Cottonwood County public meetings in 2022

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to certify the 2023 levy and finalize the annual budget. Discussion items include legislative updates, water management plans, and various county personnel and service matters.

• Finalize 2023 Budget and Certify 2023 Levy
• Set 2023 Non-Union and Elected Official Wages
• Approval of LELS 144 & 346 Union Contracts
• Purchase of new Duty Weapons
• Resolution authorizing Allonges to G.O. Water Revenue Notes

The Board approved the 2023 tax levy and established salaries for commissioners and key employees. Other actions included approving new law enforcement labor agreements, a jail medical services contract, and the purchase of duty weapons.

• Certified 2023 tax levy at $11,993,021 (unanimous)
• Approved $117,999 contract with Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Inc. for jail medical services (unanimous)
• Approved 2-year agreements with Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. Local No. 144 and Local No. 346 (unanimous)
• Approved $8,816.69 quote from Kiesler Police Supply for Glock handguns and holsters (unanimous)
• Reduced MDA AgBMP low interest loan rate for septic systems to 1.5% effective Jan 1, 2023 (unanimous)
• Eliminated charges to veterans for volunteer rides (unanimous)
• Approved 2023 Commissioner salary at $23,000 plus per diems and fees (unanimous)
• Hired law firm Rupp, Anderson, Squires & Waldspurger for an internal investigation (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting with several action items, including final approval of the 2023 budget and levy, a closed session for employee discipline, and a Truth in Taxation meeting. The board will also consider final payment for a road project, disaster aid funding resolutions, and an easement for Summit Carbon Solutions.

• Final Payment – Project 017-599-110
• Disaster Aid Funding Resolutions
• 2023 Recycling update
• Final Budget/Levy for 2023
• Easement – Summit Carbon Solutions

The Board approved a $256,614.47 final payment for a bridge replacement and renewed the Home Initiative program with updated tax abatement limits. The Board also authorized federal funding agency agreements for road repairs and approved a promissory note for PrimeWest health care access.

• Approved $256,614.47 final payment to Midwest Contracting, LLC for bridge L9425 replacement (unanimous)
• Issued Notice of Suspension and Directives to an employee effective Dec. 8, 2022 (4-1)
• Adopted three resolutions (22-12-07, 22-12-07A, 22-12-07B) for MnDOT agency agreements (unanimous)
• Renewed Home Initiative program and increased single-family home tax abatement limit to $320,000 (4-1)
• Approved Promissory Note with PrimeWest Rural Minnesota Health Care Access Initiative (unanimous)
• Approved December warrants totaling $182,604.43 (unanimous)
• Approved Amendment #3 of the Joint Powers Agreement for A.C.E. of Southwest Minnesota (unanimous)
• Accepted retirement resignations of Dennis Erickson and Sheli Fast (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting to discuss a closed session under state law for preliminary consideration of employee discipline and attorney-client privileged matters, with potential action afterward.

• Closed meeting under Minn. Stat. 13D.05 for employee discipline and attorney-client privilege
• Potential action following the closed session

The Board of Commissioners held a special meeting to discuss allegations against an employee. After a portion of the meeting was held in a closed session, Chairman Gravley stated that no action would be taken by the board today.

• Closed special meeting at 4:13 p.m. for preliminary consideration of employee discipline (unanimous)
• Opened closed session at 4:50 p.m. (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 4:51 p.m. (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board will hear presentations on the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline project and a proposed MOU with Watonwan County for jail/dispatch services. They will also consider fuel bids, a 2023 resurfacing project on CSAH 9, and several personnel actions including hires for legal secretary and ditch inspector.

• Presentation on Summit Carbon Solutions Proposed Pipeline at 9:05 a.m.
• MOU between Cottonwood County and Watonwan County regarding jail/dispatch services
• Fuel bids and 2023 CSAH 9 Resurfacing project
• Personnel actions: probation completions, legal secretary hire, ditch inspector hire
• American Rescue Plan (ARP) discussion

The Board approved a multi-year fuel contract with Staples Oil Company, Inc. and voted to request an Environmental Impact Study for the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline. Other actions included approving a dispatch assistance agreement with Watonwan County and several personnel changes.

