[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6291124,"mediaKeyId","2530172-9032feb34f2acc86bc3e0e053a83457b","parentId",2530172,"title","Stearns County approves County Road 2 right-of-way plat, authorizes Xcel distribution relocation amid safety concerns","audioSeconds",1450,"startMs",6249000,"endMs",7699000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2530172-9032feb34f2acc86bc3e0e053a83457b&start=6249&end=7699","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2530172-9032feb34f2acc86bc3e0e053a83457b/thumbnail_6249000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6291124/Stearns-County/Minnesota/Stearns-County-approves-County-Road-2-right-of-way-plat-authorizes-Xcel-distribution-relocation-amid-safety-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6291124-bd2de10d74b845c744afbf650e3f2bb7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771091846&Signature=GBP0In4y1k2E13UTawiZMAcyZC3kP-9lfuTT3vyqgPb9mFQj30t8jF5bV7pnG7KE08qY-omzixAclgVUhibQJvRtzVbgMPtsqAvxrmOtpczmcteo~FRZ0AvDtvkPX06QsZIS7OokHP8hxPIFicV1XGQHdjXFaMHaFHq9Pw~FkPvJ5Wujhz7zDApFa3GXBZAWIpZy41PvXJDZNvN8vlCDzooHm19DOHLw69OLDnoVrJFIlXpjIl3xevIoWVQmrWA5YtJDYgO5VPIv51bAHSUgf5FqAudUvlyKk5JmJqkLNoeuS9V8tpPmicTgS7cuircMZxHnQyrq3PDtLKHI7nhsUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Stearns County, MN","date","2025-02-11T00:00:00Z","article","The Stearns County Board approved Highway Right of Way Plat No. 69 for the reconstruction of County Road 2 (SAP 073-602-051), and authorized county staff to sign an overhead service agreement with Xcel Energy to relocate distribution lines along the same corridor.

Highway staff explained the project covers County Road 2 between 420 First Street and County Road 1 north of Saint Stephen. As a state-aid minor arterial roadway, staff said the reconstruction requires 8-foot paved shoulders. The board approved the right-of-way plat after extended discussion about safety, property impacts and possible alternate alignments.

Jody (county highway staff) reported the project is in the county’s five-year program for 2025, that the plat reflects recently restaked temporary easements and that staff had received a petition and multiple emails from affected homeowners. The board heard three written statements read into the record from residents. Key resident concerns included previous crashes and vehicles entering yards; a school-bus stop in front of one home and the risk to small children; frequent speeding; and the effect of moving the center line on the ability to add onto homes or sell properties.

One resident letter urged shifting the alignment to the south to preserve tree buffers and keep the right-of-way further from homes. Another recounted multiple crashes on a property and said the proposed alignment would place the new edge of right-of-way “27 feet from the corner of my house,” raising safety fears. A daycare provider wrote that drivers often pass on the left and that increased curve speeds would create a longer runway for speeding vehicles, raising child-safety concerns.

Staff said alternate alignments would require environmental assessment, potential wetland mitigation and wetland credits, and additional negotiations with Brockway Township. Jody said staff’s recommendation was to proceed with the current alignment and add the 8-foot paved shoulders and gentler roadside slopes; staff argued the paved shoulders would allow farm equipment to pull over and improve reaction time for drivers. The board approved the right-of-way plat after discussion; at least one commissioner called the choice “picking which option causes the least misery.”

Separately, staff asked the board to authorize the county engineer to sign an Xcel Energy agreement to relocate distribution lines from private easement onto the new transmission poles. Highway staff said Xcel updated its estimate for the distribution relocation and credited used-up life; the distribution relocation cost to Xcel is $154,113.81. The board authorized the county engineer to sign the agreement.

