Michael Forstner

The board reviewed reports from the Sentence-to-Serve crew and approved the sponsorship of the Martin County Historical Society for membership in the Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust. Discussions were held regarding the procurement of two motor grader mounted rubber tire packers, the establishment of park and camping fees for the 2026 season, and the promotion of a staff member to full-time communications officer. Additionally, the board approved updates to job descriptions and classifications for sheriff department roles, authorized participation in the Minnesota Cyber Response Team, and approved an USDA grant application for security building improvements. The board also reviewed and awarded a bid for the impound facility reroofing project and discussed the findings of a security building facility conditions assessment, ultimately scheduling a work session to address building maintenance and repairs.

The Board addressed several agenda items, including the authorization for a high school prom reception at the courthouse and the renewal of a liquor license for the Rose Lake Golf Club. The Board approved an addendum to the lease agreement with the Faribault and Martin Counties Human Services agency and a new law enforcement services contract with the City of Dunnell. Additional approvals covered the 2025 Feedlot Program Year-End Report, 2026 wage adjustments for highway supervisors, the hiring of a library circulation technician, and the recruitment of several summer temporary positions. Further actions included a wage increase for an account technician, authorization to recruit a veteran services specialist, and the processing of a petition for the use of a judicial ditch as an outlet. The Board also processed various financial warrants and held a closed session to discuss union negotiation strategies.

The meeting addressed the approval of the current agenda and previous meeting minutes from December 2025. Discussions included welcoming two newly hired Appraisers for the Assessor's Office. The Board approved committing $80,000 in matching funds for a Federal Economic Development Associates (EDA) grant to fund an Economic Disaster Project, workshops, and skill-building programs. The CY2025 Economic Development Authority Annual Report was received and filed, highlighting job growth, supported businesses, and secured grant funds. The County Engineer provided updates on County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 263 plans, bridge work, and discussed options for addressing the speed limit in Imogene, MN. The renewal of the Law Enforcement Contract with the City of Trimont for 15 hours of police protection per week was approved, effective January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, with a specified weekly rate adjustment. The date for the 2026 Board of Equalization meeting was set for June 16, 2026. The Recorder's Office presented the CY2025 Year-End Update, detailing fund balances, recording turnaround times, and passport photo revenue. The Board approved signing the engagement letter for the CY2025 single audit services by the State Auditor. A continuation of a Public Hearing regarding a Proposed Ordinance to Establish a Shotgun Use Area was held, which ultimately failed to pass after a roll call vote (2 AYES, 3 NAYS). Finally, the Board approved payment of Warrants, Auditor Warrants, and EFT Transactions scheduled for February 3, 2026.

The meeting agenda was approved, and the minutes from the January 20, 2026 meeting were approved with minor corrections regarding titles. Key discussions included approving the 2026 Summer Internship Program Agreement with Minnesota Valley Action Council, noting a wage increase and a reduction in the number of interns. The Board approved a Conditional Use Permit for Great River Energy to place electric lines in an "A" Agricultural district, subject to specified conditions. Renewal contracts for law enforcement services with the City of Ceylon and City of Granada were approved with an hourly rate increase. The renewal of the Minnesota River Valley Drug Task Force Joint Powers Agreement was also approved, noting increased drug seizures in 2025. A new Jail Nursing Services Contract with Crystal Clarke, RN, was approved, setting the hourly rate and on-call compensation. The renewal of the School Resource Officer (SRO) Contract Addendum with the Granada Huntley East Chain School District, effective September 1, 2026, was approved. An agreement with the Minnesota Department of Revenue for the collection of the 0.5% Martin County Transportation Sales and Use Tax was authorized for signature. The purchase of two 2026 John Deere 772P 6-wheel drive Motor Graders, replacing both the 2016 and 2017 units, was approved after extensive discussion comparing John Deere and Caterpillar options. The Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Martin County Highway Supervisors Association for 2026-2028, featuring a 3% annual wage adjustment, was approved. A Step increase for Children's and Young Adult Librarian Michelle Nelson was approved retroactively. An addendum to the Lease Agreement with Faribault and Martin Counties Human Services regarding quarterly payment terms was approved, while the proposed fee structure for general maintenance services above building maintenance was tabled for further review of the full agreement. The Board adopted a resolution supporting the voluntary transfer of the Housing Choice Vouchers Program from the South Central Minnesota Multi-County Housing and Redevelopment Authority to the Faribault County Housing and Redevelopment Authority. An addendum to replace all roof insulation for the Impound Facility Roof Replacement project was approved, increasing the project valuation. The architectural services proposal from Oleson and Hobbie Architect for renovations at 1200 North State Street was approved to create separate office spaces for the Veterans Service Office and 4-H. The proposal for a new Courthouse and Security Door Access Lock System specification development by Oleson and Hobbie Architect was approved due to the obsolescence of the current system. The remodeling of office space in the Security Building for DOC Felony agents was approved, including quotes for construction, flooring, and electrical work, with Martin County acting as the fiduciary agent for state funding. Revisions to the Special Projects Fund #27 were approved to reallocate residual 2022 funds towards elections equipment purchases and the 1200 North State Street office remodeling project. Warrants, Auditor Warrants, and EFT Transactions for the day were approved for payment.

The meeting addressed several key items, including the revision of the Granada Huntley East Chain School Resource Officer Contract Addendum to adjust the renewal date from June to February. The Board approved the 2026 Solid Waste, Recycling, and Facilities Licenses for various haulers and authorized the Board Chair to sign a resolution approving a One-Day Gambling Permit for Southern MN Ducks Unlimited. The renewal of the Legal Services Agreement for zoning matters was approved, and the 2025 Zoning Permits Report was received and filed. The Board approved the renewal of the Law Enforcement Contract with the City of Northrop and an amendment to the jail food service contract with Summit Food Service, LLC. Approval was also granted to purchase and implement the NinjaOne centralized IT management platform. Personnel actions included approving the hire and promotion of a Full-Time Outreach Librarian at the Martin County Library and adjusting the hire date for a Full-Time Appraiser. A significant discussion took place regarding revisions to the Federal EDA Grant Application Scope of Work concerning the use of CEDA capacity versus direct county funding, ultimately tabling the discussion until the February 3, 2026, meeting to allow the EDA Board time to discuss the revisions. The Board reviewed the assessment of Courthouse murals, noting severe delamination issues requiring professional restoration, and approved the advertisement for bids for the Mural Restoration Project, estimating costs around $202,000 plus scaffolding expenses. The Board approved the City of Fairmont's request to hold a specific parcel from the tax forfeiture list for six months. Warrant payments for January 20, 2026, were approved, including the purchase of Sheriff equipment from an employee-owned business after conflict of interest review. A public hearing was held regarding an ordinance to maintain the shotgun-only restriction for deer hunting, with public comments both supporting and opposing the measure; the Board voted to continue the public hearing portion to the February 3, 2026, meeting. Finally, the Board accepted the termination of a Full-Time Communications Officer and authorized recruitment to replace the position.