Cottonwood County public meetings in 2023
32 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
County Commissioners
The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will meet to finalize the 2024 budget and certify the 2024 levy. The agenda also includes discussions on elected official salaries, public works building bids, and cell phone reimbursement rates.
- Certification of 2024 Levy
- Finalization of 2024 Budget
- Public Works Building Bids
- Discussion of elected official salaries
- Review of cell phone reimbursement rates
The Board certified the 2024 tax levy and approved construction bids for a new Public Works building. Other actions included rescinding elected official salary increases and authorizing the purchase of a plow truck.
- Approved 2024 tax levy of $12,802,550 (unanimous)
- Approved $12,662,190.29 starting budget and construction bids for new Public Works building (unanimous)
- Rescinded 2024 salary increases for County Attorney, Sheriff, Auditor/Treasurer, and Recorder (unanimous)
- Approved bid up to $53,000 for 2008 Sterling L8500 Plow Truck (4-1)
- Approved sale of 1990 International truck on Minnbid (unanimous)
- Hired Wayne Turbes as full-time Heavy Equipment Operator (unanimous)
- Endorsed letter regarding agricultural land time trends (unanimous)
- Approved December warrants totaling $267,842.73 (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review agenda items including delegation agreements and contracts. Discussion topics include jail/dispatch hiring, salary increases, and setting 2024 wages for elected officials.
- MDH Delegation Agreement
- IV-D Contract
- Detour Agreement
- Final Payments – Knife River
- Setting 2024 Elected Official Wages
The Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution for General Obligation Capital Improvement Plan Bonds not to exceed $13,000,000. The board also set 2024 salaries for commissioners and several elected officials and hired four new jail/dispatch staff members.
- Preliminary approval for General Obligation Capital Improvement Plan Bonds up to $13,000,000 (unanimous)
- Approved 2024/2025 IV-D Child Support Cooperative Agreement (unanimous)
- Adopted Detour Agreement with Kraemer North America, LLC (unanimous)
- Approved $52,729.56 final payment to Knife River for six projects (unanimous)
- Hired Kyle Hansen, Chelsey Sargent, Destiny Olson, and Anthony Fauglid as Jail/Dispatchers (unanimous)
- Set 2024 Commissioner salary at $23,000 plus $1,200 for Chair (unanimous)
- Set 2024 salary for Donna Torkelson at $98,410 (4-1)
- Approved December warrants totaling $147,157.23 (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
County Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review various departmental updates and agency reports. Discussion items include crisis center trends, airport and property matters, and emergency management planning.
- Taser purchase by the Sheriff
- Poll Pad purchase by the Auditor/Treasurer
- Preliminary public hearing date for Lateral – CD #38
- Public hearing date for Repair – CD #21
- EAW discussion regarding MN Paving & Materials Project
The board approved final payments for pavement marking and bridge replacement projects totaling over $1.5 million. They also authorized the purchase of tasers, poll pads, and permitting software. The board adopted an updated Emergency Operation Plan and approved an EAW for the Minnesota Paving and Materials Project.
- Approved $823,396.44 final payment to Sir Lines-A-Lot, LLC for pavement marking and rumble strips (unanimous)
- Approved $755,415.60 final payment to John Riley Construction for County Road 3 bridge replacement (unanimous)
- Approved $51,580 purchase of 23 poll pads from KNOWiNK, LLC (unanimous)
- Approved $33,788.20 purchase of seven Taser 10s from Axon Enterprise (unanimous)
- Approved $10,100 purchase of Cloudpermit software (unanimous)
- Adopted resolution 23-11-21 to update the Emergency Operation Plan (unanimous)
- Approved resolution 23-11-21A to proceed with EAW on Minnesota Paving and Materials Project (3-2)
- Approved Wetland Conservation Act applications for City of Windom and HYTTA Lands, LLC (unanimous)
Work Session
The Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss several administrative and infrastructure items. The meeting includes discussions regarding contracts, landfill status, and personnel hiring.
- Approval of Nyhart contract
- Bridge 17514 design contract
- EAW status update
- Landfill discussion
- Part-time HEO hiring
The Board approved a design contract for Bridge #17514 and authorized the Auditor/Treasurer to sign a service agreement for GASB75 reports. Commissioners also extended a project deadline and changed the approval process for online auction purchases.
- Approved Nyhart Service Agreement for FY23 and FY24 GASB75 actuarial updates (unanimous)
- Approved $56,970 Stonebrooke Master Client Agreement Work Order for Bridge #17514 design services (unanimous)
- Authorized County Engineer to hire a Geotechnical consultant for Bridge #17514 (unanimous)
- Extended Minnesota Paving and Materials Project EAW decision deadline to December 8, 2023 (unanimous)
- Decided Board Chair and Vice-Chair will approve online auction equipment purchases not previously approved by the board (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will meet to review the agenda, approve minutes, and vote on a cannabis ordinance. The meeting also includes discussions regarding public works bids, county road safety, and various personnel policy changes.
- Approval of Cannabis Ordinance
- Public Works Building bid advertisement
- Approval of Personnel Policies #133, #170, #380, and #420
- Setting of 2024 Non-Union Wages
- Summit Carbon Solutions update
The Board of Commissioners approved a Cannabis Oriented Business and Use Ordinance and authorized the purchase of an electric pickup truck via a multi-county grant. The board also approved a $20,000 contribution to SMAMHC and authorized bidding for a new Public Works Building.
- Approved Cannabis Oriented Business and Use Ordinance (unanimous)
- Approved $20,000 contribution to SMAMHC pending participation of 18 counties (unanimous)
- Approved purchase of electric pickup for $16,000 county cost via grant (unanimous)
- Approved advertising for bids for new Public Works Building (unanimous)
- Approved Conditional Use Permit for Davin Amara for RV Port, container, and shed (unanimous)
- Approved Agreement for CSAH 26 designation between Cottonwood and Jackson Counties (unanimous)
- Adopted resolution for public hearing on 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan bonds (unanimous)
- Approved 3% COLA for 2024 for warranted non-union non-elected employees (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review various departmental reports, including probation funding and environmental health contracts. The meeting includes discussions on a potential cannabis ordinance and several personnel-related items.
- Cannabis Ordinance discussion
- FY 2024 & FY 2025 BWSR-NRBG Grant Agreement
- 2024 Contract Proposal from Brown-Nicollet Environmental Health
- LRIP Applications for Jeffers & Westbrook
- Lease Agreement with Windom Area Health
The Board approved several infrastructure resolutions, snow removal agreements, and a $16,938 health board contract. They also authorized a one-time $750 appropriation for three local food shelves and appointed a new County Assessor.
- Approved FY2024 and FY2025 BWSR Natural Resources Block Grant agreements (unanimous)
- Approved 2024 contract with Brown-Nicollet Community Health Board for $16,938 (unanimous)
- Adopted sponsorship resolutions for road projects in Jeffers and Westbrook (unanimous)
- Approved 2023-2024 snow removal agreements for Jeffers, Westbrook, Mountain Lake, and Lakeside Township (unanimous)
- Approved $27,814.13 final payment to Towne & Country Excavating, LLC (unanimous)
- Approved one-time $750 appropriation to each of three county food shelves (unanimous)
- Appointed David Grev as County Assessor effective Nov 11, 2023, at $39.67 per hour (unanimous)
- Approved office space lease with Windom Area Health from Nov 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024 (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Board will review MnDOT's Highway 60 Mountain Lake Intersections Study and several conditional use permits. Public Works items include discussions on solid waste alternatives, grant applications, and 2024 park fees.
- Highway 60 Mountain Lake Intersections Study
- Conditional Use Permits for MN Paving & Materials, Jason & Katie Steen, and Scott Kuecker
- Solid Waste Management Alternatives Feasibility Study
- Cannabis Ordinance discussion
- 2024 Park Fees
The Board approved several resolutions for road improvement grants and authorized new seasonal camping rates. They granted two conditional use permits for shoreland construction and approved the purchase of a $26,001.40 tractor for courthouse grounds.
- Increased seasonal camping rates to $1,350 for regular and $1,550 for premium sites (Unanimous)
- Approved resolutions 23-10-03, 23-10-03A, and 23-10-03B for Local Road Improvement Program grants (Unanimous)
- Approved resolution 23-10-03C for Minnesota Highway Freight Program funds (Unanimous)
- Authorized sale of three surplus pickups and miscellaneous items via minnbid (Unanimous)
- Approved $9,204.41 payment for 2024 SafeAssure Service Agreement (Unanimous)
- Approved shoreland conditional use permits for Katie Steen and Scott Kuecker (Unanimous)
- Approved $26,001.40 purchase of a tractor/mower/blower from C&B Operations, LLC (Unanimous)
- Authorized $4,000 in buffer funds for Long Lake Outlet Dike Repair project (Unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Board will review meeting minutes and approve the current agenda. Discussions include truck equipment upgrades, insurance options for 2024, and updates regarding the American Rescue Plan and 2024 budgets.
- New truck equipment upgrades
- Area 2 structure repair
- 2024 BCBS insurance options
- 2024 budget discussions
- American Rescue Plan (ARP) updates
The Board of Commissioners established a preliminary levy for 2024 and approved several public works expenditures, including snow plow equipment and water retention repairs. The board also updated personnel statuses and increased the health insurance single coverage cap.
- Set 2024 preliminary levy at $12,802,550 (unanimous)
- Approved $51,147 per unit price increase for TBEI snow plow trucks (unanimous)
- Approved $41,643 contract with R&G Construction for Area 2 water retention repair (unanimous)
- Increased health insurance single coverage cap to $900 effective 1/1/2024 (unanimous)
- Approved 2024 Blue Cross Blue Shield renewal (unanimous)
- Amended Gale Bondhus' retirement date to January 25, 2024 (4-1)
- Approved September warrants totaling $238,496.03 (unanimous)
- Moved Marsha Forsyth and Nick Anderson to permanent full-time status (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting to conduct a public hearing regarding a tax abatement for the Mt. Lake Hotel Project. The board will also discuss the 2024 budgets.
