Cottonwood County public meetings in 2020

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to finalize the 2021 budget and certify the 2021 levy. The agenda includes decisions on personnel hires, equipment purchases, and several resolutions regarding county infrastructure and grants.

• Certification of 2021 Levy and finalization of 2021 Budget
• Radar unit purchase for squad car
• 2021 Equipment Purchase and final contract payments
• Rinke Noonan Legal Services Agreement
• Big Bend Snowriders Snowmobile Grant-in-Aid Program

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review planning and zoning permits, public works updates, and personnel matters. The meeting also includes a Truth in Taxation meeting.

• Conditional Use Permit - Davidson
• Conditional Use Permit – Certified Care Planner, LLC
• Petition for Environmental Assessment Worksheet – Lorentz Construction CUP
• CSAH 7 Wetland Credit Purchase
• CSAH 2 Improvement Grant Update

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting to discuss the Full-Time Deputy Auditor/Treasurer position. The board will also address COVID-19 matters, including CARES funds and the possible closure of the courthouse.

• Full-Time Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Position
• Possible closure of Courthouse due to COVID-19
• CARES Funds and Expenses

The board unanimously promoted Carly Pohlman to Deputy Auditor/Treasurer effective November 23, 2020, at Range 10, Step A ($18.54) on the 2020 Matrix, and authorized advertising for a full-time Deputy Auditor/Treasurer. The board also approved multiple CARES Act fund distributions, including $223,922 to eight school districts, $175,000 to the Cottonwood County DAC, and $5,000 to the Windom Area Chamber of Commerce. Courthouse closure due to COVID-19 was discussed but deferred as a last resort, with department heads instructed to draft split-shift plans as an alternative.

• Promoted Carly Pohlman to Deputy Auditor/Treasurer effective Nov 23, 2020, at Range 10, Step A ($18.54) (unanimous)
• Approved advertising for a full-time Deputy Auditor/Treasurer (unanimous)
• Approved additional CARES grant monies to non-profits using the same formula as businesses (unanimous; Appel abstained on #4)
• Approved $223,922.00 in CARES funds to eight school districts (unanimous)
• Approved $175,000 in CARES funds to Cottonwood County DAC (unanimous; Appel abstained)
• Approved $5,000 in CARES grant to Windom Area Chamber of Commerce upon signed agreement (unanimous)
• Discussed courthouse closure due to COVID-19; consensus to use split-shift plans as alternative, closure as last resort

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will discuss General Obligation Water Revenue Refunding Bonds and review the county's existing debt. The board will also address LED stop signs and COVID-19/Cares Act updates.

• General Obligation Water Revenue Refunding Bond discussion
• Review of Cottonwood County’s existing debt
• LED stop signs presentation by Public Works Director
• COVID-19/Cares Act discussion

The board approved a resolution to issue $4,740,000 in general obligation water revenue refunding bonds for Red Rock Rural Water Systems. They also approved a resolution for LED-enhanced stop signs at a high-crash intersection, final payment of $0 for a striping project, and November warrants totaling $190,975.84. No other substantive decisions were made; discussions on courthouse closure and hiring were deferred.

• Approved resolution 20-11-17A for $4,740,000 GO Water Revenue Refunding Bonds (unanimous)
• Approved resolution 20-11-17 for LED-enhanced stop signs at TH 62 and CSAH 5 (unanimous)
• Approved final payment of $0.00 to AAA Striping Service, Inc. for Project SP017-070-009 (unanimous)
• Approved November warrants totaling $190,975.84 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss snow maintenance, jail furniture, and various resolutions. The meeting will conclude with a closed session to discuss potential offers on two specific parcels of land.

• Snow Maintenance Agreements
• Program Room Furniture for the jail
• Red Rock Rural Water Systems Resolution
• Jeffers Repower Donation
• Closed session regarding parcel 08.014.0600 or parcel 08.022.0100

The Cottonwood County Board approved 2020-2021 snow removal agreements with four cities/townships, approved a $2,507.61 furniture purchase using CARES funds, and approved several personnel and resolution items. The board declined a $1,200 donation from Jeffers Repower due to state statute restrictions, and took no action on a septic fee waiver request or a property tax penalty waiver request.

