Full Bohr Dairy Master Matrix Removed From Agenda

In a brief Winneshiek County Supervisors meeting, which was held on Tuesday, September 3, the Supervisors discussed the need for a master matrix for Full Bohr Dairy's biodigester and addressed a pledge request letter from the Housing Trust Fund. Recommendation Letter on Full Bohr Dairy Matrix Supervisor Chair Dan Langreck told the public that the supervisors had received some information over the weekend. "We had some information brought to us this weekend that they no longer need a new master matrix, so that item is off the agenda," Langreck explained. "I have a question on that though," Supervisor Vermace raised. "Because, in previous notes from concerned community members that we all received… Do we have proof of the construction permit they're using for this application?" Supervisor Mark Vick replied to Vermace, saying, "All that's not our problem." County Auditor Ben Steines explained the reason for why Full Bohr doesn't require another master matrix. "What you were looking at was the master matrix, which Doug [Groux] alluded to when he came in here the first day; he was like, 'I don't know why we have to do another master matrix when their numbers haven't changed.' Well, they had put numbers in the wrong blank, which triggered the process. So when they got that corrected, they no longer needed a master matrix, but they probably still need a permit from the DNR," Steines explained. "The letter we received was from the Pro AG Engineer, not from the DNR," Vermace responded. "So, they may still be working with the DNR for an application for a construction permit, but that no longer needs a master matrix review," Steines clarified. "That's all that's here, [it] is just the master matrix," Vick added. "They do not need to update it, so we do not need to take action on it." Supervisor Mark Faldet asked Steines if the letters of concern from the public on the issue were still going to be accepted. According to Steines, the letters are still being sent to the DNR and are still open for submission until this Friday, September 6. Vermace then asked Steines if it was normal for him to receive a request from the engineer-on-the-job for the client to not talk about an agenda item. Steines clarified that it wasn't "a request to not talk about it," but rather a withdrawal of their application that they made earlier, because they filled it out "wrong." Housing Trust Fund Pledge Letter According to County Auditor Ben Steines, the Supervisors had traditionally given the Housing Trust Fund $5,000 per year. This year, the supervisors, having budgeted $10,000 for the fund already, were asked by the Housing Trust Fund to pledge $12,500 for three years. Supervisor Vermace suggested that the Supervisors keep the current year;s budgeted amount at $10,000 and then raise the next two years' amounts to $12,500. According to Vermace, the county's return on this investment "is huge." Supervisor Steve Kelsay lauded the trust fund's track record. "They do great work," Kelsay agreed. A motion was made to keep the current budgeted amount for the current year and raise it to $12,500 for the next two years. The motion passed unanimously. Join the community of savvy subscribers (for free)! Get the latest updates, tips, and insider information by subscribing to the free newsletter today.