Citizen Portal News Minnesota

@citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social

2 days ago

St. Cloud EDA urges housing, downtown reinvestment and industry targeting in Sherburne update A St. Cloud economic development official told the Sherburne County EDA that downtown revitalization, workforce housing and targeted industry recruitment (automation, IT, food and precision manufacturing) are priorities, and invited local input at an April 22 open house on the city’s comp plan.

St. Cloud is ramping up its downtown revitalization efforts and urgently seeking solutions for workforce housing as it adapts to economic changes.

Learn more here!

#SherburneCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #DowntownRevitalization #EconomicDevelopment #WorkforceHousing

Citizen Portal News Minnesota

@citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social

3 weeks ago

Sherburne County planning staff outline zoning rewrites, ADUs and lot-size changes to spur housing County planning and zoning staff told the EDA their partnership has produced ordinance rewrites, a one-month reduction in standard-plat processing, proposed minimum-lot-size reductions (from 2.5 to 1.5 acres under discussion), an ADU ordinance and a shoreland zoning refresh intended to make redevelopment easier in lakefront areas.

Sherburne County is transforming housing options with new zoning changes, including faster permit processing and innovative accessory dwelling unit ordinances!

Learn more here

#SherburneCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #ZoningReform #HousingInnovation #CommunityPartnerships

Citizen Portal News Minnesota

@citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social

4 weeks ago

Big Lake presents industrial and residential growth plans; wastewater expansion seeks large funding A City of Big Lake presenter updated the Sherburne County EDA on recent industrial land sales and building expansions, redevelopment cleanup needs with state involvement, two pending annexations for residential projects, and a $2 million federal design award toward a roughly $60 million wastewater expansion project.

Big Lake is buzzing with growth as over 120,000 square feet of new industrial space is under construction, alongside exciting residential developments on the horizon!

Learn more here

#SherburneCounty #MN #EnvironmentalCleanup #CitizenPortal #EconomicGrowth #InfrastructureDevelopment

Citizen Portal News Minnesota

@citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social

1 month ago

Commission asks staff to rewrite veterinary‑clinic interim‑use ordinance after wide public input After extensive public comment and discussion about minimum lot sizes, setbacks, and biosecurity, the commission voted to table a proposed Sherburne County ordinance amendment that would list veterinary clinics as an interim use; staff was directed to work with the applicant to craft tiered standards and return with a revised draft.

The Sherburne County Planning Commission has hit pause on a proposed ordinance for veterinary clinics after a heated public debate on lot sizes and biosecurity measures.

Get the details!

#SherburneCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #PublicComment #LandUsePolicy #AnimalWelfare

Citizen Portal News Minnesota

@citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social

1 month ago

Planning commission recommends denial of US Solar / MMPA 3.5 MW solar project citing wetlands and screening concerns The commission recommended denying a comprehensive plan map change and an interim use permit for a proposed 3.5 MW solar farm (approx. 30 acres) proposed by the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency and US Solar, citing sensitive wetlands, likely visual and wildlife impacts from perimeter fencing and doubts about screening effectiveness. The recommendation is advisory to the County Board on March 17, 2026.

The Sherburne County Planning Commission has recommended denying a controversial 3.5 MW solar farm project, raising serious concerns over wetlands, property values, and visual impact on nearby homes.

Get the details!

#SherburneCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #WildlifeProtection #EnvironmentalImpact

Citizen Portal News Minnesota

@citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social

1 month ago

Commissioners vote to seek state authorization for local-option sales tax; staff to prepare justification packet The board approved a draft resolution asking the state legislature to authorize a local-option sales tax; commissioners requested small textual corrections and directed staff to prepare the required justification materials for submission to legislators.

Sherburne County commissioners have taken a bold step by approving a resolution to seek local-option sales tax authority from the Minnesota Legislature—what’s next for funding local projects?

Click to read more!

#SherburneCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #SherburneCountyLocalTax #CommunityFunding

Citizen Portal News Minnesota

@citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social

1 month ago

Sherburne County approves 2026 line-item budget with increases for hazardous-waste events and new recycling pilots The county approved its 2026 score line-item budget that increases funding for household hazardous-waste mobile events by ~27% and adds pilot programs for business organics recycling and cardboard recycling in Becker after the Boy Scouts discontinued service.

