Wright County City Council — Transcript
Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Rezoning Request Denial
Solar Project Decommissioning Agreement
Potential Zoning Regulation Changes
Large Gathering Permit Approval
Drainage Ditch Cleaning Project
Parks & Recreation Award Recognition
Health and Human Services Department Restructuring
800 MHz Radio Fee Resolution
Votes (9)
Denial of Rezoning Request for Kenneth and Susan Yost
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Holland [Unknown Timestamp] · Seconded by Commissioner Dietrich [Unknown Timestamp]
Mr. Barry presented the Planning Commission's recommendation to deny the rezoning request from Kenneth and Susan Yost. He noted that all pertinent findings, minutes, staff reports, and application materials were on file for review by the commissioners. No questions were raised by the commissioners regarding this item.
Approval of US Solar MVP Project Decommissioning Agreement
Dissent: None
Moved by Moonea [Unknown Timestamp] · Seconded by Holland [Unknown Timestamp]
Barry presented the decommissioning agreement as a critical, final step and a condition set by the Planning and Regulations Committee. The agreement details mechanisms like a letter of credit to ensure the county is protected if the solar developer fails to properly decommission the site. Its approval is necessary before a building permit can be issued.
Approval of Large Gathering Permit for Up the Creek Bar & Grill
Dissent: None
Moved by Moonea [Unknown Timestamp] · Seconded by Dietrich [Unknown Timestamp]
Ms. Lindsay presented the request for formal approval of a large gathering permit for 'Up the Creek Bar & Grill' for their annual street party. She confirmed that staff had reviewed the application and ensured all agreements and requirements were met.
Authorization to Solicit Bids for Drainage Ditch 23 Cleaning
Dissent: None
Moved by Dietrich [Unknown Timestamp] · Seconded by Moonea [Unknown Timestamp]
Mr. Matt requested authorization for the Drainage and Utilities Department to seek bids from subcontractors to clean Drainage Ditch #23, located in Woodland Township. He explained that some preparatory work, including tree removal, was completed last year, and the ditch's flow is currently restricted by sediment and vegetation along its two-thirds mile length.
Recognition of Wright County Parks & Recreation Award for 'Wright Challenge'
Dissent: None
Moved by null · Seconded by null
Carson and Stacy from the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) presented the 2025 Program Excellence Award to Wright County Parks & Recreation for their 'Wright Challenge' program. This program engaged 100 participants (25 families and 12 individuals) in exploring seven county parks through a walking challenge, supported by various county businesses. Stacy highlighted the program's creativity, community impact, and success in promoting healthy lifestyles and outdoor recreation.
Health and Human Services Board Agenda Approval
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Unknown Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Unknown Timestamp]
Mr. Mike requested approval for the Health and Human Services (HHS) agenda, noting it was a procedural item the board handles in its capacity as the HHS Board. There was brief clarification sought regarding the need for a separate vote for this agenda, which was affirmed.
Adoption of HHS Resolution No. 26-05 to Accept Donation
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Dietrich [Unknown Timestamp] · Seconded by Holland [Unknown Timestamp]
Mr. Mike presented Resolution No. 26-05 for adoption, which formally accepts a donation received in July 2016. The total donation amounted to $1055, comprising funds from the Special Needs Fund ($305) and an in-kind contribution from Sam Quality ($750) for Clinic and Outreach Activities.
Update on Health and Human Services Department Restructuring
Dissent: None
Moved by null · Seconded by null
Mr. Mike provided a comprehensive update on the successful restructuring of five divisions within the Health and Human Services Department. He highlighted that the initiative, driven by goals to streamline operations, reduce duplication, and provide better service, resulted in $1148 in savings and a reduction of two staff positions, from 258 to 256. He expressed pride in the team's efforts and the positive trajectory for the department.
Adoption of Resolution No. 2649 for 800 MHz Scope
Dissent: None
Moved by Moonea [Unknown Timestamp] · Seconded by Holland [Unknown Timestamp]
Seth explained that Resolution No. 2649 concerns establishing and updating fees for 800 MHz radios. He noted that these fees had not been adjusted since approximately 2020, and the resolution provides an updated fee structure with a proportional increase for at least the next fiscal year, along with a two-year plan for these fees.
Notable Quotes (3)
This is the final phase and is one of the Planning and Regulations Committee's conditions to enter into a decommissioning agreement between the county, the developer, and the property owner. The agreement contains specific requirements for the letter of credit or other to be usable in the event of any default on maintenance or otherwise; or if the solar developer does not properly decommission, the county is protected under this agreement to use the letter of credit to remove the equipment from the site.
The 'Wright Challenge' program is a wonderful example of how recreation can inspire people to explore their community, engage in physical activity, and connect with the amazing park resources Wright County has to offer. By encouraging participants to visit seven different parks through a fun and engaging walking challenge, the program successfully promotes healthy lifestyles, while showcasing the beauty and accessibility of the county's park system. The program's creativity, community impact, and ability to encourage outdoor recreational activities made it stand out among our nominations from across Minnesota.
We have accomplished today the restructuring of the five divisions, which started with the Elderly and Disabled Care and Public Health division in 519, then the Commercial and Financial Services division in 630, and finally the Child and Family Services division. This was done with great effort and long patience, as I mentioned before, and our focus was on streamlining operations, supporting the agency in the long term, reducing duplication, and providing the best possible service to our community. Ultimately, we saved $1148, and I believe this is a positive achievement, and the number of staff decreased to 256 employees compared to 258 previously.
Ordinances & Resolutions (4)
Agreement for the US Solar MVP Project to protect the county in case of developer default.
Permit approved for Up the Creek Bar & Grill's annual street party.
Health and Human Services resolution to accept a July 2016 donation.
Resolution establishing fees and a two-year plan for 800 MHz radios.