But I mean that's that's what I've tried. >> Okay, it's 9:00. Stand in order. Stand for the flag to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Okay. Uh looking for approval of the agenda. Motion to approve, Mr. Chair. Have a motion. Do we get a second?
>> Second. Any discussion on any of the agenda? Any additions or Okay. All motion. All in favor of the motion signify by saying I.
>> I. Opposed. Period. the board meeting minutes from uh December 16th and December 29th special meeting. I'll make a motion to approve the minutes. I'll second it, Mr. Chair.
Motion and second. Any discussion on any of the minutes? Not. All in favor signify by saying I. I. Oppos. Here. warrant out. I will make the motion to pay the bills. Okay, we have a motion. Can we get a
second? >> Second, Mr. Chair. >> Motion second to pay the bills. >> Any discussion? >> Yeah, I have discussion. We have dues discussed later and we this is approving those. I'm not going to object to it,
but I'm going to state for the record that I do have concerns with AMC and the direction. It's not anything right now at this moment that we have a lot of staff on
user groups through AMC, but their last minute amendments and I I've got concerns. Then my other question was are we approving? There was concern about the travel reimbursement.
Did that included in this? We're approving paying those that were not following our public. There's a bigger discussion here, I think. So the pack committee members that
they're getting paid quick. So, how are we gonna make sure we're not doing the thing again? I just fill this up. I just didn't fill out. So, then the pay them obviously, but are we going to
say they have to follow and turn in their travel expenses monthly or is that an annual thing for them good enough? I don't have a preference either way, but let's just all be on the same page. Well, you know, it's easier to do it
every month, but I I don't know. I don't know that they knew there was a policy that said they needed to do it every month. So, I >> they probably it usually was tallied at the end of the year, >> right? But that's usually what's happened over the years, you know.
But to your question as far as AMC and where things are at now you're talking about through the health and human services and the stateto state language in general government or we're >> that's one of them. There's more
>> that was vetted out in that process and Stacy was fine with the language that was in it. our health, you know, Stacy Hannon, our health and human resources director, because I chatted with her a little bit after we were all said and done and she's she was fine with it. She said,
"So, we can't do our jobs down there without association Minnesota counties. Those lobbyists are working hard for us and of course they have to perform on a state level with all counties involved and and
reflections and things like that. You know, I think dollar for dollar, pound for pound, AMC has done a knockout job for us over the years. So, I really don't have any reservations
on, you know, I'm not a big fan of seeing these costs go up, but as we're going and using them, you know, you can you can cut back on like, and that's what I've done is cut back on your your time there, you know, instead of registering for the whole weekend and
stay in the whole nine yards, you know, you can get your work done and only stay a couple days versus a three like the annual conference and things like that. So I've been trying on my behalf doing cutting mine just because of the activity fees that are rais are getting
raised right but there's critical things that they do and one of them is this AMC drainage conference that's a big one and then our legislative conference um in February that's a big one but like the annual conference you know I was I
had mixed emotions about going and and then we I I was a voting member for general government and like I said We we brought everything that you're talking about up in front of, you know, everybody in the room and there was a few of us that spoke and we're headed
and the language got changed. So, it isn't a state by state. It's a state by county, you know, with county supervision. And I I don't have the language in front of me to state all that, but I did reach out to her, like I said, our health
director, and she said, "I'm I'm fine with it." completely fine with it. That's all I got to say. So, we got a question, Mr. Chair. Back to this discussion, the tips, travel, and meal reimbursement
policy. Is that going to be addressed later or are we in that along with something else right now? Is it >> Right. My question was I'm I'm assuming just a motion to approve the warrant. So I'm assuming we're paying the the ones
that were questioned. >> Yeah. >> And I I don't know either when are we addressing that because I have something I'd like to address as far as the policy relating to that. Now whether that's should be done now or later, I don't know if it's on I don't know if it's on
the agenda. So what do you think, Mr. Chair? >> Well, it was in the stuff that was sent out. So should I talk about it then? >> Sure. >> So it says under the travel and meal reimbursement that no expenses uh tips
and expenses are not reimbured exception tips calculated by the establishment and automatically added and as part of the billing will be reimbured subject to the daily law amount which may also include credit card slip showing the actual tip charge to employee. I guess I wonder why
Grant County would not tip a server for their services unless they add to the bill. I think that the the alcohol fine that shouldn't be, but we should be able to tip a server like we normally do as long as it's within the guidelines of
the daily limit just like it says on the ad. It's no use to it makes no sense. I think in this day and age people that work in the service industry, but I don't know if now the time while we're addressing if we want to bring that up under
something else or >> Oh, they'll be coming down the our packet along with other stuff on there, but >> Okay. So, it is part of this bottom part. >> No, it's not on the agenda, >> but it's on our
>> it was sent out with the warrants, the information, the policy and and the vouchers from those that were outside of the policy limitations. And I don't know when this policy was written. There's not a date on it. It was before my time. So, if there is revisions that need to
be done to the policy, I think that's something we can work on and then bring back for the board to approve >> um at a later meeting if that's what the board would like. >> I I think we put it on the agenda for the next meeting to see what the board
wants and then we go back and redo. >> That's fine. Anything else? I have a motion and a second to approve the warrants. Volunteer the motion. Thank you by saying I. >> I opposed.
Now for the uh organization of the board. Need a motion to nominate the 2026 chair. I'll nominate Dwightney. A second.
Motion second. Or first of all, any any other nominations? Any other nominations? Any other nominations? Okay. All in favor of of Dwight for chair signify by saying I.
>> I. >> I hear carried. And now uh you can take over. >> They don't mind. Well, we can do that next meeting, right?
Okay. All right. So, now we have to uh nominate a a vice chair. So, do we have a motion to nominate a vice chair? Well, >> we don't have you just have to show up
for meeting, right? Okay, I'll I'll nominate Bill the Valley for vice chair. >> Do we have a second? >> I'll second it. >> Okay, we have a motion and a second. You
>> We have a motion and a second for Bill Levali, the vice chair. Is there any other nomination? Is there any other nomination? Is there any other nomination? Hearing none, I'll call the question. All in favor of Bill of Valley to be the vice chair signify by saying I.
>> I opposed. There you go, Bill. Okay. So, we're going to move on here then. Um, I do want to say one thing that when I at times I'm going to call for a roll call
vote and I'm going to have the clerk or or coordinator do that throughout the year. Uh, that's how I uh I I've seen it done many times in other committees that I'm on and it seems to work out good. U
so anyway uh let's see here. Next up would be uh human resources. Um I am here this morning just looking for some direction um as to how to proceed with filling the uh vacer
position end of February. Okay. Um just going to have discussion on that. Um okay. Well, I'm uh you know, I' I've been around a long time and uh I think uh my
personal appealing is on how we move forward with this is that we take the sheriff's recommendation uh as to who should uh be appointed, the sheriff. Um you know, the sheriff, he got a lot of responsibility and it's a
big job. Um, and uh, you know, I I just feel that, you know, it's it's so important whoever gets in there knows what's going on.
