Mower County public meetings in 2023

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider two ordinances regarding cannabis use and interim regulations. The meeting includes decisions on 2024 staffing levels, elected official salaries, and various equipment purchases for Public Works.

• Adoption of Ordinance #03-23 (Cannabis Interim) and #04-23 (Cannabis Use in Public Spaces)
• Acceptance of 2nd Chance DWI Traffic Safety Officer grant for $99,374
• Approval of Ring Central phone system replacement proposal for $33,432
• Septic loan assessments for Timothy and Doreen Carroll ($25,956) and Kaye Lynne Jones ($14,017.20)
• Approval of 2024 Countywide Fee Schedule

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider adopting the 2024 budget and tax levy and the 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan. The meeting includes public hearings on a housing tax abatement and proposed cannabis ordinances.

• Resolution to adopt the 2024 Budget & Tax Levy
• Public input on proposed Cannabis Interim and Cannabis Use in Public Spaces ordinances
• Housing tax abatement application for Lot 1, Block 2 Southside Addition, Dexter, MN
• Septic loan assessments for four properties ranging from $20,091.38 to $22,606.59
• Approval of the 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review recommendations for the 2024 budget and tax levy. The meeting includes a period for public comment on these financial proposals.

• Overview of 2024 Budget and Levy Recommendations
• Public comment on County Budget and Tax Levy

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will meet to review several service agreements and policy changes. The board will discuss a resolution of support for a broadband grant and approve the feedlot work plan for 2024 and 2025.

• Resolution of support for Charter Low-Density Border to Border Broadband Grant Application
• Delegated Feedlot Work Plan for 2024 & 2025
• Cedar Valley Services Professional Services Agreement for Mail Service
• Request to delete policy B235 Cell Phone policy
• Declaration of surplus property

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings on two housing tax abatements and a conditional use permit for a Buddhist temple. The meeting also includes discussions on cannabis ordinances, broadband grants, and several road project bids.

• CUP #967 for Theravada Buddhist Society of Minnesota to build a temple and phased additions in Lansing Township
• Housing tax abatement applications for Charles Kerrins (Grand Meadow) and Michael Stier (Grand Meadow Township)
• Motion to set a public hearing date for new cannabis ordinance(s)
• Resolution of support for ARVIG Low-Density Border to Border Broadband Grant Application
• Agreement for I-90 bridge construction

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

The Board of Commissioners will meet for a work session to receive updates on opioids, cannabis, and broadband grants. The session also includes a discussion regarding statewide affordable housing aid.

• Opioid and cannabis update from Health & Human Services Division Manager Pam Kellogg
• Update on Border to Border Broadband Grants
• Discussion on Statewide Affordable Housing Aid

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and vote on a housing tax abatement application for Bigelow & Lennon Construction. The board will also review third quarter financial reports and approve septic loan assessments.

• Housing tax abatement application for Lot 7, Block 1 North Pointe, Austin, MN
• Septic loan assessment for Lorine Marie Raddatz: $20,929.33
• Septic loan assessment for Glen Darren Horning & Tina Marie Horning: $20,565.00
• Joint meeting with City of Austin Council on 11/8/23 regarding public safety needs assessment
• Request to purchase mulcher attachment

Mower County Ditch Board

The County Ditch Board is meeting to approve the agenda and previous minutes. The board will consider the annual repair assessments, budget, and levy for the year 2024.

• Approval of 2024 annual repair assessments
• Approval of 2024 budget
• Approval of 2024 levy

Freeborn/Mower Counties Joint Ditch Board #5

The Freeborn/Mower Counties Joint Ditch Board #5 is meeting to conduct organizational business and financial planning. The board will vote on the 2024 budget, levy, and annual repair assessments.

• Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
• Approval of 2024 annual repair assessments
• Approval of 2024 budget and levy

Freeborn/Mower Counties Joint Ditch Board #26

The Freeborn/Mower Counties Joint Ditch Board #26 will meet to elect leadership and approve financial plans for the upcoming year. The board is deciding on the 2024 budget, levy, and annual repair assessments.

• Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
• Approval of 2024 annual repair assessments
• Approval of 2024 budget and levy

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings on two conditional use permits. The board will also review grant applications, public works payments, and personnel policy changes.

• CUP #966: 195 foot monopole telecommunications tower in Red Rock Township
• CUP #968: Detached accessory building (42' x 80') in Austin Township
• Grant funding assistance for Wanhi Yukan Trail Grand Meadow Chert Quarry Arch & Cultural Preserve
• Repairs to Nevada and Windom township bridges
• Purchase of a 2024 Ford F-150

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

The Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to review a public safety space study and a recycling center grant opportunity. The board will also discuss a vacancy on the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment.

