The primary agenda item was the proposed cannabis ordinance. Chris Pence provided crucial updates, clarifying a typographical error related to the ordinance’s article number. The board discussed the merits of shifting from allowing merely permitted cannabis uses to requiring conditional use permits. This approach would necessitate neighborhood notifications about proposed cannabis uses, enabling residents to provide feedback and voice concerns.

The conditional use permit system was praised for allowing the Planning Commission to impose site-specific conditions, addressing potential issues such as odor, lighting, and setbacks from residential areas. Pence highlighted that this system is already used for other similar uses, like commercial storage facilities and animal breeding. Public hearings and notifications to nearby property owners within a quarter-mile radius of proposed cannabis operations would ensure community involvement in the decision-making process.

During the discussion, a member expressed a preference for reducing regulations and questioned whether the conditional use system might increase bureaucratic hurdles for property owners. Pence responded that while conditional use permits introduce some regulations, they also offer long-term certainty as the conditions are recorded on property deeds, remaining consistent even with future ownership changes.

The board also explored the nature of cannabis permits, noting that they are not transferable. If a property changes hands, the new owner must reapply for a cannabis permit. This led to a discussion on adding an interim use permit option to the ordinance. Interim use permits would allow for temporary permits with set durations and conditions, providing flexibility for managing businesses like mining or gravel pits, where long-term conditions may not be necessary.

In addition to the cannabis ordinance, the meeting featured a detailed presentation on the new RMS for the Sheriff’s Office. This system includes functionalities such as Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), mobile records, and interfacing with state and federal systems. The current system, in use for over 17 years, faced challenges due to corporate buyouts, leading to uncertainties about future support.

The planning process for the new RMS involved multiple workshops with end-users and decision-makers to assess the current system’s strengths and weaknesses. A steering committee composed of key figures from the Sheriff’s Office and local law enforcement agencies was established to ensure the chosen system would serve all partners efficiently. Following vendor demonstrations, 365 Labs was identified as the preferred vendor, offering an app-based solution with real-time updates and built-in system redundancy.

Financing the new system was a concern. The budget for the project was part of the previously approved Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for 2024-2025. Cost-sharing arrangements between the county and nine police departments (PDs) were highlighted, with grants from Sourcewell playing a role in offsetting annual expenses. Negotiations with the vendor included securing a minimum 50% discount for being the first in Minnesota to adopt the system and limiting annual fee increases to 3%.

The timeline for implementation was discussed, with an estimated 18 to 24 months preparation period before the system could go live. The new system would enhance efficiency and service delivery, allowing officers to take pictures and dictate notes that automatically feed into case files, reducing time spent on administrative tasks.

The board also addressed the transition back to face-to-face assessments for the Men Choices and Disability Services. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, remote assessments had ceased, presenting challenges for in-person evaluations. Tammy Luck, the Adult Services Manager, introduced key staff members to discuss the implications of the new assessment tool, “2.0,” which had not met expectations in terms of speed and ease of use. The transition resulted in unprecedented wait times for assessments in Crow Wing County.

The discussion shifted to the new Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) program, set to replace PCA services in October. This program would introduce additional steps in the assessment process, requiring more frequent evaluations. The staff expressed concerns over the implications of this new process, including additional layers of approval and communication.

A point of discussion was the growth in disability waiver case management cases, which had increased substantially since early 2015. The board authorized an additional case manager in mid-late 2022, but the workload remained high relative to the number of staff available. The board inquired about the transfer of cases from other counties, noting that some services could transition to Crow Wing County if they involved independent living supports.

The meeting also included a discussion on the county’s timber management strategies. The Land Services division outlined preparations for the 2025 Harvest Plan, detailing that approximately 1,424 acres would be harvested, with a portion designated for thinning. The county’s approach to bidding for timber sales was modified from an oral auction to a sealed bid process, which was positively received for improving efficiency and accessibility.