Good morning everyone and welcome to the Candio High County Board of Commissioners meeting for Tuesday July 7th 2026. Please stand for the pledgece 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. I want to thank everyone who's in the room today and uh for those of you who are uh watching us on YouTube, thank you for your interest in local county
government. Uh at this point in time, I'd like to uh request of the board approval of today's agenda. >> Uh Mr. Chair, I'll make that motion to approve the agenda. >> I'll second it. >> We have a motion and a second to approve today's agenda. Any discussion?
Hearing none. All in favor say I. I. >> All opposed. >> That motion passes. Thank you. Uh we also have the consent agenda. Uh that consists today of the approval of the June 16th, 2026 county board legal minutes, approval of the auditor's
warrants and claims. Approval of human services warrants and claims. Amendment to the Lutheran Social Services stay program contract. permit application for the fourth annual WeedFest on Diamond Lake Park number three and approval of
2026 discretionary grant contract. Uh are there any items on the consent agenda that any commissioners wish to pull for further comment or discussion? >> Mr. Chair, I so move to pass a consent agenda.
>> Thank you. Commissioner Bed Commissioner Berg moves. Is there a second? >> I'll second that, Mr. Chair. >> All right. And we have a motion, a second. Any discussion? Hearing none. All in favor say I. I. All opposed. That motion passes. Uh we're
joined here today by Forest Peterson and David Moody uh representing the Nordic Ski Club and uh they have a uh uh proposal that they'd like to bring uh forward to us today. Gentlemen, if you would.
>> Ah, okay. This is for This is for information only at this time. Thank you. >> Good morning, Mr. Chairman, commissioners. Uh my name is Forest Peterson. I'm with the Wilmer Nordic Ski Club. And also here today is David Moody of our ski club board. And we're just
going to present some information about uh the uh state land across the highway where we've had some ski trails for a number of years. Uh we have a few slides that were in your packet. Uh if we going to pop those up on the screen there, we'll run I'll run through them fairly
quickly. So uh we have some time to talk about the uh other the JPA issue. Um >> do I need to do something here? >> Okay. Well, I'll just u you've seen the slides you in your in your pack, but
basically we're talking about 60 acres of the state land. AC across the highway and uh then there's a a couple of pictures there. It's had a long history of of use by the state and uh it also
has the uh cemetery that was with the former state hospital and we've had some uh back in about uh early 2000s we started we formed the Wilmer Nordic ski club in in 2002 but even before that we
were by volunteers mowing uh trails on the land and we've had it available for the for for cross country skiing for the public and primarily also for the high school Nordic ski team. And uh we've had
actually some cooperation with state agencies over the years. In in 2007 the DNR came out and helped grade part of it or the trail so it was more suitable for trail use. And that was in 2005. And then in 2007 we uh cooperated with the
city and the MU to get a grant to plant that windbreak that you see along Highway 71 there uh by the field. And so that has gone on over the years. I I guess the issue is uh over the years been there's been efforts to possibly
sell the land or develop it or for or some for some other uses, but we've also been always been advocating for its use as a public recreational land. And uh so there's a lot of uh public benefit there
uh with the uh you know the social and economic value of open space which we're all aware of. There's just a few more pictures. We've had a quite a few activities there over the years. We've had some public events, some uh uh where we invited people to
come out and become introduced to crosscountry skiing. Uh I guess one of the the big issues now is uh the amount of snow that we get or don't get in the winter time, but we still keep at it. Um but we have volunteers who go out and
mow the trails and groom the groom the snow. So, we've had a quite a lot of use over the years. There's a couple slides in there. There was a time when some of that that crop land was as it was no longer used for for crop land that it
was becoming uh taken over by invasive species, box elders and so forth. Apparently, that's been taken care of. Now, I understand that the some of that crop land is is now leased to some land owner and it's been mowed. So that's been taken care of and there's some
information in there about which is farther down the road, but you know there's a you know grant funding and things for res restoration. Uh the the uh there's a list there of our our uh ski club board members and we
we do meet uh on a somewhat regular basis and do fundraising and other activities and we work pretty closely with the high school ski team. I think last season they had about 35 kids out. So, it's been nice to see that activity in the winter time. So, basically, uh
this is basically the same uh slideshow or pack that was shown to the city council on almost two years ago in December of 24 I think. And the city really wasn't very interested in any kind of a joint powers agreement and that's what we had provided that
information to them as well. So, I guess we're back here again today talking uh to to you and uh with some uh information about the possible joint powers agreement with the state uh for continued use of that land. Uh and I
guess that's David Moody's expert area of expertise. So, uh if David, do you mind uh talking about that a little bit? Thank you. >> Thank you, Forest. Good morning. >> Good morning. I too have been a active member of the
Wilmer area Nordic ski team or ski club for um about 20 28 years or so and u so I'm happy to be here this morning to talk about what we have been maintaining for a long time.
We um forced some time ago received authority from the state to be a volunteer And that was decades ago. The state has not shown great interest in this
property. They maintain the cemetery and the roadway to that property. The rest is pretty much unmaintained. And so we have seen um noxious weeds, uh Canadian thistles, and then a a plague of box
eldelders a couple years ago. So, we've been intent on trying to help maintain this property. Our interest is in the trails, and that's what we would like to maintain. The state obviously has an obligation to maintain
everything. We have asked to be authorized by them to do these things and to seek grants to improve the property. The state is not interested in a long-distance relationship with the with a ski club.
and they have asked, requested and suggested that we we link up with a local entity, a local governmental entity. And so we have done that. The um city
seemed to be interested, but we have just not got gotten to first base really in this. The state did propose a joint powers agreement and Eventually, we did receive that. What you have received in
your packet is a revised joint powers agreement that substitutes the county for the city. It's otherwise the same. This uh allows you to terminate within 30 days notice.
It allows you to um maintain the trails and it allows under this which I have added at uh that it allows you to authorize our
Nordic Ski Club to act as an agent on the ground to voluntarily maintain the trails. These trails are used year round. Bikers, hikers,
runners, joggers, dog walkers use it all the time. Uh the skiers use it for uh dry ground training when it's when there is no snow and they we maintain and groom the trails when there
is snow. So, it's it's well used and it's within the neighborhood that is able to use this property. There's longer term options for this to be a link for bike trails going north from
what I think of as country club road. There's also um opportunities for mountain biking trails. There's really not a lot of mountain biking trails available unless you go to Canby State
Park south of Marshall, but this does provide some hills and it's surprising with the ravines that um it's it would be attractive. So, there's lots of recreational uses as well as the open
space that it will provide. So we would ask that you consider joining us in a joint powers agreement. This would of course need to be thoroughly vetted through legal and this document which does include
authorization for the Wilmer Nordic Ski Club would then need to be vetted by the state as well. But I'm confident that within this relationship we can maintain the property
and seek grants. And that's the last thing I wanted to talk about. We have sought we wish to seek grants from uh various uh governmental agencies
including Sam's Lassard funds to improve the property to deal with the buckthornne to deal with the uh Canadian thistle to uh promote the growth of the oak savannah that exists and ultimately
um this property be um could be converted into more of a prairie instead of hayland if if the state would want to do that. But uh the uh dealing with
invasive species is um a perennial problem and uh with grants we should be able to help address that in a better way. Uh David are there uh uh let me stop here. Are there any questions for David
or Forest from the board? >> Commissioner Mck. >> So the ownership would not change. The state does not want to get rid of the land to the city or the county or to the club. Is that what I'm understanding? the state would consider, but what I
understand currently is that it would be uh at market value and this city has not been interested in purchasing the property at market value and we're not today requesting that the
county purchase this property at market value. Um, of course these things can change but that's what my understanding is today. uh private sales have they've looked at that. Um there's a number of environmental issues on the property and
so and there's a cemetery there that the state is going to be maintaining and so the last word we heard from the state was no they're not interested in selling it. >> Go ahead. If I may follow up with a
couple of So the Nordics E- Club would uh maintain the trails. Uh what about the other maintenance like the invasive species and you mentioned the u uh area that is currently I think being farmed
uh with a wish to restore it. I know there's grants available but then the maintenance would be uh conducted by whom >> in this proposal. This would any improvements on that property would require the state
approval under the terms of this agreement. And so the it's state property, the state's responsible for it. They currently have a renter and we understand that farmer is going to be there for 5 years. And we're happy about that because the farmer will maintain
the property um beat back the invasive species, the thistles and the birds and all of that. I guess my question is that say the farmer isn't is no longer there and and
running the land and you recreate a oak savannah um which largely grants would cover the cost of establishing it but once it's established the maintenance of it is would be the responsibility of of who?