• Public Safety Space Study update
• MPCA Recycling Center Grant opportunity
• Planning Commission / Board of Adjustment vacancy

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding a housing tax abatement application for a home in Austin Township. The board will also review the 2024 health insurance plan and county contributions.

• Public hearing and decision on housing tax abatement for Stephen & Emily Hubly (PIN 02.033.0040)
• Approval of 2024 Health Insurance plan and County contributions
• Septic loan assessment of $18,353.14 for Brian T. Miller and Sherri L. Miller Revocable Living Trusts
• Harty Mechanical proposal for a spare multistack compressor for $8,245
• Setting letting dates for New Bridges 50L00, 50K85, and 50K91

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider a preliminary tax levy and a zoning ordinance amendment regarding FEMA map revisions. The meeting includes decisions on septic loan assessments and ARPA funding for homelessness prevention.

• Preliminary 2024 tax levy set at 7% or $25,359,992
• Public hearing on Zoning Ordinance Section 14-108 regarding FEMA Letter of Map Revisions
• $18,000 in ARPA funding for Homelessness Prevention Pilot Program
• Septic loan assessments for Richard and Tonya Rieken ($24,550), Gerald and Valerie Buecksler ($23,000), and Steven and Marianne Schulze ($25,077.96)
• Approval of Deer Creek Speedway fireworks display for 9.23.2023

The Mower County Board approved a $18,000 ARPA funding allocation for a Homelessness Prevention Pilot Program. It also approved the agenda addition for a $36,925 geothermal leak repair contract and a reimbursement for employee #57. The consent agenda was adopted, including approval of a fireworks display on September 23, 2023, and three septic loan assessments of $24,550, $23,000, and $25,077.96. The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee was approved as well.

• Approved $18,000 ARPA funding for Homelessness Prevention Pilot (motion carried)
• Approved agenda addition for Mineral Service Plus, LLC geothermal leak repair ($36,925) (motion carried)
• Approved expense reimbursement for employee #57 (motion carried)
• Approved Deer Creek Speedway fireworks display on 9/23/23 (rain date 9/24/23) (consent agenda)
• Approved septic loan assessment for Richard & Tonya Rieken – $24,550 (Res #59-23)
• Approved septic loan assessment for Gerald & Valerie Buecksler – $23,000 (Res #60-23)
• Approved septic loan assessment for Steven & Marianne Schulze – $25,077.96 (Res #61-23)
• Approved Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (consent agenda)

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

The Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss the 2024 preliminary budget and levy. The meeting includes updates on public safety space and environmental services. Members will also discuss the creation of a Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

• 2024 Preliminary Budget and Levy discussion
• Septic Ordinance and Zoning Permit Fee updates
• Proposal for Homeless Prevention Initiative Funding
• Public Safety Space Study Update
• Recommended County Attorney Office Re-classifications

The Board held a work session to discuss several proposals, including a public safety space needs assessment and a request to create a Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. No formal votes were taken during this session; recommendations regarding attorney pay will be considered on September 12.

• Discussed proposal for $18,000 in homeless prevention funding for a warming/cooling space
• Reviewed proposed attorney reclassifications with an estimated cost of $93,904.43
• Discussed request to create a Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
• Received update on public safety space study for police, sheriff, and dispatch

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will review requests to reallocate and add full-time equivalent positions in Health and Human Services and the Assessor's office. The board will also consider awarding a bid for project CP 50-23-11 and accepting several grants.

• Bid award for CP 50-23-11
• Request for 1 additional FTE for a 3rd Community Health Worker in HHS
• Reallocation of 3 FTEs to Lead positions in HHS and Assessor's office
• Proposals from Master's Touch for 2023 TNT mailing and 2024 Tax Statement/Valuation Notices
• Acceptance of Emergency Management Performance Grant and 2024 CVSO Grant Agreement

The Board awarded a low-bid contract to Subsurface, Inc. and approved over $764,000 in payments for Health & Human Services and various vendors. Other actions included updating liquor license dates for Chateau Speedway and adjusting several staff positions within county departments.

• Awarded $434,665 low bid to Subsurface, Inc. for project CP 50-23-11
• Approved $545,126.22 in Commissioner warrants for payment
• Approved $219,587.01 in Health & Human Services accounts payable
• Approved Chateau Speedway 1956 LLC seasonal liquor license (Aug 11 – Oct 31, 2023)
• Accepted $30,225 Emergency Management Performance Grant
• Approved $10,000 County Veterans Service Office Operational Enhancement Grant
• Added one FTE Community Health Worker position in Health & Human Services
• Reallocated 3 FTE positions to Lead roles in Child Support, Accounting, and Assessor's departments

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding a conditional use permit for a home occupation. The board will also review a liquor license and a website renewal agreement.