• Approved letter to Public Utilities Commission supporting Environmental Impact Study for Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline (4-1)
• Accepted MOU with Watonwan County Sheriff’s Office for dispatch assistance (unanimous)
• Accepted fuel contract bid from Staples Oil Company, Inc. for $542,458.40 annually (unanimous)
• Approved 750 feet of additional pavement on CSAH 9 to be paid by local resident (unanimous)
• Approved permanent full-time status for Tyann Galer, Carly Pohlman, and Brenda Schenk (unanimous)
• Hired Julie Oberg Speckmeier as Legal Secretary at $24.13/hour (unanimous)
• Hired Dylan Oeltjenbruns as Ditch Inspector at $25.23/hour (unanimous)
• Approved November warrants totaling $220,923.88 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on County Ditch #35 and consider petitions to impound, reroute, or divert for CD #33 and JD #27, plus a petition to abandon JD #27. They will also review conditional use permits for Klingsporn and Nagorske, a railroad agreement, snow maintenance agreements, and an ARCGIS Enterprise Agreement. The meeting includes approval of minutes, warrants, and a closed session for labor negotiation strategy.

• Public Hearing – County Ditch #35
• Petition to Impound, Reroute, Divert – CD #33
• Petition to Impound, Reroute, Divert – JD #27
• Petition to Abandon – JD #27
• Conditional Use Permit – Klingsporn

The Board approved several drainage system changes for wetland restoration and property removal. They also authorized expenditures for courtroom carpeting, a jail refrigerator, and GIS licensing, while granting two conditional use permits for feedlot expansions.

• Adopted Findings and Order for removal of property from County Ditch #35 (unanimous)
• Accepted petition to impound, reroute, and divert County Ditch #33 (unanimous)
• Accepted petition to impound, reroute, and divert Branch B1 of JD #27 (unanimous)
• Approved $9,822.60 quote from Hammers for courtroom carpet (unanimous)
• Approved $4,850.00 bid from Elite Appliance for jail refrigerator (unanimous)
• Approved feedlot expansion permits for Mitchell Klingsporn and Curt Nagorske (unanimous)
• Authorized Reimbursement Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad for CSAH 27 (unanimous)
• Approved $48,750 ESRI Enterprise Agreement for GIS licensing (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will receive presentations on the Department of Corrections services, the Cottonwood County Home Initiative Program, the Des Moines River Watershed Management Plan, and a 3DGeo MN Lidar Plan. They will also consider final payments for several road projects, a legal secretary hire, probation completions, and a cell phone reimbursement request. The meeting includes review of the agenda and prior minutes, plus discussion of commissioner warrants and personnel policies.

• Final payment for Project 017-070-0012
• Final payments for Projects 017-598-007/017-598-008 and 017-606-027/017-611-017
• Legal secretary hire
• Cell phone reimbursement request
• Hardship leave request

The board unanimously approved submitting the Des Moines River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan (2023–2032) to the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources and authorized signing the Des Moines River Watershed Partnership Joint Powers Agreement. Commissioners also approved final payments for road projects, personnel changes, and a $15,000 Lidar system update. A cell phone reimbursement request for the Assessor Office Manager/GIS was denied for lack of a motion.

• Approved submission of the Des Moines River Watershed Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan (2023–2032) to BWSR (unanimous).
• Approved and authorized signing the Des Moines River Watershed Partnership Joint Powers Agreement (unanimous).
• Approved final payment of $89,606.81 to JAAK, LLC for Project 017-070-0012 (unanimous).
• Approved final payment of $197,399 to R&G Construction for multiple projects (unanimous).
• Approved $15,000 pledge for Lidar system update using buffer monies (unanimous).
• Approved moving Ricky Oeltjenbruns to permanent full-time Heavy Equipment Operator (unanimous).
• Approved moving Michael Watkins to permanent full-time IS Technician (unanimous).
• Approved Hardship Leave Request for 120 hours (unanimous).

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding a housing initiative at 1923. The board will also consider conditional use permits and a 2023 contract with Brown-Nicollet Community Health.

• Public Hearing: Housing Initiative – Preferred Choice Homes - 1923
• Conditional Use Permits: Elmendorf Christian Community and Neuhof Hutterite Brethren
• 2023 Contract with Brown-Nicollet Community Health
• Bids for Project 017-592-001
• DACA Funding Resolution

The board approved a tax abatement for Preferred Choice Homes' new single-family home, accepted a bid for demo/cleanup of tax-forfeited parcels, and rejected all bids for a road project due to lack of township funding. It also approved conditional use permits for concrete processing and site modifications, and made several hires and purchases.

