The Houston County Board of Commissioners met October 27 at the historic courthouse, approving routine business and consent agenda items, including reappointments to the Crooked Creek Watershed District and a gambling permit for the Gopher State Sportsman’s Club.
Routine Business
Chairman Greg Myhre called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. Commissioners Cindy Wright, Eric Johnson, Kurt Zehnder and Bob Schuldt were present, along with Myhre.
The board approved the meeting agenda with change to the consent agenda, and the minutes of its October 20 regular board meeting.
Consent Agenda
The board unanimously approved the updated consent agenda, which included the following items:
•Reappointing managers Brad Felten and Arlyn Pohlman to the Crooked Creek Watershed District for three-year terms to ending November 30, 2029. Their current terms end November 30, 2026;
•Approving an exempt permit for Minnesota Lawful Gambling Application LG220 for Gopher State Sportsman’s Club to conduct raffle activities at club in La Crescent Township. The drawing is scheduled for February 6, 2027, with no waiting period;
•Approving payment of the bills.
Action Item(s)
Chairman Myhre requested the third item on the consent agenda be moved to action items for discussion. The item concerned filling the Environmental Services/Surveyor Tech Clerk position. Commissioner Wright made a motion to hire Rita Figueroa at grade B22, Step 2 with a start date of November 16. Seconded by Commissioner Johnson, the motion carried with four votes in favor and Commissioner Myhre was opposed.
Discussion
Commissioner Zehnder reported that a department head meeting had taken place and was attended by most department heads. He stated, “As always, I feel like our department heads are doing a good job.”
Commissioner Wright and Commissioner Johnson attended the Association of Minnesota of Counties (AMC) District 9 meeting. District 9 represents the 11 counties in southeastern Minnesota.
Topics discussed at the AMC District 9 meeting that generated significant conversation during the Houston County meeting included tax levies, shared resources and efficiencies, the proposed 765-kilovolt (kV) electric transmission line and data centers, and warrant further discussion and consideration.
The meeting adjourned at 9:48 a.m.
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