>> It would remain the responsibility of the state. Commissioner Anderson. >> So, pretty much my question would be um is there any kind of financial obligation you're asking at this point >> from the county?
>> No, we're not asking for any money. >> Okay. >> We would simply be working as volunteers. >> Okay. and it's specifically set for >> and it's basically just so that you can qualify for grants is >> and and obtain the permission of the
state for us to do these expansive activities. >> Okay. All right. >> Commissioner B. >> Uh thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, I've known about this organization for a long time and I known about both of you what what you've done with this organization and
and you are definitely people of your word and character and what you've done in the community and and I commend you for all that. I do have some questions just kind of going forward. I'm certainly supportive of what what you've done and and looking forward to to try to get to this point to do get some of
these dollars to improve even more what you've accomplished over the years uh through a lot of hard work. I at this point though the joint powers I have a little question about not too familiar if we had a joint powers with the state what would that would look like and uh I
mean I I certainly support the project. I just need to see what it would look like at this point. >> I I I suspect that uh this is for information only today. >> It says action on it. >> What's that?
>> It says action on it on the agenda. >> So, >> yep, >> it does. >> Yes. And that was a correction. It'sformational. And so, >> when I met with Forest and David, we had talked about the joint powers. I I wanted to hold off on including it to
have it run through legal in case there would be action. And so today was just an introduction to see where the board would come in with your consensus to continue moving forward. If this is something you want to explore, then I'll review the joint powers agreement and
have it run through legal, then include it in the board packet for you to review in case the board would like to take action on something further. >> But there is a draft of a joint powers. I I I read read through it. I do have some questions. We talked through those. I would like to talk through those with
Shane, but it does call out within the draft on the the governmental unit. Um, basically then would delegate um the Nordic Ski Club to perform all said duties like what you were saying, but I think Commissioner Mck, you bring up a
good point on um the rented land. >> Go ahead. So, um, if I'm understanding it right, today we the action we would take today is not to approve a droid powers agreement, but to, um, approve continued discussions. So, I would move
that we would continue to move forward, uh, with discussions with the Nordic Ski Club and the state for potential JPA. >> Mr. Chair, it' be a privilege for me to second that motion. All right, we have a motion and a second to uh uh authorize
uh staff and the uh ski team and uh other interested parties to continue visiting about this and bring something back in the future. >> Yes. So, as part of the discussion, I would just say we don't get these opportunities very often. And I'm sure
there's going to be some people that feel like, you know, that should be developed and homes should be built over there. It is lake property, but I don't I don't know the u environmental issues. The cemetery does make some sense, but quite honestly, parks and open space and
communities is not that um available anymore. And I think it's a good opportunity to uh continue to have that space. And >> a little bit of history on uh uh the initial discussions. I think uh back when I was on the Wilmer city council,
this was actually part of their local option sales tax proposal at that uh at that time. Uh and there was a question of uh ownership that was not resolved to uh their satisfaction. and then it came out that the state actually owned it and
and did not have any interest in uh in actually selling it. So uh I to me that's actually a plus. Uh this this needs to be continue in my mind to be held as state land uh and not developed for those types of purposes. It's it's
marginal for those types of purchase purposes to begin with. So, uh, I think this is this is a very reasonable use and, uh, I'd be I'm going to be supporting, uh, continued, uh, discussions. >> Uh, Mr. Chair, thank you. Thank you, Mr.
Chair. I would like to ask you and and administrator Baker, is it possible to get this back on the agenda that next meeting? >> Yes, if they're available. >> And we we should be and maybe they don't need to be here for the joint powers, but yeah, we can get this on the August.
I'm sorry. July 21st meeting. >> Mr. Chair, >> go ahead. >> I would uh caution the uh you that uh this will require consultation with the state of Minnesota.
>> And so, u that may take more time. >> Sure. It's been my experience that it it will take more time, but um I'm I'm very happy to move it along as quickly as possible. >> Well, I think uh I think that kind of a
unspoken consensus here, Commissioner. >> Yeah, I I was going to make a similar comment. You've been working on it for five years. a little bit more time when because one of the questions I have and I think needs to be answered is that it's currently owned by the state but
what if they change their mind 10 years from now after a bunch of money has been spent to make some improvements that suddenly they the state does want to dispose of it what happens then I mean I don't know that you can answer that but I I think the state should answer that
>> is it a permanent easement is it a permanent could it be put into a permanent conservation ement of or easement of some kind so that it doesn't ever get sold for development or any other purposes. >> Well, that would have to be addressed
with the state u as we go by. Let's say we want to put this allows for paved trails. Let's say we want to put in a pave trail um north south through that entire area. Um, I think the state is
going to have to make sure that there's permanent easement there >> to allow that to happen because, you know, u we would most likely get funding from uh state sources, not from the county. And so, uh, the state would have
the most skin in the game in this anyway. They would want to make sure that it remains a a permanent thoroughare if that's going to be allowed. All right. Uh, anybody else? All right. Well, thank you for bringing
this to us. Uh, uh, we will be working with staff on, uh, uh, on advancing this forward. >> Mr. Chair, >> I think we got to vote on it. We've never voted. >> That's correct. All those in favor of the motion say I. >> I. I. >> All opposed.
now what I just said. >> So, we'll see you we'll we'll see you back here uh in the future. >> Good. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. >> All right. At this time then, uh we also have a update uh from the Candy High
County Historical Society. Uh Jill, good morning. >> Thank you guys for having me. Um, it's been a couple years, so I get to highlight all the things we've done since I've been up here to talk to you in the past, even some new commissioners since I've been here. So, I appreciate
the the um requests to come and talk to you. Um, first off, I want to thank you guys for all your support over the years. Um, not just financially, but a lot of inind support we get from the sheriff's office and public works and stuff. Um, they help us fix our historic
markers. the sheriff office checks all of our um ammunition and guns that we get donated and helps us to make sure that everything's safe like that. So, um a lot of departments also help us as well. So, we appreciate that very much.
