In an unanimous vote Tuesday, the Sherburne County Board approved a change in the county’s land use map and an interim use permit (IUP) for a 2.475 MW Solar Farm for Lee and Roselie Peterson and Connexus Energy (known as Cedar Creek Energy) on 43.22 acres located in the Agricultural District in Santiago Twp.
The request had met with opposition from area residents and environmentalists during a May 21 hearing before the Planning Advisory Commission. Issues included visual impact for neighboring properties, property values, long-term health concerns, environmental impacts and effects to wildlife.
At the conclusion of that public hearing, the commission voted 5-2 to recommend denial. Tuesday, Commissioner Gregg Felber said he didn’t agree with the planning advisory commission’s findings.
“This was a faulty denial, I think,” he said. Felber said many of the issues raised were not applicable.
“A lot of these types of things are simply not relevant to this type of facility that’s being put in,” he said. “It’s a small solar field. It does not  raise the local temperature. It’s going to be used with driven pylons and silicon-based solar panels, so there’s not a heavy metal threat.”
Commissioner Gary Gray said the family has had the land for 60 years.
“This is a chance for them to take a parcel of land that’s not generating any revenue for them to generate some revenue,” he said. “And the electricity that’s being generated on that is going to be used locally. It’s not going to be out of Sherburne County like other facilities we’ve had to deal with.”
After further discussion about some of the requirements for decommissioning, the board voted 5-0 to approve. The approval comes with 22 conditions that must be followed.
EAW Agreement
The board approved an agreement with City of Big Lake for the city to be designated the Responsible Governmental Authority (RGA) to conduct of an Environmental Assessment Worksheet required for a proposed business in an area that is proposed to be annexed into the City. The city has received a petition to annex approximately 115.32 acres of property from Big Lake Twp. A light industrial development is proposed and a mandatory Environmental Assessment Worksheet is required.
HHS Grant
The board accepted a Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) Prevention Services Grant in the amount of $772,145. The grant will help fund two Child Protection full time staff for the timeframe of July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2028, to address unfunded State of Minnesota mandates relating to the Minnesota’s Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) and the Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act (MAAFPCWDA).
Then the board approved hiring up to nine full time employees in Health & Human Services to help meet those new unfunded mandates being imposed on Minnesota counties.
The total cost for the positions is estimated to be $284,712 for the remainder of 2026 (assuming a Sept. 1 2026 start date) and $815,120 for 2027, which takes into account the two-year grant award that fully covers the cost of two full time positions.
HHW Facility
The board approved an agreement for professional and technical services with HCM Architects to provide architectural planning and design services in connection with the construction of the Sherburne County Household Hazardous Waste Facility, Public Works Storage Building and Integrated Waste and Logistics Hub. HCM Architects will be compensated $84,370 plus mileage and printing reimbursement for providing this service to the county.
Other Business
In other actions the board:
• Approved an application for a MN Lawful Gambling Exempt Permit for the City of Big Lake Firefighters Relief Association, to be used for a raffle to be held Oct. 10 at the Big Lake Fire Dept.;
• Approved a petition to place a culvert/bridge in County Ditch 13 for a private crossing as requested by and for Mr. Jacob Watts. The petitioner is responsible for all expenses incurred by the County Ditch and Drainage Technician for inspections and mileage regarding the project;
• Tabled an amendment to the Sherburne County Zoning Ordinance to add Veterinary Clinic as an Interim Use;
• Approved an IUP for a portable Asphalt & Concrete Mixing Plant on  a 69.10 acre parcel on Hwy. 169  in Livonia Twp.;
• Approved an IUP for TNG Equipment for selling vehicles, boats and farm implements on five acres on 42nd Street SE off Hwy. 10 in Haven Twp. The board also approved a request to re-zone 10 acres at the site from Agricultural to Commercial to accommodate the business;
• Proclaimed the week of June 29-July 4 as Celebrate America Week to recognize and commemorate the upcoming 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States of America.
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