The consensus of the Houston County Commissioners is that the courthouse should open and open immediately. Commissioners also believe that the door must be continuously monitored. At the February 9 regularly scheduled board meeting, commissioners directed employees to open the courthouse next week on the 16th and develop a schedule to ensure that the entrance is monitored at all times. The door monitor will ensure that all visitors wear a mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines. All agreed that it is crucial to follow the Department of Health’s guidelines.
COVID-19 update
Friday, February 5, Houston County Public Health held the county’s second vaccine clinic at Four Seasons in Caledonia. Four hundred seven total vaccines were given. Three hundred twenty-two of those vaccines were first doses, and 85 were second doses.
“At every clinic, we learn something, and we make adjustments. We are making it efficient,” stated Heather Myhre, Houston County Public Health Supervisor. “We are getting clients in and out within 20 minutes, which includes check-in, vaccine, and the required 15-minute wait.”
Another community clinic is scheduled for Friday, February 12, at Four Seasons. As soon as Public Health receives the vaccine, they work to get it out the door as quickly as possible. They are trying to be as responsive and flexible as possible. Currently, they are in the process of scheduling clients for the next clinic. One hundred doses are reserved for K-12 education and early childhood.
John Pugleasa, Houston County Public Health Director, shared the following advice to ensure everyone’s safety. “Come to your appointment as close to your scheduled time as possible. If you come early because of the weather, please stay in your car. There is no room in the clinic for everyone due to social distancing,”
“Our work is paying off,” according to Pugleasa. Houston County ranks in the top 10-15 countries in Minnesota for vaccination.
Consent agenda
Nicole Konkel’s employment status as Deputy Auditor/Treasurer is now regular status B22, Step 2, effective February 18, 2021.
Action items
County commissioners approved the One Watershed One Plan Mississippi River-Winona La Crescent Watershed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The MOA provides for more stable funding allowing the county to complete more projects. It also allows the county to piggyback with federal funding, 95% cost-sharing. The first year is dedicated to writing the plan, including many public comments, farm visits, and farm overviews. The plan will focus on wildlife habitat, and fish habitat, and bank stabilization.
Commissioners unanimously approved Change Order No. 3 to install a colored (painted) roof over the highway office instead of galvalume as initially proposed. The tan-colored roof is an additional $22,240.90 that can be seen from the street. Tan matches other county buildings. Lighter color does not fade as much over the years as compared to a darker color.
Commissioner Walter shared that the grant is a good one before commissioners voted to approve the Children’s Mental Health grant extension. The grant provides for traditional and non-traditional respite approaches. For example, the grant pays for a night away for caregivers and pays for the child to camp. The goal of the grant is to ensure that the child can remain in the home.
Other action items unanimously approved: Resolution 21-11 Local Agency Bond Resolution; Transfer of $500,000 from Road & Bridge funds to 37-809 Capital Project Highway Facility to cover the 2021/01/31 fund deficit; Ratify the MCCC Amendment No 7 – Maintenance and Support Agreement – Property Tax; 2021-2023 Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc., Local 237 (License Deputies Unit) and the County of Houston; and State of MN OSA 2020 engagement letter and authorize signatures of Board Chair and Finance Director.
Discussion items/reports
The furnace in the Meyer Building went out and is being replaced.
The county has not had a Waste and Recycle committee. The county can have two commissioners on the committee. Commissioner Walter and Burns volunteered to serve on the new committee.
The cost to publish the upcoming bond resolution in the Caledonia Argus is expensive due to the length of the resolution and it is too late to pull it. In the past, resolutions have been printed in full. After researching the topic, staff determined that the county could publish a summary in the county’s official newspaper and upload the entire document to the county’s website.
Commissioner Teresa Walter shared that Extension is looking for the year’s farm family and is moving forward with plans to host the 2021 county fair. A beef weigh-in is scheduled for Saturday with Extension making COVID-19 accommodations. The word on the street is that there will be a State Fair this year.
Over 30 Houston County State Business Relief Grant applications have been submitted. The grant process closes on February 19; the amount has been raised from $5,000 to $7,500.
The next regular meeting of the Houston County Commissioners is Tuesday, February 23, 2021, at 9 a.m. The public is invited to dial-in. Contact Donna Trehus at (507) 725-5803 to be included in remote meetings.
Leave a Reply