Proposed Land Purchase
The County Engineer informed the Board that as part of the TH 14 relocation there is a land remnant that MnDOT will be selling back to the original property owner. Before it is sold to the original owner, the county has the opportunity to purchase some it for the county. The parcel of interest is the now cleared connection between old and new TH 14 just south of the Hodgman Shop. The portion the Highway Department is interested in is the south 3 to 4 acres of the old right of way. Included in the Board packet was an overhead picture of the desired parcel. Over the last several years the Highway Department has struggled to locate places for operations such as material stockpiling and brush burning. This is a somewhat centrally located piece of ground with good access to state and county roads. In discussions with MnDOT they indicated that the county would be able to purchase the land for the same price as the original property owner, approximately $10,000 per acre. The funds to purchase the land would come from unbudgeted additional funds the Highway Department has worked out of the TH 14 turnback. Maintenance Superintendent Andrew Heser was available to comment on the request. Motion by Toquam seconded by Tjosaas to approve and authorize the Highway Department to pursue purchasing 4 acres from the TH 14 relocation project from MnDOT at a cost of approximately $10,000 per acre to be used for Highway Department material stockpiling and brush burning as discussed. Motion Adopted [Unanimous]
Guy Kohlnhofer, County Engineer & Lauren Cornelius, Environmental Services Director Progress of New Park and Associated Activities Mr. Kohlnhofer reported that as the new park neighboring the Transfer Station nears completion a date for opening to the public is coming into view. At this time, it is expected the park will be ready for opening early this fall. With that comes the idea that the county’s new park may need a name, hopefully it will have significance to the area and community. The following is a list of names tossed around by the Parks Department as well as the Environmental Services Department who had the lion’s share of effort in making this park happen. Restoration Park, Sunset Park, Horizon View Park, Skyline Park, Whitetail Meadow Park, Westwood Meadow Park and Conservation Park There has also been consideration that the county could open up the naming of the park to the community for ideas. This would be done on Facebook and at the county fair. An alternative is to leave it un-named until the park is more fully developed and in use by the public. Included in the Board packet were sample signs Mr. Kohlnhofer and Ms. Cornelius are working on for the entrance to the park. The Environmental Services Director distributed additional sign examples they have been working on. Mr. Kohlnhofer and Ms. Cornelius were looking for guidance and input from the Board as to what their wishes were regarding the naming of the new park. Motion by Tjosaas seconded by Kenworthy to approve and authorize Ms. Cornelius and Mr. Kohlnhofer to move forward with naming the new park the Restoration Park and supported using the sign design with the park logo and Dodge County logo. Motion Adopted [Unanimous]
Elmquist reported the City of Kasson is applying for competitive funding to construct trails to fill some gaps in their overall system. Included in the Board packet was a map for the affected project areas. As part of the application, the City of Kasson is requesting letters of support. They would like to include a letter from Dodge County to improve the application. Included in the Board packet was a proposed letter of support for the Board’s review. The deadline for the competitive funding is April 1, 2024. Motion by Tjosaas seconded by Toquam to approve and authorize the Chair to sign a letter of support for the City of Kasson to apply for competitive funding to construct trails to fill some gaps in their overall trail system. Motion Adopted [Unanimous]
Ms. Grondin presented for the Board’s consideration the March 6, 2024 Planning Commission recommendations. The Zoning Administrator informed the Board that the first public hearing applicant withdrew their application the day before the public hearing so that item will not be presented. IUP #24-01 Nuss Ms. Grondin reviewed with the Board IUP #24-01 - Nuss. Motion by Toquam seconded by Kenworthy to approve of the following action of the Planning and Zoning Commission as reviewed on March 6, 2024 with the reasons, recommendations and conditions as found in the individual permit: IUP #24-01 Nuss The second public hearing is to consider an application for Interim Use Permit #24-01 to allow for an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in the Ag. District on approximately 11-acres, section 16 in Ripley Township. The applicant and property owner is Shawnna Nuss. RECOMMENDATIONS The Environmental Services Staff recommends approval of the Interim Use Permit (I.U.P.) as the request meets the ordinance requirements and criteria. The following conditions are recommended: 1. An Ag Covenant shall be signed and recorded prior to any construction activities for the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). 