• CUP #965 for T N G Plumbing home occupation in Section 28, Dexter Township
• Seasonal Full Liquor license for Chateau Speedway 1956 LLC (August 1 – October 31, 2023)
• CivicPlus Website Renewal Agreement
• Quit Claim Deed to the State of Minnesota for eminent domain
• Tree replacement plans in Taopi

The Board approved a conditional use permit for T N G Plumbing to operate out of an accessory building in Dexter Township. The Board also approved several grant awards and payment warrants for county services.

• Approved CUP #965 for T N G Plumbing home occupation in Dexter Township
• Approved $669,907.46 in Commissioner warrants for payment
• Approved $207,012 TANF Home Visiting Grant (7/1/23-6/30/27)
• Approved $40,576 PHEP Budget Period 5 award (7/1/23-6/30/24)
• Approved $84,398.38 in Health & Human Services accounts payable
• Approved CivicPlus Website Renewal Agreement for $12,861.70
• Approved seasonal full liquor license for Chateau Speedway 1956 LLC
• Approved Quit Claim Deed to the State of Minnesota for eminent domain

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

The Mower County Board of Commissioners is holding a work session to discuss broadband infrastructure and the county-wide strategic plan. These items are for discussion rather than formal decision-making.

• Broadband in Mower County presentation by Benjamin Meyer of Vivacity Infrastructure Group
• County-wide Strategic Plan Update by County Administrator Trish Harren

The Board received a presentation on broadband infrastructure solutions from Vivacity Infrastructure Group. The Fair Board was directed to consult with the County Attorney and Austin Police Chief regarding cannabis use statutes. No formal votes were recorded during this work session.

• Directed Fair Board to consult County Attorney and Austin Police Chief on cannabis statutes

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding a housing tax abatement application for a single-family home in Austin. The board will also review second-quarter financial reports and consider several construction and equipment bids for public works.

• Housing Tax Abatement application for Austin HRA (PIN 34.509.0030)
• Bid for Mower County Recycling Center Addition
• Bid for SAP 050-602-033
• Quote for Swanston Hot Patcher to replace number 47
• Louise Solar Road Use and Repair Agreement

The Board rescinded the resignation of County Administrator Trish Harren and approved a housing tax abatement for the Austin HRA. Several public works contracts were awarded, including a bridge project and a recycling center addition. The Board also reallocated $250,000 in ARPA funds from broadband to the recycling center.

• Rescinded June 27, 2023 motion accepting County Administrator Trish Harren's resignation
• Approved housing tax abatement for Austin HRA (PIN 34.509.0030) for up to five years
• Reallocated $250,000 of ARPA funds from broadband to the recycling center building project
• Awarded $1,422,745.20 bid to ICON Constructors, LLC for Bridge 50602 on CSAH 2
• Awarded $629,000.00 bid to The Joseph Company, Inc. for recycling electronics addition
• Awarded $45,448 quote to Swanston Equipment for a 2023 4 Ton Hotbox/Reclaimer
• Awarded $18,691 quote to Zahl Equipment Service, Inc. for Adams shop fuel tank
• Approved $709,041.61 in Commissioner Warrants and $280,255.65 in Health & Human Services payables

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

The special session scheduled for July 24, 2023, was canceled. The agenda had listed County Administrator interviews.

• County Administrator interviews (canceled)

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

The special session scheduled for July 21, 2023, was canceled. The agenda had listed County Administrator interviews.

• County Administrator interviews

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to address administrative appointments and department updates. Key discussions include staffing levels for Health & Human Services and the purchase of vehicles for the Sheriff Department.

• Purchase of two squad cars for Sheriff Department
• Request for temporary addition of two 0.5 FTE in Health & Human Services
• Tobacco License for Freeborn County Coop Oil Co. (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024)
• Cedar River Flood Mitigation Project information for Red Rock Township along CR 19 & CR 46
• Lawful Gambling Exempt Permit for St. John the Baptist Church raffle on September 10, 2023

The Board approved a consent agenda including $485,301.36 in commissioner warrants and several board appointments. The Health & Human Services Board approved $285,026.82 in accounts payable and a detox services agreement. The Board also authorized the purchase of two squad cars and the creation of temporary financial worker positions.

• Approved Commissioner Warrants totaling $485,301.36
• Approved purchase of two squads from Austin Automotive ($44,139.88 and $44,214.88)
• Approved Health & Human Services accounts payable totaling $285,026.82
• Approved Resolution #55-23 for St. John the Baptist Church gambling permit
• Approved appointment of Valerie Sheedy to SELCO Board (2023-2026)
• Approved appointment of Taggert Medgaarden to Homeownership Fund Board
• Approved two .5 FTE temporary financial worker positions in Health & Human Services
• Approved New Life Treatment Center Purchase of Service Agreement for detox services

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Board granted property tax abatements for new construction to John Stier and K5 Properties LLC. The Board also appointed a new County Assessor and approved several vendor payments and tobacco licenses.

