A foremost topic at the meeting was the allocation and management of the federal opioid settlement funds. The board discussed the formation of a coalition intended to support individuals seeking treatment for substance misuse and engage in preventative community efforts. Initially, the sheriff’s office contributed $10,000 from its budget to aid the coalition’s activities, which involved training sessions and a presence at community events. Crow Wing County was informed of an allocation exceeding $2.5 million in federal opioid funding, stemming from national settlements with opioid producers and distributors. This funding, to be disbursed over 18 years, sees the public health department designated as the lead strategist, tasked with organizing multi-sector meetings and developing evidence-informed strategies to reduce substance misuse.

The board considered drawing administrative costs from the opioid settlement funds due to cuts in public health funding. A memorandum of agreement with the state’s attorney general allows for reasonable administrative costs, capped at 10% of the funds. The board approved a request to allocate $30,000 annually for administrative expenses related to personnel salaries within the community services department. The approval process involved a motion that, after some procedural confusion, passed with the majority in favor.

During the meeting, public commentary was invited, with Steve Zalinsky representing the Crowing Green Group, a local hemp and cannabis company. Zalinsky detailed the transition to the Office of Cannabis Management and expressed concern over current land use ordinances, arguing they favor large corporate cannabis businesses over smaller craft operations. He requested that the county revisit and revise these ordinances to better support small businesses.

In another significant public comment, Brett Layman addressed the board regarding the Crow Wing County solid waste ordinance, opposing restrictions on inoperable or unlicensed vehicles on private property. Layman argued that these regulations infringe on property rights and called for a complete repeal, emphasizing the importance of personal freedom and individual responsibility.

The board also considered several land use matters, including a land use map amendment for a property owned by Michael and Bernardine Barrett. A commissioner praised the Barrett family’s contributions to local employment and community development. The motion to adopt the land use map amendment passed without opposition.

In a related discussion, the board addressed a land use ordinance amendment, with particular focus on Article 6.3A, concerning the appointment of members to the planning commission board of adjustment. Public comments favored retaining district-based appointments rather than at-large appointments. Despite an amendment proposal to vote on Article 6.3A separately, the board approved the original motion, including the contentious appointment method.

Additionally, the board approved revisions to the solid waste ordinance.

The meeting also covered routine procedural matters, such as the approval of various preliminary and final plats for new developments, all of which were passed with either unanimous or majority support. These included developments like Vineyard Estates and Havl Shores, all of which had previously received planning commission recommendations.

In closing, the county sheriff reported a relatively uneventful period with minor arrests and an incident involving a deputy vehicle collision. The deputy is expected to recover and return to work soon. The county attorney and administrator provided updates, noting unresolved issues in health and human services funding and anticipating a special session to address these concerns.