2. A Restrictive Covenant shall be signed and recorded prior to any construction activities for the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). 3. The water supply system shall meet all applicable Minnesota Department of Health requirements for water wells. 4. A Dodge County Zoning Permit shall be obtained before construction of any structure. 5. A final plan set for the ADU and a remodeling plan for the future use of the structure shall be submitted to the Environmental Services Department prior to any construction activities in order to be place on file with the IUP. 6. A post-construction inspection shall be conducted by the Environmental Services Department in order to verify that the ADU meets the performance standards of the Dodge County Zoning Ordinance and the provided plan set dimensions. 7. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner, upon property transfer, to disclose the termination of the IUP for the ADU on the property to the buyer(s) and the process to maintain, remove or remodel the ADU as stated in Chapter 16, section 16.41 of the Dodge County Zoning Ordinance. 8. Upon termination of the IUP, the structure occupied by the ADU shall be remodeled following the provided remodeling plan within the timeframe specified in the Dodge County Zoning Ordinance. Permit(s) shall be applied for, as needed, prior to any construction. Any alteration to the remodeling plan shall be approved by the Environmental Services Department prior to any work being done. A site inspection shall be conducted after remodel is performed in order to verify that the structure meets all applicable standards. 9. The access and driveway shall adhere to the design standards established in Chapter 17, section 17.2 of the Dodge County Zoning Ordinance. The driving surface width shall be approved by Emergency Services and the appropriate road authority. Motion Adopted [Unanimous]
The third public hearing is to consider an application for Zoning Amendment #24-01 to Chapter 12. To view the proposed language a copy will be available at the Dodge County Finance Office, the Dodge County Environmental Services Office and also on the County web site www.co.dodge.mn.us./Departments/Environmental Services/Public Hearings. Commissioner Tjosaas offered the following resolution (#2024-10), seconded by Commissioner Kenworthy: WHEREAS, amendment of Chapter 12 (Commercial District "C") is proposed to remove a category of conditional uses to the Commercial District per legal recommendation; and WHEREAS, a summary of the language to be amended in Chapter 12 (Commercial District "C") has been published in the legal newspaper on February 22nd, 2024 and posted upon the county website; and WHEREAS, a public hearing on the proposed amendment was held by the Dodge County Planning Commission on March 6th, 2024; and WHEREAS, the Dodge County Planning Commission found the draft language to be consistent with the Dodge County Comprehensive Land Use Plan; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the proposed amendments to Chapter 12 (Commercial District "C") to the Dodge County Board of Commissioners; and WHEREAS, the Dodge County Board of Commissioners adopted the proposed amended to Chapter 12 (Commercial District "C") at its March 12th, 2024 meeting. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the County Board of Dodge County hereby adopts the amendment to Chapter 12 (Commercial District "C"). Resolution Adopted [Unanimous] ZA #24-02 Chapter 18 & Chapter 21 Ms. Harbaugh reviewed ZA #24-02 Chapter 18 & Chapter 21. The fourth public hearing is to consider an application for Zoning Amendment #24-02 to Chapter 18 and Chapter 21. To view the proposed language a copy will be available at the Dodge County Finance Office, the Dodge County Environmental Services Office and also on the County web site www.co.dodge.mn.us./Departments/Environmental Dodge
