Panel recommends approval of 1.6-acre parcel split in Richmond Township

Winona County planning commissioners unanimously recommended approval of a petition to create an approximately 1.6-acre parcel in Richmond Township to allow a single-family dwelling on a lot smaller than the 40-acre agricultural minimum.

Staff (Eric) told the panel the site contains an existing modular home and detached garage that have been associated with the farm since at least 1974 as a farm-help dwelling; their records show occupancy verified over decades. The proposal from CMDM Winona LLC, represented by land agent Trevor Golomski of High Point Land Company, would formalize the building site as a stand-alone parcel (about 1.6 acres) and require a septic upgrade and a current well; staff recommended the standard two conditions for such approvals.

Golomski and property owner Chris Michaels said the property was recently acquired by CMDM, the well was replaced and a new septic is being installed. Golomski told commissioners Richmond Township verbally signaled no objection at an earlier meeting and said he would secure the missing signed township acknowledgment before the county-board hearing.

Commissioners asked whether a split would affect taxation; staff said creating a standalone building site typically increases assessed value because one acre is treated as a building site for assessment purposes and the remainder is taxed according to use. Commissioners also explored what happens to prior "farm-help" conditions if a parcel is split: staff said the prior farm-help conditional status would be superseded by a new permitted-status parcel and any older permit conditions would be effectively replaced by the new action.

Jordan moved and Louis seconded a motion to recommend approval as written in the staff report. The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval. Staff noted the county board will consider the recommendation at its Jan. 13 meeting at 9 a.m.