The Houston County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, from 9-10:43 a.m. Commissioners in attendance include Chairman Greg Myhre, Bob Burns, Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, and Teresa Walter.
Chairman Myhre called the meeting to order and led the commissioners and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners approved the January 11 meeting agenda and minutes from the January 4, 2022, board meeting. Before the commission approved the consent agenda, Commissioner Johnson asked to have the job classification of Travis Lapham changed from Sheriff’s Deputy C41 To Patrol Sgt. C42, effective 01/17/2022.
Houston County contracts three days a week with Community Economic Development Associates (CEDA) to economic development services to the county. Allison Wagner, EDA Director, thanked the board for the EDA projects she works on in Houston County as she really enjoys the work. Last year proved to be very productive for the Houston County Economic Development Authority board. Wagner summarized 2021, “$367,594.71 in grant funds was awarded to 107 eligible businesses in 2021. An additional $1,187,166.36 in grant funds was awarded to 245 eligible businesses in 2020 for pandemic relief.” Wagner explained that the additional funds were a result of the commissioners’ decision to allocate over 50% of the CARES Act dollars that the county received for a countywide grant program for businesses.
EDA administered a $30,000 loan for Kristen A. Collins and Vicki L. Olson, Timeless Creations, LLC in Houston. A $75,000 EDA loan to AcenTek for matching funds for a broadband expansion grant. EDA also oversees a revolving loan fund for businesses. Currently there are 13 active loans. Wagner encourages new or existing businesses to contact her if they are looking for a low interest loan.
Other highlights of 2021 include EDA’s partnership with the Bluff Country Collaborative, the Keep Company Co-Working Space, and farming initiative. For more information, on any of these projects contact Wagner at the courthouse.
Commissioners approved Commissioner Johnson is recommending reappointing Bob Carlson to the Bluff Country Minnesota Multi-County Housing and Redevelopment Authority Committee. Johnson noted that the appointment is a five-year term.
The Brownsville VFW donated $100 to the county’s Veteran’s Services Office. The funds may be used for the needs of any veteran.
Houston County will participate in the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant program. Emergency Manage-ment Director Mark Olson reminded the commission that approval is need every five years and that there is not any out-of-pocket money required.
This is the second reading of the Houston County Vaccination, Testing, and Face Covering policy. It is noted that the policy complies with OSHA’s Emergency Temporary Standard on Vaccination and Testing (29CFR 1910-501. Personnel Director/Facilities Manager, Tess Kruger and Public Health and Human Services Director John Pugleasa were available to answer commissioners’ questions. Questions and comments centered around the Supreme Courts’s ruling, the January 11, 2022, deadline, availability of tests, costs, masking, acting in good faith and compliance, data collection, and monitoring. Both Kruger and Pugleasa recommend approving the policy. Commissioner Walter made a motion to approve the test and mask compliance policy contingent on the policy being reviewed as needed and that such review not to exceed 60 days from date of implementation and that the final policy is posted on the county’s website. Seconded by Severson. The motion to approve the policy did not pass. The policy is tabled until the next regular meeting.
The next meeting of the Houston County Commission is Tuesday, January 25, 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 meeting ID: 994-7297-7175 and password 368422. The public is invited to attend.
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