• Approved 2020-2021 snow removal agreements with City of Jeffers, City of Westbrook, City of Mountain Lake, and Lakeside Township (unanimous)
• Approved $2,507.61 quote from Norix for two tables and six chairs, paid with CARES funds (unanimous)
• Approved moving Carly Pohlman to permanent full-time status effective November 2, 2020 (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 20-11-03 recommending reappointment of Les Anderson, Glen Friedrich, and Marlow Nickel to Red Rock Rural Water System Board (unanimous)
• Approved November warrants totaling $172,101.47 (unanimous)
• Approved posting internally and advertising for full-time Deputy Auditor/Treasurer (3-2, Gravley, Holmen, Anderson aye; Appel, Stevens nay)
• Declined $1,200 donation from Jeffers Repower due to state statute prohibiting government-to-government donations
• Took no action on septic system application fee waiver and Windom property tax penalty waiver requests

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will discuss infrastructure projects and county staffing. The meeting includes a presentation on jail needs and a study regarding the TH60/Windom Corridor.

• Brown-Nicollet Community Health 2021 contract and fees
• TH60/Windom Corridor Study
• Equipment purchase request from Public Works Director
• Tax forfeiture property in Jeffers
• Policy #360 regarding overtime and compensatory time

The board approved the 2021 Environmental Health Contract with Brown-Nicollet Community Health Board, sponsored Windom's Transportation Alternatives Program grant application, and approved several vehicle purchases including a Ford F350 and a GMC Sierra. They also moved a jailer to permanent part-time, hired a landfill scale operator, and approved camera upgrades funded by CARES. A motion to accept Policy #360 on overtime failed for lack of a second.

• Approved 2021 Environmental Health Contract with Brown-Nicollet Community Health Board (unanimous)
• Approved sponsorship of City of Windom's Transportation Alternatives Program grant application (unanimous)
• Amended Oct 6 motion to accept Higley Ford quote for F350 at $42,820 less $500 tailgate/bumper sale, and accept Minnbid bid of $8,910 for Unit 10 (unanimous)
• Approved state bid for 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 from Ranger Chevrolet at $36,272 (unanimous)
• Moved Macy Simonson to permanent part-time Jailer/Dispatcher effective Oct 28, 2020 (unanimous)
• Hired Kayla Clark as part-time Landfill Scale Operator at $16.01/hr (unanimous)
• Approved advertising for full-time GIS Specialist (unanimous)
• Approved camera quotes from Alpha Wireless: Courthouse $7,840.70 and LEC $1,703.01, paid with CARES funds (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will meet to review several administrative agreements and infrastructure projects. The board will also enter a closed session to discuss a possible offer on parcel 08.014.0600.

• General Obligation Water Revenue Refunding Bond
• Bids for Germantown Township Bridge #551
• Dutch Charlie Park Improvement Plan
• Bailiff wage increase
• Lease agreement for Transit Facility

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting to review applications and award grants from the Corona Virus Relief Fund.

• Review of Corona Virus Relief Fund Grant applications
• Awarding of Corona Virus Relief Fund Grants

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to review applications and award Corona Virus Relief Fund Grants.

• Review of Corona Virus Relief Fund Grant applications
• Awarding of Corona Virus Relief Fund Grants

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners met in special session on September 16, 2020, to review applications and award Coronavirus Relief Fund Grants. The minutes record the meeting's purpose but do not list specific grants, amounts, or votes. The meeting was adjourned at 12:08 p.m. with no further business.

• Reviewed applications for Coronavirus Relief Fund Grants (no specific awards recorded)
• Adjourned the special meeting at 12:08 p.m.

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will meet to set the 2021 preliminary levy and discuss the budget. The board will also hold public hearings regarding a nuisance ordinance and the Watonwan 1W1P. Following the regular meeting, the board will enter a closed session to discuss an offer on parcel 08.618.0020.