Board members also outlined next-step options if the board later decides not to proceed with this alignment: order an environmental assessment for a new alignment, negotiate further with the township and landowners, or abandon reconstruction and do a resurfacing-only project (which would not address the safety issues residents raised). Staff will continue right-of-way outreach with affected property owners and enter negotiated easements where possible.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Stearns County Board of Commissioners - 11 Feb 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Stearns County approved Right of Way Plat No. 69 for County Road 2 reconstruction and authorized an agreement with Xcel Energy for distribution-line relocation after residents urged shifting the alignment for safety and privacy.","taxTitle","Stearns County, Minnesota","taxId",3766,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6291129,"Stearns County commissioners split over extra hearing for Sunny Mary Meadows conditional use permit",2239,1359000,3598000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2530172-9032feb34f2acc86bc3e0e053a83457b&start=1359&end=3598","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2530172-9032feb34f2acc86bc3e0e053a83457b/thumbnail_1359000.jpg","/articles/6291129/Stearns-County/Minnesota/Stearns-County-commissioners-split-over-extra-hearing-for-Sunny-Mary-Meadows-conditional-use-permit","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6291129-fb295c33b815a1e29d26ef68fdd44e67/orig.mp4?Expires=1771091846&Signature=amEwB-ZOdgMzCRMpHUa8RGgydY2So4d5cIJ61K3DNev-yxxRefrNb6s~pESwGBOCwNMdy8zFUJ5Fresb0EZeJs281jk6Ca04ckE-o4WBBpHrNZg8-dSrauWjqUT0WxUh32W47nLS011l~I-~9CtfbG-t6cvwKfwuJr2uEfFxzdFd-WKlY-HQU43vYa~J58orv93PKQlRxCX5AMbBH10Cy8~5MkOrWdotEx-3EHvbZGS3oMnGP-tYegqMLifWyBSaIu76Dtju4cU60oFJKHLAu1mKUyAbmfGgGxHCnbHZSoWamRxiHMTuslgQ-BjSRvdj0KYbzhGuSnVrepOT6q5w3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Stearns County Board of Commissioners debated whether to hold its own public hearing on a conditional use permit application for Sunny Mary Meadows, a rural events and flower-farming business operated by applicant Liz Fiedler, but voted against scheduling a new hearing.

The item drew repeated comments from commissioners and township officials about noise, hours, and the number and size of events. Jennifer Buckantine of the county Environmental Services Department summarized conditions the Planning Commission recommended: “Days and hours of operation are 6AM to 10PM, 7 days a week. Outdoor music is allowed from 6AM to 8PM. … 15 special events per year are allowed and music may go till 10 p.m., and … outdoor music is only allowed on the property provided the noise levels comply with Minnesota rules chapter 70.3, which is the MPCA state noise standard.”

Commissioners and residents disagreed over whether the county should step in now. Commissioner Persky pressed staff to confirm what a permit would allow, asking directly, “They could have live music from 6AM till 10PM. Is that not true?” Staff replied that the Planning Commission’s recommended conditions limit routine outdoor music to 8 p.m. and that 15 special events a year could allow music to 10 p.m. during those events. Staff also said the county’s ordinance allows a provisional-use registration for up to 15 events a year without a public hearing, and that a “large gathering” threshold in county rules is 999 people.

Supporters of a hearing said township residents were not aware of the scope of the proposal and wanted clearer, tighter conditions. Opponents of an additional hearing argued neighbors and the applicant should resolve details directly and warned that extra hearings might not produce different outcomes.

A motion to conduct a county public hearing on the CUP failed on a roll call vote, 2–3: Commissioners Persky and Bertram voted in favor; Commissioners Clark, Notch and Lensmeier voted against. Because the motion failed, the board did not add its own public hearing; the Planning Commission record and its recommended conditions remain the formal administrative record for the item.

County staff told commissioners that private, family events on the property (for example, a private wedding or graduation) do not require a CUP, while any activity offered to the public requires either a provisional-use registration or a CUP with a public hearing. Staff also noted that where a CUP is granted it stays with the property and can affect future owners.

Commissioners urged neighbors and the applicant to continue discussions. Several commissioners said they support the applicant’s business in principle but want clearer, enforceable conditions that address future owners and reduce potential conflicts.","Residents and township officials urged the Stearns County Board to revisit a conditional use permit for Sunny Mary Meadows, citing concerns about outdoor music, event hours and crowd size. Staff said the Planning Commission recommended limits; commissioners voted 3-2 against holding a separate county public hearing.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6291114,"Board reappoints Marshall Grama to Airport Authority; commissioners seek broader discussion of airport levy and governance",1988,4771000,6759000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2530172-9032feb34f2acc86bc3e0e053a83457b&start=4771&end=6759","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2530172-9032feb34f2acc86bc3e0e053a83457b/thumbnail_4771000.jpg","/articles/6291114/Stearns-County/Minnesota/Board-reappoints-Marshall-Grama-to-Airport-Authority-commissioners-seek-broader-discussion-of-airport-levy-and-governance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6291114-b94f443d4e79c1f663142f9662174378/orig.mp4?Expires=1771091846&Signature=fva0y4kJbkNIaUBAaAWthcL0aC5xY-oTqHk0UifD~v47Y3L252D0XcYAgs~m6KlhJoay3qhgTtsoPRb-CSrtW5ABCFtIIolA7xjVYneKm1IbqYmGBxHfExyWc3oRYAfsysJIWbaxwz-zko6SzsO0E2CgS~9S7HD2xhbenyqRslxheELuAw7rU8IM3j6F7xCXHJobQUPG9DRqRQtVre2TJ17HkCpwlLWKAsuyDD4zP7aeRMqSLzwK~ynjwWRC2oXv7twyiSQvhy2eTjp~lcEy9g9bchWWDgmDY1J3D59-gkBMXxfJhDGQ7G0n9g3n6cVl5vb07J0i6gewNUvo3hMPCw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Stearns County Board reappointed the sitting appointee, Marshall Grama, to the county’s seat on the Airport Authority and discussed broader governance, levy authority and the need for further conversations with partner jurisdictions and the authority board.