Um as many of you know, I believe our county historical society has been around since 1897. So, we're over 125 years old. Um and uh I feel we're one of the more stronger county historical societies in our area, one of the larger ones. We have a membership of close to
400 members. Um we average between 8 to 9,000 people coming to the museum every year. That includes tours, kids, um patrons. We have a lot of people who come from out of state to do research. Um I would say a third of our business is people doing family research,
business research, that kind of thing. Um, I was at a conference this past spring and a lot of museums were um getting questions of why their parking lots were always empty. So, why do you need to be opened? Why do we need to fund you? Um, we're doing a lot of work in there. So, so we get a lot of emails
and phone calls. People don't have to travel because it's so much more accessible for them to get the information. Um, our biggest thing this year is actually starting today and we have a a national traveling exhibit that we opened this morning at 9:00. It is
from the American Battlefield Trust and the National DA Group and it's on the American Revolution. Please stop by and see it. It's open till next Friday. We have extended hours and we have lots of programming and Saturday we're having a special event on our grounds. Um, and this whole year
we're doing free admission. Uh the board is trying to figure out um we went to charging admission and now we're going to see if we should go back to it being free um to make it accessible for everybody and so far that's been going really well. We're getting a little bit more dollars doing it that way than
actually charging admission. So um hopefully that stays the same and we can just make it free for everybody all the time. Um since I was here last, we've hired a collection manager. So now we have um I'm full-time, we have a third, threequarters time, and then a part-time
person. So we've increased some of our capacity. Um she's been here for a little over a year and a half. Um we started an internship program. I don't know if you guys are familiar with Mona Nelson, who was our director for many, many years before I started. We named this internship in her honor. She has a
special fund. That fund is only used to pay for the intern for as long as we're able to sustain the fund. Um, so I have Maddie's with me now learning about coming and talking to governmental entities because she's doing museum studies in her undergraduate program.
So, and she's coming here from Missouri, so exploring Minnesota. Um, so that's been a great addition. Um, we're training the local history leaders of the future and then kind of guiding them and seeing where they want to go and if it's really the field they want to do. So, I never met Mona, but I believe that
she would be um excited about this program for what I know about her or of her. So, um we are in the summer we're open on Saturdays. Uh we have between 60 and 100 volunteers depending on the program and what's going on. Um so, we
have a very strong volunteer core. We have like 10 volunteers who come weekly and help us maintain what we need to get done to to function and run. So, we can't um thank them enough. Um actually, when they were talking about the state cemetery, um it was one of my volunteers
and the Thursday crew volunteers went out and they cleaned up the fences out there. They're the ones that got the flag up and got the new sign put up. So, that was we worked together with the state for that. So, um that's exciting because they take these projects and
run. Um I have nine board members right now currently. Um and uh they're very active. Um and uh we have a pretty strong board right now. So it's uh it's good. We're getting a lot of stuff done. Um the biggest pro project we've had in
the past is the Sperry House. Um last year we completed a first phase grant which we used um grant money to do and then fundraised on the side to um do phase one of restoration um the most critical parts that need to be done. So, we're working with the architect to work
on phase two, which would be windows, some tuck pointing, and the roof. Phase three would be the interior and updating HVAC and stuff. However, this winter, as many of you know, with old houses, we had a water leak um in the upstairs that
led into the downstairs. So, right now, we're refin reixing floors, walls, new wallpaper, and the ceiling. So, that was a kathuffle we did not plan on, but again, we put out the plea and our our supporters are great and so we're we're able to take care of that. Um, and when
you come to the spare house next, it will look different because we'll have new walls and new floor and the floor will match. We had different paint colors in there for a while, so this will be nice. Um, other than that, uh, I feel like since
co, we've really gone back to like as busy as we were before. Um, we try to keep doing programming. Um, and um, yeah, we're doing uh, I feel uh, I feel it's going very well for us. So, do you guys have any questions? It's pretty
short summary, but I could go on for hours if you want me to, but >> we'll hold that thought for just a moment. Commissioner Anderson, >> just kind of aformational question. Um, so if we went there, what you said through next Friday, is it this >> starting today through the 17th?
>> Oh, the 17th. And then what are some of the things we would maybe see if we went there? >> So, um, in the museum we have, uh, various exhibits in the back. So, we have a transportation exhibit and then we have a Wilmer 8 exhibit. We have a small Native American exhibit. Um, we
did our own >> like the special >> Oh, the special one. Yeah. Okay. So, it's 12 panels on the Revolutionary War and then there's three inter um kiosks that you can do on an iPad to like hear stories or learn more about people from the Revolutionary War and then like maps
and battles, that kind of stuff. So, it separates it into a couple different subjects. So, and that's uh I was when I was putting it up yesterday, I was reading it. It's pretty interesting if you're interested in the Revolutionary War, which of course we are. >> And we don't have that story here. the
revolutionary war did not happen in Minnesota. So, this is our way of celebrating the 250 um in our in our way to do that that way. So, we thank the D for helping us host that the Wilmer D. So, >> uh any other questions?
>> Uh >> yeah, thank you. Maybe more of a comment, but are your I'll lead with a question. Are your documents um digitized or do you still use hard copy if somebody came in and did research?
>> It depends. So um digitizing is a huge endeavor and it's costly because you have to maintain everything with the data and everything. So we are slowly digitizing. We went to a new database um like five years ago. So as we put new
things in and then clean a house and stuff, we slowly are putting those online. And our database has an online portal. So you could go and search under us and you can see some of our archives. But I have over almost 60,000 items in the collection. So it's going to take
time, but we are doing that slowly. It just is going to take time. >> If I may follow. So I was uh in college in the late 80s in 1987 uh as a history project. I was uh writing a biography about my grandfather and I didn't know
where to start. The Sterns County Heritage Center was a was a great resource for me. They had microf fish yet in those days. And do you still use the microf fish? >> We have microfilm. Yep. >> Yeah. So for when you said that you have material available for research that
sort of piqu my interest and for people who are doing research on family or whatever. >> Um that would be a great source. >> We did a special project. We're unique because we did a township records project. So, we asked all the townships if we could microfilm their records. Um,
and so we have that which includes their minutes, their treasures, you know, because that's the history of the county is those townships when they first started and continue to. Um, but they had birth and death records, too. So, we have a volunteer typing up all those birth and death records into a spreadsheet so that it's accessible
instead of going through the microfilm. Then you can go find that person. So, yeah. Um, that's my favorite part of the job. Unfortunately, being the administrator, I don't get to do it a whole lot anymore, but when I do, I get all excited. >> Any other any other questions?
>> Mr. Chair, maybe Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just a comment. You and your staff are just fantastic when people come in there. And I've been in there several times as you know, so helpful with anybody that comes in there. And I encourage people to come. >> Thank you very much. >> Appreciate that. Awesome.
>> Oh, what are your what are the hours? Um, typically in the summer it's Monday through Friday, 9 to 4, and then Saturday 10 to 2. The next two weeks, um, we're open till 8 o'clock, three days. Um, it's different each week, but it's on our Facebook page, and our
website's under construction, so go to our social media. But, so tonight we're open till 4. Tomorrow we're open till 8. So, we hope to hit people where they can get it after work, during, you know, on the weekend. So >> uh and you mentioned your intern Maddie
and if she wishes come up and introduce uh >> introduce yourself. It's this is learning by doing. >> Y introduce yourself if you wish. >> Say >> she I didn't prepare her for this. So you tell them where you go to school.
>> Just introduce yourself and where you're from and where you're going to school. >> Um I'm Maddie Broaden. I live in Washington, Missouri typically, but I go to school down in Cape Gerardo, Missouri. I'm going into my senior year at Southeast Missouri State University.
