Cottonwood County public meetings in 2024

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on a tax abatement for Pref Choice Homes, then certify the 2025 levy and finalize the 2025 budget. The board will also set 2025 commissioner salaries, per diems, and tech fees, and approve several personnel actions including hires and resignations. A closed session is planned to discuss strategy for labor negotiations.

• Public Hearing – Tax Abatement – Pref Choice Homes
• Certify 2025 Levy and Finalize 2025 Budget
• Set 2025 Commissioner Salaries, Per Diems, and Tech Fee
• Approve hire of Engineering Aide and Part-Time Landfill Scale Operator
• Resignations: Assistant County Attorney and County Recorder

The Board of Commissioners certified the 2025 levy and set the annual revenue and expenditures budget at $32,683,067. The board also approved a tax abatement for a new home construction and finalized 2025 commissioner salaries.

• Certified 2025 levy at $13,570,703, a 6% increase from 2024 (unanimous)
• Set 2025 total revenues and expenditures at $32,683,067 (unanimous)
• Approved tax abatement for Preferred Choice Homes, LLC at 1946 Bud Road (unanimous)
• Set 2025 Commissioner Salary at $23,750 plus $1,200 for Chair (unanimous)
• Approved December warrants totaling $202,653.10 (unanimous)
• Hired Daniel Green as Engineering Aide at $26.78 per hour (unanimous)
• Hired Shannon Paplow as part-time Landfill Scale Operator at $21.58 per hour (unanimous)
• Appointed Tom Appel as Chairman for Cottonwood-Brown JD#24 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board will hold a public hearing on a tax abatement request by Meyeraan and discuss a housing initiative for new construction by Preferred Choice Homes. Commissioners will also consider final payments on road projects, the Windom HSIP application, broadband updates, and approve the 2025 pay matrix and elected officials' salaries. A Truth in Taxation meeting follows the regular session.

• Public hearing – Tax Abatement – Meyeraan
• Housing Initiative – New Construction – Preferred Choice Homes
• Final Payment on Project 017-599-111 and Project 017-605-023
• Windom HSIP Application
• Approval of 2025 pay matrix and salaries of elected officials

The board approved the 2025 pay matrix and set annual salaries for the Sheriff, County Attorney, Auditor/Treasurer, and Recorder. Other key actions included approving a broadband partnership with Federated Electric Coop and authorizing payments for completed bridge projects.

• Approved 2025 pay matrix and specific ranges for Public Works Director, County Coordinator, and HR Technician (unanimous)
• Set 2025 salaries: Sheriff $132,100, County Attorney $138,500, Auditor/Treasurer $100,800, and Recorder $90,950 (unanimous)
• Approved MOU for broadband partnership with Federated Electric Coop (4-1)
• Approved tax abatement for new home construction at 40504 440th Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved final bridge payments of $30,011.34 and $95,445.24 to Midwest Contracting/Midwest Contracting, LLC (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 24-12-03D to act as project sponsor for City of Windom roundabout application (unanimous)
• Approved December warrants totaling $152,166.14 (unanimous)
• Set holiday office closures for Dec 24 at 12:00 p.m. and Dec 31 at 3:00 p.m. (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board will consider a housing initiative for new construction by Meyeraan, approve union contracts for LELS, and adopt the 2025 pay matrix. They will also discuss a resolution for Red Rock Rural Water System, LED crosswalk signs in Mountain Lake, and other routine business. A closed session for labor negotiation strategy follows the regular agenda.

• Housing Initiative – New Construction – Meyeraan
• RRFB LED Flashing crosswalk Signs in Mountain Lake
• Red Rock Rural Water System Resolution
• Approval of LELS union contracts
• Approval of 2025 pay matrix

The Board approved two-year union contracts for deputies and jailer/dispatchers. The board also agreed to cost-participate in pedestrian crosswalk signs for Mt. Lake and set a public hearing for a residential tax abatement.

• Approved resolution 24-11-19 calling for a public hearing on tax abatement for a new residential project (unanimous)
• Approved cost participation with City of Mt. Lake for one RRFB pedestrian crosswalk system on CSAH 1 (unanimous)
• Approved a maximum of 1 sign per church on County Roads 27, 29 and 1 in Mt. Lake (unanimous)
• Approved resolution 24-11-19A recommending Leslie Anderson, James Haler, John Smith and Bruce Gundermann to the Red Rock Rural Water System Board (unanimous)
• Approved contract with Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. No 144 (Deputies) for Jan 1, 2025 to Dec 31, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved contract with Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. No. 346 (Jailer/Dispatchers) for Jan 1, 2025 to Dec 31, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved November warrants totaling $152,166.14 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on a tax abatement request for Johnson, consider approval of cyber coverage, and act on several personnel items including hires and a resignation. The meeting will close with a strategy session on labor negotiations.

