Semcac executive director, Jennifer Hengel, senior service director Jeff Wyant, and director of transportation Bill Spitzer addressed the commissioners at their May 14 board meeting.
Semcac is a non-profit 501c3 Community Action Agency that was established in 1966 and serves Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Steele and Winona Counties. Its services are directed to assist low income and/or at-risk populations.
Wyant maintained nutritional meals and a little additional support can help older adults stay in their homes as long as they are physically able. He asked board members to advocate for older adults with their legislators.
Spitzer said a significant portion of the budget comes from appropriations, like from the Fillmore County Board. A local match needs to be provided for every dollar received from MnDOT. Available transportation allows seniors to stay in their homes. Rolling Hills Transit buses also provide transportation for young children, students, seniors and the disabled.
Spitzer insisted they need more funding to operate. They keep fares as low as possible. He said he is requesting a $5,000 appropriation for transportation from each county that is served for 2025.
He said the volunteer driver program specializes in getting seniors to their medical appointments. Spitzer also requested the county continue their appropriation for the volunteer driver program. The new Careavan Program also provides rides for medical appointments.
County Administrator Bobbie Hillery noted that last year the total request from Semcac was $10,500. The appropriation approved by the board was $6,000.
Other Business in Brief
• Building maintenance supervisor Terry Schultz said he had two proposals to replace the air conditioning system in the Fillmore County Office Building. He recommended the proposal provided by Winona Heating & Ventilating, Inc. (WHV) in the amount of $113,940. He said it will take up to 20 weeks to get the equipment delivered. The proposal from WHV was approved as recommended.
• Krista Skaalen was hired as a replacement social worker, effective May 15.
• Stephanie Hoffman was hired as a replacement social worker, effective June 7.
• Hillery requested the use of automatic lunch punches through a UKG system be extended to all employees, as it has worked for highway maintenance workers whose cell phones do not always work. Automatic lunch punches for all employees were approved as recommended.
• Hillery presented a quote from Marco to install technology equipment in Room 108 in the Fillmore County Office Building in the amount of $138,208.66. This would include individual speakers, microphones, two large monitors, cameras, control system, and operating system. The board directed her to get another quote and more information. This project would probably be completed over two years. No action was taken this day.
• At the May 7 board meeting a closed session was held. Attorney Brett Corson provided an update on a proposed settlement for the Amish Septic Case. He was directed to continue negotiations on behalf of the county.
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