Waseca County public meetings in 2021

Board of Commissioners

The Waseca County Board of Commissioners is meeting to consider a feasibility study on best management practices for Boot Creek. The agenda includes the call to order and pledge of allegiance, followed by the Boot Creek item.

• Boot Creek Best Management Practices Feasibility Study

The Waseca County Board of Commissioners held a work session on December 21, 2021, during which they received a presentation from Houston Engineering Inc. on the Boot Creek Headwaters Best Management Practices feasibility study. No formal decisions were made; the session was informational only.

• No formal decisions made; work session held for informational presentation on Boot Creek BMP feasibility study

Board of Commissioners

The Waseca County Board of Commissioners will consider 2022 ditch assessments, schedule a public hearing for the 2022 county fee schedule, and act on several resolutions and fund transfers. They will also hold a public hearing on a conditional use permit for a nursery and agritourism business. The agenda includes routine consent items and administrative updates.

• 2022 ditch assessments for County Ditch 19
• Public hearing for 2022 county fee schedule
• Conditional Use Permit for nursery, tree farm, agritourism (Scott A. Ewert & Amber Bianchi-Ewert)
• Resolution 2021-60: Natural Resources Block Grant for 2022-2023
• Resolution 2021-59: 2022 Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Plan

The Waseca County Board of Commissioners approved the 2022 personnel policy (Resolution 2021-26), certified ditch assessments for 2022, scheduled a public hearing for the 2022 fee schedule, tabled a proposed $35,000 nuisance control fund, and adopted resolutions for the Natural Resources Block Grant and Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Plan. The board also approved a conditional use permit for a nursery and agritourism business, and granted signing authority to the Planning and Zoning Specialist. All votes were 5-0.

• Adopted Resolution 2021-26 Personnel Policy Hours of Work and Pay Practices (5-0)
• Approved payment of $13,643.79 to Hodgman Drainage for County Ditch 19 improvement (5-0)
• Certified ditch assessments for taxes payable in 2022 (5-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for 2022 County Fee Schedule on January 4, 2022 (5-0)
• Tabled creation and funding of $35,000 Nuisance Control Fund (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2021-60 Natural Resources Block Grant for 2022-2023 (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2021-59 Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Plan for 2022 (5-0)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Ewert Nursery, Tree Farm, Agritourism and Agricultural Direct Market (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Waseca County Board of Commissioners will vote on several resolutions setting 2022 elected official salaries, commissioner per diems, and non-union wage increases. They will also consider authorizing participation in a multistate opioid distributor settlement, approve a bridge replacement priority list, and handle routine consent agenda items including bills and appropriations.

• Resolution #2021-56 Bridge Replacement Priority List
• Resolution #2021-53 Establishing 2022 Elected Officials Annual Salaries
• Resolution #2021-54 Establishing 2022 Salary and Per Diems for Commissioners
• Resolution #2021-52 Establishing 2022 Wage Increases for Non-Union Employees
• Resolution #2021-58 Authorization to Execute County Participation in Multistate Settlement Relating to Opioid Distributors

The Waseca County Board of Commissioners approved several resolutions, including setting 2022 salaries for the County Attorney and Sheriff at $121,000 each, establishing commissioner salaries at $25,848 per year with an additional $2,000 for the chair and $95 per diem, and granting 3% and 2% wage increases for non-union employees. The board also authorized participation in the multistate opioid settlement and approved various ditch repairs, bridge contracts, and appointments.

• Approved culvert replacement for Joint County Ditch #1 Steele at $45,000 (unanimous)
• Approved repair to County Ditch #47 at $9,935 (unanimous)
• Tabled JD #11 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution #2021-56 Bridge Replacement Priority List (unanimous)
• Accepted Contract 812105 final payment of $408,851.25 to Borneke Construction (unanimous)
• Accepted Contract 812110 final payment of $17,014.34 to Heselton Construction (unanimous)
• Appointed Cheri Lewer to Waseca-LeSueur Regional Library System for 3-year term (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution #2021-53 setting 2022 salaries for County Attorney and Sheriff at $121,000 (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Waseca County Board of Commissioners is holding a public hearing on the proposed 2022 budget, followed by public comment and a vote to approve the budget and levy. This is the main substantive action of the meeting.

• 2022 Budget Hearing Presentation
• Public Comment period
• Approval of 2022 Waseca County Budget and Levy

The Waseca County Board of Commissioners held a budget hearing and adopted Resolution 2021-61, approving the 2022 County Budget of $30,272,808.00 and setting the 2022 Levy at $17,396,177.00, a 1.92% increase over 2021. The motion carried unanimously. Public comments raised concerns about property taxes.

