Houston County commissioners approved Juneteenth as an official Houston County holiday at its June 6 meeting for both non-represented employees and members of the following labor unions: Law Enforcement Labor Services No. 415, Licensed Lieutenant Unit-Law Enforcement Labor Services No. 237, Licensed Deputies Unit-Law Enforcement Labor Services No. 60, Jailer/Dispatcher Unit-Minnesota Association of Professional Employees, Supervisors Unit-International Union of Operating Engineers Local No. 49-American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Council No. 65, Local No. 2166.
Before commissioners voted on Juneteenth, Commissioner Robert (Bob) Burns stated, “We don’t have much of a choice,” referring to the State of Minnesota mandate effective June 19, 2023. This decision does not impact the county’s budget because it was anticipated and built into it.
All five commissioners attended: Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson; Robert (Bob) Burns, Bob Schuldt and Greg Myhre.
Chairman Severson called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. and led his colleagues and the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. The board approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the May 23 regularly scheduled commission meeting.
Commissioners approved the consent agenda in its entirety with one unanimous motion. Severson thanked Cynthia Cresswell-Hatleli for her 24 years of service to the residents of Houston County. Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Heidi Lapham’s position changed from full-time to half-time, and Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Eliana Babinski’s hours were increased from half- to full-time, as requested by both employees. Babinski will continue her work in licensing and take on the duties of Deputy Auditor/Treasurer. The employment status of Alex Goergen, maintenance specialist; Kristen Klug, case aide; and Brianna Ceaser, health educator, all went from probationary to regular. Storm Davis was hired as a sheriff’s deputy.
The Interim Use Permit (IUP) application for Brad Olinger was approved. Olinger plans to build a temporary farm dwelling on his property, 15497 Crazy Corner Road, in Crooked Creek Township, to house a farm employee. The 18’ by 50’ Amish-built structure will be constructed on skids and connected to electricity, sewer, and water. Environmental Services director Martin Herrick explained, “They are putting it in a location that is not taking up prime farmland.”
Commissioners approved a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for John and Karyl Diersen. According to the application, the dairy facility is located approximately three miles east of the City of Caledonia and consists of confinement buildings, open lots, runoff controls, and feed storage. The couple plans to expand their feedlot from 363 to 461.5 animal units of dairy cattle and build a manure storage structure with over 20,000 gallons capacity. Instead of moving manure daily, the waste will be emptied annually in October and November.
The commissioners discussed the appointment to fill the remainder of the auditor/treasurer’s term, which expires in 2026. Since it is a discussion item, the commission cannot take any action, but all agreed that they need to act quickly so the new person can shadow the current auditor/treasurer. The commissioners agree that the position should be posted internally and externally for two weeks. Afterward, the personnel committee will review the applications and present their recommendations to the commission, who will interview the candidates. When discussing the process, the Personnel director, Tess Kruger, emphasized the importance of creating an “equitable process.” Chairman Severson summarized by stating, “Good discussion.”
In other business, the board:
• Approved the appointment of Melissa Burrow to the Extension Committee. Her term will expire on December 21, 2025.
• Approved a 2023 Houston County hauler license for Northwoods Refuse LLC.
• Adjourned the meeting at 10:14 a.m.
The next regularly scheduled Houston County Commission meeting is Tuesday, June 13, 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.
Leave a Reply