The Houston County Board of Commissioners mourned former Commissioner Robert (Bob) H. Burns with a moment of silence during its July 28 meeting, remembering his years of service and dedication to the community.
Commissioners shared memories of his commitment to Houston County and the many organizations he served throughout his life.
“Bob was such as asset in everything that he did. It’s going to be hard to replace a guy like that,” said Commissioner Kurt Zehnder. “He’s gonna be sorely missed.”
Zehnder added, “He loved this community.”
Commissioner Eric Johnson echoed those sentiments.
“Bob was very community-oriented,” Johnson said. “He always volunteered a lot of his time to do stuff for Veterans Services and Semcac.
“A class act,” Zehnder added.
Chairman Greg Myhre called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. in Room 222 of the Historic Houston County Courthouse, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioners approved the meeting agenda and the corrected minutes from the July 21 regular meeting. Commissioners in attendance included Cindy Wright, Eric Johnson, Kurt Zehnder, Robert Schuldt, and Chairman Myhre. There were no public comments.
Houston County Historical Society president, Janene Hosch and vice president, Deb Wray presented the non-profit organization’s proposed annual budget.
Hosch said that longtime President Shirley Johnson retired this past year.
Hosch confirmed that the Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) all-volunteer organization, and most of its funding comes from memberships in addition to the funds received from the county.
Last year’s budget was $80,000, and the proposed budget for October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, is $87,065.
Last year, the county appropriated $42,000 to the Historical Society, which largely covers the costs of maintenance, general expenses, and supplies. Insurance estimated at $10,000 and building maintenance and repairs are causing challenges for the organization this year.
Wray explained, “Most of our buildings are going to need some maintenance and repairs in the next three to five years.” For example, a beam in the basement of the Christian Bunge, Jr. Store in Eitzen recently fell.
Houston County residents and commissioners were invited to visit the Historical Society’s museum at the Houston County Fairgrounds during the upcoming Houston County Fair. With a smile on her face Hosch said, “Our buildings are air conditioned.”
Consent Agenda
Commissioners approved the consent agenda, which included authorization to begin competitive searches for one full-time community health worker (B22) and one full-time Environmental Services/surveyor technician (B22), along with approval of the county’s bills.
Action Items
Commissioners Wright and Zehnder volunteered to serve on the County Canvassing Board for the State Primary Election to be held on August 11. The agenda stated that board members appointed to the canvassing board cannot be candidates at the election per Minnesota 2024C.31. Subdivision 1. The canvassing board meeting is scheduled for August 13 at 2 p.m. in the commissioners’ room. The board approved the appointment of Wright and Zehnder to the board with Commissioners Johnson and Schuldt abstaining.
The board approved an amendment extending the county’s Medical Examiner services contract beginning in 2027. The amended agreement includes a 2% increase, and the contact is County Coordinator Brent Parker.
The board approved creating a hybrid appraiser/tech position (B24-C41) and authorized a competitive search for one full-time assessor tech clerk II (B22)
Commissioners discussed the proposed transmission line project, noting that there are still unanswered questions. The board expressed interest in having project representatives return to answer their questions.
The board also discussed the upcoming USA Cycling Gravel National Championships, scheduled for September 12, one week before Applefest.
Commissioners would like to invite organizers of the event to a future board meeting. Commissioner Zehnder praised the planning committee for its work. “I think they have really done a good job,” he said, noting that communication with local officials has been excellent this year.
With no further business or closing comments, the meeting was adjourned at 9:49 a.m. following a motion by Commissioner Wright, seconded by Commissioner Johnson. The motion carried unanimously.
Leave a Reply