I study historic preservation with an emphasis in museum studies. I also have some double minors in history and um film and literature, so I like covering all different areas. And this has just been a really fun opportunity for me. I require an internship to graduate. So
this past year I was just scrambling looking for any and all opportunities and I'm really glad they uh took a chance on me even though I had no museum or historical society experience professionally. It's been a great experience. >> Well, there's nothing like an ambitious
young person to uh make me feel pretty useless. So, so, so welcome to uh Candyo High County and I hope you're enjoying our glorious summer up here even with uh the little bit of extra rain that we're
uh currently having and uh the Red Hawks, right? >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. Well, welcome and uh uh thank you so much. And uh Jill, anything else to close with? >> Not thank you guys again. I just appreciate your support and please stop
by the new the traveling center. >> We'll certainly make a point of it. Thank you both so much. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. At this time then uh we have uh Director Tammy Joe Leeberg, Community Corrections with a proclamation for us today.
>> Good morning. >> Morning. >> Yep. I'm going to let my staff get in here. They must been waiting. Isn't it fine? Okay, good morning. Dr. Tammy Jolieberg. I'm here today with our proclamation. We
have a large part of my staff here with us, but it's also vacation time, right? So, we're we're missing some of them because of vacations and a couple different things going on. Um, but yeah, I will read the proclamation and if there's any other questions, we can kind of go forward. But um as each year July
the third week of July um so it is pre-trial probation and supervised release supervision week um it's the heroes behind the mission July um 19th through the 25th this year. Um, so whereas community corrections is an
essential part of the justice system, whereas probation officers and community corrections professionals uphold the law with dignity while recognizing the right of the public to be safe guarded from criminal activity. And whereas probation officers and community corrections
professionals are responsible for supervising adult and juvenile offenders in the community. Whereas probation officers and community corrections professionals work in partnership with community agencies and groups. Whereas probation officers and community corrections professionals promote
prevention, intervention, and advocacy. Whereas probation officers and community corrections professionals provide services, support, and protection for victims. Whereas probation officers and community corrections professionals advocate community and restorative
justice. Whereas probation officers and community corrections professionals are a true force for positive change in their communities. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Candy Ohio County Board does proclaim July 19th through the 25th as pre-trial probation and
parole officer week and encourage all citizens to honor these probation officers and community corrections professionals and to recognize their achievements and helping to keep our community safe. >> Thank you. Are there any questions for Dr. labor.
Is there a motion uh to move the proclamation? >> Mr. Chair, I'll make a motion to proclaim July 19 through the 25th of 2026 as pre-trial probation and parole supervision week. >> Is there a second? >> I'll second that, Mr. Chair.
>> Thank you. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? >> All right, hearing none. All in favor say I. >> I. >> All opposed. That motion passes. Thank you so much. And thank you everybody for the work that you do. Uh and
oh uh we're going to uh do a brief photo here. So uh that's you guys's opportunity as well. So all right. >> Is it okay if you recess? >> What's that? Yeah, let's take a brief recess. So take a fivem minute recess for that.
Let's go. >> It t Are you ready? >> The Candy Ohio County Board of Commissioners is back from recess and at this time uh we have uh information regarding the Congratulate and Educate Project. Uh Britney Schmallz with is our
ship coordinator and here to present. Britney, good morning. >> Good morning. My name is Britney Schmolz and I'm the community health strategist with Kandohigh County Public Health. Today I'm here to highlight some of the positive work happening in our community through our local tobacco prevention efforts. This aligns with our Candyo
High County Drug-Free Communities Coalition and our focus on positive community norms messaging which emphasizes and amplifies the healthy responsible behaviors already taking place in our communities. At the heart of this work is a simple belief that when we support one another and focus on
what is going well, we create even more opportunities for positive change in our community. Today, I'd like to provide a brief update on our congratulate and educate tobacco compliance check project. This project is funded through the Minnesota Department of Human Services
Behavioral Health Administration and focuses on recognizing tobacco retailers who are following state and federal laws regarding tobacco sales to youth. The project is educational in nature and is designed to support retailers in maintaining compliance with age verifi
verification requirements. As part of this funding, Candy High County is reimbured $50 for each compliance check that is completed. This year we completed 38 checks. Those funds help support the administration of the project, including coordinating the
compliance checks, providing education to retailers and recognizing retailers who successfully pass. I have been involved with this project since I started working for Candio High County nearly 5 years ago, and it has become one of my favorite opportunities to connect directly with our local
retailers. Each year, youth volunteers between the ages of 17 and 20 assist with the compliance checks. These volunteers visit every tobacco retailer in Candyhai County and attempt to purchase tobacco products. The purpose is not to penalize retailers, but to
assess compliance and provide education that helps prevent youth access to tobacco and nicotine products. Working with these youth volunteers is al also an important part of the project. It provides them with a meaningful real world public health experience where they can see firsthand how policy and
prevention work together in their own community. It also gives them an opportunity to develop communication skills, understand community responsibility, and contribute to a project that directly impacts youth health and well-being. Once the compliance checks are complete,
I personally visit every retailer to share their results. If a retailer passes, I provide education, discuss best practices, and present them with their certificate of appreciation recognizing their efforts to help reduce youth tobacco access. If a retailer does not pass, I still meet with them to
provide education, answer questions, and discuss ways they can improve compliance moving forward. As you can see on the handout provided, the number of tobacco retailers in Kandohigh County has continued to increase over the past 5 years. In 2022, we had 34 tobacco
retailers and in 2026, we are up to 38. In 2026, we had a success rate of 87%. The handout also shows the annual compliance rates and provides a snapshot of how retailers have performed over time. One of the things I value most
about this project is the opportunity to build relationships with our retailers. These visits allow me to have meaningful conversations about youth tobacco prevention and reinforce that this work is a partnership. While all retailers are included in the compliance checks each year as part of the project
process, these interactions often provide an opportunity for education dialogue and ongoing partnership. Retailers are often very appreciative of the education and recognition and over the years I have developed strong relationships with many of them. Youth
tobacco and nicotine use continues to be a public health concern and preventing youth access requires a communitywide effort. Retailers play a critical role by checking identification, training employees, and following tobacco sales laws. Overall, this project is about
more than compliance checks. It is about education, relationship building, and working together to reduce youth access to tobacco and nicotine products in Candyhai County. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of the retailers included in this project for the their continued commitment to
supporting the health of youth in our community and for their partnership in working with us through this process. Thank you for your time and for the ongoing partnership in protecting the health of youth in our community. I'm happy to answer any questions. >> Uh Britney, thank you. And uh uh you
mentioned that you started this almost five years ago. Um and uh it seems to me that the story you're telling uh uh and the numbers that we're seeing here align almost perfectly with that timeline. Yes. >> Uh would you say that it's actually more
of a collaboration as a as opposed to a uh uh punitive uh approach to this? >> Yeah, I definitely think that youth tobacco prevention is a partnership between public health and our tobacco retailers. and I've noticed that they really appreciate me coming in um from
public health to kind of reinforce that. >> Okay. Thank you. Any questions for Britney? >> No. All right. Well, thank you so much. Uh a great program and uh the numbers are certainly bearing this out. Going from a 69% success rate to the high 80s,
low 90s is uh stellar. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. All right. Uh we move now to uh an action item. Uh Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center grant and resolution uh uh approval.
Uh and we have Jennifer Swinsson executive director going to stumble over the uh ac so go right ahead. >> All right. Thank you. Uh good morning commissioners. Again, Jennifer Swenson with Prairie Woods Environmental
Learning Center. And today I would like to share a brief overview of our proposed education building improvements um and ask for your consideration of two items related to our greater Minnesota legacy grant application.
