Wright County public meetings in 2024

Wright County Board

The Wright County Board will approve several consent‑agenda items, including a joint powers agreement for cannabis enforcement with Clearwater and Waverly and multiple American Rescue Plan fund reimbursements. It will adopt changes to ARP grant dates and amounts for Silver Creek Township surface transportation and Monticello Ditch 33 outlet improvements. Timed agenda items include resolutions on aquatic invasive species, a mountain‑bike race donation, highway 19 condemnation, opioid‑settlement funding, and the adoption of Ordinance Amendment 24-8 to regulate cannabis. The board will also consider staffing reappointments, planning commission appointments, and budget‑related resolutions.

• Authorize Board Chair to sign Joint Powers Agreement for Enforcement and Regulation of Cannabis with Clearwater and Waverly
• Approve ARP reimbursements: $17,019.21 (Maple Lake Township stormwater), $22,151.82 (Silver Creek Township stormwater), $355,510.80 (Clean Water Nonpoint Source), $511,320.20 (Household Assistance)
• Approve change to Silver Creek Township Surface Transportation Grant end date and amount to $83,996.00
• Increase Monticello Ditch 33 Water Quality Grant from $143,750 to $970,625, fund via General Fund and extend end date to 12/31/2027
• Adopt Ordinance Amendment 24-8, Cannabis Regulation and Registration, and adopt resolution for summary language publication

The Wright County Board approved the 2025 budget and levy, the county attorney's salary, and the sheriff's salary, each by a 4-1 vote. The board also adopted the cannabis ordinance amendment 24-8, approved $169,888.97 in opioid settlement funding for Rivers of Hope, and authorized several other items including a condemnation resolution for CSAH 19 (4-1) and a $500,000 Oracle ERP enhancement fund (3-2).

• Adopted 2025 budget and levy (4-1)
• Adopted resolution setting county attorney's salary for 2025 (4-1)
• Adopted resolution setting sheriff's salary for 2025 (4-1)
• Adopted cannabis ordinance amendment 24-8 (5-0)
• Approved $169,888.97 opioid settlement funding to Rivers of Hope (5-0)
• Approved condemnation resolution for CSAH 19 (4-1)
• Approved $500,000 for Oracle ERP enhancement fund (3-2)
• Approved $240,000 to Ag & Drainage Grant Assistance Fund and other ditch funds (4-1)

Planning Commission

The Wright County Planning Commission will meet to consider renewing a mining permit, approving several residential subdivisions, and granting permits for a feedlot and commercial agricultural tourism.

• Conditional Use Permit renewal for Knife River Corp. mining operations at 5856 Highway 25 NE
• Conditional Use Permit for a two-lot residential subdivision at 10941 Grover Ave SW
• Interim Use Permit for a truck sales business at 14772 County Road 8 NW
• Conditional Use Permit for a feedlot with 20.30 animal units at 906 80th St NE
• Interim Use Permit for commercial agricultural tourism at 906 80th St NE

The Wright County Planning Commission approved five permits: an interim use permit for Knife River's aggregate mining, conditional use permits for two residential subdivisions (Kappler and Steffens), an interim use permit for Big Rig's truck sales business, an interim use permit for Wurm's contractor yard, and a conditional use permit for Kastner's feedlot. The commission continued the Kastner agricultural tourism request to January 16, 2025, for a site visit and parking plan. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved Knife River interim use permit for aggregate mining with conditions (unanimous)
• Approved Kappler conditional use permit for two-lot subdivision (unanimous)
• Approved Big Rig interim use permit for truck sales with conditions (unanimous)
• Approved Steffens conditional use permit for two-lot subdivision (unanimous)
• Approved Wurm interim use permit for contractor yard with conditions (unanimous)
• Approved Kastner conditional use permit for 20.3 animal unit feedlot (unanimous)
• Continued Kastner agricultural tourism request to Jan. 16, 2025 (unanimous)

County Board Workshops

The County Board is meeting to review project recommendations for the American Rescue Plan General Fund account. The board will also discuss 2025 legislative priorities, committee appointments, and commissioner expense budgets.

• Review of project allocations for the American Rescue Plan General Fund Account
• Scheduling a public hearing for the reestablishment of records for County Ditch #19
• Review of retainer agreement with Flaherty and Hood and Primacy Strategy Group
• Review of 2025 County Board Committee and Advisory Appointments
• Review of Commissioner Expense Budgets

The Wright County Board reached consensus on several recommendations, including allocating $1.1 million from the American Rescue Plan General Fund for projects such as ditch repairs and an Oracle ERP enhancement. The board also scheduled a public hearing for County Ditch 19, authorized a lobbying contract with Flaherty & Hood, and set a Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss legislative priorities. No formal votes were taken; all items were consensus recommendations.

• Recommended $1.1M in ARP funding, including $500K for Oracle ERP, $240K for Ag & Drainage Grant Assistance, $175K for Ditch 20, $100K for Ditch 35, $70K for General Ditch Planning, $15K for Ditch 31 water control
• Scheduled public hearing for County Ditch 19 re-establishment for Jan. 13, 2025 at 1 p.m.
• Authorized signatures on Flaherty & Hood lobbying contract for 2025, not to exceed $55,000
• Set Committee of the Whole meeting for Jan. 6, 2025 to discuss legislative priorities
• Forwarded updated committee assignments to Jan. 7, 2025 organizational meeting
• Increased commissioner expense budgets to $2,700 for 2025 with negative carry-forward for overages
• Approved transfer of $329.81 from District 3 expense account to District 4
• Retained current policy of not video recording Planning Commission meetings

Board of Adjustment

The Wright County Board of Adjustment will hold public hearings to consider five requests for zoning variances and lot line adjustments. These requests involve residential additions, storage buildings, and property divisions across Southside, Clearwater, and Buffalo Townships.

• Variance request for livable space and deck additions at 6910 Quinn Ave NW
• Variance request for livable space and deck additions at 6191 Osland Ave NW
• Lot line adjustment to create a 2.2-acre backlot at 13151 80th St NW
• Variance request for a storage building exceeding maximum size on Gunderson Ave NW
• Variance request to alter a 1 per 40 entitlement division at 4459 Braddock Ave NE

The Wright County Board of Adjustment continued two variance requests to allow for site inspections. The first, for a home addition at 6910 Quinn Ave NW, was continued to January 10th with a 4-1 vote. The second, for a home addition at 6191 Osland Ave NW, was continued to the first meeting in February at the applicant's request. The Board also approved a backlot creation, a storage building variance, and a land division adjustment.

• Continued William Miller variance request to January 10th for site inspection (4-1, Neumann nay)
• Continued Troy & Carla Schoenberg variance request to first February meeting for site inspection (unanimous)
• Approved 2.2-acre backlot for Kyle & Hannah Olson with conditions, including 800 sq ft accessory building limit (3-2, Vick & Mol nay)
• Approved 1,710 sq ft storage building variance for Kenneth Mohs, with total outbuilding coverage capped at 2,400 sq ft (unanimous)
• Approved 0.93-acre land transfer for Joseph Hopkins to build field access (unanimous)

Wright County Board

The Wright County Board approved a series of American Rescue Plan (ARP) fund adjustments that move $870,625 among various projects, including reductions to the Granite Lake wetland restoration and transfers to park redevelopments. The board also adopted Ordinance Amendment 24-7 to amend cannabis zoning regulations in Chapter 155 of the county code. Additional actions included approving a charitable gambling application for Silver Bullet Saddle Club, a highway agreement with Hennepin County, and an updated personnel policy on technology use and cybersecurity reporting.

• Adopt Wright County Ordinance Amendment 24-7, amending cannabis zoning regulations (Chapter 155)
• Reallocate ARP funds totaling $870,625: reduce Granite Lake wetland restoration by $43,750; move $826,875 from Monticello Ditch 33 outlet improvements to general funds; transfer $323,571.45 to Schroeder Park Redevelopment, $150,000 to Robert Ney Regional Park ski trail, and other park and ditch projects
• Approve Charitable Gambling Application (Form LG220) for Silver Bullet Saddle Club, 17363 County Road 7 NW, Clearwater, activity date 7‑19‑2025
• Approve Agreement No. PW 28‑73‑24 between Wright County and Hennepin County, authorizing signatures by the County Board Chair, Administrator, Attorney, and Engineer
• Adopt Updated Personnel Policy 710 Acceptable Use of Technology and 710.09 Cybersecurity Incident Reporting

The Board adopted Ordinance Amendment 24-7 to regulate cannabis business operations in 15 of 18 townships. The Board also approved several American Rescue Plan (ARP) fund reallocations and reimbursements for transportation and broadband projects.

• Adopted Ordinance Amendment 24-7 for cannabis zoning (5-0)
• Approved $137,443 ARP reimbursement for Meeker Cooperative Last Mile Project
• Approved $16,548.45 ARP reimbursement for Franklin Township surface transportation
• Approved agreement PW 28-73-24 with Hennepin County (5-0)
• Approved reallocating $870,625 in ARP funds to various park and ditch projects
• Adopted updated Personnel Policy 710 regarding technology and cybersecurity
• Approved 5-year MDH grant agreement for public health (5-0)
• Approved request to rehire one full-time Eligibility Specialist (5-0)

Health & Human Services Board and Advisory Committees

The Wright County Health & Human Services Advisory Committee will elect officers for 2025‑2026, approve draft minutes from July and September meetings, and receive updates from the Mental Health Advisory Council and Public Health Task Force. The board will acknowledge Dr. Jennifer Ray‑Mader’s resignation effective January 2025 and announce that the Housing Workgroup has been disbanded. An open forum will include brief updates on the housing subcommittee, community conversations focus group, the WCCA Family Resource Center, and a recent MACSSA meeting.

• Election of officers for 2025‑2026 (Chair: Linda Antl; Vice Chair: Gangnon)
• Approval of 2024‑07‑30 and 2024‑09‑30 HHSAC draft minutes
• Acknowledgement of Dr. Jennifer Ray‑Mader’s resignation at end of term in January 2025
• Housing Workgroup disbanded (referencing 2024‑11‑05 housing workgroup meeting minutes)
• Updates from Mental Health Advisory Council and Public Health Task Force

The Wright County HHS Advisory Committee elected Tyler as Chair and Nibbe as Vice-Chair for 2025-2026, and approved the July and September minutes and the meeting agenda. The committee received updates on mental health, public health, housing, and community programs, but made no other formal decisions.

• Elected Tyler as Chair for 2025-2026 (motion carried)
• Elected Nibbe as Vice-Chair for 2025-2026 (motion carried)
• Approved July 30 and September 30, 2024 minutes (motion carried)
• Approved meeting agenda (motion carried)

Wright County Board

The Board of Commissioners will consider a public hearing for an ordinance regulating the retail sale of cannabis and lower-potency hemp edibles. The meeting also includes requests for American Rescue Plan Act fund reimbursements for transportation and water projects.

• Proposed public hearing Dec 3 for Ordinance No. 24-8 regarding cannabis and hemp edible retail sales
• ARP fund reimbursements: $36,695.09 (Franklin Township), $48,623.00 (Middleville Township), $105,872.62 (Indian Lake), and $40,448.32 (Maple Lake Township)
• Joint Power Agreement with the City of Otsego for cannabis enforcement and regulation
• MnDOT Cooperative Construction Agreement 1057600
• Tobacco license appeal findings for Casey's in Albertville

The Wright County Board authorized staff to enter into license agreements with law enforcement agencies for use of the county's training facility, including new safety and operational requirements. Commissioners also scheduled a public hearing for December 3 regarding cannabis and hemp retail regulations and adopted committee recommendations for implementing Association of Minnesota Counties best practices.

• Authorized license agreements for law enforcement training facility (5-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for cannabis/hemp ordinance on Dec 3 (5-0)
• Adopted resolution for Casey's tobacco license appeal with $2,000 penalty (5-0)
• Approved MnDOT cooperative construction agreement for Highway 12 (5-0)
• Adopted resolution proclaiming November 20 as National GIS Day (5-0)
• Approved implementation of AMC best practices for board committees (5-0)
• Approved rehire requests for multiple county positions (5-0)
• Approved ARP fund reimbursements for township and water projects (5-0)

Health & Human Services Board and Advisory Committees

The Wright County Public Health Task Force will hear presentations on a Dental Coordinator, a Drug Free Communities grant, and a Housing Workgroup point‑in‑time count. The board will also elect officers and review water‑testing accreditation. No decisions are noted beyond the officer election.

• Presentation by Dental Coordinator Megan Coleman
• Discussion of Drug Free Communities (DFC) Grant with Rachel Nelson
• Housing Workgroup Point‑in‑Time (PIT) Count update by Joel Torkelson
• Election of Public Health Task Force officers
• Review of Water Testing Accreditation presented by Laura Walter

The Wright County Public Health Task Force approved the agenda and minutes from their previous meeting. Members voted to re-elect Toni Seroshek as Chair and Bonita Bryant as Vice Chair for another term. The board also received updates on dental initiatives, the Drug Free Communities grant, the upcoming Point in Time homeless count, and new water testing accreditation.

• Approved agenda and October minutes (unanimous)
• Re-elected Toni Seroshek as Chair (unanimous)
• Re-elected Bonita Bryant as Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:32 a.m. (unanimous)

Health & Human Services Board and Advisory Committees

The Mental Health Advisory Council is meeting to discuss unmet needs and possible solutions. The body will also review reports on the Community Support Program grant and the Point in Time count.

• Introduction of new members Angela Lamarche and Natalie McClory
• Discussion on Community Support Program (CSP) Grant
• Housing Workgroup sub-committee report
• Point in Time (PIT) count report
• Discussion on unmet needs and possible solutions

County Board Workshops

The Wright County Board will review the Q3 2024 investment report prepared by Finance/Ehlers. It will discuss membership in the Minnesota Inter‑County Association and hear a presentation from the federal lobbyist Primacy Group. The board will consider preliminary action items from the recent public survey, including a new customer service philosophy and an "E" newsletter. Additional items include an FBI request for an extension, a CMRP agreement, and clarifications on a fair board audit, followed by commissioner updates.

• Quarterly Investment Review (Q3 2024) – Finance/Ehlers
• MICA (Minnesota Inter‑County Association) Membership
• Federal Lobbyist presentation by Primacy Group
• Public Survey Preliminary Action Items – customer service philosophy and "E" newsletter
• FBI Request for Extension

The Wright County Board held a workshop with no formal votes, reaching consensus on several action items. They directed staff to prepare a financial package for MICA membership for a vote on November 19, to contact federal lobbyist PSG for contract rates, and to implement four public survey action items. The board also directed the Fair Board to gather cost estimates for a narrowed non-profit audit.

• Consensus to prepare MICA membership financial package for Nov 19 vote
• Consensus to contact PSG for federal lobbyist contract rates
• Consensus to implement 4 public survey action items (annual survey, dashboard, philosophy, newsletter)
• Consensus to move FBI request and CMRP agreement to Nov 18 Committee of the Whole
• Consensus to direct Fair Board to gather non-profit audit cost estimates for 2023-2024

Planning Commission

The commission will first act on the minutes from the October 10 meeting. It will hold public hearings on several petitions for conditional or interim use permits, including land alteration at Hannah’s Landing, a tree‑service yard, residential subdivisions, a truck‑sales business, and a winery tourism operation. The commission will also review a proposed amendment to Section 155 of the Wright County Code to add cannabis zoning regulations.

