Sauk Rapids Herald - November 19, 2022

BY TIM HENNAGIR | STAFF WRITER

In the past, 600 points would bring home a bird.

But, not this year.

Blame in ation and supply chain issues.

Diana Barr is the company’s director of digital and loyalty marketing.

“For 2022, we did have to increase the spend threshold to receive a turkey,” Barr said. “When we were planning the program earlier this fall, turkey prices were 112% higher this year versus last year.” Thanksgiving page 9

PHOTO BY TIM HENNAGIR

Frozen turkeys await shoppers at Coborn’s Nov. 17 in Sauk Rapids. General inflation has contributed to the rise in cost of the Thanksgiving meal.

PHOTO BY R. TAMM PHOTOGRAPHY

SUMMONS fault will be taken against you for the relief prayed for in the Petition.

STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF KANABEC IN DISTRICT COURT TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court File No: 33-FA-22-87

SUMMONS

IN RE THE MATTER OF: Julie-Ann Christine Hamling, Petitioner and Rachel Lee Stellmach and Eldon Jojuan Sparkman, Respondents

TO: THE ABOVENAMED RESPONDENTS:

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to serve upon the undersigned within thirty (30) days after service of this Summons upon you, exclusive of the date of such service, an Answer to the Petition pursuant to Minn. Stat. 257C which is herewith served upon you. If you fail to do so, Judgment by De-

As a party to this case, you may be represented by legal counsel. If you desire but are unable to pay for such counsel, the Court may appoint counsel for you in certain types of cases. It is your responsibility to immediately contact the Stearns County Court Administration if you desire to have counsel appointed to see if this is a type of case where counsel will be appointed for you. You will be provided with an application for legal assistance to determine your eligibility for counsel.

KELM & REUTER, P.A. Dated: 8/10/2022 /s/ Timothy R. Reuter Attorney for Petitioner Attorney No. 0264684 1287 North Second Street, Suite 101 Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 (320) 251-1423 kelmreuter@kelmreuter. com R-45-3B

SUMMARY OF PUBLICATION ORDINANCE No. 2022-808

The following is the of cial summary of Ordinance No. 2022-808 approved by the Sauk Rapids City Council on November 14, 2022:

AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN REGULATIONS

The City Council revised its stormwater pollution prevention plan regulations to include additional language to comply with state and federal mandates.

A complete, printed copy of the ordinance is available for inspection by any person during regular of ce hours at City Hall or the entire Fee Schedule may be viewed on the City’s website at www.ci.sauk-rapids.mn.us.

R-46-1B

SUMMARY OF PUBLICATION ORDINANCE No. 2022-809

The following is the of cial summary of Ordinance No. 2022-809 approved by the Sauk Rapids City Council on November 14, 2022:

AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO PARKING ON ½ STREET WITHIN THE CITY

The City Council revised its City Code Chapter 6, Section 6.03 regulations on parking on ½ Street within the City.

A complete, printed copy of the ordinance is available for inspection by any person during regular of ce hours at City Hall or the entire Fee Schedule may be viewed on the City’s website at www.ci.sauk-rapids.mn.us.

R-46-1B

REGULAR MEETING

SAUK RAPIDS CITY COUNCIL SAUK RAPIDS GOVERNMENT CENTER, 250 Summit Ave N. Monday, October 24, 2022 6:00PM

MINUTES

1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Kurt Hunstiger called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. All members present.

2. Additions or Changes to the Agenda

Ross Olson requested to add Authorize Detailed Estimated Fee for the Potential Undergrounding of Power Lines for the 2024 Second Avenue South Reconstruction Project as agenda item 9-G. Olson noted that a revised agenda item 9-C was placed on the dais prior to the meeting. Olson explained that the revised Request for Action (RFA) just provides additional clari cation to what was stated on the original RFA.

3. Approve the Agenda

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Seamans to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried unanimously.

4. Approve Minutes

A. 10-11-2022 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Ellering to approve the10-11-2022 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes. Motion carried unanimously.