And, uh, you know, I I just think that we need to go that route. Um, I checked with some other counties, two two other counties that recently appointed sheriffs and they they went with the sheriff's
recommendation as far as who to put in there until election time. And when it's election time, then it's everybody has a right to to file and run for sheriff. And uh, so that that's that's my
thoughts on it. There any other thoughts? I every position we've had that's come open, we've opened it up at least internally and I would like to stay consistent in that and have it opened up at least
internally. Any other thoughts? has has every has every I don't know this but has every position been opened up internally since I've been here the only one that we did not open up was when the treasurer moved out of the
county and went from elected to appointed otherwise since I've been here yes I'm not sure that's accurate if we looked at the historical happenings of the board. But I do have something to
add. Um I think probably the number one importance is how the department continues. And that's kind of what you were saying, Elite. And yet I understand what
Troy was saying. If the intent is to open it up that we're fearful of how it might impact the election, I think we're thinking wrong because you got to respect the pre-election process and it should
weigh out in in which case that will happen in November. And so um if generally the next in line which is to be the chief deputy is not chosen
we may be by default impacting the election in a sense and I have a little concern about that. I got a little tidbit I like to say, you know, if you this is so short term
that, you know, if you're talking, you know, D like a full term or, you know, a three-year term or something like that, say that something happened with the sheriff and, you know, you you wanted somebody for a three-year appointment. That'd be a whole different discussion
than right now. this is a short-term appointment and the elections coming up and things like that to keep the you know the if you want to call it the you know transitioning and everything like that and and you know keeping it whole
and keeping that department you know instead of rearranging the furniture up there I think being shortterm it needs to be succession meaning the chief deputy moves Doyle, do you have anything? >> I guess I don't uh I don't have a
trouble either way. If we open it up where the next in line, you know, take the position, I it'll get sorted out one way or the other. Anybody else have anything else? I just want to reiter reiterate that
everybody's entitled to run for sheriff in the county. So when that time comes, they can put their name on the ballot. And uh but for now, I think that we just need to keep things running smoothly here and uh
wish the sheriff commenter a good retirement. So what do we need here to be done? Mr. Sher, if I can chat real quick. Okay. You know, agreed. Anybody can run for sheriff, you know, but but the duties
and the responsibilities still got to be intact moving forward and there can't be. And I have to believe that the chief deputies sat in in the sheriff's roles when he's been on vacation and things like that. So again, I'll say again, shortterm, we should just do the
succession and move forward like what we did with the treasur. We didn't even bat an eye. We just moved her in. Being she moved out of the county, we appointed her for that short term. you know, till the elections come about. So, I guess you guys know where I'm at.
>> One more thing, Mr. Chair, it's interesting because and I don't know how long you've been chief deputy in, but whenever you're in a position that potentially can evolve into the next, you kind of have a interview as
long as you're in the position. Likewise, if you got appointed to the interimm sheriff, you will also be exposed to an interview between now in November. And that isn't a huge benefit. Sometimes
it can be a negative. And so we've been able to scrutinize Jen in this case at a level that no one else has. And whether that's good or bad, I don't know. But I think it's okay to mention that whenever you're in a
spot that you're subjected to the lens of us. >> I think that's a good point. And uh whoever gets appointed sheriff here is going to get every day they're going to be exposed every day. >> Yeah.
>> They're going to be Well, my statement should not be read anything on Jan. No, the policy of the procedure of we're going to open it up. >> So, I got a question, Mr. >> You referenced the policy and a procedure. Do we have a policy and a
procedure that we're not following? >> We do not have a written, >> but in the starting the 10th year that I've been here, other than the treasure, we've opened them up. Wow.
>> We did that environmental services. Um, did we? >> Okay. >> He applied for the job with the intent of being the replacement for Greg and then when Greg actually retired, he opened it up internally again.
>> And I I think, you know, I think this is a little bit different because this is an elective position as far as taking applications and stuff. just I just feel it's a little different situation. Um the chief deputy is a vital importance
of the every sheriff's office in the state. They they're the ones that the sheriff has his duty, but the chief deputy has lots and lots of duties there that pertain to every aspect of of the of the
sheriff's office. and they're they're the ones who are sitting behind sometime when the sheriff is out doing his sheriff and stuff. And uh so yeah, it's a little bit different of a position. And uh
so that's that's how I think we should do it. And I don't know if uh if we do that right now. I'm just looking for direction so that we can move forward. If it's opening or if it's if it's appointing then
>> right >> John would have to come to the board to make that appointment and then we'd have to do we we'd have to herself and he would have to meet. >> So so basically then today if if if we say we're not going to open it up then we're going to appoint her sheriff. >> John would have to bring that forward.
>> Yeah. at another time or on the agenda >> if it's to open it up then I would >> build a posting >> yeah because I you know there there's a time element here too now because the 27th is a John >> yes 27th of February is coming and it
would be best as quick as we can for the personnel up there to know what's going on >> yeah what are you looking for a motion Mr. Sure. >> I'd I'd entertain a motion. >> I'll make the motion to appoint Jen Bud as sheriff
>> when those roles are vacated by current sheriffs. >> Okay. We have a motion to appoint Jen Colmes or Jen Flightman as as sheriff work. >> I don't usually get what I do with it.
So, >> but we have a Do we have a second? Do we have a second? Okay. Well, I'll second that motion then. And uh on this end, I want to do a roll call vote.
When you're ready, should I just start on one end and work my way across? Is that how it goes? Well, yeah, you can you can do whatever you want there. >> Bill, >> yes.
>> Spear, >> no. >> Watney, >> yes. >> Troy Johnson, >> no. >> And Johnson, >> yes. I've got three yes, two no. Motion
carries. >> Okay. Oh, >> congratulations. Thank you, John, for what you've done over the years. >> So, the next steps we will meet with personnel committee and then come back um at a later date.
>> Okay, sounds good. Okay, thank you. >> Okay, Don, got the license bureau here. I'm here today to request that the board make a decision whether or not they are going to keep the license bureau as a county office or
contact the state and relinguish the office. Um, I'm trying to get a decision made for the sake of Mary because she is unaware if she's going to have a position with the county anymore or not or if she needs to start looking for another
position elsewhere. Um, I gave a 9-month notification of retirement and hoping that it would decision would have been made three months ago. Um, so I'm just looking for closure on whether or not my office will remain a county office so I
can move forward and getting paperwork and stuff done. That's why I'm here. >> Okay. >> Okay. Well, my thoughts on this are that uh there's too many unknowns
looking towards private privatization of this. Um there's just too many unknowns as far as I'm concerned. Um what we know now is that we have a well-run working license bureau that uh people enjoy coming to for the most part. I suppose
there's some that probably don't like every aspect of government, but for the most part, everybody that I've talked to, I haven't had anybody tell me they want to go private with that thing. And uh I've had a lot of them tell me that they want to keep it the way it is. Um I
know, if I might be mistaken, but I I know that this is in our budget for 26 that we had, you know, for two personnel in there. And uh it's just it's just uh wellrun and
people like it. I I was there yesterday myself and I I transferred title on a car that I bought for my wife and uh Mary helped me out with that because I get nervous on titles. I don't like writing on them because I've screwed them up before. She did all that for me.