• Review proposed amendment to Section 155 to add cannabis zoning regulations
• Conditional Use Permit petition by Arbor Creek Holdings LLC for land alteration at 78th St NW, Hannah’s Landing Lot 6
• Interim Use Permit petition by Cole Shake for a non‑commercial tree‑service yard at 909 25th St SE
• Interim Use Permit petition by Big Rig Companies (Cole Bryan) for a truck sales and diesel service business at 14772 County Road 8 NW
• Interim Use Permit petition by Frederich Mische for a winery/agricultural tourism operation at 13617 Grover Ave NW

The Wright County Planning Commission reviewed Ordinance 24-7, which would add cannabis zoning regulations, but failed to recommend approval after a motion to exclude Sunday sales failed. Instead, the Commission voted to take no stance and refer the ordinance to the County Board for action. The Commission also approved several conditional and interim use permits, including for a tree service contractor's yard, a winery, and two residential subdivisions, and continued other items for further review.

• Adopted October 10, 2024 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved CUP for Arbor Creek Holdings LLC land alteration and lakeside home (unanimous)
• Approved IUP for Cole Shake tree service contractor's yard with conditions (unanimous)
• Approved CUP for Brian Mickelson two-lot unplatted subdivision (unanimous)
• Approved CUP for Peter Shelquist two-lot platted subdivision (unanimous)
• Continued Big Rig Companies IUP to December 12 (unanimous)
• Approved IUP for Frederich Mische winery with conditions (unanimous)
• Continued Jonathan Kappler CUP to December 12 (unanimous)

Wright County Board

The Board of Commissioners will conduct public hearings regarding a dangerous dogs ordinance amendment and the 2025 Fees for Service Schedule. The meeting also includes votes on several property rezonings and the approval of 2025 health insurance contributions for multiple county employee unions.

• Public hearing on Dangerous Dogs Ordinance Amendment 24-6
• Public hearing and approval of 2025 Fees for Service Schedule
• Reimbursement of $1,277,791.96 in ARP funds for Schroeder Park Redevelopment
• Rezoning of property in Silver Creek Township from Agriculture/Shoreland to Suburban Residential-a
• Rezoning of property in Southside Township from General Agriculture to Highway Business

The Wright County Board approved the 2025 Fees for Service Schedule, adopted Ordinance Amendment 24-6 on dangerous dogs, and reappointed Anthony Rasmuson as County Assessor for a four-year term. The board also approved several rezoning requests, a $181,127 contract for the Granite Lake WASCOB project, and authorized up to $20,000 for tree removal on County Ditch #19. All votes were 4-0 with Commissioner Schoen absent.

• Approved 2025 Fees for Service Schedule (4-0)
• Adopted Ordinance Amendment 24-6 on dangerous dogs (4-0)
• Reappointed Anthony Rasmuson as County Assessor for four-year term (4-0)
• Approved rezoning for Ryan Nelson, James Buranen, and Robin Brisse (4-0)
• Approved $181,127 contract for Granite Lake WASCOB project (4-0)
• Authorized up to $20,000 for tree removal on County Ditch #19 (4-0)
• Approved $1,277,791.96 ARP funds for Schroeder Park redevelopment (4-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 110 amendment 24-3 on tobacco regulations (4-0)

Board of Adjustment

The Wright County Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing to review three variance requests regarding property setbacks and land division. The board will also act on the minutes from the October 4, 2024 meeting.

• Variance request for a new home at 7006 Quinn Ave NW regarding width standards and bluff/lake setbacks
• Variance request for a covered porch addition at 10912 Oliver Ave NW regarding County Road setbacks
• Variance request at 15286 20th St. SW to expand a 1 per 40 entitlement division exceeding the 10 acre maximum

The Wright County Board of Adjustment approved all three variance requests on the agenda. The first allowed a new home on West Lake Sylvia with reduced setbacks and a septic system closer to the property line, conditioned on a stormwater management plan. The second permitted an open porch within the county road setback, conditioned that it not be enclosed. The third approved adding 34.25 acres to an existing entitlement division, conditioned on a survey and administrative order.

• Approved variance for 933 sq ft home at 7006 Quinn Ave NW with reduced lake/bluff setbacks and septic 5 ft from property line, conditioned on stormwater plan (unanimous)
• Approved variance for 8x38 ft open porch at 10912 Oliver Ave NW within county road setback, conditioned it cannot be enclosed (unanimous)
• Approved variance to add 34.25 acres to existing entitlement division at 15286 20th St SW, conditioned on survey and administrative order (unanimous)

Wright County Board

At its October 15 regular session, the Wright County Board will vote on several consent agenda items, including the capital improvement project to replace the Law Enforcement Center jail roof, reimbursement of specific American Rescue Plan funds, and adoption of 2025 non‑union salary ranges and benefit contributions. The board will also consider re‑hiring positions in the Assessor’s office, Health & Human Services, and other departments, and will hear timed agenda resolutions on topics such as Operation Green Light and a speed study for CSAH 35.

• Approve proceeding with the Capital Improvement Program for the Law Enforcement Center jail roof replacement (Facilities).
• Approve reimbursement of ARP funds: $1,447.75 for Stormwater County Ditch #38, $4,720.50 for Stormwater County Ditch #33, $49,118.00 for Southside Township surface transportation, $64,912.38 for the Last Mile Project – City of Buffalo, and $157,620.35 for Drinking Water Transmission & Distribution – City of Buffalo (Finance & Taxpayer Services).
• Approve 2025 non‑union salary ranges effective January 1 2025 (Human Resources).
• Approve a three‑year Avaya phone system maintenance and support contract at $71,068.33 for years 1‑2 and $71,068.34 for year 3 (Information Technology).
• Approve rehire of the vacant Property Appraiser position and a full‑time HHS Product Owner position (Assessor; Health & Human Services).

The Wright County Board approved the consent agenda (minus a pulled retreat item), adopted several resolutions, and approved ARP fund reallocations. The board directed staff to develop a fee schedule and shared calendar for the Sheriff's Office Training Center, and approved sending a letter to the FBI with a $332,232 demand and a November 22 response deadline. A motion to deny the HHS retreat failed for lack of a second; the retreat was then approved 4-1.

• Approved consent agenda with item D2 removed (5-0)
• Approved HHS mental & chemical health team retreat at Ney Park (4-1)
• Adopted resolution for Operation Green Light participation (5-0)
• Set public hearing for fee schedule changes on Nov 5 at 9:45 a.m. (5-0)
• Adopted resolution requesting speed study on CSAH 35 (5-0)
• Approved 3-year Avaya phone maintenance contract, $71,068.33/year (5-0)
• Directed staff to develop training center fee schedule and shared calendar (5-0)
• Approved sending FBI letter with $332,232 and Nov 22 deadline (4-1)

Health & Human Services Board and Advisory Committees

The Wright County Public Health Task Force will receive three presentations: a Public Health Emergency Preparedness update, a Strategic Planning update, and a discussion on Access to Primary Care. No decisions are indicated; the meeting is for information sharing and discussion. Future agenda items for the November meeting are also listed.

• Presentation on Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) – Jacob Anson
• Strategic Planning Update – Joel Torkelson
• Access to Primary Care discussion – Sarah Grosshuesch
• Next meeting agenda items: Dental Coordinator, DFC grant, SHIP, PIT Count, officer elections
• Standard agenda items: Call to Order, Introductions, Approve agenda and minutes

The Wright County Public Health Task Force met on October 14, 2024, and approved the agenda and August minutes unanimously. Members received updates on emergency preparedness grants, the strategic planning process, and access to primary care data. No formal decisions were made beyond the routine approvals.

• Approved agenda and August minutes (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Wright County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on October 10, 2024 to consider several petitions for interim use permits, conditional use permits, and rezoning requests. Items include a tree‑service yard permit, rezoning of agricultural land to residential or urban/rural transition districts, and a request to rezone ten acres to Highway Business. The commission will also review conditional use permits for new subdivisions and a truck‑sales business with diesel services.

• Interim Use Permit for a non‑commercial contractor’s yard (tree service) at 909 25th St SE, Rockford Twp.
• Rezoning request at 3108 142nd St NW, Locke Lake‑Silver Creek Twp., from General Agriculture (AG) to Urban/Rural Transition (R1) with a Residential‑Recreational Shoreland Overlay (S‑2).
• Rezoning of a 2.31‑acre parcel at 127th St NW, Melrose Lake‑Silver Creek Twp., from AG to Suburban Residential‑A (R2a) with S‑2 overlay.
• Conditional Use Permit for a one‑lot unplatted subdivision at 127th St NW, Melrose Lake‑Silver Creek Twp., submitted by Marilyn Henningson Trust and Nelson Acres LLC.
• Rezoning of 10 acres at Osborn Ave NW, Southside Twp., from AG to Highway Business (B1).

The Wright County Planning Commission recommended approval of three rezoning requests (Robin Brisse, Ryan Nelson, James Buranen) and approved a conditional use permit for a one-lot subdivision (Marilyn Henningson), all unanimously. It continued several items to the November 7 meeting, including the Arbor Creek Holdings land alteration and CUP amendment, which was continued after a public hearing with a 6-0 vote (Thompson abstaining). The commission also continued the Cole Shake interim use permit and Big Rig Companies interim use permit.

• Recommended approval of rezoning for Robin Brisse property (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of rezoning for Ryan Nelson property (unanimous)
• Approved conditional use permit for one-lot subdivision for Marilyn Henningson (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of rezoning for James Buranen property (unanimous)
• Continued Arbor Creek Holdings land alteration and CUP amendment to Nov 7 (6-0, Thompson abstained)
• Continued Big Rig Companies interim use permit to Nov 7 (unanimous)
• Continued Peter Shelquist subdivision CUP to Nov 7 (unanimous)
• Continued Cole Shake interim use permit to Nov 7 (unanimous)

County Board Workshops

The Board of Wright County Commissioners is meeting for a workshop to review departmental reports and administrative updates. Discussions include highway construction, public survey results, and the 2025 fee schedule.

• Review of 2025 Fee Schedules
• 2024 Highway Department Construction Update
• Highway Department 2023 Year End Report
• Discussion on out-of-county agency use of the training center
• Proposed department moves for Finance and Projects

The Wright County Board approved moving Finance and Project Administration departments, authorizing contract signatures for the move. Staff were directed to develop plans for ERP improvements and public survey recommendations. A public hearing for the 2025 fee schedule was scheduled, and the board agreed to add legislative items and SCORE funding to future agendas.

• Approved department moves for Finance and Project Administration, authorizing contract signatures
• Directed staff to detail plans for ERP system improvements
• Directed staff to prepare recommendations and public communication based on survey results
• Scheduled public hearing for 2025 fee schedule at Nov. 5 board meeting
• Instructed Public Health to charge maximum liquor license club fees per statute
• Added legislative items (state-assessed properties, feedlot rules, HOAs) to list
• Scheduled legislator meeting for first week of December
• Added 2025 SCORE funding to Nov. 12 board workshop agenda

Board of Adjustment

The Wright County Board of Adjustment will hold public hearings to review requests for zoning variances. These requests involve building setbacks, lot coverage, and land division entitlements.

• Travis Tollette: variance for a home addition and detached storage building at 13943 102nd St NW
• Eric Robeck: variance for a larger detached building at 138 & 144 Gillard Ave SE
• Scott Van Lith: variance for a 1 per 40 entitlement division exceeding 10 acres on 30th St SE

The Wright County Board of Adjustment approved a variance for Travis Tollette to build a two-story addition to his lake home, despite being within shoreland, road, and septic setbacks. The approval was conditioned on fencing off the septic mound during construction. The board also unanimously approved a 64.5-acre entitlement division for Scott VanLith with conditions, and withdrew Eric Robeck's application without prejudice at his request.

• Approved Tollette's 828 sq ft main level and 855 sq ft upper-level addition, conditioned on fencing the septic mound (4-1)
• Approved VanLith's 64.5-acre entitlement division, conditioned on survey, deed restriction, and animal unit limit of 9.90 (unanimous)
• Withdrew Robeck's storage building variance request without prejudice (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of September 13, 2024 meeting (unanimous)

Wright County Board

The Wright County Board will approve reimbursement of American Rescue Plan funds totaling $124,088.58 for a stormwater clean‑water project in the City of Cokato and $511.51 for 4‑H nonprofit aid. It will also adopt a resolution naming October 6‑12, 2024 as National 4‑H Week and approve a contract with Vada Contracting LLC to repair County Ditch #33 Branch #4 for $85,568. Additional items include a contract for Stantec Consulting services on highway work and several Health & Human Services actions such as reappointing the advisory committee and approving a child‑protection team retreat.

• Approve ARP reimbursement: $124,088.58 for 5.6 Clean Water stormwater project in City of Cokato; $511.51 for 4‑H nonprofit aid
• Approve contract with Vada Contracting LLC to repair County Ditch #33 Branch #4 for $85,568
• Adopt resolution declaring October 6‑12, 2024 as National 4‑H Week in Wright County
• Approve additional services contract with Stantec Consulting (Highway)
• Approve HHS Advisory Committee two‑year term reappointment and Child Protection Team retreat at Ney Park, Maple Lake

The board voted 4-1 to keep commissioner salaries unchanged for 2025, declining to schedule a Committee of the Whole to discuss a raise. The board also approved the consent agenda, including a $85,568 contract for County Ditch #33 repairs, and supported Meridian Behavioral Health's expansion request in Howard Lake.

• Approved minutes from 9-25-2024 and Revisors Committee (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including ARP fund reimbursements and Stantec services (5-0)
• Approved $85,568 contract with Vada Contracting for County Ditch #33 repairs (5-0)
• Adopted resolution declaring Oct 6-12 as National 4-H Week (5-0)
• Approved HHS consent agenda including reappointment and retreat (5-0)
• Adopted resolution accepting September 2024 HHS donation (5-0)
• Approved letter of support for Meridian Behavioral Health expansion (5-0)
• Kept commissioner salaries unchanged for 2025, no Committee of the Whole (4-1)

Health & Human Services Board and Advisory Committees

The Wright County Health & Human Services Board will approve minutes from July 30 and discuss scheduling changes. The meeting includes updates from various advisory councils and a review of 2025 budget and position requests.

• Approval of 2024-07-30 HHSAC minutes
• Proposal to change meeting dates to Second Monday, 2:30 - 4:00 on Odd Months
• 2025 Budget and Position Requests: 1 Social Worker - Housing Coordinator, 1 Social Worker – MnCHOICES, 3 Social Worker – Waiver
• Quarterly financial reports and time study updates
• Updates on Housing Subcommittees and Coordinator Position

The committee approved a new meeting schedule for 2025 via electronic vote. Members also reviewed financial reports and received updates on staffing and housing initiatives.

