The Houston County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, March 22, from 9-11:43 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 March 22 meeting agenda with the addition of action items number 11, the consent agenda minus number four which was move to action item number 12, and the previous minutes from the March 8 commission meeting, and the minutes from the March 15 workgroup session.
Presentation
Blake Luna, representative from KNOWiNK out of St. Louis, Mo., appeared before the board to discuss voting security, poll books, and answer commissioners’ questions about the company’s software and system. Luna shared that KNOWiNK has been in existing for the past 10 years and has been doing business in Minnesota for approximately seven years. He went on to emphasize that most of the counties in Minnesota are using their system and have been using it for a number of years. From a security standpoint Luna explained, “Everything we do is developed 100% in the United States by background checked individuals. We don’t contract out overseas. All our code, all our infrastructure, everything related to our software, support people across the board are here in the United States.” Luna went on to explain that “The company uses off-the-shelf encryption security tools. They use the best of class encryption tools available through Apple, Amazon Web Services to ensure that the date being transferred is appropriately encrypted.” In addition, the company is recognized for their user-friendly software especially among senior poll workers.
Action items
Commissioners unanimously approved the service agreement with Dynamic Lifecycle Innovators, recyclers of electronic, as introduced by Martin Herrick, Environmental Services director. Herrick mentioned that County Attorney Jandt review the agreement and Dynamic Lifecycle Innovators accepted the recommended changes.
Brian Pogodzinski, County Engineer request to approve the quotes from Icon Construction for bridge maintenance on bridges number 28520, 28521, and 28523 was unanimously approved.
Four to one, with commissioner Burns casting the lone vote, commissioners approved vacating a portion of County State Aid Highway 3 right-of-way within the City of Brownsville as requested by the landowner. It was noted that the land reverts to the landowner.
Change Order No. 39 for hazardous material and abatement was approved. The total amount of the request is $8,453.85.
Commissioners adopted Resolution No. 22-22 Houston County Right of Way Plat No. 84 for reconstruction of State Aid Project 028-612-014.
Pogodzniski asked the board to approve the quotes for equipment rental and aggregate stockpiles of rock noting that these are annual requests. Approved.
Board members approved the purchase of 7.93 acres adjacent to the airport from Ervin Barth for the sum of $80,036.32. The land is for future airport expansion.
John Pugleasa, Public Health and Human Services director request to write off a total of $51,405.03 in debt was approved. Pugleasa stressed that the write-offs do not impact the budget and are old debt.
ABLE submitted a letter requesting ARPA funds for existing employees and hiring new employees. ICAN also submitted a request for ARPA funds. ICAN is a handicap accessible van for moving their clients to and from appointments and funding to help with incentives, retention, and training for new and existing employees. Commissioner Burns recommended allocating $40,000 of ARPA funds to each organization. Both organizations are aware that the funds are to be used within Houston County.
Commissioners approved renewing the Wildcat Landing contract as is with Jake Lonkoski. Lonkoski will continue to manage the campground in Brownsville. Next year’s contract will address the questions that arose this year regarding insurance and online registration.
Commissioners approved changing the employment status of Patrick Burns, Engineering Assistant, from probationary to regular, effective April 1, 2022. Commissioner Burns recused himself.
The next regularly scheduled Houston County Commission meeting is Tuesday, April 5, 2022, 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 and Zoom, enter ID: 994-7297-7175 and password 368422. The public is invited to attend.
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