Work on the Houston County 2026 budget continued during the September 16 commission meeting.
Information Systems Director Andy Milde and Sheriff Brian Swedberg met with the commissioners to present their proposed budgets. Milde emphasized the importance of data security, noting that government organizations are frequent targets for cyber threats. Meanwhile, a key issue for the sheriff’s department relates to the law enforcement contract with Spring Grove. Sheriff Swedberg expects to receive an answer from Spring Grove later this week.
Board members present include Commissioners Cindy Wright, Chairman Eric Johnson, Kurt Zehnder, Bob Schuldt, and Greg Myhre.
Chairman Eric Johnson called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m., beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Bob Schuldt moved to approve the meeting agenda as modified, moving action item number 6 to follow number 9. Commissioner Greg Myhre seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.
Commissioner Greg Myhre moved to approve the minutes from the September 2 board meeting. Commissioner Kurt Zehnder seconded. The motion was approved. Commissioner Zehnder then moved to approve the minutes from the September 9 workgroup session as written. Commissioner Cindy Wright seconded. The motion carried.
During public comment, Steve Hartwick of Money Creek Township stated that his main reason for attending the commission meeting was the work Bruening Rock Products is doing to gain access (field drive) to State Highway 16 by the Clair Olson property, west of Houston near the golf course. He mentioned a few violations and expressed concern that Bruening Rock Products is “kind of bulldozing through the laws here, and I think some curbing should be done to their efforts until they can get their ducks in line.”
During his presentation, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) Philanthropy Director Aaron Johnson emphasized the significant impact local donations have on the community. He noted that for every $1 donation from Houston County, SMIF invests $12 is back into the county through grants, loans and various programs. To date, SMIF has provided 11 loan to support entrepreneurs, awarded 171 grants to support community projects, and invested a total of $2.6 million in Houston County.
The board went into closed session at 11:25 a.m., pursuant to Minnesota Statute 13D.05, Subdivision 1(d) attorney-client privilege, to seek legal advice on an application regarding the approval or denial process of recommendations issued by the Planning Commission. Commissioner Schuldt made a motion to come out of closed session by Commissioner Schuldt at 12:20 p.m., seconded by Commissioner Myhre. County Attorney Sue Bublitz summarized the closed session, “The discussion was understanding and approving Minnesota Statute number 342.22, Subdivision 5, regarding the Planning Commission and the Office of Cannabis Management.”
Commissioner Wright made a motion to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Commissioner Zehnder. The motion carried. There was one item on the consent agenda: the classification status of Mark Bennett was changed from Minnesota Assessor to Certified Minnesota Assessor.
In other business, the board:
- Approved a contract with Eagleview to purchase aerial imagery to be flown in 2026.
- Approved an interim use permit for Chase Johnson to operate a cannabis microbusiness in the Agricultural Protection District in Sheldon Township, without condition No. 3 as recommended by the county’s Planning and Zoning Committee. Johnson may install a 6-foot fence, as recommended by the state instead of an 8-foot as recommended by the Planning and Zoning committee.
- Approved the State Aeronautics Maintenance and Operations (M&O) grant for airport maintenance reimbursement. The 2-year grant begins July 1, 2025, and runs through June 30, 2027. It provides for a 75 percent matched of $24,662.12 for eligible expenses.
- Approved a contract with Bruening Rock Products Inc. for delivered maintenance rock. The total cost was $396,976.65.
- Approved a 2024 property tax abatement of $3,558 for Leonard Wieser.
- Tabled initiating a competitive search for a full-time Public Health and Human Services Department social worker.
- Approved a $10,000 EDA loan for an expansion project at Caledonia Bakery. The interest rate is 3.5 percent for ten years.
- Reviewed and approved payment of the bills.
The council meeting concluded at 12:33 p.m.
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