Rice County Commissioners Hold 5 Minute Special Meeting

The Rice County Board of Commissioners today held a five minute special meeting to adopt a resolution allowing outdoor seating at restaurants in the county.  Te resolution allows the county administrator to approve temporary amendments to licenses and permits to allow for the expanded out door seating.

County Attorney John Fossum told Commissioners the resolution simply allows county restaurants to expand their seating per the Governor's executive order without breaking any county ordinances or state liquor laws.

County Administrator Sara Folsted says, "The status of that would go through the end of the year or the end of the peacetime emergency whichever is sooner and they (restaurants) have to comply with the requirements of the Governor's order for that outdoor seating.  When requests come in we have county highway, planning and zoning and Sheriff's Office" give input.

Fossum said the resolution was identical to one passed by several governments in the area, "Faribault, Rochester and it seems appropriate as a temporary measure to allow the businesses to function and  have the outdoor dining they are allowed to have."

Commissioner Steve Underdahl pointed out the Governor's peacetime emergency power is scheduled to end June 12th.  "So conceivably if that doesn't get renewed or whatever and everything would go back to normal this is, if somebody came in today this is like a 10 day fix.  Is that correct?"

Fossum replied, "If it does expire at that time frame then yes but then businesses would be allowed to go back to normal operation."

I stopped by Winjum's Shady Acres Resort in rural Faribault where they are set up for patrons to enjoy their deck.  You must make a reservation.

Winjum's hours are closed on Monday and Tuesday.  Wednesday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with take out and delivery service only. Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with deck seating available along with the other services of take out and delivery.  Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  with all the options available those days also.