So over the past two years, our Prairie Woods board has um invested a considerable amount of time and energy into strategic and master planning with public input and even hiring consultants to begin um to prepare prepare
professional design work for this grant opportunity. Um, as we worked through that process, it became clear that our highest priority is improving our main education building, the entrance and arrival to that um, building and experience um, which you can see on the
screen. U, these improvements have been a long-standing priority for the Prairie Woods board. In fact, um they were brought during the last round of master planning 20 years ago um and were not uh able to be um pursued at that time. And
so our recent planning confirmed that they're still the right priority for now. Um the difference is that now we are designated as a regional park and have the opportunity to pursue this through the Greater Minnesota Legacy Program and state funding.
Um, Prairie Woods has operated on county-owned properties since 1992. And each year we welcome more than 20,000 visitors and about 150 different scheduled school and community groups that come to Prairie Woods. And we provide environmental education and
recreation and of course free access to trails, hiking and biking trails as well as prairie, woods, wetlands, and shoreline. And of course, um, last year we were also designated as a greater Minnesota
regional park, making us eligible to apply for that state funding. Uh, while Prairie Woods has continued to grow over the years, you can see the arrival experience at the education building hasn't changed much. Um, and visitors climb a large grass burm that
you can see to the right um, to reach the main entrance. And for many visitors, that's a significant effort before they even arrive to the building. Um, and once inside the building, the two levels still aren't connected. Um,
and so in order to go between levels, you need to go back outside onto that deck bridge and use the stairway to get up and down um, between the floors. And then the lower level which contains
the entrance to the rock climbing wall and the trail head for equipment rentals and public restrooms and all sorts of great things is um hidden by of course the hill in front. So that um decreases the visibility and causes some confusion
as people um arrive especially firsttime visitors. Um so these are the exact kinds of accessibility uh issues that the legacy funding um is intended to address in order to improve access for all visitors.
Oh, next. Thank you. Um we currently have only about 10 parking spaces near the education building and so visitors need to use overflow parking. Um and that creates even a longer walk to enter the building.
And then next, thank you. Um so this proposed design concept addresses those challenges in several ways. Um by removing the existing grass berm and repurposing that fill throughout and in some other areas that it's needed. We're
able to create a new uh accessible main entrance actually at the lower level of the building. So visitors would arrive on flat ground, making it much easier to enter the building and quickly access the public restrooms and drinking fountains and gathering spaces. And then
parking would also increase from approximately 10 to 30 stalls with spaces loser to the building. Um, the new entrance just in general becomes part of the Prairiewoods learning experience with
some amazing outdoor space that's kind of modeled after Prairie Pot Hole. Um, usable gathering space, native prairie plantings, and opportunity forformational displays that welcome visitors before they even enter the building.
And of course, by removing the big hill in front of the building, the lower level is now um no longer hidden. Both levels of the building have visible and um connected access, and it opens views across the landscape in front.
Um as we've refined the project, we've already made a few rounds of revisions to keep costs under control and are still currently working on that. Um especially with the building renovation side. um while still pre preserving the most important improvements which is
accessibility. Um, for example, we initially had renovations to the existing upper level and we are shifting our focus to primarily the center um lower level entrance and um
looking into converting whereas we were looking at expanding the restrooms, increasing all the stall widths, we're looking at just converting the lower level restrooms to some family restrooms. Um, and we are getting updated cost estimates on these
improvements in time to be finalized for the grant. And we'll continue to work with our design team, Bolton and Mink, and county staff and the project partners as the plans evolve to keep the project within a realistic budget.
Next, thank you. I'd like to wrap up by talking about the project funding and um the plan and then the two action items that we're requesting today. The project first round of estimates are up to $4 million. And as I mentioned,
this continues to be refined. Um Prairie Woods has already secured $750,000 through fundraising and donor support and will continue to pursue grants and private funding. The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission expects to award $
122.5 million in legacy funding this round to Greater Minnesota Regional Parks. Um, and while we're applying for the full project scope, we're also to prepared to work um with phased funding if that's what they um structure as an
award. So today we are um bringing two um board items. The first is requesting approval of the resolution to authorize the grant uh application submission to the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails
Commission. And then the second is just consideration of a conditional $250,000 county funding commitment which would be contingent upon the grant award.
Um because these legacy grants are awarded only to eligible entities such as counties, cities, and tribal governments, uh Cano High County would serve as the grant fiscal agent. And administrator Baker and I have um begun to discuss how that process could work
um and plan to continue those discussions where Prairiewoods would manage the day-to-day um grant administration and then the county would provide the required oversightes and approvals. So if the project is awarded funding
then for time frame the engineering would begin in um 2027 the design work and then construction anticipated in 2028. Um and finally, Prairiewoods has been a proud partner of the county for 35 years
nearly. And um as I mentioned, this building entrance has been a long-standing priority um for the board. And so um today, Prairie Woods has the capacity to really pursue that because of the funding that we have secured, the
planning that we've already um done, and then our regional park designation. So with your partnership, we have the opportunity to leverage significant state funding um to improve a Candio High County owned facility that is well-loved and widely used by thousands
of residents and schools and visitors each year and will become more accessible for years to come. So thank you. I appreciate your consideration and I'm happy to answer any questions. >> Uh Jennifer, thank you. And uh uh I just I just want to uh uh uh touch on this
for just a moment. There there are two actions uh that are being requested here. And one of them is for county levy dollars. Uh as you can see the uh there's only four of us uh here today. Uh and uh I would uh uh I guess I would
like to see that uh uh we have a full board here for uh consideration of that uh of that item. Uh and we could certainly I believe take that up at our next meeting which would still fall within that uh within that guideline for
you. Uh but uh uh and maybe this is a question for administrator Baker. Is there any harm in uh consideration of the resolution today? And then uh uh the second question later. >> No, there's not. They're really two separate actions and maybe Jennifer
wants to explain that one more time because I know in our meeting last week, we discussed this for an hour and I would wanted to make clear. So I think maybe just explain the two requests again. Um so before you today, I'll let you do that. >> Sure. Of course. Thank you. Yep. and
feel free to add um as needed. Um that would be appreciated. But uh the first item is simply authorizing a resol a resolution authorizing our submission of the grant application that's due July 31st for legacy um grant funding state
funding for a county asset. >> Mr. Chair, >> yes. Um, so that clearly that's the first step and so I would uh move on resolution 2026-29. >> Thank you. Is there a second?
>> Mr. Chair, I'll second that. >> All right, we have a motion and a second to move the resolution. Any discussion? >> Just a clarification. Um >> because it is now designated a regional park uh that that's what allows us to
apply for these funds. Correct. >> Yes. >> Yeah. And it it opens up an opportunity. I for one who uh sit on the governing board out there uh would be very excited about not walking up that long hill anymore from the parking lot to to uh to the
entrance. So, u this is a good first step >> and I for one would like to uh if you can find some room for an inclinator uh coming up from that overflow parking uh when visited earlier this uh spring. It
was it was quite a hike and I was out of breath by the time I got up to the top there. I'm just kidding. Of course, did you have anything? >> Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Quick a couple of things. First off, do you think we got a pretty good chance to get that grant then?
>> Um, well, I will say that they have already supported us in our initial $50,000 environmental and archaeological review request and they fully funded that and that grant helps with the environmental permitting and preparation work ahead of this type of project.
