The June 24 meeting of the Houston County Commission was called to order at 9 a.m. by Chairman Eric Johnson, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. In attendance were Commissioners Kurt Zehnder, Bob Schuldt and Greg Myhre. Commissioner Cindy Wright participated via Zoom.
The board unanimously approve the agenda and the minutes from the June 17 regular meeting by roll call vote.
At 9:30 a.m., a public hearing was held to consider adopting a Special Use Vehicle ordinance. Sheriff Brian Swedberg presented the proposal, explaining that the ordinance would help clarify ambiguities in the state statute. The proposed Houston County ordinance is modeled after Winona County’s ordinance and Fillmore County also has an ordinance. A handful of concerned residents appeared before the board to voice their concerns and ask questions regarding the permit, fee, safety of minors, out-of-state users, users from neighboring counties, and enforcement. Swedberg clarified their concerns. After a lengthy discussion, the board returned to regular session without taking any action.
During a subsequent public hearing, the board considered the implementation of new cannabis business registration fees along with other county fee changes. It was noted that the cannabis fees listed are the maximum allowed by state statue. Alex Troester, Carbon Cannabis, stood before the board with questions regarding the cannabis fees and if the costs were considered. After the public hearing, the board approved the following fees:
Fee additions:
• Tobacco license late renewal: $50
• Buoy permit: $20
Cannabis business registration fees (initial/renewal):
o Micro $0/$1000
o Mezzo $500/$1000
o Retailer $500/$1000
o Medical Cannabis Combination $500/$1000
o Low Potency Hemp Retailer $125/$125
Fee changes (current/proposed):
• Drivers license reinstatement filing fee $8/$11
• Tobacco license $100/$200
• Peddlers/Transient Merchant: $25 non-refundable and $25-$75 application fee/, $150/year w/bond between $1,000-$3,000
• Sunday Liquor, $50/$200
The board unanimously approved the follow three items on the consent agenda.
1. Change in employment status of Tami Klinski, deputy auditor/treasurer-license center and Rachel Meyer, Jail administrator, from probationary to regular.
2. Approval of liquor licenses for July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
• Liquor, Wine, and Strong Beer Licenses: Ferndale Golf, Ma Cal Grove Country Club, Par 4 Golf, Shellhorn Enterprises, Little Miami, Pine Creek Golf Course.
• On-Sale Beer Licenses: Lawrence Lake Marina, La Crescent Snowmobile Club, Pine Creek Golf Course, Gopher State Sportsmen’s Club.
• Off-Sale Beer Licenses: Lawrence Lake Marina, La Crescent Snowmobile Club, Pine Creek Golf Course, Houston Food Mart
In other business, the board:
• Approved a Memorandum of Agreement between Houston County and Local Union #2166 American Federation of State Employees, AFL-CIO Council 65, adding the positions of Lead Eligibility Worker and Lead Child Support Officer to the 2025-2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Approved payment of bills.
During closing public comment, Bob Burns presented the 2024 SEMCA (Southeast Minnesota Community Action) Impact Report for Houston County to the commissioners. The report outlines the various services SEMCA provides, including senior services, energy assistance, weatherization, housing rehabilitation loans, Head Start and Early Head Start programs, transportation, outreach, and emergency services. Burns provided an update on current funding impacts. The long-term outlook for 2026 remains uncertain. He expressed particular concern about changes in senior nutrition services and transportation. Although federal funding is still being allocated to the states, Minnesota has restructured its distribution formula, directing a smaller percentage to rural areas like Houston County and a larger share to metro regions. “Of course, we don’t agree with that,” Burns said, noting the change was included in the recently passed legislation.
The meeting adjourned at 10:44 a.m.
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