• Approved tax abatement for Preferred Choice Homes (unanimous roll call)
• Accepted Lisandro DeHoyos bid for demo/cleanup of two tax-forfeited parcels ($6,000 and $7,500)
• Rejected all bids for Project 017-592-001 due to lack of township funding
• Approved CUP for Elmendorf Hutterian Brethren to process concrete (unanimous)
• Approved CUP for Neuhof Brethren site modifications (unanimous)
• Hired Nikolas Samuelson as Heavy Equipment Mechanic at $27.77/hr
• Approved $283,452.58 in October warrants
• Approved purchase of two AEDs from Cardio Partners for $2,234

County Commissioners

The Board will conduct a public hearing regarding Judicial Ditch #10 and discuss the setting of the 2023 preliminary levy. Additional discussions include housing initiatives, public works contracts, and equipment mechanic hiring.

• Public Hearing: Judicial Ditch #10
• Housing Initiative: New Construction - Preferred Choice Homes - 1923
• Public Works: Final Contract Payment - Project 017-602-027
• Public Works: Bids – Project 017-592-001
• Budget Discussion and Setting of 2023 Preliminary Levy

The board approved a 4.5% increase in the 2023 preliminary levy to $11,993,021, set a public hearing for a proposed tax abatement for new homes at 1923 Bud Road, and approved final payments for two road projects. A decision on the reconstruction of 490th Avenue was postponed pending MnDOT discussions.

• Set 2023 preliminary levy at $11,993,021 (4.5% increase) (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution for public hearing on tax abatement for new residential project at 1923 Bud Road (unanimous)
• Approved final payment of $0 to Duininck, Inc. for Project 017-602-027 (unanimous)
• Approved final payment of $202,472.80 to M.R. Paving and Excavating for Project 017-600-002 (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of an Armor Radio for DVHHS – Public Health (unanimous)
• Approved September warrants totaling $249,825.81 (unanimous)
• Accepted Final Order to Divide Judicial Ditch 10 (unanimous)

Work Session

The Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to review the proposed budget for 2023. The board will also discuss county positions for a GIS specialist and a Ditch Inspector.

• 2023 Proposed Budget
• Ditch Inspector position
• GIS position

The board discussed two positions (Ditch Inspector and GIS) but decided to review job descriptions further before proceeding. They also approved allowing the part-time Landfill Scale Operator to work up to 130 hours per month. The proposed 2023 budget was reviewed with discussion on different levy options.

• Motion to allow part-time Landfill Scale Operator to work up to 130 hours per calendar month, approved unanimously.
• Ditch Inspector and GIS positions: job descriptions to be reviewed and brought back to a future meeting.

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing regarding County Ditch #35. The meeting includes presentations on highway investment, recycling bids, and 2023 budget requests. The board will also review several service agreements and contracts.

• Public Hearing – County Ditch #35
• Recycling Bids presentation
• Cottonwood County Historical Society 2023 Budget Request
• MCAPS Contract
• GIS/NG911 Professional Service Agreement

The board approved a five-year recycling contract with Hometown Sanitation for $995,000 ($199,000 per year), the lowest of three bids. They also approved a GIS/NextGen 911 maintenance agreement with Schneider Geospatial, a SafeAssure safety consultant contract for $8,444.42, and moved the Veterans Service Officer to permanent full-time status. A public hearing was held and a repair contract was authorized for County Ditch #35.

• Approved $995,000 recycling contract with Hometown Sanitation for 2023-2027 (unanimous)
• Approved Professional Services Agreement with Schneider Geospatial for GIS/NextGen 911 maintenance (unanimous)
• Approved 2023 Service Contract with SafeAssure for $8,444.42 (unanimous)
• Approved moving Mitchell Chmielewski, Veterans Service Officer, to permanent full-time status effective September 14, 2022 (unanimous)
• Approved September warrants totaling $562,496.88 (unanimous roll call)
• Approved per diem for Commissioners Holmen and Anderson for August 24 plant tour (unanimous)
• Authorized repair contract for County Ditch #35 and allowed C&K Construction to camera other areas (unanimous)
• Approved Board Ratification Statement for MCAP program with Strategic Technologies Inc. for 2023-2025 (unanimous)

Work Session

The Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss the proposed budget for 2023. The meeting also includes a discussion regarding buildings.