And then I guess another question or a comment too is budget time's coming up and you're looking at a at a match of a quarter of a million dollars. That's a lot of money. On the other hand, um it's very well needed and if we can get that kind of project done for that amount of
money of of our local levy dollars, I think it might be a good payback in the long run. this, you know, fits in with our uh, you know, our second priority or or the second industry of tourism and
this enhances that even even more. My question is though to administrator too, u, I'm thinking we'd be looking at reserve funds. Could you just kind of comment a little bit about that? Are we okay there to go forward and so forth? >> Yeah, we do have very healthy reserves.
So, if the board were to choose to um support this, I would then ask the board to pull from reserves for the 250,000. I also spoke with Jennifer about this as well, and it could be budgeted. You know, this is something we could budget
um for 27 or 28. They just would need um what Prairie Woods needs is a commitment um of that 250,000. It would be up to the county on how we would like to budget that. Um, so we, you know, if the board felt strongly that we didn't want
to pull, you didn't want to pull from the reserves, we could then budget, you know, 50 or 100,000 over time >> in one way, shape, or form, those are levy dollars at the end of the day. Anyway, >> correct. Yes. >> Uh, so is there any uh other questions
or comments uh on the motion before us to approve the resolution? Just one one last comment about to your point and I will readily admit that I do get winded going up those hills and many of the supporters of this and the
visitors to that are either going to be young children and and aging population that like to use that. And so for me and others like people in my spot that that entrance being more accessible uh is
really a big deal. Plus, uh, it really brings it into, uh, you know, the 21st century cuz that that facility is starting to show it's 35 years or more of age out there. So, >> point well taken. Uh, anyone else
hearing nothing else, then we'll move to the resolution. All in favor say I. >> I. >> All opposed. That motion passes. And then I would like to offer a motion to postpone to date certain which would be our next meeting on the 21st uh consideration of the second question
which is that funding commitment request. Is there a second? >> I'll second that. >> Thank you. Any discussion? Again, my uh my point is simply that if we're going to commit county funds, we should have the entire board here.
That's uh that's my sole purpose in uh in bringing that uh idea forward. Anyone else? >> Right. Hearing none. All in favor of the motion say I. >> I. >> All opposed. That motion passes. We'll
uh take that up in two weeks. >> Okay. I'll see you then. >> You bet. Thank you so much. >> All right. We then move to uh Green Lake Sanitary Sewer and Water District Joint Powers Agreement with the state of Minnesota. Cory Smith, director. Corey, good morning.
>> Good morning, Mr. Chair, members of the board. Corey Smith, the director out at Glacia Lakes Sanitary Sewer and Water District. Before you today is a joint powers agreement with the state of Minnesota regarding the state's wastewater surveillance program. A little background on the program is that
in 2020, the University of Minnesota DUTH initiated a voluntary wastewater program and invited wastewater treatment facilities throughout Minnesota to participate. The program was originally established to monitor uh the presence
of CO 19 in wastewater. What they found is that increases in the virus concentrations in wastewater could often detect approximately 2 weeks before correspondent incre increases in reported cases providing an early
indicator of disease activity within a community. The information collected through the program is used by public health officials to monitor disease trends, identify emerging outbreaks, and provide guidance to communities regarding disease prevention and mitigation efforts. The program has
since transitioned to the state of Minnesota and it has expanded beyond uh CO 19. Currently, they test for uh CO 19 still, influenza A, influenza B, and RSV. Since 2020, Glacial Lakes has uh
voluntarily participated in the program by collecting and submitting sampling twice per week. Um participation in the wastewater surveillance program still remains voluntarily. However, the state has secured funding that allows uh
facilities to receive reimbursement for each sample collection. Under the proposed agreement, the state will reimburse Glacia Lakes $100 per sample collected with a maximum reimbursement of $10,000 per calendar year. The contract would expire July
31st, 2027 or until all obligations have been filled. Um, in the packet, I did not include the exhibits outlined in section 2.2. I do have them with me if anyone wants to see them. It is all information that the state already has since we've been a part of this program
for some years now. On June 24th, 2026, the Glacial Lakes Commission recommended and forwarded the agreement to county board for consideration. With that, it is the Glacial Lakes Commission's recommendation to authorize Glacial Lakes staff on behalf of KY
County to execute the joint powers agreement with the state of Minnesota. >> Thank you. Wishes of of the board. >> Mr. Chair, I would move on the uh recommendation from staff on the rent powers agreement. >> Thank you. Is there a second?
>> I'll second that, Mr. Chair. >> Right. We have a motion and a second to approve the recommendation of staff. Discussion. >> Commissioner. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, um it seems like an opportunity to uh contribute to
public health. Uh but $10,000 isn't a huge amount of money. Is much of a burden on staff to do to do this uh work. I was unable to attend the last commission meeting. I was coming back from St. Paul's. So I >> So when we collect these samples, we
also have to collect our other wastewater permit samples. Um the biggest thing is is getting the ship in for this. Usually we got to drop it off if UPS or FedEx doesn't come out to the plant that day and and grab the grab the samples from us. So
>> So it's not a big burden. >> It's not a huge burden. No. >> Okay. or does this result in increased uh uh monitoring or is this on the same schedule that uh >> it's on the same schedule? Yes. Yeah. >> So, this just we're just getting a
little bit of reimbursement correct for what we're already doing. >> Right. Like I said, now they got funding or grant money available and they're trying to get more wastewater facilities to do this test. And um right now I believe there's only 25 in the state that do it, but they want to get, you
know, kind of a bigger picture, more data of everything that's going on out there. >> Just 20. 25. That >> that seems weird to me. >> Yep. >> Uh thank you for participating. >> Yes. So, uh Commissioner Berg, did you have anything? >> Well, kind of along the same line, uh do
you get any information back about the results of the the test at all? We we do and actually the the public you can go on if you just Google um MDH wastewater surve surveillance their web web page will come up and you can clink click on
the link on there and and see trend in for the different viruses and everything. So >> and of the 25 I'm assuming they're spread out some metro some rural >> they are they have it broken down by like we're the west central region. Um so I know the city of Wilmer does the
same testing. Um, but yeah, there's there there's a lot done by the cities because obviously that's where a lot of the population is, but >> something I didn't know you did. >> Good information. >> All right. Anyone else? >> All right, we have a motion to approve
recommendation of staff. All in favor say I. >> I. >> All opposed. That motion passes. Thank you, Cory. Appreciate it. Thank you so much. uh public works director Mel Odens with the final payment and acceptance. Mel, good morning.
>> Yeah, Mr. Chair, members of the board, Mel Odin, public works director before you have um is last year's paving. Um we did 30 miles of paving, a little over 30 miles. It was Central Specialties was the contractor. The contract was uh
almost 11 million, $10.99 million of paving. uh we did uh the like I said almost 31 miles and then we also did the the landfill. So the project has been settled up with central Specialties and
so it's our recommendation to u pay the final retainage which includes some final numbers on Batuminous of $219,81.99 to Central Specialties Incorporated out of Alexandria Minnesota. >> Wishes of the board. So move, Mr. Chair,
on the final payment. >> Thank you. Is there a second? >> I'll second that, Mr. Chair. >> Have a motion in a second. Uh uh Mel, there was a scope of work change. Uh can you just address that in few words?