• Public hearing for Nuisance Ordinance
• Public hearing for Watonwan 1W1P
• Red Rock Quarry Expansion Project
• 2021 SafeAssure Contract
• Setting of 2021 Preliminary Levy

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing regarding the ADA Transition Plan. The meeting includes discussions on budget, ditch construction, and a resolution for the county's 150th anniversary.

• Public Hearing for ADA Transition Plan
• CSAH 7 Design & Permitting Contract Amendment
• Ditch #3 discussion with Nickel Construction
• Resolution Recognizing Cottonwood County’s 150th Anniversary
• Probation Completion for Dan Myers

The board unanimously adopted the ADA Transition Plan (Resolution 20-09-01A) after a public hearing with no comments. It approved a $453,957.98 contract amendment for Stonebrooke Engineering on the CSAH 7 project, a $11,782.97 Minnbid purchase of a snow blower, and several personnel actions including accepting resignations and moving a deputy to full-time. The board also set a September 15 public hearing for the Watonwan River Watershed Plan and discussed Ditch #3 repair, noting landowners must petition due to likely costs over $50,000.

• Adopted ADA Transition Plan (Resolution 20-09-01A) unanimously
• Approved $453,957.98 contract amendment for Stonebrooke Engineering on CSAH 7
• Approved $11,782.97 Minnbid purchase of 1985 Snogo MP3D blower
• Accepted resignation of Hannah Krenz, Accounting Assistant, effective Sept 14
• Approved posting for full-time Accounting Assistant
• Accepted resignation of Nathan Kolander, Part-Time Landfill Scale Operator, effective Aug 31
• Set public hearing for Watonwan River Watershed Plan on Sept 15 at 10:00 a.m.
• Moved Dan Myers to permanent full-time Deputy Sheriff effective Sept 2

Work Session

The Board of Commissioners is holding a work session to discuss the 2021 budget. The board will also discuss COVID-19 and the CARES Act.

• Discussion of 2021 Budget
• Discussion of COVID-19 and CARES Act

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss tax abatements, land use permits, and county staffing. The session includes a public hearing regarding a tax abatement for Borsgard and a budget work session following the regular meeting.

• Public hearing and resolution for Borsgard tax abatement
• Conditional Use Permit for W. Lorentz Construction
• Nuisance Ordinance discussion
• Tax forfeiture properties for Westbrook EDA
• 2020 MN Annual County Boat and Water Grant

The board approved a five-year property tax abatement for Drake and Meredith Borsgard to build a new home at 2270 Seventh Avenue, Windom, subject to a $290,000 valuation cap. It also approved a conditional use permit for a gravel pit in Amboy Township, sold two tax-forfeited properties to the Westbrook EDA, and declined to participate in a Mountain Lake tax abatement for two four-plex developments. The board hired Kelly Smith as IS Technician and approved August warrants totaling $215,795.25.

• Approved tax abatement for Borsgard home (Resolution 20-08-18) (unanimous)
• Approved 2020 Boat and Water Safety Grant of $615 (unanimous)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for W. Lorentz Construction gravel pit in Amboy Township (unanimous)
• Set public hearing on revised Nuisance Regulations for Sept. 15 (unanimous)
• Sold tax-forfeited properties 24.390.0030 and 24.390.0031 to Westbrook EDA for $100 each (unanimous)
• Declined to participate in Mountain Lake 20-year tax abatement for two four-plexes (unanimous)
• Hired Kelly Smith as IS Technician at $24.93/hour (unanimous)
• Approved August warrants totaling $215,795.25 (unanimous)

Work Session

The Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss the 2021 budget. The meeting will also include discussions regarding buildings and the CARES Act in relation to COVID-19.

• 2021 Budget
• COVID-19 and CARES Act
• Buildings

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners held a work session with updates and discussions but took no formal votes or decisions. Topics included COVID-19 and PPE supplies, CARES Act Relief Funding applications, and proposed 2021 building projects and department budgets.