• Approved housing tax abatement for John Stier (Res. #52-23)
• Approved housing tax abatement for K5 Properties LLC (Res. #53-23)
• Appointed Michael Harvey as Mower County Assessor (effective May 23, 2023 – Dec 31, 2024)
• Approved Local Transit Sales and Use Tax Agreement with MN Department of Revenue
• Approved $710,166.02 in Commissioner Warrants
• Approved $237,150.22 in Health & Human Services accounts payable
• Approved tobacco licenses for LeRoy Classic Stop, Mini Mart #15, Dollar General Store #23892, and Patriot Travel Plaza
• Approved fireworks display permits for Deer Creek Speedway for 7/01/23 and 7/08/23

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings on four housing tax abatement applications and three conditional use permits. The meeting also includes votes on several labor union tentative agreements and various county service contracts.

• Housing tax abatement applications for RJ Builders, Elite Choice Builders, and Bigelow & Lennon Construction
• Conditional Use Permits for sand and gravel mining (Ulland Brothers), an auto repair shop (Jeffrey W. Bos), and a shed (Keaton Emiliusen)
• Agreement with GMG, Inc for Cost Allocation Plans at $5,500 per year for 2023, 2024, and 2025
• Tentative labor agreements for LELS #83, LELS #74, UAW, and AFSCME
• Setting letting dates for New Bridge 50602 on CSAH 2 and a Recycling Center addition

The Board approved a 'Business Succession Loan to Grant Program' administered by the Development Corporation of Austin. Other actions included approving liquor licenses, gambling permits, and health and human services contracts. The Board also held public hearings for housing tax abatements and conditional use permits.

• Approved 'Business Succession Loan to Grant Program' addendum with DCA
• Approved $447,495.30 in Commissioner warrants for payment
• Approved $227,143.54 in Health & Human Services accounts payable
• Approved $39,182 annual Fraud Prevention Services grant and cooperative agreement
• Approved liquor licenses for Prime Stein, LLC and The Church of St John of Adams
• Approved lawful gambling license for LeRoy Rod & Gun Club for August 5, 2023
• Approved appointment of Mindy Williamson to County Extension Committee
• Approved $5,500 annual agreement with GMG, Inc for cost allocation plans

Mower County Ditch Board

The Mower County Ditch Board is meeting to elect its Chair and Vice Chair. The board will also consider a motion to amend the 2023 expenditure budget for County Ditch #6.

• Election of Chair and Vice Chair
• Proposed amendment to County Ditch #6 2023 expenditure budget

The Board approved an expenditure increase for repairs to a tile section on County Ditch #6 to address sediment buildup. The Board also elected its Chair and Vice-Chair for the term.

• Elected Commissioner Glynn as County Ditch Board Chair
• Elected Commissioner Mueller as County Ditch Board Vice-Chair
• Approved increasing 2023 Ditch 6 budget expenditures from $15,000 to $40,000
• Approved June 13, 2023 minutes subject to chair review

Mower County Board of Appeal and Equalization

The Board reviewed several property tax valuation appeals for 2023. It approved value reductions for five parcels and denied one appeal.

• Denied appeal for William Benkstein (parcel 09.038.0040); no change to 2023 value
• Approved appeal for Bruce Bucknell (parcel 15.016.0060); decreased value from $1,109,100 to $1,037,200
• Approved appeal for Ronald Vrieze (parcel 15.036.0025); decreased value from $889,400 to $765,800
• Approved appeal for Ashley Linarducci (parcel 05.011.0040); decreased value from $335,400 to $319,600
• Approved appeal for Scott Johnson (parcel 15.035.0045); decreased value from $389,000 to $337,300
• Approved appeal for Stephen Bamrick (parcel 21.005.0030); decreased value from $167,900 to $160,400

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

The Board of Commissioners is holding a work session to discuss several proposed ordinances and appointments. The meeting includes a presentation on community broadband and a review of potential candidates for the Mower County Joint Housing Board.

• Community broadband presentation by Lucas Wiltse of GIGFire
• Proposed Septic Ordinance Amendments
• Septic permitting concerns for parcel 08.025.0050 (Hackensmith)
• Appointment of candidates to Mower County Joint Housing Board
• Discussion of Cannabinoid Ordinance

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Board unanimously passed Ordinance #01-23, updating residential development density standards and small subdivision rules. The Board also approved funding for a law enforcement and dispatch needs assessment and issued several liquor licenses.