• 2023 Proposed Budget
• Buildings

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners held a work session to review proposed 2023 budgets for the Soil & Water Conservation District and the Landfill, with the Landfill budget needing further review. The board also accepted an engineer's report for ditch repair and set a public hearing for September 6, 2022. No final budget approvals were made; discussions were preliminary.

• Approved agenda as amended (unanimous)
• Accepted Engineer's Report for CD#35 repair and set public hearing for September 6, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. (unanimous as Ditch Authority)
• Recessed as County Board and convened as Ditch Authority (unanimous)
• Adjourned as Ditch Authority and reconvened as County Board (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review several lease and transportation agreements. Discussion topics include the American Rescue Plan and the 2023 budget.

• VSO Operational Enhancement Grant
• 017-611-018 Final Contract Payment
• UCAP Transportation Agreement
• SWCD Lease Agreement
• DVHHS & City of Windom Lease Agreements

The board unanimously approved a Conditional Use Permit for Central Specialties to operate an asphalt plant in Amboy Township, subject to eight conditions including compliance with zoning ordinances, obtaining permits, waste collection, signage, erosion controls, and a November 30, 2022 expiration. The board also approved a $10,000 final payment to R and G Construction Company for a road project totaling $446,782.06, and adopted a resolution for the annual VSO Grant. Additionally, the board approved rent increases for the transit facility and SWCD, accepted a $54,500 quote for ditch maintenance, and approved August warrants totaling $166,771.42.

• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Central Specialties asphalt plant in Amboy Township (unanimous)
• Approved final payment of $10,000 to R and G Construction for project 017-611-018 (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution 22-08-16 for Cottonwood County VSO Grant Agreement (unanimous)
• Approved revisions to Nuisance Regulations section of Ordinance 28 (unanimous)
• Increased United Community Action Partnership monthly rent to $890 effective Jan 1, 2023 (unanimous)
• Increased SWCD monthly rent to $2,095 effective Jan 1, 2023 (unanimous)
• Accepted $54,500 quote from B&W Control Specialists for 2022 ditch maintenance (unanimous)
• Approved August warrants totaling $166,771.42 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review various administrative and operational items including equipment purchases and personnel policies. The meeting includes discussions on weed harvester grants, recycling bids, and tax forfeiture properties.

• Weed Harvester Grant discussion
• Recycling Request for Bids
• 2023 Equipment Purchase
• Tax Forfeiture Properties Update
• Personnel Policies #370 to #396

The Cottonwood County Board approved a $20,000 Aquatic Invasive Species grant for Mountain Lake's weed harvesting project, authorized a one-year billboard contract, and approved advertising for recycling bids. They also declared states of emergency for June and July storms, and initiated proceedings to divide Judicial Ditch #10.

• Approved $20,000 AIS grant for Mountain Lake weed harvesting (unanimous)
• Approved $890/month contract for two AIS billboards (unanimous)
• Approved advertising Request for Bids for recycling services (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of three 2023 Ford pickups, including $42,436.76 for one (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution 22-08-02 declaring state of emergency for June 13 storm (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution 22-08-02A declaring state of emergency for July 5 storm (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution to initiate proceedings to divide Judicial Ditch #10 (unanimous)
• Approved August warrants totaling $82,614.93 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review several administrative items including personnel policies and lease agreements. Discussion topics include the A.C.E. program, courthouse roof repairs, and American Rescue Plan updates.

• A.C.E. Program Review
• Routeware Contract
• JD #3 Redetermination of Benefits
• Jailer/Dispatcher hires
• Courthouse Roof Repair/Replacement

The Cottonwood County Board approved a one-year contract with Routeware for the RECollect recycling education app at $9,151.35, and approved several personnel actions including hiring Rebecca Ellingson as part-time Jailer/Dispatcher and reinstating Tessla Crowell as full-time Jailer/Dispatcher at Step E ($23.20). The board also set lease rates for 2023, approved a lease with SW/WC for office space, and approved July warrants totaling $217,195.37.