Mr. Harbaugh reported that on March 5th, 2024 they opened proposals as advertised for the replacement of the piping and new heat pumps in the Government Services Building (GSB) and the Courthouse. Proposals were opened by Finance with the Building Committee present and the proposals were included in the Board packet for review. The Facilities & Fleet Manager is recommending that the Board accept the proposal from Benike and allow Mr. Harbaugh to execute the contract after review by the Attorney's Office so the equipment can be ordered. Motion by Kenworthy seconded by Toquam to approve and authorize accepting the proposal from Benike at a cost of approximately $2,271.313 to update the Government Services Building and Courthouse HVAC systems and allow Mr. Harbaugh to execute the contract after review by the Attorney's Office. Motion Adopted [Unanimous] 2024-25 Lawn Care Contracts The Facilities & Fleet Manager reported that on February 1st, 2024 they placed advertisements for the acceptance of proposals for lawn care services on the County website as well as the Facebook page, this advertisement ran for one month with a deadline of 4:30 p.m. on March 1st, 2024. The county received two proposals which included the required documents, the proposals are as follows: JMC Property Services $1,606.50 for four fertilizer and weed control at GSB and Courthouse/Annex $900.00 per time to mow all sites $665.50 aerate and seed GSB and Courthouse/Annex $138.00 Weed control along sidewalks, plant/rock beds at GSB and Courthouse/Annex 25(mows per season) X $900= $22,500 + $1,606.50 (4 weed control/ fertilizer)= $24,106.50 2 weed control sprays x $138.00 + aerate/seed $665.50= 941.50 $25,047.50 annually for lawn care at all sites (roughly) Corey's Outdoor Services $2,340.00 for four fertilizer and weed control and the GSB and Courthouse/Annex $740.00 per time to mow all sites $600.00 Aerate and seed GSB and Courthouse/Annex $150.00 Weed control along sidewalks and plant/rock beds at GSB and Courthouse/Annex 25 (mows per season) X $740.00= $18,500 + $2,340 (4 weed control/fertilizer) = $20,840 2 weed control sprays x $150 + aerate/seed $600= $900.00 $21,740.00 annually for lawn care at all sites (roughly) Motion by Toquam seconded by Tjosaas to accept Corey's Outdoor proposal for the 2024-2025 Lawn Care Contract and authorize Mr. Harbaugh to sign the contract as recommended. Motion Adopted [Unanimous]
Commissioner Rod Peterson is requesting authorization to attend the NACO Legislative Conference in Tampa, Florida on July 12 - 15, 2024. The conference price is $530 and hotel fees average $250 a night for approximately 4-5 nights. The plane ticket could be anywhere from $500 to $675 round trip. Motion by Kenworthy seconded by Tjosaas to approve and authorize out of-of-state travel for Commissioner Peterson to the NACO Legislative Conference in Tampa, Florida on July 12 - 15, 2024 at a cost of approximately $530 for the conference, $250 per night (4-5 nights) for the hotel and $500-$675 for a round trip plane ticket. Motion Adopted [3 to 1]
Commissioner Kenworthy presented a summary of the Public Health Committee report. Public Health Update Commissioner Kenworthy shared the following Public Health update: 1) Opioid Settlement Funds Update: purchasing cabinets for use in all schools to store Naloxone and test kits for drug court participants. 2) Kindness boxes will be placed in a few businesses in every community next week. This campaign will encourage individuals to right words of kindness to individuals. They will be collected and distributed to various sectors each month of service-oriented professions.
The Transfer Station has allotted $110,000 in capital to replace the push-out trailer with trade in. Included in the Board packet were four quotes for a trailer. Environmental Services is recommending moving forward with the 48’ Stargate trailer. Motion by Tjosaas seconded by Toquam to approve and authorize the Environmental Services Department to move forward with purchasing a 48’ Stargate trailer from Butterfield Trailer Sales at a cost of approximately $132,080.00.
Mr. Martin reported that bids were opened on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 for the Wasioja Seminary Ruins Stabilization Phase I Project. Following are the bid results: ACME Tuckpointing & Restoration Advanced Masonry Environmental Associates $1,196,269.00 $ 825,000.00 $ 616,368.00 The county’s engineering/architectural firm has indicated that they have worked with Environmental Associates many times and consider them good to work with. The Assistant County Engineer noted this bid is below the engineer’s estimate and the Highway Department looks forward to completing this phase of the project. Motion by Peterson seconded by Toquam to award the Wasioja Seminary Ruins Stabilization Phase I contract to Environmental Associates in the amount of $616,368.00 with the County Engineer authorized to approve change orders and supplemental agreements up to 20% of the contract amount as recommended. Motion Adopted Mr. Elmquist reported Dodge County Environmental Services (ES) has been contacted by the Dodge Center Lions Club regarding a donation. The Dodge Center Lions Club has graciously offered a donation of $200 to be used towards the Dodge County Renovation Reuse.