And then of course I had to pay the money. But >> and then then I went downtown after that. And uh I was eating dinner downtown. So otherwise I probably wouldn't have been down in that restaurant if I hadn't been up there. And uh there was another guy from
Douglas County there that I knew. I was talking to him and I said, "What are you doing?" Well, I'd come over to buy my license and register a car. So, there's a lot of people that come into this county and spend money when they're up
there uh at the courthouse. And uh it's it's just it's just important. And if if it goes private and uh somebody comes in here and doesn't like it, they could sell it. And then we all
seen what the state what the state kind of said. you know, uh, if we relinquish that, we got to just write them a letter telling them we're out of here. And, uh, and then we have nothing more to do with that at all. That guy, that
per they come in and inspect the the site. What if they don't like it? What if they say, "No, we're not going to do that. You can't do that here." So, you know, that that's that it's too many problems, too many unknowns for me. I I don't like that. And uh and as far as uh it's a separate deal here now with the
uh drive t driver's test. It's not it's not affiliated with Don's office as much. It's just the state's running that. What if they quit that? They wanted to do that 25 years ago, 30 years ago when I was a sheriff. They wanted to they wanted to pull that out of here. Nobody remembers that.
We I went downtown, got the businessmen and got them up there. There was like 30 people up in the courthouse there and we were fighting to keep this drivers testing here. Why should our people have to go to Ferguson Douglas and you can't get in there anyway. They're coming from all over the state to Grant County to get in there on
their driving now. So So it's just there's I know I know there's a little deficit there, but I think that we make that up with what comes back into the county here. That's just my thought. So I'm I'm in favor of keeping that office the way it is. Mr. You talked about them
giving a variance to us, which you've talked about this variance for this testing, right? >> That's all up to the state, >> right? Okay. So, if if it goes private, that that might go away. And that's what you're referring to. That's why we kept
the testing locally here. And there's no guarantee that the state would even open an office in Grant counties because according to the statutes, if there is another office within 30 miles of Grant County, which there's technically three, they don't have to have one open in
Grant County. So there's no guarantee that the state would even open an office in Grant County. >> And how many times a month do they come for that? >> For testing? >> Yes. once at least once a month, sometimes twice if it's there that fifth
Thursday in the month. >> Busier in the summer than the winters. >> It's busy all year. And now they're actually opening up testing to more testing because they're going to start bringing two examiners here instead of one so they can do more kids
when they are here. So, >> Mr. Chair, I got a question for Don. Yes. In an email from James Forcel from the DPS. It references your appointment is a county appointment given by the
commissioner of public safety. Currently, Don is your appointee. Then later on it references DPS will begin the mandated process of a competitive bidding process defined by state statutes. This involves a review of site viability, public posting, an
application process, and an interview process. Once the selection is made by DPS will work with the entity to complete the appointment. The county does not have any role in the committed obity process. So my question is in your
experience does DPS is the appointment with individual or is it with the site and the entity slash the county or both? as a county office, you guys hired me,
which you in contact, I had to be approved by the state. So, in other words, I had to pass fingerprint background checks. They appointed me to be the director after you were hired. If it goes private, the
state has to approve the office building according to the statutes where it's at, who's in charge of it. It goes out for bids by the state. You guys give up the office, you're out of it. You have no longer anything to
say about any of it. >> Once again, going back to my question, you referred to an office. Does the office include the person or does the office include the site? Because there is a difference. If we say
we want to keep the office, that my office gets approved every time a new director takes charge because of the size. They approve it because it's been there for years. But if it goes private that they have to approve the
office and they also have to approve the director that's in charge of that office. It's two different approvals. >> Sure. The office according to the statute has its size, waiting area and all of that has to be approved by the
state and the person that they hire as director has to be approved. So two different things. Yes. >> Thank you. >> My question is, is the guy even interested anymore? >> I've been treated well the last two
times he came here. I don't know why we think that only government can do this. He wants to put his own money into it and we act like he's just coming in to wreck it so that the service won't be provided here.
I mean, if you're going to invest your own money, are you not going to try to make it a service that works? You talk we I heard, "Well, it's going to be terrible customer service." Well, how do we know that? He's putting his own money into it. And you think he's going to say, "Oh, yeah. Customer
service is out the window. You can wait however long." I I I don't get that. Why we would think that? >> Well, I don't I don't think that at all. Well, that's the way it came across at the last meeting. There's a room full of people that just assumed he was going to
come and destroy it. I mean, Guy wants to bring money and invest in Grant County and that's the way he's treated. But how how do we know it's how do we know, Troy, that it's going to be him? He this year says they're going to,
you know, put out that basically application. How do we know if it's going to be this guy? >> He's the So far he's the only one that's ever come and expressed interest. Yeah, >> but I mean he hasn't said that to the to the state these people, you know. So, we
don't know that in my opinion. Why are we inviting vendors? That's not our role. When we're done, we're done. That's the end of it. That's the state's role. We shouldn't be That's this should have come in front of us long before that guy showed up at the meeting. Long
before, Mr. Chair. So, I agree with Troy that when you get 32 people that somebody invited to pounce on this vendor was a little embarrassing. But I also listened
and if you wanted to check off all the boxes, we would try to work with the state, offer a place to offer to operate, which we have because I we it was identified if it doesn't continue that we would
take it back. Well, why don't we try to be the facilitator, offer the service in the courthouse, let private enterprise do their thing. He identified the the math isn't very
good. And anyone who's been in business or balances their checkbook can kind of see that this thing is pretty tight operationally. But the missing link would be if we had a place for them to operate at a very minimal lease amount.
I think that's what we should look at and work try to work with Department of Public Safety and say here's what we have. I'm not for getting rid of it. I sure don't want the state to take it away from us, but I do think we have an
option and I'm not sure we've looked at it totally. >> I'm not sure I follow what you're I mean, so it would be a private business leasing space in the courts. Yes, I would be against that as I stated when
the H was in the courthouse that I think that should just be for county services. Well, I don't know that we should compare to H because I don't think the narrative with the H to do with whether it was a private business in the courthouse. It
had to do with environmental services needing the office space and exiting this building. Not once did I hear private H come. The other thing about it, although I from past decisions, this board doesn't care how much money they
spend, but if you do realize if we could do this, it's like a $60,000. That's real money and it would keep the office. I don't know if DPS would do it, but there are counties that do have private businesses and it's not
necessarily really that exotic of a concept. Maybe I'm wrong. I don't know. What do you think, Don? >> I don't know if my opinion matters right now. >> You guys have had three months now to
talk about this and discuss this. You guys look at my office as an expense. I'm not here to make the county rich. I am here as a service to the community. So, this is your guys's decision. This isn't
my decision. I just would like a decision today for the sake of Mary and for the sake of my customers. If you guys don't want this as a county office, tell me today. I'll put in the rest of my time and I'll walk out.
But Mary needs to have a decision whether she should be looking for another job right now or if she's going to have a job at Grant County. This decision is up to you five. It's not up to me.