• Approved one-year RECollect app contract with Routeware, $9,151.35 (unanimous)
• Hired Rebecca Ellingson as part-time Jailer/Dispatcher (unanimous)
• Reinstated Tessla Crowell as full-time Jailer/Dispatcher at Step E $23.20 (4-1, Appel nay)
• Set Windom Police Department lease at $2,050/month for 2023; increased DVHHS lease rates 5% (unanimous)
• Approved SW/WC lease for ~265 sq ft at N71 Building, $15/sq ft ($3,975/year) (unanimous)
• Approved resolution 22-07-19 objecting to 2023 DHS health plan selection (unanimous)
• Approved July warrants totaling $217,195.37 (unanimous)
• Set JD #3 landowner meetings Aug 5 and final hearing Aug 30 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The board voted unanimously to participate in the SRDC regional trails planning effort and approved $3,000 in matching funds from the Parks Department Long Term fund. They also accepted a bid for a new assessor's vehicle, hired three part-time jailer/dispatchers, and accepted a compensation study. A motion to increase a legal secretary's wage offer was withdrawn after lacking a second.

• Approved $3,000 match for SRDC regional trails plan (unanimous)
• Accepted Higley Ford bid for 2018 Ford Escape at $25,400 (unanimous)
• Hired Saije Galer, Brooklyn Paulson, Daniel Gardiner as part-time Jailer/Dispatchers (unanimous)
• Accepted Tessla Crowell's resignation as full-time, moved to part-time (unanimous)
• Accepted Classification and Compensation Study report (unanimous)
• Approved July warrants totaling $101,353.29 (unanimous)
• Appointed Rod Hamilton to Broadband Committee
• Motion to offer legal secretary Range 10, Step C withdrawn (no second)

Board of Equalization

The meeting includes an update from the County Assessor regarding county statistics, valuation changes, and law changes. The remainder of the agenda contains no listed items.

• Update on County Statistics, Valuation Changes, and Law Changes by Gale Bondhus

The Cottonwood County Board of Equalization approved three property assessment reductions recommended by the County Assessor, all by unanimous votes. The board also accepted the remainder of the 2022 assessments as presented. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved $30,600 building value reduction for parcel 12.023.0602 (unfinished basement), adjusted market value $391,500 (unanimous)
• Approved $10,300 building value reduction for parcel 25.521.0130 (house addition condition), adjusted market value $54,700 (unanimous)
• Approved $33,600 building value reduction for parcel 25.160.0200 (square footage change), adjusted market value $323,200 (unanimous)
• Accepted remainder of assessments as presented (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will discuss a housing initiative and tax abatement for Quincey. The board will also address the Red Rock Rural Water System loan closing and tax forfeitures.

• Public Hearing: Housing Initiative – New Construction – Quincey
• Resolution for Tax Abatement – Quincey
• Red Rock Rural Water System loan closing
• Tax forfeiture discussion
• Discussion of non-compliant septic systems

The board approved a resolution authorizing $3,926,000 and $905,000 in General Obligation Water Revenue Bonds for Red Rock Rural Water Systems. It also set minimum bids for tax-forfeited land, approved a tax abatement for a new home, made a temporary custodian permanent, and hired a deputy auditor/treasurer.

• Approved resolution 22-06-21 for $3,926,000 and $905,000 water revenue bonds (unanimous)
• Set minimum bids for tax-forfeited parcels at $100, except parcel 25.352.0450 at $1,000 (unanimous)
• Approved resolution 22-06-21A for public/private sale of tax-forfeited lands (unanimous)
• Approved tax abatement for Robin D. Quincey's new home on parcel 18.026.0303 (unanimous)
• Made Craig Borsgard permanent part-time Buildings and Grounds Worker (unanimous)
• Moved Craig Borsgard to wage matrix Range 8, Step A at $17.79/hour (unanimous)
• Hired recommended applicant for Deputy Auditor/Treasurer at Range 10, Step H ($24.13/hour) (unanimous)
• Approved June warrants totaling $74,365.72 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board will review tax forfeiture valuations and housing initiative items. Discussion includes updates on Summit Carbon Solutions and various personnel and public works matters.

• Housing Initiative: New Construction – Brown
• Resolution for Tax Abatement – Brown
• Housing Initiative: New Construction – Quincey
• Conditional Use Permit – Robin Quincey
• Conditional Use Permit – Duininck, Inc.

The Cottonwood County Board approved a tax abatement for a new home, two conditional use permits, a road project, and several personnel actions. The board also discussed tax forfeiture properties and a pipeline project, with decisions deferred to the June 21 meeting.