5. Receive and File

A. 9-12-2022 Regular EDA Meeting Minutes

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Seamans to receive and le the 9-12-2022 Regular EDA Meeting Minutes. Motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC NOTICES

BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

NOVEMBER 1, 2022

The Benton County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on November 1, 2022, in the Benton County Board Room in Foley, MN. Call to order by Chair Steve Heinen was at 9:00 AM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the ag. A roll call showed Commissioners Beth Schlangen, Scott Johnson, Steve Heinen, and Jared Gapinski present. Commissioner Ed Popp was absent. Chair Heinen noted the absence excused.

County Administrator Montgomery Headley requested to amend the agenda to add the agenda item to consider the engagement with Finley Engineering for broadband provider negotiations and to consider a resolution supporting Operation Green Light for Veterans as the third and fourth agenda items under County Administrator at 9:10 AM. Motion by Gapinski and seconded by Johnson to approve the amended agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

There was no one present from the public to speak under Open Forum.

Motion by Johnson and seconded by Gapinski to approve Consent Agenda items 1 - 3: 1) approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of October 18, 2022 and authorize the Chair to sign; 2) approve the Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes of October 17, 2022 and authorize the Chair to sign; 3) approve the Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes of October 25, 2022 and authorize the Chair to sign. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Land Services Director Roxanne Achman asked the County Board to consider the reassignment of IUP 17566 from Eisenschenk’s to Benton County for gravel mining operations at 14850 85th Ave NE, Foley, MN 56329. In accordance with Section 9.16.6(Q), when the ownership or operator of a mining operation changes, the new owner and/or operator must agree to the terms of the original permit and seek approval from the Benton County Planning Commission. Staff conducted a site visit to determine compliance of the gravel pit in accordance with the development code on October 10, 2022. Staff found the gravel pit to be in compliance. The reassignment will be presented to the Planning Commission on November 10, 2022, at their regularly scheduled meeting. Motion by Johnson and seconded by Schlangen to approve the reassignment of IUP 17-566 from Eisenschenk’s to Benton County for gravel mining operations at 14850 85th Ave NE, Foley, MN 56329. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, County Administrator Montgomery Headley requested the County Board appoint an Interim County Engineer/Public Works Director. With the departure of County Engineer Chris Byrd on October 28th, the County must appoint an Interim Engineer. Such person must possess a Professional Engineer’s License issued by the State of Minnesota. Headley recommends appointing Assistant County Engineer Mark Loidolt as Interim County Engineer. Motion by Gapinski and seconded by Johnson to appoint Assistant County Engineer Mark Loidolt as Interim Benton County Engineer for a period of not less than four months and not more than six months, at the wage rate of Grade 20, STEP 4 of the Benton County Pay Scale effective November 1, 2022. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Headley requested County Board approval of an agreement for space needs assessment and conceptual design services with GLT Architects for a possible new County Government Center and renovations to certain existing County facilities. The agreement was prepared by the County Attorney’s Of ce and was signed by GLT Architects. Motion by Johnson and seconded by Heinen to approve an agreement for space needs assessment and

6. Mayor’s Communications

• Passing of Gerald Hinkemeyer—Mayor Hunstiger extended his condolences to the family of Gerald Hinkemeyer. Mr. Hinkemeyer recently passed away. Mayor Hunstiger noted that Mr. Hinkemeyer had served on the Sauk Rapids City Council in the 70’s.

7. Audience Items/Visitors Total Time Limit 2 Minutes for Items NOT on the Agenda NONE

8. Public Hearings NONE

9. Consent Agenda

A. Approve Amendment to City Code, Chapter 1-Revising the Compensation of the Mayor and City Council—Pulled for Discussion

B. Approve Compensation for EDA and Planning Commission Members

C. Approve Carryover of Police Staff’s Excess Vacation Accrual

D. Approve Plumbing and Mechanical Contractor Licenses

E. Approve Resolution Authorizing the Use of PMA/4M Brokerage Services

F. Approve and Adopt Resolution Calling for Public Hearings on Special Assessment Rolls

G. Approve Authorizing Detailed Estimate Fee for the Potential Undergrounding of Power Lines for the 2024 Second Avenue South Reconstruction Project

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Seamans to approve consent agenda item 9B-9G. Motion carried unanimously.

