Heather Broadwater

The Board of Commissioners addressed several administrative and operational matters. Key topics included the review of the 2024 Audit by Clifton Larson Allen LLP, the allocation of interest income to the Solid Waste Department for a new building, and the approval of a resolution opposing the expansion of Trout Stream designation. The Board approved contracts for radio tower antenna repairs, accepted 2026 Fuel Bids, and held a public hearing regarding a proposed shotgun-only hunting ordinance, ultimately deciding against its implementation. Additionally, the Board reviewed various personnel actions, including promotions and new hires within the Attorney's Office, Human Services, and the Sheriff's Department, as well as the creation of a new Deputy Human Services Director position and the addition of an Accounting Technician position to be shared across departments.

The agenda for the meeting included various items requiring Board consideration. Key discussions involved reviewing prior year projects, current cybersecurity issues, and 2026 services with Marco. The Finance Director sought approval for the 2024 Audit and publication thereof. The Board considered a proposal from SE Minnesota Emergency Medical Services and discussed a petition for an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the Bruening Pit. The Highway Engineer requested quotes for an airport mound system construction and considered a resolution for final payment to Rochester Sand & Gravel for a resurfacing project. Other items included replacing courtroom carpet, discussing personnel matters such as reclassification recommendations, the retirement of the County Engineer, and various staff transfers and advertisements for new positions, including adding a Deputy Human Services Director and an Accounting Technician shared across departments. A public hearing was held regarding the proposed Shot-Gun Only Ordinance, which the Board ultimately decided not to implement. Furthermore, the Board approved payments for the Jail Project Paybook, various fund expense warrants, and reviewed committee reports.

The special session of the Board of County Commissioners included unanimous approvals on several items. The Board approved the agenda and the consent agenda, which covered the approval of prior meeting minutes and street/parking lot closures for the upcoming Trout Days event. Financially, the Board approved Commissioner warrants and authorized the purchase and installation of equipment for four new squad cars at a total cost of $74,960.60. Key administrative actions included approving the 2026 Haulers list, a Purchase of Service Agreement with Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Centers, and Resolution 2026-006 regarding a detour agreement with MnDOT for Highway 52 resurfacing scheduled for 2027. Additionally, Resolution 2026-007 was approved to grant a Sewer Utility Easement to Andrew F. Bunge and Gail L. Bunge. Personnel actions included approving the hire of a replacement Highway Maintenance Specialist and accepting the resignation of a Patrol Sergeant. The Board also approved collaborating on the Spongy Moth Management plan and scheduling a Public Hearing for March 24th to name a trout stream. Interim contracts for the County Assessor position with Freeborn County and Ryan Rasmusson were approved pending final review by the County Attorney's Office. Committee reports covered updates on the Legislative Conference, Semcac activities, and updates from the SWCD and Planning Commission.

The key discussion items for the special meeting included the approval of the agenda and consent agenda items, which covered the February 10, 2026, County Board Minutes and street/parking lot closures for Trout Days activities. Further agenda items involved approving commissioner warrants, considering quotes for squad car equipment, approving 2026 Hauler's licenses, and reviewing a Purchase of Service Agreement with Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center. The board was also scheduled to consider a Resolution for a Detour Agreement with MnDOT for Highway 52 resurfacing, approve a sewer line easement on Bunge property, discuss hiring a replacement Highway Maintenance Specialist and address the resignation of a Sergeant. Additional items included discussion of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's Spongy Moth Management proposal, considering a petition for a trout stream naming public hearing, and reviewing interim contracts for the County Assessor with Fillmore and Freeborn Counties.

The special session of the Fillmore County Board of Commissioners addressed several key items. Citizen input focused primarily on concerns regarding a proposed sandpit by Bruening Rock Company, citing environmental impacts near the Root River, potential harm to tourism, and existing issues with dust and noise. Another citizen offered strategic suggestions for funding applications concerning the Historic Forestville bridge. The Board approved the purchase of a new 2026 John Deere Skid Loader and a 2026 CP24G cold planer for the Highway Department. A Conditional Use Permit for a Telecommunications Tower for GSS, Inc. was approved despite one commissioner's opposition regarding setback concerns. The Administrator reviewed the 2026 pay scale and wage adjustments restructured by consultants, noting staff received a combined wage increase effective January 1st. The Board also unanimously approved a quote for the SimpliVity Server Replacement Project. Committee reports were given regarding the Sheriff's Office move-in date, the upcoming Legislative Conference, and updates on the IDoc Market and trout stream designation project.