0:00A significant portion of the meeting revolved around the warming center, a crucial service for the homeless operating from November to March. The church currently hosting the center has requested it to find a new location, prompting discussions among board members. The center provides shelter to an estimated six to twelve individuals nightly, a service supported by law enforcement as it helps reduce jail numbers.

Financially, the center relies heavily on local fundraising and support from Catholic Charities, with minimal county involvement. This sparked surprise and debate among board members, some of whom were astonished by the county’s limited participation. Concerns were expressed about the potential impact on private philanthropy if the county increased its involvement. The board emphasized that any county participation should be part of a public-private partnership to maintain community support.

The discussion also touched on grant applications for homelessness services, noting that other counties have more extensive programs and access to state and federal funds. The board considered the implications of this disparity and the potential for Winona County to play a more active role in the future. Some members questioned the benefit of the warming center to constituents outside of Winona.

0:00Another topic was the proposal to hire SRF Consulting Group to assist in updating the county’s comprehensive plan. The plan is important for guiding land use, development, and economic strategies. While some board members supported the hiring of an external consultant, citing the need for fresh perspectives, others were skeptical. They questioned the necessity of spending up to $179,000 on a consultant when the existing plan had not been fully utilized.

0:00The conversation about the comprehensive plan also addressed emerging challenges such as agricultural preservation, cannabis regulation, and economic development. The zoning department pointed out that the current plan does not adequately address the conversion of agricultural structures for tourism and other non-agricultural uses. The need for public input from townships was emphasized, alongside concerns about rising housing costs and restrictions on multi-family structures in rural areas.

0:00In addition to these major topics, the board deliberated on the designation of an official newspaper for publishing legal notices. The comparison between the Winona Post and the Winona Daily News was central to the discussion, with board members weighing cost against circulation reach. Concerns were raised about the accessibility of legal notices, particularly for those without a subscription to the Daily News. The board considered the importance of reaching the public effectively, not just focusing on the lowest bid.

0:00The meeting also included routine matters such as the appointment of Rebecca Franzen to the Board of Appeals and logistical discussions about various committees. There was a reminder of a grant opportunity for income-qualified homeowners for home repairs.