Sherburne County just approved a groundbreaking budget that boosts funding for hazardous waste events by 27% and introduces exciting new recycling programs!

Click to read more!

#SherburneCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #RecyclingInitiatives #CommunityParticipation #WasteManagement

Citizen Portal News Minnesota

@citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social

1 month ago

Sherburne County backs two federal BUILD grant applications to advance interchange and river-crossing work The Sherburne County Board unanimously approved two resolutions supporting federal BUILD grant requests: $25 million for final design, property acquisition and partial construction of the U.S. Highway 10/County Road 11 railroad-interchange project and $2 million for a joint Mississippi River crossing planning study with Wright County.

Sherburne County is making major strides with two ambitious federal grant applications, seeking $25 million for a critical highway interchange and $2 million for a new Mississippi River crossing!

Learn more here

#SherburneCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #InfrastructureDevelopment

Citizen Portal News Minnesota

@citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social

1 month ago

Minnesota childcare rule overhaul would shift variances to state, raise family home capacity and tighten safety rules, Sherburne County told Sherburne County licensing staff briefed the EDA on Minnesota DCYFs proposed childcare modernization: variances would move to the state (slower turnaround), family-home capacity could rise from 14 to 18 with extra staffing, training hours would drop but state fire-marshal training and stricter safety and notification rules are proposed; earliest effective date is July 1, 2027 if adopted.

Minnesota's proposed childcare rule changes could reshape family care by shifting variance approvals to the state, increasing capacity limits, and tightening safety regulations, but will it create more delays for families in need?

Click to read more!

#SherburneCounty #MN #CitizenPortal

Citizen Portal News Minnesota

@citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social

2 months ago

Greater Saint Cloud unveils new brand, strategic plan and regional projects to Sherburne EDA Nataya Bowman, president and CEO of Greater Saint Cloud, described a new brand and three‑pillar strategic plan focused on regional leadership, business support and amplifying returns; she highlighted Stage Works, ImPlan economic modeling and the NIRON Magnetics site, a projected $400 million investment with 175 jobs.

Greater Saint Cloud is redefining its future with a bold new brand and a strategic plan aimed at boosting regional leadership and economic growth, including an exciting $400 million investment project that promises 175 high-paying jobs!

Click to read more!

#SherburneCounty #MN

Citizen Portal News Minnesota

@citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social

3 months ago

Citizen urges Sherburne County to investigate alleged election fraud, calls for paper rosters A Sherburne County resident and Restore Minnesota volunteer told commissioners he believes there is a statewide pattern of fraud linked to electronic check‑in rosters and urged local action, including a return to paper rosters in precincts.

A local citizen is sounding the alarm on alleged election fraud in Sherburne County, calling for urgent reforms and a return to paper rosters to restore trust in the voting process.

Learn more here

#SherburneCounty #MN #ElectionIntegrity #TransparencyReform #CitizenPortal #CivicParticipation

Citizen Portal News Minnesota

@citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social

3 months ago

Sherburne County adopts 2026 levy and approves 1.5% increase to commissioners' pay The board adopted the 2026 budget and associated levy and approved a 1.5% cost‑of‑living adjustment to commissioners' salaries; commissioners asked staff to prepare a salary‑comparison study for elected and senior positions in the first quarter of 2026.

Sherburne County has officially adopted its 2026 budget and approved a 1.5% raise for commissioners, paving the way for new financial decisions ahead.

Click to read more!

#SherburneCounty #MN #BudgetTransparency #PublicFinance #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability

Citizen Portal News Minnesota

@citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social

3 months ago

Sherburne County delays revocation of wine‑bar permit, directs staff to draft stricter conditions After the planning commission recommended revoking a conditional‑use permit for a farm‑related wine bar in Becker, the Sherburne County Board declined immediate revocation and asked staff to draft clarifying amendments — chiefly on hours, employee eligibility and signage — for formal action in January.

The Sherburne County Board has chosen to delay the revocation of a controversial wine bar permit, opting instead to clarify conditions amid rising community concerns.

Get the details!

