The June 3 Houston County Commission was called to order by Chairman Eric Johnson with the Pledge of Allegiance at 9 a.m.
The board unanimously approved the agenda and the minutes from the previous board meeting held on May 27.
Commissioners present included Cindy Wright, Eric Johnson, Kurt Zehnder and Bob Schuldt. Greg Myhre did not attend in person but called in and listened to the meeting, but did not participate.
During the public comment period, Robin Danielson addressed the board on behalf of her husband and Brian Forsyth, requesting that the commissioners or the county attorney attend a special meeting on Thursday, June 5, at 5 p.m. in Money Creek regarding the vacation of an alley.
Natasha Young-Ray, District Outreach Representative for Congressman Brad Finstad, introduced herself to the board and said, “Just letting you know, putting a face to the name in case you ever need to reach out.” She announced mobile office hours scheduled for June 3, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Caledonia Library.
A motion by Commission Zehnder, seconded by Commissioner Wright, to approve the consent agenda was unanimously approved. Items included:
1.A gambling permit for the Knights of Columbus, St. Francis of Assissi Council #164556, for an event at Ferndale Golf Course in Yucatan Township, with a drawing on June 21, 2025.
2.Change in job classification status of Public Health and Human Services Director John Pugleasa and Jail Administrator Rachel Meyer.
3.Reclassification of Engineering Supervisor Justin Conway, including a title change from Engineering Supervisor to Assistant County Engineer.
4.Employment status change for Social Worker Morgan Solie from probationary to regular.
After hearing from Houston County Assessor Lucas Onstad, the board voted not to approve a 2025 tax abatement for Leonard Wieser of Outback Ranch. Onstad reported that Jake and Holly Wieser had stopped by his office to express their belief that the property should not be classified as commercial. Following an on-site visit, Onstad initially agreed that an abatement seemed appropriate. However, after reading a newspaper article that contradicted their earlier conversation, he reversed his recommendation and advised the board against approving the abatement. Onstad is not able to approve the abatement since it is more than $3000.
A tax abatement for Real Haven LLC (Spring Grove Cinema) in Spring Grove was approved. The value of the abatement is less than $1,000.
At the request of County Engineer Brian Pogodzinski, the board approved the installation of two automatic door operators, actuators, a transmitter, and receivers at the highway department building. The total cost is $8,625, plus an estimated $1,500 to $2,000 for electrical work. Pogodzinski confirmed that the building will be in ADA compliance for access.
In other business, the board:
1.Approved the installation of a flag pole at the Highway Department building in Caledonia. The cost for the first year is estimated at around $5,000 and each year after, the cost will be around $200 for electricity and a new flag.
2.Approved a transfer of funds from the County Revenue Fund to the EDA Fund to meet reporting requirements. As of May 2025, the available EDA loan balance was $378,192.09, with $9,386.23 in interest earned, for a total of $387,578.32.
3.Approved the 2025 budget amendments.
4.Approved paying the bills.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:11 a.m.
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