>> Yes. And a decision has to be made here. >> I worked hard for this company or for this office and for Grant County, >> but the decision is up to the five of you. My standing is yes, you would be
naive to get rid of that office because it brings a lot of people. >> But that's just my opinion. Yeah. Question. Go ahead. >> So, is uh Mary, could she take over like
after you retire, could she take over? Do you have to would somebody else have to be hired to take your position or I mean, would she be able to take your position or >> She could if she chooses to. I'm not going to force her to take over my position. Oh, I would
>> I'm sure she would have to apply like everybody else does to take over that position. Unless you guys want to appoint her for that position without the application process, but we just had the discussion with Jen. That's not part
of policy. >> But I was just wondering in the >> she's ready to take over for me >> of training and stuff. She's got >> she's got all the training she needs to take my position and then we'd have to hire for her position. Okay. Well, I uh we got to move on here.
So, we got to like it we got to make a decision here. And like I said, there's too many unknowns here. I know of uh I know of one county in particular that went private and they got it back now. Uh so,
>> Mr. Chair, excuse me. Do you think it would be okay whether it's strategic planning or personnel or some committee or buddy or chair have a discussion with
Jim Fel from the Department of Public Service to see if the option isn't just operate it like it is or get rid of it that maybe there is a hybrid. And maybe there is a benefit where the
boxes do get checked off that we can be comfortable with. It appears that he's holding all the aces. And so we're making a decision today. From what I am feel without him rendering an opinion, I'm
not so sure we should make that decision today. He's not holding cards. It's state statute. What he said in that letter is state statutes for my office.
As we as we sit here right now, we have a a knowing. We we know that we can operate up there and we know that it's a good place and we know that people like coming there. And we have two employees who uh you know have good
jobs and uh they're contributing too to the local economy. But you know I I'm I'm with Troy. I'm not in favor of anybody coming into the courthouse there to lease anything.
We I don't want to do that. And I just don't think that uh there's just too many unknown. And you know, if we're going to delay this, you know, I certainly don't think we could call for a vote to privatize right now
because you don't know you you're going to lose this program. >> Process takes about 60 days. >> You have to provide the state with the notice of intent that you're going to consider a resolution to close it.
Um and you have to provide that to Don and to any any other department that we license the support for. And then you know that has to be at least 20 days notice. You guys meet twice a month. Um so then you know that resolution would
be a topic at a meeting that is at least 20 days after that notice is served. If you adopt that resolution, it's not effective until 30 days have passed. So, it's at a minimum a 60-day process.
So, we're two months down the road. That's just the process. >> Mr. Chair, I just want to comment on what Don said. So if I'm reading what Jim's saying, if the state approves the site which is
currently approved and we offer an alternative to the appointee which they say they have to appoint and then if the projected appointee was someone that was already approved in Morris,
is there anything wrong with asking that or are we totally against private enterprise operating the license in the county at a savings for us. Is that is that the issue or is it that we don't
want to ask if it's possible? >> Well, for me personally, I want to keep it the way it is. So, that answer that question for me. Mr. Chair, I got a little statement I'd like to make today. you know, if we were struggling with staffing and hours of operation and things like that, but this
place is has been, you know, absolutely seamless for years, generations, not just not just years. And, you know, we're have people willing to step in those roles and and be compliant with the state to make sure that the people
are served here. Why would we want to entertain any kind of change, let alone let private industry or private entities operate on county property? That's that's trouble right there in my opinion because you know are they going to close
if we close county offices? Are they have to going to close too because the courthouse is going to get closed? There's too many unforeseens there. So the you know the will of the people is you know if you guys want and you really are passionate about this you know we got an election coming up you can
certainly make a ballot question but in my opinion for right now we should move forward with replacing Don at some point so then she can she can mirror there whoever can mirror that those two people in that office to make sure that there's everything is compliant and so those
questions are answered for the people there's a lot of change going on and you educate the public every time they walk in there. You know that and I don't know if the private sector would would give it it would take too much time, you know, to get decent staff, you know, and
rearrange furniture here a little bit. It's too much time and Justin is talking about statute that, you know, we're we're knocking on the door right now. I mean, you blink and it's 30 days is gone. So, we timing is of the essence. So, Mr. Mr. I'll make the motion to put
forward put forward uh uh an appointment process and a hiring process for the granular license. Okay, we have a motion. Uh do we have a second? Do we have a second? Okay, I'll I'll second that motion.
We'll do a roll call vote. Okay. And just so I >> Oh, discussion. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Don't you don't want to look at my suggestion, which I understand.
I heard Don that potentially we could lose it and the other option is to stay the same. That really feels like encumbered leadership that we aren't willing to broaden our vision for the future of
this county. But if we vote against it and we lose it all together, it's a bad day. I don't like the motion and I don't like the second, but I don't like our options. The only one option I like is my option. That feels greedy, doesn't it? But I think it's a better option,
but that's not on the floor. But I just had to say it, Mr. Chair. Thank you. Any other discussion? All right. I'm I feel like we're sitting here afraid to lose what we have and not looking at
what we could have. You know, there's the possibility that private entity would come in and open up. They'd bring in Identico where now our school staff and our nursing home staff or daycarees don't have to go to another county to get fingerprinted.
It could be done right here. We could have expanded services because we're afraid of losing what we have. We're not willing to look at what it could be. >> I got another question. >> Yes, >> I agree with Troy a little bit like the
chicken and egg. When does James Forcel render his decision? Do you think? I mean, if we don't approve this, could we be out? >> Yes,
you could be. >> It's not his decision. It's the Commissioner of Covenant Saf's decision. And there's no guarantee that anybody is going to open an office here. Once you give notification, they'll come
in and take all of their equipment and inventory out of the office and it's gone. >> Right along with the variance for the testing, >> right along with the variance for the office, the testing and every other variance I have for that office.
And there's no guarantee the gentleman from Morris will get it even if he is interested. >> Well, I got another question. Justin, you related some time little days and some timing and once again I know we have a motion on
the floor. But if you listen to Troy and if you listen to me, does it make sense to make the decision without having some engagement with DPS and the state? Your only decision is whether you want a license bureau or you don't.
>> That's correct. >> That's it. >> And that's what the email states. But what Justin, what if we wanted in the courthouse with a management or a contract agreement with an operator that the state might approve.
That's >> it's a you know, if it were offered to all people who are interested as part of their process, that would be something. But just based on the discussion, although there hasn't been a vote, it doesn't look like that's going to
carry the day either. Okay. Any other any other question or any other discussion? Okay, I'll call for the roll call vote. >> Can I just clarify the motion, please? >> Yes. Motion was made by Bill of Valley, seconded by Dwight Walvatne, and carried
to move forward with the appointment and hiring process. The appointment for for the supervisor and naming process for the staff. Bill Valley. >> Hi.
>> Doyle Spear. >> Hi. >> White wall. >> Hi. >> Roy Johnson. >> No. >> And Johnson. >> Hi.