• Public hearing on tax abatement – Johnson
• Approval for cyber coverage
• Final payments on various public works projects
• Snow maintenance agreements
• Hire of Legal Secretary and part-time Scale Operator; contingent job offer for Deputy Sheriff

The board approved final payments for three bridge and culvert projects totaling over $698,000. They also granted a tax abatement for a new home construction in Mountain Lake and approved several personnel hires and equipment purchases.

• Approved tax abatement for new home at 40263 County Road 1 (unanimous)
• Approved $15,468.36 cyber security coverage premium from Houston Casualty Company (unanimous)
• Approved $12,258.47 postage machine and $30,000 for Eagleview GIS flyover (unanimous)
• Approved $107,576.96 in November warrants (unanimous)
• Approved final bridge payments: $332,091.68 to R&E Construction and $366,440.90 to Towne and Country Excavating (unanimous)
• Approved 2024-2025 snow maintenance agreements with Jeffers, Mt. Lake, Westbrook, and Lakeside Township (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution 24-11-05A for Landfill Certificate of Need Request (unanimous)
• Approved hiring Tammy Crowell as Legal Secretary and Jett Saewert as Deputy Sheriff (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss final payments for road projects and a resolution for construction funds. The agenda also includes a broadband proposal from Federated Broadband and the hiring of an Assistant County Attorney.

• Final payment on road projects
• Advance on Construction Funds Resolution
• Broadband presentation and proposal from Federated Broadband
• Courthouse Landings
• Assistant County Attorney hire

The Board approved several infrastructure payments, a new Assistant County Attorney, and funding for courthouse and law enforcement facility upgrades. They also authorized the advancement of 2026 construction funds to fully fund 2025 projects.

• Approved $155,849.35 final payment to Mathiowetz Construction for CR 99 bridge repair (unanimous)
• Approved $66,166.20 final payment to Mathiowetz Construction for CSAH 7 culvert and tile crossing repair (unanimous)
• Approved resolution 24-10-29 to advance 2026 County State and Highway Funds (unanimous roll call)
• Hired Adam Maloney as Assistant County Attorney at a salary of $89,627.20 (unanimous)
• Approved Widseth as architect for Courthouse landing renovation at a cost of $37,500 (unanimous)
• Approved AP Construction as construction manager for Courthouse landing renovation (vote tally not recorded)
• Approved $28,660 quote from Ron’s Electric for a new fire alarm panel at the Law Enforcement Center (unanimous)
• Approved $41,000 quote from Ron’s Electric for new lighting control at the Law Enforcement Center (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding a tax abatement for Strom and discuss a new construction housing initiative for Johnson. The meeting includes reviews of local disaster credits and a conditional use permit. The session will conclude with a closed discussion on labor negotiation strategy.

• Public hearing on tax abatement for Strom
• Housing initiative new construction for Johnson
• Local disaster credits for Strom and Kallsen
• Conditional Use Permit for Quade
• Re-appointment of County Assessor and hire of part-time jailer/dispatcher

The Board of Commissioners approved a tax abatement for a new single-family home and two Local Option Disaster Credits for flood-damaged properties. The board also reappointed the County Assessor and approved $292,213.79 in warrants.

• Approved tax abatement for Marilee W. and David B. Strom (unanimous)
• Approved Local Option Disaster Credit of estimated $4,210 for parcel 25.831.0040 (unanimous)
• Approved Local Option Disaster Credit of estimated $1,216 for parcel 25.831.0120 (unanimous)
• Reappointed David Grev as County Assessor for a 4-year term (unanimous)
• Approved $292,213.79 in October warrants (unanimous)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Douglas Quade for dwelling expansion in Westbrook Township (unanimous)
• Hired Steve McGowan and Alisha Giesselmann as part-time Jail/Dispatchers (unanimous)
• Approved resolution calling for a public hearing on a tax abatement for Lane and Kathy Johnson (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on a commercial abatement for Creamery, consider a flood disaster resolution for property tax division, and vote on a resolution for the Cottonwood-Middle Minnesota Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan. The board will also discuss a housing initiative for new construction by Strom and receive an update on Bridge #17501. Routine items include approving the agenda, minutes, warrants, and county coordinator updates.

• Public Hearing – Commercial Abatement – Creamery
• Flood Disaster Resolution for Property Tax Division
• Resolution – Cottonwood-Middle MN Comp Watershed Mgmt Plan
• Housing Initiative – New Construction – Strom
• Bridge #17501 LMOR Update

The Board approved a commercial tax abatement for a creamery and requested disaster designation for June 20th flooding. They authorized a $149,992.10 pipe repair on County Road 99 and amended an engineering contract for a bridge project. Personnel changes and health insurance cap increases for 2025 were also decided.

• Approved tax abatement for Ethan Johnson's creamery (unanimous)
• Approved resolution requesting disaster area designation for June 20th flooding (unanimous)
• Adopted Cottonwood-Middle Minnesota Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan (unanimous)
• Approved $149,992.10 quote from Mathiowetz for County Road 99 pipe repair (unanimous)
• Amended SEH engineering scope for Bridge 17501 LOMR at cost up to $46,500 (unanimous)
• Approved October warrants totaling $187,801.03 (unanimous)
• Increased 2025 health insurance single coverage cap from $900 to $1,000 (unanimous)
• Increased 2025 VEBA/HSA family coverage contribution to $500 per month (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting to discuss the 2025 budget and set the preliminary property tax levy. After these public agenda items, the board will convene a closed session to discuss strategy for labor negotiations.

• Discussion of 2025 county budget
• Setting of preliminary property tax levy

The Board of Commissioners approved the 2025 preliminary levy, representing a 6% increase from 2024. The board also declined a request to manage a school election and scheduled hearings regarding a cryptocurrency mining moratorium.

• Set 2025 preliminary levy at $13,570,703 (Unanimous)
• Declined request from Windom School Superintendent to handle April 2025 athletic complex election
• Scheduled cryptocurrency mining moratorium public hearing and Planning & Zoning meeting for October 24
• Scheduled special board meeting for October 28

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting on September 17, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. The agenda includes presentations on a regional trails plan update, a SafeAssure service agreement for emergency management, and tax abatements for TORO Company and a new commercial property (Creamery). They will also discuss a detour agreement, 2025 equipment purchases and park fees, a mental health consortium joint powers agreement, and several personnel and policy items. The meeting concludes with a 2025 budget discussion and other administrative business.

• TORO Company Tax Court Settlement Abatements
• Commercial Abatement – New – Creamery
• 2025 Equipment Purchase and 2025 Park Fees
• SWMN Adult Mental Health Consortium JPA
• Approval to Hire Heavy Equipment Operators and MOU with City of Windom

The Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of two motor graders and several camping fee increases. They also authorized tax court settlement payments to the TORO Company and approved various personnel hires and policy revisions.

• Approved $750,608 purchase of two CAT 160JOY motor graders (unanimous)
• Approved $9,480.55 SafeAssure Service Agreement for 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved TORO Company tax court settlements for 2022 ($98,394.68) and 2023 ($66,478.47) (unanimous)
• Increased Talcot Campground seasonal rates to $1,700 premium and $1,500 regular (unanimous)
• Increased extended stay camping rate to $27 per night (unanimous)
• Set Dutch Charley seasonal camping rate at $1,000 for up to three sites (unanimous)
• Approved resolution 24-09-17 for Trunk Highway 71 detour agreement (unanimous)
• Approved $82,433.04 in September warrants (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on a tax abatement for Pref. Choice Homes, consider a conditional use permit for Revolve Labs, and discuss a restitution fund, a mutual aid agreement, building door access control, an unpaid leave request, and the 2025 budget.

• Public Hearing for Tax Abatement – Pref. Choice Homes
• Conditional Use Permit – Revolve Labs
• Restitution Fund (Probation Officer)
• Mutual Aid Agreement (Public Works)
• DVHHS Building Door Access Control

The Board of Commissioners directed staff to draft a moratorium on all cryptocurrency mining in the county. Other actions included approving a tax abatement for a new home and establishing a restitution reimbursement fund for crime victims.

• Directed drafting of moratorium on all cryptocurrency mining operations (unanimous)
• Approved tax abatement for Preferred Choice Homes, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved 60-day extension for Revolve Labs conditional use permit (unanimous)
• Approved $5,000 restitution fund for 2025 and $1,000 for remainder of 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved September warrants totaling $613,616.53 (unanimous)
• Adopted updated Mutual Aid Agreement with City of Windom (unanimous)
• Approved $10,650 door access control upgrade for Human Services building (unanimous)
• Approved internal promotion of Destiny Olson to full-time Deputy Sheriff at $29.36/hour (unanimous)

Work Session

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss the 2025 proposed budgets. No other items are on the agenda.

• Discussion of the 2025 proposed budgets

The Board of Commissioners estimated costs and prioritized a list of needed capital improvement projects. Commissioner Appel reviewed 2025 Department Capital Asset lists against proposed 2025 budgets.

• Prioritized list of county capital improvement projects
• Estimated costs for capital improvement projects
• Reviewed 2025 Department Capital Asset lists against proposed 2025 budgets

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will review budget requests and discuss a new construction housing initiative. The meeting includes presentations on MnDOT easements and the CHIP outreach program.

• 2025 Budget Request from Historical Society
• Housing Initiative new construction with Pref. Choice Homes
• MnDOT Temporary Easement for 10th Street Building
• Legal Services Contract for the City of Mountain Lake
• Prosecutor by Karpel Software

The Board approved August warrants totaling $206,041.93 and authorized the purchase of Prosecutor by Karpel software for the County Attorney's office. Other actions included granting a temporary easement to MnDOT and approving a public hearing for a residential tax abatement.

• Approved August warrants totaling $206,041.93 (unanimous)
• Approved resolution 24-08-20 for a public hearing on a residential tax abatement (unanimous)
• Granted MnDOT a temporary easement for parcel 53 for $900 (unanimous)
• Moved Assistant County Attorney position from Range 21 to Range 22 (unanimous)
• Authorized County Attorney to negotiate a 4-month criminal prosecution contract with City of Mountain Lake (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of Prosecutor by Karpel (PbK) software for $29,898 initial cost and $12,750 annual fee (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting on August 6, 2024, with action items including a conditional use permit for Travis Dick, a new cannabis ordinance, and revision of Ordinance #36. They will also discuss the 2025 budget, approve various agreements (MnCCC, University of MN Extension, legal services), and address personnel matters such as a resignation and policy updates. Several public works items, including a scale software upgrade and final payment for Project 017-603-021, are on the agenda.

• Conditional Use Permit – Travis Dick
• Cannabis Ordinance
• Ordinance #36 Revision
• Final Payment – Project 017-603-021
• 2025 Budget Discussion

The Board of Commissioners approved a revised mining ordinance, a new drainage manual, and several software and legal service agreements. They also authorized a 5% rent increase for five county leases effective January 1, 2025, and reviewed proposed 2025 department budgets.

• Approved revised Ordinance #36 – Mining, Extraction, and Excavation (unanimous)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Travis Dick for a dwelling in shoreland (unanimous)
• Adopted Cottonwood County Drainage Manual with minor revisions (unanimous)
• Approved $8,000 legal services agreement with Kristi L. Meyeraan (unanimous)
• Approved 5% monthly rental rate increase for five leases effective Jan 1, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved $8,300 AWS quote for landfill scale software upgrade (unanimous)
• Approved $17,090.75 final payment to Central Specialties Inc. for Project 017-603-021 (unanimous)
• Approved August warrants totaling $149,854.92 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting to decide on four conditional use permits, accept or reject bids for a road project, and discuss flood damage updates. The board will also consider approval of network security software, additional cyber coverage, final revisions to Policy 740, and a personnel promotion.

• Conditional Use Permit applications from Dean Johnson, Penelope Horkey, Gene Olsem, and Renee Toutges
• AIS billboard contract
• Accept or reject bids for project 017-605-023
• Flood damage update
• Approval of final revisions to Policy 740 and promotion of Sarah Lanier to Deputy Assessor

The Board of Commissioners approved a contract for bridge replacement on CSAH 5 and authorized several zoning permits. The board also approved new cybersecurity software, additional insurance coverage, and a revised drug and alcohol testing policy.

• Accepted low bid from Midwest Contracting, LLC for $525,462.50 to replace Bridge 89513 (unanimous)
• Approved Conditional Use Permits for a new creamery (Ethan Johnson), a breezeway (Penelope Horkey), a machine shed (Gene Olsem), and a house replacement (Renee Toutges) (unanimous)
• Approved $5,150 purchase of Splunk software from SHI (unanimous)
• Approved $11,779.53 for $1,000,000 additional cyber coverage from Tokio Marine Group HHC (unanimous)
• Approved revised Policy 740 Drug, Alcohol, and Cannabis Testing Policy (unanimous)
• Promoted Sarah Lanier to Deputy Assessor at $29.24/hour (4-1)
• Approved $3,000 for tree removal by Carr’s Tree Service (unanimous)
• Approved July warrants totaling $68,403.26 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review minutes from recent meetings and receive updates on county flooding and tax forfeitures. The agenda also includes discussions regarding a County Attorney appointment and a cannabis ordinance.

• County Road 5 Bridge in Springfield Township
• Update on County Flooding
• Tax Forfeiture Update
• County Attorney Appointment
• Cannabis Ordinance

The Board appointed Deja Weber as County Attorney and approved a legal services agreement with Muske, Muske and Suhrhoff, LTD. The board also authorized payments for flood-related emergency meetings and approved $223,121.09 in July warrants.

• Appointed Deja Weber as County Attorney at $135,000 salary effective August 5, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved Legal Services Agreement with Muske, Muske and Suhrhoff, LTD. effective July 1, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved $223,121.09 in July warrants (unanimous)
• Approved Letter of Support for Rebuilding Together Minnesota’s USDA grant application (unanimous)
• Retained Rinke Noonen as consultant for String Lakes Outlet issue (unanimous)
• Approved per diem payments for Commissioners attending June 2024 flood emergency meetings (unanimous)
• Approved change order to bore under County Road 27 for CD#21 (unanimous)
• Required semi-annual reports from United Community Action Partnership regarding affordable housing aid (consensus)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting to discuss a State of Emergency Declaration. This is the only item listed on the agenda.

• State of Emergency Declaration

The Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution declaring a state of emergency for the next 30 days. The board also established a temporary debris management plan for water-damaged items.

• Adopted Resolution 24-06-24 Declaring a State of Emergency (unanimous)
• Approved placement of four roll-off dumpsters at Windom High School for Windom residents' water-damaged items
• Directed non-Windom residents to take water-damaged items to the landfill
• Required driver's license or utility bill for residency proof to drop off items
• Waived fees for items with evidence of water damage

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review public works bids and proposed fees for excess dirt and EV charging at parks. The meeting also includes discussions regarding a part-time jail dispatcher hire and foreclosure matters.

• Bids for Project 017-598-010
• Proposed fees for excess dirt and EV charging at parks
• String Lake Outlet Structure update
• Hiring a part-time jail/dispatcher
• Foreclosure discussion

The Board of Commissioners awarded a construction contract for Project 017-598-010 and established a fee for electric vehicle charging at county parks. The board also approved June warrants and the hiring of a part-time jailer/dispatcher.

• Approved $1,766,413.00 bid from Prahm Construction Inc. for Project 017-598-010 (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution 24-06-18 for State Transportation Fund Local Bridge Replacement Program Grant (unanimous)
• Set EV charging fee at $2 per hour at county parks (unanimous)
• Hired Kadyn Paulson as part-time Jailer/Dispatcher at $22.64 per hour (unanimous)
• Approved June warrants totaling $89,159.81 (unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved June 4, 2024, meeting minutes (unanimous)

Board of Equalization

County Assessor David Grev will provide an update regarding county statistics, valuation changes, and law changes. The remainder of this tentative agenda contains no specific items.

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

The Board of Equalization approved two specific reductions to property assessments based on the County Assessor's recommendations. All other assessments were accepted as presented.

• Reduced land value by $34,400 for Parcel 07.036.0102 (unanimous)
• Reduced building value by $3,300 for Parcel 24.825.0630 (unanimous)
• Accepted the remainder of assessments as presented (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review the 2024 Tax Forfeiture Properties. The agenda also includes discussions regarding several county hires and policy changes. Additionally, the board will receive updates on the American Rescue Plan.

• Review of 2024 Tax Forfeiture Properties
• Hiring for Legal Secretary and Heavy Equipment Operator positions
• Termination of a part-time jailer/dispatcher
• Discussion of Drug & Alcohol Testing Policy
• Request for cell phone allowance

The Board approved the public and private sale of tax-forfeited lands and authorized $99,871.99 in June warrants. Personnel actions included hiring a legal secretary and heavy equipment operator, and terminating a part-time jailer/dispatcher. The Board also approved a $10,560 contract for a minisplit system in the HR office and vault.

• Approved resolution 24-06-04 for public/private sale of tax-forfeited lands (unanimous)
• Set minimum bid for tax-forfeited land parcels at $100 (unanimous)
• Approved $99,871.99 in June warrants (unanimous)
• Hired Dana Kass as Legal Secretary at $25.97/hour (unanimous)
• Hired Jon Wendinger as Heavy Equipment Operator at $23.06/hour (unanimous)
• Terminated Tyann Galer as part-time Jailer/Dispatcher (unanimous)
• Approved $10,560 low bid from Schwalbach for HR office/vault minisplit system (unanimous)
• Accepted language changes to Policy #740 Drug, Alcohol, and Cannabis Testing Policy for 30-day comment (unanimous)

County Commissioners

At this meeting, the Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will review several administrative, financial, and land-use proposals. Key agenda items include a public hearing on a property tax abatement for Borsgard (705), a resolution to sell county bonds, and a conditional use permit request for Ihnen. These topics affect local property taxes, infrastructure funding, and zoning rules. The board will also consider drainage assessments, solid waste feasibility studies, and sheriff department amendments.

• Public hearing for tax abatement – Borsgard (705)
• Resolution for a county bond sale
• Conditional use permit review – Ihnen
• Murray-Cottonwood JD 5 drainage assessment and system redeterminations
• Review of bids for Project 017-598-010 and an EV pickup request

The Board approved a bond sale for a new Public Works facility and a residential property tax abatement for Borsgard Construction, LLC. The board also authorized the purchase of an electric pickup and approved several ditch benefit redeterminations. A Second Amendment resolution was passed with specific wording changes.

• Approved $9,635,000 General Obligation Capital Improvement Plan Bonds, Series 2024A (Unanimous)
• Approved residential property tax abatement for Borsgard Construction, LLC (Unanimous)
• Approved purchase of second electric pickup for $26,031 (Unanimous)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Keith Ihnen for a shoreland structure in Rose Hill Township (Unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 24-05-21B Second Amendment Dedicated County Resolution (Unanimous)
• Approved May warrants totaling $111,497.26 (Unanimous)
• Rejected all bids for Project 017-598-010 (Unanimous)
• Approved redetermination of benefits for multiple ditch groups (Unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will review several land-use requests, including conditional use permits for LaMaack, Central Specialties, and Ulland Brothers properties. Officials will also consider a new housing construction initiative at Borsgard (705), a proposed wetland easement with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and bids for public works vehicles and equipment. The agenda includes personnel actions, vendor agreements, and an American Rescue Plan update. These items cover local land-use decisions, housing development, federal conservation agreements, county infrastructure purchases, and administrative updates.

• Conditional use permits for LaMaack, Central Specialties, and Ulland Brothers properties
• Windom EDA housing initiative for new construction at Borsgard (705)
• Proposed wetland easement with US Fish and Wildlife Service
• EV pickup bids and dozer purchase through Public Works
• Agreements with Engan Associates and legal services firm Quarnstrom & Doering, PA

The Board approved the purchase of six electric pickups and a new CAT D3 dozer. They also approved the updated County Comprehensive Plan and three conditional use permits for shoreland and asphalt plant projects. A request for $15,000 in buffer enforcement funds for windbreaks was denied.

• Approved purchase of 6 electric pickups from Chuck Spaeth Ford at $66,376.14 each (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of CAT D3 dozer for $70,704.52 after trade-ins (unanimous)
• Approved Cottonwood County Comprehensive Plan (unanimous)
• Approved $17,000 design proposal from Widseth for Courthouse east steps (unanimous)
• Denied $15,000 request for farmstead windbreaks (2-2)
• Approved 3 conditional use permits for shoreland structure and two temporary asphalt plants (unanimous)
• Approved promotion of Kaylene Gohr to Chief Deputy Auditor/Treasurer at $31.36/hour (unanimous)
• Approved May warrants totaling $144,114.31 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will review funding requests that support local affordable housing and library services. Commissioners will also evaluate a conditional use permit for Central Specialties, Inc., seasonal hiring, county bond issuance, and veteran service hours. These items are scheduled for discussion or approval during the regular meeting.

• Statewide Affordable Housing Grant Fund request presented by Mountain Lake EDA and SWMHP
• AIS Fund request and conditional use permit for Central Specialties, Inc.
• Cottonwood County bond issuance review
• Plum Creek Library System funding request
• Seasonal hiring approvals and veteran services office hour review

The Board authorized the issuance of $10 million in General Obligation Capital Improvement Plan Bonds for a new Public Works facility. Commissioners also allocated 2023 Statewide Affordable Housing Aid funds to UCAP, Rebuilding Together MN, and Mountain Lake EDA. Other actions included approving a temporary asphalt plant permit and a $20,000 AIS grant.

• Approved $10,000,000 General Obligation Capital Improvement Plan Bonds, Series 2024A (Roll call vote)
• Approved 2023 Statewide Affordable Housing Aid split: UCAP $38,000, Rebuilding Together MN $25,448, and Mountain Lake EDA $25,000 (unanimous)
• Approved $20,000 AIS grant for City of Mountain Lake weed harvester maintenance (unanimous)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Central Specialties, Inc. temporary asphalt plant in Delton Township (unanimous)
• Approved sponsorship of City of Windom MnDOT Carbon Reduction Program Grant application (Roll call vote)
• Changed Veterans Service Office hours to Mon-Thu, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. starting April 22, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved April warrants totaling $122,864.20 (unanimous)
• Discontinued cell phone reimbursement for the Veterans Service Officer (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will review routine administrative items and hear updates on statewide affordable housing assistance. The board will evaluate bids for two public works projects, consider a wetland conservation decision affecting local property owners, and discuss purchasing optical character recognition software. Additional agenda items include seasonal hiring requests, tree removal quotes for tax forfeiture properties, and American Rescue Plan fund updates.

• Bids for Public Works Projects 017-599-112 and 017-599-113
• Statewide Affordable Housing Aid presentation by UCAP
• Wetland Conservation Act Notice of Decision regarding Ulland Brothers property
• Optical Character Recognition Software procurement for the County Recorder
• Seasonal hires, tree removal quotes for tax forfeiture properties, and American Rescue Plan updates

The Board approved a $1.5 million General Obligation Note for the SSTS Loan Project 2.0 and accepted bids for bridge replacements in Westbrook Township. Other actions included purchasing recording software for the County Recorder and hiring nine seasonal employees.

• Approved $1,500,000 General Obligation Note for SSTS Loan Project 2.0 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 24-04-02 for Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Clean Water Partnership (unanimous)
• Accepted $333,125.30 bid from R & E Enterprises of Mankato, Inc. for two bridge replacements (unanimous)
• Approved $42,300 purchase of OCR software and maintenance from West Central Indexing (unanimous)
• Approved Wetland Conservation Act Notice of Decision for Ulland Brothers, Inc. (unanimous)
• Approved hiring of nine seasonal employees (unanimous)
• Accepted $5,000 bid from Carr’s Tree Service for tree removal on tax forfeiture property (unanimous)
• Approved $200 per month lease agreement with BARC for A.C.E. Director office space (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to review a conditional use permit for L&S Construction and the purchase of a semi truck and tanker. The agenda also includes railroad agreements and the appointment of an Auditor/Treasurer.

• Conditional Use Permit – L&S Construction
• Semi Truck and Tanker Purchase
• Union Pacific Railroad Agreement
• Appointment of Auditor/Treasurer
• Groundbreaking for new Public Works facility at 46705 County Road 15

The Board of Commissioners approved two bridge replacement contracts and a conditional use permit for nonmetallic mineral mining. They also authorized a $300,000 grant application for section corner remonumentation and appointed Carolyn Rempel as Auditor/Treasurer.

• Approved Conditional Use Permit for L&S Construction Corp. to mine in Dale Township (unanimous)
• Approved $50,000 for Solid Waste semi-truck and tanker purchase (unanimous)
• Accepted $170,382.00 low bid from Towne & Country Excavating, LLC for Bridge L6616 (unanimous)
• Accepted $292,059.95 low bid from Midwest Contracting, LLC for Bridge L6579 (unanimous)
• Authorized $55,867 crossing agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company (unanimous)
• Authorized application for $300,000 PLSS grant for Rose Hill and Amo Townships (unanimous)
• Appointed Carolyn Rempel as Auditor/Treasurer at salary of $95,540.00 (unanimous)
• Approved March warrants totaling $156,587.27 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will review several departmental reports and resolutions. The board will also address the dissolution of the Brown-Nicollet Community Health Board and set 2024 wages for various county roles.

• Setting 2024 wages for Sheriff, Recorder, Attorney, and Auditor/Treasurer
• Agreement for Professional Services with SEH, Inc.
• Dissolution of the Brown-Nicollet Community Health Board
• Approval to advertise for County Attorney
• CWP Loan Resolution

The Board approved a $750,000 MPCA grant for the Clean Water Partnership SSTS loan program and a $199,066.23 contract for Ditch #21 repairs. Officials also set 2024 salaries for the Sheriff, Recorder, Attorney, and Auditor/Treasurer, and approved a salary adjustment for the County Engineer. Additionally, the board voted to seek services from the Minnesota Department of Health starting in 2025.

• Approved resolution 24-03-05 for $750,000 Clean Water Partnership SSTS Loan Project 2.0 (unanimous)
• Approved $199,066.23 low bid from Noomen Excavating, LLC for County Ditch #21 repair (unanimous)
• Approved landfill services contract with Short Elliott Hendricksen, Inc. not to exceed $39,840 (unanimous)
• Approved 2024 salaries: Sheriff $125,803, Recorder $87,000, Attorney $130,000, Auditor/Treasurer $99,500 (unanimous)
• Approved County Engineer 2024 salary of $138,976.16 retroactive to Dec 18, 2023 (4-1)
• Approved advertising for full-time County Attorney with starting wage of $100,000 or based on qualifications (unanimous)
• Voted to utilize Minnesota Department of Health services beginning in 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved March warrants totaling $106,830.49 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board entered into legal service agreements for child protection, civil commitment, and criminal prosecution. It also approved a resolution for grant funds to purchase electric vehicles and committed funds for a hazard mitigation plan update.

• Approved legal services agreements with Kayla Johnson, Smith & Johnson Law Firm and Jackson County Attorney’s office (unanimous)
• Approved 24-02-26A Resolution for Agency Agreement to use grant funds for electric vehicles (unanimous roll call)
• Approved signatures on Letter of Commitment of Funds for All Hazard Mitigation Plan Update (unanimous)
• Voted to stop advertising for Assistant County Attorney position until a County Attorney is hired (unanimous)
• Set groundbreaking date for new Public Works building for March 19, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. (consensus)
• No action taken on resolution to change Auditor/Treasurer office from elected to appointed

County Commissioners

The Board will review previous meeting minutes and discuss various county business. Items include public works bids, a ditch assessment, and the resignation of the County Attorney.

• Bids for Project 017-599-114
• Ditch Assessment – Ray Salzwedel
• Resignation of County Attorney
• Advertising for Public Works Seasonal Employees
• Large Format Scanner/Printer discussion

The Board of Commissioners approved a culvert replacement bid for Rose Hill Township and the purchase of a new scanner/printer. The board also accepted the resignation of County Attorney Nick Anderson and approved a shared Victim Witness Coordinator position with Jackson County.

• Approved $190,602.30 low bid from Towne & Country Excavating, LLC for Project 017-599-114 (unanimous)
• Approved $10,380 purchase of HP 2600sr scanner/printer from Franz (unanimous)
• Approved shared Victim Witness Coordinator position and contract with Jackson County (unanimous)
• Accepted resignation of County Attorney Nick Anderson effective March 12, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved moving Alfredo Martinez to permanent part-time status effective February 27, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved moving Pam Hogan to permanent full-time status effective February 28, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved advertising for eight seasonal Public Works positions (unanimous)
• Approved February warrants totaling $73,489.47 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will discuss legislative updates, ditch assessments, and a conditional use permit amendment for Red Rock Quarry. Public works items include equipment purchases, snow and ice removal policy, and various contracts.

