – Prohibiting Smoking in Public Places and Places of Work (public hearing and adoption)
- Adopt Ordinance No. 41 – Regulating the Use of Cannabis and Cannabis‑Derived Products in Public Places (public hearing and adoption)
- Adopt Ordinance No. 42 – Regulating Cannabis Businesses (public hearing and adoption)
- Adopt Resolution setting the 2025 levy at $30,303,710.00 and the county budget at $70,753,408.00
Steele County Board Work Session
The Board of Commissioners is holding a work session to review proposed amendments to tobacco and smoke-free policies. The meeting also includes discussions on 2025 appropriations and a financial update for MnPrairie.
- Proposed amendments to Tobacco Ordinances 26 and 39 and the smoke-free policy
- Proposed penalty of up to $300 for first-time tobacco ordinance violations by adults 21+
- Proposed penalty of up to $1,000 and/or 90 days jail for repeat tobacco ordinance violations
- Proposed public hearing on tobacco ordinances scheduled for December 12, 2024, at 5:15 p.m.
- Review of 2025 Appropriations
Steele County Board Meeting
The Steele County Board will vote on a series of routine items, including a $48,893 purchase of ballistic shields for the Sheriff’s Department, a $51,917 purchase of fitness equipment for the new detention center, and a $7,326 interagency reimbursement agreement with MnPrairie. The board also will renew two office lease agreements and allocate $25,505 for PT18 flood‑damage repairs. All items are listed on the consent agenda and will be approved unless a commissioner requests separate discussion.
- Approve purchase of ballistic shields with optional lighting from Pro‑Tech Sales for $48,893 (Public State Aid Funds)
- Approve purchase of fitness room equipment for the new Detention Center from Life Fitness for $51,917.48 (Detention Center budget)
- Approve interagency agreement with MnPrairie to reimburse screening costs up to $7,326.00
- Approve renewal of the 2025 MN Prairie Office lease for $182,961 and the 2025 MRCI Office lease for $26,856 annually
- Approve funding of $25,505 for PT18 repairs due to spring flooding (FEMA and state match funds)
Steele County Board Work Session
The Steele County Board will consider approval of the 2025‑27 Memorandum of Agreement with the University of Minnesota‑Extension, reviewing four staffing and budget options. They will receive an update on the CSAH 28 Beaver Lake Park project and a recommendation to withdraw the eminent‑domain resolution for the 2026 construction schedule. The board will consider a letter of support for regional rail planning and amendments to county tobacco ordinances and the smoke‑free policy. Ordinances on cannabis public use and regulation of cannabis businesses will also be discussed.
- Review and vote on four staffing/budget options (A‑D) for the 2025‑27 Extension agreement
- CSAH 28 Beaver Lake Park project update and recommendation to withdraw eminent‑domain resolution
- Letter of support for the 2015 regional rail plan and the DM&E rail line
- Amendments to Tobacco Ordinances #26 & #39 and revised Smoke‑Free Grounds Policy
- Consideration of Cannabis Public Use and Cannabis Business regulation ordinances
Steele County Board Meeting
At the November 12, 2024 meeting, the Steele County Board approved several routine items and lease renewals. The Board renewed the 2025 MN Prairie Office lease for $182,961 and the MRCI Office lease for $26,856 annually, a 3% increase. It approved a Summit Food Service contract amendment that removes a $2,959.62 per month kitchen rental fee. The Board also adopted the amended and restated Dangerous & Potentially Dangerous Dog Ordinance #38.
- Renew 2025 MN Prairie Office lease at $182,961 (same rate as 2024) – pg.141
- Renew 2025 MRCI Office lease at $26,856 annually ($17.15/sq ft), 3% increase – pg.145
- Amend Summit Food Service contract to eliminate $2,959.62 monthly kitchen rental fee – pg.150
- Approve drainage ditch interest rate for 2025 at 4% and related levies – pg.152, pg.154
- Adopt amended Dangerous & Potentially Dangerous Dog Ordinance #38 – public hearing section
Steele County Board Work Session
The Steele County Board will consider approving a three‑year Memorandum of Agreement with the University of Minnesota‑Extension that requires the county to pay the full cost of Extension staff salaries, benefits and related expenses. Other agenda items include a Midco broadband presentation, a United Way youth program presentation, a proposal to relocate the Rice & Steele 911 Center primary site, a Dangerous Dog Ordinance, and a Safety Glass Installation discussion. A housing policy discussion is listed as a possible item if time permits.
- Memorandum of Agreement with University of Minnesota‑Extension for 2025‑27, covering county payment for staff salaries, benefits and direct costs
- Dangerous Dog Ordinance discussion
- Safety Glass Installation discussion
- Rice & Steele 911 Center primary site relocation proposal
- Midco presentation on broadband service options for Steele County residents
Steele County Board Work Session
The Steele County Board will vote on a Memorandum of Agreement with the University of Minnesota Extension covering 2025‑2027, under which the county will fund Extension staff at a total cost of $279,750 in 2025, $288,125 in 2026, and $296,785 in 2027. The agenda also includes an update on county facilities, a proposed amendment to Dangerous & Potentially Dangerous Dog Ordinance #38, and a discussion of county housing policy. The meeting concludes with any other business.
