Watonwan County

The Board held a public hearing regarding an ordinance to restrict deer hunting firearms to shotgun-only, which was subsequently adopted. Key agenda items included the approval of partnering with Climate Smart St. James for a grant application, the adoption of the Blue Earth River Watershed Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan, and the recommendation of an appointment to the Red Rock Rural Water System Board of Commissioners. The Board also reviewed and authorized bids for bridge replacement and highway paving projects, selected a gravel supplier, and approved the purchase of a new motor pool vehicle. Additionally, the Board received findings from the Watonwan County Housing Study and approved the purchase of a new scanner for the Recorder's office.

The board approved the payment of various county bills and March disbursements, and accepted a staff resignation. The board discussed a report from the state auditor regarding fraud prevention and oversight practices. Key actions included authorizing a contract for inmate healthcare services, approving the purchase of a new printer for the County Recorder with a maintenance agreement, and accepting the annual Feedlot Report with a 100% compliance score. Additionally, the board approved a contract for certified bridge construction inspector services and reviewed a request for the use of the fairgrounds soccer field, which was denied due to lack of liability insurance.

The meeting included reports on agency operations, budget updates, and the Governor's proposed changes to human services administration. Discussions covered income maintenance, including child support digital accessibility requirements, and public health initiatives focused on teenage pregnancy prevention and cannabis/opioid-related funding. Social services updates addressed Medicare/Medicaid rate adjustments and health plan transitions. The Board also reviewed committee reports, accepted quilt donations, approved financial claims totaling $534,362.98, amended the emergency assistance policy, and selected a vendor for floor cleaning services.

The board received the director's report on agency operations, budget updates, federal action impacts, and strategic planning. Updates were provided for income maintenance, including system transitions for METS and MNsure, and the upcoming state SNAP management evaluation review. Social services updates included information on outreach efforts, billing adjustments, and managed care audits. The board approved the end of probation for a social worker, accepted various community donations, and approved a cooperative agreement with NorthStar Data Partners. Additionally, the board authorized an agency closure for all-staff training and reviewed reports from various committee meetings.

The Board approved payments for various county funds and received a presentation on an organic waste feasibility study. A conditional use application for a second dwelling was approved, and the County Assessor provided an assessment update. The Board passed resolutions concerning the classification and public sale of tax-forfeited land, as well as the sale of specific properties to the City of St. James at a reduced price to address blight. Additionally, the Board selected a quote for seal coat rock and oil, discussed funding for Health and Human Services technology improvements, and reviewed local shotgun ordinances.