#SherburneCounty #MN #CommunityVoice #CitizenPortal #LocalBusinessRegulation #CivicAccountability

Citizen Portal News Minnesota

@citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social

3 months ago

Sherburne County signs agreement for pilot commuter express bus to replace NorthStar rail The county approved a two‑year pilot agreement with MnDOT and Metro Transit to operate Route 882 express bus service beginning Jan. 5, 2026, providing three morning trips from Big Lake and Elk River into downtown Minneapolis and return trips in the afternoon.

Sherburne County is rolling out a new pilot commuter bus service to fill the gap left by the NorthStar rail, offering flexible routes and convenient downtown access starting January 2026!

Get the details!

#SherburneCounty #MN #TransitInnovation #CitizenPortal #CommuterServices #PublicTransport

Citizen Portal News Minnesota

@citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social

4 months ago

Sherburne County asks for fuller environmental review of Elk River Landfill north expansion County planning staff recommended and the board approved submission of detailed comments asking the MPCA and project proponents to expand the scoping of the Elk River Landfill north development area EAW, citing monitoring/remediation challenges, wetland and wild‑rice risks, and the need for alternative‑site and alternative‑technology analyses.

Sherburne County is pushing for a comprehensive review of the Elk River Landfill expansion, citing serious environmental risks that could threaten local wetlands and wildlife.

Learn more here!

#SherburneCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #PublicHealth #EnvironmentalReview #WasteManagement

Citizen Portal News Minnesota

@citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social

4 months ago

Sherburne County updates tobacco licensing rules after public hearing; board approves ordinance with one dissent After a lengthy public hearing with broad testimony from educators, health workers, students and business owners, the Sherburne County Board adopted an updated tobacco licensing ordinance to align with federal and state law, add public-health measures, and set a July 1, 2026 effective date.

Sherburne County has taken a bold step to protect youth by adopting new tobacco licensing rules, banning flavored products and raising the minimum clerk age for sales.

Learn more here!

#SherburneCounty #MN #YouthProtection #CitizenPortal #SherburneCountyTobacco #PublicHealth #TobaccoRegulations

Citizen Portal News Minnesota

@citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social

5 months ago

County surface- and groundwater program standardizes data; board approves split sampling and PFAS tests at Vanko 1 landfill Sherburne County staff described a new groundwater-data format created from decades of monitoring records and the board approved split sampling at the Vanko 1 closed landfill — including PFAS analysis — at a cost not to exceed $11,200 paid from solid-waste surcharge funds.

Sherburne County is transforming decades of landfill monitoring data into a standardized format to enhance groundwater analysis and ensure safety through new PFAS testing.

Learn more here!

#SherburneCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #PFASTesting #LandfillManagement #GroundwaterData

Citizen Portal News Minnesota

@citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social

5 months ago

Votes at a glance: Sherburne County Board actions At its meeting the Sherburne County Board approved routine agenda items, accepted an auditor report, authorized landfill split sampling with PFAS testing, approved a SCORE budget amendment for vape disposal, and approved opioid program funding and gap support for a shelter project.

The Sherburne County Board made significant strides this week, approving essential measures from landfill testing to opioid program funding that will impact the community.

Learn more here

#SherburneCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunitySupport #SherburneCountyBoard

Citizen Portal News Minnesota

@citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social

8 months ago

Carol Zimmerman Advocates Liquor License for Boulder Creek Wine Bar's Community-Focused Model Carol Zimmerman requests liquor license approval for Boulder Creek Wine Bar's unique offering.

Carol Zimmerman passionately advocates for Boulder Creek Wine Bar's liquor license, highlighting its role in supporting local craftsmanship and community values in Sherburne County.

Learn more here!

#SherburneCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #LocalBusinesses #SherburneCountyCommunity

Citizen Portal News Minnesota

@citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social

8 months ago

Sherburne County Officials Clarify Election Night Reporting Errors and Voter Registration Changes Sherburne County officials address hand counts and updates to voter registration processes.

Sherburne County officials are taking bold steps to ensure election integrity, addressing reporting errors and introducing new voter registration rules for 2026!

Learn more here

#SherburneCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #ElectionIntegrity #CivicTransparency #VoterRegistration

Citizen Portal News Minnesota

@citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social

9 months ago

Sherburne County updates on stalled Highway 169 interchange project awaiting federal approval Commissioners await FHWA approval to proceed with the $25 million Zimmerman interchange project.

