During the meeting, the board evaluated a proposal for a five-megawatt community solar garden on 28.8 acres of prime farmland, raising questions about long-term agricultural implications. The developer argued that the land could be restored to agricultural use at the end of the project’s lifespan, contingent on the landowner’s agreement. A comprehensive decommissioning plan was proposed, including recycling and potential resale of used solar panels.

The proposal included a vegetation management plan, a stormwater management plan, and a decommissioning bond set at $50,000 per megawatt. The developer emphasized that solar projects could offer diversification for local farmers, providing alternative revenue streams without permanently compromising agricultural production. Moreover, the project would contribute to carbon neutrality goals and provide bill credits to subscribers, benefiting those unable to host solar installations.

Concerns about aesthetics and compatibility with existing agricultural goals were prominent. Some commissioners noted that solar installations might be visually detracting, while others acknowledged their growing role in the agricultural landscape. The developer assured the board that the projects would not generate significant noise, traffic, or vibrations, maintaining the rural character of the area. Fire safety was also addressed, with the developer clarifying that the absence of battery storage would eliminate additional toxicity concerns.

In a separate but related discussion, the board considered a conditional use permit for a temporary asphalt batch plant on a 107-acre parcel in Humble Township. The plant would produce materials for road projects in Richland County, North Dakota, operating until the end of 2024. Concerns about noise, dust, and the impact on local roads and residences were raised, referencing a historical context of a previous permit denial due to similar issues. The applicant proposed constructing a berm to mitigate noise and visual impact and outlined operational hours from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays, with shorter hours on Saturdays.

The logistics of using a Clay County site for a North Dakota project were questioned, with residents highlighting the significant truck traffic and its impact on local roads. The applicant noted that materials sourced from local pits would generate revenue for the townships and the county, mitigating some road deterioration. Despite proposed mitigations, concerns about the project’s compatibility with the surrounding agricultural character persisted.

A motion to approve the application with conditions was made but ultimately denied by a vote of three in favor and five opposed. The board acknowledged the unique nature of the situation and the significant traffic and potential impacts on residents.

The meeting also included a presentation from the sheriff, detailing a significant donation of $122,800 from the Moorhead American Legion Post 21 to the K9 program. These funds, raised through a successful raffle, would be allocated for equipment, training, and possibly a replacement dog. The sheriff expressed gratitude for the Legion’s consistent support.

Additionally, a request to allocate remaining Public Safety funds from a $300 million legislative appropriation was presented. Clay County had received $942,000 of these funds, with recommendations to distribute them towards several positions within the sheriff’s department and restorative justice. About $32,450 remained, and a request was made to apply these funds towards the sheriff’s department budget for the following year to help mitigate potential tax levy increases. The board expressed appreciation for the teamwork involved in the allocation process and received positive feedback from residents regarding the use of these funds.

HR Director Darren Brooks provided a briefing on a compensation study conducted by David Drown Associates. The study revealed that the county’s pay grid was set below the market average, prompting discussions on adjusting compensation structures. Commissioner Campbell supported a proposal to add a 3% increase across the board to the existing cost-of-living adjustments, aligning the county’s pay structure with the market. This proposal was estimated to cost approximately $1.747 million and was aimed at retaining and attracting talent in a competitive job market.