Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
The executive director from Southeastern Libraries Cooperating (SELCO), along with the five Houston County librarians, presented the libraries’ 2024 annual report during the Houston County Commissioners meeting on April 15.
Commissioners were sincerely thanked by the librarians for their annual financial support and the ARPA funds. The Caledonia library used the ARPA funds to purchase new computers for patrons and craft supplies for library programs. The Hokah library purchased four new public computers and added PC support through SELCO. Houston Public Library expanded its collection with the purchase of new materials for all ages and bought program supplies. Spring Grove Public Library purchased new computers for public use. La Crescent supported building maintenance repairs. La Crescent librarian Jess Witkins shared that “more people are returning to the library since COVID.”
The meeting was called to order at 9 a.m. and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. All board members were present – Cindy Wright, Chairman Eric Johnson, Kurt Zehnder, Bob Schuldt, and Greg Myhre. The board approved the meeting agenda with one item removed from the consent agenda, as well as the minutes from the April 1 regular meeting and the April 8 workgroup session.
Houston County resident Dean Ellingson appeared before the commissioners to voice concerns about county spending at the airport. He questioned whether the county tracks the number of planes using the airport on a daily basis. Commissioner Myhre told Ellingson responded that he would follow up with Ellingson to explain how airport projects are funded. Ellingson also shared his concerns about rising taxes and property valuation, to which the board replied that they understand his frustrations.
The revised consent agenda was unanimously approved. Items included: initiating a search for a full-time case aide position; confirming the start date of April 21, 2025, for jailer/dispatcher McKinley Sisson; hiring Lindsey Rohrer as a 67-day, temporary/casual transport officer at $20.33 per hour; and accepting a yearly State Boat and Water Safety grant in the amount of $5,553 for the sheriff’s office.
The board went into closed session at 9:09 a.m. and returned at 10:05 a.m. Chairman Eric Johnson reported that the discussion involved Sheriff Brian Swedberg’s salary.
A representative from AcenTek requested two letters of support from the board: one for the MiEnergy and MiBroadband Fiber program, and another for the Broadband Equity Access Deployment (BEAD) grant application for underserved areas in Brownsville, Caledonia and Hokah. The board approved both letters.
In other business, the board:
- Approved an Interim Use Permit for Allison Murdock to operate a Level 1 Home Occupation consisting of cosmetic tattooing service in La Crescent Township. The business is located at W8206 Dutton Dr., Onalaska, Wis.
- Accepted all quotes for aggregate stockpiles and equipment rental as presented by County Engineer Brian Pogodzinski. It was noted that this is an annual request.
- Accepted the labor agreement with Local Union #2166, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO Council 6, pending county attorney review and approval.
- Approved Resolution Number 25-10, reappointing Brian Pogodzinski as county highway engineer. Personnel Director Brent Parker noted that Pogodzinski had been reappointed at a previous commission meeting, but it should have been done via resolution. The commissioners thanked Parker for ensuring proper procedure.
- Approved a request from Parker to advertise for a 0.8 full-time equivalent (FTE) legal assistant.
- Approved a contract with Semcac (Southeast Minnesota Community Action Council) for family homeless prevention services. Public Health Human Services Director John Pugleasa explained that funding for the homeless prevention services comes from the Minnesota Department of Revenue
- Accepted a $100 donation from the Brownsville Auxiliary Post 6801 with many thanks for their continued support of the county’s veterans. The donation will be used to support veteran needs in Houston County.
- Reviewed and approved the latest claims.
After returning from the closed session to discuss labor negotiations, the meeting was adjourned.
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