- Tax Abatement Public Hearing – Mt. Lake Hotel Project
- Discussion of 2024 Budgets
The Board approved a commercial property tax abatement for a hotel development project in the City of Mountain Lake. The board also reviewed proposed budgets for 2024.
- Approved resolution 23-09-12 for property tax abatements on parcel 22.525.0070 (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review minutes from previous meetings and hear a public hearing regarding commercial abatement for Scooters Coffee. The agenda also includes discussions on landfill leases, equipment purchases, and various joint powers agreements.
- Public Hearing: Commercial Abatement for Scooters Coffee
- Closed Meeting regarding litigation: The Toro Company vs. Cottonwood County
- Discussion of Landfill Lease and termination of mowing contract
- Review of 2022 Pickup Lease Buyout/Equipment Purchase
- Approval of RCRCA and DVHHS Joint Powers Agreements
The Board approved a commercial property tax abatement for Mork Properties to construct a drive-thru coffee shop. Other actions included approving a landfill lease, terminating a mowing contract, and authorizing a $59,902 electronic document management system purchase.
- Approved tax abatement for Mork Properties coffee shop (unanimous)
- Approved Landfill Land Lease with R.A. Muecke Sand and Gravel, Inc. (unanimous)
- Terminated mowing contract with Barnett Pro Care immediately (unanimous)
- Approved lease buyout of two 2022 GMC Sierra 3500s and sale of 2009 Chevy Extended Cab (unanimous)
- Approved $59,902 purchase of ISC Workflow and two scanners from Recorder’s Unallocated Fund (unanimous)
- Approved amended Redwood-Cottonwood Rivers Control Area Joint Powers Agreement (unanimous)
- Approved Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement for Joint Health and Human Services Entity (unanimous)
- Approved September warrants totaling $116,093.95 (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners convened a special meeting to discuss the 2024 budgets, tax forfeiture demo bids, and an amendment to Resolution 23-08-22.
- Amendment to Resolution 23-08-22
- Tax Forfeiture Demo Bids
- 2024 Budgets
The board amended a previous resolution to reduce a specified dollar amount and approved two grant disbursal agreements. They also authorized the purchase of phishing protection software. Proposed 2024 budgets for SWCD, IT, and the Sheriff's office were reviewed.
- Amended resolution 23-08-22 to change $798,503.80 to $382,276.90 (unanimous)
- Approved Grant Proceed Disbursal Agreement with Des Moines River Watershed Partnership (unanimous)
- Approved Grant Proceed Disbursal Agreement with Greater Blue Earth River Basin Alliance (unanimous)
- Approved $3,192 purchase of Check Point Software from SHI (unanimous)
- Canceled August 31st work session
County Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting to discuss commercial tax abatements and the 2024 budgets. The agenda also includes reviewing a management letter and processing project bids and final payments.
- Commercial Tax Abatement Discussion
- Review of Bids for Project 017-603-019
- Final Payments for Projects 017-606-026, 017-611-017, and 017-604-025
- Discussion of 2024 Budgets
The Board of Commissioners approved a contract for bridge replacement on CSAH 3 and authorized a final payment to Midwest Contracting. The board also approved a representation letter for the 2022 year-end financial audit.
- Adopted resolution 23-08-22 for State Transportation Fund Local Bridge Replacement Program Grant (unanimous, Commissioner Appel absent)
- Accepted low bid from John Riley Construction, Inc. for $798,503.80 for project 017-603-019 (unanimous, Commissioner Appel absent)
- Approved final payment of $71,270.37 to Midwest Contracting for projects 017-606-027, 017-611-017, and 017-604-025 (unanimous)
- Approved representation letter for December 31, 2022, year-end audit of financial statements (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review several conditional use permits and a tax abatement request for Scooter’s Coffee. The meeting also includes discussions regarding the Historical Society budget, 2024 budgets, and American Rescue Plan funds.
- Conditional Use Permits for Mike Frank, Duininck, Inc., Mary Walinga, and Amanda Nolte
- FEMA LOMR for Des Moines River
- Tax Abatement Request – Scooter’s Coffee
- Historical Society Budget Request
- Approval to Hire Deputy Recorder
The Board approved four conditional use permits for construction and business operations. It also terminated a repurchase contract for a tax forfeiture property and scheduled a public hearing for a commercial tax abatement application.
- Approved Conditional Use Permit for Amanda Nolte (deck and gazebo) (unanimous)
- Approved Conditional Use Permit for Mike Frank (garage addition) (unanimous)
- Approved Conditional Use Permit for Duininck, Inc. (temporary asphalt plant) (unanimous)
- Approved Conditional Use Permit for Mary Lou Walinga (gravel operations) (unanimous)
- Terminated repurchase contract with John Hoscheid for parcel 21.417.0370 (unanimous)
- Accepted Scooter’s Coffee tax abatement application; public hearing set for Sept 5 (unanimous)
- Promoted Carly Pohlman ($24.92) and Nathan Wildermuth ($23.83) to Appraiser-CMA (unanimous)
- Approved August warrants totaling $106,920.56 (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting to discuss the Mt. Lake Hotel Project tax abatement, the Public Works Facility, and 2024 budgets.
- Tax Abatement – Mt. Lake Hotel Project
- Public Works Facility discussion
- 2024 Budgets discussion
The Board approved the schematic design plan for a new Public Works Facility and established the funding process for the project. Additionally, the Board set a public hearing date regarding a tax abatement request for a hotel project in Mountain Lake.
- Approved Schematic Design Plan for new Public Works Facility (unanimous)
- Decided all new Public Works Facility building expenses will be paid via Road and Bridge account (unanimous)
- Decided pre-construction costs for Public Works Facility will be funded by Road and Bridge cash balance and not reimbursed from county building fund (unanimous)
- Set Public Hearing for August 29th at 8:00 a.m. regarding Mountain Lake hotel tax abatement (unanimous)
- Approved the agenda as amended (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Board will review the July 18 minutes and approve the current agenda. Discussions include a county geologic survey presentation, sheriff administrative hiring, and updates on the Public Works building.
- County Geologic Survey presentation
- Approval to hire Sheriff Administrative Assistant
- Review of 2023 expiring leases
- SWMH agreement for advancement and repayment of funds
- Approval of Policies #730 & #740
The board scheduled two public hearings for the Cannabis Ordinance on September 19, 2023. Other actions included approving personnel changes, updating workplace drug policies, and authorizing August warrants totaling $372,325.03.
- Set Cannabis Ordinance Public Hearings for September 19, 2023 (unanimous)
- Approved sending invitation letters to cities regarding cannabis hearings (unanimous)
- Moved Rebekah Ellingson to permanent full-time Jailer/Dispatcher (unanimous)
- Offered Pam Hogan Sheriff Administrative Assistant position at $24.99 per hour (unanimous)
- Approved posting for Corrections Administrative Assistant position if vacancy occurs (unanimous)
- Raised interest rate on Southwestern Mental Health Center Promissory Note to 3% effective October 1, 2023 (unanimous)
- Accepted revisions to Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace and Testing policies (unanimous)
- Approved August warrants totaling $372,325.03 (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review the July 18, 2023, agenda and previous meeting minutes. Discussion items include a broadband MOU, a cannabis ordinance, and septic system matters for the N71 Complex.
- Cannabis Ordinance discussion
- N71 Complex Septic System review
- Equipment purchase proposal
- Land lease rate review
- Redetermination of benefits for CD14, CD17, CD18, CD20, CD24, and CD30
The Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of a crawler loader for the landfill and a memorandum of understanding for broadband fiber buildout. The board also authorized the Cannabis Committee to set public hearing dates for a new ordinance and approved several public works contracts.
- Approved MOU with Federated Rural Electric Association for broadband fiber buildout (unanimous)
- Authorized Cannabis Committee to set public hearing dates for Cannabis Ordinance (unanimous)
- Approved abandonment of septic system at N71 Office Building (unanimous)
- Approved $397,435 purchase of Liebherr LR 636 Crawler Loader from ASE (unanimous)
- Set land lease rate of $200 per acre for three years for parcel across from landfill (unanimous)
- Approved $29,200 contract amendment with Widseth and $9,500 for Contegrity services (unanimous)
- Hired H2Over Viewers for Redetermination of Benefits on County Ditches #20 and #30 (unanimous)
- Approved July warrants totaling $246,789.20 (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners met to approve a conditional use permit for a fabrication shop in Mountain Lake Township. The board also authorized safety boot reimbursements for certain employees and approved July warrants totaling $278,962.70.
- Approved Conditional Use Permit for Neuhof Brethren to add a Fabrication Shop in Mountain Lake Township
- Authorized final payment of $59,132.74 to Central Specialties, Inc. for Project 017-607-021
- Approved $100 annual safety boot reimbursement for Public Works non-union employees and the Ditch Inspector
- Approved 100% reimbursement for steel shank boots for Solid Waste employees as needed
- Approved July warrants totaling $278,962.70 across multiple county funds
The Board approved various personnel actions, including the hiring process for a Deputy Recorder and the resignation of a Sheriff's Administrative Assistant. They also authorized safety boot reimbursements for specific employees and approved a conditional use permit for a fabrication shop. Financial approvals included July warrants and a final project payment to Central Specialties, Inc.
- Approved Conditional Use Permit for Neuhof Brethren fabrication shop (unanimous)
- Approved HR to begin hiring process for Deputy Recorder (unanimous)
- Approved $59,132.74 final payment to Central Specialties, Inc. (unanimous)
- Approved up to $100 annual safety boot reimbursement for non-union Public Works and Ditch Inspector (unanimous)
- Approved 100% reimbursement for steel shank boots for Solid Waste employees (unanimous)
- Approved July warrants totaling $278,962.70 (unanimous)
- Extended Saije Galer's probationary period to July 8, 2024 (unanimous)
- Approved Amended Fiscal Host/Agent Agreement between DVHHS and Southwestern MN Adult Mental Health Consortium (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review administrative updates, including staff hiring and policy changes. The meeting also includes a public hearing on a housing initiative and discussions regarding cannabis and financial matters.
- Public Hearing: Housing Initiative – New Construction – Myron Vonk
- Conditional Use Permit Extension – Neuhof Hutterian Brethren
- CSAH 3 Culvert Replacement Agreement
- SSTS Loan Policy discussion
- Three Tax Forfeiture repurchase requests
The Board of Commissioners designated $240,000 in ARPA funds for landfill test wells and vinyl chloride expenses, with the remaining $1,581,323 allocated for a new Public Works building. Other actions included approving a tax abatement for a single-family home and allowing three individuals to repurchase tax-forfeited properties.
- Designated $240,000 ARPA funds for landfill and $1,581,323 for new Public Works building (unanimous)
- Kept SSTS loan policy as is for repair/replacement, excluding new construction (4-1)
- Approved 30-day extension for Neuhof Brethren fabrication shop permit (unanimous)
- Approved culvert replacement agreement on CSAH 3 (unanimous)
- Declared Policy #198 regarding public health emergency paid leave inactive (unanimous)
- Approved 30-day posting of revised drug, alcohol, and cannabis workplace policies (unanimous)
- Approved residential property tax abatement for Myron and Catherine Vonk (unanimous)
- Approved repurchase of tax forfeiture properties for Scott Arndtson, Sharon Drew, and John Hoscheid (unanimous)
Board of Equalization
The County Assessor will provide an update on county statistics, valuation changes, and law changes. The board will also hear individual property assessment appeals from several residents.
- Update on County Statistics, Valuation Changes, and Law Changes by Gale Bondhus
- Property assessment appeal for Jerome Graff (01.002.0100 07.036.0102)
- Property assessment appeal for Clarence Davis (07.015.0100 07.010.0600)
- Property assessment appeal for Glenn Graff (07.034.0301 01.032.0100)
- Property assessment appeals for Hilary Paplow and Troy Erickson
The Board reviewed 2023 assessment valuations and acted on various owner requests and assessor recommendations. Several parcels received value reductions due to drainage, erosion, or building maintenance, while other requests for reductions were denied. The board ultimately voted to accept the assessments and all implemented changes.
- Approved 6% drainage adjustments for parcels 02.026.0200, 02.028.0302, 02.022.0401, and 02.022.0501 (Unanimous)
- Approved 15% drainage adjustment for parcel 11.034.0204 (Unanimous)
- Approved 13% small tract adjustment for parcel 19.230.0014 (Unanimous)
- Approved 13% Highly Erodible Land adjustment for parcel 17.009.0104 (Unanimous)
- Approved splitting parcel 11.015.0701 into agricultural and residential parcels (Unanimous)
- Approved building value decrease of $249,500 for parcel 25.839.0015 (Unanimous)
- Approved value increases for 37 parcels in Delton Township due to clerical error (Unanimous)
- Denied change requests for parcels 02.022.0400, 10.005.0100, 04.016.0400, 04.016.0402, 04.016.0500, 19.009.0100, 19.230.0011, 19.230.0005, 01.002.0100, 07.036.0102, 01.032.0100, 07.034.0301, 07.029.0300, 07.010.0600, 07.015.0100, 17.009.0100, and 25.623.0040 (Unanimous)
County Commissioners
The meeting will primarily review routine administrative items and discuss a feasibility study for North 71. Other notable topics include veterans outreach funding, ditch petitions, and policy updates.
- Resolution calling for a public hearing on the 5 Year Capital Improvement Plan
- Feasibility Study for North 71 Road
- Bids for Projects 017-070-011 & 017-070-013
The Board approved a $1,252,403.56 contract for pavement markings and rumble strips. Officials set minimum bids for tax-forfeited properties and approved a public hearing for a residential tax abatement. The Board also updated personnel policies and authorized a $10,400 space needs study.
- Accepted low bid from Sir Lines-A-Lot, LLC for $1,252,403.56 for road safety projects (unanimous)
- Approved resolution 23-06-06B for public/private sale of tax-forfeited lands (unanimous)
- Set minimum bids for tax-forfeited land at $200, except parcel 25-838-0030 at $100 (unanimous)
- Approved resolution 23-06-06A for a public hearing on residential tax abatement (unanimous)
- Authorized $10,400 for ISG to conduct a Professional Services Proposal for space needs (unanimous)
- Approved $1,203.60 from Veteran’s Long-Term account for regional outreach catering (unanimous)
- Issued a $5,000 credit card to Deputy Assessor David Grev (4-1)
- Adopted revised Respectful Workplace Policy #445 and added Juneteenth to holiday listing (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Board will review previous meeting minutes and discuss various county business. Items include IT equipment purchases, conditional use permits, and a closed meeting regarding litigation.
- Purchase of servers and operating system software
- Cameras for Talcot Park
- Conditional Use Permit – Knife River
- Conditional Use Permit – Elmendorf Hutterian Brethren
- Litigation discussion: The Toro Company vs. Cottonwood County
The Board adopted a resolution declaring a state of emergency due to rain expenses. They also approved several IT purchases for law enforcement, two conditional use permits for township projects, and a road construction agreement.
- Adopted Resolution 23-05-16 declaring a State of Emergency (unanimous roll call)
- Approved $32,370 purchase of three Lenovo servers from SHI (unanimous)
- Approved $42,912 for Windows Datacenter Software from SHI, paid over three years (unanimous)
- Approved purchase of four cameras for Talcot Park (unanimous)
- Approved Construction Cooperative Agreement with Germantown Township and Redwood County (unanimous)
- Approved Conditional Use Permit for Knife River portable asphalt plant in Amboy Township (unanimous)
- Approved Conditional Use Permit for Elmendorf Hutterian Brethren site modifications in Mountain Lake Township (unanimous)
- Approved Redwood-Cottonwood Rivers Control Area Joint Powers Agreement through June 30, 2025 (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting to consult with the State Auditor. The discussion will focus on building matters and options for financing and bonding.
- Discussion regarding Buildings
- Discussion regarding Financing/Bonding Options
The board voted unanimously to accept the low bid of $42,750 from Sanow & Company for the courthouse roof, contingent on receiving bond and insurance. They also approved a new invoice payment process for the Public Works facility, with the County Engineer and Auditor/Treasurer handling coding and payment. Discussion was held on possible Wheelage Tax increase and bonding for a Capital Improvement Plan.
- Approved $42,750 courthouse roof contract with Sanow & Company, LLC (unanimous)
- Approved new invoice payment process for Public Works facility (unanimous)
- Consensus to have County Coordinator contact Northland Securities about Capital Improvement Plan
- Consensus to consider increasing Wheelage Tax at a future June meeting
County Commissioners
The Board will conduct public hearings regarding housing initiative new construction. The meeting includes updates on the Summit Carbon Solutions project and various departmental reports.
- Public Hearing: Housing Initiative – New Construction – Deutchman
- Public Hearing: Housing Initiative – New Construction – Klassen
- Summit Carbon Solutions Project Update
- Revision to Policy #445
- Resignation of Heavy Equipment Operator
The board approved two residential property tax abatements for new single-family homes, contingent on septic approval. It declined to increase the volunteer driver mileage rate or pay for time at veteran appointments, and instead directed further research on a donated van. Other actions included approving a used pickup purchase, opting out of a watershed policy portion, and accepting a resignation.
- Approved Home Initiative tax abatement for Todd & Darla Deutchman (unanimous)
- Approved Home Initiative tax abatement for Arlen & Cynthia Klassen (unanimous)
- Denied mileage rate increase and time compensation for volunteer drivers (consensus)
- Approved purchase of 2019 Ford F-150 for $39,474 contingent on test drive (unanimous)
- Approved opting out of policy portion of Blue Earth 1W1P watershed (unanimous)
- Approved 30-day posting period for Policy #445 revisions (unanimous)
- Accepted resignation of Brent Schroeder, Heavy Equipment Operator (unanimous)
- Approved May warrants totaling $97,228.76 (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Board will review updates on the Summit Carbon Solutions project and various housing initiatives for new construction. The agenda also includes discussions regarding vehicle purchases, seasonal hires, and public works engineering services.
- Housing Initiative – New Construction – Todd Deutchman
- Housing Initiative – New Construction – Arlen Klassen
- AIS Grant Application
- Vehicle Purchase for Ditch Inspector
- Summit Carbon Solutions Project Update
The Board of Commissioners authorized the hiring of Widseth for architectural and engineering services for a new Public Works facility. Other actions included approving a $20,000 weed harvester grant for Mt. Lake and scheduling public hearings for two residential tax abatements.
- Approved hiring Widseth for Public Works facility architectural/engineering services (3-1)
- Approved $20,000 AIS grant for Mt. Lake weed harvester (unanimous)
- Approved participation in Minnesota Geological Survey County Geological Atlas Program (4-1)
- Adopted resolutions for public hearings on tax abatements for Darla & Todd Deutchman and Cynthia & Arlen Klassen (unanimous)
- Authorized Donna Torkelson to administer the County's credit card program (unanimous)
- Approved hiring five seasonal workers (unanimous)
- Approved month-to-month lease extension for SW/WC Service Cooperative (unanimous)
- Approved $113,655.13 in April warrants (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
County Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review agenda items including a conditional use permit for R. A. Muecke Sand & Gravel, Inc. and 2024 equipment purchases. Discussion topics also include various county grants and updates to personnel policies.
- Conditional Use Permit – R. A. Muecke Sand & Gravel, Inc.
- 2024 Equipment Purchase
- Mowing Bids
- Opioid Amended MOA
- Policy #180 – Leave Benefits for Volunteer Fire/Ambulance Service
The Board of Commissioners approved a Conditional Use Permit for R. A. Muecke Sand & Gravel, Inc. and authorized participation in multistate opioid settlements. Other actions included awarding a mowing contract and approving personnel policy revisions.
