On February 23, Chairperson Robert Burns called the Houston County Board of Commissioners regular meeting to order at 9 a.m. Commissioners present include Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Teresa Walter, and Greg Myhre.
COVID-19 update
Houston County Public Health Director John Pugleasa emphasized that the COVID-19 community clinics are “community effort, it is gratifying to be a part of it.”
Currently, those in priority group 1a – health care personnel, long-term care facility residents, emergency medical services personnel, first responder personnel, 65 and older residents, childcare providers, and teachers – are receiving the vaccine.
The plan was to offer second-dose clinics this week, but Public Health is unsure if it will happen. The artic weather and snowstorm delayed receiving this week’s shipment of the vaccine.
“Nearly a quarter of our population has had the first dose,” Pugleasa shared. Sixty percent of the county’s over 65 population has had the first dose.”
The county has seen a decline in new cases this year. Last fall, there were 400 cases in both November and December. Last month there were 200 new cases, and this month there have been 100 new cases.
Closed session
Commissioners went into closed session at 9:40 a.m. to discuss labor negotiations according to Minnesota statutes. No action was taken. At 10:11 a.m., a motion was made to return to the regular session.
Action items
Commissioners approved the request to conduct a competitive search for a 40 hour a week recycling center lead.
Commissioners also approved the request to conduct a competitive search for a part-time 14 hour a week clerical position in the recycling, zoning office.
Lucas Onstad, a three-year employee of Houston County and former farmer and construction worker, was hired for the position of county assessor effective immediately. The position reports directly to the board of commissioners. During this last step in the hiring process, commissioners asked Onstad how he would assess a property, “I will be taking lots of notes and photos,” and visit with homeowners. The information gathered – age of the house, condition of the house, square footage – is entered into the county’s appraisal system, which will tabulate the data resulting in the home’s value. He explained that it would also require common sense and visits with the homeowner. He will also be comparing the home’s value with the selling prices of homes in the area once a year.
Commissioners approved the County/Caledonia City Agreement regarding the water main loop for the new highway shop. The city approved the agreement at their last meeting. The agreed-upon cost-share is 1/3 city and 2/3 county and caps the city’s expenses at $50,000.
Commissioners approved the Local Road Improvement Grant Sponsorships for three townships, two small cities, and La Crescent.
Brian Pogodzinski, County Engineer asked county commissioners to approve the proposed adjustments to the department’s budget, so the county’s highway department maintenance projects stay on schedule. The adjustments are a result of having only estimates when the 2021 budget was developed. The department estimated a 15% reduction in gas tax and it now only 10%. There has been an increase in the cost of striping and shoulders. The department has seen a decrease in the amount of salt used this winter. The agenda states that the proposal is a zero net financial impact versus the adopted 2021 budget. The request was approved.
Commissioners approved the purchase of a New Holland C332 Compact Track Loader from Caledonia Implement. The cost is $38,500, including trade-in. The loader is new and comes with a warranty.
Commissioners approved SP 28-606-024 and SP 28-628-022 as both projects are complete. The road project from La Crescent to the Winona County line came in approximately $40,000 under budget. The project from La Crescent to just outside Mt. Pleasant went over budget by an estimated $36,000.
Commissioners approved the two-year agreement for the 2021-2023 Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc.
Commissioners approved the Adult and Children’s Mobile Crisis Grant Agreement. “We want to use this resource as much as possible as it deescalates the situation and stabilizes it,” explained Pugleasa.
Commissioners approved the MFIP/DWP contract with Workforce Development Inc. for required employment and training services. MFIP – is the state version of cash assistance. The program provides training to re-enter the job market. The County’s Public Health Department is responsible for making sure clients attend classes. Pugleasa mentioned that the money comes from the state to run this program and is not an outlay of county dollars. He explains, “We want to make sure that these services make a difference, not just compliance.”
Public Health recommended the county sign the 2021 Semcac contract. Semcac, a long-term partner of the county, provides medical transportation assistance. It is a volunteer program. Volunteers are reimbursed for their mileage. The contract will be signed.
In round one, EDA received 60 Houston County State Business Relief Grant applications. EDA recommended that the county accept and fund 41 applications totaling $302,195.00. There is money left to fund an additional 64 $1,000 grants. EDA recommended expanding the grant to all businesses negatively affected by COVID-19. If approved, the second round will open Friday, February 26, and close on April 2. Round two is first come, first serve. Those businesses not funded in round one will move to round two if they are eligible. Both recommendations were approved.
The next regular meeting of the Houston County Commissioners is Tuesday, March 2, at 9 a.m. The public is invited to dial-in. Contact Donna Trehus, (507) 725-5803 to be included in remote meetings.