Jean Price

The Board of County Commissioners addressed several administrative and financial matters, including the approval of General Obligation Ditch Bonds, Series 2026A, and the appointment of a bond registrar. Economic development discussions resulted in the approval of an additional 18 units of memory care housing. The Board authorized various grants and permits, including an opioid settlement grant application, land leases for farmland, and liquor and gambling licenses. Furthermore, the Board proclaimed Child Abuse Prevention Month, approved several personnel memorandums of understanding, authorized a new hire for the highway department, and ratified a union contract.

The Board of County Commissioners addressed several administrative and operational items. Key actions included approving asphalt supply contracts and various crossing replacement and road maintenance agreements. The Board conducted business under its Ditch Authority, including setting a public hearing for ditch improvements. Furthermore, the Board accepted various financial reports and disbursements, reviewed jail population data, and received an annual report from the Southwest Health and Human Services team. They also adopted amended Economic Development bylaws, discussed updates on EDA projects, and voted on a statewide shotgun repeal policy. Additional actions involved authorizing legal and actuarial service agreements, acknowledging new personnel hires in the Sheriff's department, and making appointments to the District 4 Extension Committee.

The Board of County Commissioners meeting covered various administrative and financial matters, including the payment of county bills and the approval of financial reports from the Auditor-Treasurer. The Board approved an amended Housing Trust Fund Loan Agreement and reviewed updates on Economic Development Authority projects such as broadband, housing, and childcare. Transportation-related approvals included travel reimbursements for the County Engineer and the authorization of a striping contract. Significant personnel actions were taken, including the reappointment of the County Engineer for a four-year term, the appointment of a representative to the Red Rock Rural Water System Board, a modification to the LELS holiday policy, and the acknowledgement of a staff termination. Additionally, the Board convened as the Ditch Authority to address reports and continue a public hearing concerning County Ditch 20.

The board reappointed the County Veteran Service Officer for a four-year term. Key actions included approving a contract for mass notification systems, declaring excess property for auction, and approving various road and bridge bills and a property purchase agreement. The board received an update on the Northern States Power Company case and approved project change orders and bond financing agreements for Joint Ditch 5. Several permits were approved for construction and agricultural feedlot operations. Technology-related actions included approving contracts for upgrade support, cybersecurity initiatives, and monitoring services. The board also processed a tobacco license application and enacted numerous updates to personnel policies regarding wellness incentives, sick leave, leaves of absence, and employee reimbursements. The meeting concluded with the adoption of a workplace violence prevention program.

The Board of County Commissioners convened to address several agenda items. Key actions included the approval of the February 17 agenda and the abstract of bills, with one commissioner abstaining due to conflict of interest. Under the Auditor-Treasurer reports, the Board approved the Cash Balance Report, Investment Summary, Budget Reports, and January 2026 Disbursements. The Board reviewed the January 2026 jail population. The License Center requested and received approval for the DNR Renewal Contract. The Environmental committee approved the Esri Software Maintenance annual renewal, but tabled action on a change order for the Plum Creek Park Improvement project and the JD 5 Bond Agreement and Financing Agreement Amendment until March 3, 2026. The Road & Bridge department received approval for Construction Contract 26-2 for bridge replacement and authorized the execution of a Bridge Replacement Grant Agreement with MnDOT for two bridges, conditional upon County Attorney approval. An update on the Plum Creek Wind Farm project was provided by the developers. The County Attorney received approval for the 2026-2027 IV-D Child Support Cooperative Agreement. Planning & Zoning approved several permits: Conditional Use Permit #1-26 for an animal confinement feedlot, Extraction Interim Use Permit #2-26 for a gravel and hard rock quarry, and Conditional Use Permit #3-26 for a temporary laydown yard. The Economic Development Coordinator updated the Board on Broadband, Housing Trust Fund, and Childcare projects. Administration approved a lease agreement for parking spaces, an addendum with the University of MN Extension for facility use, and the 2026 Liquor License application for the Tracy Country Club. Personnel actions included the approval of the Health Care Savings Plan MOU for Non-Union employees and the acknowledgment of a resignation. Finally, a committee appointment was made to the RRRSWA Citizen Advisory Committee Board.