PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF HOUSTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2020 9:00 a.m.
Members Present: Eric Johnson, Teresa Walter, Jack Miller, Robert Burns, Greg Myhre
*All Members participated via computer/conference call due to declared peacetime emergency. Conference call information was shared for public participation
Board Workgroup Session
Call to order.
The Board heard concerns from several seasonal campers at Wildcat Park about the required lottery for assignment of the seasonal camping allocations. Miller and Burns requested a Parks Committee meeting with the Army Corps of Engineers representative to discuss their recommendation. The park is owned by USACE, but leased and managed by the County. One of the provisions to allow the exception for long-term (seasonal) camping on the site is the agreed lottery system contained in County Ordinance #9, Wildcat Park.
The Highway Committee reviewed the results of their initial review of bids for the Construction Manager Contract proposals. The County received 10 bids from companies that all appeared fully qualified to perform the work. The Committee recommended that the entire board interview and select from three companies.
Administrator Babinski discussed the CARES Act funding with the board. The County will receive $2,266,245 ($3,325 for Jefferson Township), and each city and township (other than Jefferson) will receive their CARES act funding directly from the State. Funds may be used for Medical, Public Health, limited Payroll, Public Health Measures, and Economic Support. Funds may not be used for replacing lost public revenue (ie property tax relief), payroll not tied to COVID-19, expenses funded through other CARES Act programs, reimbursement to donors, workforce bonuses, severance claims, or per capita payments. Administrator Babinski has organized discussions with the Cities and Townships to help all units understand the CARES Act funding parameters and coordinate economic assistance options. The board suggested the Finance Committee should have overall oversite of the CARES Act funds and the EDA Committee would lead efforts to develop an economic assistance program with a portion of the funds.
Walter and Burns provided an update on negotiations with SELCO for library funding.
The workgroup session adjourned at 11:59 a.m.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
HOUSTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA
By: Eric Johnson, Chairperson
Attest: Jeffrey Babinski, County Administrator
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