Michelle May

The meeting agenda includes discussions regarding Heartland Industry contracts, summer support staff hiring, and the scheduling of a problem materials collection event. Further items include the Fiesta City Liquor cannabis retail registration, the Medical Assistance Overpayment Policy, the 2025 LATCF Compliance Report, and the review of accounts payable. Scheduled appointments feature a public hearing for the Riverview tax-exempt financing issuance, followed by operational updates from the Human Resources, Family Services, Countryside Public Health, Sentence to Serve, and Highway departments, concluding with a closed session for the Veterans Service Officer annual evaluation.

The meeting agenda included a call to order, the Pledge of Allegiance, commissioner updates, and attorney updates. Key discussions scheduled involved the GIS Position and Land Resource Structure, a Highway Update, a Sheriff Update, and a Drainage Update. The meeting also scheduled two separate closed sessions for the Recorder Annual Evaluation and the Assessor Annual Evaluation. The consent agenda items included Chippewa County CIP Bonds- Credit Enhancement Resolution, a Lease Amendment with the Department of Public Safety, and Accounts Payable items.

The meeting commenced with the election of the Board Chair and Vice-Chair. The agenda was approved, including the addition of an invoice payment for library cleaning services. Key discussions included updates on Committee assignments and the CCM Health Board appointment, resulting in the nomination of Brian Harguth for a three-year term. The County Attorney provided an update on office activities. Departmental updates covered DCYF inspections, a downtown building remodel, and mental health events. The Board approved a memorandum of understanding with SafeGenerations for grant-funded employee training. Furthermore, a resolution was passed to initiate eminent domain proceedings to acquire a specific parcel for the reconstruction of County Road 4, following updates on highway construction damages and equipment purchases. Sheriff's Office and Jail activities for December were reported. Consent agenda items included approving various 2026 rates and contracts, authorizing website posting for Road & Bridge projects, and approving vendor payments exceeding $2,000 individually listed. Finally, the Board authorized the hiring of an Ag/Drainage Technician and extended a temporary pay increase for an employee handling additional duties related to the Land & Resource Department restructuring, and received an update on the downtown building renovation bid schedule.

The special session focused on receiving an update from FEMA regarding the county flood plain maps. FEMA reported that additional Zone A flood plain will be added to Chippewa County. FEMA intends to update their modeling with correct culvert and bridge sizes. The board discussed the impact of the changed flood plain maps on residents, farmers, and property owners.

The board discussed various topics including a FEMA flood map process, a proposed project from NRCS to add a rock crossing for cattle along County Ditch 68, and insurance committee recommendations for changes to the 2026 dental and health insurance plans. They also reviewed a draft agreement to appoint a new trustee for the Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds, discussed the status of the downtown Family Services facility and options for financing renovations, and considered the 2026 preliminary levy. Additionally, they discussed maintenance and construction updates, tree cutting, and procedures for handling mud and damage to county roads. The board also conducted the annual performance evaluation of the County Engineer and discussed Wal-Mart tax court litigation in a closed session.