The Houston County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, March 1, from 9-9:57 a.m. at the historic county courthouse in downtown Caledonia.
Commissioners in attendance included Chairman Greg Myhre, Teresa Walter, Robert (Bob) Burns, Eric Johnson, and Dewey Severson.
Chairman Myhre called the meeting to order and led the commissioners and the public in the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners approved the March 1 meeting agenda with the addition of one action item and the previous minutes from the February 22 board meeting.
Wayne Stenbery, Executive Director, Ability Building Community (ABC), Judy Johnson, Program Director for ABC programs in Houston County and ABC Works, and Sammy Sherry, Program Manager at Woodland Industries thanked the commission for their continued partnership since 1990. Stenbery shared, “In Houston County we have 72 full- and part-time employees serve over 130 people with a variety of physically, emotional, and mental disabilities in La Crescent and Caledonia.” The trio updated the commission on their services and answered commissioners’ questions. Sherry explained the goal at Woodlands Industries: “Maximum the potential of each individual as being as independent as possible in their community.” Johnson announced, “On May 7, from 1-6 p.m., ABC is hosting a Kentucky Derby Fundraiser, Racing for Abilities, at Elsies Bar and Grill. Cheer on your favorite horse! There will be raffles, live music, live auction, best hat contest, and food and drinks.” Commissioner Walter expressed her appreciation, “You do a very good job.”
The Caledonia Supervised Dumpsite, Houston Dumpsite Aluminum Purchase, Houston County Recycling Center, Houston County Recycling, and Spring Grove Alum Purchase accounts at Merchants Bank were unanimously approved.
Action items
Donna Trehus, Houston County Auditor/Treasurer explained, “The request to adopt Resolution No. 22-17 the off-site gambling permit on behalf of the Lancer Youth Hockey Association, 520 S. 14th Street, La Crescent, Minn., for gambling activities to be conducted at The Barn on Southridge at 7442 County 25, La Crescent, Minn., in Mound Prairie Township with no waiting period is only a change in location.” The board approved the request.
The commission approved Allison Wagner, Houston County EDA request to approve the First Children’s Finance Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Rural Childcare Innovation Program Grant which the county just received. Wagner mentioned that Commission Burns is serving on the core group which is scheduled to hold its first meeting in July.
Dick Walter, former Houston County surveyor presented a quote from Luke King of King Cabinetry, to build a glass display case to house the county’s historical surveying equipment at the highway shop. The quote came in at $2,467.07. Framed historic photos will be hung above the display case. Walter was thanked for his work to preserve Houston County’s history.
Next meeting
The next regularly scheduled Houston County Commission meeting is Tuesday, March 8 at 9 a.m. at 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 and via Zoom, enter ID: 994-7297-7175 and password 368422. The public is invited to attend.