9-A. Approve Amendment to City Code, Chapter 1-Revising the Compensation of the Mayor and City Council Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by

conceptual design services with GLT Architects. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Headley requested the County Board consider engagement with Finley Engineering for broadband provider negotiations. The Broadband Subcommittee requests approval of a new engagement with Finley Engineering to assist the Committee in selecting a provider and negotiating an agreement to lease/own and manage the Foley to St. Cloud ber. Compensation would be at Finley’s hourly rates, plus expenses (such as travel). Funding can be provided by the County’s ARPA allocation. Motion by Gapinski and seconded by Johnson to approve engagement with Finley Engineering for provider negotiations. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Headley requested the County Board to consider a resolution supporting Operation Green Light for Veterans. The National Association of Counties and the Minnesota Association of Counties urges all member Counties to adopt a Resolution to recognize the service of our nation’s military veterans. Motion by Johnson and seconded by Gapinski to approve the Resolution supporting Operation Green Light for Veterans. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Highway Maintenance Superintendent Mark Ebnet requested the County Board consider the sale of unused buildings on the County owned Eisenschenk Pit. Ebnet stated that the County desires to sell the house structure and one of the steel pole shed out buildings and the barn structure. The purchaser shall remove the structures from the property by May 1, 2023. Motion by Gapinski and seconded by Johnson to set the minimum bid for the house structure at $10,000, the minimum bid for the steel out building structure at $5,000, and the minimum bid for the barn building at $1,000; the request for bids will be advertised in the Sauk Rapids Herald and the Benton County News and posted on the Benton County website for three consecutive weeks; bids will be received using an electronic selling process; bids will be received until Friday, December 2, 2022 until noon that day; the house will be heated until December 1, 2022, and then winterized after December 1, 2022; and the structures will be removed from the property by May 1, 2023. Motion carried unanimously.

The Regular County Board meeting was recessed at 9:26 AM to conduct a Human Services Board Meeting.

The Regular Board meeting reconvened at 9:27 AM.

Next, Interim County Engineer Mark Loidolt requested the County Board consider an appeal to the County’s Highway Access Policy. Property Owner Mr. Dan P ipsen was present virtually. With the absence of Commissioner Popp, the other Board members desired to table this topic until Popp could be present because the driveway access in question is in Popp’s district. Motion by Johnson and seconded by Gapinski to table the appeal to the County’s Highway Access Policy until Tuesday, November 15, 2022. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Board members reported on recent meetings they attended on behalf of Benton County. There were no comments made under Comments by Commissioners. There were no new Committee of the Whole Meetings to be announced into the record.

Motion by Johnson and seconded by Gapinski to adjourn the Regular Board Meeting at 9:38 AM.

Steven J. Heinen, Chair Benton County Board of Commissioners

ATTEST: Montgomery Headley Benton County Administrator R-46-1B

Councilperson Seamans to approve amendment to City Code, Chapter 1-Revising the Compensation of the Mayor and City Council.

Motion carried with 3 Councilpersons (Sauer, Seamans, and Hunstiger) voting in favor of the Motion and 2 Councilpersons (Ellering and Thronson) voting against the motion.

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Seamans to approve the Summary of Publication. Motion carried unanimously.

10. Regular Agenda

A. 2024 Second Avenue South Improvements Project

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Ellering to authorize SEH to prepare the Project Memorandum and Plans and Speci cations for the 2024 Second Avenue South Improvements Project. Motion carried unanimously.

11.

Other Staff Items

A. November 8th General Election Information—Polls Are Open From 7:00AM Until 8:00PM

Ross Olson noted that the General Election will take place on Tuesday, November 8th. Polls are open from 7:00AM until 8:00PM.

12. Other Council Items and Communications NONE

13. Approve List of Bills and Claims

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Ellering to approve the List of Bills and Claims. Motion carried unanimously.

14. Adjournment

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Ellering to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously.

Mayor Hunstiger adjourned the meeting at 6:46 PM

PUBLIC NOTICES

SAUK RAPIDS-RICE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 47

REGULAR SEMI-MONTHLY BOARD MEETING

Monday, October 24, 2022

A semi-monthly meeting of the Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 Board of Education was called to order by Chair Butkowski Monday, October 24, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the District Of ce Boardroom.