- Approved Conditional Use Permit for R. A. Muecke Sand & Gravel, Inc. (unanimous)
- Accepted $11,010 mowing bid from Barnett Pro Care for 2023-2025 (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 23-04-04 for opioid supply chain settlements (unanimous)
- Approved purchase of wireless security cameras for Auditor/Treasurer’s office (unanimous)
- Authorized County Attorney to apply for OJP grant for Victim Witness Coordinator (unanimous)
- Approved 2023 Minnesota Boat and Water Grant of $691.00 (unanimous)
- Approved personnel policy revisions, excluding policy #680 (unanimous)
- Approved April warrants totaling $71,782.32 (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Board will review the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting. Discussion items include a new dispatch logger purchase, a watershed management plan resolution, and implementation of the Ervin Report recommendations.
- Purchase of new Logger/Recorder for dispatch
- Resolution to Adopt and Implement the Des Moines River Watershed Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan
- Implementation of Recommendation of Ervin Report
- Closed meeting regarding litigation: The Toro Company vs. Cottonwood County
The Board of Commissioners adopted a comprehensive watershed management plan and approved several financial warrants. The board also authorized the purchase of new dispatch equipment and established a committee to implement the Ervin Report recommendations.
- Adopted Resolution 23-03-21 for the Des Moines River Watershed Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan (unanimous)
- Approved $30,880 purchase of Eventide Voice Logging Recorder from Alpha Wireless (unanimous)
- Approved March warrants totaling $144,544.56 (unanimous)
- Authorized Chairman Anderson to appoint a committee for Ervin Report recommendations (unanimous)
- Moved Matt Janssen to permanent full-time Heavy Equipment Operator status effective March 27, 2023 (unanimous)
- Officially declared County office closures on March 16 and 17, 2023 due to inclement weather (unanimous)
- Determined law enforcement does not enforce local ordinances regarding Carson Township
County Commissioners
The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will meet to consider several public works items, including a landfill study proposal from SEH, bids for contract mowing and multiple road projects, and a construction manager fee proposal. The board will also discuss financials, county office closures, approval to hire deputy auditor/treasurers, and American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds.
- SEH proposal for landfill study
- Bids for contract mowing
- Bids for Project 017-592-001
- Bids for Projects 017-613-047, 017-609-011, 017-627-004, 017-644-002, 017-611-020
- Approval to hire Deputy Auditor/Treasurer(s)
The Board approved several public works contracts, including a landfill feasibility study and a construction management proposal for the Public Works facility. The board also hired two Deputy Auditor/Treasurers and approved March warrants totaling $84,242.72.
- Awarded 480th Avenue reconstruction in Great Bend Township to Towne & Country Excavating, Inc. for $459,885.30 (unanimous)
- Awarded five resurfacing projects to Knife River for $3,772,715.30 (unanimous)
- Approved $34,200 agreement with SEH, Inc. for landfill feasibility study (unanimous)
- Accepted $245,000 Construction Management Fee Proposal from Contegrity Group (unanimous)
- Rejected all bids for contract mowing and ordered re-advertisement (unanimous)
- Hired Marsha Forsyth and Nick Anderson as Deputy Auditor/Treasurers (unanimous)
- Approved March warrants totaling $84,242.72 (unanimous)
- Declared county offices closed Feb 22-23, 2023, due to inclement weather (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will discuss a landfill farmland lease, an out-of-state travel request, and permission to advertise for seasonal employees. They will also consider hiring part-time jailer/dispatchers and review personnel policies.
- Landfill Farmland Lease
- Out-of-State Travel Request
- Permission to Advertise for Seasonal Employees
- Permission to Hire Part-Time Jailer/Dispatcher(s)
- County Offices Closure – February 15, 2023
The Board of Commissioners expanded the Veterans Service Officer position to 40 hours per week and awarded a three-year farmland lease to Darelyn Harrington. Other actions included approving February warrants totaling $174,193.78 and authorizing travel for Public Works employees. The board also approved personnel policy changes for a 30-day comment period.
- Increased Veterans Service Officer to 40-hour per week position (unanimous)
- Awarded three-year Landfill Farmland lease to Darelyn Harrington at $16,551 per year (unanimous)
- Approved out-of-state travel for up to three Public Works employees to ConExpo in Las Vegas (unanimous)
- Approved advertising for six seasonal Public Works positions (unanimous)
- Hired Alfredo Martinez as part-time Jailer/Dispatcher (unanimous)
- Approved personnel policy changes for a 30-day comment period (unanimous)
- Approved February warrants totaling $174,193.78 (unanimous)
- Increased limits on two credit cards to $3,000 for the Assessor and Auditor/Treasurer offices (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review the January meeting minutes and address several personnel matters. Discussion includes a ditch interest rate and levy, as well as updates regarding county staffing and legislative priorities.