• Approved tax abatement for Edward and Jonlee Brown (unanimous)
• Approved CUP for Robin D. Quincey shoreland residence (unanimous)
• Approved CUP for Duininck portable asphalt plant (unanimous)
• Awarded Project 017-600-002 to M.R. Paving ($202,475, unanimous)
• Approved $32,622 for three new servers (unanimous)
• Approved worksite garden at DVHHS (unanimous)
• Approved personnel actions: transfer, hires, resignation, professional service agreement (unanimous)
• Approved June warrants totaling $163,723.44 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board will consider several housing initiative items including new construction and tax abatement. Discussion includes MnDOT agreements, a conditional use permit for Sioux Rock Quarry, and various county staff hires.

• Housing Initiative: New Construction – Oeltjenbruns
• Resolution for Tax Abatement – Oeltjenbruns
• Housing Initiative: New Construction – Brown
• Conditional Use Permit – Sioux Rock Quarry
• MnDOT Agreement – CSAH 2

The Cottonwood County Board approved a residential tax abatement for Cody and Samantha Oeltjenbruns, set a public hearing for another abatement, renewed a conditional use permit for Sioux Rock Quarry, and declared a state of emergency after storm damage. They also approved several personnel actions, including hires, a termination, and a transfer, and approved May warrants totaling $123,991.

• Approved tax abatement for Oeltjenbruns single-family home (unanimous)
• Set public hearing for Brown Home Initiative tax abatement (unanimous)
• Approved conditional use permit for Sioux Rock Quarry with conditions (unanimous)
• Declared state of emergency for May 11-12 storm damage (unanimous)
• Reappointed Nick Klisch as County Engineer for 4-year term (unanimous)
• Approved time off without pay for employee (unanimous)
• Terminated two part-time jailer/dispatchers (unanimous)
• Approved May warrants totaling $123,991 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings regarding new construction housing initiatives and tax abatements. The board will also review a broadband feasibility study proposal and project bids. Personnel changes and 2021 budget actuals are on the agenda.

• Public hearings and tax abatement resolutions for Preferred Choice Homes at 1901 and 1903 Bud Road
• Housing initiative for Cody Oeltjenbruns
• Broadband Feasibility Study Proposal from Finley Engineering
• Bids for Project 017-070-0012
• Review of personnel policies #001 – #136

The Cottonwood County Board approved a $49,500 broadband feasibility study with Finley Engineering, funded by ARPA, and appointed two commissioners to a stakeholder team. They also approved two residential tax abatements for Preferred Choice Homes, accepted a low bid for a highway safety project, and made several personnel changes. All votes were unanimous unless noted.

• Approved $49,500 broadband feasibility study with Finley Engineering (unanimous)
• Approved tax abatement for Preferred Choice Homes at 1901 Bud Road (unanimous)
• Approved tax abatement for Preferred Choice Homes at 1903 Bud Road (unanimous)
• Accepted JAAK, LLC low bid of $387,779 for Highway Safety Improvement Project (unanimous)
• Adopted MnDOT Detour Agreement No. 1050343 for $6,444.40 reimbursement (unanimous)
• Approved resolution for mail/absentee/UOCAVA ballot board (unanimous)
• Approved Engan Associates Courthouse Window Assessment for $10,000 (unanimous)
• Approved May warrants totaling $76,279.77 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing and consider a resolution to adopt county commissioner districts. The meeting includes discussions on broadband, housing initiatives, and infrastructure projects.

• Public hearing and resolution for Adoption of County Commissioner Districts
• MnDOT Agreement for CSAH2 Federal Funding and bids for Project 017-599-110
• Housing Initiative new construction for Preferred Choice Homes - 1901 and 1903
• TH60 Corridor Study Implementation Plan Resolution
• Petition to repair County Ditch #35

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review meeting minutes and discuss various departmental items. Topics include a housing initiative public hearing, emergency management grants, and public works bids.

• Public Hearing: Housing Initiative – New Construction – K Derickson
• Resolution for Tax Abatement - Derickson
• 2021 Emergency Management Program Grant
• Conditional Use Permit – Bennett Trucking, Inc.
• Bids – Project 017-599-110

The Cottonwood County Board approved a $255,903.95 bid from Midwest Contracting for bridge replacement in Mountain Lake Township, approved a $6,167 firewall management expense, and accepted a $4,010 judgment collection. They also approved a conditional use permit for Bennett Trucking, a pay study contract, and several other routine items.

