This meeting was dominated by discussion and approval of Steele County's new Digital Data Retention Policy after residents raised concerns about government transparency, records preservation, and compliance with Minnesota records retention requirements. 

During the discussion, County officials stated the policy was intended to prevent "unwanted" public data requests. 

The policy was put forth by the county Administrator, Attorney, and IT Director.

The policy was approved four days after the County filed its response brief in the East Side Corridor appeal, where emails obtained through Minnesota Government Data Practices Act requests were cited in both the appeal and public comments. 

This work session focused on evaluating future county operations and facilities. Commissioners discussed replacing the County Coroner with a regional medical examiner service due to response-time concerns, reviewed proposals for a feasibility study of the County Annex Building, and debated how best to evaluate renovation versus new construction for future Public Health facilities. Much of the discussion centered on obtaining reliable structural, environmental, and cost information before committing taxpayer dollars to a long-term facilities plan. No East Side Corridor business was discussed.

This special meeting focused on the future of the County Annex Building and the County's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), with commissioners debating whether to renovate the existing annex or pursue new construction. Discussion centered on deferred maintenance, long-term facility planning, Public Health and Human Services space needs, project costs, and financing options, with the Board requesting additional information before making a final decision. 

Meeting Notice: This was a special meeting of the Steele County Board. We  documented that written notice was not sent to individuals who had requested notice of special meetings and that the meeting was not published in Steele County's official newspaper, raising concerns regarding compliance with Minnesota's Open Meeting Law notice requirements.

This meeting focused primarily on the development of Steele County's new Human Services Department, including updates on staffing, organizational structure, technology implementation, funding strategies, and preparations for the planned January 1, 2027 transition from Prairie Five. The Board also approved several routine planning and zoning items, including gravel pit permits, considered a property tax penalty abatement request, and received updates on County operations. No East Side Corridor business was discussed.

This work session focused on the County's long-term facilities planning and 2027 Capital Improvement Plan, with extensive discussion about whether to renovate, replace, or demolish the County Annex building. Commissioners reviewed facility condition assessments, deferred maintenance costs, and potential options for co-locating Human Services and Public Health, ultimately requesting a building tour and additional information before making a decision. No East Side Corridor business was discussed.

This meeting featured public comments regarding the proposed $1.78 million East Side Corridor design contract, including concerns that several commissioners had conflicts of interest under Minnesota law due to alleged financial, development, and institutional interests related to the project. After the County Attorney advised that no commissioner had a legal conflict requiring recusal, the Board unanimously approved the final design contract with WSB, advancing the project into final engineering following completion of the Environmental Assessment Worksheet. 

This is the first meeting following the county's submission of their Administrative Record list.  

The meeting also included a legislative update from Representative Tom Sexton, approval of the Sheriff's Office drone policy, and routine planning and zoning business. 

This work session included an update on the proposed Power on Midwest high-voltage transmission project, including routing, permitting, and public engagement, as well as continued discussion of Steele County's vehicle fleet management options, comparing Enterprise's leasing program with a self-managed approach. No East Side Corridor business was discussed.

Closed Session Recap

This meeting included approval of a $200,000 affordable housing partnership with the City of Owatonna, United Way, and Habitat for Humanity, updates on the County's Human Services transition, and several planning and zoning actions, including discussion of gravel pit permitting and an anaerobic digester project. No East Side Corridor business was discussed.

This work session focused on a proposed affordable housing partnership between Steele County, the City of Owatonna, United Way, and Habitat for Humanity to create 10 affordable homes, along with updates on the County's Capital Improvement Plan. No East Side Corridor business was discussed.

Closed Meeting Recap

This meeting included approving funding for renovations to the County Attorney's office, accepting a donation for the Sheriff's drone program, and receiving updates on emergency preparedness planning and the development of the new Human Services Department. The meeting concluded with the Board entering a closed session to discuss the potential purchase of real property.

This meeting focused on appointing the County Surveyor, approving planning and zoning permits, and discussing the proposed deer hunting ordinance. The Board ultimately voted against adopting a shotgun-only ordinance, allowing the state's default rifle hunting law to take effect in Steele County. 

This work session focused on evaluating alternatives to the County's vehicle leasing program, including a presentation from Goodhue County on its in-house fleet management model. The Board also received updates on establishing Steele County Human Services, including hiring a department head, implementation planning, and the goal of launching the new department on January 1, 2027. We learned Steele County is not growing. In the last year Owatonna added 10 residents and in 2023 the population declined.

This meeting included public comments advocating for improved accessibility at the Four Seasons Centre after volunteers observed barriers affecting elderly and disabled visitors during a community event. The Board also received an update on the East Side Corridor appeal, noting that the case had been filed with the Minnesota Court of Appeals and that the project would continue while the appeal was pending.

This meeting included public comments regarding public access to County meetings after residents reported locked doors at a public open house and a County work session that was not listed on the agenda. The remainder of the meeting focused on routine County business, including a public hearing to change the County Surveyor from an elected to an appointed position.

This meeting included the appointment of Steele County's new Highway Engineer, approval of Public Health grant materials, and commissioner reports. No East Side Corridor business was discussed. 

The meeitnt included employee recognition, Beaver lake project design revisions, setting a public hearing on making the County Surveyor an appointed position, and administrative updates.

On January 27, 2026, the Steele County Board of Commissioners held a regular board meeting and voted to approve a Negative Declaration for the East Side Corridor project.

The meeting was livestreamed and drew significant public interest, with an estimated 60–70 people attending in person and approximately 30 more watching virtually—nearly 100 people total. Many residents spoke during public comment—the first 30 minutes of the recording.

Presentations were given by the County’s newly hired Environmental Law Attorney, Sam Ketchum, along with WSB. Four commissioners were present for the vote. Despite documented concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest—including property ownership adjacent to the project, employment connections, and similar prior conflicts—no conflicts were publicly disclosed, and no commissioners recused themselves, following the recommendation of County Attorney Jarrett.

Commissioner Krueger was absent but submitted a letter that was read into the record by County Attorney Jarrett. County Administrator Fry was also absent and will be out of the office until February 9, 2026.

During the meeting, the County’s environmental attorney acknowledged that the project received a significant number of substantial public comments, which was noted as unusual. The remaining commissioners—Prokopec, Glynn, Brady, and Abbe—voted in favor of the Negative Declaration.

Given that this project appears to have been decided years before it was publicly announced, this outcome was anticipated by residents. Community members are now preparing to move forward with next steps. 

Residents shared personal testimony about the importance of maintaining safe distances between homes and the proposed East Side Corridor following a family emergency. The remainder of the meeting focused on routine County business.