• No formal decisions made; work session only

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review budget requests, grant approvals, and land use permits. The meeting includes discussions on CARES Act funding and several personnel appointments. A closed session is scheduled to discuss a pending offer on parcel 08.618.0020.

• Conditional Use Permit for Elmendorf Brethren
• Historical Society 2021 Budget Request
• CSAH 2 Load Posting and Freight Grant
• Tax Forfeiture Demo Bids
• Policy #360 regarding Overtime/Compensatory Time

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting to discuss available information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and the CARES Act.

• Discussion of COVID-19 pandemic information
• Discussion of CARES Act information

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review previous meeting minutes and discuss various county business. Items include public works agreements, personnel changes, and a closed discussion regarding a property offer.

• GIS Grant Agreement
• MnDOT Detour Agreement
• CSAH 2 Load Posting and Freight Grant
• CSAH 7 DNR Easement Application
• Offer on parcel 08.618.0020

The board approved MnDOT Agreement No. 1036052 for use of CSAH 11 as a detour during a bridge project on TH 71, with $2,729.81 reimbursement. It also approved Resolution 20-07-21 authorizing application for 2023 Highway Freight Program funding for CSAH 2. A motion to increase the Wheelage Tax from $10 to $20 failed (2-3). The board approved a $8,607.52 grant agreement for emergency communications and hired a part-time Deputy Recorder.

• Approved MnDOT Agreement No. 1036052 for CSAH 11 detour use (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 20-07-21 for Highway Freight Program application (unanimous)
• Approved 2019 DECN Next Generation Information System Grant of $8,607.52 (unanimous)
• Approved AEF Homestead letter process change (unanimous)
• Failed to increase Wheelage Tax from $10 to $20 (2-3)
• Approved Resolution 20-07-21A for CSAH 7 right-of-way procurement (unanimous)
• Hired Kimberly McCutcheon as part-time Deputy Recorder at $17.65/hour (unanimous)
• Approved July warrants totaling $172,109.82 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting to discuss available information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and the CARES Act.

• Discussion of COVID-19 pandemic information
• Discussion of CARES Act information

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will discuss conditional use permits and project bids. The meeting includes reviews of tax forfeitures and COVID-19 CARES Act updates. Personnel changes and hiring for several county positions are also on the agenda.

• Conditional Use Permits for Loewen and Anderson
• Project 017-603-020 Bids
• Cell 8 Financing Plan
• 2020 Tax Forfeiture
• Federal EDA Grant Application Letter of Support

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting. The purpose is to discuss available information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and the CARES Act.

• Discussion of COVID-19 pandemic information
• Discussion of CARES Act

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners approved the COVID-19 Preparedness Plan presented by Emergency Management Director Paul Johnson in a unanimous roll call vote. The board also discussed CARES Act funding, noting uncertainty about when funds would be available, and decided to keep current Phase 2 opening measures unchanged until the July 7 regular meeting. Additionally, the board agreed to continue using Webex for meetings through July despite upcoming charges.

• Approved COVID-19 Preparedness Plan (unanimous roll call)
• Kept Phase 2 opening measures unchanged; revisit July 7
• Continued Webex meeting use through July

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss public works bids and software for drainage. The agenda includes reviews of legal services agreements and law library fees.

• Bids for “Old” Jeffers Shop
• DrainageDB Software
• Law Library Fee
• Legal Services Agreement
• Mechanic Tool Allowance

The board accepted the $70,000 bid from Jeffers Dray Line, Inc. for the old Jeffers shop, with Commissioners Appel, Gravley, and Stevens voting in favor and Holmen and Anderson against. The board also approved a $50 monthly tool allowance for the Heavy Equipment Mechanic, authorized up to $27,000 from the Recorder's Compliance Fund for drainage software and equipment, reduced the Law Library Fee to $5 effective August 1, 2020, and approved several other routine items.