• Adopted Resolution 2021-61 approving 2022 budget of $30,272,808.00 (unanimous)
• Set 2022 levy at $17,396,177.00, a 1.92% increase (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Waseca County Board of Commissioners will meet to consider routine administrative items, including approval of bills, contracts, and agreements. Key actions include collective bargaining agreements with the Minnesota Public Employee Association, a no-cost extension for the Steele-Waseca Drug Court, and a joint powers agreement with South Country Health Alliance. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy changes or public hearings.

• Approval of Medical Examiner Contract for 2022
• Economic Development Tax Abatements for businesses
• Conditional Use Permit Cancellation – Novel Srp Solar
• State of MN Grant Contract Agreement Snowmobile Grant-In-Aid Program
• Approving Collective Bargaining Agreements with Minnesota Public Employee Association

The Waseca County Board of Commissioners approved four collective bargaining agreements with the Minnesota Public Employee Association for 2022-2024, adopted Resolution #2021-48. The board also approved a $198,383.85 payment for County Ditch 19 work, waived a $200 zoning permit late fee for Zimmerli, and waived $2,630.82 in zoning permit fees for Woodville Pork II. All votes were unanimous or 3-0 where noted.

• Approved $198,383.85 payment to Hodgman Drainage Inc. for County Ditch 19 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including bills and reports (unanimous)
• Designated Dr. Kelly Mills as Medical Examiner for 2022 with $250/month plus per-service fees (consent)
• Waived Zimmerli zoning permit late fee of $200 (3-0)
• Approved no-cost extension for Steele-Waseca Drug Court grant to June 30, 2021 (3-0)
• Approved South Country Health Alliance Joint Powers Agreement (3-0)
• Adopted Resolution #2021-48 approving collective bargaining agreements with MPEA (3-0)
• Waived Woodville Pork II zoning permit fees of $2,630.82 (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Waseca County Board of Commissioners is holding a work session to discuss the Guardian Energy proposal and review the public comment period process. No formal votes are scheduled; these are discussion items only.

• Discussion of Guardian Energy Proposal
• Discussion on Public Comment Period

The Waseca County Board of Commissioners held a work session on November 2, 2021, with all five commissioners present. They discussed the Guardian Energy proposal and reviewed a draft settlement agreement, with the county administrator to bring a revised document to Guardian Energy. They also discussed the public comment period. No formal decisions or votes were taken during the session.

• Discussed Guardian Energy proposal and draft settlement agreement
• County administrator to bring revised document to Guardian Energy
• Discussed public comment period

Board of Commissioners

The Waseca County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Unified Development Code and consider several conditional use permits, including a one-megawatt community solar farm. The board will also decide on a residential abatement program extension and award contracts, including a lease of county-owned property and contract SW-2101.

• Conditional Use Permit for One (1) Megawatt Community Solar Farm – Lily Garden LLC
• Public Hearing on amendments to UDC sections §2.04, §6.07(G), §6.08(C), 6.08(D), 6.25(C)(2), and §8.03
• Consideration of Extension of Residential Abatement Program
• Award of Lease of County Owned Property
• Consideration and Award of Contract SW-2101

The Waseca County Board of Commissioners approved several action items, including amendments to the Unified Development Code (Ordinance 148), a conditional use permit for a 1-megawatt solar farm, and multiple contracts. They also awarded a lease for county-owned property and approved a contract for compost yard site grading. The residential abatement program extension was deferred to a future work session, and the Woodville Pork II fee waiver request was tabled pending further review.

• Approved Ordinance 148 amending UDC sections (unanimous)
• Approved CUP for Lily Garden LLC 1-MW solar farm (unanimous)
• Awarded lease of county-owned property to Chad Bethke and Curtis Volkmann at $287/acre (unanimous)
• Awarded Contract SW-2101 for compost yard grading to Timm's Trucking for $96,214.75 (unanimous)
• Approved final payment for Blowers Park Road Improvements, $2,264.11 (unanimous)
• Approved CUP amendment for Half Pint Brewing to remove parcel, add parking, allow outdoor music (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including bills, donations, and appointments (unanimous)
• Deferred residential abatement program extension to future work session

Board of Commissioners

The Waseca County Board of Commissioners is meeting to consider several administrative items, including a courthouse bathroom remodel with proposals from Britton Plumbing and Heating, external cleaning services costs, and the potential acquisition of property for courthouse park south access. The agenda includes public comment and approval of the agenda, but no final decisions are listed.

