The Houston County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, December 14, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the historic county courthouse, downtown Caledonia. Commissioners present Chairman Bob Burns, Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Teresa Walter, and Greg Myhre.
Chairman Burns led the commissioners and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The meeting agenda was unanimously approved, with four items added to the consent agenda. In addition, the board approved the minutes from November 23 meeting and the November 16 workgroup. There was no public comment. The consent agenda was approved as presented.
There were five appointments on the agenda, including the Department of Natural Resources, Houston County Agricultural Society/Fair Board, Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center, Bank of the West, and Houston County Auditor-Treasurer Donna Trehus reviewed the county’s cash and investments.
Following the presentations, commissioners closed session at 10:35 p.m. to discuss labor negotiations. At 11:15 a.m., commissioners returned to regular session. No action was taken, and commissioners were updated on the status of each of the six unions.
The commission went through the list of action items quickly as many of the action items were standard end-of-the-year business, including the approval of the 2022 Board of Commission meeting schedule with the addition of a regular commission meeting on December 27, 2022.
The commission approved resolution number 21-58 regarding the proposed state land acquisition by the State of Minnesota for wildlife management area purposes in Hokah Township, as presented earlier by Brandon J. Schad, Department of Natural Resources.
The board approved the request from the Houston County Agricultural Society/Fair Board for an additional $4,000.
Commissioners accepted two cash donations from the Houston County K9 Foundation Inc., $1,500 for the K9 lease and $2,571.75 for a dog cage. In addition, the county received a $1,000 donation from the Farm to Table event for the Houston County Sheriff’s Office.
Commissioners approved change order number 34 to install a hydraulic door closure between the break room and shop area at the new Highway Facility. The automatic door closure will meet the OSHA code.
The commission approved the proposed amendments to the 2021 Public Health and Human Services budget. The $94,000 changes reflect the line item increases/decreases in payroll due to the 2021 labor contract settlements.
Commissioners signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the University of Minnesota (UM). The University provides local Extension programs and employs the Ag and 4-H Youth Development Extension Educators.
Commissioners authorized funds to conduct an initial inquiry into the three complaints filed with the County Attorney’s Office to determine if they are valid and warrant an investigation.
The commission approved a $40,000 appropriation of ARPA funds to the Crooked Creek Water Shed Conservation District (CCWSCD) for their clean water efforts.
With a vote of three to two, Martin Herrick was confirmed as the county’s new Environmental Services director, effective December 20, 2021.
A proposal from Summit Companies was unanimously approved to replace the existing fire alarm panel, smoke detectors, heat detectors, horn strobes, pull stations, and the associated Inspection Service Agreement. The cost of equipment, labor, and design is $6,175.00, and the cost of annual Inspection Service Agreement in February is $615.00.
Chairman Burns reminded Commissioners that the Truth and Taxation meeting is Tuesday, December 14 at 6 p.m. in the Commission Board Room.
Donna Trehus, auditor-treasurer, announced that the bids for the county’s official newspaper is due in the office no later than 4 p.m., December 30, 2021.
The next meeting of the Houston County Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, December 21, at 9 a.m. in County Commission Board Room 222 located on the second floor in the Historic County Courthouse, Caledonia, or via the county conference call line (312) 626-6700. Enter meeting ID: 994-7297-7175 and password 368422. The public is invited to attend.