The Houston County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, April 26, from 9-10:43 a.m. at the historic county courthouse in downtown Caledonia.
Commissioners in attendance included Chairman Greg Myhre, Teresa Walter, Robert (Bob) Burns, Eric Johnson, and Dewey Severson.
Chairman Myhre called the meeting to order and led the commissioners and the public in the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners approved the April 26 meeting agenda with the addition of one new action item, the April 5 meeting minutes, and the minutes from the workgroup session on April 19.
Jeremiah Shaver, Holman, Wis., introduced himself to commissioners as the most hated person on Shore Acres. As President of Wisconsin B.A.S.S. Nation, “I am probably responsible for more tournaments coming to this area than anybody over the last 20 years. I am probably the longest-standing advocate fighting no-wake zones in La Crosse and in the West Channel area.” He appeared before the board to express his opinions regarding the proposed no-wake ordinance.
Commissioners unanimously approved the consent agenda. Commissioner Johnson recognized Elizabeth Knutson, Public Health Nurse, for her service to Houston County.
Action items
Commissioners accepted the quote from Fahrner Asphalt Sealers LLC. The cost is $3.68 per pound for flex patch crack repair on CSAH4 South and $4.90 per pound to blow and seal CSAH 27. The plan is to complete the work as soon as possible.
Environmental Services director, Martin Herrick asked the board to approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with La Crosse County regarding the household hazardous waste collection events May 14, 2022, and August 13, 2022. Commissioner Walters confirmed that the event in May will be held at the Recycling Center in Houston and the August event will be held in La Crescent.
Commissioners approved renewing Generation X Construction’s haulers license.
The board adopted Resolution No. 22-25, re-establishing the district boundaries for Houston County. It was noted that there are no boundary changes for Houston County.
Jennifer Burrichter, Houston County Extension, asked commissioners to accept donations to Houston County Extension from AcenTek, American Legion Post 423, Bremer Bank, Caledonia Haulers, Inc., Caledonia Lumber, Caledonia Oil, Caledonia Veterinary Clinic, Danielson Insurance Agency, ESB Banking and Insurance, Gundersen Lutheran Houston Clinic, H&R Block, Hammell Equipment, Houston County ADA, Houston County DHIA, Joe Welch Equipment, Kraus Oil Co., Kruckow Rock Products, La Crescent Animal Care, Loveless-Eikens, American Legion #191, Mauss Pumping Services, Merchants Bank, Mound Prairie Mutual Insurance Company, Pats Insurance Agency, Red’s Hometown Market, Shooting Star Native Seeds, Sno Pac Foods, Wiebke Tire, and Wilmington Mutual Insurance Co. to fund Farm Safety Day.
The commissioners approved allocating $215,106 in ARPA funds for the Electronic Document Management System for the county’s Public Health office. Finance Director Carol Lapham stated, “It will be good to get it done.” Commissioner Burns asked the board to reserve $60,000 for County Highway 10.
Commissioners approved Commissioner Burns request to revise the previously approved Wildcat Landing contract. Burns explained that in the past the county has purchased the insurance to cover the park. As a contracted operator for the park, the operator will now be providing the insurance for the park. Houston County will be listed as an additional insured. The insurance will be $1M per occurrence and $2M umbrella and will not cover swimming on the beach. The county will install signs on the beach, “Swim at your own risk” and “No lifeguards.” The contract will change from $39,000 to $42,000 and will have an initial advance to the operator for $3,000 to cover the cost of the insurance.
County Auditor-Treasurer Donna Trehus explained that after attending a training workshop last week she is “very comfortable” using the poll pads. She stressed that the poll pads are much more efficient than paper and that they will not be connected to the internet until staff returns to the office and uses the county’s secure connection. Trehus also explained that voters will sign a receipt and not the poll pad. Commissioner Severson mentioned that the poll pads are more efficient and that voters’ driver’s licenses and Social Security numbers will not be recorded. Trehus explained that precincts will not have to use the poll pads if they do not want to and reminded commissioners that voters do not cast their vote on the poll pad. After hearing from the public, commissioners Severson, Burns, and Walter voted to approve the use of poll pads and commissioners Johnson and Myhre voted no.
The next regularly scheduled Houston County Commission meeting is Tuesday, May 3, at 9 a.m. at 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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