The meeting commenced with a detailed evaluation of a variance request from Lynn and Angie Erikson, who sought to reduce residential and access setbacks for their agricultural service establishment. The property, located at 27545 90th Avenue South in Holly, Minnesota, required adjustments to the setbacks due to its challenging topography and shape. The board considered the history of a previously granted variance in 2019 that allowed for the construction of an indoor riding arena at a reduced distance from residential structures. The current request aimed to further reduce the residential setback to 487 feet for the indoor arena, and to 350 feet for an outdoor arena, with access setbacks reduced to 60 feet.

The staff report highlighted that the agricultural service establishment, which includes activities such as animal husbandry, horse training, and boarding, complies with the county’s zoning regulations. Concerns about potential wetland issues were noted but resolved by the county wetland coordinator. The board reviewed the variance criteria and determined that granting the variance aligned with the Clay County development code’s purpose. The requested reductions were deemed minimal and consistent with the county’s objectives, acknowledging the practical difficulties posed by the property’s topography and shape.

The board approved the variance with three conditions: maintaining a distance of at least 487 feet from neighboring residences for structures, positioning the outdoor arena no closer than 350 feet from residences, and ensuring access points remain at least 60 feet away from adjacent residential properties. The unanimous vote in favor of granting the variance marked the conclusion of this significant agenda item.

The board also addressed solid waste management fee increases presented by the Solid Waste Manager. The proposed increase from $45 to $50 per parcel was essential to cover rising capital expenditures, particularly for equipment like a recently acquired compactor, whose cost escalated from an estimated $600,000 to $1.2 million. The board also discussed adjustments for various property categories, with the tipping fee proposed to increase from $53 to $56 per ton and non-compacted waste fees from $9 to $10 per yard. The board approved the fee increases unanimously, acknowledging the necessity of these adjustments to sustain solid waste operations amid rising costs.

In other business, the board approved a conditional use permit application for an agricultural service establishment in Park Township. The establishment operates a center providing riding lessons, camps, and events focused on mental health and well-being. During the public hearing, Angie Erikson estimated that 10 to 30 vehicles visited the site weekly, depending on events and weather conditions. The board reviewed the findings and determined that the use aligned with the comprehensive plan, promoting community health and compatible commercial development within the agricultural framework. The conditional use permit was approved with specific conditions, including compliance with local development codes and operating within specified hours from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Additionally, an interim use permit request for a tack business located in Glendon was discussed. The business, which offers equestrian equipment resale, repair, and fitting services, primarily operates by appointment out of a 2,500-square-foot garage. The board reviewed the findings and deemed the interim use compatible with adjacent agricultural lands, confirming that it would not create an excessive burden on public services. The board approved the permit with conditions, including obtaining all necessary permits and complying with the Clay County Land Development ordinance.

The meeting also included reports on ongoing initiatives. A Commissioner detailed a recent County Alliance Committee meeting discussing access issues in Floring Township and long-term maintenance of flood biots along the Red River. The Morehead Planning Commission approved a zoning change request for a property on 40th Avenue, transitioning the area to mixed neighborhood use, which raised safety concerns among local residents.

Commissioner Campbell addressed impending costs related to a 3% cost of living adjustment (COLA) agreed upon with bargaining units, expressing concern about the sustainability of such increases. The board discussed lowering the proposed levy, emphasizing careful financial management amid economic difficulties affecting residents.

The meeting concluded with discussions on legislative priorities, including mental health needs, 911 funding, and EMS services. The importance of enhanced support for probation and dispatch workers within the correctional framework was also highlighted.