DEPARTMENT: Office of the County Manager
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
title
Approval Of Acquisition Of Property From Rich Valley, LLC In City Of Inver Grove Heights For County Project 32-65 In District Court File No. 19HA-CV-24-2345
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Hold a closed executive session.
SUMMARY
The Dakota County Attorney has advised that prior to closing a County Board meeting, pursuant to the Open Meeting Law, Minn. Stat. Ch. 13D, the County Board must resolve by majority vote to close the meeting.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
The County Manager has recommended that a closed executive session be held pursuant to attorney-client privilege during the Dakota County Board meeting of March 3, 2026, to discuss the following:
• Legal strategy of accomplishing Dakota County’s acquisition of the property rights from Rich Valley, LLC described as Parcel 2, 3, 4, and 5, as identified by Dakota County Right-of-Way Map No. 516 for County Project 32-65 in District Court File No. 19HA-CV-24-2345.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
Fiscal impact will be discussed in closed session.
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, Dakota County (County) is proceeding with County Project 32-65 (the Project) to reconstruct and realign County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 32 (117th Street) in the City of Inver Grove Heights to provide a safe and efficient transportation system; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of the Project is to meet 10-ton design standards, enhance transportation system efficiency and mobility, reduce access points, improve pavement conditions, and facilitate the phased development of an essential east-west transportation corridor within the region; and
WHEREAS, the Project requires acquisition of right-of-way from 29 privately-owned parcels of real property, including Parcels 2, 3, 4, and 5, as identified by Dakota County Right of Way Map No. 516, owned and operated by Rich Valley, LLC and SKB Environmental, Inc., respectively; and
WHEREAS, Parcels 2, 3, 4, and 5 are subject to ongoing eminent domain proceedings in County of Dakota v. R & M Holdings, LLC, et. al. (District Court File No. 19HA-CV-24-2345); and
WHEREAS, on February 25, 2026, the Dakota County Attorney's Office (CAO) provided a confidential memorandum to the Dakota County Board of Commissioners (County Board) explaining the legal strategy for accomplishing the County's acquisition of the property rights identified in Dakota County Right of Way Map No. 516 as Parcels 2, 3, 4, and 5; and
WHEREAS, after review of the information contained in the confidential memorandum the County Board determined a closed session discussion with the CAO was not required prior to providing the requested authority.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby approves the full and final settlement with Rich Valley, LLC and SKB Environmental, Inc. for the acquisition of property rights identified by Dakota County Right of Way Map No. 516 as Parcels 2, 3, 4, and 5 for a total amount of $1,550,000 as being in the best interest of Dakota County, and authorizes the County Attorney to arrange for final payment of the acquisition amount and to effectuate final settlement of the acquisition.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: None.
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Heidi Welsch
Author: Jeni Reynolds