• Adopted Ordinance #01-23 amending zoning and subdivision ordinances (Unanimous)
• Approved $7,250 for Law Enforcement Center and dispatch needs assessment
• Approved PaintCare Agreement effective 1/1/23 – 12/31/27
• Approved $480,676.79 in Commissioner warrants for payment
• Approved Health & Human Services accounts payable totaling $236,275.14
• Approved liquor licenses for Grafing Company, Inc. (Echo Lanes) and Cedar River Country Club, LLC
• Approved county road closure of #7 Main Street in Dexter for June 17, 2023
• Approved TNT Fireworks Transient Merchant application for 6/20/23 – 7/5/23

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings regarding a zoning amendment and a conditional use permit for a dog breeding facility. The board will also review personnel reclassifications in Health and Human Services and authorize vent cleaning services.

• CUP #960 for Heather Henaman to operate a dog kennel and breeding facility in Lyle Township
• Indoor Technologies quotes for Government Center Exhaust Vents ($9,100) and Justice Center Dryer Vents ($2,500)
• Lawful gambling applications for Join the Journey (June 17) and DAV Mayo Southeast Chapter 28 (August 12) at Deer Creek Speedway
• Request to reclassify HHS positions: Support Enforcement Aide to Cade Aide and Case Aide to Child Support Officer
• Public comment letter regarding Dodge Wind Gen-Tie Line

The Board denied a conditional use permit for a dog breeding facility in Lyle Township. It approved two lawful gambling licenses for events at Deer Creek Speedway and authorized a formal response to the PUC regarding the Dodge Wind Gen-Tie Line.

• Denied CUP #960 for a dog kennel and breeding facility in Lyle Township
• Approved gambling license for Join the Journey at Deer Creek Speedway (June 17, 2023)
• Approved gambling license for Disabled American Veterans Mayo Southeast Chapter 28 at Deer Creek Speedway (August 12, 2023)
• Approved $204,857.56 in Commissioner warrants for payment
• Approved $11,600 for vent cleaning at the Government and Justice Centers
• Authorized County Engineer to submit comment letter to PUC regarding Dodge Wind Gen-Tie Line
• Approved reclassifying five Support Enforcement Aide positions to Case Aide I and one Case Aide I to Child Support Officer
• Authorized salary of D61 Step 7 for the successful County Assessor candidate

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The agenda lists an invitation for Commissioners to attend a groundbreaking ceremony for a Child Care Center. The document states that no action or discussion on county business will take place during this event.

• Child Care Center groundbreaking at 600 17th Avenue NW, Austin, MN

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

The Board of Commissioners is holding a work session to review updates to the Solid Waste Plan. The session also includes a discussion on proposed ordinance amendments and administrative updates from the County Administrator.

• Update to Solid Waste Plan presented by consultant Dave Lucas
• Discussion of proposed ordinance amendments

The Board reviewed updates to the Solid Waste Management Plan and discussed a proposed change to the septic ordinance regarding agriculture structures. No formal votes were taken during this work session.

• Agreed to move proposed septic ordinance change to the Planning Commission for public comment and recommendation

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is invited to attend the 2023 Workforce Development Forum in Rochester. The agenda states that no action or discussion on county business will be taken during this event.

• Attendance at 2023 Workforce Development Forum at Rochester International Event Center

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings regarding housing tax abatement applications for two properties. The meeting includes decisions on software contracts, a new property tax overpayment policy, and equipment awards for Public Works.

• Housing tax abatement applications for Taylor Meyer (City of LeRoy) and Greg & Courtney Hackensmith (Lansing Twp)
• Equipment purchase quotes for a 2024 Freightliner, 2023 RDX-117 Snow Blower, and 2023 Caterpillar 926M Wheel Loader
• Adoption of a new Property Tax Overpayment Policy
• RTVision GovAP contract for vendor invoice management software
• Resolution to approve LG214 Premises Permit Lawful Gambling Application for Adams Legion Post 146

The Board granted property tax abatements for two single-family home constructions in LeRoy and Lansing Township. It also adopted a new Property Tax Overpayment Policy and approved a $40,000 contract for invoice management software.

• Approved Minnesota Lawful Gambling LG214 Premises Permit for Cedar River Country Club
• Approved RTVision GovAP software contract (3 year agreement, $40,000)
• Adopted Property Tax Overpayment Policy effective April 25, 2023
• Approved housing tax abatement for Taylor Meyer (Lot 7, Block 1, River’s Edge Addition, LeRoy)
• Approved housing tax abatement for Greg & Courtney Hackensmith (Lansing Twp)
• Approved Health & Human Services accounts payable totaling $280,777.78
• Approved Commissioner warrants for payment totaling $373,599.30
• Approved surplus property for auction/disposal including a Woods Bat Wing Mower and 2011 Ford F-150

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings on several conditional use permits and housing tax abatement applications. The meeting includes decisions on county road closures, liquor licenses, and public works project bids.