• Courthouse bathroom remodel: main floor plan, Britton Plumbing and Heating proposal, and remodel quote
• External cleaning services: cost discussion
• Courthouse Park South Access: acquisition policy, appraisal authorization, and steps to acquire property

The Waseca County Board of Commissioners held a work session with no formal votes. They discussed the south access to Courthouse Park, including acquisition policy and appraisal steps, and reviewed plans and an estimate for ADA-compliant bathroom remodels in the Courthouse. Discussion on external cleaning services was tabled due to time.

• Discussed Courthouse Park south access acquisition policy and appraisal authorization
• Reviewed Courthouse bathroom remodel plans and Britton Plumbing and Heating proposal
• Tabled external cleaning services discussion due to time

Board of Commissioners

The Waseca County Board of Commissioners will consider several action items, including awarding a contract for highway shop improvements, approving a tax forfeiture listing and sale date, and adopting a real property acquisition policy. The board will also review a request from the City of Waldorf, the extension budget, a donation, and a memorandum of understanding for the Steele/Waseca Drug Court Program. The meeting includes routine approvals of bills, minutes, and a feedlot program agreement.

• Contract award for Waseca County Highway Shop Improvements
• Tax Forfeiture Listing / Sale Date
• Waseca County Real Property Acquisition Policy for Involuntary Purchases
• City of Waldorf Report and Purchase Request
• Steele/Waseca Drug Court Program Evaluation Memorandum of Understanding

The Waseca County Board approved a $1,138,000 contract with Joseph Company for highway shop improvements, including the general base bid and canopy with alternate #1. The board also approved the Extension agreement, accepted a donation, set a tax forfeiture sale date, and approved a drug court evaluation MOU. A motion to approve a real property acquisition policy initially failed for lack of a second but was later approved.

• Approved $1,138,000 highway shop improvements contract to Joseph Company (unanimous)
• Approved University of Minnesota Extension contract and addendums (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution #2021-45 accepting $2,821.30 donation from Lowell Nelson (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution #2021-46 approving tax forfeiture sale on January 14, 2022 (unanimous)
• Approved real property acquisition policy for involuntary purchases (unanimous)
• Authorized $1,250 appraisal for parcel ID 08.006.1100 (unanimous)
• Approved Steele-Waseca Drug Court MOU for recidivism evaluation (unanimous)
• Tabled City of Waldorf tractor purchase request to subcommittee

Board of Commissioners

The Waseca County Board of Commissioners is meeting to consider several action items, including a request for support for Park Road Plaza, final payments for three contracts, an update on highway shop improvements, and authorization to solicit bids for leasing public lands. The consent agenda includes routine items such as bill approvals, hauler licenses, and zoning-related applications. The meeting also includes public comment, administrative updates, and commissioner reports.

• Consideration of support for Park Road Plaza
• Final payment and acceptance for contracts 812108, 812109, and 812104
• Authorization to solicit bids for lease of public lands
• Waseca County Zoning Code: Transfer of Development Rights for Michael C. and Julie M. Moen
• Riparian Protection Application for Bruce Johnson (County PID 05.012.0900, 05.012.1500, 05.015.1000)

The Waseca County Board approved an amendment to the Hagen agricultural covenant and the transfer of development rights to Caleb Hagen, with a 4-1 vote. The board also approved a $8,500 appropriation for the Janesville Housing and Replacement Authority, final payments for three road contracts, and authorized bids for leasing public lands. All other agenda items were approved unanimously.

• Approved Hagen Ag Covenant Amendment (unanimous)
• Approved Transfer of Development Rights to Caleb Hagen (4-1)
• Approved $8,500 appropriation to Janesville Housing and Replacement Authority (unanimous)
• Approved final payment of $8,002.94 to Timm's Trucking for Contract 812108 (unanimous)
• Approved final payment of $7,221.96 to Timm's Trucking for Contract 812109 (unanimous)
• Approved final payment of $14,992.08 to Asphalt Surface Technologies Corp. for Contract 812104 (unanimous)
• Authorized soliciting bids for lease of public lands south of Solid Waste and Recycling Center (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Waseca County Board of Commissioners will consider approving the 2022 preliminary levy and a building project for Caleb Hagen. The meeting also includes routine items like agenda approval and public comment.

• Approval of 2022 Preliminary Levy
• Approval of Building Project for Caleb Hagen

The board approved a 2.25% increase to the 2022 preliminary levy, setting a maximum net tax levy of $17,452,978 and a proposed budget of $30,329,609. A motion for a 3% increase failed for lack of a second. The board also approved amendments to an agricultural covenant and a transfer of development rights for the Hagen family.

