At its October 6 meeting, the Houston County Board of Commissioners approved a joint powers board agreement for the Houston County Root River Trail.
La Crescent Community Development Director Larry Kirch appeared before the commission to share the 2025-2026 Root River Trail Extension Citizen Exploratory Committee report and discuss the proposed joint powers agreement.
Kirch mentioned that none of the grants the committee has applied for have been successful. He added that his approach is to secure funding before holding public meetings and talking with landowners.
The commission unanimously approved the joint powers agreement, which Kirch explained is a way to keep the momentum going forward. He emphasized that the agreement is not permanent, and the trail will likely be transferred to the DNR. The City of La Crescent has provided the funding to cover Kirch’s time.
The board meeting was called to order at 9 a.m. by Chairman Greg Myhre, who then led the commissioners and the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
All five commissioners were in attendance: Cindy Wright, Eric Johnson, Kurt Zehnder, Bob Schuldt and Greg Myhre.
The agenda, as amended, and the minutes from the September 22 regular board meeting were approved.
Kirch also recapped the USA Gravel National Championships held in La Crescent and Houston in September. Attendance was estimated 700, down from last year, with 276 elite men and women competing.
Kirch said overall safety was “better coordinated.” There were 20 flaggers, compared to eight last year, though a few more were needed. There were two hit-and-run incidents and a need for about 10 additional course marshals at intersections. Four rides were held before the championship; one was canceled due to rain, another faced a 110-degree heat index, and there were 25 riders at the third one. The fourth one was held on Friday.
There were 100 volunteers, but they could have used another 20. While there is no lodging survey, available data showed 20% of riders pre-rode the course. Most stayed about three days. Those who stayed at an Airbnb stayed about 3.5 days, while hotel guests averaged 2.2 nights.
As part of the unanimously approved consent agenda, Sean Feind was hired as a 67-day Deputy Auditor/Treasurer effective immediately, and Tracy Jones was hired as an Eligibility Worker, with a start date of October 12.
The board also approved an update to the type of liquor license that was approved this past June for the La Crescent Snowmobile Club. The club requested to add On-Sale Wine License in conjunction with its existing On-Site/Off-Sale 3.2 Beer License. Based on the type of kitchen located at the Snowmobile Club, it was discovered that the club did not qualify for the On-Sale Wine License. The club is now requesting a full Club On-Sale Retail Liquor License.
The board also reviewed and approved paying the bills totaling $704,640.78.
Commissioner Johnson noted that the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application submitted by Justin and Crystal Lewis was straightforward. The Planning Commission recommended that the board approve their request. Staff recommend two conditions. The couple requested approval to build a single-family non-farm dwelling on less than 40 acres in an Agricultural Protection District in Black Hammer Township. The board unanimously approved the CUP.
County Engineer Brian Pogodzinski presented a list of five bridges prioritized for replacement: West Beaver Road (28J74), CR249 (6937), Pfeffer Valley Road (L9502), Muhle Coulee Road and Sylling Road (L3968). After discussing the list, Commissioner Johnson made a motion to approve the list, which was seconded by Commissioner Schuldt. The motion carried by roll call.
The board approved a competitive search for a 0.8 full-time EDA Director/County Coordinator Administrative Assistant. Commissioner Wright reminded the board that the county is required to have an EDA program by state statute.
The meeting was adjourned following a closed session which ended at 11:31 a.m. Coordinator Brent Parker said the board had entered into a closed session pursuant to Minnesota Statute 13D.05, Subdivision 2 (b), to discuss preliminary allegations and private personnel data related to an employee grievance. After discussing the matter, the grievance was denied.
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