• Approved 2025 meeting schedule (5-0)
• Tabled July 30, 2024 minutes due to lack of quorum
• Confirmed 2025 budget approval for five new staff positions

Wright County Board

The Wright County Board will vote on the 2025 budget and set a public hearing date. The meeting includes approving reimbursements for American Rescue Plan funds and terminating several broadband grant agreements.

• Approve 2025 County Budget
• Reimburse ARP funds ($54,729 to Albion, $40,000 to Wright County AG Society)
• Terminate 5 ARP-SLFRF broadband grants ($191,833 to $198,661)
• Approve Holthaus Solar Farm Developers Agreement
• Approve Meridian Behavioral Health letter of support

The Wright County Board approved the 2025 budget and levy, with a 5.71% levy increase, by a 4-1 vote (Kaczmarek dissenting). A motion to add $195,000 to the Sheriff's Office budget using fund balance failed for lack of a second. The board also approved several consent agenda items, including terminating five broadband grant agreements with LTD Broadband and initiating repairs on County Ditch #38.

• Approved 2025 budget and levy with 5.71% increase (4-1)
• Motion to add $195,000 to Sheriff's budget from fund balance failed (no second)
• Approved consent agenda including termination of 5 ARP broadband grants with LTD Broadband (5-0)
• Approved order initiating repairs on County Ditch #38 (5-0)
• Approved resolution to transfer excess state aid municipal distribution to construction account (5-0)
• Approved MnDOT cooperative construction agreement for Annandale signal replacement (5-0)
• Approved personnel committee recommendations including finance restructure (5-0)
• Scheduled Truth in Taxation hearing for Dec. 5, 2024 (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Wright County Planning Commission will meet to consider four zoning and land-use requests, including a rezoning, a conditional use permit for a subdivision, a permit amendment, and an interim use permit for a contractor's yard.

• Robin Brisse: Petition to rezone 3108 142nd St NW from AG to R1 with S-2 overlay
• Donavon Desmarias: Petition for a Conditional Use Permit for a three-lot subdivision at 1079 County Road 39 NW
• Richard Davis: Petition to amend a Conditional Use Permit for a three-lot subdivision at 8937 County Road 39 NE
• Cole Shake: Petition for an Interim Use Permit for a tree service contractor's yard at 909 25th St SE

The Wright County Planning Commission approved two conditional use permits for unplatted subdivisions, one for Richard Davis and one for Donavon Desmarais, both unanimously. The commission also continued two other items—a rezoning request by Robin Brisse and an interim use permit for Cole Shake—to the October 10th meeting for further review and site inspections.

• Approved CUP for two-lot unplatted subdivision for Richard Davis (unanimous)
• Approved CUP for three-lot unplatted subdivision for Donavon Desmarais (unanimous)
• Continued interim use permit for Cole Shake to October 10 meeting (unanimous)
• Continued rezoning request for Robin Brisse to October 10 meeting (unanimous)
• Adopted August 29, 2024 minutes as printed (unanimous)

Board of Adjustment

The Wright County Board of Adjustment will meet to consider six variance requests for property owners seeking to build homes or additions that exceed standard setbacks for roads, shorelands, or lot widths.

• Action on minutes from August 23, 2024 meeting
• Unfold Architecture variance at 1386 Arnold Ave NW
• Travis Tollette variance at 13943 102nd St NW
• Abby Robeck variance at 7006 Quinn Ave NW
• Jedd Kangas variance at 5604 County Road 30 SE

The Wright County Board of Adjustment approved a variance for a new home and garage near Buffalo Lake, and a variance for a storage building addition in Franklin Township. Three other variance requests were continued to allow applicants to revise plans or for a site inspection. The board also approved a lot line adjustment with conditions.

• Approved variance for home and garage at 1386 Arnold Ave NW (unanimous)
• Approved variance for 12x40 ft addition to detached building at 5604 County Road 30 SE (unanimous)
• Continued variance for Travis Tollette to October 4 (unanimous)
• Continued variance for Abby Robeck (CAP Custom Homes) to November 1 for site inspection (unanimous)
• Continued variance for Eric Robeck to October 4 (3-1)
• Approved lot line adjustment for Kelsea McCormack with conditions (3-1)

Wright County Board

The Board of Commissioners will discuss updates to the local option sales tax project list and adopt a corresponding resolution. The meeting also includes approvals for cannabis regulation agreements and several American Rescue Plan Act fund reimbursements.

• Public hearing on updates to the Local Option Sales Tax Project List
• Joint Powers Agreements for cannabis enforcement with Silver Creek, St. Michael, Monticello, and Otsego
• ARP fund reimbursements including $776,192.00 for Meeker Cooperative-French Lake Township and $122,971.00 for City of Annandale
• MOU with State of Minnesota for a Drug Court Treatment Coordinator position ($100,000)
• Resolution to reduce coverage limits for the Government Center, Annex, and Jail at 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo

The Wright County Board approved a consent agenda including joint powers agreements for cannabis enforcement with four local governments, multiple American Rescue Plan fund reimbursements, and highway project recommendations. The board also approved a $100,000 state-funded drug court treatment coordinator position, adopted a local option sales tax resolution, and approved several highway-related resolutions including a MnDOT bridge grant agreement. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

• Approved joint powers agreements for cannabis enforcement with Silver Creek Township, St. Michael, Monticello, and Otsego (5-0)
• Approved ARP fund reimbursements totaling $980,925.67 for clean water, consultant, and last mile projects (5-0)
• Approved MOU with State of Minnesota for $100,000 drug court treatment coordinator (5-0)
• Adopted resolution reducing insurance coverage limits on former government center buildings (5-0)
• Adopted resolution authorizing highway right-of-way plat for roundabout construction (5-0)
• Approved MnDOT bridge replacement grant agreement with $1.6M federal and $386K state funds (5-0)
• Adopted local option sales tax resolution (5-0)
• Approved HHS consent agenda including rehires, licenses, and appointments (5-0)

Health & Human Services Board and Advisory Committees

The Mental Health Advisory Council will approve the agenda and minutes, set the quarterly meeting schedule for March, May, September, and November, introduce a new member and note two pending applications, and record two resignations. The council will hear a report from the Housing Workgroup and discuss unmet needs and possible solutions. Action items and information sharing will follow.

• Quarterly meeting schedule set for March, May, September, and November
• New member introduction: Mikki Northuis; two pending applications
• Resignations of Bradley Gangnon and Krissy Eich
• Housing Workgroup report presented by Joel T.
• Discussion of unmet needs and possible solutions

The Wright County Mental Health Advisory Council (MHAC) approved two new members, Natalie McClory and Angela Lamarche, and welcomed Mikki Northuis. The council also approved its meeting schedule for March, May, September, and November, and decided to continue with hybrid meeting options. No major policy decisions were made; the meeting focused on member updates, sub-committee reports, and information sharing.

• Approved agenda with addition of Brandon Pellaton
• Approved May minutes
• Approved Natalie McClory as new member (09.10.2024)
• Approved Angela Lamarche as new member (09.10.2024)
• Set quarterly meeting months: March, May, September, November
• Decided to continue hybrid meeting option
• Adjourned at 3:40 pm

Planning Commission

The Wright County Planning Commission will hold public hearings on four conditional use permit applications. One application seeks to expand a public sewage treatment plant at 1759 County Road 7 NW. The other three applications request approval for new unplatted subdivisions at 2268 County Road 37 W, 8937 County Road 39 NE, and 14772 County Road 8 NW. The commission will consider these petitions under the relevant sections of the Wright County Code of Ordinances.

• Paul Saffert – Conditional Use Permit to expand a public sewage treatment plant, 1759 County Road 7 NW (Albion Twp.)
• Zachary Arens – Conditional Use Permit for a two‑lot unplatted subdivision, 2268 County Road 37 W (Abbie Lake – Chatham Twp.)
• Richard Davis – Conditional Use Permit for a three‑lot unplatted subdivision, 8937 County Road 39 NE (Monticello Twp.)
• Vorandesoto LLC – Conditional Use Permit for a three‑lot unplatted subdivision, 14772 County Road 8 NW (Lock Lake – Silver Creek Twp.)

The Wright County Planning Commission approved all four conditional use permits on the agenda, including an expansion of the Annandale-Maple Lake wastewater treatment plant and three residential subdivisions. All votes were unanimous. The minutes also record adoption of the previous meeting's minutes.

• Approved CUP for wastewater treatment plant expansion with filtration building (unanimous)
• Approved CUP for two-lot subdivision at 2268 County Road 37 W (unanimous)
• Approved CUP for three-lot subdivision at 8937 County Road 39 NE (unanimous)
• Approved CUP for three-lot subdivision at 14772 County Road 8 NW (unanimous)
• Adopted minutes from August 8, 2024 meeting (unanimous)

Wright County Board

The Wright County Board will consider a motion to designate a temporary qualified newspaper. This action applies for periods when the county’s official newspaper does not meet the criteria of a qualified newspaper under state statute. The meeting also includes the usual pledge of allegiance, agenda approval, and adjournment.

• Designate a temporary qualified newspaper for periods when the county’s official newspaper does not meet state criteria

The Wright County Board met in special session on August 26, 2024, with three of five commissioners present. The only substantive action was appointing the Monticello Times as a temporary qualified newspaper for periods when the county's official newspaper, the Delano Herald Journal, does not meet state criteria—such as the week of August 30, when it will not publish a print edition. The motion passed 3-0, with two commissioners absent.

• Appointed Monticello Times as temporary qualified newspaper (3-0)

Board of Adjustment

The Wright County Board of Adjustment will first act on the minutes from its August 2, 2024 meeting. It will then hold a public hearing to consider six new variance applications and one appeal concerning residential construction and land divisions. Each request seeks relief from specific setback, septic, or size requirements in the county zoning code.

• Mark O'Brien – variance to build a single‑family home beyond side‑yard setbacks at 14490 & 14498 Devitt Ave NW (Locke Lake Height’s Lot 20/21)
• Steinbrecher Companies – variance to install a septic system within setbacks at 9169 Arnold Ave NW (Eagle Lake)
• Unfold Architecture – variance to construct a home and garage within road and shoreland setbacks at 1386 Arnold Ave NW (Buffalo Lake)
• Travis Tollette – variance for an addition and detached storage building within shoreland, road, and septic setbacks at 13943 102nd St NW (Lake Augusta)
• Matthew Blount – variance to alter an existing 1‑per‑40 entitlement division exceeding size limits at 5476 & 5412 Brighton Ave SE (North Fork Crow)

The Wright County Board of Adjustment approved a variance for Mark O'Brien to build a single-family dwelling 10 feet from the side yard and place a septic absorption area 5 feet from the property line and 15 feet from the home, conditioned on building coverage not exceeding 15% and following Minnesota Department of Health conditions. The board also approved a septic system variance for Steinbrecher Companies, approved an entitlement division expansion for Matthew Blount, and denied Janet Smith's appeal. Two other variance requests were continued to the next meeting.

• Approved O'Brien variance for dwelling and septic setbacks (unanimous)
• Approved Steinbrecher septic system variance (unanimous)
• Approved Blount entitlement division expansion to 34.5 acres (unanimous)
• Denied Smith appeal, upheld Zoning Administrator's determination (unanimous)
• Continued Unfold Architecture variance to 9/13/2024 for stormwater plan (unanimous)
• Continued Tollette variance to 9/13/2024 for revised plans (unanimous)

Wright County Board

The Wright County Board will consider a consent agenda that includes withdrawing an ordinance amendment, voiding temporary mobile‑home placements, and reimbursing $122,971 of ARP funds for a clean‑water project in Annandale. It will also transfer $311,110 from the SCORE Fund to the CIP Fund, approve a $400,000 wastewater resilience grant, and discuss rezoning recommendations for three properties. A public hearing will be held on a property‑tax abatement and business‑subsidy agreement for Monticello Hospitality Group, LLC, followed by a resolution to adopt the abatement. The board will also approve a final payment of $238,560.42 to Thomas and Sons Construction under Contract 2205.

• Adopt resolution approving tax abatement and business‑subsidy agreement for Monticello Hospitality Group, LLC
• Reimburse $122,971 ARP funds for clean‑water project in City of Annandale
• Transfer $311,110 from SCORE Fund to CIP Fund
• Approve $400,000 wastewater resilience grant for County Ditch #33 outlet
• Authorize final payment of $238,560.42 to Thomas and Sons Construction (Contract 2205)

The Wright County Board approved a tax abatement and business subsidy agreement for Monticello Hospitality Group, LLC, which plans to build a hotel/restaurant in Monticello. The board also tabled a $122,971 ARP fund reimbursement for the City of Annandale until September 24, 2024, and approved two rezoning requests from the Planning Commission. Several other administrative and highway items were approved, including a final payment of $238,560.42 to Thomas and Sons Construction.

• Approved tax abatement and business subsidy agreement for Monticello Hospitality Group, LLC (5-0)
• Tabled ARP fund reimbursement for City of Annandale ($122,971) until September 24, 2024 (4-1)
• Approved rezoning for Brian Michelson property in Rockford Township (5-0)
• Approved rezoning for Donavon DesMarais property in Silver Creek Township (5-0)
• Accepted $400,000 MPCA wastewater resilience grant for County Ditch #33 outlet (5-0)
• Approved purchase of easement along Branch #4 of County Ditch #33 (5-0)
• Approved final payment of $238,560.42 to Thomas and Sons Construction for Contract 2205 (5-0)
• Approved certificate of completion resolution for Series 2019A bonds (5-0)

County Board Workshops

The Wright County Board will receive an update and 2025 funding request from the Great River Regional Library, review the Ehlers quarterly report and economic forecast, and hear a MNChoices update. A key agenda item is discussion of the appraiser contract for 2026, including draft assessment contract documents. Additional items include a website domain change, a dental clinic lease agreement, an employee engagement survey, and commissioner updates.

• Great River Regional Library update and 2025 allocation request
• Ehlers quarterly report and economic forecast
• MNChoices update
• Appraiser contract discussion for 2026 (assessment contract drafts)
• Dental clinic use agreement (lease rate memo)

The Wright County Board held a workshop with no formal votes, reaching consensus on several items. They agreed to continue the two-year assessment contract for 2026-2027 at $15 per parcel, with further discussion planned for late 2026. The board also reserved the wrightcountymn.gov domain, directed staff to continue negotiating a dental clinic agreement, and scheduled additional budget retreats.

• Continued assessor contracts for 2026-2027 at $15 per parcel (consensus)
• Reserved website domain wrightcountymn.gov (consensus)
• Directed staff to continue negotiating Community Dental agreement to recoup operating costs (consensus)
• Allowed Commissioner Diedrick to attend budget meetings remotely (consensus)
• Scheduled two additional budget retreats for September 3 and September 9 (consensus)
• Amended September 4 Committee of the Whole agenda to fee schedule review (consensus)

Health & Human Services Board and Advisory Committees

The Wright County Health & Human Services Public Health Task Force will meet on August 12, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. in the GC Conference Room 3103 and via Zoom. The agenda includes presentations and discussion on immunizations, the SHIP team, a community conversations report, and a marijuana update. No formal decisions are listed; the meeting appears to be informational.