The Zimmerman interchange project in Sherburne County faces significant delays and uncertainty, as federal grant processing issues push construction back to 2026 or even 2027.

Click to read more!

#SherburneCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #FederalGrantIssues #CommunityEngagement

Citizen Portal News Minnesota

@citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social

9 months ago

Commissioners retake group photo with therapy dog Peach after a previous failure Commissioners seek better group photo with therapy dog Peach due to poor earlier attempt.

When therapy dog Peach brought laughter to a Sherburne County Board Meeting, commissioners found the perfect reason to retake their group photo!

See what happened!

#SherburneCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #CommunityEngagement #MentalHealthAwareness #SherburneCountyTherapyAnimals

Citizen Portal News Minnesota

@citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social

9 months ago

Sherburne County leaders discuss public works project delays and community impact Commissioners Express Concerns Over Delays Affecting Public Works and Local Businesses

Sherburne County officials are sounding the alarm over delays in a critical public works project that threatens local businesses and taxpayers alike.

Click to read more!

#SherburneCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureImprovement #LocalBusinessSupport #CommunityEngagement

Citizen Portal News Minnesota

@citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social

9 months ago

Local Team conducts controlled blast at dam to clear debris Team utilizes explosives to manage debris at dam site south of Highway 61

A controlled blast at a Sherburne County dam aims to prevent flooding and safeguard local homes, showcasing the community's commitment to infrastructure safety.

Learn more here!

#SherburneCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #FloodPrevention #EnvironmentalProtection #InfrastructureMaintenance

Citizen Portal News Minnesota

@citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social

9 months ago

Residents urge county board to deny Boulder Creek liquor license renewal Neighbors express safety concerns at public meeting opposing Boulder Creek bar's license renewal.

Residents are rallying against the Boulder Creek Wine Bar, fearing for their safety and the future of their community as the county board considers its liquor license renewal.

Get the details!

#SherburneCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #SherburneCountyCommunity #NeighborhoodIntegrity

Citizen Portal News Minnesota

@citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social

9 months ago

County officials outline budget scenarios amid state cost shifts and service concerns Officials discuss budget scenarios for 2026 while addressing state cost shifts impact.

Sherburne County officials are grappling with a staggering $1.35 million budget impact due to state cost shifts, raising crucial questions about the future of essential services.

Click to read more!

#SherburneCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #PublicServices #SherburneCountyBudget #FiscalResponsibility

Citizen Portal News Minnesota

@citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social

9 months ago

Legislative updates reveal significant budget implications for Minnesota counties Counties face $2M cost shifts and new budget challenges following state legislative session.

Sherburne County faces a pivotal moment as looming budget deficits and new legislative changes challenge its financial planning for the future.

Click to read more!

#SherburneCounty #MN #BudgetPlanning #CitizenPortal #LegislativeUpdates #CommunityCorrections

Citizen Portal News Minnesota

@citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social

10 months ago

Great River Library board highlights youth demand for physical books in finance meeting Youth advisory council reveals survey showing strong preference for actual books over digital.

Sherburne County's youth have spoken, showing a strong preference for physical books over digital, and the library is ready to enhance services based on their feedback!

Learn more here

#SherburneCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #SherburneCountyLibrary #SustainabilityInitiatives #EducationResources

Citizen Portal News Minnesota

@citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social

10 months ago

Sherburne County declares May 2025 Foster Care Month recognizing local heroes Sherburne County commissioners approve proclamation for May 2025 as Foster Care Month.

Sherburne County is shining a spotlight on local heroes during Foster Care Month, celebrating the incredible stories of resilience and compassion that transform lives!

Click to read more!

#SherburneCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #FosterCareAwareness #ChildWelfare

Citizen Portal News Minnesota

@citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social

10 months ago

Commissioners choose roundabout for safer County Road 11 intersection improvements Officials endorse roundabout to enhance safety at high-crash County Road 11 intersection.

Sherburne County is taking a bold step to enhance road safety by proposing a roundabout at the dangerous intersection of County Road 11 and County Road 4, where accidents have become all too common.

Learn more here!

#SherburneCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureImprovement