Cottonwood County public meetings in 2025

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will certify the 2026 levy and finalize the 2026 budget. The meeting includes decisions on landfill lease addendums, road project bids, and 2026 commissioner compensation.

• Certification of 2026 Levy and finalization of 2026 Budget
• Setting 2026 Commissioner salaries, per diems, and tech fees
• Bid approval for projects SAP 017-598-012 and 017-598-013
• Addendum to Landfill Lease Agreement
• Trunk Highway 30 Detour Agreement and Union Pacific Railroad Crossing Improvements

The Board of Commissioners certified the 2026 levy and set the annual revenues and expenditures at $31,365,134. The board also approved several infrastructure contracts and a collateral agreement for ElevaCare.

• Certified 2026 levy at $14,520,653 (7% increase from 2025)
• Set 2026 total revenues and expenditures at $31,365,134
• Approved $450,000 CD as collateral for ElevaCare reimbursement claims
• Accepted $701,398.38 low bid from Midwest Contracting, LLC for projects SAP 017-598-012 and SAP 017-598-013
• Renewed Cottonwood County Home Initiative Program for 3 years (Resolution 25-12-16A)
• Approved Landfill Lease Agreement addendum with Darelyn Harrington for 2026 rent schedule
• Adopted Detour Agreement No. 1061732 for Trunk Highway 30 (Resolution 25-12-16)
• Set 2026 Commissioner Salary at $25,000 plus $1,200 for the Chair

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss fuel bids and opioid settlement applications. The board will also consider an AI policy and the 2026 salaries for the Sheriff, Attorney, Auditor/Treasurer, and Recorder.

• Fuel bids presented by Public Works Superintendent
• Opioid Settlement RFP Applications
• Cottonwood County IV-D Contract
• Approval of Area II Amended JPA and AI Policy
• 2026 Salaries for Sheriff, Atty, A/T, and Recorder

The board approved eight grants from opioid settlement funding totaling $113,960 for treatment and recovery services. The board also set 2026 salaries for the Sheriff, County Attorney, Auditor/Treasurer, and Recorder. Additionally, a three-year fuel contract was awarded to Staples Oil Company, Inc.

• Approved $395,957.20 fuel contract with Staples Oil Company, Inc. (unanimous)
• Approved one-year landfill lease extension for Darelyn Harrington (unanimous)
• Approved $113,960 in opioid settlement grants to eight organizations (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 Sheriff salary at $140,500 (unanimous roll call)
• Approved 2026 County Attorney salary at $175,275 (unanimous roll call)
• Approved 2026 Auditor/Treasurer salary at $107,900 (unanimous roll call)
• Approved 2026 Recorder salary at $93,450 (unanimous roll call)
• Adopted AI Policy as presented (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will discuss land and easement acquisitions with US Fish & Wildlife. The board will also review RFQ results for landfill environmental monitoring and a project for the City of Jeffers.

• Fee Title Acquisition – Jon Ketzenberg
• Habitat Easement Acquisition – Tim Ketzenberg
• Landfill Environmental Monitoring RFQ results
• LRIP – City of Jeffers
• Approval of MN Paid Leave Policy

The Board approved a contract for landfill analytical laboratory services and sponsored a road reconstruction application for the City of Jeffers. The board also certified two land acquisitions for wildlife conservation and approved November warrants totaling $208,725.16.

• Approved $66,910 contract with Braun Intertec for 2026 landfill environmental monitoring (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 25-11-18 to sponsor City of Jeffers' LRIP application for Peavy Street reconstruction (unanimous)
• Certified U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service option to purchase 3 acres in Amo Township (unanimous)
• Certified Grant of Easement for Wildlife Habitat Protection for 14 acres in Lakeside Township (unanimous)
• Approved 2026-2027 BWSR Natural Resource Block Grant Program Agreement (unanimous)
• Moved Deputy Sheriff Jett Saewert to permanent full-time status (unanimous)
• Approved draft MN Paid Leave Policy for a 30-day comment period (unanimous)
• Approved November warrants totaling $208,725.16 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider a conditional use permit for Pautzke and discuss AIS weed harvester grants. The meeting includes reviews of tax forfeiture property and the Area II JPA approval.

• Conditional Use Permit - Pautzke
• AIS Weed Harvester Grants
• Tax Forfeiture Property
• Approval of Area II JPA
• MN Paid Family Medical Leave

The Board approved AIS grants for weed harvesters in Mountain Lake and Bingham Lake and a conditional use permit for a machine shed. Other actions included setting a minimum bid for a tax forfeiture property and adopting a resolution urging the repeal of Minnesota's nuclear energy moratorium.

• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Daniel Pautzke machine shed in Carson Township (unanimous)
• Approved AIS grants to Mountain Lake ($20,000 for 2025; $20,000 for 2026) and Bingham Lake ($15,000 for 2026) (unanimous)
• Set minimum bid for tax forfeiture property 25.833.0010 at $100 plus $9,098.00 assessment (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution 25-11-04B Notice of Public Sale of Tax Forfeited Land (unanimous)
• Approved Joint and Cooperative Agreement for Area II Minnesota River Basin Projects (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution 25-11-04A appointing Mike Carlson and Jay Mickelson to Red Rock Rural Water System Board (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution 25-11-04 Urging Repeal of Minnesota’s Moratorium on Nuclear Energy Production (unanimous)
• Approved November warrants totaling $66,863.98 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss personnel pay and infrastructure grants. The agenda includes reviews of ditch continuation hearings and equipment purchasing for 2027.

• Resolution for Local Bridge Replacement Program Grant Agreement
• Approval of 2026 pay matrix
• Approval of UCAP lease agreement
• Quotes for LEC kitchen remodel
• 2027 Hwy Dept equipment purchase

The Board of Commissioners approved a $617,841.70 grant for bridge replacements and the 2027 purchase of two plow trucks. Other actions included approving a jail kitchen remodel and a draft AI policy for public comment.

• Adopted Resolution 25-10-21 for $617,841.70 in Local Bridge Replacement Grant funds
• Approved 2027 purchase of two Western Star 47X chassis and Towmaster packages ($339,690 per unit)
• Approved $22,110 for B.C. Johnson Construction and $2,171.70 for Holt’s Cleaning Service for jail kitchen remodel
• Approved posting a draft AI Policy for a 30-day comment period
• Approved 2025-2026 Winter Maintenance Agreements for Jeffers, Mountain Lake, Westbrook, and Lakeside Township
• Approved 2026 pay matrix
• Amended UCAP Lease Agreement to change location to 1406 9th Avenue and add utility/snow removal costs
• Approved October warrants totaling $105,840.49

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss regional infrastructure and personnel changes. The agenda includes a presentation from MnDOT on a long-term highway plan and several ditch continuation hearings.

• 10 Year Capital Highway Improvement Plan presentation by MnDOT
• Continuation Hearings for ditches CD13, CD43, JD9, JD20, JD25, JD28, JD30, and JD31
• Conditional Use Permit for Larry Michelson
• Approval of 2026 BC/BS Plans
• Personnel actions including a promotion for Carly Pohlman and probation completion for Daniel Green

The Board approved a low bid for three bridge projects and authorized a conditional use permit for a shoreland garage. The Board also updated 2026 health insurance caps and contributions and processed several personnel changes. The Ditch Authority directed staff to prepare findings for redetermination of benefits for eight ditches.

• Awarded $1,810,095.65 bridge project contract to Towne & Country Excavating, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Larry Michelson's shoreland garage and storage shed (unanimous)
• Increased 2026 health insurance single coverage cap from $1,000 to $1,200 (unanimous)
• Increased 2026 VEBA/HSA family coverage contribution from $500 to $600 per month (unanimous)
• Approved staying with four BCBS health plans (unanimous)
• Approved October warrants totaling $248,660.25 (unanimous)
• Promoted Carly Pohlman to Deputy Assessor at $30.45 per hour (unanimous)
• Directed staff to prepare findings for redetermination of benefits for ditches CD 13, CD 43, JD 9, JD 20, JD 25, JD 28, JD 30 and JD 31 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting to discuss the 2026 budget and set the 2026 preliminary levy. The board will also discuss bridge utilities.

• Setting of 2026 Preliminary Levy
• 2026 Budget Discussion
• Bridge Utilities

The Board of Commissioners established the preliminary 2026 levy and updated health insurance contributions and caps. The board also approved a contract for courthouse blinds and hired a new Assistant County Attorney.

• Set preliminary 2026 levy at $14,520,653, a 7.0% increase from 2025 (unanimous)
• Increased health insurance single coverage cap from $1,000 to $1,100 effective Jan 1, 2026 (unanimous)
• Increased VEBA/HSA single coverage contribution from $135 to $235 and family coverage from $500 to $600 per month effective Jan 1, 2026 (unanimous)
• Accepted bid from Murphy Windows and Doors for Courthouse blinds for $51,058.00 (unanimous)
• Hired Arianna Rwaki as Assistant County Attorney at Range 24, Step 2 ($44.66) (unanimous)
• Approved contract for Jackson County to purchase 40% of Assistant County Attorney services (unanimous)
• Approved agenda as amended (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will discuss the 2026 budget and set the preliminary levy. The meeting includes reviews of law enforcement contracts and bridge project authorizations.

