0:08The most pressing topic discussed was the potential repeal of Goodhue County Official Map Number One, a decision that could influence the economic development of Pine Island. The map, adopted in 2004, was originally a collaborative project involving Goodhue County, Pine Island, and Olmsted County, focusing on the County Road 11 corridor and its associated infrastructure.

In November 2024, Pine Island’s city officials formally requested the county to repeal the official map to facilitate development on approximately 425 acres of light industrial land at the north end of Pine Island. The city council of Pine Island passed a resolution in January supporting this repeal, citing the encumbrance the map currently places on the land. The Planning Commission is set to hold a public hearing on March 17, 2025, to discuss the repeal. If approved, the repeal will be presented to the County Board of Commissioners on April 1, 2025, with subsequent documentation recorded to remove property encumbrances.

During the committee of the whole meeting, the involvement of the Planning Commission was clarified as being mandated by statute, although typically not involved in transportation issues. The necessity for public outreach in both establishing and repealing the map was stressed, given the unusual nature of this process. The Pine Island City Administrator emphasized the significance of the repeal for the city’s and county’s economic future, noting that Ryan Companies, a development firm, cannot proceed with their plans without it.

0:01In addition to the map repeal, the board addressed the finance and taxpayer services budget committee’s report, which included 2024 carryover requests totaling $1,735,111. This amount encompassed $1,718,841 in capital requests and $23,270 in operating requests. The finance department recommended approval of these carryover funds, citing delays in invoicing and product delivery. It was noted that formal approval is necessary for audit purposes. The motion to approve these requests passed unanimously.

The board also considered a conditional use permit for an expansion of the Perkins Family Farm LLC feedlot in Featherstone Township. The expansion would increase capacity to 2,560 animal units, necessitating an amendment to the existing permit. The planning advisory commission had previously reviewed the request, and the board was advised that separate approvals from the state and county were required for the expansion. After a brief discussion and clarification on permitting processes, the motion to approve the permit passed.

In the information section of the meeting, updates included a report on the Three Rivers public transportation initiative, which aims to provide bus service between Red Wing and Cannon Falls to improve access to health and human services. Additionally, concerns were raised about federal funding for the Minnesota Department of Health, and a grant application for a $7 million mapping project was discussed. This project intends to map school buildings to improve emergency response by law enforcement and first responders.