The Houston County Board of Commissioners restored the mine density ordinance to its original wording at the board’s April 21 meeting.
According to the agenda, the board was tasked with approving or denying a text amendment to the zoning ordinance on mine density standards for Burns & Hansen, P.A., on behalf of Cory and Jackie Baker, Scott Hatleli and Cindy Cresswell-Hatleli, and Rosemary Iversen.
Commissioners heard from approximately 10 Houston County residents who passionately asked the board to restore the ordinance to its form prior to the March 2025 changes. It was also reiterated that some residents felt the county did not follow the proper procedures in notifying the public of the changes, and that the amendment was made in response to a single corporation. Houston County Environmental Services Director Amelia Meiners confirmed that the county followed proper procedures last March.
Applicant Cindy Crosswell-Hatleli stressed, “We elect commissioners to make tough decisions with the expectation that they are looking out for the well-being of the residents of the county. You are the deciders, that we rely on to protect our health, our livelihood, our safety, our environment, and our way of life. If you fail us, where do we turn to seek protection?
“My 12-year-old daughter rides horses, and she doesn’t think her horse is gonna like the noise of another sand mine,” said Jackie Baker. “We believe that appropriate spacing between sand mines is the right path forward. Restoring the half-mile density standards helps achieve a reasonable and responsible balance between protecting the environment, the residents, and the families, while still allowing access to mineral resources. This amendment is about thoughtful planning, long-term land stewardship in the county, and ensuring that development happens in a way that respects both the people and the land.”
After the board voted with Commissioner Cindy Wright making the motion and Commissioner Eric Johnson casting the sole “no” vote, resulting in a 4-1 decision, the audience broke out in a loud round of applause, and expressions of gratitude were heard throughout the room.
Commissioners in attendance included Cindy Wright, Eric Johnson, Kurt Zehnder, Bob Schuldt, and Chairman Myhre.
The agenda, with one change, was unanimously approved. The minutes from the April 7 regular board meeting and the April 14 workgroup session were also unanimously approved.
There was one appointment. Melissa Wagner, Lanesboro Area Fisheries Supervisor, and Dean Paron, DNR Stream Habitat Supervisor, from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, presented information on the Houston County trout stream designations. Commissioners stressed the importance of communication with the landowners. Landowners are encouraged to contact Wagner.
The revised consent agenda included the following: Social Services Supervisor Bethany Moen’s title was changed to Social Services Director due to restructuring; Karen Kohlmeyer’s title was changed from Financial Assistance Supervisor to Financial Assistance Director due to restructuring, initiation of a competitive search for two full-time Child Support Officers; and a search for a 67-day Social Worker. Pulled from the consent agenda was the transfer of Melissa Jordan from Child Support Officer to Appraiser Trainee. Payment of bills was approved.
In other business, the board:
- Approved a tax abatement for Bullfrog Properties LLC, Spring Grove (parcel 26.0151.000) in the amount of $7,210 due to a computer system error.
- Accepted the 2025 County Feedlot Officer (CFO) Annual and Financial Reports.
- Awarded BKC Construction in the amount of $2,347,102.33 for the urban paving on CSAH 13 in the city of Houston.
- Approved three flooring quotes by Hiller Commercial Floors for the following areas: north stairwell of the courthouse, for $21,903.81; lobby at the Public Health building, for $8,000.00; and the east stairwell of the courthouse, for $18,201.68.
- Approved the updated ADA Transition Plan. The current plan is over 7 years old, and it is recommended that it be updated every 3-5 years.
- Tabled the updated Procurement Policy for Federal Grants.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:47 a.m.
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