• Conditional Use Permits for a shooting range in Marshall Township, a wireless facility in Red Rock Township, and a mini-storage expansion in Racine Township
• Housing tax abatement applications for Bigelow & Lennon Construction and New Horizon Homes in Austin
• Tax abatement contract with Hormel Foods Corporation for a childcare facility
• Bids for county projects SAP 050-619-019, SAP 050-619-020, CP 50-23-08, and SAP 050-614-012
• Road closures for County Roads 19 and 4 on July 8 and 9, 2023, for Rose Creek Day

The Board awarded four infrastructure contracts totaling $3,439,928.31 to Rochester Sand & Gravel and Asphalt Surface Technologies Corp. Other actions included approving several conditional use permits and housing tax abatements.

• Awarded $1.8M and $1.3M contracts to Rochester Sand & Gravel for projects SAP 050-619-019 and SAP 050-619-020
• Awarded $804,519.92 contract to Asphalt Surface Technologies Corp. for project SAP 050-614-012
• Awarded $324,487.58 contract to Rochester Sand & Gravel for project CP 50-23-08
• Approved tax abatements for Bigelow & Lennon Construction and New Horizon Homes
• Approved CUP #956 for a Mower County Sheriff's Department shooting range
• Approved CUP #959 for a Whip Communications wireless facility
• Approved $191,289.63 in Health & Human Services accounts payable
• Reappointed Michal Hanson as County Highway Engineer for a 4-year term

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

The Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss the discontinuation of collection efforts by Financial Recovery Services. Other items include an update on ARPA funds.

• Discussion on finding a new collection agency or discontinuing the Pay to Stay program
• ARPA update from County Administrator Trish Harren

The Board discussed options for recovering inmate delinquent pay to stay accounts after a current provider discontinued services. The County Administrator was instructed to offer remaining ARPA funds to five small cities that had not yet applied. County representatives on the Joint Airport Board will request an informational meeting for landowners impacted by airport zoning.

• Directed Jail Administrator to obtain information and references from Pioneer Capital Solutions for collection services
• Instructed County Administrator to send a final funding opportunity letter to five small cities regarding ARPA funds
• Agreed to add $319,000 in unbudgeted wind revenue to ARPA funding, totaling $8,200,604.09
• County representatives on the Joint Airport Board will request an informational meeting for impacted landowners

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will discuss several equipment purchases and service contracts. The board is also reviewing seasonal project bids for public works and appointing a member to the Cedar River Watershed District Board of Managers.

• Purchase of Microwave Link not to exceed $175,000
• Purchase of two Outdoor Distributed Antenna Systems for Grand Meadow and Lyle not to exceed $190,000
• Purchase of HPE Aruba 52 port switch for $102,460.16
• Performance Management System Professional Services Agreement with DDA not to exceed $75,000
• Gas line installation at the Fairgrounds for $4,750

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review bids for seasonal public works projects and various equipment purchases. The meeting includes discussions on ARPA-funded technology upgrades and a project update from Next Era Energy.

• Purchase of two Outdoor Distributed Antenna Systems for Grand Meadow and the Lyle up to $190,000
• Purchase of Microwave Link up to $175,000
• Purchase of HPE Aruba 52 port switch from CDW-G for $102,460.16
• Harty Mechanical quote for 3-way boiler bypass valve installation ($10,557)
• Gas line installation at the Fairgrounds for $4,750

The Board awarded several low bids for seasonal public works projects and approved significant funding for emergency communication systems. They also amended the employee recognition policy and established departmental change and petty cash funds.

• Approved amended Personnel Policy B220 Employee Recognition (5-0)
• Approved $301,891.47 in Commissioner warrants for payment (5-0)
• Reappointed Mike Merten to Cedar River Watershed District Board (5-0)
• Awarded seasonal project bids to Baudoin Oil Co., MG Meigs LLC, Sunshine Enterprises LLC, and Bruening Rock Products (5-0)
• Tabled award for seasonal project CP 50-23-04 Striping (5-0)
• Approved up to $200,000 in ARPA funds for Outdoor Distributed Antenna Systems (5-0)
• Approved $204,536 for Microwave Link and Spare Microwave Radio using LATCF and ARPA funds (5-0)
• Established departmental change funds and a $300 Health & Human Services petty cash fund (5-0)

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners were invited to attend a workshop for SSTS Contractors. The agenda states that no action or discussion on county business will be taken during this event.

• SSTS Contractors Workshop at Ruby Rupner Auditorium

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is invited to attend the Mower County Township Officers Association Spring Meeting. The agenda states that no action or discussion on county business will be taken at this time.