• Accepted $70,000 bid from Jeffers Dray Line, Inc. for old Jeffers shop (3-2)
• Approved $50/month tool allowance for Heavy Equipment Mechanic (unanimous)
• Authorized up to $27,000 from Recorder's Compliance Fund for DrainageDB software, iPad, and GPS (unanimous)
• Reduced Law Library Fee to $5 effective Aug 1, 2020 (unanimous)
• Granted permanent full-time status to Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Tina Peiffer (unanimous)
• Approved Legal Services Agreement with Rinke Noonan for drainage issues (unanimous)
• Approved Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Joint Powers Agreement for 2020-2022 (unanimous)
• Approved June warrants totaling $152,804.11 (unanimous)

Board of Equalization

The Board of Equalization will meet to receive an update from County Assessor Gale Bondhus. The discussion will cover county statistics, valuation changes, and law changes.

• Update on County Statistics, Valuation Changes, and Law Changes

The Cottonwood County Board of Appeal and Equalization approved seven property assessment adjustments, including drainage and building value reductions, and accepted the remainder of assessments as presented. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved 7% drainage adjustment for parcel 13.036.0100 (Ahlrichs Family, LLC), adjusted market value $469,800
• Approved $1,600 building value reduction for parcel 13.003.0501 (James and Darlene Bloch), adjusted market value $83,000
• Approved 6% drainage adjustment for parcel 07.016.0300 (Guy Dammann et al.), adjusted market value $769,400
• Approved 5% drainage adjustment for parcel 07.013.0300 (Lynn and Phyllis Weber), adjusted market value $1,078,700
• Approved 4% drainage adjustment for parcel 07.013.0500 (Gary and Patricia Roiger), adjusted market value $587,900
• Approved 3% drainage adjustment for parcel 07.013.0501 (Nick Roiger), adjusted market value $590,800
• Approved $600 building value reduction for parcel 11.163.0040 (Kenneth and Rachel Yoder Trust), adjusted market value $447,900
• Accepted remainder of assessments as presented

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review previous meeting minutes and discuss various personnel matters. The agenda includes updates from the County Recorder, Assessor, Public Works Director, and Auditor/Treasurer.

• Bid approval for HSIP Project 017-070-009
• Hiring of legal counsel for Tax Court Appeal
• Replacement of part-time Deputy Recorder
• Hiring of heavy equipment operator and temporary part-time custodial staff
• Public Works equipment replacement

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting to discuss further information available regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting is open to the public via Webex and phone.

• Special meeting on COVID-19 pandemic information
• Meeting held via Webex and phone due to pandemic

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting to discuss available information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Cottonwood County Board met in special session to receive COVID-19 updates from department heads. Emergency Management Director Paul Johnson reported 59 confirmed cases, a FEMA donation of face masks and hand sanitizer, and that campgrounds will open June 1. Department heads gave brief updates on operations, and Public Works Director Nick Klisch confirmed playgrounds will open June 1. No formal decisions or votes were taken.

• No formal decisions or votes were recorded at this special meeting
• Received COVID-19 update: 59 confirmed cases in Cottonwood County
• Noted FEMA donation of face masks and hand sanitizer available to county departments
• Noted campgrounds will open June 1
• Noted playgrounds will open June 1
• Heard department updates on appointment-based services and operations

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing and consider a resolution regarding a tax abatement for Haberman. The board will also address the resignation of the Deputy Assessor and the Blandin Fund.

• Public hearing and resolution for Haberman tax abatement
• Acceptance of Deputy Assessor resignation
• Blandin Fund discussion

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting to discuss available information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Discussion of COVID-19 pandemic information

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting to discuss available information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Discussion of COVID-19 pandemic information

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss a conditional use permit for Red Rock Quarry and various personnel appointments. The board will also review a lease agreement for the SWWC and small business loans.