>> I'm sorry. I didn't hear you. Hi. >> Four to one. It carries. Okay. Thank you, Don. All right. >> Can I get some clarification on this need appointment and then the hiring?
So, we have to hire first the director position. So, are the is it an appointment or are we going out for advertisement and hiring? for for that position and if if the
current employee takes that then you're appointment for Mary to move up into >> I'm glad role. So we just appointed Mary. We didn't >> I want >> that's a succession. >> We're talking succession here. >> That is
>> Oh no no we didn't. >> Wait we >> I just want clarification on that. What I would like to do is I would like to hire or >> after it's going through >> we never voted on Mary. We voted on whether we're going to have the office
or not. Well, you already have an employee in the office. >> It's not in our case. I repeatedly heard that it's up to the state and we Justin told us there's only two decisions. You want it or you don't. We just voted that we wanted it. You know, did I fall
asleep? >> So then we would I would I guess ask for clarification then on how you want me to proceed with hiring the hiring process. >> I'll reread the motion. A motion was made by V Bill V bill and seconded by Dwight Walvatney and carried
to move forward with appointment for the supervisor in the hiring process. >> Which more what more do you need there? >> I just wanted clarification on the appointment because like we've said before department heads we've opened it
up for advertisement. So if you want to appoint that's totally up to you guys. I just want that clarification and we don't know if this we don't know if she's interested but I want clarification cuz I have >> I don't we have to let the state know
that we're going to continue right? >> No. If you're going to continue to keep it as a county office, you don't have to notify the state at all. >> Okay. The only thing the only thing that'll happen is whoever gets Don's job will be
our designate. Then you guys whoever is hired for my position, I need a letter stating who was approved by you guys to be the director and then I have to do all the paperwork with the state to have them appoint and approve her for my
position. >> And that takes an appointment process. >> Yes. Right now. So, does that mean advertising? >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> So, what Don what I think Donald she's going to start training Mary to take your stuff >> if Mary wants it.
>> I would like to advertise out right away instead of just internally, >> right? >> You know, for my position because if Mary is not interested in taking my position, I'll have other applicants because it's totally up to her if she's going to take it or not. She might want
to stay where she's at. I don't know. There's latitude in in the motion for that process >> and then >> I just want clarification on that. >> Yeah. >> Okay. We will start that. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Moving on.
>> Jamie, you had some stuff for >> you. Yeah. So, I just have my annual um Grand County investment policy that needs to be approved. Um and then also the county resolution establishing bank accounts and
depositories um that need to be approved. >> We gonna do them one at a time then. We do one at a time. >> Actually, it's one document, right? You sent me one document is full. >> No, there's two. So the Grand County investment policy is is its own. >> Okay.
>> And then the county resolution establishing bank accounts and deposit are two and these are done annually. >> Yeah. They're broken out here, right? investment policy and company. >> So, do we have a motion to approve these? Anybody want to make a motion? >> I'll make that motion for the investment
policy, Mr. Chair. >> Okay, we have a motion for the investment property. Do we have a second? >> I'll second it. I got >> discussion. Okay, go ahead. We have a motion and a second. Go ahead. Discuss. >> So, it lists in the investment policy that our audit will be done by the state
auditor. Have we ever had it where it's not >> the state auditor that does our audit? Yeah, they they audit our investments, >> right? But I'm asking we've never had other than the state do it. >> No, not not that I am aware. Now I've
only >> for our policy, we won't be able to do that. But if we if we were we approve it every >> like a third party audit. >> Yeah. Not that I'm aware of. >> Yeah. Just if we ever were going to do that, we'd have to adjust.
>> Correct. There's policy. Correct. like a clip and Alan Larson Mr. So if you're talking well anybody any >> okay >> hey do we have any further discussion if not I'll call for the motion all in favor I
>> I >> opposed motion carried >> okay and then the second one is the Grant County um resolution establishing bank accounts and depositories and you guys got a list of those correct
Yep. Okay. Do we have a motion? >> So move. >> Okay. Uh we have a motion by Doyle to approve this. Uh do we have a second? >> Second. >> Okay. We have second by Bill. Uh any
further discussion hearing? None. All in favor? >> I opposed. >> Motion carried. >> Okay. And then the next thing I have is um a revised credit card policy as a recommendation from our state auditors.
Um they wanted us to include the language um to include detailed receipts from employees. Uh they had said they had got you know when they were doing some auditing um some receipts that weren't detailed and um they feel that they need to be very
detailed as into um what the credit cards being used for. So, I did put I have three revisions on here. Some of it's just um kind of cleaning it up. Um and I had written the revisions um on there and so it's just to get
approval for the the seventh revision of the credit card policy. >> The auditor was okay with the >> I didn't run it through them. It was just they had just mentioned the detailed language in there. >> I'll make that motion. We have a motion
by Troy Johnson. Do we have a second? >> No second. >> We have a second by Doyle Spear. Any further discussion? >> Hearing none. All in favor? >> I opposed. >> Motion carried. >> Okay. >> And I do need these signed by the board
chair. Have hard copies. >> You're going to have new signature things. I can stop and sign for the credit card policy. >> What's that? >> The credit card policy. So I every employee that has a credit card, I am sending out um a new form stating that with the new policy that they need to
sign and return back to me that they have received it and read it. >> Auto stop after the meeting. >> Y >> sure that it states under the limit $1,000. Is that consistent with what we do?
>> That is correct. Yep. So every um unless unless brought forward um you know a different amount, it's it's typically always been $1,000. >> I'm just wondering if we have a policy that states has set up the chart limit at and all of a sudden we have a let's
say a leadership or a supervisor that needs 2500. >> Yeah. So that that also addresses it in the policy that they they um if if the purchase needs to be done um in between board meetings. Then the they are to
email the board chair, the board chair um either approves it or denies it and then um will contact me and allowing that and if they want a permanent increase then they need to come to the full board and ask for the permanent increase. >> So we have some that are over.
>> We do. We have quite a few actually. I'm just wondering if we're updating the policy and the policy says $1,000. That's different than what I'm hearing you'll be paying. >> It's only a specific few. It's you know the >> but I I believe it says in there yes
they can come to the full board and get a larger it's up to the board to >> and even at the time of approval they can ask for over a $1,000 limit. >> Okay. What if it's consistent with what we do?
>> You need me to sign something? >> Yeah, actually Jamie, if you could leave them with me. We'll sign everything at the end and then I will give it to you when I get back because I need a copy as well. >> Sure. >> Yes. >> Thanks for your work, J. >> Yes. Thank you.
>> Okay, Carl, >> you got any good news for us today? >> Uh, I'm not going to make decisions. Uh, we did we brought Trent out to Seattle. So, we got Phil's duty station. So, we
last >> got an apartment. And so he's yesterday was his first official day as new solutions. Okay. So we on the way out he skied in Whitefish and then we skied out in
Washington for one day and that was good. >> But it's early season conditions so rocky. >> Not so good. We've had a couple of high schoolers.