ROLL CALL

Members present included Braun, Butkowski, Hauck, Holthaus, Loidolt, Morse, and Solarz. Others present were Superintendent Bergstrom, Director of Teaching and Learning Bushman, Director of Human Resources and Administrative Services Schoenherr, Director of Business Services Fiereck, MHES Principal Peterson, PV Principal Froiland, Rice Principal/EC Director Paasch, SRRHS Interim Principal Logrono, SRRMS Principal Arndt, District Special Education Coordinator Haller, District Accountant Bentley, and SRRHS Student Council Representatives Buchanan and Lo.

ESTABLISHMENT OF A QUORUM

Chair Butkowski asked Clerk Morse to af rm there was a quorum in attendance. Clerk Morse af rmed there was a quorum.

APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA

A motion was made by Hauck, seconded by Morse and unanimously carried to approve the meeting’s “Agenda” as amended.

CONSENT AGENDA

A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Loidolt and unanimously carried to approve the meeting’s “Consent Agenda” as amended.

ADDENDUM CONSENT AGENDA PUBLIC INPUT

There was no public input at 7:00 p.m.

ACTION

APPROVAL OF THE OFFICIAL AUDIT REPORT

A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Hauck and unanimously carried to approve the of cial audit. Representatives of the school district’s audit rm, Bergen KDV, reviewed results of the annual audit report and answered Board member questions.

ADOPTION OF THE DONATION RESOLUTION

A motion was made by Holthaus, seconded by Solarz and unanimously carried to adopt the Donation Resolution. It is recommended by the Minnesota School Board Association that a Donation Resolution be adopted in the Action area of the agenda rather than in Consent.

ADOPTION OF POLICY #415

A motion was made by Holthaus, seconded by Braun and unanimously carried to adopt the following policy.

• #415 (Mandated Reporting of Maltreatment of Vulnerable Adults) is a “recommended policy” and will replace current policy #415 (Mandated Reporting of Maltreatment of Vulner-

Notice of Hearing on Improvement

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

Notice is hereby given that the City Council of Sauk Rapids will meet in the Council Chambers of the City Hall at 6:10 p.m. on December 12, 2022, to consider the making of the 2023 Overlay Improvements, an improvement on 3rd Avenue North from 8th Street North to 2nd Street North and from the dead end north of 9th Street North to 8th Street North, 4 ½ Avenue North from 13th Street North to the Cul-de-Sac north of 13th Street North, 5th Avenue North from 13th Street North to the Cul-de-Sac north of 13th Street North, 6th Avenue North from 8th Street North to 2nd Street North and from 2nd Street North to Division Street, 6th Avenue South from Division Street to 1st Street South, 7th Avenue North from 8th Street North to 3rd Street North, 8th Avenue North from 6th Street North to 3rd Street North, 9th Avenue North from 11th Street North to 3rd Street North, 10th Avenue North from Benedict Drive North of 8th Street North to 3rd Street North, 8th Street North from 9th Avenue North to 10th Avenue North, 8 ½ Street North from 2nd Avenue North to 5th Avenue North, 7th Street North from 5th Avenue North to 7th Avenue North and 3rd Avenue North to 5th Avenue North, 6th Street North from 2nd Avenue North to 5th Avenue North and from 5th Avenue North to 8th Avenue North, 5th Street North from 2nd Avenue North to 5th Avenue North and from 5th Avenue North to the cul-de-sac north of 7th Avenue North, 4th Street North from 4th Avenue North to 5th Avenue North and from 5th Avenue North to 10th Avenue North, Benedict Drive loop extending east of 10th Avenue North, Oak Drive from North Highview Drive to the Cul-de-Sac south of North Highview Drive, and West Highview Drive from Benton Oaks Drive to 18th Street NW by Full Depth Mill/Reclamation and Bituminous Overlay of the Streets, and Spot Reconstruction of Curb and Gutter pursuant to Minn. Stat. §§ 429.011 to 429.111.

The area proposed to be assessed for such improvement is property along 3rd Avenue North from 8th Street North to 2nd

able Adults).

This policy required two readings as substantive changes were recommended.

ADOPTION OF POLICY #417

A motion was made by Hauck, seconded by Morse and unanimously carried to adopt the following policy.

