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Houston County Commissioners approved increasing the 2023 site fees at Wildcat Landing at the October 4, Commission meeting.
Seasonal site fees increased by $100.00 from $1,500.00 to $1,600.00 per season; primitive (tent) sites increased by $5.00 per night from $20.00 to $25.00; electric sites increased by $10.00 per night from $40.00 to $50.00; monthly sites increased by $25.00 from $425.00 to $450.00.
County staff and commissioners agree that the site fees at Wildcat Landing are “extremely reasonable.” Commission Severson confirmed, “This is $800 less than I pay.”
Commissioner Burns reminded his fellow colleagues that the campground owes the County general fund around $110,000.00 that needs to be paid back. There is also talk of improvements to the park, like a second bathroom on the south end and complete work on the southern boat ramp, all of which require money.
Chairman Greg Myhre promptly called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. He led commissioners Teresa Walter, Robert (Bob) Burns, Eric Johnson, and Dewey Severson and the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioners unanimously approved the meeting’s agenda and the minutes from the September 27, regular board meeting.
The consent agenda was unanimously approved in one swift motion. Lauren Felten was hired as an administrative assistant, and Luke Inglett was hired for one day as a temporary/casual sheriff’s deputy for a mandatory EVOC training event. The employment status of PSAP/Emergency Management Coordinator Mark Olson, and Jail Administrator Dean Ott, was changed from probationary to regular.
Commissioners approved Resolution No. 22-53, Active Transport Infrastructure Program, which offers the county’s support to the City of La Crescent. County Engineer Brian Pogodzinski explained that La Crescent is applying for transportation funds to install curb extensions at two intersections along County State-Aid Highway (CSAH) 6. Pogodzinski explained that the approved resolution is a requirement of the application. Commissioner Severson and Walter stated that the bump outs are for the safety of the kids.
Pogodzinski and Facilities Manager Tessa Kruger shared the west parking lot plans and explained the proposed layout and work required to complete the project. Pogodzinski explained that there will be 44 standard and three handicap parking stalls, 10 more than there are currently. Two lights will be added to the center of the parking lot for added security and safety reasons. The sidewalk along W. Washington Street will be moved out, resulting in the loss of parking spaces on the street. The sidewalk will extend to the courthouse door closing the road in front of the entrance to the courthouse. Instead of two entrances from S. Kingston there will only be one. Drainage will be addressed, and new pavement laid, eliminating low spots that collect water. Pogodzinski estimates the cost to complete the project at around $300,000. He noted that the project has not gone out for bid. Once the Request for Proposal (RFP) is approved by Commissioners, Pogodzinski expects to release it in November. Future plans include adding a vestibule to the outer door of the building to eliminate the problems caused by the automatic sliding door, like snow jamming up the bottom track and on windy night nights the motion light causes the door to remain open. Commissioners agreed that the project should continue moving forward.
The meeting adjourned at 10:02 p.m.
The next regularly scheduled Houston County Commission meeting is Tuesday, October 11, at 9 a.m. in the County Commission Board Room 222, located on the second floor in the Historic County Courthouse, Caledonia, or via the county conference call line (312) 626-6700 enter ID: 994-7297-7175 and password 368422. Public attendees are requested to mute their line until addressed.
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