Isaac has been in the top 10. I mean, both races so far. So, he's pretty pumped about that. Wait for Bill or we can uh we can get going. Okay. Um, so the first thing I kind of wanted to go
over some changes or some some updates from the 2026 assessment. just kind of give you an overview of kind of where we're looking at with the asses. Um so on the egg side we had 23 egg sales and right now it looks like we're going to see an 8% reduction in our tillable
land. Um CRP is going to remain flat and our woods pasture waste. They'll all be seeing $100 increase in value residentially. Um for the cities, uh Ashby had seven sales and it looks like we're going to, you know, keep values
pretty flat there. Um it doesn't mean that every property is going to be flat because we have minor changes in the schedule. So might go up a little bit, some might go down a little bit, but overall it's going to uh remain relatively flat. Barrett had two sales.
Um we're going to leave the the values flat there as well. Elbow Lake had 20 sales and it looks like we're going to go down about one or two% in El Lake City. Um Herman, they had four sales. Uh we relooked at the the lot values in
Herman and they were really kind of all over the place. Um so we we relooked at that we recalculated kind of what's the best method of valuing those lots. Um the December uh city council meeting to
discuss with them those changes that we made. And then on the buildings, it looks like we're going to see about a 16% reduction for the lower end of the the parcels. Um the upper end, we'll see about a 5% reduction. Um Hoffman City had 14 sales and it
looks like we're going to keep the the values flat there. No or Norcross didn't have any sales. Um again, we're going to kind of keep what's going in the area and we're going to leave them flat. Wendle had two sales and we're going to see about a 5% reduction there.
For lakeshore properties, it looks like Pelican Lake had nine sales and it looks like we're going to have about an 8% increase there. Um, all the other lakes looks like we're going to be relatively flat. Um, and the rural residential properties, it looks like we're we need
about a 3% increase on those those other properties as well. Um, commercial, we had three sales and it looks like we're going to do about a 3% increase in value. So that's just kind of like a 500 foot view of what what we're going
to be doing with the assessment. Again, there's going to be micro areas where, you know, we have sales indicating one specific property type might need a little bit of an increase or one might be a little bit more of a decrease, but overall that's kind of what we're
commercial. Is it increase or decrease? >> Increase. >> Increase. Yep. Any questions about that? >> Yes. So in this process that you commend
doing her, did I read it right that potentially your office is going to view that process in all the cities? Yes. >> And how how does that what's your talk about that? So what is that process going to look like? So, how the lots
were being valued in the past where everything was just straight front foot bed. Well, there's a lot of lots that might have 100 ft of front feet, but they might only be 50 ft. And then the next lot might be have 75
ft of front footage, but they have 500 ft of depth. And what we found is that through looking at the sales, that's not how they're necessarily buying these. They're buying them kind of by the size. And so what we did is we looked there's we're going to have 15 different classes
of land basically and it's going to be site measured by size. And so then what we did is we kind of said well here's what the minimum lot sale would be or you know like a.3 acre lot. There's kind of a a bottom number. So that's where we
start and then we'll we'll increase the value out to about five acres and once it hits the five acres then they the we'll use a little bit different style for valuing those larger parcels. But it it's a more consistent methodology
or valued in the size of a parcel versus just based on front foot because otherwise you might have somebody who has 2 acres and they're valued the same as somebody who's got a 100 by 150 foot lot. So we want to make sure that we're
valuing according to what you have, not necessarily the front foot value is a great way to value things. If you have a whole bunch of that one style, >> sure, >> and they're all similar, >> right?
>> But when they're not similar, it it just doesn't sense. >> Thank you. >> Um, the other thing that I brought with was all the assessment changes that have occurred from the county board of appeal through the end of December. So, that
wasundred 22 pages and this is to show you the the homesteads that have changed. People can either apply for homestead, not apply. Um it's all the special egg apps. It's the um all the state changes or like utility
lines. Those are all things that are acceptable by the state to change. So this is just a listing to show you all of the changes that have occurred since then. Carl, does there need to be a a motion to approve those changes?
>> No. >> Um, and then the last thing that I had was to set the county board of appeal and I was looking at setting that for June 15th at 4:30 p.m. that we hear. So the only thing that the soonest we
can have it is the first Monday after the second Friday of the month. So So that would be the the early date that we can have it right. >> Would you say 4:00 again? >> 4:30. >> 4:30. So do we need a motion to set that?
>> You can just call me and just have Tina put it down at the meeting. Okay, good. 4:30 4:30 on the 15th. >> Okay. So, no motion for setting the dates. Okay.
>> Anything else, Carl? That's all I had. >> Thank you very much. Thank you. All right. >> Okay, Dina. >> Okay. word meeting dates, time, and location,
right? And and do these now have to be >> when I looked back in previous minutes from other year years, these are all all things that had their individuals. >> Okay. >> Identified in in the minutes except
obviously the work session is is new this year, >> right? So, board meeting dates, times, and locations. Historically, they've been every 1 and 3 uh Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. Um, and they've been being held in this
room here. Is that what you want to do moving forward? >> I'll make that motion. >> We have a motion. We have a second. >> Okay. Think we got a motion by Bill the Valley and a second by Doyle Spear to have our commissioner meetings the first
and third Tuesday at the government office building in Elbow Lake at 9:00. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All in favor? >> Opposed? Motion carried. >> I added in the packet the board agenda
item of work sessions. um just looking for direction from the board. If you want to standardize them, do them as needed. I mean, I know in some counties they just, you know, at this first meeting, set them. And then if they don't have something for the
work session, they just don't have it, but it's always set um at the same time, same locations, similar to the official board meeting. Um and again, work sessions are only for discussion. No action can happen at a work session.
It's just an opportunity for the full board to discuss the topic. >> My view on is we should have them irregardless if we have a specific topic or not. We should have at 8:30 we should have a work session listed because we have a specific topic. Okay, list the
topic too. But we would still say at 8:30 is the work session because then it's it's there. It's an opportunity to come in and have a less structured conversation about stuff where we're still following open meeting law. Everybody, anybody can show up. They all know we're going to be here at this
time. And if we do have a topic, great. Listed. We'll talk about that specific thing. But if not, then it's you can have an open discussion. >> Okay. That's my that's just my thoughts on it. >> And then Troy, would that be just the first Tuesday of every month?
>> I would say do it every every meeting. >> Every meeting. Okay. Is that your motion then? >> I'll make that motion. Okay. >> So, we're going to declare every meeting at 8:30 >> essentially. Yes. There will be no action or anything before 9. Yep. >> And you you got that, Dina? What do you
>> Okay. I just I'm just going to reiterate it just to make sure I have it clear in my head. Again, work session is just discussion only. No official business. And it will be the board would like to have a work session scheduled at 8:30 a.m. the first and the third Tuesdays of
every month here at the same location. And then as agenda items or topic items come up for them, you know, that will go out with the packet. It'll be listed on the agenda what what it is. >> If if somebody whether it's on this board or from the public once they have
something there, they follow the same process. They fill out the form. It's just we can't take any action. >> So question. So and I like the idea it's open but if something is identified is is it's identified but is is it still
open? >> Yeah. >> Is it both? >> Right. I I think I know what you're saying is there is a discussion topic like we had the the new rifle legislation for hunting. We had the work session to talk just about that. It
wouldn't be open for other topics. If a top if a topic is identified, that's what will be discussed for that half an hour. And then if there's no topic identified, then it's just discussion opportunity. >> I wouldn't agree with that. I
>> Well, I would say that it should always be open. >> If if we have identified that there we want to talk about the rifle ordinance, that's going to be the very first thing. And if 10 minutes into it there's really no more discussion or conversation, then you move to whatever.
