Houston County Chairman Eric Johnson presented Resolution No. 24-06 in “opposition to the recently redesigned Minnesota state flag and seal” at the January 9, 2024, commission meeting. The board unanimously adopted the resolution.
Chairman Johnson shared a memo from Houston County Sheriff Brian Swedberg illustrating the financial impact on the county if the state moves forward with a new flag and seal. It will cost the county an estimated $32,000 for new shirts, coats, hats, ID cards, badges, all vehicle decals, business cards, office stationery, etc., just for the sheriff’s department.
All board members were in attendance at the Januray meeting: Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Robert (Bob) Burns, Bob Schuldt and Greg Myhre.
The agenda and the minutes from the January 2 regularly scheduled county commission meeting were approved as presented.
Houston County business owner Dustin Schroeder and his son Ryker Thompson appeared before the commissioners to express their desire to open a retail store/dispensary for the sale of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Houston County and are “hoping for guidance” from the county. Schroeder noted that they are just starting the licensing process.
Commissioners unanimously approved the consent agenda as presented in one swift motion as written including 1. The Multi-County SNAP Employment and Training Agreement. 2. A donation of $138.65 from the Winona County Foundation on behalf of the Fastenal Blue Team Giving fund for Foster Care Children in Houston County. 3. Reappoint Robert Thoen to a four-year term as the Veterans Services Officer, effective January 25, 2024, through January 24, 2028.
The board authorized the highway department to use the county website to publicize county bids and requests. Houston County Engineer Brian Pogodzinski stated in the staff report, “It is cost-effective and provides a better way to reach out to bidders.”
Spring Grove Township Treasurer Michael Wiste and board member Gary Tweito appeared before the board to share their frustration with keeping Bee Hill Drive open. This has been an ongoing legal battle since July 2017, when the township was notified that the adjacent landowner, Brian Myrah, had placed things in the right-of-way. The courts have declared Bee Hill Drive a township road and County Surveyor Eric Schmitt confirmed, “It is a legal road.”
Legal fees have cost the township over $73,545.13, plus the township has incurred survey costs, and travel expenses from attending the meetings, and they are not done. They would like financial assistance from the county, though they acknowledge it is probably too late.
Sheriff Swedberg noted that “They received a complaint from the Township’s attorney just recently. We are investigating their complaint about the township road still being blocked. We have been talking with the county attorney, so he is aware of everything. We will have our reports done and sent to the county attorney within a week. Most likely, if nothing is resolved, we will be issuing a summons.”
Proposals to manage Wildcat Campground, Brownsville, Minn., are due to the county no later than January 31, 2024. The Request for Proposal (RFP) can be found on the county website. Online reservations for Wildcat Camp & Recreation will begin on January 11, 2024.
In other matters, the board:
• Approved the decision to cease leasing county vehicles from this point onward.
• Appointed Jason Kraft to replace Joe Thesing, who resigned from the Root River Trail Extension Citizens Exploratory Committee (bike trail committee). Thesing was thanked for his service to the county.
• Reappointed Joe Thesing and Matt Schuldt to the Economic Development Board. Their three-year terms will expire on December 31, 2026.
• Endorsed the commissioner committee assignments for the year 2024, as revised during the January 2 commission meeting.
• Adjourned the meeting at 10:46 a.m.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Houston County Commission is Tuesday, January 23, 2024, 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.
Houston County Approves Resolution Opposing New State Flag and Seal
Katherine Holbrook says
In regards to proposed resolution 24-06. I am discouraged by this brand of politics, I have some questions to ask of my County Commissioners directly pertaining to protocol.
1.) If cost of stationary, badges and emblems are truly a concern were these concerns brought to the attention of our State Legislators back in May of last year when the state Emblems Redesign Commission was elected? Was it ever brought to the Redesign Commission’s attention through the months of September 2023-January 1,2024 while they were actively accepting design submissions for consideration? Or anytime near 12/19/23 when the new flag design was officially approved by the Redesign Commission?
2.) If cost is truly a concern, has there been any discussion regarding any other potential solutions, compromises and/or alternatives to this economic barrier? Has there been any discussions with State Legislature regarding assistance in overcoming this barrier? How does County Commissioners justify refusal as the only and best solution to this challenge? Is Sheriff Swedberg’s memo detailing the collective cost of transitioning decals accessible for public review?
3.) Have the people of Houston County been given the opportunity to vote on this resolution? Has their opinions on this resolution been surveyed in any manner that would safely confirm this resolution represents the general consent of the Houston County constituent population?
4.) If the answer to any of the above inquiries is affirmative, are any of these actions and relative data documented and available to the public? If the answer to any of the above inquiries yield a negatory conclusion, then I, as a voting, tax-paying constituent would like to know why not?
This kind of retro politics is counter productive and irresponsible both fiscally and constitutionally. Consider the Redesign Commission was granted 45,000$ to compose a new State flag and seal. That $ is wasted if Counties like Houston County refuse to cooperate or ,for some, contemplate a compromise.
All of these concerns being expressed now, January 2024, should have been carefully assessed and submitted long before a flag was chosen. Commissioners, by politicking in a contradictory manner, especially if you have not taken appropriate measures to seek assistance, source solutions or even secure the support of your constituents, you are wasting money, time and resources.
The Flag was redesigned for a # of reasons, but the most important one being it does not represent all of Minesota people. It significantly disparages a very important population of the MN people and it does not reflect the ethics and morality we, as Minnesotans, aspire to uphold in ourselves . Our old State flag design failed as an easily recognizable symbol of unity by the NAVA flag association (67out of 72). It has been denounced for re-inflicting wounds of racism, assimilation, oppression and generational trauma for decades and many, many people have voiced their concerns for this. Constituent’s dissatisfaction with the MN State Flag has been an ongoing conflict for a very long time. To deny that is to turn a deaf ear to the voices of the Minnesota people whom elected officials have taken an oath to represent.
The past flag was designed as an illustration to a poem written by the designer’s wife which included such lines as :
“…..Give way young warrior, thou and thy steed give way,, ……. the white man claims them , now……”- Mary Eastman, wife of old MN State Flag designer, Seth Eastman.
Your decision to oppose State’s order does not have my support. Your ““message “ to Sate Legislators, does not have my support and your resolution does not have my consent.
Consequently, Houston County Commissioners, I believe as elected officials your constituents are entitled to legitimate answers to all the above questions..