Commissioners Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Robert Burns, Teresa Walter, and Greg Myhre were all in attendance at the September 28, 2021, meeting of the Houston County Commission. Chairman Burns called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. and led commission members and attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners approved the meeting agenda with two additions, scheduled the Truth in Taxation meeting and move item number 4 from the consent agenda to action items. In addition, commissioners approved the minutes from the September 14 board meeting and the workgroup session minutes from September 21. The meeting adjourned at 11:34 a.m.
Heather Lukes, Planning Director for the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), updated the commission on MnDOT 20-year plan mentioning that the department’s focus areas are aging infrastructure, climate change, equity safety, and transportation options. Lukes shared an update on the local projects in Houston County, including the Hwy 26/CR3 intersection project in Brownsville, Hwy 44 project in Caledonia, and the Hwy 44/Esch Drive intersection in Caledonia to “slow down the traffic” and “create a shorter pedestrian crossing path.” In addition, Lukes summarized three regional projects: Highway 52 corridor projects, a three-year project; US 14 4-lane expansion from Dodge Center to Owatonna; and Interchange at Hwy 52 & 1-90.
Commissioner Johnson thanked Jason Leahy for his 15 years of service to Houston County and wished him good luck in his future endeavors.
Tess Kruger, personnel director, recommended hiring Tara Kowalke, Children’s Services lead social worker, at a C42 Step 8. Kruger noted that it is an exempt position and not hourly; thus, stressing a distinct difference between salary and wages in the labor contract. Max Forrester, Labor Representative, AFSCME Council 65 Union, went on record stating that the union is contesting the proposed hiring of a Children’s Services lead social worker at a Step 8 classification. During the discussion, it was stressed over and over that it is a union issue and not an applicant issue. With a three to two vote, commissioners approved hiring Kowalke at step 8.
County Engineer Brian Pogodzinski requested that commissioners approve the prioritized list of bridge replacements. The list will be submitted to MnDOT for their planning over the next four years. It was unanimously approved.
Commissioners approved the purchase of a John Deere 644P wheel loader. If the loader is purchased now and not in 2022, the county will save about $20,000. Net cost is $132,232,34, including the trade-in of Unit 4071, John Deere 644.
A motion to have Wieser Law Office assist with the airport land acquisition project was approved four to one. As a result, the county will be reimbursed 90% by the federal government.
Amelia Meiners, Environmental Services director, requested that commissioners authorize her to sign the SCORE grant agreement. In answer to commissioners’ questions, Meiners acknowledges that she does not know at this time how much money the county will receive, as it is based on population. She believes that she will know how much later this fall. Meiners reminded the commissioners that there is a 25% local match. It was unanimously approved.
Commissioners rescinded a motion made at the July 27, 2021, commission meeting. The commissioners found out that it is illegal to give county employees $50. In past years, the commissioners hosted a County Staff Appreciation Day picnic. The estimated $8,000 was to come from CARES funding. Severson emphasized, “We appreciate our employees.”
In other business, commissioners approved the Court Data Services Subscriber Amendment, the MN Joint Powers Agreement and authorizing signatures, abatement approval for Josewski, and resolutions 21-42, 21-43, 21-44, 21-45, 21-46; and accepted Pogodzinski’s request to purchase desks and chairs for the new highway facility plus highway facility change orders 15-17 and 19-21 totaling $11,716.45.
Commissioners approved the purchase of a new copy machine for the sheriff’s office. The acquisition will be paid from capital improvement funds and will not affect the county’s 2021 budget.
Carol Lapham, Finance director, mentioned that each department submitted its budget and was reviewed by the finance committee. Lapham stated that to balance the budget, the tax levy needs to be increased by 5.2%. The 2022 preliminary budget shows revenue at $29,622,331 and expenses at $29,930,702 with a budget deficit of $308,371. Lapham stated, “You need to make a decision.” Commission Myhre motioned to increase the tax levy by 3% and accept the proposed 2022 preliminary budget. Severson seconded it. Motion carried.
The annual Truth in Taxation meeting is scheduled for December 14 at 6 p.m. in the commissioners’ board room.
The next meeting of the Houston County Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at 9 a.m. in the County Commission Board Room 222 located on the second floor in the Historic Courthouse, Caledonia, or via the county conference call line (312) 626-6700 and entering meeting ID: 994-7297-7175 and password 368422.