• Approved $255,903.95 bridge replacement bid (unanimous)
• Approved $6,167 firewall management expense (unanimous)
• Approved $4,010 judgment collection (unanimous)
• Approved Bennett Trucking conditional use permit (unanimous)
• Approved $7,500 pay study contract (unanimous)
• Approved $2,500 land purchase (unanimous)
• Approved $142,571.19 in warrants (unanimous)
• Approved $125,142.08 per truck purchase (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting. The body is scheduled to discuss redistricting and the wage matrix.

• Redistricting
• Wage Matrix

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting and set a public hearing for April 19, 2022, at 9:02 a.m. to discuss redistricting of commissioner districts based on the 2020 Census. The board also reached consensus to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for a professional wage study, with a committee of Appel, Stevens, and Thongvivong drafting the RFP questions while continuing their own study.

• Set public hearing for April 19, 2022, at 9:02 a.m. for redistricting (unanimous)
• Consensus to send out RFP for professional wage study
• Committee (Appel, Stevens, Thongvivong) to draft RFP questions and continue own study

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will discuss solar projects and housing initiatives. The agenda includes a conditional use permit review and a proposed wage increase for the Assistant County Attorney.

• Big Bend Wind/Red Rock Solar discussion
• Housing Initiative – New Construction – K. Derickson
• Conditional Use Permit – Bennett Trucking, Inc.
• Wage Increase for Assistant County Attorney
• Approve IS Hire

The board tabled and then extended by 60 days a decision on Bennett Trucking's conditional use permit after the county attorney found public notice requirements were not followed. It also approved a public hearing for a tax abatement for a new home, hired an IS technician, supported a watershed plan, approved March warrants, and raised the assistant county attorney's pay.

• Extended Bennett Trucking CUP decision by 60 days (unanimous)
• Set public hearing for Kenneth J. Derickson new home tax abatement (unanimous)
• Approved hire of Michael Watkins as IS Technician at $25.62/hour (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution supporting Cottonwood Watershed One Plan (unanimous)
• Approved March warrants totaling $37,394.81 (unanimous)
• Moved Assistant County Attorney from Step D to Step G, effective March 28, 2022 (unanimous, Appel absent)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will review a five-year construction plan and bridge replacement priority list. The board will also consider employee wage adjustments and the hiring of a Veterans Service Officer. A closed session is scheduled to discuss an offer for parcel number 08.022.0100.

• 5 Year Construction Plan & Bridge Replacement Priority List
• 2022 Professional Services Agreement – SEH, Inc.
• TH60 Corridor Study Implementation Plan Resolution
• Approval to hire Veterans Service Officer
• Offer for parcel number 08.022.0100

The board approved a purchase agreement for 19.793 acres from Gene and Donna Pankonin for a new Public Works building, and authorized related actions including a conditional use permit and annexation petition. A proposed kiosk project on the courthouse lawn was rejected in a 2-3 vote. Several routine contracts, hires, and wage adjustments were approved unanimously.

• Approved purchase agreement for 19.793 acres from Pankonin for Public Works building (unanimous)
• Approved petition of annexation to City of Windom for purchased parcel (unanimous)
• Authorized survey of purchased parcel (unanimous)
• Allowed board chair to sign conditional use permit for Public Works building (unanimous)
• Denied kiosk project on courthouse lawn, county share $1,274.95 (2-3)
• Approved 2022-2024 mowing contract to D&D Ranch, LLC for $10,625/year (unanimous)
• Approved FY 2022 Landfill Services Agreement with SEH, Inc. up to $25,070 (unanimous)
• Approved 9 hydraulic studies work order with Stonebrooke up to $14,863 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board will review the TH 60 Corridor Study Implementation Plan and consider bridge bonding agreements. Other items include a tax abatement extension request for Guardian Inn/T&M Development, LLC and updates on county personnel and jail assessments.

• TH 60 Corridor Study Implementation Plan
• Bridge Bonding Agreements
• Tax Abatement Extension Request – Guardian Inn/T&M Development, LLC
• Body Worn Camera Purchase
• Jail Assessment Final Report

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review agenda and previous meeting minutes. Discussion items include conditional use permits, bridge project bids, and vehicle replacement.

