Public Hearing: Application for New Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License (Senko Farms d.b.a. Afton Apple Orchard)

Dissent: None

Moved by Unknown [00:12:00] · Seconded by Unknown [00:12:02]

Christie Piskura from Taxpayer Services presented the application for an off-sale intoxicating liquor license for Senko Farms (Afton Apple Orchard) in Denmark Township. The license would allow sales of packaged hard cider for off-site consumption, primarily during fall harvest season, through their retail store. All prerequisite steps, including town board resolution, county sheriff/attorney approval, and public hearing notices, have been completed without public comments. Commissioner Clausen inquired about alcohol age verification testing, which Sheriff Dan Starry confirmed is conducted in townships. The board moved to close the public hearing, and the application will be set for consideration on the July 14th, 2026 agenda.

Public Works: County Road 19A & 100th Street Realignment Project Final Design Contract

Dissent: Commissioner Clausen

Moved by Commissioner Bigham [00:28:44] · Seconded by Unknown [00:28:50]

Kevin Peterson, County Design Engineer, presented the County Road 19A and 100th Street Realignment project in Cottage Grove, which includes a three-lane road, a CPKC Railroad overpass, and pedestrian facilities. The project has secured $23.2 million in state and federal grants with deadlines in 2027. Staff recommended approving a $2,280,159 contract with SEH (Short Elliott Hendrickson Incorporated) for final design services. Commissioner Bigham emphasized the project's importance for congestion relief and industrial park development. Commissioner Clausen opposed, citing concerns about equitable and transparent project selection within the CIP process. Commissioners Karwoski and Cox supported the project, highlighting its regional importance, job creation, and forward-thinking approach to development.

Public Works: Century North Reconstruction Project - Budget Amendment (Turn-back funds)

Dissent: Commissioner Clausen

Moved by Commissioner Karwoski [00:35:10] · Seconded by Unknown [00:35:16]

Erin Blalock, Engineer Two and Project Manager, presented the Century North Reconstruction Project (County Highway 27), a border road project with Ramsey County involving Mahtomedi and White Bear Lake. This item focused on approving a budget amendment to increase the planning design budget by $408,000 using turn-back fund balance. Commissioner Karwoski underscored the project's potential for redevelopment, safety improvements, and trail expansion, noting its role as a planned turn-back project. Commissioner Miron praised Commissioner Karwoski's leadership and highlighted the extensive public vetting and transparency of such projects. Commissioner Clausen reiterated opposition based on her belief that the CIP process lacks equity and transparency.

Public Works: Century North Reconstruction Project - Budget Amendment (Local Contribution & Turn-back funds)

Dissent: Commissioner Clausen

Moved by Commissioner Karwoski [00:40:08] · Seconded by Unknown [00:40:11]

This item sought approval for a budget amendment to increase local contribution and turn-back funds by $1,458,000 for the Century North Reconstruction Project. Discussion reiterated the themes from the previous item, focusing on the project's benefits, collaborative nature with Ramsey County and local cities, and the transparency of the planning process. Commissioner Clausen again voted in opposition, citing her consistent concerns regarding the Capital Improvement Plan's transparency and equity.

Public Works: Century North Reconstruction Project - Amendment #2 to Kimley-Horn Contract

Dissent: Commissioner Clausen

Moved by Commissioner Karwoski [00:40:35] · Seconded by Commissioner Cox [00:40:41]

The board considered and approved Amendment #2 to Contract #17-654 with Kimley-Horn for $407,850, to cover out-of-scope work resulting from municipally approved project improvements for the Century North Reconstruction Project. The discussion again highlighted the extensive planning and stakeholder coordination involved in the project. Commissioner Clausen maintained her stance of opposition, reiterating her concerns about the overall CIP process and project selection.

Public Works: Century North Reconstruction Project - Resolution to Acquire Right of Way

Dissent: Commissioner Clausen

Moved by Commissioner Karwoski [00:41:04] · Seconded by Unknown [01:06:50]

The final item for the Century North Reconstruction Project was a motion to adopt a resolution to acquire necessary right-of-way and associated easements for the project construction. This action is a critical step in advancing the project. The vote followed the established pattern, with four commissioners in favor and Commissioner Clausen dissenting based on her previously stated concerns about the Capital Improvement Plan's transparency.