Ms. Evans reported that included in the Board packet is a Proclamation declaring April 1-7, 2024, as National Public Health Week. This is the week we celebrate the successes and highlight continued challenges facing the public health and the residents of Dodge County. The Public Health Director read the proposed Proclamation. Motion by Tjosaas seconded by Peterson to approve and authorize the Chair to sign a Proclamation declaring April 1-7, 2024 as National Public Health Week. Motion Adopted
Mr. Thompson is requesting that the Dodge County Board review and approve an out-of-state training request for Assistant Dodge County Attorney Kailee Thompson to attend the Prosecutor Training sponsored by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP). The NADCP offers four-day, in-person training programs for various disciplines designed to educate new or transitioning Drug Court team members. Research confirms that individualized training and role-specific education improves treatment court outcomes. The NADCP is considered the preeminent source of cutting-edge training and technical assistance to the Drug Court field. The Prosecutor Training is scheduled for August 13-16, 2024 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Kailee Thompson is the criminal prosecutor on the Drug Court team. In addition to insuring that Drug Court participants are held accountable, Ms. Thompson also provides referrals to the Drug Court program; thus, it is critical that Ms. Thompson have an opportunity to be trained in the Drug Court model. The best training available in this regard is the Prosecutor Training offered by the NADCP. The registration fee for the NADCP Prosecutor Training is $850.00. The group rate for hotel accommodation is $440.00 ($110.00/night). Airfare, dinners, and mileage are not included. The total estimated cost of the training is anticipated to be no more than $3,000.00. Motion by Tjosaas seconded by Peterson to approve and authorize out-of-state training and travel for Kailee Thompson to attend Prosecutor Training August 13-16, 2024 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma including a registration fee of $850.00, $440.00 for hotel, airfare, meals, and mileage as recommended. Commissioner Peterson informed Mr. Thompson that he'd like to have Kailee Thompson report back to the Board after her training, they'd like to hear what she learned from attending the training. Motion Adopted [Unanimous]
Shotgun Use for Deer Hunting in Dodge County This issue was recently discussed at a legislative meeting with Senator Nelson and Representative Quam. Dodge County has previously been exempted from Section 1, Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97B.318, subdivision 1 and allowed to prohibit rifle use for deer hunting in Dodge County. There is current legislation to not allow for this exception for both Dodge and Olmsted. The submitted resolution is a request that this exception remain for Dodge County. In talking with Madeline Hoy, Senator Nelson's Legislative Assistant, the bill prohibiting this exception has not received a committee hearing as of March 18, 2024 and if it doesn't by March 22, 2024, the bill will not be heard this session until a possible reintroduction next year. Commissioner Peterson offered the following resolution (#2024-14), seconded by Commissioner Tjosaas: WHEREAS, previously, Minnesota State Statute included an amendment prohibiting rifle use for deer hunting in Dodge County; WHEREAS, there is currently legislation (S.F. 314/H.F. 864) allowing rifle use for deer hunting without exception in all available counties; WHEREAS, citizens of Dodge County have previously expressed concerns to the Dodge County Board of Commissioners about stray rifle rounds striking homes, surrounding farms, signs, and solar panels; WHEREAS, the Dodge County Sheriff has also indicated his support for Dodge County to remain shotgun only during deer hunting season due to the before-mentioned reasons; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Dodge County Board of Commissioners support the continued amendment of Section 1, Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97B.318, subdivision 1 to include Dodge County as shotgun only for deer hunting in the county.