• Clean Water Partnership Low Interest SSTS Loan Amendment
• Conditional Use Permit – Elmendorf H.B.
• Conditional Use Permit – Midco/Mark Gronewold
• Conditional Use Permit – Midco/J Robert Wardin
• Bridge Project Bids

The Cottonwood County Board approved several items, including a Clean Water Partnership loan amendment adding $150,000, three conditional use permits for manufacturing and telecom facilities, a rezoning, and two bridge replacement contracts totaling over $1.6 million. They also approved a wellness proposal, per diems for solar/wind meetings, February warrants, and a tourism appropriation. The board discussed but did not decide on septic compliance, a new assessor vehicle, and ditch benefit redetermination.

• Approved Clean Water Partnership loan amendment adding $150,000 and extending to May 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved CUP for Elmendorf Hutterian Brethren manufacturing facility in Mountain Lake Township (unanimous)
• Approved CUP for Midco monopole in Springfield Township (unanimous)
• Approved CUP for Midco monopole in Ann Township (unanimous)
• Rezoned parcel 11.260.0020 from agricultural to residential (unanimous)
• Approved $1,315,078 bridge contract to Midwest Contracting for Contract 202110 (unanimous)
• Approved $344,916.08 bridge contract to R&G Construction for Contract 202109 (unanimous)
• Approved $575.85 appropriation to Southern Minnesota Tourism Association (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss the upcoming legislative session and various personnel hires. The board will also review a bridge design contract and a resolution supporting SCORE funding.

• Bridge 17501 Design Contract
• Resolution 22-01-18 supporting SCORE Funding
• Contract with Jackson County for Attorney Services
• Ditch Assessments and Sinking Ditch Fund
• Acceptance of MN Historical Society Grant

The board accepted the lowest bid from S.E.H. for the design of Bridge 17501, not to exceed $47,580. They also approved a resolution supporting full funding of SCORE grants, agreed to reimburse Carson Township $500 for gravel work, and set a zero balance for the County Sinking Ditch Fund by January 2024. Several personnel actions were taken, including hiring new jailer/dispatchers and approving retirements.

• Accepted S.E.H. bid for Bridge 17501 design, not to exceed $47,580 (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution 22-01-18 supporting full funding of SCORE grants (unanimous)
• Approved $500 reimbursement to Carson Township for gravel and reshaping (unanimous)
• Set zero balance for County Sinking Ditch Fund by Jan 2024, first payment $97,271 (unanimous)
• Approved $122,271 increase on budget line 01-061-6855 (unanimous)
• Accepted 2022 ditch assessments (unanimous)
• Hired Nickolas Nolt, Brandon Rivera, Caden Wiens as Jailer/Dispatchers at $20.61/hr (unanimous)
• Approved January warrants totaling $165,632.22 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to conduct annual reorganizations, including electing a Chairman and Vice-Chairman. The body will discuss and decide on 2022 meal rates, seasonal employee wages, and official newspaper bids. Other items include ARPA funds policy and grant discussions.

• ARPA Funds Policy
• Regional Trails Planning Matching Grant
• Off Highway Vehicle Grant
• Cottonwood County IV-D Contract
• 2022 Crop Damage Prices for Corn and Soybeans

The board elected Donna Gravley as 2022 Chair and Larry Anderson as Vice-Chair, then approved numerous routine 2022 administrative items including meeting dates, meal rates, seasonal wages, fees, and salaries. A resolution supporting a regional trails plan failed due to lack of a second, and a ditch repayment policy was deferred for drafting.

• Elected Donna Gravley as 2022 Board Chair (unanimous)
• Elected Larry Anderson as 2022 Vice-Chair (unanimous)
• Approved OHV Enforcement Grant of $5,978 for FY2022/2023 (unanimous)
• Authorized signing 2022/2023 IV-D Child Support Cooperative Arrangement (unanimous)
• Hired CliftonLarsonAllen to review draft ARPA Funds Policy (unanimous)
• Resolution supporting regional trails plan died due to lack of a second
• Approved 2022 meeting dates, meal rates, seasonal wages, and fees (unanimous)
• Set 2023 minimum salaries for elected officials at $50,000 (Attorney, Auditor/Treasurer, Sheriff) and $38,000 (Recorder) (unanimous)