Administrators presented five applications and reminded commissioners that, under the Airport Authority’s enabling documents, a current appointee may remain in place until the board acts. Several commissioners said they wanted more in-depth discussion of levy authority, bylaws and whether a county commissioner should serve on the authority. Commissioners also discussed arranging meetings with the Airport Authority and partner counties to clarify fiscal and governance questions before any future changes to appointments or bylaws.

Commissioner Lensmeier moved to reappoint applicant number 5 (the current appointee). The board voted to reappoint the incumbent; the recorded roll call during the discussion showed Commissioners Lensmeier, Clark and Notch voting in favor and Commissioner Bertram opposed. Commissioners asked administration to schedule additional briefings with the Airport Authority and partner counties and to return to the board with options for governance or representation changes.","The Stearns County Board reappointed the incumbent to one of the county’s seats on the Airport Authority and directed administrators to organize additional conversations about levy authority, bylaws and county representation.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6291119,"Stearns County signs watershed joint powers agreement and backs AIS prevention funding",269,3951000,4220000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2530172-9032feb34f2acc86bc3e0e053a83457b&start=3951&end=4220","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2530172-9032feb34f2acc86bc3e0e053a83457b/thumbnail_3951000.jpg","/articles/6291119/Stearns-County/Minnesota/Stearns-County-signs-watershed-joint-powers-agreement-and-backs-AIS-prevention-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6291119-2084a20c67c6318a4e92c348ec4a0bb0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771091846&Signature=itG7CVJ4vohZM1HRchrFUpCRlDjnjp6iydRYCJehrzQnF-R2x9SZsderpdFf0RjJkal0jGZsYfWhqXXHgWKc5tXxQ~kupXXkIsdJwJAq-gnVPtVSoQokIbnDn5iuF3gEPIVSWVzNnfUEygiBLX8jJ6UPf-Nl-D0lNOgNUeEDukJ2UKRaXM-i92At-KxZVKhe0vcP2ewl3NZlWJp9G~3AjI6ZFlutJJeeLfeiOBaPQxm3rtF9QxjU7nN8xUQBdmqCPgDJwYxvWVGnZUOr0qD6Fm1IeghdAIbnwZGNmeQ5eF24yELN9hKsL5joVCQe2MGntSWmGqUQUqzrRBckykwyKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Stearns County Board authorized two actions on water management and one on invasive-species funding during its Feb. 11 meeting.

First, commissioners approved a joint powers agreement to form a legal entity to implement the Mississippi River–St. Cloud Watershed comprehensive management plan. Becky Schlorf, watershed supervisor in county environmental services, told the board that the group had been operating under a memorandum of agreement for the planning phase and that Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) had approved the plan. She said the new joint powers agreement is required by the state to move from planning to implementation and that the agreement limits the entity’s funding sources to grants, gifts and other non-levy funds.

Second, the board adopted the watershed comprehensive management plan itself. Schlorf said the plan went through a 60-day public comment period, that the policy committee held a public hearing in December and that partners and BWSR had approved the final plan. After adoption, individual partner counties have up to 120 days to adopt the plan and begin implementation.

Third, on aquatic invasive species prevention funding, staff recommended and the board approved adding the county’s signature to a letter to the governor urging preservation of the AIS prevention aid base funding. Becky Schlorf told the board Stearns County has received about $250,000 annually since 2015 and that the governor’s proposed budget would cut approximately 50 percent. Schlorf said the county’s AIS committee asked the board to sign in support; several commissioners said the issue fits county priorities and the motion passed.

Commissioners asked staff to keep boards informed about joint powers entity decisions and to return to county boards with updates when grant or implementation steps are proposed. Schlorf said adoption of the watershed plan will supplant the county’s local water plan for that watershed area and noted one remaining watershed (Mississippi–Sartell) that still requires local planning.","The county approved a joint powers agreement to implement the Mississippi River–St. Cloud Watershed comprehensive plan, adopted the plan, and approved signing a letter urging the governor to preserve aquatic invasive-species (AIS) prevention funding.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Stearns County approves County Road 2 right-of-way plat, authorizes Xcel distribution relocation amid safety concerns

Stearns County commissioners split over extra hearing for Sunny Mary Meadows conditional use permit

Board reappoints Marshall Grama to Airport Authority; commissioners seek broader discussion of airport levy and governance

Stearns County signs watershed joint powers agreement and backs AIS prevention funding