Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
Houston County Commissioners approved thanking full-time County essential workers with a $50 payment in place of a County Staff Appreciation Day picnic. The estimated $8,000 for 160 employees will come from last year’s CARES fund. Commissioners felt, “It would be easier than preparing a meal, and the $50 payment will benefit everyone as not everyone can attend the picnic.
Commissioners Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Robert Burns, Teresa Walter, and Greg Myhre were all present at the July 27, 2021, meeting of the Houston County Commission. Chairman Burns called the meeting to order at 9:04 a.m. and led the Commissioners and attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Board approved the meeting agenda, previous meeting minutes, and consent agenda. The meeting adjourned at 11:34 a.m.
Shirley Johnson, Houston County Historical Society, presented the organization’s 2021-2022 budget and annual report noting that the Historical Society is “not asking for an increase this year.” Johnson explained that “It was a hard year and hard to get people to do things.” Stop by the museum during the Houston County Fair to view the Women’s Suffrage display, the Red River Girl exhibit, the Ardell Lien trip around the world, and the telegraph to computers exhibit. In addition, check out the vintage clothing display. The Society has not had an open house yet for the 16,000-foot exhibit space. Although the Society began construction on the building in 2018, the non-profit organization took it slow as they wanted the addition paid for by the time it opened. They met their goal. One of the commissioners explained his support, “A lot of people use the research center. Everyone is trying to trace their roots.”
Kendra Waldenberger, Ag, Food & Natural Resources (AFNR) Extension Ag Internship for Houston County, updated the commissioners on her activities this summer and shared a video she produced of the Wiste family, Houston County Farm Family of the Year. In addition, for Farm Safety Day, Waldenberger shared the importance of dairy in one’s diet with 15 schools and 460 fifth-grade students. She wrote eight articles for the . She also went out on technical service calls – identified sick and dying trees for a resident, discussed weed management practices, located Native American burial grounds on newly acquired land, and identified nutrient deficiency in plants helped in the office.
Commissioners approved conducting a competitive search for an Environmental Services director, a Maintenance specialist, and a lead social worker for Children’s Service. In addition, commissioners accepted the resignation of Dustin Rask, Maintenance specialist, and approved the employment status of Adam Heberlein, Highway Sign specialist, from probationary to regular. Commissioners also approved the request to increase the wage for Lauren Felten, a 67-day employee in the Sheriff’s office, as she is not on the pay grid.
Commissioners approved Karl Housker’s request for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to build a non-farm dwelling on less than 40 acres in Caledonia Township.
Commissioners approved Thomas Ready’s CUP application to operate a multi-unit storage facility in the General Business District in La Crescent Township. The three large building buildings formally used by Ready Bus Company will be used for storing RVs and boats. Commissioners all agreed that there would be less traffic than when Ready operated his bus business at the location. Ready will not be installing outdoor lighting, which will limit when people access the site.
In other business, Commissioners approved the Annual Disclosure Tax Increment Districts for the year ended December 31, 2020, for the City of Caledonia presented by David Drown Associates, Inc. Public Finance Advisors, and the ABC Woodland contract amendment to correct an error on the original rate sheet.
Commissioners approved the Airport Ground Lease Agreements effective July 1, 2021 for five years ending July 1, 2026. Pogodzinski also requested that the Commissioners approve closing out the FAA Grant and submitting it to the FAA for payment. Approved.
The Country Climbers Snowmobile Club LG214 Premises Permit Application allowing gambling activities with pull tab sales and bingo at the La Crescent Snowmobile Club site was approved.
Board members approved a $30 per meeting per diem payment for Parks Committee members Dick Walter and Dennis Yeiter, retroactive to 2017.
Brian Pogodzinski, County engineer, presented Change Order No. 12 for the Highway Facility, $6,255 for Concrete Polishing to Winsor Co., and $369,666.64 for asphalt paving at the highway shop. Pogodzinski mentioned that the cost for asphalt paving is high because of the paved areas, the thickness of the blacktop, and the longevity.” Approved.
Commissioners approved the amended agreement between Goodhue County SWCD and Houston County (for feedlot cost-share funds), extending the contract’s end date from August 31, 2021, to July 31, 2022.
Next meeting
The next meeting of the Houston County Commission is Tuesday, August 3 at 9 a.m. at the Historic Courthouse, Room 222, Caledonia. The meeting will be accessible to public participants in person or via our conference call line at (312) 626-6799 and entering meeting ID: 994 7297 7175 and password 368422. Public attendees are requested to mute their line until addressed.