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Board identified several high-priority township, county, and city bridges for replacement or rehabilitation. It also authorized participation in multistate opioid supply chain settlements and approved two conditional use permits for land use in Leroy and Austin Townships.

• Approved participation in multistate opioid supply chain settlements (Res. #24-23)
• Approved CUP #950 for sand/gravel mining and concrete/bituminous storage in Leroy Township (Res. #25-23)
• Approved CUP #957 for a building site split in Austin Township (Res. #26-23)
• Identified high-priority bridges for replacement/rehabilitation (Res. #27-23)
• Approved $160,000 in 2023 Grow Austin Funds for a Business Succession and Transition Program
• Approved hiring two additional licensed Deputy Sheriffs
• Approved $122,073.15 in Health & Human Services accounts payable
• Approved $167,903 CDC Federal Infrastructure Grant

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

The Board of Commissioners is holding a work session to discuss infrastructure and business programs. The meeting includes reviews of public works projects and a technology update.

• Business Succession and Transition Program discussion with Development Corporation of Austin
• 5-year Bridge Replacement Program review
• Recycling Center Addition preliminary design review
• Compliance inspections for Businesses
• Abandonment records for municipal connections

The Board held a work session to review a proposed Business Succession and Transition Program, a 5-year Bridge Replacement Program, and preliminary designs for a recycling center addition. No formal votes or final decisions were recorded.

• Discussed DCA request to reallocate $42,000 in Resiliency Grant funds to a Business Succession and Transition Program
• Reviewed 5-year Bridge Replacement Program for 369 bridges
• Reviewed preliminary design for electronics recycling addition at the Recycling Center
• Discussed abandonment records for approximately 105 septic tanks

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding a housing tax abatement for a single-family home in Bennington Township. The board will also review law enforcement contracts for the cities of LeRoy and Adams and discuss ARPA funding requests.

• Housing Tax Abatement application for Frank & Karol Krahn (Section 9 Bennington Twp)
• Law Enforcement Contract with the City of LeRoy (2 year)
• Law Enforcement Contract with the City of Adams (2 year)
• ARPA Funding Requests for Recovery is Happening, Gerard Academy, and IT commitments
• Resolution for seasonal road restrictions

The Board approved matching funds for two broadband expansion projects and established 2023 seasonal road load restrictions. Other actions included appointing a new County Assessor and approving law enforcement contracts for the cities of LeRoy and Adams.

• Approved $100,000 matching funds for Charter broadband project (Res. #22-23)
• Approved $637,126.68 matching funds for ARVIG broadband project
• Adopted 2023 seasonal road load restrictions (Res. #23-23)
• Approved housing tax abatement for Frank and Karol Krahn (Res. #21-23)
• Appointed Joy Kanne as County Assessor effective March 6, 2023
• Approved 2-year law enforcement contracts for City of LeRoy and City of Adams
• Approved $165,605.30 in Commissioner warrants and $269,846.56 in HHS accounts payable
• Authorized $4,760 for IT software (Freshdesk and TeamViewer)

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings on five conditional use permits and a tax abatement request for a childcare center in Austin. The meeting includes votes on several service contracts and public works payments.

• Tax abatement request from Hormel Food Corporation for a community childcare center
• SGTS, Inc video surveillance proposal for $123,879.09
• Architectural services quote for Armon Architecture, Inc. for Electronic Recycling Addition ($17,900)
• Five conditional use permits (CUP #936, #951, #953, #954, #955) for land splits and buildings
• Freeborn County Co-op Oil Contract extension for rural recycling services

The Board approved a 15-year tax abatement for Hormel Foods Corporation to build a $5 million community childcare center in Austin. The Board also committed $686,938.88 in matching funds for an Arvig broadband expansion project and approved several conditional use permits for land and business use.

• Approved 15-year tax abatement for Hormel Foods Corporation childcare center
• Committed $686,938.88 matching funds for Arvig broadband grant application
• Approved $123,879.09 for SGTS, Inc. video surveillance upgrades
• Approved $17,900 for Armon Architecture, Inc. for Recycling Center addition
• Approved CUP #936 for farmstead split (Corey & Kaye Hansen)
• Approved CUP #951 for lean-to addition (Danial & Megan Crouch)
• Approved CUP #953 for electrical business storage (Al Schmitz)
• Approved CUP #954 for additional dwelling (Matthew & Rebecca Schmitz)

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

The Board of Commissioners is holding a non-action taking work session to gather information and study various issues. Discussions include a tax abatement request for a childcare center and several departmental updates.

