Amy Baldwin

The meeting involved several agenda adjustments, including moving the discussion regarding county-provided mechanical tool sets to the finance committee. General discussion included updates on upcoming land use planning and meetings for the West Lauderdale County and East Otter Township associations. Significant agenda items covered support for childcare expansion projects through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development grant program, specifically requesting county matches for Pioneer Cares ($5,000 or 5% match, maximum $5,000) and the City of Vergus project ($5,000 or 5% match, whichever is less), with the county acting as fiscal host for the Vergus application. Furthermore, the board addressed organizational structure by approving the reinstatement of the Drainage Inspector position within the Highway Department structure, noting that this role will address broader water issues beyond county ditches. A new Employment Services Specialist position was approved for Human Services to manage Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) services internally, transitioning away from a contract with rural Minnesota SEP. Finally, personnel policy section 470.25 was updated to modify the payout schedule for accumulated compensation time, aligning it with settled union contracts by paying out comp time only at the end of each year, reducing administrative burden. Discussions also included recommending the denial of a low potency hemp edible registration application for a Holiday gas station because it did not meet the 21 and over establishment requirement due to shared public access.

The meeting addressed procedural items, including the approval of the main agenda and the consent agenda, with Commissioner Sullivan pulling item number six concerning human service contract renewals for further discussion. The discussion on contract renewals clarified rate differences between Lutheran Social Services and Prairie Support Services for guardianship work and outlined the process for client case management for individuals on disability waivers, especially those outside the county, involving vendors like Thomas Allen. The board also appointed three community members—Les Condo, Mark Dawan, and Mike Wendy—to two-year terms on the Probation Advisory Board. Key administrative decisions included approving a 4.5% non-union Cost of Living Adjustment for 2026, which aligns with settled union contracts, and adopting the countywide fee schedule after removing a minor subdivision plat review fee. Furthermore, the board considered an agreement with Lark and Hoffman (specifically Megan Knight) for federal legislative representation to secure funding for transportation and housing projects, such as a senior housing project in New York Mills.

The meeting agenda included several action items and discussions. The Board authorized signatures for a Memorandum of Understanding with the Teamsters Facilities Maintenance Unit regarding an electrical stipend for a certified maintenance worker to perform electrical work on county buildings. The Board also approved a grant agreement with the State of Minnesota Department of Public Safety for the 2024 Emergency Management Performance Grant, which covers expenditures like the Smart 911 system and iPads for the highway department. Two penalty abatement requests were addressed: one was approved due to consistent prior payment history and a recent bereavement, while the second, related to family illness and shuffling paperwork, was tabled pending more specific dates to ensure consistency with policy. Furthermore, a resolution was passed ensuring the county auditor retains 20% of proceeds from future tax-forfeited land sales for park acquisition and maintenance. Finally, reappointments were approved for two members of the Community Development Agency (CDA) Board, including a Commissioner. An update was provided on the Pinewood Estates housing project, noting the completion of three homes and the sale of two lots in 2025.

Key discussions during the meeting included granting a variance to the burial disposition policy for a unique circumstance involving a pre-purchased casket that was an upgrade according to standard interpretation, ensuring fiscal responsibility for the county fund. The board also approved the 2026 pay equity report, confirming compliance with state statutes, and awarded a major contract for the County State Highway 35 reconstruction project to Gladen Construction Incorporated. Furthermore, an amendment increasing the contract amount for the Fur and Fryberg Avenue roundabout engineering services was approved. Finally, the board set a new public hearing date of February 24th for the long-range transportation plan approval and associated project list.

The Board meeting addressed several agenda items, commencing with technical difficulties in live streaming, which were later resolved. The agenda was amended to include two additions under the Admin Ops Committee: a discussion on appointments for the Ottertale Water Management District and a commissioner seat opening for the Board of Water and Soil Resources. Township LRIP letters of support were also added under economic growth. The Board approved a 24-item consent agenda, which largely consisted of tobacco licenses. County Recorder Lynn Larson presented a resolution concerning offsite gambling proceeds for the Airheart Fourth of July celebration, which was approved. Human Services Director Deb Shustrom requested signatory authority for two agreements: an annual/biannual cooperative agreement with the County Attorney's office and the Sheriff's office for child support services, and a contract with the Improved Group for a four-county adult mental health initiative needs assessment. Both requests for signatory authority were approved. County Sheriff Barry Fitz Gibbons requested and received approval to accept a $5,000 grant from NCIC for the inmate welfare account, intended to support jail inmates through games and equipment. Finally, the Board reviewed the Planning Commission report regarding a request from Brian and Angie Foss for site grading, stormwater management, and shoreland alterations in the Bluff Bluff impact zone, recommending approval with five specified conditions. The Board approved this recommendation.