- Approve 2025‑27 Memorandum of Agreement with University of Minnesota Extension (funding $279,750‑$296,785)
- Amended and Restated Dangerous & Potentially Dangerous Dog Ordinance #38
- Housing Policy discussion
- Facilities update
- Other business
Steele County Board Meeting
The Steele County Board will vote on routine items such as minutes and personnel reports, and on several substantive actions including renewing the FBI radio tower lease, accepting a $25,000 state grant for Sheriff’s Office equipment, and adopting the 2025‑2029 Highway Capital Improvement Plan. Additional actions include approving a $127,480 amendment to the WSB engineering contract for the East Side Corridor, and appointing Paul Sponholz as county highway engineer. The board will also consider resolutions for bridge replacements and other operational matters.
- Renew FBI Radio Tower Lease with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (effective Oct 1 2024 – Sept 30 2034)
- Accept State Homeland Security Program grant of $25,000 for emergency‑management equipment for the Sheriff’s Office
- Amend contract with WSB for Preliminary Engineering Services for East Side Corridor Project – $127,480
- Adopt the 2025‑2029 Highway Capital Improvement Plan and dedicate transportation‑sales‑tax proceeds to it
- Appoint Paul Sponholz as Steele County Highway Engineer (term expires Sept 25 2028)
Steele County Board Meeting
The Board of Commissioners is convening a special meeting to enter a closed session. The purpose of the session is to discuss potential litigation under attorney/client privilege.
- Closed session regarding potential litigation pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 13D.05, Subd. 3(b)
Steele County Board Meeting
The Steele County Board will consider several resolutions, including setting the preliminary net tax levy and budget for 2025 and adopting the 2025‑2029 Highway Capital Improvement Plan with a change to the transportation sales tax. It will also approve contract amendments, a railroad crossing agreement, and appoint new county officials. Additional items include routine approvals of minutes, bills, and a conditional use permit.
- Approve amendment to the contract with WSB for Preliminary Engineering Services for East Side Corridor Project ($127,480.00)
- Adopt Resolution Prioritizing Bridge Replacement List
- Adopt Resolution setting the Preliminary Net Tax Levy and Budget for 2025
- Adopt Resolution Approving the 2025‑2029 Highway Capital Improvement Plan and amending the use of the Transportation Sales Tax
- Approve Agreement with Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad for Crossing Improvement at CR 180 School Street
Steele County Board Work Session
The Steele County Board of Commissioners is meeting for a work session to discuss funding for affordable housing and commissioner vehicle policies. The board is reviewing a proposal to use Housing Trust Fund money for a rental project in partnership with the Owatonna HRA and South Centra Human Relations Center.
- Proposed $200,000 expenditure from the Steele County Housing Trust Fund for 10 affordable rental units
- Discussion on fleet vehicle usage and mileage reimbursement rates for commissioners
- MNPrairie Joint Powers Board Budget Meeting update
- Facility update
Steele County Board Meeting
The County Board will meet to discuss routine administrative items and personnel reports. Key decisions include a multi-year software upgrade and a maintenance contract for the Integrated Financial System.
- Microsoft M365 G5 3-year agreement at an annual cost of $162,205.39
- Maintenance & Support Contract with TriMin for IFS (January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2027)
- Revisions to the Health Services Assistant – LPN job description
- Review of Board of Adjustments report from September 3, 2024
- Internal Central Services Committee Minutes from September 4, 2024
Steele County Board Work Session
The Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to receive a project update on the Dodge Wind Project from Nextera Energy Resources. The session also includes discussions on parking lot reconstruction and the transition of senior and CCB services.
- Dodge Wind Project update from Nextera Director of Development Clay Cameron
- Steele County parking lot reconstruction contract award
- Transition of Senior Services to Public Health and CCB services to MNPrairie
- County Administrator and County Engineer salary range and wage progression
- GIS department recap of travel to the 2024 Esri Users Conference
Steele County Board Meeting
The Board will discuss a reconstruction contract for the county parking lot and the transition of Senior Services and CCB services. The meeting also includes proposals for administrator and engineer salary ranges and a nursing staff contract.
- Parking lot reconstruction contract bid from JJD Companies, LLC for $1,320,315.00
- Proposed County Administrator salary range of $150K - $190K
- Proposed County Engineer salary range of $129K – $158K
- ACH Contract proposal for nursing staff with minimum RN Licensure
- Amendment Number 1 to MnDOT Contract No. 1053976
Steele County Board Work Session
The Steele County Board will discuss award amounts for the 2025 Non-Profit Community Partner program and consider a $1,500 budget transfer to supplement the Steele Fit employee wellness program.
- Non-Profit Community Partner Award applications review
- Budget transfer of $1,500 to Steele Fit wellness program
- MNPrairie Finance Committee report
- Oak Hill Community Connections presentation
- Human Resource Services for MNPrairie discussion
Steele County Board Meeting
The Steele County Board will consider several actions, including a resolution to adopt Safe Streets funding, approval of a $1,500 wellness‑fair appropriation, and a vote on the 2025 Rice & Steele 911 Center budget. A key item is the agreement with Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad to improve the crossing at SE 18th Street. The meeting also includes routine approvals of minutes, bills, and personnel reports.
- Approve Agreement with Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad for Crossing Improvement at SE 18th Street (pg. 103)
- Adopt a Resolution for Safe Streets for All Funding to develop a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (pg. 111)
- Appropriate $1,500.00 to the Steele County Wellness Fund for the 2024 Health Fair (pg. 128)
- Authorize Commissioners Abbe and Brady to vote in favor of the Rice & Steele 911 Center 2025 Budget (pg. 100)
- Approve Installation of Additional Security Cameras for Admin Center (pg. 48)