>> Yeah. So it can do sort of >> it's not going to be limited to just that listed topic. That's just going to be addressed first. >> I agree. >> That's what I was getting down. >> And then I mean that tells the public, hey, they're going to be here. They're going to be talking about this specific issue. So if they want to weigh in, that's
>> and then if something is talked about that's not listed, that's okay, too. Yeah. I would. Right. I would think so. It's just informing. I mean, it's more transparency. We're going to be here doing it. So,
okay. We have a motion by Troy. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Okay. We got a second by Bill of Ali. Uh, any further discussion? Hearing none. Uh, all in favor? Opposed?
Motion carried. Next is um naming the official county newspaper and also um and again in past minutes when I reviewed them, these were two separate motions. One is naming the official
newspaper and the other one is um accepting a printing and publishing bid. Um, we got one printing and publishing bid from the Grand County Barrel. We didn't get any others. >> Okay. So, do we have a motion to accept? Would
this be the uh kind of the official newspaper? >> It's the only newspaper. So, >> and we can we can make it one motion. I just Yep. If if the board chooses I just and looking back it there it was done both ways. Either two separate or one together. But it's two items. It's
naming the official newspaper and it's accepting the printing and publishing. >> Do we have a motion to that? Then >> I will make that motion and I want the motion to reflect the cost associated with it. You know, so in the motion I want the the amounts
listed. >> So approve the Grant County Herald as the official county newspaper and accept the bid of $10.50 50 cents per inch rate for 2026 >> per column inch rate. It say column two.
>> It did not in the bid >> per inch rate. >> We have a second. >> All second by Bill. Any further discussion? >> Hearing none. All in favor? >> I opposed.
Motion carried. >> Next on the list is AMC voting delegates. Um and this is what has been done in the past. Um is Ken Johnson environmental and natural
resources. Dwight Walbatney, public safety. Troy Johnson, Health and Human Services. Doyle Spear, Transportation. Villa Valley, General Government. Western Prairie Administrator Director Stacy Hennon. Highway Engineer Matt
Yavaro and County Coordinator. >> I'll make that motion, Mr. Chair, for the status quo. We'll let Tina just rattle off there. >> Okay. We have a motion by Bill Levali. Do we have a second? >> I'll second it. >> Second by Doyle Spear.
>> Any further discussion? >> All in favor? >> I >> I opposed. Motion carried. >> A motion um is needed to uh approve the payment of the 2026 dues of AMC. And as
Troy pointed out, some of them are already approved in in the warrants. Um, but AMC annual um due is $10,682. MRCC is $2,200. Um, no
um National Association is $450. The the MACO I'm not sure what that um acronym is at this time. It's eluding my my memory, but it's 900. And MACA is association of county administrators and
coordinators at 771. >> 771. >> Okay. Do we have a motion? May these do it. >> I got a question, Mr. chair here before we I know you're calling for a motion, but I'd just like to ask what um which
which is Mako again? Minnesota Association of County. >> I have I have to Google it because I can't remember. >> NO is is >> NO is a national. Yes, that's that's
something that's probably that's fairly critical that long MRCC like you're on Troy and AMC >> Minnesota Association of County Officers. >> So that's assessors and recorders and
things like that. Any changes coming down the pipe? You know, a lot of times it's it's good to get a person. >> It's auditor, treasure, and recorder. >> Okay. I'll make the motion, Mr. Chair, to pay
the AMC, MRCC, Nico, Mako, and Ma. >> Okay. Do we have a second? Second. >> That was Troy. Okay. Second by Troy Johnson. Um, any further discussion?
Hearing none, I'll call the question. All in favor? >> I opposed. Motion carried. >> Next is the 2026 Grant County fee schedule. Historically, I believe
departments would come with individual fee schedules and um department heads are willing to share their fee schedules with me. and we've created just a grant county fee schedule that lists all the fees. Um, and we're presenting that to
the board for approval. We have a motion. >> Motion by Troy Johnson to approve the fee schedule. Do we have a second? No. Second. >> Second by Doyle Spear. Any further discussions? Hearing none. All in favor?
I opposed. Motion carries. >> Next um is looking for approval for the 2026 Grant County Committee assignments that was included in the packet. Um
there's two in particular that um need to be adjusted is the Viking Library. Doyle Spear um his term expired um and I included in the packet the information about when they meet and the other one the Boyd Sue watershed board
reached out and said uh John Kapon's term expires uh this year um and so he's willing to keep that appointment the board so chooses. >> Okay. Do we Well, let's do the boy to
first here. Do we have a motion to keep John Kapan? >> Well, are we gonna not follow We gota I know for a fact we got to follow our policy on that one. >> Okay. I >> I mean it's not it's not he's not done yet. I think what did it say? July June or something. >> Okay.
>> So, no, that has to be advertised for and that. >> Okay. >> He we did that the last time with him. I'm pretty sure we took our policy of how we appoint based off of Boise the law for Boise to sue. So it has to be >> he did that the last time. So we I mean
we need to to follow our >> Yeah. Okay. >> So So the point being would be to approve as as presented understanding that those ones that one will be coming and then the Viking Library one that
your term expired end of 2025 correct. >> Okay. Okay. So, that one does need to >> be filled. We can do we'll do that one now that Doyle talked to me about that. I I'd be willing to take that if the board chooses that. So, I don't know. Do we need
>> I'll make a motion with to approve the committees with Dwight Wattney on the Viking Library. >> Second. >> Okay. Any further discussion? >> Maybe it's point of clar clarification. Under the building committee, we list
facility maintenance since May uh and tell me Mr. Olsen. >> Yeah, Mr. Olson Kyle. >> Kyle, is that assuming either or or both or doesn't it matter?
>> Well, I guess I would like to see both of them. You know, I think that's a pretty good fit there. Okay. >> Did we Did we get a second? I got >> I think Bill's taking it because neither one of us are being assigned new committees.
>> Great. >> Okay. All right. We have a motion, a second. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All in favor? I >> opposed. Motion's carried. Thank you, chairman.
>> And then >> next is the Morris Electronics 2026 uh IT contract. >> Okay. >> So, we had we seen that Morris Electronics contract in the email.
>> It was brought to an earlier board meeting just for review. talked about it at that night, but they we want to start out the good the new year with a signed contract with them. So, they were looking for a motion. What?
Well, before this is the county paying 105, but they're being reimbursed by Western Prairie for 40 something. >> That would be it. Chad, are you on still on? Yeah, I'm here. What's What's
>> the Morris electronic contract is for 105,000, but Western Prairie reimbures for 40 like 42,000. >> I don't have the number off the top of my head, but it's >> But they do an amount. >> Correct.