• #417 (Chemical Use and Abuse) is a “mandatory policy” and will replace current policy #417 (Chemical Use and Abuse).

This policy required two readings as substantive changes were recommended.

ADOPTION OF POLICY #418

A motion was made by Morse, seconded by Holthaus and unanimously carried to adopt the following policy.

• #418 (Drug-Free Workplace/Drug Free-School) is a “mandatory policy” and will replace current policy #418 (DrugFree Workplace/Drug Free-School).

This policy required two readings as substantive changes were recommended.

ADOPTION OF POLICY #515

A motion was made by Braun, seconded Loidolt and unanimously carried to adopt the following policy.

• #515 (Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records) is a “mandatory policy” and will replace current policy #515 (Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records).

This policy required two readings as substantive changes were recommended.

ADOPTION OF POLICY #603

A motion was made by Solarz, seconded by Morse and unanimously carried to adopt the following policy.

#603 (Curriculum Development) is a “mandatory policy” and will replace current policy #603 (Curriculum Development). his policy required two readings as substantive changes were recommended.

ADOPTION OF POLICY #721

A motion was made by Morse, seconded by Braun and unanimously carried to adopt the following policy.

• #721 (Uniform Grant Guidance Policy Regarding Federal Revenue Sources) is a “mandatory policy” and will replace current policy #721 (Uniform Grant Guidance Policy Regarding Federal Revenue Sources).

This policy required two readings as substantive changes were recommended.

ADJOURNMENT

With no further business appearing before the Board, a motion was made by Solarz, seconded by Holthaus and unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting at 7:09 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Tracy Morse, Board of Education Clerk Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 R-46-1B

Street North and from the dead end north of 9th Street North to 8th Street North, 4 ½ Avenue North from 13th Street North to the Cul-de-Sac north of 13th Street North, 5th Avenue North from 13th Street North to the Cul-de-Sac north of 13th Street North, 6th Avenue North from 8th Street North to 2nd Street North and from 2nd Street North to Division Street, 6th Avenue South from Division Street to 1st Street South, 7th Avenue North from 8th Street North to 3rd Street North, 8th Avenue North from 6th Street North to 3rd Street North, 9th Avenue North from 11th Street North to 3rd Street North, 10th Avenue North from Benedict Drive North of 8th Street North to 3rd Street North, 8th Street North from 9th Avenue North to 10th Avenue North, 8 ½ Street North from 2nd Avenue North to 5th Avenue North, 7th Street North from 5th Avenue North to 7th Avenue North and 3rd Avenue North to 5th Avenue North, 6th Street North from 2nd Avenue North to 5th Avenue North and from 5th Avenue North to 8th Avenue North, 5th Street North from 2nd Avenue North to 5th Avenue North and from 5th Avenue North to the cul-de-sac north of 7th Avenue North, 4th Street North from 4th Avenue North to 5th Avenue North and from 5th Avenue North to 10th Avenue North, Benedict Drive loop extending east of 10th Avenue North, Oak Drive from North Highview Drive to the Cul-de-Sac south of North Highview Drive, and West Highview Drive from Benton Oaks Drive to 18th Street NW. The estimated cost of the improvement is $4,320,000. A reasonable estimate of the impact of the assessment will be available at the hearing. Such persons as desire to be heard with reference to the proposed improvement will be heard at this meeting.

Ross Olson

City Administrator

Published in Sauk Rapids Herald on November 19 and December 3, 2022. R-46/48-2B

SPECIAL MEETING

SAUK RAPIDS CITY COUNCIL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 250 SUMMIT AVE. N. Monday, October 31, 2022 4:15 PM

4:15 PM

MINUTES

Call to order and Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Hunstiger called the meeting to order at 4:15PM. Members present: Nick Sauer, Dottie Seamans, and Ellen Thronson. Members absent: Jason Ellering.

2) Public Hearing A. Applicant Manea’s Meats

Purpose

To Consider a Planned Unit Development and Vacation Request to Allow Meat Processing Facility To Be Expanded Across the Alleyway in the Block Occupied by Manea’s Meats and Onto the Property at 117, 113, and 109 3rd Avenue North. The Northerly Portion of the Alleyway To

Be Vacated

1. Open Public Hearing

Schultz said that he received two inquiries regarding the proposed project. One was involving the dumpster and truck traf c. Schultz stated the other inquiry can be found in the e-mail placed on the dais prior to the start of the meeting. The e-mail was from Linda Adelman, 108 3rd Avenue North.