• Tax abatement request from Hormel Food Corporation for a market rate community childcare center in Austin, MN
• Request for Mower County Shooting Range
• Recycling Center Grant and Certificate of Need for Nobles County Landfill
• 2022 Payroll and Benefit Reconciliations for write off purposes
• Arvig 2023 Border to Border Grant Application Partnership

The Board conducted a work session to discuss several proposals and updates. No formal votes were taken; items including grant applications, contracts, and tax abatements were reviewed for future approval.

• Introduced new IT Director James Keltgen
• Reviewed proposal for Mower County Shooting Range in Marshall Township
• Discussed $250,000 recycling center grant and Armon Architecture low bid
• Reviewed Arvig Border to Border Grant proposal requesting $686,938.88 from County
• Discussed Hormel Foods tax abatement request for $5 million childcare center improvements
• Reviewed request to reallocate $50,000 endowment for Grand Meadow Chert Quarry trails
• Discussed 2019-2021 payroll and benefit reconciliation write-offs

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review requests for equipment rentals and facility upgrades. The meeting includes a resolution regarding Sheriff Department trust account funds and the approval of annual solid waste hauler licenses.

• Recycling Center lighting quote for $5,950
• Annual solid waste hauler licenses effective 2/1/23-1/31/24
• Tractor rental authorization for Austin Shop
• 2023 CRS Recertification for FEMA/Flood Mitigation Program
• Resolution to amend petty cash/change funds for Sheriff department Trust Account

The Board scheduled a public hearing for February 14, 2023, to consider a 15-year tax abatement for a proposed $5 million childcare center. Other actions included approving equipment rentals, facility lighting, and various county payments.

• Set public hearing for Feb 14, 2023, regarding Hormel Foods' 15-year tax abatement request for a $5M childcare center
• Approved rental of two tractors for Austin Shop from J&S JCB of Grand Meadow (est. $12,000 per tractor per year)
• Approved $4,592 quote from Fox Electric for new LED lighting at the recycling center
• Approved annual solid waste hauler licenses for Ace Solid Waste, Freeborn County Co-Op Oil Co., Thompson Sanitation, Hanson Hauling, Veit Disposal, Kruckeberg Services, and Skjeveland Enterprises (pending payment)
• Approved Commissioner warrants totaling $967,691.77
• Approved Health & Human Services accounts payable totaling $221,729.24
• Approved out-of-state travel for Sheriff staff tactical operations training
• Authorized Chair to sign 2023 CRS Recertification for FEMA/Flood Mitigation Program

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to conduct general business and receive department updates. Key actions include approving a septic program grant contract and the 2023 public hearing calendar for the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment.

• 2023 Septic Program Grant Contract with BWSR
• 2023 Planning Commission / Board of Adjustment Public Hearing calendar

The Board authorized the hiring of an IT Director at Step 6 of the D62 DBM rating scale. They approved several health and human services grants and $244,317.43 in commissioner warrants. The 2023 Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment meeting calendar was tabled.

• Authorized IT Director hire at Step 6 salary (Motion carried)
• Approved Health & Human Services accounts payable totaling $182,138.04 (Motion carried)
• Approved MDH Infrastructure Grant for $3,000 base funding (Motion carried)
• Approved Adult & Children’s Mobile Crisis and CREST Initiative grant agreements (Motion carried)
• Approved Commissioner warrants for payment totaling $244,317.43 (Motion carried)
• Approved 2023 SSTS grant contract with BWSR (Motion carried)
• Tabled 2023 Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment meeting calendar (Motion carried)
• Approved amended 2023 Committee Appointments (Motion carried)

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is meeting to elect its Chair and Vice-Chair and set committee assignments for 2023. The body will also vote on annual administrative resolutions, including fund appropriations and the county-wide fee schedule.

• Resolution approving General Fund appropriations
• Approval of the 2023 county-wide fee schedule
• Motion on Fairgrounds Minor Repair Fund allocations
• Appointment of Amy Lammey as Emergency Management Director
• Resolution to reappoint Mower County Health Officer

The Board held its annual meeting to elect a Chair and Vice-Chair and appoint committee members. The board approved various general fund expenditures, designated financial depositories for 2023, and accepted a $250,000 recycling grant.

• Elected Mike Ankeny as Board Chair and Jerry Reinartz as Vice-Chair
• Approved $230,467.98 in Commissioner warrants for payment
• Authorized General Revenue Fund expenditures including $162,000 for Soil & Water and $64,959 for Historical Society
• Accepted $250,000 Greater MN Recycling and Composting Grant
• Allocated $34,000 from fairgrounds minor repair fund to Ag Society, Historical Society, and Extension
• Appointed Jenna Wheeler Anderson, M.D. as Health Officer at $2,600 per year
• Approved 2023 Board meeting schedule (4-1)
• Awarded Austin Daily Herald as primary and Mower County Independent as secondary county newspaper