>> Okay. Thank you. I will make a motion to approve the Morris electronic Morris Electronics contract. >> Okay, we got a motion by Troy Johnson. We have a second. >> Second.
>> We have a second by Kenny Johnson. >> Let's put that amount in there. The 105 67440 >> carried and approved the 2026 North Electronics contract for 1056740. Okay. Any further discussion?
Hearing none, I'll call the question. All in favor? I opposed. Motion carried. Next is just information. It's the letter from the state historic preservation office. There is two county um properties that are nominated. Um,
one being the Emanuel Lutheran Church Barrett in the Barrett Lakeside Pavilion. >> Hey, do we have a motion? >> No motion needed. >> No, no, it's just anformational. >> Yeah, that was that was good though. The
those two two spots there. >> Yeah. Now they're going to tell you how to blow a grass >> and then we're on to board committee updates. >> Okay. >> Oh, budget finance committee. Do we have
any update? >> No. Yeah. I don't think >> No. Okay. I don't have any >> building committee. We just had a building in grounds and so >> we're good.
>> EMS committee. >> Well, as you know, I sent you know out to you guys and reaching out to Senator Asmus's office on clarity on the on the statute from the revisor and I had my send it to Tina and Tina
reached out and of course now have we got any more back from that from those guys on that? Okay. That's that's all I know on that aspect. >> Okay. >> So, we we'll we'll be waiting in the winds here to find out just what's going to happen. >> Yeah. >> I can reach out again before the next
meeting >> and I can do that. >> I have a sprint paramedic meeting on Thursday before Rainbow Rider or Bill. So, we'll hear how that program is going in a tail. It's going well in Grant County
real well. The sprint paramedic there. It's been a well it has been a lifesaver in a couple instances. So okay. So personnel committee well as we know we got all the contract done. Um we're meeting later this week
to address the treasure the vacancy in the treasur's office. Have further discussion on that. Okay. >> Okay. Highway Committee Billy.
>> We haven't actually met. No. So, nope. Nothing. Okay. Public safety committee. We've got the majority of the new contracts back. We don't have them all yet. I know we got a meeting on next
Monday. So, hopefully we'll be back. We'll be here the in two weeks with those for this board's approval hopefully. >> Okay. >> No guarantees. >> So Troy, were they were they three-year contracts? >> So these new contracts are perpetual.
>> Okay. >> So how it is is we will base the contract for 27 off of total cost minus the building from 25. So before April 1st, the county will
have to figure out what that total cost was, figure out our percentages, get that to the cities, and then if they don't object to that at the contract just we don't have to go back every three years. And so it's it's a it's a little different,
but sounds like the plan. >> Okay. Solid waste committee. What we talk about? >> We talk it. It's really fine tuning where you know there's still some questions up there about 27 is a
transition year where so this year everybody is volume based. 27 will be a transition year where everyone is paying based off of the same volume. So the fees will be equalized.
before in 28 it would be turned over the billing would be turned over to the vendor. So it's there are a lot of discussion about that transition still and and that seems that Reed's got a good handle on it. something.
>> Okay. >> Okay. Strategic planning committee. >> The board agreed to open up some seats on the strategic planning committee um for public members and we had two people apply. So here are the applications that were
received um for those public seats. Thank you. One is from Mandy Westrom and the other is from Jared Olsen. There's two spots available. Correct.
>> Approved three. >> There were a few other inquiries about it, but an application other than the two that you just received. Are >> you be doing these today or is this just FYI?
>> Up to the board. Are you going to make sure that there ample opportunity for more applications or did you shut off the diaphragm on that? >> Is there a sunset on >> the application? >> Um, we posted it for two weeks
and so it's not currently being advertised. You know, there was a a deadline to to submit application. >> But you got to have a deadline. >> There was a deadline. >> Yep. To submit application. So these are the two that were
submitted. >> I'd make a motion, Mr. Chair, accept the two applicants. >> So can I ask you a question about that? Maybe you don't want to put it. >> We talked about doing like a one, two, and three. >> Sure. >> So that every year there's one spot that
comes up. I don't know if you want to assign. I maybe you don't. I Oh, I I forgot about that. I agree with you. So we're So they're three-year terms, but they alternate. >> Correct. So this initial one, we would appoint if if we got two applicants, we
could appoint a three and a two or however you want to do it, but Right. So that then there's not all three at the same time. Let's say we should, Mr. Chair, we should put and whatever the chair can call it.
But >> so instead of two and three and three, you know, we all we always go through disappointments per year. Why would we not open it up every year or >> Well, there would be one open every year, >> but and having all of them open every year. >> Oh, no. That's administratively. They
don't even get >> you, you know, it takes a while to get up to speed on things. And if you're going to have somebody there, it's better to have more than >> we don't that often. So that's I think it's got to be longer than that.
>> I'd flip the point, but I don't have a point. I'd make a motion that we uh approve the Mandy Western for the three-year term and Jared Olson for the two-year term. And we have that process,
the 321 process. Okay. We have a motion and a second for what he is writing down there. A motion was made by Ken Johnson, seconded by Troy Johnson, and carried to approve the two public member
applications for the strategic planning committee as Manny Westerrom a three-year appointment, Jared Olsson two-year appointment, and continue following the 321 process and reappoints. Any further discussion?
>> Well, so after this initial appointment, we wouldn't follow the 321. We just have a three-year term or >> you know what I mean? So every year there would be one >> what you mean. You have to clarify what you mean.
>> Every year. So the appointment of the 321 is this year. So >> okay. >> Now at the end of this year the one is open. So that would be open even if there's no one there. We would advertise for it. The next year would be Jared's
be open and we'd advertise for that one. The following year would be Mandy. So it's just one. >> Yeah. Then have initial threeear terms. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> So it's a 32 321 this time and then it's threeear terms after that.
>> Okay. >> Any any further discussion? Hearing none, I'll call the question. All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Motion carried. Okay. Is there anything else? >> Yeah, you're not done yet.
>> Oh, what what do we got to do? >> Yeah, you got >> the >> Yeah, resigning. >> Oh, you're kidding. Uh >> oh. Who did? >> And she uh she uh >> she retiring.
>> She called us all. Yeah. >> That must have taken her a long time because it took me about 20 minutes there too probably. But >> no, she's uh a new grandmother and uh she her husband had been retired for seven years. He was I think I think he
was the chief deputy at Candy W County and uh and she just said that uh we can do it. children. I got a new grand baker when I retired and uh second of July I think she's done it. >> Yeah. And I I I will say that she you
know she's somebody's got some big shoes to fill there. She she did good at her job and she started seven and a half seven years ago. So it'll be seven and a half years service because that's the first board that I was on
seven years ago. So yeah. Okay. So anyway, uh let's see Western Prairie. >> Well, we have Travers in the fold. Otherwise, I don't know any
then we're meeting on Friday. Yep. >> Okay. Does anybody else have anything else? Dina, do you have anything else? >> Hey, that's uh we'll return the meeting at 10:40 a.m. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you. They've
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