May 29th, 2025
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 Troy Hatzenbihler, Cassie Smith, Bill Breimeier, Linda Nelson, Matt Wilkins, and Jody Reinke. Others present were Jaden Schmidt, Secretary/P&Z and Patty Koapke, P&Z.
Jody Reinke moved and Matt Wilkins seconded the motion to approve the agenda.
Jody Reinke moved and Matt Wilkins seconded the motion to approve the minutes of the April 24th, May 9th, May 15th and May 22nd meetings. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.
Conditional Use permit #1059 for Brenden Sweeney to build a house on agricultural land within section 11 of 143-84 was presented. Jody Reinke moved and Linda Nelson seconded the motion to approve CUP #1059. A roll call vote was held: Linda Nelson-Aye, Matt Wilkins-Aye, Jody Reinke-Aye, Cassie Smtih-Aye, Troy Hatzenbihler-Aye; CUP #1053 was approved.
Building permit #1060 for Brenden Sweeney to build a house within section 11 of 143-84 was presented. Troy Hatzenbihler moved and Cassie Smith seconded the motion to approve Building permit #1060. A roll call vote was held: Linda Nelson-Aye, Matt Wilkins-Aye, Jody Reinke-Aye, Cassie Smith-Aye, Troy Hatzenbihler-Aye; Building Permit #1060 was approved.
Building permit #1064 for Chelsea & Adam Philipe to build an outbuilding within section 2 of 142-87 was presented. Troy Hatzenbihler moved and Matt Wilkins seconded the motion to approve Building Permit #1064. A roll call vote was held: Linda Nelson-Aye, Matt Wilkins-Aye, Jody Reinke-Aye, Cassie Smith-Aye, Troy Hatzenbihler-Aye; Building Permit #1064 was approved.
Building permit #1067 for Minnesota Power for an HVDC improvement within section 35 of 142-83 was presented. Jody Reinke moved and Troy Hatzenbihler seconded the motion to approve Building Permit #1067. A roll call vote was held: Linda Nelson-Aye, Matt Wilkins-Nay, Jody Reinke-Aye, Cassie Smith-Aye, Troy Hatzenbihler-Aye; Building Permit #1067 was approved.
The hearing for the wind energy facilities and battery energy storage facilities ordinances was opened.
Matt Johnson from NextEra and Sarah Montone from NextEra provided handouts with suggestions/request for the ordinance based on NextEra recommendations. Several recommendations were discussed.
Troy Hatzenbihler, board member, stated that the ordinance purpose was to look out for the people of Oliver County.
Carlee McLeod, Minnkota Power, asked what the purpose of a public hearing was; if no suggestions are allowed, why is there a hearing.
Dave Berger, County Commissioner, stated there have been concerns about water usage from several landowners.
Austin Collins, ENEL/Flat Rock Wind, provided a letter with comments and suggestions that had been previously presented to the board. ENEL energy, also requested that the percentage amount of the performance bond be lowered from 5%.
Linda Nelson moved and Matt Wilkins seconded the motion to pull the Wind Energy Facilities ordinance and Battery Energy Storage Systems ordinance from consideration and move them to a work session at the regular June 9th meeting at 7:00 pm before holding another public hearing and recommendation to the County Commission. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:11 pm.
The next meeting for the Oliver County Planning & Zoning Board will be June 9th at 7:00 pm in the Oliver County Courthouse Meeting Room.
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Jaden Schmidt, Secretary Chairman of the Board