Houston County commissioners moved to cancel the Sentence to Serve (STS) contract with the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) at its November 22 meeting.
Commissioner Johnson explained, “The question is not if it’s a good program if it’s utilized. The problem is it’s not being utilized.”
Chairman Greg Myhre called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. He led commissioners and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioners in attendance include Chairman Myhre, Robert (Bob) Burns, Eric Johnson, and Dewey Severson. Teresa Walter was absent.
Before approving the meeting’s agenda, Commissioner Johnson requested that the board pull action items number nine and ten. The board approved the agenda as amended and the November 22 minutes.
There were no public comments.
At 9:30 a.m., Chairman Myhre open the public hearing. Brian Pogodzinski updated the commission and the public on the stormwater pollution prevention program. There were no comments or questions from the public.
The consent agenda was approved in its entirety: 2023 tobacco licenses for River Valley Convenience Store, Inc. Cennex, Houston, Houston Food Mart/BP, and Dollar General #20006; changed the employment status of social worker, Brittany Anderson, from probationary to regular; hired Calvin Nagle as a full-time deputy sheriff; and hired Dorothy Schutz as a temporary/casual 67-day Veterans Services driver.
On behalf of the city of Caledonia, City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson and Public Works & Zoning Director Casey Klug Commissioners asked the board to support an active transportation infrastructure grant. The funds will be used to purchase six flashing beacons installed at pedestrian crossing locations with high traffic volumes. The six locations are an intersection of N. Pine and Main St., the intersection of S. Sprague St. and Main St., the backside of the elementary school at West Washington and S. Sprague St., close to St. Mary’s school at S. Pine St., and E. South St., St. John’s school crossing at N. Marshall St. and E. Taft St., and the last one is at the end of North Kingston Street and connects to the walking trail. Klug explained, “They are areas that were identified years ago as part of the Safe Route to School program that would definitely benefit from these flashing beacons.”
If the city receives the funds, the first two intersections require an agreement with the county.
The commission rescinded the previously approved resolution to enter a multi-year contract with MCAPS and approved entering into a one-year contract with MCAPS. The one-year contract will allow time to transition to the new case management software, Prosecutor by Karpel, as approved by the board.
In other business, the board:
• Denied the purchase of a 32’ scissor lift for the county highway department;
• Approved the proposal from Bolten and Menk to design and inspect airport hanger taxi lane construction project;
• Approved the participation and funding agreement with Southeastern Libraries Cooperating (SELCO) based on earlier conversations with SELCO;
• Approved the 2023 County Attorney’s annual salary at $124,425.60;
• Approved the Auditor/Treasurer’s annual salary at $93,683.20;
• Approved the 2023 commission meeting schedule.
At 10:03 a.m., the commission went into a closed session pursuant to Minnesota Statue 13D.05, Subdivision 3, to resume discussion of the end of probation review from the November 22 board meeting.
The next regularly scheduled Houston County Commission meeting is Tuesday, December 20 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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