The Houston County Commission held a public hearing before the regularly scheduled commission meeting on June 13, to hear comments from Houston County community members regarding the updated comprehensive land use plan.
Evan Monson from DKA gave an overview of the plan and was available to answer questions and listen to comments from community members, along with two of his colleagues who attended the meeting via Zoom. Monson explained a comp plan, “This is a blueprint that guides future decision-making moving forward. Comprehensive plans have a shelf life of 10-20 years. It is used for decision-making regarding land use, transportation, parks and recreation, structures, and what have you. A lot of the details in the plan are more guiding principles.” He added that ordinances are the “nuts and bolts.”
Two community members commented on the density of one house per 40 acres, with Monson noting that there were no changes to the density.
All five commissioners were in attendance: Chairman Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Robert (Bob) Burns, Bob Schuldt and Greg Myhre.
Chairman Severson called the regularly scheduled meeting to order at 9 a.m. and led his colleagues and the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. The board approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the June 6 regularly scheduled commission meeting.
Commissioners returned to the regular meeting at 9:17 a.m.
The consent agenda was approved with one unanimous motion after moving consent items 2, 3, and 4 to action items. Environmental Services director Martin Herrick’s employment status was changed from probationary to regular, effective the following day.
Commissioners approved an $80,000 loan request from Bullfrog Properties. The EDA revolving loan funds will be used to renovate a downtown Spring Grove building across the street from Viking Park and the distillery. The building will become the home to Fat Pat’s Barbecue and Brewery, which outgrew its space at Red’s. The interest rate is 3.5% for 10 years. According to the application, the project is estimated at over $1M, with the owners injecting $425,000 of their own equity into the project. They will employ eight people when they first open, and when fully operational, they expect to employ an estimated 20 people. It is the biggest project for which EDA has recommended funding. Johnson stated that they submitted a “great plan.” Commissioner Myhre added, “They grew out of their space.” Allison Wagner, Houston County EDA director, added that Spring Grove is also doing a revolving loan and that Fat Pat’s also received $10,000 for winning the city’s restaurant challenge. A second business will be offering breakfast in the restaurant.
In other business, the board:
•Extended the contract between Houston and Winona counties to operate a household hazardous waste management program.
•Approved a contract with Family & Children’s Center (FCC) for supervised visitation and parenting education services.
•Approved creating a lead child support officer position and a lead eligibility work position. It was noted that these are not new positions. The department will conduct an internal search for both positions.
•Adjourned the meeting at 10:08 a.m.
The next regularly scheduled Houston County Commission meeting is Tuesday, June 27, at 9 a.m. in the County Commission Board Room 222, located on the second floor in the historic county courthouse, Caledonia, or via the county conference call line (312) 626-6700 enter ID: 994-7297-7175 and password 368422. Public attendees are requested to mute their line until addressed.
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