Steven J Ewing

Key discussions included approving auditor warrants, including an add-on warrant, and reviewing personnel items such as the 2026 pay plan with a proposed 3% increase. Project updates covered the completion of the 2025 ground pressure project and preparations for the 2026 seal codes and overlays. Approval was sought for the final payment on the 2025 gravel crushing project. Maintenance updates detailed beaver dam removal, sanding, cleanup efforts, and an incident involving a hydraulic line blow-out on a piece of equipment which resulted in a small fire, necessitating repairs. There was significant discussion regarding the upcoming mandatory change to rifle use for deer hunting in 2026, leading to a motion to schedule a public meeting on February 3rd to gather public opinion. Other items included reviewing a Memorandum of Understanding with Retrospect for client data services, discussing funding challenges for various sectors, and reviewing updates on personnel and the solid waste ordinance, which had not been updated since 1991. Additionally, discussions touched upon a contract review and potential litigation firm agreements.

The meeting commenced with procedural items, including a request to amend a date in the consent agenda item number three. Public comment was heard from a resident regarding the county abatement program for new construction, expressing concern over procedural timelines for application after construction commencement, particularly concerning permits and footing installation. The board proceeded with scheduling a Roads Bridge Hearing for 2026 on February 25th. Final payments were approved for two 2025 box cover contracts with ANC Excavating, both of which came in under the estimated amount. A request for the purchase of signs was discussed, recommending the low bid from MRI for inventory replenishment, noting that old, non-reflective signs are being replaced as they degrade or as part of routine rotation.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, which included a correction regarding a home tax abatement request being pulled. The consent agenda was approved, covering commissioner and auditor warrants totaling significant amounts. Key discussions involved the highway engineer requesting approval to purchase crack seal material from Midstates for a discount, as well as the proposal to purchase a new plow truck, specifying a Freightliner chassis and JCraft body for $294,550, noting the current truck is high in hours. The personnel report detailed two open positions and updates on the draft Minnesota Paid Leave policy, which was sent for legal review and involved discussion regarding employee notification requirements (30-day notice preferred for non-emergency leaves) and eligibility waiting periods. Finally, the Southwest Health and Human Services lease agreement was noted for discussion.

The meeting involved the review and approval of agenda adjustments, which included adding warrants, public hearings for the 2026 fee schedule and the 2025 cannabis fee schedule, and items from the Assessor and Auditor Treasurer. Discussions focused heavily on the 2026 budget, aiming to reduce the projected 12.46% increase down to 7% to 8% by utilizing over $4 million in audit reserves and considering reductions in the non-EP departmental budget line item 003. Key operational updates included the completion of the 25 gravel crushing project and updates on 2025 box cover and contract number five work, both slated for completion in 2026. The county engineer also requested approval for right-of-way payments and provided maintenance updates, noting two culvert replacements and snow equipment preparation. The IT director reported successfully halting a credential harvest and cyber squatting attempt and sought a five-year renewal for Sofos protection for $32,343.80. Additionally, the commission noted upcoming cost reductions for the Regional Solid Waste Commission and ACE news membership.

The organizational meeting involved the annual selection of the board chair and vice chair, with Luke Johnson elected as chair and Doug elected as vice chair. Key agenda items addressed included the approval of resolution 59-01-26 regarding rules of procedure, setting of per diems (resolution 59-02-26), approval of auditor warrant authorization (resolution 59-03-26) to cover late sanitation recycling fee invoices, and the annual workers' compensation elected official recognition (resolution 59-04-26). The board also approved designated public depositories (resolution 59-05-26) and established minimum salaries for the elected officials (resolution 59-06-26). Furthermore, the board designated the Pipstone County Star and Eden Enterprise President as official newspapers (resolution 59-07-26), reviewed policy resolution 59-08-26 concerning investments, and set the date for the county board of equalization for June 15th. Significant discussion focused on committee appointments, including the replacement for a Planning Commission member who served nine years, resulting in the appointment of Nancy Hinriker for diversity considerations. The committee also discussed the dissolution of the Pipstone Area Alcohol Coalition due to grant withdrawal and subsequent absorption of its instructor into Healthy Human Services. Other committee updates involved the removal of a retired member from the IT committee and discussions around vacant roles in other boards like SRDC.