• Immunizations presentation – Kristie Rathmanner/Alison Dudek
• SHIP Team presentation – Keith Bennett
• Community Conversations Report – Gregory Wise/Joel Torkelson
• Marijuana Update – Sarah Grosshuesch
• Next meeting agenda items: PHEP (Public Health Emergency Preparedness) and Strategic Plan Update

The Wright County Public Health Task Force met on August 12, 2024, and approved the agenda and corrected minutes. Members received presentations on immunization services, the SHIP tobacco audit, community conversation findings, and a marijuana update. No formal policy decisions were made; the meeting was informational and procedural.

• Approved agenda and June minutes with correction (all members)
• Adjourned at 10:34 a.m.

Planning Commission

The Wright County Planning Commission will hear public petitions on rezoning, conditional use and interim use permits. Items include a rezoning request at 2195 Cameron Ave SE, a mining expansion permit at 7979 State Hwy 25 NE, and several other development proposals. The commission will also act on the July 18 minutes before adjourning.

• Brian Mickelson – rezoning request for 2195 Cameron Ave SE from A/R to R2a with S‑2 overlay
• Joseph Holtha us – interim use permit for mining expansion at 7979 State Hwy 25 NE, 3.7 million cubic yards over 30‑40 years
• Jane Shanks – conditional use permit for a three‑lot unplatted subdivision at 852 90th St NW
• Hans Melgaard – interim use permit for a non‑commercial contractor’s yard (18,200 sq ft building) at 12500 Grover Ave NW
• Paul Saffert – conditional use permit to expand a public sewage treatment plant at 1759 County Road 7 NW

The Wright County Planning Commission recommended approval of three rezoning requests, approved an interim use permit for a mining expansion, approved a conditional use permit for a subdivision, and approved an interim use permit for a contractor's yard. All votes were recorded as carried, with some split votes on the rezoning items. The commission also continued one item to a later meeting.

• Recommended approval of rezoning at 2195 Cameron Ave SE from A/R to R2a (5-2)
• Approved interim use permit for mining expansion at 7979 State Hwy 25 NE (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of rezoning at 1079 County Road 39 NW from AG to A/R (unanimous)
• Approved conditional use permit for 3-lot subdivision at 852 90th St NW (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of rezoning at 2895 Cty Road 4 SW from R2a to R2 (6-1)
• Approved interim use permit for contractor's yard at 12500 Grover Ave NW (unanimous)
• Continued conditional use permit for sewage plant expansion to Aug 29 (unanimous)

Wright County Board

The Wright County Board will approve two American Rescue Plan reimbursements, including $204,000 for a broadband last‑mile project with Meeker Cooperative on County Road 3 and $53,614 for a surface‑transportation project in Cokato Township. It will also change the end date of the Franklin Township surface‑transportation grant to December 31 2024 and adopt a loan agreement for the county’s low‑interest septic loan project. Additional actions include hiring highway staff, scheduling public hearings on the Local Option Sales Tax and property‑tax abatement, and adopting a tax‑abatement agreement for SJB Holdings, LLC.

• Approve ARP reimbursement of $204,000 for 5.19 Last mile broadband project – Meeker Cooperative – County Road 3
• Approve ARP reimbursement of $53,614 for 9.2 Surface Transportation Projects – Cokato Township
• Change grant end date for Franklin Township Surface Transportation Grant (ARP) from 11/1/2024 to 12/31/2024 ($90,854)
• Adopt Minnesota Clean Water Partnership loan agreement for Wright County Low Interest Septic Loan Project
• Adopt resolution authorizing updated Tax Abatement and Business Subsidy Agreement for SJB Holdings, LLC

The board appointed Greg T. Kryzer as interim county administrator and approved a deviation allowing the county attorney's office to obtain authorizations from an assistant administrator to avoid conflicts of interest. It also approved ARP fund reimbursements, scheduled public hearings on the local option sales tax and County Ditch #38 repairs, upheld a $100 tobacco fine, and adopted resolutions for a septic loan program and a tax abatement agreement.

• Appointed Greg T. Kryzer as interim county administrator (4-0)
• Approved deviation for county attorney's office to use assistant administrator authorizations during Kryzer's interim role (4-0)
• Approved $53,614 ARP funds for Cokato Township surface transportation (4-0)
• Approved $204,000 ARP funds for Meeker Cooperative broadband last-mile project (4-0)
• Scheduled Sept. 10 public hearing on local option sales tax for transportation (4-0)
• Adopted order initiating repair proceedings for County Ditch #38 (4-0)
• Upheld $100 fine for tobacco ordinance violation (4-0)
• Approved updated tax abatement agreement for SJB Holdings, LLC with $115,000 maximum (4-0)

Board of Adjustment

The Wright County Board of Adjustment will first act on the minutes from its July 12, 2024 meeting. It will then hold a public hearing on three applications: a variance for Ryan Erickson to build a home on Newcomb Ave SW, a variance for Kathleen Boorse to place an unpermitted storage building on 2320 44th St SE, and a lot‑line adjustment for the Hoover Trust to shift land between two parcels on Jellison Ave SW.

• Ryan Erickson – variance request to construct a home on Newcomb Ave SW, Lot 5, Block 1, Lakewood Addition (Tax #205-015-001050).
• Kathleen Boorse – variance request for an after‑the‑fact storage building on 2320 44th St SE (Tax #215-100-282300).
• Wendy Hoover‑Carpenter – lot‑line adjustment to add land from PID 219-000-093401 to PID 219-000-093400 on Jellison Ave SW (Tax #219-000-093400, 219-000-093401).

The Wright County Board of Adjustment denied two variance requests: one for a home within a bluff (Ryan Erickson) and one for an unpermitted storage building in a side yard setback (Kathleen Boorse). The board also approved a lot line adjustment for Wendy Hoover-Carpentier to resolve a property line issue. All actions were taken as recorded in the minutes.

• Denied Ryan Erickson's variance to construct a home within a bluff (4-1)
• Denied Kathleen Boorse's after-the-fact variance for a storage building 0.5 ft. from side property line (unanimous)
• Approved Wendy Hoover-Carpentier's lot line adjustment adding 0.9 acres between two parcels (unanimous)

Health & Human Services Board and Advisory Committees

The Health & Human Services Advisory Committee is meeting to receive updates from the Mental Health Advisory Council and the Public Health Task Force. The board will also review the 2023 HHS Annual Report.

• Presentation of the 2023 HHS Annual Report
• Housing Task Force update regarding a Letter of Support for Housing Coordination Position
• Mental Health Advisory Council update
• Public Health Task Force update
• Update on MnCHOICE Request/COTW

The committee voted to send a Letter of Support to the HHS Board for a new Housing Coordinator position, contingent on grant funding. They also approved the May 22 minutes and received updates on the Mental Health Advisory Council, Public Health Task Force, and the 2023 HHS Annual Report, including Medicaid renewal statistics and a MnCHOICES assessment backlog.

• Approved May 22, 2024 minutes (motion carried)
• Approved motion to bring Letter of Support for Housing Coordinator to August 6 Board (motion carried)

Wright County Board

The Board of Commissioners will discuss various county contracts, budget amendments, and personnel reclassifications. The meeting includes a public hearing regarding a property tax abatement and business subsidy agreement for SJB Holdings, LLC.

• Public hearing and resolution for SJB Holdings, LLC property tax abatement
• Rezone property in Chatham Twp. from AG-General Agriculture and Part S-2 to AR-Agricultural/Residential and Part S-2
• ARP Act fund reimbursements of $50,869.00 for Victor Township and $4,658.79 for Last Mile Project
• Final payment of $21,256.53 to Knife River Corp for Contract 2208
• Denial of tobacco license application for Otsego Tobacco and Vape Inc. at 9125 Quaday

The Wright County Board approved four aggregate tax projects totaling $76,000, including $40,000 for the City of Otsego observation well. A property tax abatement and business subsidy agreement for SJB Holdings, LLC was tabled for further discussion with the applicant. The board also approved a three-year contract extension with Aramark for jail food services and awarded a federal bridge replacement contract for CSAH 5.

• Approved $76,000 in aggregate tax projects (4-0)
• Tabled tax abatement for SJB Holdings, LLC (4-0)
• Approved 3-year Aramark jail food services contract extension (4-0)
• Awarded CSAH 5 Federal Bridge Replacement Project contract (4-0)
• Approved $305,000 grant application for Stanley Eddy Regional Park trailhead (4-0)
• Approved rehire of Senior TSS and IT Intern (3-1)
• Approved $66,732.90 FLSA reimbursement (4-0)
• Approved final payment of $21,256.53 to Knife River Corp. (4-0)

Planning Commission

The Wright County Planning Commission will hold public hearings on six land-use petitions. The body will consider requests for rezoning, interim use permits, and a conditional use permit for a residential subdivision.

• Conditional Use Permit for a 15-lot residential Planned Unit Development at 11126 Eastwood Avenue SE
• Rezoning request from Agricultural/Residential to Suburban Residential-a at 2195 Cameron Ave SE
• Interim Use Permit amendment for Apple Jack Orchards at 4875 37th Street SE to add a commercial slide, retail, and alcohol sales
• Interim Use Permit for a non-commercial contractor's yard at 10912 Oliver Ave NW
• Interim Use Permit for mining expansion at 7979 State Hwy 25 NE to remove approximately 3.7 million cubic yards of aggregates

The Wright County Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for Eastwood Ridge, a 15-lot planned unit development in Franklin Township, with conditions including restricted agricultural land on Lot 6 and road requirements. The commission also approved an interim use permit expansion for Apple Jack Orchards to add a slide, retail, and alcohol sales, and an interim use permit for a tree service contractor's yard. Three other items were continued to the August 8th meeting for site inspections or further review.

• Approved CUP for 15-lot Eastwood Ridge PUD (4-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved IUP expansion for Apple Jack Orchards: slide, retail, alcohol sales (unanimous)
• Approved IUP for non-commercial contractor's yard for tree service (unanimous)
• Continued Brian Mickelson rezoning to August 8 for site inspection (unanimous)
• Continued Donavon DesMarias rezoning to August 8 for site inspection (unanimous)
• Continued Joseph Holthaus mining IUP to August 8 for site inspection (unanimous)
• Approved June 27, 2024 minutes (unanimous)

Board of Adjustment

The Wright County Board of Adjustment will hold public hearings on various land usage and zoning requests. These items include proposals for building within bluffs, shoreland setbacks, and road setbacks.

• Variance to construct a home within the bluff at xxxx Newcomb Ave SW
• Variance for an unpermitted storage building in the side yard setback at 2320 44th St SE
• Variance for a home and garage addition within the road setback at 3200 Gabler Ave NE
• Variance for a home addition and septic tank within shoreland setbacks at 2577 10th St SW
• Variance to replace a home within road and shoreland setbacks at 10293 Amery Ave NW

The Board approved three requests for home additions and replacements with specific conditions regarding building size and stormwater management. Two other variance requests were continued to the August 2 meeting to ensure a full Board vote.

• Approved home-to-garage connection and shed addition at 3200 Gabler Ave NE, limited to 2,400 sq. ft. total detached area and conditioned on removing an existing shed (Unanimous)
• Approved home addition and septic tank location at 2577 10th St SW (Unanimous)
• Approved 16 ft. x 50 ft. home addition at 5918 26th St NW, with a condition allowing conversion to 4-season use within 3 years (3-1)
• Approved home replacement at 10293 Amery Ave NW, conditioned on a stormwater management plan and a minimum floor elevation of 973.08 ft. (Unanimous)
• Continued variance request for home construction at Newcomb Ave SW to August 2, 2024 (Unanimous)
• Continued variance request for storage building at 2320 44th St SE to August 2, 2024 (Unanimous)
• Approved June 21, 2024 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

Wright County Board

The Wright County Board of Commissioners is meeting to review the County Administrator position to ensure continuity of operations. The board may enter a closed session during this meeting.

• Review of the County Administrator position

The Board met in a special session to ensure continuity of operations. The Board approved a separation agreement between Wright County and Lee R. Kelly.

• Approved separation agreement between Wright County and Lee R. Kelly (5-0)

County Board Workshops

The Wright County Board of Commissioners will hold workshops to discuss several administrative items. Topics include an abatement public hearing, a review of the employee engagement survey, and updates regarding the Department of Corrections Work Release Contract.

• Abatement Public Hearing
• Wright County Economic Development Partnership Appropriation
• Department Of Corrections Work Release Contract update
• Review of Employee Engagement Survey Report
• Commissioner use of county fleet and charge back process

The board agreed to issue a $120,000 appropriation to the Wright County Economic Development Partnership. Other actions included setting front desk staffing requirements and determining how Mayors Association memberships are funded.

• Approved $120,000 appropriation for Wright County Economic Development Partnership (consensus, Kaczmarek opposed)
• Directed Finance & Taxpayer Services to staff front desk daily except for one 30-minute lunch and two 15-minute breaks
• Agreed individual Mayors Association memberships will be determined by elected officials and paid from individual expense budgets
• Recommended reappointment of Dan Mol as Planning Commission At-Large Member and Board of Adjustment 2nd District Member
• Directed Administration to proceed with plans in the Wright County Engagement Survey 2024 report
• Scheduled Abatement Public Hearing for July 23, 2024
• Scheduled HHS MnCHOICES Caseload Update for July 30, 2024

Wright County Board

The Wright County Board will hold a public hearing regarding Tobacco Ordinance Amendment Number 24-03. The board is also reviewing an ARP grant agreement for border-to-border broadband in Clearwater and Township. Additionally, the meeting includes discussions on liquor license renewals and contract renewals with the Minnesota Department of Corrections.

• Public hearing for Tobacco Ordinance Amendment Number 24-03
• ARP Grant Agreement for Border to Border Broadband (Frontier Communications)
• $49,339.00 ARP fund reimbursement for Buffalo Township surface transportation projects
• Renewal of MNDOC Work Release Contract
• Liquor license renewals for Fountain Hill Winery & Vineyard, Olson's Truck Stop, and Trails End Pub

The Wright County Board voted 4-1 to place County Administrator Lee Kelly on paid administrative leave, following a closed session held under Minnesota Statute 13D.05 to review his performance. The board also approved its consent agenda, set a September 12 public hearing on a tobacco ordinance amendment, and adopted two modified resolutions for local bridge replacement agreements. The minutes do not state a reason for the leave or its duration.

• Placed County Administrator Lee Kelly on paid administrative leave (4-1; Diedrick against)
• Approved agenda with revisions, including adding the closed session (4-1; Diedrick against)
• Approved consent agenda with modifications (5-0)
• Authorized signatures on temporary license agreements with Annandale, Buffalo and Howard Lake (5-0)
• Authorized signatures on Minnesota Department of Corrections work release contract renewal; added work release presentation to July 9 workshop (5-0)
• Set tobacco ordinance amendment 24-3 public hearing for 1:00 p.m. Thursday, September 12 (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution HHS 24-07 accepting June 2024 donation (5-0)
• Adopted two modified resolutions for Local Bridge Replacement Program agreements (CSAH 2 and Eastwood Ave.) (5-0)

Planning Commission

The commission will hold public hearings on various land use requests, including new subdivisions and rezoning. Proposals include a 15-lot residential development near Rice Lake and an expansion of Fall Harvest Orchard to include alcohol sales. The meeting also covers mining permit amendments for Interstate 94 projects.