• Approved 2022 preliminary levy with 2.25% increase (3-2)
• Adopted Resolution 2021-42 establishing preliminary levy and budget (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to Exclusive Agricultural Use Zone Restrictive Covenant for Allen and Penelope Hagen (4-1)
• Approved Transfer of Development Rights from Allen L & Penelope L Hagen to Caleb Hagen in Section 10 of New Richland Township (4-1)

Board of Commissioners

The Waseca County Board of Commissioners is meeting to discuss the 2022 budget. The agenda includes public comment and a budget discussion, with no specific actions listed.

• 2022 budget discussion

The Waseca County Board of Commissioners met in a work session to discuss the 2022 budget. No formal decisions or votes were made during the session; it was purely a discussion. The meeting was recessed and reconvened before adjourning.

Board of Commissioners

The Waseca County Board of Commissioners is meeting to discuss wastewater system improvements with ConAgra staff, review the 2020 audit by Bakertilly, and consider a resolution for the Family Homelessness & Assistance Program. The agenda also includes routine items such as approval of bills, fund transfers, and ditch authority matters.

• Discussion with ConAgra on wastewater system improvements
• Bakertilly 2020 audit review
• Family Homelessness & Assistance Program Resolution 2021-41
• County Ditch 16 and County Ditch 3 crossing repairs
• Approval of bills and fund transfer report

The board unanimously approved $2,000 for County Ditch 16 repair and $15,000 for County Ditch 3 crossing repairs. It also adopted Resolution 2021-41, authorizing Minnesota Valley Action Council as grantee for the Family Homelessness Prevention & Assistance Program (4-0). The consent agenda, including bill payments, was approved unanimously. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved $2,000 for County Ditch 16 repair (unanimous)
• Approved $15,000 for County Ditch 3 crossing repairs (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2021-41 authorizing Minnesota Valley Action Council for Family Homelessness Prevention & Assistance Program (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda including bills and fund transfer (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Waseca County Board of Commissioners is meeting to discuss the 2022 budget. The agenda includes only this discussion item, along with the call to order and adjournment, so the meeting is focused on budget deliberations.

• 2022 Budget Discussions

The Waseca County Board of Commissioners met in a work session to discuss the 2022 budget. Public Health Director Sarah Berry presented the department's organizational chart, and Sheriff Brad Milbrath discussed a future vision for judicial facilities. No formal decisions or votes were made during the session.

• No formal decisions or votes taken during the work session

Board of Commissioners

The Waseca County Board of Commissioners will consider several action items, including awarding a contract for reconstruction of Blowers Park Access Road, setting budget allocations for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, and approving a conditional use permit for an agritourism business. The agenda also includes routine approvals of minutes, bills, and a consent agenda.

• Contract 812112 Award for Reconstruction of Blowers Park Access Road
• Resolution #2021-39 Establishing Budget Allocations for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds
• Conditional Use Permit for Agritourism and Agricultural Direct Market Business for Chad E. & Cheryl L. Bleess, Shirley M. Winter and Robert M & Linda L Winter
• Resolution 2021-37 Request to Accept FCI Donation
• Resolution 2021-38 Request to apply for Veterans Yearly Operational Grant

The board unanimously adopted Resolution 2021-39, establishing budget allocations for the $3,615,163 in American Rescue Plan Act funds, with $1 million each for water resources and broadband, $500,000 for tourism, $250,000 for public health, and $250,000 for parks. The board also approved a $41,984.25 bid for the Blowers Park Access Road reconstruction, a $40,000 grant application for septic system upgrades, and several other routine items.

• Approved the consent agenda, including payment of bills and a $15,000 fund transfer.
• Approved $86,462 in Natural Resources Block Grant transfers for public health, planning, and septic system programs.
• Approved a $40,000 grant application for the Subsurface Sewage Treatment System low-income upgrade program.
• Awarded Contract 812112 for Blowers Park Access Road reconstruction to Timm's Trucking Inc. for $41,984.25.
• Approved final payment of $87,813.37 to Uhland Brothers Inc. for Contract 81212.
• Approved the FY2022 Cooperative Agreement with the Third Judicial District for the Steele-Waseca Drug Court.
• Adopted Resolution 2021-37 accepting a $160 donation from the Federal Correctional Institute for Veteran Services.
• Adopted Resolution 2021-38 to apply for the Veterans Service Office Operational Enhancement Grant from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs.