07:24In a notable move, Michael Walters was appointed as the new Olmsted County Attorney, following a thorough recruitment process initiated after the retirement of Mark Olstrom. Walters is set to serve until January 2027, with an election scheduled for November 2026. Expressing gratitude for the trust placed in him, Walters stated that it is a privilege to represent the people of Olmsted County and vowed to repay their trust throughout his career.

00:33The board also tackled revisions to the Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems Ordinance. The proposed changes were necessary to align the county’s regulations with state requirements. The revisions included removing sections that no longer align with state rules and clarifying that townships do not have jurisdiction within city limits for related approvals. The changes were unanimously approved after a public hearing that saw no objections.

09:54Additionally, the board discussed the issue of the county’s aging population. A presentation highlighted the need for a strategic state plan to address the demographic shift towards an older population. The presentation emphasized that the aging population will continue to grow, surpassing the number of school-age children, and highlighted the economic contributions seniors make to the state’s GDP and workforce. It also called for a coordinated effort to address the needs of older residents, including healthcare, housing, and transportation.