Doug Warkenthien, 104 3rd Avenue North, stated that he owns the house right across the street from Manea’s Meats. Warkenthien noted that one of his concerns is regarding the proposed dumpster. He said that if the dumpster is going to be larger and taller than it is now, it is going to become much more visible from his property and just in general. Warkenthien also requested some consideration for neighboring properties when the night shift employees are placing items in the dumpster as it can be rather disruptive in the very early morning hours.

Warkenthien shared a possible suggestion for the dumpster and the pre-fabricated structure that is also proposed.

Warkenthien mentioned a parked vehicle by his house getting hit by a truck and how the additional truck traf c is also a concern. Warkenthien said that he wasn’t positive if it was a Manea’s truck or possibly a different truck delivering to another downtown business.

2. Close Public Hearing

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to close the public hearing. Motion carried unanimously.

3. Consider Action Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to approve the site plan, PUD, and vacation request with the conditions noted. Motion carried unanimously.

3) Adjournment

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Seamans to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously.

Mayor Hunstiger adjourned the meeting at 4:32 PM R-46-1B

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

*Note time change to 6:00 p.m.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Benton County Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing on December 1st 2022, in the Commissioner’s Room, Benton County Government Center, Foley, and beginning at 6:00 p.m. The Planning Commission will hear the following:

5116 TRC LLC requesting an interim use permit to add 6 additional sites to an existing campground in the Agricultural District. Pursuant to Sections 7.2.5(A) and 11.7. The affected property is described as follows: Part of Gov’t Lot 1, Section 13 and part of Gov’t Lot 1, Section 24, West Langola Township.

ANYONE with comments regarding the above will be heard at this meeting.

Attorney Shayna W. Borakove, of Borakove Osman LLC in Middleton, Wisconsin, has more than 14 years of experience as a farm continuation practice leader at her rm.

She agreed getting advice is important.

“You don’t know what you don’t know,” Borakove said. “The outcome of planning one’s own farm transition without the advice and counsel of their attorney, certi ed public accountant, nancial advisor and/or other farm transition advisor would be about as predictable as a game of Plinko. With the advice and counsel of (a specialist), the client can understand the potential

consequences of a plan and make better, more objective decisions.”

Borakove also helps families clarify their vision and set goals.

“To prepare, rst the family should ask themselves, if there were no rules, no taxes, no restrictions or judgment of any kind, what would we want to happen with the farm if we couldn’t make the decision?” she said. “Second, having a sense of the time horizon as to when a transition could or should happen, from the farm owner’s perspective as well as the farm successor’s perspective, would be helpful.”

Advisors agreed that planning, inclusion and communication are key.

“Farms that do the planning are much more likely to have a successful farm transition than those that do not plan,” Molenaar said. “It doesn’t guarantee success, but it improves the odds.”

Consider using supplemental lighting and a timer in the morning before sunrise. This strategy supports chickens’ poor vision in the dark, avoiding a chicken being stranded on the oor overnight that could result from evening light. The light should not be overly bright; excessively bright lights can increase incidences of pecking. A good guideline to follow is that you should be able to read a newspaper in an appropriately lit pen.

Many smallscale chicken owners can forget about ock safety until animals are directly threatened. This aspect of animal management should not be forgotten because many hungry predators clearly remember these waiting chicken dinners. Ventilation openings can be an open door for predators to access your birds. These openings should be covered with sturdy wire or screens, a job typically easier said than done. Not only chickens but stored feed may be on the menu. Pest proof water sources and feed against rodents, wild birds and predators with secure

containers. Preventing them access will pay dividends not only in ock safety but toward quality biosecurity for your ock.

Managing poultry in our nippy weather is no easy task, but it is completely achievable. With mindful management of your ock, your chickens can nestle into a comfortable and productive winter season.

Residents of Stearns, Benton, Morrison and Sherburne counties can direct questions to adam1744@umn.edu or 320-255-6169, ext. 3.