• Law Enforcement Services Contract for Westbrook
• Purchase of a Bobcat for the landfill
• Permission to advertise for bridge projects
• Final payment for Project 017-598-010
• SafeAssure Service Agreement

The Board approved a law enforcement services contract for the City of Westbrook and the purchase of a Bobcat utility machine for the landfill. The board also authorized bidding for bridge replacements and approved several project payments and contracts.

• Approved Law Enforcement Services Contract with the City of Westbrook (unanimous)
• Approved $83,980.26 purchase of Bobcat UW56 and attachments for Landfill (unanimous)
• Approved advertising for bids for bridge projects on CSAH 4 and CSAH 13 (unanimous)
• Authorized final payment of $85,787.43 to Prahm Construction, Inc. (unanimous)
• Approved resolution 25-09-16 to sponsor City of Windom 10th Street reconstruction (unanimous)
• Approved hiring Gretchen Warner-Rhubee as a contractor at $65 per hour for up to 40 hours (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 SafeAssure contract payment of $9,764.96 (unanimous)
• Approved September warrants totaling $68,006.38 (unanimous)

Work Session

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to review the proposed budget for 2026. The board will also discuss updates regarding county buildings.

• 2026 Proposed Budget
• Building Updates

The Board authorized a Letter of Engagement with Crowe, LLP for security event forensic investigation. Commissioners reached a consensus on the signing authority for Public Works invoices. The proposed 2026 budget was distributed for review.

• Authorized Board Chair to sign Letter of Engagement with Crowe, LLP (unanimous)
• Determined Public Works invoices will be signed by Assistant County Engineer or, if absent, Public Works Superintendent

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss the 2026 budget and an Opioid Settlement RFP. The agenda also includes reviews of grant applications and a DNR agreement.

• Opioid Settlement RFP and budgeting
• 2026 Budget discussion
• DNR Agreement
• Ag Inspector and AIS Grants
• Horse Barn discussion

The Board approved an Opioid Settlement Request for Proposal to fund substance misuse projects and transferred a county-owned horse barn to the Cottonwood County Ag Society. Other actions included approving grant applications and the installation of a DNR observation well. The board also reached a consensus to stop using AIS grant funds for billboards.

• Approved applying for Ag Inspector grant funds (unanimous)
• Approved agreement for DNR to install observation well at Schoper-Bush County Park (unanimous)
• Approved Opioid Settlement Request for Proposal application (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of horse barn on parcel 25.673.0480 to Cottonwood County Ag Society (unanimous)
• Approved September warrants totaling $198,175.59 (unanimous)
• Consensus to stop spending AIS grant funds on billboards

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss budget requests and registration fees. The meeting includes a public hearing regarding a tax abatement for Preferred Choice Homes.

• Public hearing for tax abatement – Preferred Choice Homes (1955)
• 2025 Budget Request from Historical Society
• Cannabis Registration Fees
• DVHHS Technology Request
• Hire of Appraiser Trainee

The Board of Commissioners approved registration fees for cannabis and hemp retail, accepted a technology upgrade quote for DVHHS, and authorized the sale of a county building. The board also approved a residential property tax abatement and a new social media policy.

• Approved residential property tax abatement for Preferred Choice, LLC (unanimous)
• Adopted Social Media policy and approved purchase of Archive Social software (unanimous)
• Approved conditional turnback timing for TH60 and 2025/2026 LPP projects (unanimous)
• Set cannabis retail fees at $500 and low potency hemp fees at $125 (unanimous)
• Approved $31,501.36 Bluum Technology quote for DVHHS upgrades (unanimous)
• Hired Jason Jepsen as Appraiser-Trainee at $24.78 per hour (unanimous)
• Approved August warrants totaling $362,891.51 (unanimous)
• Accepted $81,200 bid from Ryan’s Small Engine, LLC for highway shop/office building (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss the 2026 budget and a new construction housing initiative. The agenda includes reports on childcare support and a DNR land purchase in Ann Township.

• DNR purchase of tax forfeited land in Ann Township
• Housing Initiative new construction with Preferred Choice Homes (1955)
• Discussion on childcare support
• Advanced Correctional Healthcare Inc. vs. State of Minnesota
• 2026 Budget discussion

The Board approved the acquisition of 10.56 acres of tax forfeited land and voted to join a lawsuit against the State of Minnesota regarding correctional facility medications. Other actions included appointing an interim county engineer and approving August warrants totaling $212,937.60.

• Approved acquisition of 10.56 acres of tax forfeited land in Ann Township (unanimous)
• Approved public hearing for tax abatement for new home at 1955 Bud Road (unanimous)
• Joined as plaintiffs in Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Inc. et al v. The State of Minnesota (unanimous)
• Approved private PFML plan through Met Life via Integrity Employee Benefits (unanimous)
• Terminated Landfill Scale Operator Shannon Paplow effective July 28, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved employment agreement for Stephen Schnieder as Interim County Engineer (unanimous)
• Approved August warrants totaling $212,937.60 (unanimous)
• Rejected proposal for local option sales tax to fund childcare

Work Session

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss proposed budgets for 2026.

• 2026 Proposed Budgets

The Board of Commissioners held a work session to review budgets for various county departments and buildings. The County Assessor, Sheriff, Jail Administrator, and Emergency Management Director attended to answer questions. No formal votes or decisions were recorded.

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting to conduct public hearings regarding business subsidies. The board will also review bids for Project 017-615-032 and discuss budgets and building updates.

• Public hearing on Business Subsidy Policy
• Public hearing on Grant Business Subsidy to Midway Village Inns, LLC
• Bids for Project 017-615-032
• Discussion regarding Interim County Engineer
• Budget review

The Board adopted a new Business Subsidy Policy and approved a subsidy for a 42-unit hotel facility. The Board also awarded a road reconstruction contract to the lowest bidder. Other items discussed included the 2026 budget process and the search for an Interim County Engineer.

• Adopted Cottonwood County Business Subsidy Policy (unanimous)
• Approved Business Subsidy for Midway Village Inns, LLC for a 42-unit hotel in Mountain Lake (unanimous)
• Accepted $583,338.50 low bid from Towne & Country Excavating, LLC for CSAH 15 reconstruction (unanimous)
• Set tentative Public Works building open house for September 23, 2025

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss a stay request regarding Minnesota Paving Materials. The board will also consider personnel hires and equipment purchases.

• Stay Request – IUP – Minnesota Paving Materials
• Request for OT Adjustment and Retroactive Compensation
• Pickup Purchases
• Proceeds for Sale of Property
• Part-Time Jail/Dispatch Hires

The Board adopted Resolution 25-07-15 to deny a request for a stay on the approved IUP for OMG Midwest d/b/a Minnesota Paving and Materials. The board also approved several personnel changes, vehicle purchases for Public Works, and July warrants.

• Denied request for stay on OMG Midwest IUP (unanimous roll call)
• Adopted Resolution 25-07-15 regarding the IUP stay denial (unanimous roll call)
• Approved $55,453 purchase of 2026 Chevrolet Silverado for PW Superintendent (unanimous)
• Approved $55,453 purchase of 2026 Chevrolet Silverado for Asst Co Engineer (unanimous)
• Approved July warrants totaling $145,838.04 (unanimous)
• Moved Assistant County Engineer/Solid Waste Administrator to non-exempt status (unanimous)
• Denied retroactive pay for Kyle Pillatzki for 2024 flood hours (2-3)
• Approved permanent full-time status for Deputy Recorder Kristi Hedman (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding tax abatement in Mountain Lake. The meeting includes discussions on opioid settlement by-laws, habitat easements, and procurement policy updates.

• Public hearing on Mountain Lake Tax Abatement
• Bids for Project 017-615-024
• Amended Procurement Policy approval
• 2026 Lease Agreements Rates
• RRRWS Joint Powers Agreement for construction project

The Board of Commissioners approved a low bid for a bridge replacement on CSAH 15 and funded elevator repairs at the Law Enforcement Center. Other actions included adopting Opioid Advisory Committee by-laws and increasing rental rates for several county leases. A special meeting was scheduled for July 22 for a public hearing on the Business Subsidy Policy.

• Approved $1,724,480.60 bid from ICON Constructors, LLC for Project 017-615-024 (unanimous)
• Approved $98,096.21 quote from MEI for Law Enforcement Center elevator compliance and power unit replacement (unanimous)
• Adopted Opioid Advisory Committee By-Laws (unanimous)
• Approved 5% increase in monthly rental rates effective January 1, 2026, for DVHHS, 10th Street Offices, and United Community Action (unanimous)
• Authorized Board Chair to sign wildlife habitat easement certification for property in Lakeside Township (unanimous)
• Approved $111,927.14 in July warrants (unanimous)
• Amended the Procurement Policy (unanimous)
• Scheduled special meeting for July 22, 2025, for Business Subsidy Policy public hearing (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting to discuss one item. The board is reviewing an IUP for MN Paving & Materials.

• IUP for MN Paving & Materials

The Board of Commissioners approved an Interim Use Permit for OMG Midwest dba Minnesota Paving & Materials to expand mining, extraction, or excavation in Section 6 of Delton Township. The board also unanimously approved seven specific conditions for the permit, including a $10,000 bond.

• Approved Interim Use Permit for OMG Midwest mining expansion in Delton Township (3-2)
• Approved 7 conditions for the OMG Midwest permit, including a $1,000 per acre bond totaling $10,000 (Unanimous)

County Board of Equalization

The Board of Appeal & Equalization will meet to receive an update from County Assessor David Grev. The discussion will cover county statistics, valuation changes, and law changes.

• Update on County Statistics, Valuation Changes, and Law Changes by David Grev

The Board of Appeal and Equalization approved land value reductions for two parcels based on condition and usage re-evaluations. The board voted to make no changes to the values of two other parcels following owner questions regarding building and site values.

• Reduced land value by $131,000 for Parcel 13.035.0400 (unanimous)
• Reduced land value by $184,200 for Parcel 15.002.0400 (unanimous)
• Made no change to value for Parcel 22.032.0400 (unanimous)
• Made no change to value for Parcel 17.005.0300 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss a state of emergency declaration and a 911 phone system upgrade. The board will also review library funding and expiring lease agreements.

• Resolution Declaring a State of Emergency
• Upgrade 911 Phone System
• Plum Creek Library System Annual Report and Funding Request
• 2025 Expiring Lease Agreements
• Probation completions for Kadyn Paulson and Shannon Paplow

The Board of Commissioners approved a cloud-based 911 system upgrade and declared a state of emergency for a June 2nd severe weather event. The board also approved June warrants totaling $184,440.82 and accepted the resignation of the County Engineer.

• Approved Resolution 25-06-17 declaring a state of emergency for June 2nd severe weather (unanimous)
• Approved Cloud Based Upgrade for 911 system from Central Square for $72,541.74 plus 2nd year maintenance of $35,167.74 (unanimous)
• Approved June warrants totaling $184,440.82 (unanimous)
• Moved Kadyn Paulson to permanent part-time Jailer/Dispatcher effective June 20, 2025 (unanimous)
• Moved Shannon Paplow to permanent part-time Landfill Scale Operator effective June 23, 2025 (unanimous)
• Accepted resignation of County Engineer Nick Klisch (unanimous)
• Scheduled Special Board Meeting for June 23, 2025, regarding MN Paving & Materials IUP application (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will discuss a request for a stay regarding the Sioux Rock Quarry Expansion Project and an amendment to the quarry's EAW Resolution. The board will also consider interim use permits for three companies and a MnDOT funding agreement amendment.

• MnDOT Federal Funding Agreement Amendment – Contract #1059338
• Sioux Rock Quarry Expansion Project request for stay
• Interim Use Permit for Minnesota Paving & Materials
• Interim Use Permit for Central Specialties, Inc.
• Interim Use Permit for Duininck, Inc.

The Board denied a request to pause action on the Sioux Rock Quarry Expansion Project. They approved three interim use permits for hot mix plants and authorized federal aid for road resurfacing. A public hearing for a Mountain Lake hotel business subsidy was scheduled for July 1.

• Approved Resolution 25-06-03A for federal aid to resurface CSAH 15 and CSAH 17 (Unanimous)
• Denied stay request for Sioux Rock Quarry Expansion Project (Unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 25-06-03 to amend Resolution 25-04-15 (Unanimous)
• Approved Interim Use Permit for OMG Midwest hot mix plant in Delton Township (Unanimous)
• Approved Interim Use Permit for Central Specialties, Inc. hot mix plant in Amboy Township (Unanimous)
• Approved Interim Use Permit for Duininck, Inc. hot mix plant in Dale Township (Unanimous)
• Approved Option agreement with MN DNR for tax forfeited land in Ann Township (Unanimous)
• Set July 1, 2025, public hearing for Mountain Lake Hotel business subsidy (Unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular meeting to approve the agenda and minutes from the prior meeting. Public Works will discuss surplus property, and the County Coordinator will present probation completions, hiring items, and policy amendments.

