Wright County City Council — Transcript
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Environmental Assessment for Hidden Acres Pet Resort Expansion
Formal Appointment of Health and Human Services and Probation and Court Services Director
Future Discussion on Interim and Conditional Use Permit Processes
Support for Local Road Improvements
Support for Interstate 94 Safety and Capacity Improvements
Votes (7)
Consideration of the petition for discretionary environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) for Hidden Acres Pet Resort
Dissent: Chairman Betch voted Nay, stating strong opposition to denying the EAW.
Moved by Commissioner Holland [01:06:50] · Seconded by Commissioner Moina [01:07:08]
The Board debated whether to require a discretionary EAW for a proposed expansion of Hidden Acres Pet Resort, a dog kennel, grooming, and training business. Key points included the project's size (up to 400 dogs), its location in an agricultural district, and concerns raised by neighbors about noise, waste management via holding tanks, and potential water runoff from impervious surfaces. Commissioners expressed differing views on the necessity of an EAW, with some arguing against it due to lack of state statute requirement for kennels and existing site cleanliness, while others stressed the unique size and commercial nature of the operation in a rural setting, warranting further environmental study. The lack of proper record-keeping for township-level complaints about IUPs/CUPs was also highlighted as a broader issue.
Hiring of Health and Human Services, Probation, and Court Services Director
Moved by Commissioner Moina [01:16:35] · Seconded by Commissioner Holland [01:16:47]
The Administrator requested authorization to formally hire Mr. Mike McMillan as the permanent Health and Human Services, Probation, and Court Services Director, a role he had been serving in on an interim basis. The Administrator detailed Mr. McMillan's accomplishments, including significant cost savings of over $1.1 million through reorganization, streamlining operations, and fostering collaboration. The motion also covered authorizing interim backfills for division-specific director positions and allowing the Administrator to approve contracts for these interim roles.
Health and Human Services Consent Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Holland [01:21:05] · Seconded by Commissioner Moina [01:21:10]
Following the discussion and approval of the HHS Director, the Board quickly approved the Health and Human Services consent agenda. Mr. McMillan briefly acknowledged the staff's professionalism and patience during the recent organizational changes.
Approval of November 10th Workshop Agenda with Addition
Moved by Commissioner Shane [01:23:05] · Seconded by Commissioner Holland [01:23:08]
The Board reviewed and approved the agenda for the upcoming November 10th workshop. A significant addition, prompted by the earlier EAW discussion, was a preliminary discussion on the processes for Interim Use Permits (IUPs) and Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) moving forward. This indicates a recognition of the need to address procedural issues identified during the Hidden Acres debate.
Resolution 2671: Supporting Allocations for Local Road Improvements
Moved by Commissioner Shane [01:24:30] · Seconded by Commissioner Holland [01:24:33]
A resolution supporting allocations for local road improvements was presented and quickly moved to a vote. This is a standard action reflecting the county's commitment to maintaining and enhancing its road infrastructure.
Resolution 2672: Supporting Safety Capacity Improvements on Interstate 94
Moved by Commissioner Shane [01:27:50] · Seconded by Commissioner Holland [01:27:58]
Commissioner Shane introduced Resolution 2672, emphasizing the critical need for safety and capacity improvements on Interstate 94. The resolution was spurred by recent tragic events, including the death of a community member, and aims to show solidarity with the I94 Coalition. Chairman Betch reinforced the highway's importance to Wright County's vitality, and Commissioner Shane highlighted past successes in I94 projects and the ongoing efforts for the Fish Lake interchange.
Resolution 2673: Request to not order an EAW for Hidden Acres Pet Resort
Dissent: Chairman Betch voted Nay, consistent with his earlier stated opposition to denying the EAW.
Moved by Commissioner Holland [01:32:00] · Seconded by Commissioner Shane [01:32:06]
After a brief recess, the Board reconvened to vote on Resolution 2673, which formalized the decision to deny the requirement of an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for Hidden Acres Pet Resort. No further discussion on the merits of the EAW was held, only the formal motion and vote.
Notable Quotes (10)
I look at this as like comparing apples and oranges when trying to compare a cow to a dog. Um dogs by nature aren't inherently considered an agricultural use. They're not a consumable product. At least to my knowledge, they're not a consumable product.
We are asking you as neighbors, as we stated in our EAW, to look at the proposed items that he wishes to have. Besides the 18,100 foot building I mentioned, to the east of that building, there is 3,00 uh 300 dog runs and [laughter] a maximum of 400 dogs.
Currently right now we could have without any expansion, without any remodel, we could have over 300 dogs there currently. Um we've been in business for 26 years. We've been in spec for 26 years without any complaint.
My other concern would be um the number of permits required in our life. Everybody has to go through how many permits or certificates from birth to as I recently learned, oh, I can't call that a death certificate. It's now an end of life certificate. But in that time, how many permit certificates do we have to have in our lifetime as an individual or a small business?
And the problem what happens in in a lot of situations is that there isn't any of the complaints are articulated or recorded and transferred to the county when these discussions take place here. cuz we do know that there are people that show up these meetings when they're reviewing them and articulate these concerns, but they go nowhere.
his leadership and strategic vision he has brought to this role has been exemplary. Um throughout his time in there, he has done three phases of re-engineering in HHS where he has cut 21 positions and reorganized them um into 23 different air new positions. So, but with that he saved over $1.1 million in those three reorganizations.
you guys have been awesome and allowed us to play around, have a little fun, and um and make things better and coach some great people up. It's been uh really a really a blast. And you don't you don't do that alone.
I want three things I want to say about the staff um for both departments. They've been patient, extremely professional, and positive throughout the last 10 months. And that's been it's been it's probably been the hardest on them.
I want us to show solidarity, advocating that we are committed to going forward and supporting I94 Coalition um when we go to DC to make sure that they know how important this stretch of road is to our commun. Um so basically just kind of showing support. It's not really asking for anything, but yet showing the how important this is to us as a as a county board being that most of our our commuters drive that road, that stretch.
it was brought to our attention um by uh Elorville City Council member as we were in at in Washington DC. It had happened the Friday. We were there on a Monday and we did uh relate that to our our uh legislators in DC because and it and it shows too that you know here's here's a a father with uh three young children who lost his life. Uh our community has rallied around the family.
Ordinances & Resolutions (7)
Agreement for county contributions to 2027 health insurance plans with IUOE Local 49
Petition for discretionary environmental review of Hidden Acres Pet Resort expansion
Existing permit for Hidden Acres, and new application for proposed expansion
Existing permit for Hidden Acres and general permit type discussed for oversight
Supporting allocations for local road improvements
Supporting safety and capacity improvements on Interstate 94
Drafted resolution for denying the requirement of an EAW for Hidden Acres