2025 June Board & Planning Recaps

👀 Watch Our June 10 Planning Commission Meeting

• We reviewed landscape requirements for Rockford Self Storage. See agenda here

• You can [watch the full meeting here]

• Our July meeting was cancel due to no new items, we will have a meeting August 12

🗓️ June 9 Board Meeting Highlights

• We approved the Judson Farm project — a performance bond will be required to ensure the work is completed on time and to spec.

• Jim Alles announced the winners of his Logo Design Contest. Fun fact: winners were paid out of his own pocket, not taxpayer dollars!

• We also approved a new Bench Donation Policy for public spaces.

• You can [watch this meeting here]

• Read the full minutes here

🌞 June 23 Meeting: Let’s Talk Solar

• Solar energy was a big discussion item. This topic has been on the radar for a while now.

• Jim Alles and Todd Olson are heading up research since they oversee Facilities and Parks & Rec.

• Henry, who actually has solar at his home, asked to bring it back to the agenda and explore it further.

• The proposal on the table changed quite a bit from the original RFP that Prein & Newhof put together.

• We had a great open discussion. The consensus:

  • We're open to solar, but we need to prioritize public land usage.

  • We've already committed space to a playground and cemetery, so we’re unsure if all three will fit aesthetically or practically.

  • I’d personally love more data on whether solar is truly the better environmental option.

  • Coming from the paper industry, I’ve seen firsthand how greenwashing can water down the value of sustainability efforts that actually make a difference.

  • For me, being green isn’t about doing what looks good—it’s about doing what actually works. Fun Fact: I did some sales & marketing for a solar company on the side to help out a friend just out of college.

• You can [watch this meeting here]

• Read the minutes here

What’s on Tonight’s Agenda (July 14)

Pending Business:

• Pinehurst Change Order + Pay Application No. 5 (Grimm)

• Cannon Trail Proposal from Prein & Newhof (Olson)

New Business:

• Townsend Park’s 100th Anniversary Celebration discussion (Olson & Balk)

• Items needed at Fire Station #1 – Review memo from Chief Morris

Read the full agenda here