• Surplus Property discussion (Public Works Director)
• Probation Completion for Kayla Clark and Kay Gohr
• Part-Time Jail/Dispatch Hire(s)
• Clothing Allowance for Building Operations Manager & Courthouse Building and Grounds Worker
• Procurement Policy Amendment

The Board approved hiring a law firm for the Sioux Rock Quarry Expansion appeal and authorized over $511,000 in May warrants. Personnel actions included hiring two part-time jailers/dispatchers and updating the county procurement policy.

• Hired Squires, Waldspurger & Mace, P.A. or another firm for Sioux Rock Quarry Expansion appeal (unanimous)
• Approved May warrants totaling $511,716.48 (unanimous)
• Declared Unit 781 trailer and miscellaneous items as surplus property (unanimous)
• Approved added language to Procurement Policy regarding Suspension and Debarment (unanimous)
• Hired James Erickson ($24.78/hr) and Jennifer Etchason ($27.99/hr) as part-time Jailer/Dispatchers (unanimous)
• Approved $500 clothing allowance for Building Operations Manager and $250 for Courthouse Building & Grounds Worker (unanimous)
• Moved Kay Gohr to permanent full-time status as Chief Deputy Auditor/Treasurer (unanimous)
• Allowed Kayla Clark to remain as Solid Waste Technician after probation (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding a cannabis ordinance. The board will also review bids for 2025 pavement replacement projects and discuss the appointment of a County Attorney.

• Cannabis Ordinance Public Hearing
• Bids for 2025 Pavement Replacement Projects
• Ditch Hearings for CD30, CD14, CD31, and JD2
• Appointment of County Attorney
• String Lake Project discussion

The Board awarded a low-bid pavement replacement contract to Duininck, Inc. and approved an amended ordinance regarding cannabis-oriented businesses. The Ditch Authority authorized grant applications and engineering for the String Lake Project. Other actions included property sales and the appointment of a County Attorney.

• Approved amended Ordinance #43 - Cannabis Oriented Business and Land Use (unanimous)
• Awarded $5,389,767.66 pavement replacement contract to Duininck, Inc. (unanimous)
• Approved engineering fees and CPL grant application for String Lake Project (unanimous)
• Approved sale of parcel 10.030.0601 to Dudley Smith for $14,900 (4-1)
• Approved sale of modular building on parcel 10.030.0601 to Dudley Smith for $2,500 (unanimous)
• Appointed Nicholas Anderson as County Attorney at $171,000 per year (unanimous)
• Authorized purchase of enclosed trailer not to exceed $15,000 (unanimous)
• Approved $5,842.08 for phone system software upgrade from SCI Communications (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss infrastructure projects and administrative updates. Key items include bids for courthouse windows and a planning review for the Sioux Rock Quarry expansion.

• EAW – Sioux Rock Quarry Expansion
• Courthouse Window Bids
• Final Hearing for Groups 1 and 2A of County Wide Redeterminations (Ditch Authority)
• Talcot Lake Dam discussion
• Resignation of the County Attorney

The Board approved a contract for courthouse window replacement and appointed a new County Attorney. They also distributed affordable housing funds and adopted findings for multiple ditch redeterminations.

• Awarded $744,484 courthouse window contract to Murphy Window & Door (unanimous)
• Approved $10,000 proposal from Engan Associates for courthouse window coverings (unanimous)
• Offered County Attorney position to Nick Anderson at $171,000/year (unanimous)
• Distributed $88,448 in 2024 Affordable Housing Funds evenly between Rebuilding Minnesota Together and UCAP (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution 25-04-15 determining an EIS is not needed for Sioux Rock Quarry expansion (unanimous)
• Approved Letter of Support for Federated Rural Electric Association and Minnesota BEAD program (unanimous)
• Adopted findings and orders for 20 ditches including CD20, CD11, and JD5 (unanimous)
• Approved April warrants totaling $541,909.79 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners holds a regular meeting with a public hearing on a tax abatement for Borsgard Construction, considers an engineering services contract for Bridge 5990, and approves personnel actions including a full-time jailer/dispatcher and seasonal hires. Other items include a proclamation for Telecommunications Week and a funding request for water quality programs.

• Public hearing for tax abatement – Borsgard Construction
• Engineering services contract – Bridge 5990
• Full-time jailer/dispatcher approval
• Legal services agreement – Smith & Johnson Law Firm
• FY2026 Water Quality and Storage Program request for funding

The Board approved a design proposal for Bridge 5990 and a reimbursement agreement with Union Pacific Railroad. Acting as the Ditch Authority, the board approved a grant application for a storage basin in the Cottonwood-Brown JD #24 system. Other actions included approving seasonal hires and a residential property tax abatement.

