Carver County Board of Commissioners -- Board Meeting - February 17, 2026
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Carver County Growth Coalition talking points
Comprehensive Plan 2028 update
ICE activities and staging in Carver County
Tax-exempt conduit financing for private entities
Sulfate discharge regulations and MPCA impact
Regional Rail Authority items
US Marshall contract/cooperation
County Road 30 and 11 expansion projects
Dairy and Beef Expo industry trends
Economic development and business tax climate
Areas of Interest (5)
- Growing tension between local government and ICE regarding staging areas on county property.
- Bongards Creameries signals potential future request for tax-exempt bond financing for waste treatment.
- Impact of strict state sulfate regulations on the economic viability of agricultural manufacturing.
- Carver County Growth Coalition emerges as a structured lobby for the 2028 Comprehensive Plan update.
- Significant decline in dairy farming in Carver County (700+ farms in 1980s vs 29 today).
Votes (2)
Remove item 2.23 (US Marshall/ICE contract) from consent agenda
Moved by Commissioner Uterman · Seconded by Commissioner Workman
Approve consent agenda as modified
Moved by Commissioner Uterman · Seconded by Chair
Notable Quotes (2)
Minnesota's pushing really high on sulfate limits... It's millions if not tens of millions of dollars a year to try to get that low.
I think the climate has changed a lot in the last couple years and again, I'd ask that to be removed from consent.
People (4)
Mitch MichaelelssonRepresentativePresented growth coalition policy talking points to the board.
1 quote
Presented growth coalition policy talking points to the board.
“Our goal is is to try to help facilitate this county in continuing to be very prosperous.”
Defining the purpose of the growth coalition.
Randy KubishRealtorDiscussed property use goals and mission statement updates for the comp plan.
1 quote
Discussed property use goals and mission statement updates for the comp plan.
“None of this is done in adversely. It's all done as a gentleman and and ladylike you know type of situation.”
Regarding the coalition's collaborative approach to policy input.
MonniqueResidentRaised concerns regarding ICE activity, staging on county property, and local law enforcement assistance.
1 quote
Raised concerns regarding ICE activity, staging on county property, and local law enforcement assistance.
“What can be done from your positions to hold ICE agents accountable when they illegally act outside of the constitution?”
Challenging the board on local policy regarding federal immigration enforcement.
Chris FreemanCFOPresented on tax-exempt conduit financing for waste treatment facilities.
1 quote
Presented on tax-exempt conduit financing for waste treatment facilities.
“The county has zero obligation on them. It doesn't affect your credit rating at all. It's just a formality.”
Explaining the mechanism of conduit bond financing.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (3)
- February 17, 2026: Carver County Board of Commissioners Meeting
- March 10, 2026: Next Regular Session
- January 27, 2026: Previous Meeting