Houston County commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, June 28, at 9 a.m. at the historic county courthouse in downtown Caledonia.
Commissioners in attendance include Chairman Greg Myhre, Teresa Walter, Robert (Bob) Burns, Eric Johnson, and Dewey Severson.
Chairman Myhre called the meeting to order and led commissioners and the public in the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners approved the June 28 meeting agenda as amended and the June 14 regular board meeting minutes, and the minutes from the June 21 workgroup session.
The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the County of Houston and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local No. 49 was approved. As explained, “The MOA provides for a temporary work out of class assignment during the search for a Hwy. Maintenance Foreman.”
The Commission approved the agreement between Houston County and La Crescent outlining each organization’s responsibilities regarding the use of funding for reconstructing the existing roadway and constructing curb along the northerly edge of the road providing a buffer between the road and Wagon Wheel Trail from Highway 14/16/61 to Sportsmen’s Public Water Access on the Mississippi in La Crescent. County Engineer Brian Pogodzinski noted in his request, “The state of Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) requires the County to act as the fiscal agent and contract administrator for the State of Minnesota in administering state park road funds for the project.” This agreement will secure $128,105.83 for project SAP 028-600-001.
Facilities Manager Tess Kruger’s submitted a request to replace the boiler in the Houston County Justice Center. The cost is $61,500 which includes a 10-year warranty and is an $10,000 increase over the price of the boiler that was purchased last year. Kruger said, “The lead time is 10-12 weeks.” The request was approved.
In summary
Houston County employee Dylan Felten’s classification was changed from Appraiser Trainee to Certified Minnesota Assessor retroactive to June 9.
The board accepted the resignation of Chris Hartley, Highway Maintenance foreman, effective June 23, 2022. Commissioner Johnson acknowledged Hartley for his years of service to the county. It was noted that it is a big loss to the county.
Kruger asked commissioners to approve the hiring of Brianna Ceaser as a probationary Public Health educator, C42, Step 1, effective July 1, 2022, conditioned upon successful completion of background check. The request was approved.
Commissioners approved two gaming permits. The first was issued to Sheldon Valley Sportsman’s Association. The raffle drawing will be held at Sheldon Valley Sportsman’s Association Range, 11511 County Road 10, Caledonia, on October 30, 2022. The second was issued to the Able Foundation, Inc. The raffle drawing will be held at La Crescent Snowmobile Club, 2485 County 6, La Crescent, on October 15, 2022.
Two closed sessions took place at the end of the meeting pursuant to Minn. Stat. §13D.05, Subd. 3. (a) to evaluate the performance of an individual who is subject to its authority. The commissioners held their first evaluations of two department head reviews.
The next regularly scheduled Houston County Commission meeting is Tuesday, July 5, at 9 a.m. in the County Commission Board Room 222, located on the second floor in the Historic County Courthouse, Caledonia, or via the county conference call line (312) 626-6700 enter ID: 994-7297-7175 and password 368422. Public attendees are requested to mute their line until addressed.