• Approved residential property tax abatement for Borsgard Construction, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved design proposal for Bridge 5990 replacement not to exceed $71,340.00 (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 road and bridge weight restriction postings (unanimous)
• Authorized reimbursement agreement with Union Pacific Railroad for engineering services (unanimous)
• Approved FY26 Water Quality and Storage Program Grant request for Cottonwood-Brown JD#24 totaling approximately $677,784 (unanimous)
• Approved hire of seven seasonal employees (unanimous)
• Approved $100 annual safety boot reimbursement for Building Operations Manager and Workers (unanimous)
• Approved Legal Services Agreement with Smith & Johnson Law Firm retro to Jan 1, 2025 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board will hold a regular meeting on March 18, 2025, addressing multiple action items. They will consider approval of the AFSCME #578 union contract, a review of the Sioux Rock Quarry Environmental Assessment Worksheet, and land acquisitions in Delton and Ann townships. Other items include a county office closure, termination of a part-time jail/dispatcher position, and an assistant county attorney payscale review.

• Approval of AFSCME #578 Union Contract
• Sioux Rock Quarry – EAW Review
• Delton Township Land Acquisition (DNR)
• Purchase of Tax Forfeited Land – Ann Township (DNR)
• Termination – Part Time Jail/Dispatcher

The Board approved a labor agreement for the Public Works Department and authorized several fund payments. Other actions included accepting an emergency management grant and scheduling a public hearing for a residential tax abatement.

• Approved Public Works union contract with AFSCME Local 578 (unanimous)
• Approved March warrants totaling $165,398.50 (unanimous)
• Accepted $17,898 Emergency Management Performance Grant (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 25-03-18 regarding 60-acre state land acquisition in Delton Township (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 25-03-18B to hold a public hearing for a tax abatement at 1663 17th Street, Windom (unanimous)
• Terminated part-time Jailer/Dispatcher Christian Cazarez-Sanchez effective March 9, 2025 (unanimous)
• Moved Assistant County Attorney position from Range 22 to Range 24 on 2025 Wage Matrix (unanimous)
• Amended resolution 24-11-05A regarding Landfill Certificate of Need figures (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting on March 4, 2025. They are scheduled to discuss a cannabis ordinance proposed by Planning & Zoning, consider approval of a professional services agreement with SEH for public works, review 2025 equipment purchases and surplus equipment specifications, and take up a lease agreement with SVE, LLC. Other business includes probation completion, assistant county attorney pay scale review, and routine warrants.

• Cannabis Ordinance discussion
• Agreement for Professional Services – SEH
• 2025 Equipment Purchase and Surplus Equipment & Plow Truck Specifications
• Lease Agreement – SVE, LLC
• Assistant County Attorney Payscale Review

The Board scheduled a public hearing for the Cannabis Ordinance and approved several equipment purchases and leases. The board also authorized the preparation of specifications for two new plow trucks and approved March warrants totaling $102,978.36.

• Set Cannabis Ordinance Public Hearing for May 6 at 9:02 a.m. (unanimous)
• Approved Short Elliot Henrickson, Inc. Professional Services Agreement for 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved $18,500 purchase of 2021 Sullair 185 Cat Air Compressor and declared 2003 model surplus (unanimous)
• Declared 2012 F250 Extended Cab Pickup surplus property to be sold on Minnbid (unanimous)
• Approved office lease with SVE, LLC for two offices at N71 Office Building effective March 1, 2025 (unanimous)
• Moved Jon Wendinger to permanent full-time status effective March 10, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved March warrants totaling $102,978.36 (unanimous)
• Consensus to proceed with preparing specifications for two new tandem plow trucks

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold a closed session to preliminarily consider allegations against an employee. In open session, the board will discuss the promotion of a landfill scale operator, an amended joint powers agreement for 1W1P implementation, advertising for seasonal employees, hiring a heavy equipment operator, and a deputy sheriff vacation accrual request.

• Closed session under Minn. Stat. 13D.05 subd. 2(b) for preliminary consideration of employee allegations
• Promotion of landfill scale operator (Public Works)
• RCRCA amended JPA for 1W1P Implementation
• Advertise for seasonal employees and hire of heavy equipment operator
• Deputy sheriff vacation accrual request

The Board of Commissioners approved various personnel hires and promotions, a legal services agreement for adult felony cases, and an amended joint powers agreement for watershed implementation. They also authorized the expenditure of $135,482.62 across several county funds.