• CUP Amendment – Red Rock Quarry
• Bids for Project 017-603-021
• 2024 Equipment Purchase
• Schoper Bush Haying Contract
• Bonding considerations for a new Public Works Facility

The board awarded a pavement preservation contract to Central Specialties Inc. and approved the purchase of a new loader. Other actions included adopting a Snow & Ice Removal Policy, hiring a new HEO for the Mt. Lake shop, and approving a resolution opposing the redesign of the state flag and seal.

• Awarded $1,838,337.80 road overlay contract to Central Specialties Inc. (unanimous)
• Approved $272,336.00 purchase of CASE 821G loader from Titan Machinery (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution opposing the redesign of the state flag and seal (unanimous roll call)
• Approved $23,000 - $28,000 quote from Borsgard Construction for HR office remodel (unanimous)
• Approved DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant application up to $150,000 for South Dutch Charley Park (unanimous)
• Hired Tammy Baerg as HEO for Mt. Lake shop at $24.08/hour (unanimous)
• Approved contract with Donna Torkelson for up to 32 hours/month at $125/hour (unanimous)
• Approved $500/month stipend for Chief Deputy Auditor/Treasurer (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting to address the vacancy in the Auditor/Treasurer office. The agenda includes accepting the current official's resignation, posting the job opening, and discussing a resolution for an appointment.

• Acceptance of County Auditor/Treasurer resignation
• Posting of the Auditor/Treasurer position
• Resolution regarding Auditor/Treasurer appointment

The Board accepted the resignation of Auditor/Treasurer Donna Torkelson and authorized advertising for a replacement. Commissioners approved considering a resolution to change the Auditor/Treasurer role from an elected to an appointed position. Carolyn Rempel was authorized to sign financial documents in the interim.

• Accepted resignation of Auditor/Treasurer Donna Torkelson effective Feb 16, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved internal and external advertising for the Auditor/Treasurer position (unanimous)
• Approved considering Resolution 24-02-26 to change Auditor/Treasurer from elected to appointed (unanimous roll call)
• Authorized Chief Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Carolyn Rempel to sign county financial documents in the interim (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review meeting minutes and approve the current agenda. Discussions include ditch assessments, special assessments, and updates on local housing aid.

• Conditional Use Permit for Ullard Brothers
• 2024 Ditch Assessments
• Special Assessment for parcel 05-027-0401
• Local Homeless Prevention Aid/Statewide Affordable Housing Aid
• TextMyGov Program discussion

The Board approved a Conditional Use Permit for a mining pit in Selma Township and authorized 2024 ditch assessments. Other actions included approving a $50,911.37 tax assessment for a nuisance property cleanup and allocating homeless prevention funding to DVHHS.

• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Ulland Brothers mining pit in Selma Township (unanimous)
• Approved 2024 ditch assessments pending district reviews (4-1)
• Approved $97,261.86 final payment to zero out sinking ditch fund (unanimous)
• Approved $50,911.37 tax assessment for nuisance property cleanup on County Road 22 (unanimous)
• Assigned Local Homeless Prevention Aid funding to DVHHS (unanimous)
• Accepted resignation of part-time Jailer/Dispatcher Wyatt Krick (unanimous)
• Appointed Mike Haugen to the Planning and Zoning Committee
• Approved January warrants totaling $207,408.34 (unanimous)

Work Session

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session on January 9, 2024. The meeting is scheduled to discuss items related to the landfill.

• Landfill discussion

The Board of Commissioners discussed three options for solid waste management: landfill expansion, a transfer station, or service by others. The board reached a consensus to have the Assistant County Engineer/Solid Waste Administrator explore pricing for a new landfill and a transfer station.

• Requested pricing for a new landfill and transfer station to be presented March 19

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold its first regular meeting of 2024 to elect a Chairman and Vice-Chairman. The agenda includes reorganizing board committee assignments and approving various 2024 administrative rates and policies.

• Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman
• Approval of 2024 Department/Committee Assignments
• Setting 2024 Crop Damage Prices for corn and soybeans
• Review of Five Year Construction Plan and Bridge Replacement Priority List
• Continuation of Preliminary Public Hearing for CD #38

The Board elected Commissioner Norm Holmen as Chair and Commissioner Kevin Stevens as Vice-Chair for 2024. The board approved the 5-year construction plan, the bridge replacement priority list, and various 2024 fee and wage schedules. Additionally, the board authorized a $750,000 loan application for SSTS replacements.

• Elected Commissioner Norm Holmen as Board Chair (unanimous)
• Elected Commissioner Kevin Stevens as Vice-Chair (unanimous)
• Approved 2024 crop damage rates: $900/acre for corn and $600/acre for soybeans (unanimous)
• Approved 2024 County Ditch assessment interest rate at 3% (unanimous)
• Approved applying for $750,000 MPCA Clean Water Partnership loan for SSTS replacements (unanimous)
• Approved 5-year construction plan and Bridge Replacement Priority List (unanimous)
• Approved promotion of Susan Horkey to Chief Deputy Recorder at $27.93 per hour (unanimous)
• Approved January warrants totaling $50,137.13 (unanimous)