At the February 4 meeting of the county board, the resignation of Kathryn Frette, county assessor, was accepted, effective February 27, after six months of service.
The county will advertise for a replacement assessor.
Highway
County Engineer Ron Gregg asked the board to consider the purchase of a rock grapple attachment for a skid loader. Two quotes were considered; the low quote from Dustin Smith Manufacturing, LLC for a 78-inch rock grapple was approved at cost of $3,937.
Gregg presented a draft resolution for recommended parking restrictions. This was discussed at the last board meeting. With the planned narrowing of the roadway (CSAH 8 or Tracy Rd.) within the city limits of Spring Valley due to the installation of sidewalks on both sides of the roadway, the issue of safe movement of large agricultural equipment has been raised. Gregg had researched the issue with two nearby counties.
Chairman Marc Prestby said this would be a recommendation to the city, they would have to put it into place. The recommendation is to only allow parking on one side of some roadways. Gregg noted a driving lane is 11 feet wide and a parking lane is seven feet wide. Commissioner Duane Bakke said they will need to put an ordinance into place; there already are places in cities that have restricted parking on county roads. This issue will be discussed at the next Highway Committee meeting.
Other Business in Brief
• Wanda Berg, Social Services manager, requested approval of an additional $14,099 in donations to the Veterans in Need (VIN) fund. This assistance is used to help ensure financial stability to prevent or decrease suicidal ideations. This is for veterans without another pay source. The request was approved as presented.
• Sheriff John DeGeorge requested approval for the purchase of two 2025 Durango Pursuit AWD squad vehicles. The state bid price for each vehicle is $39,745. Funding is in the sheriff’s 2025 budget. The purchase of the two squad vehicles was approved.
• Approval was granted to pay $4,244.02 for the Northland & Companies Verint logger contract for 2025 (12 months). The Verint logger will be moved to the new server room in the new facility by Northland & Companies at a cost of $2,250.
• Paybook numbers 21, 22, and 23 were approved for the Jail project. The total of the three paybooks for December and January work is $180,427.56.
Public Hearing
A public hearing was held on the updated Hemp and Cannabis Ordinance which will regulate the sale of approved products, medical cannabinoid products, and hemp-derived topical products within the county. The ordinance is very detailed and includes 74 definitions. It has sections on licensing and registration, fees, eligibility, prohibited acts, storage requirements, compliance checks, and violations and penalties.
• Luis Hummel, 5th Sun Gardens in Lanesboro, had a couple of questions. He said the state allows an individual to gift up to two ounces to individuals over 21. His question was if he could gift as an individual, not as a business. There was discussion if he could gift up to two ounces, if he has a license to sell. Hummel insisted his license should not exclude him from gifting two ounces.
County Attorney Brett Corson said this depends on the facts. Hummel will have to track where any product that comes from his store goes. Hummel asked if smoking is allowed on his back patio, behind his business. Brenda Pohlman said that depends on how the patio is built and where it is located.
Hummel asked about when the ordinance will be effective. The board will likely consider this draft of the ordinance at its February 11 meeting.
Corson noted that this ordinance is going to be a working ordinance and will fit about 95% of the time. There may be a few hiccups allow the way.
No one else from the public commented on the updated ordinance.
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