• Promoted Kayla Clark to Solid Waste Technician at $25.10/hour plus $60 cell phone allowance (unanimous)
• Approved RCRCA Amended Joint Powers Agreement for One Watershed One Plan Implementation (unanimous)
• Approved advertising for 7 seasonal Public Works positions for summer 2025 (unanimous)
• Hired Matt Dane as full-time Heavy Equipment Operator at $26.12 (3-2)
• Approved Legal Services Agreement with Kristi Meyeraan for adult felony cases (unanimous)
• Approved February warrants totaling $135,482.62 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

This regular meeting includes presentations and decisions on several county operations. Items include approval of the courthouse landings project budget, a mobile radio purchase for the sheriff, and renewal of a liquor license with a new Sunday fee. The board will also discuss hiring and termination of part-time jailer/dispatchers and hold a closed session for labor negotiation strategy.

• Courthouse Landings Project Budget – Adolfson & Peterson Construction
• Mobile Radio Purchase – Sheriff's Department
• MN Wetland Conservation Act – Notice of Decision (Lindamann)
• Liquor License Renewal and Sunday Liquor Fee – Mt Lake Golf Development
• Hire of Part-Time Jailer/Dispatcher and Termination of Part-Time Jailer/Dispatcher

The Board of Commissioners approved a budget for courthouse stair landings and authorized several personnel hires. Other actions included approving 2025 ditch assessments and setting a $200 fee for Sunday liquor licenses.

• Approved $649,491 budget for East & West Stair Landings Project
• Hired Bekah Saffert as Talcot Park Camp Host for 2025
• Approved $5,793.12 purchase of APX 6500 radio from Alpha Wireless
• Declared Emergency Management trailer as surplus for sale
• Approved Lindemann Final Plan Notice of Decision
• Approved 2025 ditch assessments
• Set county fee for Sunday liquor licenses at $200
• Hired Christian Cazarez-Sanchez, Lacy Freitag and Noah Ulmaniec as part-time jailer/dispatchers

County Commissioners

The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting on January 21, 2025. At 9:05 a.m., the board will consider approving legal services agreements, hiring part-time jailer/dispatchers, and accepting a retirement resignation. Other agenda items include commissioner warrants and updates from the county coordinator.

• Approve Legal Services Agreements
• Approval to Hire Part-Time Jailer/Dispatcher(s)
• Approval to Accept Retirement Resignation
• Commissioner Warrants

The Board of Commissioners approved January warrants totaling $81,070.93 and a $10,126.66 furnace replacement for the 10th Street Office building. The board also approved two legal services agreements and hired a part-time Jailer/Dispatcher.

• Approved January warrants totaling $81,070.93 (unanimous)
• Approved $10,126.66 low quote from Schwalbach Hardware for 10th Street Office furnace (unanimous)
• Approved Legal Services Agreements with Maryellen Suhrhoff and Amanda Pflueger (unanimous)
• Approved hiring Mikal Anderson as part-time Jailer/Dispatcher at $24.78/hour (unanimous)
• Accepted retirement resignation of Assistant Solid Waste Administrator Donna Stresemann (unanimous)
• Approved January 7, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will conduct reorganization activities, including electing a Chairman and Vice-Chairman. The body will decide on 2025 rates for crop damage, meal per diems, and seasonal employee wages. The meeting will conclude with a closed session to discuss labor negotiation strategy.

• Ordinance #39 regarding Food and Beverage Establishments
• Setting 2025 crop damage prices for corn and soybeans
• Approval of fees charged by County Offices
• Review of 5 Year Construction Plan and Bridge Replacement Priority List
• Setting 2025 Ditch Assessment Interest Rate

The Board elected Commissioner Stevens as Chair and Commissioner Appel as Vice-Chair for 2025. Officials approved a 5-year construction plan, set 2025 crop damage rates, and appointed Susan Horkey as County Recorder. The Board also approved $308,382.54 in January warrants.

• Elected Commissioner Stevens as Board Chair and Commissioner Appel as Vice-Chair (unanimous)
• Approved 5-year construction plan and 2025 project bidding (unanimous)
• Appointed Susan Horkey as County Recorder with an $89,000 salary (unanimous)
• Set 2025 crop damage rates at $900/acre for corn and $600/acre for soybeans (unanimous)
• Set 2025 ditch assessment interest rate at 4% (unanimous)
• Approved $308,382.54 in January warrants (unanimous)
• Approved $3,000 Contingency Fund for County Attorney’s Office (unanimous)
• Maintained Assistant County Engineer/Solid Waste Administrator as Exempt with 1:1 overtime rate (4-1)