• 15-lot residential Planned Unit Development in Franklin Township
• Expansion of Fall Harvest Orchard to include alcohol sales and a commercial slide
• Rezoning request at 2268 County Road 37 W
• Two-lot unplatted subdivision in Silver Creek Township
• Mining permit amendments for Interstate 94 hauling operations

The Wright County Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for a two-lot subdivision and an interim use permit for an orchard's expansion. The commission also approved interim use permits for night-time hauling related to an I-94 road project at two mining sites. A request for a boat ramp land alteration was approved, while a residential development proposal was tabled for further review.

• Approved conditional use permit for two-lot subdivision (Witschen)
• Recommended approval to rezone property to Agricultural/Residential (Arens)
• Tabled residential PUD subdivision request to July 18 (Haney)
• Approved interim use permit for orchard expansion (Sjomeling) (4-2)
• Approved conditional use permit for boat ramp land alteration (DesMarais) (4-2)
• Approved interim use permit for night-time hauling (Duininck, Inc.)
• Approved interim use permit for night-time hauling (Bursch)

Board of Adjustment

The Board will hold public hearings on several property requests across the county. These include requests for building variances, lot line adjustments, and changes to land usage rules.

• Variance for a deck at 5147 53rd St SW involving shoreland setbacks
• Request to construct a home within the bluff on Newcomb Ave SW
• Variance to allow travel trailers within road setbacks on Pleason Ave NW
• Request to pasture goats up to the water's edge at West Lake Sylvia Island
• Lot line adjustments for properties in Rockford and Silver Creek Townships

The Wright County Board of Adjustment approved meeting minutes, several variances for decks, travel trailers, pasturing goats, lot line adjustments, and a detached building size, while denying variances for a home within a bluff and an unpermitted storage building, and tabling two items for further review.

• Approved May 31, 2024 meeting minutes with updates (4-0)
• Approved variance for a 12 ft. x 24 ft. deck with 26.7% impervious surface coverage for Kayla Jones (4-1)
• Tabled/denied request for a home within a bluff for Ryan Erickson, directing staff to prepare findings for denial (3-2)
• Approved travel trailer within the road setback for Billie Knutson (Unanimous)
• Approved pasturing 14 goats up to the water’s edge for Brett Bullock for 3 to 5 years (Unanimous)
• Tabled/denied request for an unpermitted storage building within the side yard setback for Kathleen Boorse, directing staff to prepare findings for denial (3-2)
• Approved lot line adjustment/land swap between parcels for Tim McGuire (Unanimous)
• Approved variance to allow an existing detached building to exceed size and rear yard setbacks upon rezone/subdivision for Brian Mickelson (3-1, 1 abstained)

Wright County Board

The board will consider rezoning requests for properties in Monticello and Silver Creek townships. The agenda also includes grant applications for county ditch realignments and increasing the allocation for water quality improvement projects.

• Rezoning: Monticello Township property from AG-General Agriculture to AR-Agricultural/Residential
• Rezoning: Silver Creek Township property from AR-Agricultural/Residential to B2-General Business
• Increase Water Quality Improvement allocation from $314,717.55 to $365,893.55
• Grant application for County Ditch #33 Branch #4 Emergency Realignment ($25,000)
• Contract award for Eastwood Avenue Bridge to Kraemer North America, LLC

The Board approved the budget for the Maple Lake Shop and entered into two bridge replacement grant agreements with MnDOT. Other actions included approving several rehiring requests, rezoning two properties, and settling a legal matter in Sporleder v. State of Minnesota.

• Approved Maple Lake Shop base bid, alternate 1, and alternate 2 (5-0)
• Approved two MnDOT Local Bridge Replacement Program grant agreements (5-0)
• Awarded Eastwood Avenue Bridge contract to Kraemer North America, LLC (5-0)
• Approved rezoning for Richard Davis and Vorandesoto properties (5-0)
• Approved settlement agreement in Sporleder v. State of Minnesota, et al. (5-0)
• Approved Sheriff's Contract Rates recommendations (4-1)
• Approved Historical Society appropriation (4-1)
• Approved $51,176 in ditch realignment grants and increased water quality allocation (5-0)

County Board Workshops

The Wright County Board will review an FBI training center agreement and wellness program updates. The workshop also includes discussions regarding requests for building inspector and procurement analyst positions.

• FBI Training Center Agreement
• Building Inspector position request
• Procurement Analyst position request
• Historical Society performance measurement and appropriation
• Pass-Through Grants and administrative fees

The Board issued recommendations to fill a Procurement Analyst position and implement administrative fees for pass-through grants from outside agencies. Members also recommended a cost analysis for the FBI's use of the Law Enforcement Training Center and deferred discussions on wellness programs.

• Recommended providing the second 2024 funding allocation to the Wright County Historical Society
• Recommended staff conduct a cost analysis for FBI utilization of the training facility
• Recommended adding wellness programs to the June 18 closed session
• Recommended posting one over-comp Building Inspector in October 2024, pending a resignation letter
• Recommended posting the Procurement Analyst position with the current job description
• Recommended charging administrative fees for pass-through grants from outside agencies
• Rescheduled June 17 closed session to June 18 and Cannabis Workgroup to June 25
• Scheduled Drainage Committee of the Whole for July 24

Health & Human Services Board and Advisory Committees

The Public Health Task Force met to discuss suicide prevention, child and teen checkups, and the community health survey. The meeting also included the introduction of a new staff member.

• Introduction of new Public Health staff member Tina Prior
• Presentation on Suicide Prevention by Keith Bennett
• Presentation on Child & Teen Checkup (CTC) by Patty Malecek
• Presentation on Community Health Survey by Joel Torkelson

The Wright County Public Health Task Force met on June 10, 2024, and approved its May minutes and agenda by unanimous vote. Members received presentations on suicide prevention, including a $400,000 four-year Community Based Suicide Prevention Coalition Grant from the Minnesota Department of Health, the Child & Teen Checkup program, and plans for an online community health survey. No new business or old business was taken up, and the meeting adjourned at 10:04 a.m.

• Approved May minutes and agenda (all members present voted yes)
• Adjourned at 10:04 a.m. (motion by Jeanne Holland, second by Dave Nelson)

Planning Commission

The Wright County Planning Commission will consider several petitions for land use changes, including rezoning requests and new permits. These items include proposals for a seasonal retail business, an ice structure, and commercial expansions in various townships.

• Proposed ice structure, skating rink, and sledding hill in Franklin Township
• Rezoning from Agricultural/Residential to General Business at 14772 County Road 8 NW
• Petition for a seasonal retail business in an existing barn in Cokato Township
• Request to amend a mining permit for driveway access on 45th St. SE
• Land alteration of approximately 13,415 cubic yards at Hannahs Landing Lot 6

The Commission denied a conditional use permit for land alteration at Hannahs Landing and approved recommendations for rezoning in Monticello and Silver Creek Townships. Several interim use permits for seasonal retail, a used auto dealership, and winter recreation were granted.

• Denied Conditional Use Permit for land alteration at Hannahs Landing (4-3)
• Recommended approval to County Board for rezoning at 8937 County Road 39 NE (Unanimous)
• Recommended approval to County Board for rezoning at 14772 County Road 8 NW (Unanimous)
• Approved 1-year Interim Use Permit for winter attraction at 731 County Road 30 SE (6-1)
• Approved driveway access amendment and building relocation for North Fork Lot 3 (Unanimous)
• Approved two-lot subdivision and platting waiver at 1342 80th St NW (Unanimous)
• Approved IUP for seasonal retail business at 5377 Quimby Ave SW (Unanimous)
• Approved IUP for used auto dealership at 15563 52nd St SW (Unanimous)

Wright County Board

The Wright County Board of Commissioners will consider amendments to the county's zoning code and approve engineering services for County Ditch #19. The agenda includes several grant applications, such as a surface transportation grant for Franklin Township. The board will also review recommendations regarding emergency repairs for County Ditch 33.

• Ordinance 24-4 amending Wright County Zoning Code
• Franklin Township Surface Transportation Grant ($90,854)
• Improvements to County Highway 5 at Brookwood Blvd.
• $47,584 ARP fund reimbursement for Stockholm Township projects
• Engineering services for County Ditch #19

The Wright County Board approved Ordinance 24-4 amending Chapter 155 (Zoning) to update floodplain regulations, along with a resolution publishing summary language. Commissioners also approved several personnel rehires and reclassifications, adopted the 2024 Farm Family of the Year resolution, and moved the July 16 board meeting to July 23. A closed session on pending litigation was tabled to June 18, and the Procurement Analyst backfill and Building Inspector topics were referred to the June 11 workshop.

• Adopted Ordinance 24-4 amending Chapter 155 - Zoning for floodplain modernization (5-0)
• Approved resolution publishing summary language of Ordinance Amendment 24-4 (5-0)
• Approved HHS consent items 1-5, including rehires and advisory appointments (5-0)
• Approved HHS items 6-9 rehiring Eligibility Specialists and Office Technicians (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution HHS 24-06 accepting $1,000 Annandale Lions Club donation for Wellness on Wheels (5-0)
• Approved Sheriff Technical Support Specialist reclassification recommendation for continued HR conversations (4-1, Diedrick against)
• Approved IT Telecom Specialist reclassification to Systems Engineer (5-0)
• Approved Assessor Appraiser position request (5-0)

Board of Adjustment

The Wright County Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on May 31, 2024, to decide on six requests for zoning variances. These requests involve construction projects that exceed standard setback, impervious surface, or shoreland regulations. The board will also approve the minutes from the May 3, 2024 meeting.

• Variance request at 3951 59th St. NW for a storage building exceeding side yard and impervious limits
• Variance request at 3894 59th St. NW to replace a home within the side yard setback
• Variance request on Newcomb Ave. SW to construct a home within the bluff
• Variance request at 5147 53rd St. SW for a deck exceeding shoreland setbacks and impervious limits
• Variance request on Pleason Ave. NW for a travel trailer within the road setback

The Board approved variances for a home replacement in Maple Lake Township and a septic system installation in Monticello Township. Three other variance requests were continued to the June 21st meeting for further review or site inspections.

• Approved variance to replace a home 5.7 ft. from the east side yard property line (Unanimous)
• Approved septic absorption area and tank installation 5 ft. from property lines (Unanimous)
• Dismissed storage building variance request for Bonnie Kilian without prejudice (Unanimous)
• Continued Ryan Erickson bluff construction request to June 21 for site inspection (Unanimous)
• Continued Kayla Jones deck variance request to June 21 to reduce impervious surface (Unanimous)
• Continued Bill Knutson travel trailer variance request to June 21 pending Township response (Unanimous)
• Approved May 3, 2024 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

Health & Human Services Board and Advisory Committees

The Health & Human Services Advisory Committee is meeting to receive updates from various task forces and councils. The session includes presentations on statewide health partnerships and coordinated access.

• Mental Health Advisory Council update
• Public Health Task Force update
• Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) presentation
• Coordinated Access presentation
• Housing Task Force update

The Health & Human Services Advisory Committee met on May 22, 2024, and approved its 2024-03-27 minutes after a quorum was reached. The rest of the meeting was informational: updates and presentations on mental health, public health, housing, and coordinated access. No new policies, funding, or contracts were decided; the next meeting is set to include a 2023 Annual Report presentation.

• Approved 2024-03-27 minutes (motion by Tyler, second by Holland; carried)

Wright County Board

The Wright County Board will consider awarding a federal bridge replacement contract for CSAH 2, approve multiple township surface transportation grants, and adopt resolutions for a watershed plan and snowmobile grant. They will also review minutes and approve routine licenses and appointments.

• Award Contract No. 24-04 for CSAH 2 Federal Bridge Replacement Project (SP 086-602-012)
• Approve Joint Powers Agreement with Sherburne County for safety improvements on various roadways
• Approve grant applications totaling $471,695.67 for township surface transportation projects
• Approve $178,000 for Armer 800 MHz radio equipment upgrades
• Approve renewal of liquor licenses for Cokato Town and Country Club and Up the Creek Bar and Grill

The Board approved multiple surface transportation grants for townships and a bridge replacement contract. It also authorized a low-interest loan application for septic system upgrades and a collaboration agreement for the South Fork Crow River Watershed Management Plan.

• Approved CSAH 2 Federal Bridge Replacement Contract (5-0)
• Approved surface transportation grants for Albion, Maple Lake, Middleville, Monticello, Rockford, Silver Creek, Woodland, and Marysville townships (5-0)
• Approved Joint Powers Collaboration Agreement for South Fork Crow River Watershed Management Plan (5-0)
• Authorized application for septic system low-interest loans from MPCA (5-0)
• Approved $178,000 Armer 800 MHz Radio Equipment Upgrade grant application (5-0)
• Approved variance for Corinna Township project on Hoyt/100th/105th Streets (5-0)
• Authorized grant applications for Wright County Snowmobile Association (4-0)
• Approved liquor license renewals for Cokato Town & Country Club and Up the Creek Grill & Bar (5-0)

Planning Commission

The commission will hold public hearings on several land use petitions, including mining operations and residential rezonings. Members will also review proposed amendments to the county code regarding a new Floodplain Overlay District.

• Ordinance 24-4: Proposed Floodplain Overlay District amendments
• Arbor Creek Holdings LLC: Permit for 13,415 cubic yards of land alteration
• Granite City Aggregate LLC: Interim Use Permit for a temporary hot-mix plant
• Dooley Farm LLC: Interim Use Permit for an ice structure and skating rink
• Rezoning requests for properties in Monticello and Silver Creek Townships

The Commission approved a conditional use permit for a church and cemetery in Woodland Township and an interim use permit for mining in Marysville Township. It also approved a temporary asphalt plant and a two-lot subdivision. Several rezoning and land-use requests were denied or continued for site inspections.

• Approved conditional use permit for church and cemetery (Unanimous)
• Approved interim use permit for mining in Marysville Twp (Unanimous)
• Approved interim use permit for temporary asphalt plant for 2024-2025 seasons (Unanimous)
• Approved conditional use permit for two-lot unplatted subdivision (Unanimous)
• Directed staff to draft findings for denial of Arbor Creek Holdings CUP (4-2)
• Directed counsel to draft findings for denial of rezoning at Estes Ave NW & 128th St NW (4-2)
• Recommended approval of Floodplain Overlay District Ordinance 24-4 (Unanimous)
• Continued hearings for Juston D. Dooley and Richard Davis for site inspections (Unanimous)

County Board Workshops

The Wright County Board workshop includes presentations on school safety and the U Of M Extension. The agenda also covers public safety radio communications and a proposal for contract review processes.

