The regularly scheduled meeting of the Houston County Commission was called to order at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, August 27, in county board room 222 in the historic courthouse.
Chairman Eric Johnson led his colleagues and the audience in the pledge of allegiance.
All members were present – Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Robert (Bob) Burns, Bob Schuldt and Greg Myhre.
Commissioner Severson made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Burns, and unanimously approved.
Commissioner Myhre made a motion to approve the minutes from the August 20 board meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Schuldt, and unanimously approved.
There were no public comments or appointments.
The consent agenda included the following personnel changes: 1) Reclassify David Feuerhelm from Commercial Property Appraiser to Accredited Minnesota Appraiser. 2) Initiate a search for a part-time, probationary deputy auditor/treasurer-license center clerk. 3) Update the employment status of Jailer/Dispatcher Derek St. Mary from probationary to regular. 4) Update the employment status of Lead Jailer/Dispatcher Matthew Kuehl from probationary to regular. Commissioner Burns made a motion to approve the consent agenda, with Commissioner Severson seconding the motion. The agenda was unanimously approved.
Action Items
Engineer Brian Pogodzinski presented a final payment request from Fahrner Asphalt Sealers, LLC for the airport crack filling project. Pogodzinski confirmed that the project is completed and looks good. The total cost of the project was $40,523.90 with a final payment of $2,026.15. The board unanimously approved the payment. It was noted that it was not a grant project, but a maintenance project recommended by the FAA.
Chairman Johnson explained that the county regularly receives cash donations for the county’s Veteran Services Office. He recommended that the board approved the $200 donation from Auxiliary Post 6801 to the Veteran Services Office which is to be used for any veteran’s needs. The request was unanimously approved.
Carol Lapham reviewed potential office duty reorganizations and reassignments and addressed questions from the commissioners. No action was taken, as the departments continue to explore potential changes.
Commissioner Myhre made a motion which was seconded by Burns to approve the following payments: $459,884.59 with 19 vendors paid less than $2,000. Bruening Rock Products Inc. $8,047.67, Fahrner Asphalt Sealers LLC $2,026.15, Liberty Tire Recycling LLC $3,578.10, and Scott Construction Inc. $45,728.10. The motion was unanimously approved.
Commissioners reported on meetings they attended since the last commission meeting and mentioned upcoming meetings. Commissioner Severson announced that two officers were sworn in at the Monday night La Crescent City Council meeting. The council also discussed a cannabis moratorium, with the hot topic being “where are we going to sell it.” Commissioner Burns reported that the purchase of two cars approved at the last board meeting look good and don’t smell bad. He will pick up the vehicles today or tomorrow and will deliver them to the highway department. He also mentioned that the preliminary 2025 budget has an 18% increase. Department heads were told that it “won’t stand.” Both Commissioners Schuldt and Myhre mentioned the calls they have been receiving.
There were no closing public comments.
The Houston County Commission meeting was adjourned at 9:46 a.m.
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