At the October 6 county board meeting, Director of Public Health Jessica Erickson led a discussion on proposed modifications to the Tobacco Ordinance.
Erickson, Brenda Pohlman, and Attorney Marla Stanton pointed out the proposed changes to the ordinance and the reasoning behind them. The intention is to cover all tobacco products equally.
Pohlman explained the flavor market is driving addiction. The proposed ordinance would limit the sale of flavored products with the exceptions of mint, menthol, and wintergreen.
No “new” license would be granted for a retail establishment located within 250 feet of a school. This would not apply to license renewals of those with a valid license at the time of this ordinance adoption.
The proposed ordinance would prohibit distribution of samples free of charge or at nominal cost.
Modifications include required updates to meet state and federal requirements. Language clarifications are included for managing violations.
The above modifications are just a sample of the changes proposed. The purpose of the proposed ordinance is to protect public health and safety by regulating approved tobacco products in the county.
The listed changes are recommended by the attorney’s office and public health.
A Public Hearing will need to be held on the proposed modifications.
Commissioners posed some questions including the proposed regulation that would limit the purchase in the county of flavored tobacco. Commissioner Mitch Lentz said the ordinance would not limit the use of flavored tobacco; it would just not be available to be purchased in Fillmore County.
Commissioner Duane Bakke said he gets that the proposed ordinance’s intention is to keep tobacco products away from children, but he has concerns about telling retailers that they cannot sell a legal product.
Chairman Randy Dahl favored going ahead and calling for a public hearing on the proposed modifications to see how the public feels about those changes.
A public hearing is to be held on November 10 on the proposed tobacco ordinance modifications. If the ordinance is approved after the public hearing, it would be scheduled to go into effect on April 1, 2027.
Jail Project
Pete Filipppi, Contegrity Group, gave the final budget report on the Jail Renovation and Expansion. The project came in under budget. The total cost paid to date is $11,292,480. A total of $33,450 for asbestos removal was paid out of another account. Originally, $421,300 was in an account for contingency costs that couldn’t be predicted. A total of $164,794 was not spent out of that account. An estimated $125,614 is expected as a sales tax credit. County Administrator Bobbie Hillery estimated that there is nearly $400,000 left in the jail fund.
Other Business in Brief
•Chad Kingsbury, The White Barn Farm LLC, spoke during the Citizens Input portion of the meeting. He and his wife run a canoe, kayak and tubing rental service along the Root River. They focus on Ag Tourism, raising 600 pots of Mums. They are looking for a way to rent canoes off the farm rather than out of a building in Rushford. With the rent of the building, it doesn’t cash flow. They have nearly two miles of river frontage on the farm.
Bakke said this category doesn’t fit into any ordinance the county currently has. The Planning Commission will have to look at it; Ag Tourism could possibly be expanded. Bakke suggested he and Cristal Adkins sit down and try to put into writing something that will work; then, take it to the Planning Commission.
•A resolution was adopted authorizing Jessica Erickson to enter into a grant agreement with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety for traffic safety projects (Toward Zero Death Grant).
•Approval was granted for Public Health to purchase updated supplies to replace outdated items in the county first aid kits.
•A quote provided by Coyote Hill Excavating LLC in the amount of $138,762 was approved for the septic system project at the airport. County Engineer Josh Lensing explained that the costs cover not only the mound system and 2,250-gallon tank, but also the relocation of utilities, propane tanks, removal of current holding tank, and other issues. The total project cost is $142,015. The project cost is 95% paid for by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), 2.5% by the state, and 2.5% by SEH. There should be no cost to the county.
•A quote for ASTECH Corp. in the amount of $71,330 was accepted for the Airfield Pavement Maintenance project as recommended by SEH and contingent on the county’s receipt of the FAA grant. The total project cost is $104,330. The county’s portion of the cost for this project is $2,608 (2.5%).
•A driveway access permit for Ervin and Linda Yutzy for a new driveway access to CR 30 in Granger of Bristol Township was approved.
•The retirement of Susan Mandelko, Eligibility Worker, was approved with much thanks for her nearly 35 years of service, effective, October 15. A request to advertise for a replacement Eligibility Worker was approved.
•Blue Cross Blue Shield rates (2027) for retirees were approved.
•The hire of Holly Ingvalson, replacement custodian, was approved, effective November 6.
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