• Review of private property for sale inside the Wright County Fairgrounds
• Presentation on the Wright County Safe Schools Initiative
• Discussion regarding 800mhz public safety communications transport quotes
• Proposal for a contract process improvement program structure
• U Of M Extension presentation

The Wright County Board held a workshop on May 14, 2024, with all five commissioners present. The board reached consensus to bring all staff rehire or backfill positions forward on the consent agenda, except the procurement analyst position, which will be an item of consideration. The board directed staff to launch an external survey with results reported between August and October 2024, and directed staff to work with schools to reduce the frequency of Safe Schools Initiative meetings. The board also reached consensus to continue using old ARMER radio system components and a spare while purchasing and installing a secondary system, and expressed no interest in acquiring property adjacent to the fairgrounds.

• Consensus: all staff rehire/backfill positions on consent agenda, except procurement analyst as item of consideration
• Directed staff to launch external survey; results to board between August and October 2024
• Directed staff to work with schools to reduce Safe Schools Initiative meeting frequency
• Consensus: continue using old ARMER radio components and spare; purchase and install secondary system
• No board interest in acquiring property adjacent to fairgrounds
• Committee of the Whole: Public Health scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Health & Human Services Board and Advisory Committees

The Mental Health Advisory Council will review a recent presentation on unmet needs and discuss future meeting schedules. The council will also hear presentations regarding the CommUNITY Adult Mental Health Initiative and Greater MN Intensive In-home Services.

• Renaming of Homelessness Task Force Committee to Housing Workgroup
• Presentation on CommUNITY Adult Mental Health Initiative (CAMHI)
• Discussion regarding Greater MN Intensive In-home Services
• Review of Unmet Needs presentation to the Board

The Wright County Mental Health Advisory Council approved a new meeting schedule of March, May, September, and November, cancelling the June and July meetings. The council also approved its agenda and the minutes from March. Most of the meeting consisted of presentations and updates on mental health initiatives, with no other formal decisions recorded.

• Approved agenda, including adding discussion of joining the 'Group' (moved by Tammi, seconded by Cathy)
• Approved March MHAC minutes (moved by Tammi, seconded by Breanna)
• Approved new quarterly meeting schedule of March, May, September, November; June and July meetings cancelled (moved by Sandy, seconded by Jeanne)

Health & Human Services Board and Advisory Committees

The Public Health Task Force will hold presentations on several health initiatives. These include SHIP Breastfeeding, Disease Prevention & Control/Refugee Health, and health trends across communities.

• Presentation on SHIP Breastfeeding by Megan Ward
• Discussion of Disease Prevention & Control and Refugee Health
• Ampact presentation
• Review of Health Trends Across Communities Electronic Health Record Database

The Public Health Task Force unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the April minutes. The board reviewed presentations on breastfeeding support programs, communicable disease statistics, and a new statewide health data dashboard. No new policies or funding decisions were made during this session.

• Agenda and April minutes approved (unanimous vote)
• Meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.

Wright County Board

The Wright County Board is reviewing several infrastructure and grant-related items. This includes approving surface transportation grants for Cokato, Southside, Stockholm, and Victor townships. The board will also consider a contract award for a new roundabout at State Hwy 25 and CSAH 83.

• Contract award to New Look Contracting, Inc. for a roundabout at State Hwy 25 and CSAH 83
• Surface transportation grants for Cokato ($53,614), Southside ($49,118), Stockholm ($47,584), and Victor ($50,869) townships
• Approval of ARP funds for the Last Mile Project and Buffalo water distribution
• Resolutions supporting Border to Border Broadband grant applications from Charter and Midco
• Resolution recognizing Law Enforcement Officers Week in Wright County

The Wright County Board awarded a contract to New Look Contracting, Inc. for a roundabout at State Hwy. 25 and CSAH 83. The board also approved resolutions supporting Border-to-Border Broadband grant applications for Charter and Midco, allocating $350,000 in American Rescue Plan funds. Additionally, the board adopted recommendations from previous committee meetings and approved various administrative items, including a Waste Management contract claim that had auto-renewed.

• Awarded Contract No. 2409 for Hwy 25/CSAH 83 roundabout to New Look Contracting (5-0)
• Approved resolutions supporting Charter and Midco Border-to-Border Broadband grants (5-0)
• Approved ARP fund reimbursements totaling $6,587.50 for various projects (5-0)
• Approved final payment of $20,757.40 to New Look Contracting for Contract No. 2207 (5-0)
• Approved transfer of surplus Sheriff's Office radios to public corporations (5-0)
• Approved Human Trafficking Investigators Task Force Joint Powers Agreement (5-0)
• Approved Mental Health Advisory Council 2023-2024 Unmet Needs Report (5-0)
• Approved claim #109638 for Waste Management contract after review (5-0)

Board of Adjustment

The Wright County Board of Adjustment will hold public hearings on May 3, 2024. The board will consider several requests for variances related to building setbacks and lot coverage.

• Variance for a storage building at 13488 77th St NW
• Request to build a new home and deck within side yard and shoreland setbacks at 14187 68th St NW
• Variance for a storage building and lot coverage at 3951-59TH St. NW
• Request to exceed maximum building area for a home extended business at 5377 Quimby Ave SW

The Wright County Board of Adjustment met on May 3, 2024, and took action on four variance requests continued from April 12. The board denied Patrick and Leanne Liebsch's request for a storage building exceeding allowed area and within the road setback, and approved Tom Lundeen's request for a 20 ft. x 40 ft. two-level home with conditions on setbacks and a stormwater management plan. The board also approved Barbara Bolander's request to use 4,246 sq. ft. of existing buildings for a home extended business with conditions, and continued Bonnie Kilian's storage building request to May 31 so the applicant could revise plans.

• Approved minutes of the April 12, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Denied Patrick & Leanne Liebsch variance for storage building exceeding detached building area and within road setback (unanimous)
• Approved Tom Lundeen variance for 20 ft. x 40 ft. two-level home, conditioned on stormwater management plan and setbacks: 65 ft. from lake, no more than 9.6 ft. from north side yard, 10.0 ft. from south side yard (unanimous)
• Continued Bonnie Kilian variance for 16 ft. x 20 ft. storage building to May 31 meeting for revised plans (unanimous)
• Approved Barbara Bolander variance for 4,246 sq. ft. home extended business across three buildings, conditioned on permits/inspections, no public in Quonset hut, and handicap-accessible porta-potty (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Wright County Planning Commission will hold public hearings on five permit petitions rather than vote on final approvals at this meeting. Applicants are requesting changes for lakeside land alteration, a seasonal asphalt plant near an existing mine, shoreline grading and retaining walls, residential building entitlement transfers, and commercial outdoor events. These requests fall under county zoning and shoreland regulations that affect property development, local traffic patterns, and environmental standards in Wright County.

• Arbor Creek Holdings LLC petition for a conditional use permit to alter ~13.4 cubic yards of land at xxxx 78th St NW
• Mark Butler requests an interim use permit to add a seasonal bituminous hot-mix plant to a mining operation in Southside Township
• Jerry Liebhard seeks approval for shoreline grading, retaining walls, and a crushed granite path at 15217 60th St NW
• Jeffrey Meuleners petitions to amend residential cluster permits and transfer building entitlements between Clementa Ave SW and County Rd 112 SW
• Barbara Bolander requests an interim use permit for commercial outdoor crafting and wellness events at 5377 Quimby Ave SW

The Planning Commission voted 4-2 to direct counsel to prepare findings supporting approval of a land alteration and amendment to a 2021 conditional use permit for a home below the bluff on East Lake Sylvia (Arbor Creek Holdings LLC). A motion to deny the same request failed 3-3. The Commission unanimously approved a land alteration CUP for a crushed granite path and retaining walls at 15217 60th St NW, approved transferring a residential building entitlement between two Meuleners trust properties, and approved an interim use permit for seasonal outdoor crafting and wellness events at 5377 Quimby Ave SW. A request for a temporary asphalt/hot-mix plant (Mark Butler / Granite City Aggregate LLC) was continued to May 16 for township review.

• Motion to deny Arbor Creek Holdings LLC land alteration and CUP amendment failed 3-3 (Thompson, Greninger, Felger yes; Mol, Bravinder, Mahlberg no)
• Motion to approve Arbor Creek Holdings LLC land alteration and CUP amendment carried 4-2 (Mol, Bravinder, Greninger, Mahlberg yes; Thompson, Felger no); matter continued to May 16 for findings
• Approved CUP for land alteration (crushed granite path, retaining walls) at 15217 60th St NW, unanimous
• Approved amending two '1-per-40' CUPs and transferring a building entitlement from Section 27 to Section 35 for the Meuleners Living Trust, unanimous
• Approved interim use permit for commercial outdoor recreation events at 5377 Quimby Ave SW, unanimous
• Continued Mark Butler / Granite City Aggregate asphalt/hot-mix plant interim use permit to May 16, unanimous
• Adopted April 4, 2024 minutes as printed, unanimous

Wright County Board

The Board will consider accepting two drainage management grants totaling $715,000 for County Ditch #19 and Joint Ditch #15. The agenda also includes a rezoning request in Franklin Township and action on updates to the county zoning ordinance.

• $215,000 grant for County Ditch #19
• $500,000 grant for Joint Ditch #15
• Rezoning request in Franklin Township from General Agriculture to Agricultural/Residential
• Action on Ordinance 24-2 amending the Wright County Zoning Code
• Tobacco license renewal for Marohns Marketplace Cokato

The Wright County Board voted 3-2 to withhold $120,000 in budgeted funding for the Wright County Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP) until July 2024 for reevaluation. The board approved a rezoning request for Zeb Haney in Franklin Township by a 4-1 vote, despite public comments opposing the change. Additionally, the board accepted $715,000 in state drainage grants and approved a contract with Widseth for the Maple Lake Highway Maintenance Shop.

• Withhold WCEDP funding until July 2024 (3-2)
• Approve rezoning for Zeb Haney in Franklin Township (4-1)
• Accept $215,000 MDM grant for County Ditch #19 (5-0)
• Accept $500,000 MDM grant for Joint Ditch #15 (5-0)
• Approve reestablishment of records for County Ditch #30 (5-0)
• Deny Ordinance Amendment 24-2 regarding contractor yards (5-0)
• Approve contract with Widseth for Maple Lake Highway Maintenance Shop (5-0)
• Recognize May 5-11 as Correctional Officers and Employee Week (5-0)

Board of Adjustment

The Board will consider multiple requests for building variances involving road and shoreland setbacks. The agenda also includes a lot line adjustment and an amendment to conditions for a previous approval at Up The Creek Bar and Grill.

• Variance requests for storage buildings and home additions regarding setbacks and building area
• A lot line adjustment for properties on State Hwy 25 SE in Franklin Township
• A request for a "1 per 40" entitlement division exceeding acreage limits in Silver Creek Township
• An amendment to conditions for a previous approval at Up The Creek Bar and Grill

The Board approved several residential construction variances and a lot line adjustment. It also granted a conditional permit for amplified outdoor music at Up The Creek Bar and Grill through September 2024.

• Approved storage building for Douglas Eiden conditioned on carport removal (Unanimous)
• Denied variance for Patrick Liebsch storage building; continued to May 3 (4-1)
• Continued Tom Lundeen home request to May 3 for plan redesign (Unanimous)
• Approved home and storage building for Kris & Meg Dimercurio (4-1)
• Continued Bonnie Kilian storage building request to May 3 (Unanimous)
• Approved 20x26 ft home addition for Arthur Thompson (Unanimous)
• Dismissed Jacob Robole storage addition request without prejudice (Unanimous)
• Approved 22-acre lot line adjustment for Dennis Epple (Unanimous)

County Board Workshops

The board will review updates regarding the Great River Regional Library and the Ehlers Quarterly Report and Economic Forecast. The session also covers previews for the Recycling Task Force, Building Advisory Group, and Law Enforcement Training Center municipal use.

• Great River Regional Library update
• Ehlers Quarterly Report and Economic Forecast
• Recycling Task Force preview
• Law Enforcement Training Center municipal use update
• Performance Based Bidding-Ditch Work

The board reached consensus on several recommendations to be brought forward for formal approval, including the creation of a Recycling Task Force and a Building Advisory Group. Staff were directed to update ditch work contract templates to include performance-based language.

• Recommended creation of Recycling Task Force with Commissioners Diedrick and Schoen (Consensus)
• Recommended creation of Building Advisory Group with Commissioners Holland and Vetsch (Consensus)
• Recommended bringing Law Enforcement Training Center Municipal Use Agreement for approval (Consensus)
• Directed staff to update RFP and contract documents for ditch work to include responsible bidder, liquidated damage, and performance outcomes (Consensus)
• Consensus to draft support letter for HF3922 and SF3866 regarding ambulance service aid
• Consensus to post Personnel Board of Appeal opening for a three-year term starting July 1, 2024

Health & Human Services Board and Advisory Committees

The Public Health Task Force will review environmental health updates and a legislative update. The meeting also includes a discussion regarding the SOAR organizational assessment for strategic planning.

• Environmental Health presentation by Laura Walter and Marina Eggink
• Legislative update from Sarah Grosshuesch
• Strategic Planning Discussion (SOAR Organizational Assessment) led by Joel Torkelson

The Public Health Task Force approved the agenda and previous meeting minutes. The session consisted primarily of presentations on environmental health programs, legislative updates, and a strategic planning exercise.

• Approved agenda and November minutes (All in favor)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on several land use petitions. These include requests for rezoning agricultural lands and permits for mining and business operations.

• Rezoning of 11126 Eastwood Avenue SE to include a Rural PUD overlay
• Interim Use Permit for used car sales at 3644 US Hwy 12 SE
• Land alteration permit for gravel pit reclamation using an estimated 60,000 yards of clean fill
• Mining and aggregate stockpiling involving approximately 400,000 cubic yards of material
• Interim Use Permit for a contractor's yard at 10505 Baker Ave SW

The Wright County Planning Commission approved a rezoning and rural PUD for Zeb Haney, an interim use permit for a used car sales home extended business for James Dorn, a land reclamation CUP for Fritz Companies, and mining IUPs for Fritz Companies and Kyle & Beth Ashwill. Two other items—a rezoning request by Chip Bauer and a contractor's yard IUP by Jason and Dawn Motzko—were dismissed without prejudice at the applicants' request. An unplatted subdivision CUP amendment for Nate & Jackie Couette was also approved.

• Approved rezoning and Rural PUD overlay for Zeb Haney (6-1)
• Dismissed Chip Bauer rezoning request without prejudice at applicant's request (Unanimous)
• Approved Interim Use Permit for James Dorn home extended business with vehicle limits (4-3)
• Approved unplatted subdivision CUP amendment for Nate & Jackie Couette (Unanimous)
• Dismissed Jason & Dawn Motzko interim use permit request without prejudice at applicant's request (Unanimous)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Fritz Companies clean fill land reclamation (Unanimous)
• Approved Interim Use Permit for Fritz Companies mining and crushing operation (Unanimous)
• Approved Interim Use Permit for Kyle & Beth Ashwill mining and crushing operation with haul routes and conditions (Unanimous)

Wright County Board

The Wright County Board will hold a public hearing regarding amendments to the Large Assembly ordinance. The board is also reviewing grant applications for wetland restoration and transportation, as well as fund reimbursements for stormwater projects.