>> What what we had is um if you remember two years ago when we did Counter Road 4, we had a a lot of patching. Remember when we >> that when we opened up the took the first couple inches off, we exposed a
really bad section under there. So we had a lot of patching. So when we opened up 10, which is on the northeast corner, almost the Tri County Road area from 10 north to the Tri County Road, we had the exact same thing. And so what we did is
we flipped it to a full depth reclaim which is they they take the top inches off and then they grind everything else down into the gravel and make a base and then we came up five and a half inches above that. So um this is a local option sales tax project. So we had a little
bit more latitude probably with revenue without expiring our state aid funds or levy dollars. So that is and and that's a very heavy truck route on the eastern half the of the county because it ties right into the tri county road. So what we did is we we did a we did a a pretty
large change order for for converting that from an overlay to a full depth reclaim >> and a highly necessary one. >> Yeah. >> For the reasons you stated, >> right? The full depth reclaim is what we've done on some heavy commercial routes like seven south of Raymond this
year. So, we set that up initially with a full depth reclaimment. So, that that's a pretty robust road now. >> Yep. >> Any uh any questions for me? >> Hearing none. All in favor of the motion say I.
>> I. All opposed. That motion passes. Thank you. Um facilities director Andrew Thorson public library courthouse switch gear replacement project. >> Good morning, Mr. Chair, members of the board, Andrew Thor, the facilities
maintenance director here for the county. Um, here today in regards to the capital improvement project library switch girl switchge gear replacement. Uh, background is uh this is original equipment to uh the courthouse in the
original library from 1964. It was re recommended in our 2023 facility condition assessment to be replaced. Um, so we it was got on the schedule for a replacement. Um, we advertised for
bids in May and we had a public bid opening on June 16th in the administrator's conference room. Um, we did receive four bids. Um, first bid is design electric from
St. Cloud and that bid was $384,700. That's 3847000 and no cents. Mid Minnesota Electric out of Lichfield for $523,999. That's 523990. Wilmer Wil Wilmer Electric from Wilmer
here for $43,500. That's 430500 and no cents. And Wolf River Electric from Ianti for $251,456. That's 251456
and no 0. They were the confirmed low bidder. Um in the board packet there was a letter of recommendation from Wold. Um, I did have an in-depth conversation with them um because this bid was so low and
I always question and get a little nervous when a bid is that much lower than a lot of the others. Um, after this conversation, uh, I do feel comfortable with their recommendation as well. Um,
so Wool Architecture and I, uh, are both recommending, accepting, and awarding the bid to Wolf River Electric. And with that, I am open to questions. >> Any questions for uh Commissioner Burke? >> Always. >> Can you explain a little bit further? Uh
uh the switch gear what that is. >> So you get all the power that comes into the building. You know, usually you would have it go straight to your breaker panel at at home. Well, this is like a gigantic breaker panel for the whole building.
So, you have gigantic breakers in there which will go to the smaller breaker panels and then, you know, down to your lights and your outlets and stuff like that. Um, reason for replacement is it's old. You can no longer get parts for it.
If it fails, we could have parts of the building out for weeks until repairs could be made. >> Commissioner Mck, >> I would move on the recommendation from staff. uh for this replacement.
>> Thank you. Is there a second? >> I'll I'll second it. Mr. Chair, >> any discussion? Commissioner, >> do have a question. What was the uh engineer What was the engineers? >> Uh 275,000. So we're we're below
the engineers estimate. >> And your concern was that everyone else's was so much higher. >> Yeah. Yeah. But in conversation with the engineers from gold, um
their explanation of why there would recommend us going with them, you know, satisfies my concerns. Anyone else? >> All right, hearing none. All in favor of the motion to approve the recommendation
of staff say I. >> All opposed. That motion passes. >> Thank you. Thank you. Uh, Administrator Baker of the strategic plan progress report. >> Morning.
>> Good morning. Kelsey Baker, Candy County Administrator. Uh, before you today in your packet is uh the strategic strategic plan progress report. Um the county completed the strategic plan in 2025 for organizational priorities to
ensure in alignment with our mission. Um we updated our mission to lead with integrity, serve with purpose, and empower potential. And so I'll just go through some of um the implementation of the strategic plan and the progress. And so one of the areas that we focused on
was progressive leadership um to enhance public communication through website improvement, social media, employee newsletters, quarterly financial reporting and leadership development opportunities. Uh those are some areas that we have continued. Um I
would say these will never be fully complete. They're always something that we will continue to work on. Um but we have worked um through our website. We've cleaned that up. We've enhanced our social media posts um providing quarterly financial reporting uh and
more budget work sessions with the county board and then providing leadership opportunities for internal staff and emerging leaders within our county or within our staff. um the culture of one um I think we incorporated strategic priorities into
department work plans and I met with department heads uh to work to work on this and to start implementing this within their own departments uh the county's new branding our new logo which the board approved uh we established core values and then we strengthened our
onboarding uh process and employee engagement efforts for physical assets we completed the county space study um and presented recommendations to the board. Although we did not succeed on our local option sales tax, we are
continuing um to think of ways on how to move forward. Uh we have a building committee meeting with Commissioner Indy and Dale Anderson next week to discuss steps moving forward and we'll bring that back to board. And then community centered partner um to expand
partnerships with local, regional, and state organizations. Um we we have pursued grant opportunities local, state and federal. Um we are strengthening our emergency management efforts which was called out within our strategic plan and
then collaboration on regional transportation and economic development initiatives. I just met with uh the new EDC KCED I should say uh director last week and talked to her about some of the initiatives that they are doing on ways that the county can also be a partner
in. And so, like I said, we don't have a end date on these initiatives, but we are continuing to work through our strategic priorities and implement those into our everyday services that we're providing to the public. Um, so over the next six months, we'll continue focusing
on facility improvements, expanding leadership development for our employees, um, enhancing our budget transparency with the county board and the public, and then we're continuing to look at our onboarding and why our employees stay stay within Candy County.
And we've been conducting surveys, um, which our HR director will talk about when she comes and presents her department update. Um, and so if you, this was forformational purposes, so if you have any questions, please let me know. >> Are there any questions uh for the
administrator? >> Uh, Commissioner B. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Actually, I'd like to make a comment. Uh, it's a good way to review this past year. It's been a busy year and some really good uh, accomplishments going forward. Thank you.
>> Anyone else? Yeah, I think uh I think we're starting to see the fruits of that work that we started last year. Uh and uh what I really appreciate is that uh yes, a culture of one uh is important, but it
also comes with accountability and uh uh we are accountable as a board and uh of course we're accountable as staff and uh all the way all the way down through the organization. and uh uh but it does but it does start
with us and and I uh I think we're I think we're making good progress as a board uh as well as the organization in general. So um I just wanted to give a shout out to uh to the board in that uh in that regard.
Anyone else with any comments, questions? >> Thanks for the update. >> Thank you. Uh I think at this time uh are we are we held to the uh uh 10:40 uh
start time for the drainage hearing? >> No. Uh then I'm going to suggest that we uh uh uh recess as the uh county board uh and uh reconvene as the drainage
ditch authority and we will take a brief fivem minute recess as the authority uh and then we'll reconvene and start that. All right, we are in recess. Hey, are you ready? Make sure they aren't confused.
>> Shane, I kind of thought that uh the new person that you hired looks very much like from the back of Mr. Van Bergen. Did you think that too? >> I thought it was something else. I associated him with uh
uh the water firm to Ricky Dunan. Right. And his name is >> Kale. >> Kale. >> Kale. >> No. >> Well, this guy last name is Rinky. >> Yeah. >> Maybe that's what I was thinking about. Yes. >> They're connected.
