The St. Croix County Community Development Committee convened on June 19, 2025, to address pressing community concerns, particularly regarding agricultural practices and energy development. A key focus of the meeting was the regulation of manure spreading from large industrial dairies, as highlighted by public comments emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in these operations.

John Gostovich, a resident of Hudson, urged the committee to tighten regulations surrounding manure spreading, citing the potential environmental impacts on local water sources. He argued that residents deserve clarity on where and when manure will be spread, advocating for stronger oversight to ensure compliance with agreements between dairy operators and landowners.

Another resident, Janet Chipuric from Baldwin, shared her experiences with a controversial wind farm proposal, suggesting that a county-wide survey or vote could have better represented community interests. She expressed concerns about the process being skewed in favor of developers, emphasizing the need for thorough evaluations of potential drawbacks associated with such projects.

David Meyer from Erin Prairie raised questions about the Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with Excel Energy, expressing skepticism about the commitments made by the company and calling for greater involvement from local townships in the decision-making process. He stressed the importance of ensuring that community voices are heard and considered in negotiations.

Celeste Cobro, also from Hudson, reiterated the call for amendments to the manure storage ordinance, specifically advocating for land spreading agreements to be made directly with property owners. This request aligns with the broader theme of accountability and transparency that resonated throughout the public comments.

The committee's discussions reflect a growing concern among residents regarding the environmental and social implications of agricultural and energy development in St. Croix County. As these issues continue to unfold, the committee's responsiveness to community feedback will be crucial in shaping future policies and ensuring that local voices are prioritized in decision-making processes.