• Public Hearing: Amendment to Wright County Code of Ordinances, Large Assembly
• Increase Water Quality Improvement Projects allocation from $170,967.55 to $314,717.55
• Grant application for Wetland Restoration near Granite Lake ($143,750)
• Reimbursement of $125,911.42 in ARP funds for Cokato stormwater projects
• Determination that Valley Paving Sand and Gravel Mine does not require an Environmental Impact Statement

The Wright County Board met April 2, 2024 with four of five commissioners present; Commissioner Darek Vetsch was absent. All votes recorded were 4-0. The board adopted ordinance amendment 24-1 amending chapter 91 on large assemblies, including changes tied to the legalization of cannabis in Minnesota, and approved summary language for its publication. It also accepted a determination that the proposed Valley Paving sand and gravel expansion in Monticello Township does not need an Environmental Impact Statement, and approved routine items including consent agenda applications, grant applications, and several proclamations.

• Adopted Large Assembly Ordinance 24-01 (amendment 24-1 to chapter 91) (4-0)
• Adopted resolution approving summary language for publication of ordinance 24-1 (4-0)
• Accepted determination that Valley Paving sand and gravel mine expansion in Monticello Township does not need an Environmental Impact Statement (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda, including charitable gambling applications, ARP fund reimbursement, tobacco license renewals, and warrant acknowledgment (4-0)
• Approved grant applications: WCAG-009 Wetland Restoration Near Granite Lake ($143,750) and TOWN-004 Buffalo Township Surface Transportation Grant ($49,339), and increased Water Quality Improvement Projects allocation from $170,967.55 to $314,717.55 (4-0)
• Approved resolution entering Cooperative Construction Agreement 1055255 with MnDOT for I-94 construction affecting CSAH 19 (4-0)
• Approved HHS consent agenda removing six members from the Opioid Settlement Advisory Council, leaving 16 members (4-0)
• Adopted Resolution HHS 24-03 accepting March 2024 donation from Cokato Community Chest for Wellness on Wheels (4-0)

Health & Human Services Board and Advisory Committees

The Wright County Health & Human Services Advisory Committee will meet to approve January minutes and receive operational updates. Members will discuss proposed adult mental health and protection assessment positions, housing initiatives, quarterly finances, and a contract with Avivo.

• Approve minutes from January 24, 2024 (Action item)
• Mental health and public health task force updates
• Discussion on new social worker positions for adult mental health/re-entry navigation and adult protection assessment
• Housing Task Force report
• Quarterly financial report and contract review with Avivo

The committee approved the meeting agenda and corrected previous minutes regarding a SHIP grant amount. Members decided to invite the HHS Coordinated Access team and the SHIP team to future meetings to discuss service delivery and community outreach.

• Approved meeting agenda
• Corrected Jan 24 minutes to change SHIP grant amount from $224K to $204K
• Decided to invite HHS Coordinated Access team to next meeting
• Reached consensus to invite SHIP team to a future meeting
• Rebranded Homelessness Task force as the Housing Workgroup

Board of Adjustment

The Wright County Board of Adjustment approved five variance requests and continued two items to April 12, 2024. Approved requests included a detached garage in Cokato Township, a lot line adjustment in Maple Lake Township, home additions on Lake Ida, a backlot creation on Locke Lake, and a new home on West Sylvia Lake. A new home on Lake Mary was also approved with a 65-foot setback from the lake. Items for a '1 per 40' entitlement division in Silver Creek Township and a storage building in Marysville Township were continued to allow for renotification and a Township response.

• Approved variance for 26x30 detached garage at 2747 Nevens Ave SW with 8/12 roof pitch, 5 ft. side yard, 15 ft. road centerline, 6 ft. rafter headroom, and safety mirrors (4-1, Vick nay)
• Approved lot line adjustment at 7414 Baker Ave NW with 348 ft. public road frontage (unanimous)
• Approved variance for additions at 608 101st St NW with footprint 65 ft. from ordinary high water and stormwater plan (4-1, Mol nay)
• Approved creation of 0.27-acre backlot at 14664 & 14636 Devitt Ave NW with conditions (unanimous)
• Continued '1 per 40' entitlement division at XXXX Cty Road 8 NW to April 12, 2024 (unanimous)
• Continued storage building variance at 3918 Cty Road 12 S to April 12, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved variance for new home at 6272 Quinn Ave NW with 11 ft. side yard, 65.1 ft. from ordinary high water, septic 6 ft. from home, and stormwater plan (4-1, Neumann nay)
• Approved variance for detached garage and deck at 17628 45th St NW (unanimous)

Wright County Board

The Wright County Board is reviewing a new $656,250 contract with AVIVO for family investment and diversionary work programs. The agenda also includes highway maintenance contracts and adjustments to water quality grants in Monticello.

• New HHS contract with AVIVO up to $656,250
• $45,449 ARP fund reimbursement for Clearwater Township transportation
• Adjustments to Monticello Water Quality Improvement Grants
• Highway contracts for 2024 pavement markings and seal coating
• Appointment of representatives to the Aggregate Tax Committee

The Board approved several infrastructure contracts for pavement markings, seal coating, and preservation. It also authorized the purchase of a property for the reconstruction of CSAH 19 and approved a new human services contract with AVIVO.

• Awarded 2024 pavement markings contract to Sir Lines-A-Lot (5-0)
• Awarded 2024 seal coat contract to Pearson Brothers, Inc. (5-0)
• Awarded 2024 pavement preservation contract to Knife River Corporation (5-0)
• Authorized purchase agreement for PID #108-500-354401 for CSAH 19 reconstruction (5-0)
• Approved $656,250 contract with AVIVO for MFIP and DWP services (5-0)
• Appointed Scott Peterson, Joel Kjome, and Kevin Wilson to Aggregate Tax Committee (5-0)
• Approved $45,449 ARP fund reimbursement for Clearwater Township surface transportation (5-0)
• Adopted Certificate of Possessory Title process resolution (5-0)

Health & Human Services Board and Advisory Committees

The council is reviewing the 2023 Unmet Needs List to prepare a presentation for the Board meeting on May 7, 2024. Members will also hear reports from the Homelessness Task Force Committee and approve previous meeting minutes.

• Review of the 2023 Unmet Needs List
• Homelessness Task Force Committee report
• Approval of November 2023 and January 2024 meeting minutes

The council approved the agenda and minutes from November 2023 and January 2024. Members discussed upcoming mental health trainings, a $400,000 suicide prevention grant, and the development of family resource centers.

• Approved meeting agenda
• Approved November 2023 and January 2024 minutes

County Board Workshops

The Wright County Board of Commissioners meeting on March 12, 2024, consists of departmental and legislative updates. The agenda includes a strategic plan update and an HHS update.

• Strategic plan update
• HHS update
• Legislative and commissioner updates

The board agreed to send a letter opposing HF367/SF610, citing concerns that the bills would increase mandates and worsen child care shortages. The board also decided to delay sending a support letter for Tyler vs. Hennepin County until a file number is assigned.

• Agreed to send letter in opposition of HF367/SF610
• Agreed to delay support letter for Tyler vs. Hennepin County until legislation is assigned a file number
• Scheduled Committee of the Whole Body Camera Update for April 16, 2024

Health & Human Services Board and Advisory Committees

The Public Health Task Force meeting includes presentations on Family Home Visiting and the SHIP Team. The agenda also features a legislative update and introductions for new staff members.

• Introduction of new Public Health staff Laura Walter and Emma Williamson
• Presentation on Family Home Visiting
• Presentation on SHIP Team
• Legislative Update

The board approved the previous meeting's minutes and the current agenda. The remainder of the meeting consisted of presentations on family home visiting services, the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership, and legislative updates.

• Approved February minutes and March agenda (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Wright County Planning Commission will hold public hearings on several land use and rezoning petitions. Proposed items include business permits, land alterations for trails or building pads, and a county code text amendment.

• Rezoning request at 11126 Eastwood Avenue SE to Agriculture/Residential with a Rural PUD overlay
• Interim use permit for an asphalt business contractor's yard at 4849 County Road 37 NE
• Land alteration for an ATV trail and shed pad at 10054 Cty Rd 17 SE
• Text amendment to add non-commercial contractor's yard use to the R-2 zoning district
• Rezoning request for 10840 Aetna Ave NE from General Agriculture to Agricultural/Residential

The Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for Jon Terp to place about 4,400 cubic yards of fill for an ATV trail and shed pad at 10054 Cty Rd 17 SE in Franklin Township, with a condition limiting use to six weekends per year. A motion to add noise and dust conditions failed 2-4. The Commission also continued the Zeb Haney rezoning and rural planned unit development request at 11126 Eastwood Avenue SE to April 4, asking the applicant to review plans and meet with the township. In other actions, the Commission approved an interim use permit for Logan Wolf's non-commercial contractor's yard, approved Susan Louisiana's land alteration for 1,365 cubic yards of fill, approved Adam Painschab's home auto repair shop, approved splitting a commercial unit for Kayla Barthel, and recommended denial of a countywide text amendment to allow contractor's yards in the R-2 district.

• Approved CUP for Jon Terp land alteration (4,400 cu yd) for ATV trail and shed pad, with 6-weekend use limit (4-2)
• Failed motion to add noise/dust/environmental conditions to Terp CUP (2-4)
• Continued Zeb Haney rezoning and PUD at 11126 Eastwood Avenue SE to April 4 for revised plans and township review (unanimous)
• Approved IUP for Logan Wolf non-commercial contractor's yard at 4849 County Road 37 NE with conditions (unanimous)
• Approved land alteration for Susan Louisiana to place 1,365 cu yd of fill at 750 22nd St SW with road repair and erosion conditions (unanimous)
• Approved IUP for Adam Painschab home auto repair shop at 676 Cty Road 8 SW with conditions including max 3 vehicles outside (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to IUP for Kayla Barthel to split middle unit into two suites at 14555 County Road 37 NW (unanimous)
• Recommended denial of ordinance amendment 24-2 to allow non-commercial contractor's yards in R-2 district (4-0, 2 abstentions)

Wright County Board

The Wright County Board will meet to discuss several health and human services items. This includes renewing the Genesys Contact Center software contract and accepting a suicide prevention grant. The board will also consider final payments for construction contracts and gambling applications.

• Renewal of Genesys Contact Center license and support totaling $333,270
• Acceptance of Suicide Prevention Grant for 2024-2027 (up to $400,000)
• Final payments to Knife River Corp for contracts 2204 and 2206 ($77,412.23 total)
• Lawful Gambling Application for Rockford Lions Club at Rockford Township Hall
• Seasonal On-Sale Liquor License for Whisper Pines Golf Course

The Board approved a $333,270 software renewal for Health & Human Services and accepted a suicide prevention grant of up to $400,000. It also authorized final payments to Knife River Corp. for two contracts and approved several new personnel positions.

• Approved Genesys contact center license and support contract for $333,270 (4-1)
• Accepted Suicide Prevention Grant for 2024-2027 up to $400,000 (5-0)
• Authorized final payment to Knife River Corp. for Contract No. 2204 of $14,511.33 (5-0)
• Authorized final payment to Knife River Corp. for Contract No. 2206 of $62,900.90 (5-0)
• Approved Cooperative Construction Agreement No. 1046686 with MnDOT (5-0)
• Approved lawful gambling application for Rockford Lions Club (5-0)
• Reappointed Bradley Gangnon to Public Health Task Force (4-1)
• Approved Personnel Committee recommendations for Ag and Drainage Coordinator, Compost and Recycling Facility Assistant, Adult Protection Services Social Worker, and Reaching Rural Jail Social Worker (4-1)

Board of Adjustment

The Board will review several requests for land use variances and lot line adjustments across various townships. These items include proposals for new property divisions, building additions near shorelands, and septic system installations.

• Variance to alter a property division at 434, 440 & 518 25th St SE
• Variance for a home addition within the shoreland setback at 12413 Estes Ave NW
• Variance for a storage building exceeding height and setback limits at 2747 Nevens Ave SW
• Variance for a septic system absorption area at 17749 & 17767 54th St NW
• Lot line adjustment and variance regarding road frontage at 7414 Baker Ave NW

The Board approved a variance for the Walker Trust to alter a previous entitlement division, a variance for the Loudens to build a 1,026 sq. ft. addition within the shoreland setback, and a variance for the Schmitzes to install septic systems across a shared property line. The Grochow storage building variance and the Schut lot line adjustment were continued to March 22, 2024, to allow time for township responses and further discussion.

• Approved Walker Trust variance to alter previous '1 per 40' entitlement division and create new entitlement division, conditioned on survey, deed restriction, and animal unit limits (unanimous)
• Approved Louden variance to construct 1,026 sq. ft. addition within shoreland setback, conditioned on stormwater management plan at building permit (unanimous)
• Continued Grochow variance for storage building exceeding roof pitch and setback requirements to March 22, 2024, to await formal township response (unanimous)
• Approved Schmitz variance for septic system absorption areas across shared property line, conditioned on recorded septic easement and conversion of storage building (unanimous)
• Continued Schut lot line adjustment and variance for 66 ft. road frontage to March 22, 2024, to allow applicant to discuss 300 ft. road frontage requirement (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of February 2, 2024, meeting as printed (unanimous)

Wright County Board

The board will review a rezoning request for property in Silver Creek Township and consider multiple grant applications for parks and recreation. Members will also discuss a potential tax proposal regarding utility and railroad properties.

• Rezoning request for Jane Shanks in Silver Creek Township from agriculture to suburban residential.
• Reimbursement of $11,315.33 in ARP funds for Woodland Township surface transportation projects.
• Grant applications for Montissippi County Park improvements and Crow River Regional Trail construction.
• Renewal of a five-year OnBase contract for Information Technology.
• Charitable gambling applications for St. Mary of Czestochowa, Masonic Lodge, and DC Trapshooting Booster Club.

The Board approved several grant applications for parks, water quality, and weed management, including a $350,000 request for Montissippi County Park. The Board also voted to terminate a contract with Green Interiors for the care of interior planters. Additionally, the Board authorized a letter to the Department of Revenue regarding proposed tax changes for utilities and railroads.

• Ended contract with Green Interiors for interior planter care (5-0)
• Approved $350,000 grant application for Montissippi County Park improvements (5-0)
• Approved AT Grant application for Crow River Regional Trail Segment B (5-0)
• Approved grant applications for Conservation Partner Legacy, Water Quality and Storage, Cooperative Weed Management, and Multipurpose Drainage Management (all 5-0)
• Approved rezoning of Jane Shanks property in Silver Creek Twp. from GA to R2a (5-0)
• Authorized letter to Department of Revenue regarding Gross Operating Revenues Tax proposal (5-0)
• Approved issuing one-third of 2024 budgeted appropriation to Wright County Historical Society (4-1)
• Approved 5-year OnBase contract renewal (5-0)

County Board Workshops

The Board of Wright County Commissioners is reviewing several administrative items including the 2025 budget schedule and employee engagement survey results. Discussions also include historical society performance measurements and updates on a coffee cart kiosk RFP.

