February 26th, 2026
OLIVER COUNTY PLANNING & ZONING Commission was called to order at 7:00 pm.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Roll Call was held. Members present were Jody Reinke, Bill Breimeier, Cassie Smith, Linda Nelson, Gary Price, Troy Hatzenbihler and Matt Wilkins. Others present were Jaden Schmidt, Secretary/P&Z, Patty Koapke.
Bill Breimeier moved and Jody Reinke seconded the motion to approve the agenda. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.
Troy Hatzenbihler moved and Jody Reinke seconded the motion to approve the January 29, 2026 meeting minutes. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.
Building Permit #1080 for John and Kimberly Dixon in Lot A within the W ½ of Section 12, 141-82 for a Livestock Facility and Shop was presented. Jody Reinke moved and Cassie Smith seconded the motion to approve Building Permit #1080. All in favor, none opposed; Building Permit #1080 was approved.
Building Permit #1081 for Paula Peters within the SW ¼ of Section 1, 142-86 for a home addition was presented. Troy Hatzenbihler moved and Bill Breimeier seconded the motion to approve Building Permit #1081. All in favor, none opposed; Building Permit #1081 was approved.
The Solar Energy Facilities Hearing and public reading was opened.
A recess was called at 7:24 pm.
The meeting was called back in session at 7:36 pm.
The Solar Energy Facilities ordinance was read.
Public comment was heard from Keith Kessler, Kurt Swenson and board members.
Bill Breiemeier moved and Linda Nelson seconded the motion to approve the Solar Energy Facilities ordinance as written. There were five yes votes and one no vote. The ordinance was recommended for approval to the Board of County Commissioners.
The first reading and public hearing was held for the Oliver County Planning & Zoning By-Laws.
Jody Reinke moved and Cassie Smith seconded the motion to approve the Oliver County Planning & Zoning By-Laws. All in favor, none opposed; the By-Laws were recommended for approval to the Board of County Commissioners.
The first reading and public hearing was held for the Data Center and Cryptocurrency Facilities Moratorium.
Public comment was received. Those providing public comment were Shannon Miskowksi, Elizabeth Dagley, Milissa Meckle, Nathan Dagley, Bill Tveit, Rick Schmidt, Mike Henke on behalf of parents Rick and Mary Henke, Michael Berg, Rick Aaser, Arlo Bakker, Kurt Swenson, Tim Leppert, Wes Klein, Mikael Schmidt, Katie Henke-Simon.
Discussion was held by the board on the length of the moratorium. Matt Wilkins recommended 36 months. Bill Breimeier recommended 120 days.
Gary Price moved and Cassie Smith seconded the motion to recommend approval of a 36-month moratorium with the option to extend, shorten or terminate. A roll call vote was held: Linda Nelson-aye, Gary Price-aye, Cassie Smith-aye, Bill Breimeier-nay, Jody Reinke-nay, Troy Hatzenbihler-nay, Matt Wilkins-aye. The motion for a 36-month moratorium recommendation passed.
Discussion was held on the CO2/Direct Air Capture Facilities was held. The hearing will be scheduled for March.
Discussion was held on the wind energy amendments for a cap on turbines in the county and a 1-mile setback from non-participating residences. Public comment was received from Bill Breimeier, Patrick Waters, Chris Albers, Lonnie Henke, Greg Demme, Tim Doll, Ryan Fleck, Bradley Dahl, Dan Bueligan, Sarah Montone, Troy Hatzenbihler, Aaron Hintz, Delvin Boehm, Randy Becker. No action was taken at the meeting.
Discussion was held on the permit fee schedule. Linda Nelson moved and Troy Hatzenbihler seconded the motion to table to permit fee schedule to the next meeting. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 pm.
The next meeting for the Oliver County Planning & Zoning Board will be March 26th, 2026 at 7:00 pm in the Oliver County Courthouse Meeting Room.
____________________________________ ___________________________________
Jaden Schmidt, Secretary Chairman
of the Board