The Houston County Board of Commissioners (BOC) convened for their regular meeting on March 25, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Chairman Eric Johnson led the meeting, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance. The board approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the previous session on March 18.
There were no public comments or items on the consent agenda.
The commissioners entered a closed session with county attorney, Susan Hansen who participated via Zoom, in regard to a pending employment claim. Upon returning to the open session, Administrator Carol Lapham provided a summary, stating that negotiations are ongoing.
County Engineer Brian Pogodzinski recommended accepting the low bid from Bluff Country Brine based on the four bids received on March 19, 2025. According to Pogodzinski, approximately 21,528 gallons (41%) are for the county and 30,472 gallons (59%) are for the 11 townships. Cost is $1.49/gallon delivered to Caledonia and $1.64/gallon delivered and applied by Bluff Country Brine. The liquid chloride is used to control dust on the gravel roads. The bid from Bluff Country Brine was unanimously accepted.
The board approved Pogodzinski’s recommendation to purchase 1,400 tons of road salt for the 2025-2026 season, matching last year’s order. The distribution will include 300 tons for Caledonia, 200 tons for Hokah, 500 tons for Houston, and 400 tons for Spring Grove, all sourced through the Cooperative Purchasing Venture (CPV). The order must be placed by April 7. The county has the flexibility to adjust the quantity, with a possible reduction of up to 20% or an increase of up to 25%. Pogodzinski emphasized the advantages of participating in a state contract, noting that without it, any supply shortages could drive salt prices to three or four times the contracted rate.
The commissioners reviewed and considered several labor agreements for approval, all pending review by the County Attorney:
- The 2025-2027 labor agreement between Houston County and Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc., Local #60 Jailer/Dispatcher Unit.
- The 2025-2027 labor agreement between Houston County and Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc., Local #415 Licensed Lieutenant Unit.
- The 2025-2027 labor agreement between Houston County and Minnesota Association of Professional Employees.
The board approved a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Local Union #2166, the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
The board unanimously approved donations totaling $4,735 to the Extension’s Tesmer Farm Safety Day from various businesses and individuals, including: Nikkis Ag Service ($100), Bennett Bros Dirt Works ($40), Mauss Pumping Service ($125), Pat’s Insurance Agency ($50), DHIA ($200), Mound Prairie Mutual ($100), Wiebke Tire ($100), Christine Rischette ($50), Shooting Star Native Seeds ($100), Caledonia Lumber ($100), ESB Bank ($250), Caledonia Oil Company ($250), Sno Pac Foods ($250), Caledonia Haulers ($250), Myhre Construction ($100), Craig Henry ($200), New Albin Savings Bank ($100), Kathy’s Beauty Salon ($75), Merchants Bank ($500), Hammell Equipment – Eitzen ($500), Farmers Winn Coop ($300), Precision Stainless ($250), American Legion Post 191 ($300), Wilmington Mutual Insurance ($100), Danielson Insurance ($20), Sub Zero Pizza ($25), American Legion Post 423 ($250), and Ame Beneke ($50).
The local Opioid Settlement Collaborative endorsed the proposed expenditures from the Opioid Settlement Funds, which the board approved. Sheriff Brian Swedberg requested $39,777.85 from the Opioid Settlement Funds to purchase an Apex Raman Spectrometer. This device enables officers to test suspected opioids through packaging, significantly reducing the risk of exposure. “It will allow law enforcement to test faster and more accurately in the field with less danger to self-exposures and/or medical treatment that is necessary if exposed,” explained Swedberg in the application.
Before adjourning the meeting, the board approved the payment of bills. Chairman Johnson then congratulated Board Clerk Allison Wagner on her recent marriage over the weekend. With that, the session was then adjourned.
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