A major topic of concern was the limited use permit for snowmobile trails stretching across approximately 200 miles in Wabasha County. The state has proposed that the county assume liability for these trails, which lacks insurance coverage from the Minnesota County Insurance Trust (MCIT). The county’s role has traditionally been limited to acting as a financial intermediary for local snowmobile clubs without direct maintenance or oversight responsibilities. The potential liability primarily concerns incidents at trail crossings, a frequent site for injuries. If the county fails to sign the permit, it risks losing about $82,000 in funding crucial for the survival of local snowmobile clubs. The board noted varying responses from other counties, with some signing the agreement and others refraining.

The board also faced a heated discussion during the public forum on access to County Road 4 for a subdivision recently annexed into the city. Brad Jek, representing BA Holdings and Tony Montgomery Realty and Auction Company, expressed frustration over the denial of access to County Road 4 without clear statutory reasons. He questioned the rationale behind the denial, especially since the township, no longer holding jurisdiction over the annexed land, was informed of the decision. Jek compared the situation to Ag Partners, which was granted access from County Road 25 despite similar proximity issues, emphasizing the disparity in treatment. He underscored the hardship faced by the developer due to the restricted access, stating that the development features 10-ton streets designed for industrial traffic, yet access is limited to a gravel road. Jek expressed hope for a resolution, highlighting the challenges developers face in navigating local regulations amidst opposition.

In another significant agenda item, the board reviewed a rezoning request for a family farm aimed at expanding ownership among family members. The request sought to rezone a parcel from the Agricultural Protection District (A1) to the Agricultural Urban Fringe District (A2), enabling the division of the property for residential development. The planning commission recommended denial, citing concerns over creating a nonconforming “island” of A2 zoning amidst A1 properties, which could conflict with the county’s comprehensive land use plan and zoning ordinances. A representative for the property owner argued that the rezoning would not detract from agricultural preservation and would allow for affordable ownership opportunities for family members. Despite these arguments, the board decided to uphold the planning commission’s recommendation, prioritizing the maintenance of existing zoning regulations and the broader implications for land use and agricultural conservation.

The meeting also covered a request for funding from the Wabasha County Housing Trust. Buffy Bronic, executive director of SEMTRA, introduced Patrick Michener to discuss the funding request aimed at enhancing affordable housing. The county’s housing trust fund, established with $202,000 from the state’s affordable housing aid, sought board approval for a funding allocation to two projects: a $125,840 forgivable loan to Multi County Builders for maintaining affordability in a 48-unit HUD-subsidized building, and a $50,000 grant to Habitat for Humanity for constructing a home for a veteran single mother of three. The funds are expected to be utilized by spring 2026, promoting collaboration with the City of Goodhue’s construction trades course. The board approved the funding allocation, emphasizing the importance of preserving affordable housing while ensuring the funds revert to the trust if the properties are sold at market rate.

Additionally, the board set a public hearing for a proposal by the Wabasha County Sheriff’s Office to purchase and utilize a drone. The Sheriff’s Office articulated the need for public input on the drone’s intended use, primarily for search and rescue operations, amidst concerns about government surveillance. The public hearing was scheduled for May 20, with a policy governing the drone’s use promised for review before the hearing.