- Closed meeting to discuss a pending grievance
- Closed meeting regarding The Toro Company vs. Cottonwood County litigation
- 2022 Annual Report from Mitchell Chmielewski, VSO
- 2023 Ditch Interest Rate and Ditch Levy – JD #10
- Permission to hire a full-time Jailer/Dispatcher
The Board approved the 2023 budget and authorized several personnel changes, including the promotion of jail staff and the acceptance of two deputy auditor resignations. The Board also acted as the Ditch Authority to set interest rates and assess negative balances for specific ditches.
- Approved 2023 budget (unanimous)
- Set 2023 County Ditch assessment interest rate at 2.5% (unanimous)
- Assessed JD#10 negative balance of approx. $115,000 over 3 years (unanimous)
- Assessed JD#31 negative balance of approx. $50,785 over 2 years (unanimous)
- Hired Ethan Waytas of Nagell Appraisal, Inc. as expert witness for Toro tax court petitions (unanimous)
- Adopted resolution 23-02-07 endorsing Community Supervision Work Group funding (unanimous)
- Approved February warrants totaling $86,232.48 (unanimous)
- Accepted resignations of Deputy Auditor/Treasurers Meridee Paulson and Michelle Baerg (3-1)
County Commissioners
The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will meet on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. to discuss and vote on several administrative items, including a final budget adjustment, the official newspaper designation, a ditch levy, a salary adjustment for the Attorney's Office, and a window grant funding request. The board will also consider approval to hire a Highway Equipment Operator and the 2022 Pay Equity Report.
- Final Budget Adjustment and Approve Ditch Levy (9:15 a.m.)
- Attorney's Office Request for Salary Adjustment (9:30 a.m.)
- Window Grant Funding Request (9:35 a.m.)
- Approval to Hire HEO (Highway Equipment Operator) (9:35 a.m.)
- Approval of Pay Equity Report (9:35 a.m.)
The Board of Commissioners approved various personnel changes, a grant application for alcohol monitoring, and the 2023 official newspaper bid. Acting as the Ditch Authority, the board approved ditch levies and specific fund payments. No action was taken on requested salary adjustments for the County Attorney's office.
- Approved application for $6,000 REAM Program Grant (unanimous)
- Accepted Citizen Publishing bid for official county newspaper (unanimous)
- Approved ditch levies as presented by each district (unanimous)
- Approved $97,271 payment to sinking ditch fund (unanimous)
- Approved $595 payment to Jim Schmidt for Courthouse Window Grant work (unanimous)
- Hired Daniel Riordan as Heavy Equipment Operator at $23.38/hour (unanimous)
- Approved January warrants totaling $87,239.81 (unanimous)
- Decided all Buildings and Grounds Worker positions will be supervised by the Building Operations Manager (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting to discuss five agenda items: buildings, courthouse windows, ditches, salaries, and the AFSCME union contract. No decisions or votes are specified in the agenda; the items are listed for discussion only.
- Discussion of buildings
- Discussion of courthouse windows
- Discussion of ditches
- Discussion of salaries
- Discussion of AFSCME union contract
The Board approved a two-year agreement with AFSCME Local Union #578 and a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for the Public Works Director, County Coordinator, and County Assessor. The Board also reached a consensus on building priorities and policy changes regarding comp time.
- Approved 2-year agreement with AFSCME Local Union #578 (unanimous)
- Approved 3% COLA for Public Works Director, County Coordinator, and County Assessor (unanimous)
- Identified new highway shop, Courthouse windows, and roof as main building priorities
- Directed County Attorney to send letter to neighbor parking on tax forfeiture property
County Commissioners
The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold its annual reorganization meeting, electing a chair and vice-chair, approving department/committee assignments, and setting 2023 meal rates, seasonal employee wages, per diems, crop damage prices, and county office fees. The board will also consider a bridge bonding agreement, a five-year construction plan, and appointments including a county coroner.
- Bridge Bonding Agreement – SAP 017-604-025
- Five Year Construction Plan and Bridge Replacement Priority List
- Appointment of County Coroner
- Set 2023 Meal Rates and Seasonal Employee Wages
- Resolution to Use Alternative Method to Disseminate and Receive Bids and Requests
The Board elected its 2023 leadership and approved a $115,048 grant for bridge replacement on CSAH 4. The commissioners also approved the 5-year construction plan, set 2023 seasonal wages and crop damage rates, and authorized the purchase of two Dodge pickups.
- Elected Larry Anderson as 2023 Board Chair and Norm Holmen as Vice Chair (unanimous)
- Approved $115,048 grant for Bridge 89511 replacement on CSAH 4 (unanimous)
- Approved 5-year construction plan and Bridge Replacement Priority List (unanimous)
- Approved purchase of 2 Dodge pickups to replace cancelled Ford orders (unanimous)
- Re-appointed Dr. Rodney Dynes as County Coroner for a 4-year term (unanimous)
- Set 2023 crop damage rates at $900/acre for corn and $600/acre for soybeans (unanimous)
- Set 2023 seasonal wages from $14.00 to $15.50 based on years of service (unanimous)
- Approved January warrants totaling $124,829.13 (unanimous)