The board’s foremost agenda item was the approval of a contract for the cleanup of tires at the former Pens property. This 22-acre site, previously used as a radar monitoring base and a juvenile detention center, was taken over by the county in 2017 following tax forfeiture. Over the years, it had amassed an amount of solid waste, including tires. In 2019, an environmental assessment confirmed no groundwater contamination, making parts of the property viable for development. The county has already repurposed some of the land, including a solar array project that generates $4,000 annually and a township hall built by H Hill Township on a transferred parcel.

To tackle the tire waste, the county received a $550,000 grant from the Minnesota Legislature, with $150,000 already spent and an estimated $800,000 worth of cleanup still required. Bids for the tire cleanup were received, and Big Wolf Site Works LLC was awarded the contract for approximately $200,000. This project aims to remove 2,000 cubic yards of tires, with completion targeted by June 30th. The board ensured that the cleanup meets Minnesota Pollution Control Agency standards, requiring proper tire recycling and thorough documentation to mitigate future liabilities.

Following environmental concerns, the board shifted focus to historical preservation, discussing a bonding proposal for the Olmsted County History Center. The History Center, nearing its 100th anniversary, faces challenges in maintaining its facilities, including the recently renovated Maywood, now a community asset with nearly 10,000 visitors annually. The History Center aims to redirect resources to other historical sites like the Stop Farmstead, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The center has raised $1.1 million over four years for restoration projects, including a smokehouse and an ongoing barn renovation.

To further their preservation efforts, the History Center seeks a $3 million bonding bill from the state. Given its status as a private nonprofit, support from a public entity is necessary. The History Center is optimistic about gaining sponsorship, referencing a successful 2018 project that secured $1.5 million for the Reading Center. State Senator Liz Bolton and others have shown support for the current proposal, which will be discussed with the Environmental Climate and Legacy Committee.

In addition to these main discussions, the board also revisited plans for a county property previously owned by Seneca Foods. The property has been under consideration since 2018 for transit-oriented development. Previous attempts to solicit detailed proposals were unsuccessful, prompting the board to opt for a simpler solicitation process, focusing primarily on price while maintaining zoning restrictions. The board also considered including tax increment financing in the bids and debated whether to retain the iconic corn cob water tower on the property.

The meeting concluded with updates from various commissioners concerning community involvement and legislative impacts on county resources. One commissioner highlighted the importance of volunteer contributions to advisory committees. Another marked the 50th anniversary of the WIC program in Olmsted County, which has grown from 41 participants to 4,700. Discussions at a recent legislative conference emphasized the potential shift of state funding responsibilities to counties, a concern given the projected budget deficit. The African American Family Preservation Act was also mentioned, with concerns about the financial burden its implementation might place on the county.