• 2025 Budget Schedule and Process proposal
• Historical Society Performance Measurement presentation
• Lobby Coffee Cart Kiosk RFP update
• Employee Engagement Survey review
• Redetermination of benefits staff review

The Wright County Board delayed approval of the Sheriff’s Office conference room plans until March 5 and agreed to oppose the North STAR Act via a letter to legislators. They decided not to spend funds on new state flags or seals, issued one-third of the 2024 budget to the Historical Society, and continued hiring for a front desk technician position.

• Delayed approval of Sheriff conference room COTW minutes until March 5
• Agreed to send letter to legislators opposing North STAR Act
• Decided not to spend funds on new state flags or seals
• Approved one-third of 2024 appropriation to Historical Society
• Agreed to hire Office Technician II for Government Center front desk
• Sent proposed drainage statute amendment to state work group
• Formed workgroup to review coffee cart RFP bids
• Approved employee engagement survey using existing software

Planning Commission

The Wright County Planning Commission will review several continued public hearing items regarding land usage. These include requests for interim use permits, rezoning of agricultural lands, and a conditional use permit for land alteration.

• Interim Use Permit for sand and gravel mining at State Hwy. 25 N & 50th Street NE (MBE, INC.)
• Rezoning from General Agriculture to Agricultural/Residential at Oliver Ave SW (Perry Siltala)
• Rezoning from General Agriculture to Suburban Residential at 852 90th St NW (Jane Shanks)
• Rezoning and Rural Planned Unit Development establishment at 11126 Eastwood Avenue SE (Estate Development Corporation)
• Conditional Use Permit for land alteration of approximately 4,400 cubic yards at 10054 Cty Rd 17 SE (Jon Terp)

The Commission denied an interim use permit for a sand and gravel mining operation. It recommended approval for one residential rezoning request and dismissed another after the applicant withdrew. A conditional use permit for an ATV track was directed for approval pending specific conditions.

• Denied Interim Use Permit for MBE Inc. sand and gravel mining (5-1)
• Dismissed rezoning request for Perry Siltala following applicant withdrawal (Unanimous)
• Recommended approval of rezoning from AG to R2a for Jane Shanks (Unanimous)
• Continued Estate Development Corporation rezoning request to March 7 (Unanimous)
• Directed staff to prepare approval findings for Jon Terp ATV trail CUP with family-use restrictions (4-2)

Wright County Board

The Board is reviewing several agenda items including American Rescue Plan fund reimbursements, tobacco license renewals, and grant applications. Discussion topics include legal agreements for forensic laboratories, highway spring load restrictions, and health and human services updates.

• Reimbursement of $5,500.00 in ARP funds for Senior Community education assistance
• Reimbursement of $5,754.84 in ARP funds for the Last Mile Project
• Reimbursement of $1,160.00 in ARP funds for City of Buffalo drinking water
• Reimbursement of $7,793.75 in ARP funds for Baker Tilly consultant support
• Woodland Township Surface Transportation Grant application for $11,315.33

The Board approved a new Joint Powers Agreement for the Midwest Regional Forensic Laboratory and established spring load restrictions for the county highway system. Other actions included approving various ARP fund reimbursements and a support resolution for Otsego's Active Transportation grant.

• Approved new Joint Powers Agreement for Midwest Regional Forensic Laboratory (5-0)
• Approved spring load restrictions on Wright County Highway System (5-0)
• Approved $49,302.32 final payment to Knife River Corp for Contract No. 23-01 (5-0)
• Approved resolution of support for City of Otsego's Active Transportation Grant (5-0)
• Approved MFIP and DWP RFP recommendation to move forward with Avivo (5-0)
• Approved resolution establishing Absentee Ballot Boards (5-0)
• Approved $11,315.33 Woodland Township Surface Transportation Grant (4-1)
• Approved sending letter of concern to Public Utilities Commission regarding proposed power lines (5-0)

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment will meet on February 2, 2024, to review several property variance applications. These requests involve building within setbacks, constructing homes in bluffs or shorelands, and land division entitlements.

• Variance for single-family dwelling construction within a bluff at 6416 Quinn Ave NW
• Variance for a home addition within side yard setbacks at 7327 Quinn Ave NW
• Variance to remove an existing home and build a new one within a shoreland building setback at 12617 Estes Ave NW
• Variance to exceed the impervious surface maximum at 10753 Grover Ave SW
• Variance for a home extended business near a neighboring residence at 676 Cty Road 8 SW

The Wright County Board of Adjustment approved four variance requests and continued one. It approved a new home within a bluff on Lake Sylvia, an addition within side yard setbacks on Maple Lake, a new home 80 ft. from the shore on Limestone Lake, and a 120 sq. ft. patio exceeding impervious surface limits on Lake Mary. A request to create a 4.8-acre entitlement division with less than required road frontage was continued to March 1, 2024.

• Approved variance to construct a new home within a bluff at 6416 Quinn Ave NW (4-1, Neumann nay), conditioned on stormwater management plan
• Approved variance for an addition within side yard setbacks at 7327 Quinn Ave NW (unanimous), conditioned on removal of unpermitted shed by 9/1/2024 and as-built survey
• Approved variance to construct a new home 80 ft. from ordinary high-water line at 12617 Estes Ave NW (4-1, Neumann nay)
• Approved variance for a 10 ft. x 12 ft. patio exceeding impervious surface limits at 10753 Grover Ave SW (unanimous), conditioned on replanting removed concrete and as-built survey by 8/1/2024
• Approved variance for an addition within side yard setback at 2981 62nd St NW (unanimous)
• Approved variance for a home extended business (auto repair) 405 ft. from neighboring residence at 676 Cty Road 8 SW (4-1, Mol nay)
• Continued request for a 4.8-acre entitlement division with less than required road frontage at 5128 25th St SE to March 1, 2024 (unanimous)

Health & Human Services Board and Advisory Committees

The HHS Advisory Committee will review mental health and Public Health Task Force updates. The committee will also consider approving previous meeting minutes and rescheduling two upcoming 2024 meetings.

• Approval of July 26, 2023, and November 15, 2023, minutes
• Proposal to reschedule July and September 2024 meetings
• Mental Health Update
• Public Health Task Force Update
• 2024 Budget Update

The Wright County Health & Human Services Advisory Committee approved its July 2023 and November 2023 minutes, then voted to move its July 24, 2024 meeting to Tuesday, July 30, 2024, 2:30–4:00 p.m., and its September 25, 2024 meeting to Monday, September 30, 2024. Members received updates on mental health, public health, homelessness, and the 2024 budget, but the minutes record no other substantive decisions. The meeting adjourned at 3:22 p.m.

• Approved July 26, 2023 and November 15, 2023 minutes (motion passed)
• Rescheduled July 24, 2024 meeting to Tuesday, July 30, 2024, 2:30–4:00 p.m. (motion passed)
• Rescheduled September 25, 2024 meeting to Monday, September 30, 2024 (motion passed)
• Adjourned at 3:22 p.m. (Tyler moved, Harju second)

Wright County Board

The Wright County Board will discuss and approve the use of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds for multiple projects, including stormwater management and drinking water improvements.

• Motion to Approve Use of $60,750 in ARP Funds for Stormwater Management
• Renewal of Tobacco Licenses for Dollar General #22351 and Family Dollar #33326
• Grant Application Approval: Clearwater Township Surface Transportation Grant ($45,449)
• Adoption of Wright County Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Plan (2024-2028)

The Board approved a five-year plan to prevent and manage aquatic invasive species and authorized several infrastructure support resolutions for the City of Monticello. The Board also decided to split Economic Development Partnership funding into thirds for periodic review and approval.

• Approved 2024-2028 Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention and Management Plan (5-0)
• Approved split of Economic Development Partnership allocation into thirds for review in April, August, and November (4-1)
• Approved continuing current SCORE fund program through 2024 and conducting a feasibility study for a 2025 program (4-1)
• Approved resolution of support for City of Monticello Active Transportation grant (5-0)
• Approved resolution of support for City of Monticello Safe Routes to School Sidewalk Gap project (5-0)
• Approved MnDOT Detour Agreement No. 1055397 for Highway 12 safety improvements (5-0)
• Approved $60,750 in ARP funds for Clean Water: Stormwater (5-0)
• Approved appointment of Commissioner Vetsch to the Cannabis Moratorium Committee replacing Commissioner Kaczmarek (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Wright County Planning Commission will discuss and vote on several rezoning requests, conditional use permits, and interim use permits related to land development and business operations.

• Estate Development Corporation's petition to rezone a property at 11126 Eastwood Avenue SE
• Jon Terp's request for a Conditional Use Permit for an ATV trail on County Road 17 SE
• Daniel Gailfus' Interim Use Permit application for a semi-trailer rental operation on County Road 27 NW
• Jane Shanks' rezoning petition from General Agriculture to Suburban Residential on 90th Street NW
• Perry Siltala's rezoning request from General Agriculture to Agricultural/Residential on Oliver Avenue SW

The Commission voted to prepare findings for the denial of a sand and gravel mining permit for MBE, Inc. due to safety and planning concerns. Several interim use permits for home businesses and a landfill borrow pit were approved, while other rezoning requests were continued.

• Denied interim use permit for MBE, Inc. sand and gravel mining (4-1)
• Approved interim use permit for semi-trailer rental operation (unanimous)
• Approved interim use permit for firearms assembly home occupation (unanimous)
• Approved interim use permit for CNC machining home business (unanimous)
• Approved interim use permit for Rolling Hills Landfill borrow pit (unanimous)
• Approved conditional use permit for two-lot unplatted subdivision (unanimous)
• Tabled rezoning for Estate Development Corp to February 8th (unanimous)
• Tabled rezoning for Jane Shanks to February 8th (unanimous)

County Board Workshops

The Wright County Board of Commissioners is holding a workshop to discuss several administrative procedures. Topics include the appointment process for advisory boards, expense reimbursement policies, and updates to the agenda-adding process.

• SCORE Fund Distribution program changes for cities and townships
• Review of Commissioner reception area furniture and access proposals
• Discussion on mid-year personnel reclassification request processes
• Proposal for a solar charging station for employees, public, and fleet
• Review of the appointment process to advisory boards and committees

The board recommended continuing the SCORE recycling payment program as is through 2024 while conducting a feasibility study for a new 2025 program. Other actions included approving a commissioner expense reimbursement process and updating the handbook for agenda items.

• Recommended continuing SCORE recycling payments through 2024 and conducting a feasibility study for a 2025 program
• Consensus to split Economic Development Partnership allocation into thirds for review in April, August, and November
• Recommended revising commissioner furniture proposal to a budget under $3,000
• Recommended creating a centralized advisory board location on the county website with sign-up alerts
• Approved the Commissioner Expense Reimbursement Process
• Recommended adding language to the Commissioners Handbook regarding board agenda items
• Denied interest in pursuing public or employee electric vehicle charging stations
• Recommended drafting and publishing an RFP for a lobby coffee cart

Health & Human Services Board and Advisory Committees

The Mental Health Advisory Council will review previous meeting minutes and receive reports from the Homelessness Task Force Committee. The council also plans to hold a discussion regarding unmet needs and possible solutions.

• Homelessness Task Force Committee sub-committee report
• Discussion on unmet needs and possible solutions

The council was unable to take official action or approve the agenda and previous minutes because a quorum was not met. Members and staff shared updates on the Point in Time count, Blue Plus operating systems, and the status of the co-responder program.

Health & Human Services Board and Advisory Committees

The Public Health Task Force will meet to review several presentations and updates. Discussion items include reports on the SHIP Team, student-related topics, the Dental Center, injury prevention, and radon.

• Presentation on SHIP Team by Keith Bennett
• Presentation regarding Students by Kelsey Collier
• Presentation on Dental Center by Megan Coleman
• Injury Prevention Update by Kai Sin
• Radon presentation by Sarah Grosshuesch

The Public Health Task Force met to review 2023 SHIP project outcomes and receive updates on dental care access, nursing student projects, and injury prevention. No substantive policy changes or funding allocations were decided during the meeting.

• Approved November minutes (unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda with one presenter change (unanimous)

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment will meet to elect 2024 officers and review several property variance requests. These items include requests for land divisions, home additions, and new construction within setback areas.

• Variance for Joan Kotila to create a division exceeding 10 acres at County Road 30 W
• Variance for Dean Frieler to construct a home addition and septic pressure bed at 12439 Guildner Ave NW
• Variance for Lynn C. Berning to build a new home within shoreland building setback at 12617 Estes Ave NW
• Variance for Anne Anderson regarding two after-the-fact buildings at 3551 Edmonson Ave SE
• Variance for Kyle Ashwill to create a division exceeding 10 acres and 2.5 acres of prime farmland

The Board approved variances for a home addition in Clearwater Township, after-the-fact buildings in Rockford Township, and a home addition in Southside Township. A request for a 21.6-acre entitlement division in Cokato Township was approved, while other requests were denied, withdrawn, or continued.

• Approved Notice and Order of Denial for Joan Kotila variance (Unanimous)
• Approved home addition and septic pressure bed variance for Dean Frieler (Unanimous)
• Continued Lynn C. Berning variance request to February 2, 2024 (Unanimous)
• Approved after-the-fact 3-season room and covered patio for Anne Anderson, conditioned on permits within 30 days (Unanimous)
• Approved home additions and deck for Leigh Nelson, conditioned on no 4-season conversion and 63.5 ft lake setback (Unanimous)
• Continued Belinda Bergren variance request to February 2, 2024 (Unanimous)
• Approved 21.6-acre entitlement division for Kyle Ashwill, conditioned on zero animal units (3-2)
• Dismissed Joseph Holthaus variance request without prejudice following applicant withdrawal (Unanimous)

Wright County Board

The Wright County Board of Commissioners met to reorganize for 2024, including appointing committee members and establishing meeting schedules. The agenda includes several requests to use American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds for broadband, water infrastructure, and sheriff's office equipment.

• Approval of $106,700 and $65,000 for Border to Border Broadband projects
• Allocation of $70,164 in ARP funds for City of Waverly drinking water transmission
• Allocation of $42,738.75 in ARP funds for Indian Lake improvement
• Approval of $34,625.10 in ARP funds for Sheriff's Office radios
• Increase of $4,560.84 to the Sheriff's Office Radio Compliance Project grant

The Wright County Board elected Darek Vetsch as Chair and Nadine Schoen as Vice-Chair for 2024. The board approved a Joint Powers Agreement for sheriff's deputies to work security at US Bank Stadium, rejecting a motion to decline the agreement. Several financial reimbursements, committee appointments, and personnel recommendations were also approved, while some items were tabled for further review.

• Elected Darek Vetsch as 2024 Board Chair (5-0)
• Elected Nadine Schoen as 2024 Board Vice-Chair (5-0)
• Approved signature of JPA with US Bank Stadium (4-1)
• Motion to decline US Bank Stadium JPA failed (2-3)
• Approved ARP fund reimbursements for water projects and sheriff radios
• Approved $106,700 and $65,000 broadband grant agreements
• Tabled approval of HHS policies and procedures
• Tabled US Bank Stadium contract discussion for workshop (initial motion failed)