Douglas County Board Meeting July 21, 2026

The use of Douglas County land generated significant discussion at the July 21 board of commissioners meeting. On a divided vote, commissioners approved six conservation easements across the county, five habitat easements and one wetland easement. These easements last forever, which Commissioner Charlie Meyer has repeatedly argued against. He believes they should be renewable in 25 to 30 years. The wetland easement program allows hunting for the property owner but not the public. The easement program is paid for through the Duck Stamp. Commissioner Jerry Rapp said using duck stamp money for private benefit is not the best way to use those funds. The board approved the easements 3-2 with Meyer and Rapp voting no. 

Commissioners approved an amendment to a Conditional Use Permit for Dan O’Brien. He had originally been approved to build one 60’ x 300’ cold storage steel building for boat and pontoons along with an outdoor storage area on County Road 42 in Carlos. After hearing from additional boat dealers looking for storage space, he asked to build a total of three 18,000 feet buildings. Commissioners approved the request.

Commissioners granted Real Deal Investments of Carlos a Conditional Use Permit to operate a used auto parts sales business. The business is direct sales to body shops over the internet, so no increased vehicle traffic is expected. The business, located on Highway 29 north, was also approved to build six rental storage units.

County Engineer and Public Works Director Tim Erickson asked to add conditions to a preliminary plat on West Darling Ridge. The property owner is asking to subdivide a half-acre lot from a parcel in LaGrand township. Concerns over the driveway access to County State Aid Highway 104 prompted Erickson to recommend two conditions to those already approved by the Planning Advisory Commission. In addition to the driveway access being in the center of the lot and having a turnaround area, Erickson asked to add a requirement that provides access to the lot to the north which is owned by someone else and 33 feet of additional right of way. Commissioners approved sending the permit application back to the Planning Advisory Commission for additional modification.

Erickson asked the board for permission to begin the process of a Kensington Runestone Park plan update. This plan will, in part, address the future of the barn and yard area near the visitor center.

A Compliance Technician position will be added to the Land and Resource Management staff. This person will ensure the county’s ordinances are being followed and conditions of divided property and conditional use permits are being adhered to. Land and Resource Management Director Dave Rush asked commissioners to allow him to hire a candidate, with more than six years of experience as a police officer, at a higher than Step 1 level. Commissioners agreed to a Step 3 after discussing the expectations of this role. An east Lake Cowdry resident also spoke during the items from the floor segment regarding this position. He said he wanted to reinforce the importance of getting this position filled, especially when it comes to vacation rentals. He also said he believes the county needs to re-examine its ordinances.

Douglas County will once again make part of its beautiful courthouse lawn available for activities for Calvary Lutheran’s vacation bible school. Four hundred children and 200 adults take part in the event which will occur July 27-30.

Lake Brophy Park will be the site of the Interscholastic middle and high school mountain bike race. That will be held September 19-21.

The next county board meeting will be August 4. That meeting will be held in the old board room which is on the second floor of the Douglas County Courthouse 305 8^th Avenue W. Alexandria.