Caroline Chan

The primary focus of this work session was to provide an update on the status of broadband initiatives within Kandui County. Discussions centered on the critical need for robust high-speed broadband to support telehealth services, education continuity, smart city/farm applications, and rural economic vitality, particularly precision agriculture. It was noted that the county ranks 48th out of 87 for access to 100 Mbps download/20 Mbps upload speeds, indicating significant unserved and underserved areas. The history of broadband efforts dating back to 1998 and the failure of a 2017 project proposal were reviewed. The importance of Fiber to the Home as the gold standard technology was emphasized, contrasted with Fiber to the Node, DSL, and Fixed Wireless solutions. Participants were encouraged to continue taking speed tests and advocate for broadband needs to state entities as federal American Rescue Plan dollars may be used for deployment.

The board meeting agenda included moving the item regarding aerial spraying permission for tent worm caterpillars to the first item of business, which involved discussion about liability. The consent agenda items approved included auditors' warrants and claims, Human Services warrants and claims, cancellation of service warrants, approval for a Prairie Pothole gambling permit, and 2024 liquor license renewals for multiple businesses, alongside the annual special hunt at the Prairiewoods Environmental Learning Center. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the reappointment of the board manager for the Middle Fork Crow Watershed District, with two candidates presenting, ultimately resulting in the reappointment of Jeff Gerchen. The board also addressed bids for the roof replacement at the CBHH facility, awarding the contract to West Central Roofing. Finally, a presentation was given on the County's Facility Condition Assessment, which involved reviewing the assessment report, facility condition index calculations, and long-term capital planning needs for county facilities.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and the election of the 2022 Chair and Vice Chair, with Commissioner Berg elected Chair and Commissioner Endeck elected Vice Chair. Key agenda items included the approval of monthly bills and the minutes from the previous meeting. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to selecting the official newspaper for legal publications; following discussion on cost differences and coverage, the West Central Tribune was named the primary newspaper, and the Lakes Area Review was appointed as the secondary newspaper. The board also addressed committee reappointments and appointments, including commissioner assignments for various joint powers boards and commissions such as the Glacier Lake Sanitary Sewer and Water District, the Planning Commission (appointing Bonnie Watson), and the Supporting Hands Nurse Family Partnership Joint Powers Board. Discussions also touched upon the ongoing process of closing the Southern Perry Community Care Joint Powers board pending procurement finalization.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and covered the consent agenda, which included approving Auditor warrants and claims, paying Human Services warrants and claims, cancellation of warrants, and approval to increase the law enforcement center petty cash funds. In general business, the new Health and Human Services director, Caroline Khan, was introduced. The Board approved Resolution 2023-26, authorizing the application for the Greater Minnesota Legacy grant for Prairie Woods Learning Center to begin the process of designating it as a regional park. Additionally, the Board approved an amended Fiscal Host Agent Agreement with Des Moines Valley for the Southwest Minnesota Adult Mental Health Consortium, necessitated by the volume of state grant funds. Finally, the Board passed a proclamation recognizing July 16th through the 23rd, 2023, as Pre-Trial Probation and Parole Supervision Week. A discussion followed regarding extensive legislative changes affecting the probation and parole office, emphasizing the goal of long-term community safety through rehabilitation and addressing criminogenic needs.

The meeting addressed various operational and administrative items following a power outage that temporarily interrupted the broadcast. Key topics included the approval of the consent agenda, which covered artisan warrants and the minutes from the February 15th meeting. The board approved a $2,000 grant from the county cooperative for the Sheriff's Office to purchase life jackets for search and rescue operations. Approval was also granted to accept a $3,000 donation from Candy Power to fund specialized training for large vehicle extrication, including safely removing children from school bus crashes. A significant discussion focused on the COVID-19 situation, where the Director of Health and Human Services recommended lifting the mask mandate for county buildings effective immediately, citing declining case counts, hospitalizations, and the county moving to a medium risk level according to the CDC. The Public Works Director presented bids for road projects, including grading for County Road 4, reflectorized pavement markings (striping), and chloride application for dust control. Additionally, the board reviewed and discussed a resolution concerning the approval of town road accounts payments passed through from the state.