On January 26, 2021, Chairperson Robert Burns called the Houston County Board of Commissioners’ regular meeting to order at 9:33 a.m.
Commissioners present included Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Robert Burns, Teresa Walter, and Greg Myhre.
The commissioners approved the meeting agenda as amended. Brian Pogodzinski, county engineer, requested that number four under action items be tabled.
The commissioners approved the meeting minutes from the special meeting/workgroup session, January 12, 2021, and the workgroup session, January 19, 2021.
Tessia Melvin, DDA Human Resources, Inc., updated the board on the county’s compensation study. She reviewed the scope of work for the wage study and shared the list of benchmark communities. The communities are similar in size to Houston County. The results of the study will be shared with the personnel committee on February 15 and then with the board on March 15.
Commissioners unanimously approved the updated Consent Agenda.
At 10 a.m., a motion to go into closed session was approved. Commissioners “consider a strategy for labor negotiation, including negotiation strategies or developments or discussion and review of labor negotiation proposals.” At 10:42 a.m., a motion to reconvene was approved.
Bruce Kimmel, Ehlers, presented the results of the Houston County 2021 A State Aid bond sales in the amount of $3,090,000 to finance a portion of the cost of a new highway maintenance facility. Six bids were received. The winning bidder was Northland Securities Inc., Minneapolis. The interest rate of 1.02% was lower than projected. The county’s Double A rating helped in attracting the lower interest rate. The county is pleased with the results, and that the payments are lower than expected. Motion to approve as presented. Unanimously passed.
Public Health update
Houston County Public Health, shared with the commissioners that the focus has now shifted to the vaccine.
Director John Pugleasa, “As of today, there is a real lack of available vaccine. It is difficult to find a vaccine. We don’t know how much we are getting and when we are going to get the vaccine, making planning difficult.”
The department created an automatic Jot form on the county’s website. The form allows the department to get information from residents wanting vaccines and to prioritize those requests. Currently, they cannot tell residents when they will receive the vaccine. Most vaccines are to be administered within 72 hours, and 100% of the vaccines must be out the door within seven days. Public Health Supervisor Heather Myhre acknowledged the frustration of being on a waiting list while emphasizing its importance as it helps the county not waste any doses.
Health care providers are playing a significant role. Some residents are getting appointments to get their vaccine through their health care providers. If residents get the vaccine from their health care providers, there is no need for them to take their names off the county’s list.
A couple of weeks ago, the Federal government opened it up to people 65 and above but did not increase the number of vaccines.
The state’s category 1A priority is the responsibility of health care providers and local public health. Houston County Public Health is focused on emergency medical providers. The county is also working with providers that provide those services in schools and prisons. Those individuals are not in group 1A or 2A. There are many people eligible to get the vaccine but no place to get the vaccine.
Lastly, there is no difference in the dose. The second dose is automatically being shipped. The second dose is not being used for the first dose. If an individual does not come back for their second dose, then it is being used for another person’s first dose, so it does not go to waste.
Action items
County department directors delivered a brief synopsis of the action items. All were approved.
The cost to replace 150’ of the existing corroded storm sewer pipe at the county Highway Department building is $18,795.92. If possible, the plan is to delay the project until spring, saving the county over $2,000.
The recommendation to upgrade the sectional doors with the light curtain does not need to be completed, but it is a “good safety issue” and is a cheaper option in the long run. The cost to complete the project is $2,205.50.
Commissioners approved the request to purchase two Vermeer mowers from Hammell Equipment for $13,950. The cost included the trade-in of two mowers.
Approved the resolution to sponsor city and township capital construction projects for the Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) grants with the stipulation that the county will not play a role in the required engineering or pre-work.
Request from Pogodzinski to allow Wieser Brothers General Contractor, Inc. to purchase materials on the city’s behalf for the new highway shop, tax-exempt, was approved.
Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center (HVMHC) provides mental health services for Houston County adults and children’s plus diagnosis services for staff. John Pugleasa, Director of Human Services, reminded the commissioners that the county’s long relationship with HVMHC is positive. Commissioner Burns currently serves on their board. Services are provided as needed, and the contract establishes rates.
Pugleasa reminded the board that this is a regular action discussed on an annual basis. ABC Woodland supplies training for people with disabilities. This action increases their rates by 12% and their “not to exceed.” The impact of these changes results in a reduction in the 2021 budget.
The proposed amendment to the Foster Care School Transportation agreement with La Crescent-Hokah School district adds the La Crescent-Hokah Montessori and STEM School as a party to the agreement. The agreement is effective January 1, 2021.
Alice Wagner presented the revised 2021 board meeting schedule. Official board meetings will be held on the first, second, and fourth Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. The board will hold a work session on the third Tuesday.
The Houston County State Business Relief Grant will launch on February 5 at 8 a.m. for businesses directly affected by Executive Order 20-99. Businesses include restaurants, bars, fitness centers, exercise studios, entertainment venues, and event spaces. The maximum grant amount is $5,000.
Discussion items/reports
Commissioner Walter reported that broadband is a real issue for the counties’ rural areas, and funding is needed. Commissioners relayed thanks from the various organizations that received CARES funding last year. The discussion when the courthouse can be safely reopened will be discussed at a future meeting. It was announced at the finance committee meeting that the general fund is up $900,000 from last year.
The next regular meeting of the Houston County Commissioners is Tuesday, February 2, 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.