Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
Commissioners Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Chairman Robert Burns, Teresa Walter, and Greg Myhre were all in attendance at the September 14 meeting of the Houston County Commission. Chairman Burns called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. and led board members and attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners approved the meeting agenda and minutes from the September 7 regular meeting. There was nothing on the consent agenda, nor any public comments. The meeting adjourned at 10:34 a.m.
New Business
The Commission accepted the low bid of $637,763.25 for SAP 028-599-094 to replace the bridge on Looney Valley Road in Houston Township. Chairman Burns mentioned that the bid came in considerably lower than expected. Burns continued by confirming what every commissioner was thinking, “We like to see that.” The department’s goal is to get the bridge built this fall.
Commissioner Myhre stated that the Houston County Planning Commission did not have any questions or problems regarding the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application from Josh and Autumn Wiste and Mike and Jennifer Wiste to build a dwelling on less than 40 acres in an Agriculture Protection District in Spring Grove Township. The family is moving down to help family members. Mike Wiste was in attendance to answer any questions the commissioners might have or provide any additional information. Commissioner Johnson made a motion to approve the CUP. Commissioner Myhre seconded, and the motion carried.
Commissioner Johnson made a motion to reaffirm that the commission had approved the resolution authorizing the County Board Chair Robert Burns, and County Auditor-Treasurer Donna Trehus to sign the agreement. The resolution was passed at the September 7, 2021, commission meeting.
Presentation(s)
Merchants Bank representatives Matt Schuldt, market president; Nick Benz, CTP, treasury management lead; Marcos Krings, credit card officer/department manager; Andrew Guzzo, regional president, and Manon Hoscheit, customer service representative proposed what Merchants Bank can do for the county.
Schuldt shared with the commission that Merchants Bank is over 100 years old, and the bank’s headquarters are still located in Winona. In addition, there are three Merchants Bank locations in Houston County, and that the county’s money is invested in the county through loans to local businesses and farm loans. Schuldt also noted that Merchants Bank employees are invested in the County because Merchants Bank is 18% employee owned.
All commissioners agreed that the other two banks in Caledonia should be invited to make a presentation before deciding on which bank to go with regarding the daily receipts.
Next meeting
The next meeting of the Houston County Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, September 21, at 9 a.m. in County Board Room 222 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.