>> What was his first name? >> John. >> He's the mayor of Painsville. >> Oh, really? Yeah. Okay. >> He's a mayor of Pesville. So I go to once a year I go to a picnic over there because they they recognize all the volunteer the committee members
and so I go to one meeting a year for the airport commission fly over KY county airspace. Actually, I think there's about 200 feet of runway. All right. And uh uh we also uh on this
schedule have public works road and bridge work session for the 14th u and that's out at the uh green link facility. Yes. >> Okay. >> Need an address book. Um, you know, an address is always
helpful, you know, but I I actually spent a little time driving around that part of the uh county for a couple of days last week and I found my found myself just east of there. So, so I think I can get there.
>> Thank you. On the calendar invite the address is there. >> Perfect. Um, any uh uh any appointments? Mhm. >> No. Okay. Uh any report outs uh from
commissioners? >> You Mr. Chair, um and probably everybody knows this, but yesterday we had that uh meeting with the lobbyists and so the in order for the request that we have in for our
earmarks, in order for them to go through, they have to do the continuing resolution on on the budget at the federal level. And there's some chance that that won't happen, but you were on the call, Mr. Chair. Uh, but evidently
there's also a pretty good chance that uh they will take additional steps to allow the earmarks to go through even though they supposed to be part of the continuing resolution in the budget. Uh so hopefully it's not
uh at at risk. And also uh the surface trans transportation bill um might be a little bit at risk. But I noticed Renville County uh did a letter uh to Senator Clolobishar was in the paper this morning that they
and do we want to consider sending a letter of support as a board to our congressional delegation to support the continued resolution and service transportation and also what Renville did. I mean that could be a big deal for
can bigger deal for Canoai County u than it was for Renville in total dollars but in ter terms of their percentage it's probably similar but >> thank you for bringing that uh idea forward and I think it's a stellar one. Uh I think that's
absolutely a should be a priority for us to uh mention. Uh do we wish to just uh uh has a motion to uh direct staff to draft that letter.
I'd offer that motion. >> Which one are you talking about? There's a couple of things that got discussed. You're talking about the >> surface transportation. >> Oh yeah, we could. They're all separate really including the snap one that Renmill did.
So >> well then then maybe voters We have a little time yet so we could, you know, get it done at the next meeting. >> If you if if uh then uh if you would uh just work with staff to draft something
to uh bring forward uh at the next meeting. >> Yeah, I can on the transportation one, but I don't think I want to tackle the SNAP one. >> You want to do the SNAP and the transportation? Uh, no. I would do surface transportation and continuing resolution.
>> I'd work with staff on that. >> Yeah, >> you can. >> You guys can you guys can >> we'll get it. Yep. >> Outstanding. Okay. Um, anybody have anything that they else that they wish to bring forward?
>> Commission, >> just maybe a comment. Uh since we have three three board members on EDC or KCED u uh I just want to get us update just a little bit things about that just update
some of those things. Anyway, we've had a lot of meetings going on and I did have a Brie and that's a business retention and uh uh support and recruitment uh committee and we had a meeting just the other day, yesterday as
a matter of fact. um and talking about uh developing some teams and really serious about visiting businesses uh from the EDC's point of view about you know we appreciate what you're doing you know how can we help you what are some
of the obstacles you may have you know get a tour of the business uh and being as supportive as we can possibly and gather this information so it's early yet but there's a they're working on a software program to to put this uh data together. Not that the data will be
naming the businesses at all, but just you know what we hear from the community businesses and that'd be really an asset for the all the commissioners to kind of know what businesses are thinking uh more so more so than we do now. So it's a an exciting part that we're going
forward there. >> If if I could tag on to that. So, with the changes that are taken at place at KCED, uh there's a little bit of a structure change in that there's a person that's going to be dedicated to working with the city of Wilmer in terms
of uh economic development and an individual that's going to be working with the outline uh communities. In fact, Muhammad was at a meeting last uh Wednesday, I think it was, in New London where University of Minnesota um
was at this meeting with community leaders talking about a potential grant for empowering small cities. And it was a very good uh presentation about because we've got the the reason the new London EDA brought it up and and
requested this uh meeting with the U was we have a lot of infrastructure taking place uh in the next couple years the interchange the trail from Sibi and so there's there may be opportunities to either mitigate potential damage when an
interchange go interchange goes in or opportunities for growth in those areas. So timing was good. I think the presentation was really good. We had a great um representation. So um and Muhammad was uh was at this meeting and
he's only been there about a week. So uh and if anybody wants to take him fishing, he's got a new fishing rod. So >> he comes to us from uh Michigan. >> The only problem with uh uh that I have with with him is that uh uh he's not a
Viking fan. He's not going to change. He's >> Yeah, he's not going to change. So, but we also both agree that uh we are not Green Bay fans neither. So, he he's going to be a good fit. >> I I I like that you're looking for areas of commonality.
>> Yes, exactly. >> Both hate the V the Packers. >> Yeah. >> And we won't even talk about the Bears. So, >> uh anyone else? I I just had a couple meetings uh because of Junth and basically the holidays. So was UKAP and
Pioneer Land Library System and they are pretty much routine meetings. >> Okay. Very good. Uh and uh as for myself just a couple of items. I was uh uh privileged to as a member of the uh uh
AMC board of directors uh take part in a u uh uh reading of the Declaration of Independence. Uh and that is now out on the uh uh AMC website and also uh on
YouTube. Uh I believe uh I was able to record my uh piece of it uh out at the district meeting. uh out in where were we? >> Wooden silo. >> Wooden silo. >> North Kirk.
>> Yeah. North of Kirkov. So uh and so we uh uh I just got a brief look at that uh this morning and if anyone's interested in take a take a peek at that. Uh AMC also sent out a uh notice, and we get
these from time to time, uh uh notification of uh uh the passing of former uh county commissioners. And uh this one caught my eye this morning, Wadina County Commissioner Orville
Meyer. Uh and uh I bring it up simply because Orville was a neighbor of ours. Uh we lived up in the very northeastern corner of Todd County. Uh on what is now called the Tri County Road. Uh and to the north is uh Cass and Wadina
counties. Uh and to the south was Todd and actually if you go a little further west then Morrison uh county. Uh Orv was a uh game warden conservation officer for many years up in that area of the
state. and uh uh still maintained residence in Staples uh which is my uh uh considered my hometown. And uh uh I just wanted to mention that uh he was a uh uh he is a great man up in that area
and certainly certainly will be missed. Uh he uh leaves leaves a nice legacy up there. So uh those are the only two things that I have in the way of uh in the way of report outs and
uh with that then u I think we're going to be able to uh conclude that piece of it and then we would be uh make I'll be making a motion pursuant then to uh Minnesota statute
13D.03 03 subdivision 1 as the Candy County Board of Commissioners as of the governing body of a public employer to hold a closed meeting to consider strategy for labor negotiations, including a negotiation strategies or developments or discussions and review
of labor negotiation proposals conducted pursuant to sections 179A. 1 to 179A.25. Uh and so uh at this time we will be moving into that. Do we need vote on that? >> Yes.
>> Yep. >> Uh so I offer that as a motion. Is there >> second? >> I'll second that, Mr. Chair. >> Thank you. Discussion. >> Uh all in favor say I. >> I. >> All oppose. That motion passes. We will move into close session.
of commissioners is back in open session and uh we have concluded our business uh for today and so is there a motion to adjourn? >> H >> no action was taken. >> Yeah. No uh no action was taken during the close session and uh uh continued uh
uh discussions will ensue. Uh is there a motion to adjurnn? >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second to adjurnn. All in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> Opposed. We are adjourned. >> Time for pizza.