Interim Houston County Auditor/Treasurer Polly Heberlein reviewed the county’s cash and investments as of June 30, 2024, at the August 6, regularly scheduled commission meeting.
The county’s certificates of deposits and bonds equals $6,888,123.49. This number is up $497,000 since December 31, 2023, when Heberlein last reviewed the investments. Heberlein said, “That is kind of a nice fund.” Total liquid assets total $3,769,861.61. Investments grand total is $10,657,985.10 as of June 30, 2024. Cash equals $24,327,604.
Commissioner Bob Schuldt called to order at 9 a.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioners in attendance included Dewey Severson, Robert (Bob) Burns, Bob Schuldt and Greg Myhre. Eric Johnson was absent.
The agenda and the minutes from the July 23 regularly scheduled meeting were approved as presented.
In one swift motion, commissioners unanimously approved the following three personnel items brought forth by Human Resources Director Tess Kruger on the consent agenda: Initiate a competitive search for a full-time environmental services technical clerk, hire Harley Thompson as a full-time highway maintenance specialist and Celia Rose as a full-time adult services social worker. Both positions are contingent upon a successful background check. A fourth item was added to the consent agenda; a request from the Caledonia Girl Court Club for an exempt permit, MN LG220. The club will be conducting a raffle at Ma Cal Grove Country Club. The drawing will be held on October 24.
Action Items
Interim Houston County Auditor/Treasurer Polly Heberlein recommended that the board appoint Commissioners Schuldt and Johnson to the County’s canvassing board for the upcoming primary election. The state primary election is scheduled for August 13, followed by the canvassing meeting on August 15 at 2 p.m. in the commission room.
The board approved the agreement between MAPE (Minnesota Association of Professional Employees) and LELS (Law Enforcement Labor Services) for Chief Deputy Bill Hargrove’s position to be represented by LELS. Commissioner Burns said that LELS makes more sense because it aligns with Hargrove’s job description and responsibilities. It was confirmed that both unions are in agreement.
Three CUP (Conditional Use Permit) were submitted by Environmental Services Director Amelia Meiners for approval. Commissioners unanimously approved a CUP for Dale and Sally Mensink and Scott and Tina Bartsch in Houston Township for a dwelling on less than 40 acres, one for Tyler Ladsten in Spring Grove Township for a dwelling on less than 40 acres, and one for Augedahl and Moenck Builders, LLC for Nathan and Jennifer Wurm for an accessory building in Caledonia Township. All three CUPs were approved by the planning commission.
Houston County Engineer Brian Pogodzinski submitted three contracts for final approval. The total cost for contract #067 with Fahrner Asphalt Sealers, LLP for crack fill repair was $57,287.16. The total cost for contract #064 with Bruening Rock Products, Inc. for shoulder repairs was $300,946.32, and the total cost of contract #073 with Bruening Rock Products, Inc. for maintenance rock was $109,841.99. All three were unanimously approved.
Pogodzinski presented a service agreement from North Dakota State University Upper Great Plain Transportation Institute for new software at a cost of $950 per year. The county will be reimbursed the full amount. The board unanimously approved Pogodzinsk’s request.
Public Health and Human Services Director John Pugleasa submitted a request to $95,000 in ARPA funds to pay for one time project costs ($80,000) and data conversion ($15,000) for CaseWorks document/case management system for the social services division. If the entire $95,000 was taken from ARPA funds it would leave a balance o $75,898. Pugleasa request was tabled until the August 20 commission meeting. Pugleasa was asked to get a contract.
Pugleasa explained that his next request is to use the MA unwind grand from DHS grant funds for a similar project but for the PH/HA accounting division. $58,000. There is no cost to the county.
The board unanimously approved paying the bills totaling $547,606.76.
Schuldt reminded his fellow commissioners that the Houston County Fair is coming up and that National Night Out will be held throughout Houston County this week. Severson said that La Crescent is ready with 1,200 brats to grill and Myhre is cooking tonight in Caledonia.
There being no closing public comments, the meeting was adjourned at 10:19 a.m.
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