• Conditional Use Permit for Red Rock Quarry
• Appointment of Chief Deputy Sheriff and Deputy Sheriff hire
• SWWC Lease Agreement
• Approval of 2019 Feedlot Report
• Small Business Loans

The board set a public hearing for a proposed five-year tax abatement for a new home in Mountain Lake, approved several personnel changes including a new Chief Deputy, and granted a conditional use permit for a temporary asphalt plant. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved resolution 20-05-05 setting public hearing for Haberman tax abatement (unanimous)
• Approved Tim Evers as Chief Deputy, Range 20 Step C, effective June 22 (unanimous)
• Hired Jordan Allen as Deputy Sheriff, Range 15 Step A, effective May 25 (unanimous)
• Hired Tatum Paulson, Jett Saewert, Adelaida Esqueda as part-time Jailer/Dispatchers (unanimous)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Duininck asphalt plant in Amboy Township with 8 conditions (unanimous)
• Approved revised audit engagement letter for ditch bonds, cost up to $21,440 (unanimous)
• Approved SWCD to inspect county open ditches (unanimous)
• Approved May warrants totaling $143,238.04 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting to review available information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Discussion of COVID-19 pandemic information

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to extend the closure of county offices until May 18, aligning with the Governor's extended stay-at-home order. They also supported a plan for a soft reopening of the courthouse by appointment, with face masks required for the public, and scheduled special meetings for May 8 and May 15 to address COVID-19 issues.

• Extended county office closure until May 18 (unanimous)
• Supported courthouse soft reopening plan with appointment-only access and mask requirement (consensus)
• Scheduled special meetings for May 8 and May 15 at 9:00 a.m. (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting to discuss available information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Cottonwood County Board met in special session to discuss COVID-19 response. They did not vote to reopen the courthouse; instead, they directed department heads to review a reopening plan and report back at the May 1 meeting. The board also discussed limiting public access, including a drop box for tax payments, and heard updates on testing, PPE, and meat plant closures.

• Directed department heads to review courthouse reopening plan and report at May 1 meeting
• Discussed limiting public access, including drop box for tax payments
• Heard update on COVID-19 testing and PPE shortages
• Noted feedlot operators will receive letter about pig disposal due to plant closures

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss public works projects and county administration. Key items include reviewing bids for road overlays and a road use agreement for Jeffers Repower.

• 2020 Overlay/Mill & Overlay Bids
• Jeffers Repower Development and Road Use Agreement
• Advertising for the "Old" Jeffers Shop
• Property Tax Penalty discussion
• Cell Phone Reimbursement

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting. The purpose of the session is to discuss available information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Discussion of COVID-19 pandemic information

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting to review information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The board will discuss whether county offices will open on April 13.

• Discussion of COVID-19 pandemic information
• Decision on opening county offices on April 13

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting to address COVID-19. They unanimously voted to extend the county office closure and keep all county parks closed until May 4, 2020, aligning with the Governor's Stay at Home Directive. The board also scheduled weekly special meetings through May 1 to handle COVID-19 issues. No other substantive decisions were made; discussions covered equipment storage and pandemic updates.

• Extended county office closure until May 4, 2020 (unanimous)
• Kept all county parks closed until May 4, 2020 (unanimous)
• Scheduled special meetings for April 17, 24, and May 1 at 9:00 a.m. (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review several resolutions, including one regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Discussion items include MSW Cell 8 construction bids, landfill monitoring, and county budget spending.

• Resolution 20-04-07 – COVID-19 Pandemic
• MSW Cell 8 Construction Bids
• Red Rock Rural Water – Conditional Use Permit
• Landfill Monitoring Agreement
• Memorandum of Agreement – Des Moines River Watershed 1W1P

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss available information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Cottonwood County Board met in special session to receive updates on the COVID-19 pandemic. Emergency Management Director Paul Johnson reported on volunteer coordination, PPE shortages, and FEMA reimbursement eligibility. Public Health Director Kelsey Andrews confirmed five positive cases in the county. No formal decisions or votes were made during the meeting.

