At the May 6 Houston County Commission meeting, it was announced that a public hearing will be held on Thursday, May 22, at 6:40 p.m. in the county commissioners’ room at the historic courthouse. The hearing, part of the Planning Commission meeting, aims to gather input from county residents and businesses regarding the proposed commercial solar ordinance.
MiEnergy Vice President of Member Service Kent Whitcomb attended the meeting to publicly thank the board for its systematic approach to making decisions about commercial solar fields in the county. He said, “Mienergy is a proud member of this community, we value the chance to contribute to this process from the utilities perspective.”
Whitcomb informed the commissioners that Allamakee County recently “amended their solar ordinance and with a priority to also preserve farmland while allowing landowners the opportunity to install commercial solar.”
During their reports at the end of the meeting, all the commissioners emphasized that they want to do it right when it comes to creating the commercial solar ordinance because it will impact the county for years.
Chairman Eric Johnson called the meeting of the Houston County Board of Commissioners (BOC) to order at 9 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. The board approved the agenda with two changes, as well as the minutes from the April 22 board meeting.
The approved consent agenda included:
- A change in employment status for Public Health & Human Services (PHHS) Accounting Technician Eliana Babinski, from probationary to regular.
- A job change for Hannah Jaster, from staff nurse to a public health nurse.
- Approval of the Vanguard Computer Systems Archive Module for 2025 – 2030, continuing the company’s service since 2012 in providing CAMA programming and support to the county.
The guardianship contract with Clinton Brainard, listed on the consent agenda, was tabled to allow PHHS Director John Pugleasa time to verify the department’s process for completing background checks.
The board approved a contract with Olympic Builders to proceed with the airport’s eight-unit T-hangar construction project. FAA funding for the project is expected to be announced in mid-summer. Bolton & Menk Project Manager Silas Parmar confirmed that the county’s application is progressing as expected through the FAA’s review process.
After County Engineer Brian Pogodzinski explained the two options from Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust’s (MCIT) regarding the damaged plow truck, the commissioners accepted MCIT’s second offer. The county will receive $198,442 from MCIT and retain the truck’s title. The vehicle will be used for parts. The board also accepted a bid from Nuss Truck and Equipment for a 2026 tandem axle truck at a cost of $158,517.18. Including the motor vehicle tax of $10,898, the total cost of the truck will be $169,415.24. In addition, the board accepted Towmaster’s bid for the plow truck setup.
Additionally, the board:
- Approved a Houston County license for Green Terrace Services, LLC, of Winona, MN.
- Approved a letter of support, requested by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), for Al’s Aerial Spraying to complete spongy moth treatment in Houston County.
- Tabled a request for a 2024 tax abatement for Leonard Wieser until Houston County Assessor Luke Onstad is able to attend a future commission meeting.
- Approved a two-month disaster abatement (November and December 2024) for Traditions of La Crescent, which burned down in October 2024.
- Approved a 14-month disaster abatement (November and December 2023 and all of 2024) for Miken-Rawlings’ building that burned down in October 2023. Commissioners thanked Miken-Rawlings for rebuilding.
- Approved a request from Sheriff Brian Swedberg to accept a University of Minnesota grant for one LUCAS (Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System) unit.
- Accepted a $25 donation in honor of Karen England and a $100 donation to the Veteran Services Office to support veterans’ needs.
- Approved Human Resources Officer Brent Parker’s recommendation to add the following statement to department head job descriptions: “Reporting to County Administrator under the direction of the County Commission.”
- Approved two Juvenile Detention Center contracts-one with Mower County and one with Goodhue County-and authorize Board Chairman, Eric Johnson, to sign the contracts.
- Approved all scheduled payments.