Commissioners Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Teresa Walter, and Greg Myhre attended the October 12 meeting of the Houston County Commission. Commissioner Teresa Walter was absent. Chairman Burns called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. and led commission members and attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners approved the October 12 meeting agenda, adding one action item, change order #24. In addition, the commission approved the October 5 board meeting minutes, with Chairman Burns abstaining since he was absent from last week’s meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:46 a.m.
Personnel Director Tess Kruger asked the Commissioners to approve the change in employment status of Ben Novak, lead jailer, from probationary to regular and assign Dean Ott, lead jailer, as jail administrator. In addition, Kruger asked commissioners to approve a competitive search for a lead jailer to replace Ott and approve a competitive search for a deputy auditor/treasurer. Commissioners unanimously approved all of Kruger’s requests.
Brian Pogodzinski, County Engineer, presented Resolution 21-49 for approval. Pogodzinski explained that Bruening Rock Products Inc. did the shoulder rocks for the county this year, and the project has been completed and is ready for the final payment of $13,484.10. The total cost of $269,682.09 is $2,043.64 over the original contract amount. Commissioners discussed whether lost revenue funds could be used for this project, and it appears that they can. In future years, Commission Johnson mentioned that he would like to see the project done earlier in the year so the rocks have time to settle before winter arrives.
Not all the Highway Department fees are listed on the county’s 2021 fee schedule. Carol Lapham, finance director, stated that she is not sure why they were not listed on the schedule before now. Pogodzinski confirmed that they are not new fees. Instead, they are existing fees that are just now being added to the schedule. Residents can find the fee schedule online at https://www.co.houston.mn.us/?mdocs-file=2843.
Pogodzinski submitted three change orders for approval. According to the request, change order #22 is to eliminate the drop ceiling in the sign shop, change lighting, and line walls, for a cost of $2,630.10. Change order #23 is to change out the hardware on the double swinging doors 127 and 128 due to physical obstructions, for a cost of $3,598.10. Finally, change order #24 to make changes to the concrete and asphalt at an additional cost of between $10,000 – $11,000. Pogodzinski that there will be some savings on the asphalt. Commissioners approved all three change orders.
County credit cards were issued to Mark Olson, PSAP/Emergency Management coordinator; and Dean Ott, jail administrator. Finance Director Carol Lapham noted that the cards were not additional cards. Olson and Ott will receive new cards to replace the cards used by their predecessors.
Chairman Burns informed the commissioners that he would like to see a plan developed for the west parking lot at the courthouse so the project can be done next year. The plan will address parking, handicap accessibility, safety, and drainage issues. The issue will be placed on the October 26 agenda.
The courthouse steps are on schedule. Instead of a stamped facade, stone is being used on the front of the steps. The project will still stay within budget, and the finished project will look much better with stone than the stamped design.
The next meeting of the Houston County Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, October 26, at 9 a.m. in the County Commission Board Room 222 located on the second floor in the Historic Courthouse, Caledonia, or via the county conference call line (312) 626-6700 and entering meeting ID: 994-7297-7175 and password 368422.
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