• No formal actions or votes taken; meeting was informational only
• Heard update on BARC volunteer coordination for high-risk residents
• Noted FEMA reimbursement for Category B emergency protective measures
• Confirmed five COVID-19 cases in Cottonwood County, no new cases as of meeting date
• Discussed state's $1.2B federal funding and property tax date with legislators
• Reported courthouse tuckpointing work to begin Monday

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting to discuss available information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Discussion of COVID-19 pandemic information

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss county office closures and continuity of operations planning. The agenda also includes items regarding the Jeffers Highway building bid and the landfill.

• County office closure
• Continuity of operations planning
• Outside drop box
• Blandin Seed Capital
• Jeffers Highway building bid

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to extend the county office closure through April 10, 2020, and to adopt the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, providing up to 80 hours of paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for COVID-19-related reasons. They also required department heads to submit Continuity of Operations Plans by March 31, set special board meetings for COVID-19 issues, and waived doctor's notes for sick leave during the pandemic. The board agreed to keep the landfill open except for the Household Hazardous Waste site, and discussed but did not decide on suspending camping reservations, extra hiring/spending, or layoffs.

• Extended county office closure through April 10, 2020 (unanimous)
• Adopted Families First Coronavirus Response Act effective April 1-December 31, 2020 (unanimous)
• Required department heads to submit Continuity of Operations Plans by March 31 (unanimous)
• Set special board meetings for April 1, 3, and 10 to address COVID-19 (unanimous)
• Informed department heads that doctor's notes are not required for sick leave during pandemic (unanimous)
• Agreed to install an outside drop box for the courthouse
• Agreed to keep landfill open except Household Hazardous Waste site
• Suggested suspending all camping reservations (further discussion at April 7 meeting)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss infrastructure updates and administrative hires. The agenda includes reviews of ditch levies, emergency mitigation plans, and road corridor updates.

• 2020 Ditch Levy – JD #350
• Cottonwood County All Hazard Mitigation Plan Resolution
• TH60/Windom Corridor Update
• Jeffers Addition Bids
• IS Technician Hire

The board declared a state of emergency for COVID-19 and approved closing county offices to the public from March 17-27, 2020 (4-1). It also adopted the All-Hazard Mitigation Plan, approved a new paid leave policy for public health emergencies, and accepted a $393,640 bid for the Jeffers Highway Shop addition.

• Adopted resolution 20-03-17A declaring a state of emergency for COVID-19 (unanimous)
• Approved closing county offices to the public March 17-27, 2020 (4-1, Gravley nay)
• Adopted resolution 20-03-17 approving the All-Hazard Mitigation Plan (unanimous)
• Approved Policy No. 198 'Utilization of Paid Leave During a Public Health Emergency' (unanimous)
• Accepted low bid of $393,640 from Ag Builders for Jeffers Highway Shop addition (unanimous)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Central Specialties temporary asphalt plant in Delton Township (unanimous)
• Approved audit of Judicial Ditch #25 with Clifton Larson Allen, paid from General Fund (unanimous)
• Approved moving forward with CPT hosting the AS400 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will discuss infrastructure bids, equipment sales, and personnel matters. The meeting includes reviews of housing, habitat easements, and office remodeling.

• CSAH 11 Bids
• Approval to sell miscellaneous equipment
• Advertise for MSW Cell 8 Construction Bids
• Request for bids for A/T Office Remodel
• Salary increase for IS Director

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss public works bids and roadway reclassification. The agenda includes personnel updates and a request for a gambling permit for the Mt. Lake Golf Course.

• CSAH 33 Bids
• Bids for Jeffers Addition
• Exempt Gambling Permit Request for Mt. Lake Golf Course
• Roadway Reclassification
• County Ditch #25

The board accepted the low bid from Duininck, Inc. for the CSAH 33 project, approved advertising for the Jeffers Highway Shop addition, and approved a road reclassification swap. It also opposed legislation granting increased levy and bonding authority to the Heron Lake Watershed District, and approved several administrative actions including hiring and retirement.

