Meeker County Board Meeting
The Meeker County Board of Commissioners originally scheduled a public hearing for January 16th to consider placing a moratorium on solar and wind energy systems in Meeker County. Due to insufficient time to get the notice published, the Board moved to set the public hearing during the regular meeting on February 6th.
The Meeker County Board approved of a conditional use permit on a 3-to-1 vote – with Commissioner Paul Johnson opposed – for the Morris Latt Trust Darwin Winter Garden one-megawatt solar garden in Section 34 of Dassel Township.
The Board approved of the purchase of a 2024 Bobcat T770 T4 skid loader from Farm-Rite Equipment of Dassel for $46,900 after trade-in of existing equipment.
The Commissioners moved to approve the appointment of Commissioner Beth Oberg to the Southwestern Minnesota Adult Mental Health Consortium Executive Commissioner Board.
County Administrator Andrew Letson presented his 2024 County Administrator Goals to the Meeker County Board which include developing a fiscally conscience budget, overseeing and managing the construction of the facility remodel project at the Courthouse, Law Enforcement Center and Family Services Center, successfully negotiating updated labor contracts with the eight bargaining groups whose agreements will expire at the end of 2024, continuing to explore options for the future of the County’s demolition landfill and transfer station, continuing to seek avenues to address the recruitment and retention issues being faced by the County – focusing on developing leaders within the organization and planning for upcoming retirements, monitoring the progress of the Xcel transmission line project and providing updates to the County Board, prioritizing cybersecurity through the implementation of new software solutions and continuing to emphasize the engagement of staff through training and personal vigilance, exploring options for expanded parking capacity at the Family Service Center, and monitoring the legislative activity in 2024.