At the Houston County Commission meeting on November 25, the board confirmed that a public hearing on the proposed cannabis ordinance will be held on Wednesday, December 11 at 3 p.m. in board room 222 in the historic courthouse, Caledonia.
Commissioners asked county staff to post the proposed ordinance on the county’s website www.co.houston.mn.us.
Chairman Eric Johnson promptly called the meeting to order at 9 a.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. All five commissioners: Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Robert (Bob) Burns, Bob Schuldt and Greg Myhre were present.
The commissioners unanimously approved the minutes from the November 19 commission meeting, as well as all three items on the consent agenda. Among the approved items, Darlene Johnson’s status was changed from full-time to half-time probationary Deputy Auditor/Treasurer, and Human Resource Technician Ann Diersen was authorized to begin the search for two community members to fill upcoming vacancies on the Planning Commission. The new appointees will take office in January 2025. Chairman Johnson thanked Jim Wieser for his service to the residents of Houston County as his term on the Planning Commission comes to an end.
The commissioners also approved the two opioid expenditures recommendations from the local Opioid Settlement Collaborative. PHHS Director John Pugleasa provided an explanation of the proposals. The first proposal is from Human Services to train the children’s staff at a cost of $29,400. The second proposal, from Hiawatha Valley Mental Health, is for a “train-the-trainer” model at a cost of $6,063. Under this program, two employees will be trained in naloxone administration and fentalnyl test strip, and they will then provide six training courses for law enforcement, community members, and EMS personnel throughout Houston County. The money must be used within Houston County.
There were no public comments or appointments.
In new business, the board:
- Tabled a request from Sheriff Brian Swedberg regarding his 2025 salary until December, when salary increases for all elected officials will be reviewed. Swedberg is asking for $141,772.90.
- Approved payment of the bills as presented by Carol Lapham totaling $519,431.60.
The commissioners provided updates on the meetings they have attended and discussed upcoming ones. They also plan to review the list of current committees before January to assess whether new committees need to be created or if any of the existing committees can be dissolved.
There were no closing comments before the meeting was adjourned at 9:49 a.m.