• Accepted Duininck, Inc. bid of $3,275,585.87 for CSAH 33 project (unanimous)
• Approved advertising for Jeffers Building Project bids (unanimous)
• Approved Intersection Radius Extension Permit Application and fees (unanimous)
• Approved road reclassification swaps: 4 miles CSAH 29 and 6 miles CSAH 6 to County roads; 10 miles County Road 53 and 0.61 miles County Road 52 to CSAH (unanimous)
• Opposed legislation granting increased levy authority to Heron Lake Watershed District (unanimous)
• Opposed legislation granting increased bonding authority to Heron Lake Watershed District (unanimous)
• Approved February warrants totaling $173,724.31 (unanimous)
• Hired Carly Pohlman as Auditor/Treasurer Office Technician at $16.49/hour (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss various administrative updates and personnel changes. The agenda includes reviews of equipment purchases, a liquor license for Mt. Lake Golf Course, and census expenses.

• Mt. Lake Golf Course Liquor License
• Equipment Purchase review
• EMPG Grant Agreement
• Ballot Board Resolution
• MN Viewer’s Association Membership Annual Dues

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss the upcoming legislative session with Senator Weber and Representative Hamilton. The board will also review requests for squad car cameras and an ARCGIS Enterprise Agreement.

• Discussion with Senator Weber and Representative Hamilton regarding the legislative session
• ARCGIS Enterprise Agreement presented by County Assessor Gale Bondhus
• Squad car camera purchase presented by Sheriff Jason Purrington
• Policy #490 – Travel and Expense Reimbursement
• Submission of Pay Equity Report

The board approved a 3-year ESRI enterprise agreement for GIS licenses at $48,750, combining separate agreements to save money. They also approved a $5,008 WatchGuard camera system, policy revisions, cell phone allowances, and several routine items. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved 3-year ESRI Enterprise Agreement for GIS licenses, $48,750 (unanimous)
• Approved WatchGuard 4RE camera system for transport vehicle, $5,008 (unanimous)
• Approved revisions to Policy #490 – Travel and Expense Reimbursement (unanimous)
• Granted monthly cell phone allowances: $60 to Travis Eichstadt, $30 to David Grev, retro to Jan 1, 2020 (unanimous)
• Approved submission of 2019 Pay Equity Report to State of Minnesota (unanimous)
• Approved State Auditor's understanding of services for 2019 year-end audit (unanimous)
• Allowed Kay Gross to sign BWSR Final Financial Reports for NRBG grant (unanimous)
• Declared county offices officially closed until 10:00 a.m. on Jan 17, 2020 due to weather (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will conduct annual organizational tasks including electing a Chairman and Vice-Chairman. The agenda includes discussions on public works, land acquisition, and various county administrative policies and staffing.

• Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman
• Five Year Construction Plan
• Resolution to Create Prioritized Bridge Replacement List
• Dutch Charlie Improvement Plan
• Approval to Hire Engineering Aide and Full-Time Office Technician

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners held its first 2020 meeting, electing Kevin Stevens as Chair and Tom Appel as Vice-Chair. The board approved a prioritized bridge replacement list, a 5-year construction plan, and advertising for bids on nine 2020 projects. It also approved funding for water quality projects, senior center appropriations, and various administrative policies and appointments.

• Elected Kevin Stevens as 2020 Board Chair and Tom Appel as Vice-Chair (unanimous)
• Approved $5,000/year from Buffer funds for water quality projects (unanimous)
• Authorized $4,768 in remaining 2018 buffer monies to repair four bioreactors (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 20-01-07A creating prioritized bridge replacement list (unanimous)
• Accepted 5-Year Construction Plan and approved advertising for bids on nine 2020 projects (unanimous)
• Approved lease agreements with Des Moines Valley Health and Human Services for 2020 (unanimous)
• Increased 2020 appropriation to five Senior Citizen Centers to $2,400 each (unanimous)
• Approved revisions to Policy #170 – Leave Benefits – Sick (unanimous)