January 29th, 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, and Matt Wilkins. Others present were Jaden Schmidt, Secretary/P&Z, Patty Koapke.
Linda Nelson moved and Jody Reinke seconded the nomination for Matt Wilkins as Chair. All in favor, none opposed; nomination approved. Linda Nelson moved and Jody Reinke seconded the motion to cast a unanimous ballot for Matt Wilkins as Chair. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.
Jody Reinke moved and Linda Nelson seconded the nomination for Bill Breimeier as Vice Chair. Jody Reinke moved and Linda Nelson seconded the motion to cast a unanimous ballot for Bill Breimeier as Vice Chair. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.
Jody Reinke moved and Bill Breimeier seconded the motion to approve the agenda. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.
Cassie Smith moved and Bill Breimeier seconded the motion to approve the December 18th, 2025 meeting minutes. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.
Discussion was held on public comments.
Building Permit #1079 for Minnesota Power for a Substation and East Yard within the NW1/4-NW1/4 Sec 35 & SE1/4-SE1/4 Sec29, 142-83 was presented. Kyle Larson, Minnesota Power, presented information on the Road Use Agreement and Weed Control plan. Jody Reinke moved and Bill Breimeier seconded the motion to approve Building Permit #1079. All in favor, none opposed; Building Permit #1079 was approved.
The public hearing for Conditional Use Permit #1078 for North Plains Connector, LLC, was opened. Danesha Cummings, North Plains Connector, was present to discuss the permit. Mollie Smith, Fredrickson & Byron, was also present to discuss the permit. The public hearing was closed at 7:29 pm. Bill Breimeier moved and Linda Nelson seconded the motion to approve Conditional Use Permit #1078. All in favor, none opposed; Conditional Use Permit #1078 was approved.
Discussion was held on Planning & Zoning By-Laws. The By-Laws hearing will be scheduled for the February meeting.
Discussion was held on the Planning & Zoning Fees.
Discussion was held on Solar Energy Facilities Ordinances. The Solar Energy Facilities ordinance hearing will be scheduled for the February meeting.
Discussion was held on Direct Air Capture ordinances. Some additions were made.
Discussion was held Wind Energy Facilities ordinance amendments. Several comments were heard from the public, with suggestions to the ordinance language such as larger setbacks, road use agreement updates and discussion on implementing a requirement of a public meeting/hearing prior to permit application submission.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:41 pm.
The next meeting for the Oliver County Planning & Zoning Board will be February 26th, 2026 at 7:00 pm in the Oliver County Courthouse Meeting Room.
____________________________________ ___________________________________
Jaden Schmidt, Secretary Chairman
of the Board