Freeborn County public meetings in 2022
32 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of County Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners is meeting to approve the agenda and process claims. This is a procedural meeting.
- Approval of claims
The Board of County Commissioners met to approve a series of claims for payment by December 31, 2022. The meeting also included the presentation of service plaques to two commissioners.
- Approved Resolution No. 22-401 to pay $749,334.61 in claims across nine funds
Board of County Commissioners
The Board of County Commissioners will review several department reports and resolutions. Key discussions include staffing vacancies, public works contracts, and updated county policies.
- Contract award CP 023- FRG-996 for Fairgrounds Restroom and Family Pavilion
- Updated Freeborn County Abatement Policy
- Agreement with State of MN DOT for Agency Delegated Contracting Process
- 2023 CMH Screening Grant Contract with MN DHS
- Write off of uncollectable accounts for Human Services and Mental Health Center (2020-2022)
The Board approved a construction contract for fairgrounds restrooms and allocated $20,000 annually for five years to a community scholarship program. Other actions included appointing Kelly Hendrickson as County Recorder and adopting an updated tax abatement policy.
- Awarded $613,900 base bid contract for fairgrounds restroom structure to APX Construction Group, LLC
- Allocated $20,000 for five years to the Freeborn County Community Scholarship Program (3-2)
- Appointed Kelly Hendrickson as Freeborn County Recorder
- Adopted updated Freeborn County Abatement Policy
- Approved $3,150,878.87 in claims across multiple funds
- Contracted Dr. Elizabeth Ojukwu as Medical Consultant for Public Health
- Wrote off $62,127.84 in uncollectible Mental Health and Human Services accounts
- Approved creation and filling of one additional Custodian position (3-1)
Board of County Commissioners
The Board of County Commissioners is meeting for a workshop to review departmental proposals and updates. Discussions include probation funding, facility maintenance, and emergency management planning.
- New Probation Funding Proposal
- Roof and DHS Boiler updates
- 2023 CMH Screening Grant Contract Summary
- Hazard Mitigation and Continuity of Operations Plans
- Auditor-Treasurer and Recorder Contracts
Board of County Commissioners
The Board of County Commissioners will meet for a special session to review the proposed 2023 Levy and Budget. The meeting includes a discussion on the anticipated sales tax exemption impact and a public comment period.
- Review of proposed 2023 Levy and Budget
- Discussion of anticipated sales tax exemption impact
- Public hearing on the 2023 Levy and Budget
Board of County Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will consider the final tax levy for 2023 and set 2023 salaries for the County Attorney, Sheriff, and Board members. The meeting includes reviews of public health contracts, public works equipment replacements, and several employment contracts.
- Setting the final tax levy for 2023
- Accepting the resignation of Sheriff Kurt Freitag effective December 31, 2022
- Replacement of tandem axel dump trucks with snow plow equipment
- Write-offs of uncollectable accounts for $607.07 and $325.87
- Cost share agreement with the City of Clarks Grove
The Board adopted the 2023 budget with total expenditures of $69,223,355 and a total local tax levy of $26,674,243. The Board also set 2023 salaries for the County Attorney and Sheriff and accepted the resignation of Sheriff Kurt Freitag.
- Approved 2023 budget and $26,674,243 local tax levy
- Set 2023 County Attorney salary at $131,000 (4-1)
- Set 2023 County Sheriff salary at $113,000 (4-1)
- Set 2023 Board of Commissioners salary at $23,795 (3-2)
- Accepted resignation of Sheriff Kurt Freitag effective Dec 31, 2022
- Authorized $800,000 for replacement tandem axle dump trucks with snow plows
- Approved $493,661.85 final payment to Ulland Brothers Inc. for CR 84 work
- Tabled employment contracts for Patricia Martinson and Kelly Hendrickson
Board of County Commissioners
The Board of County Commissioners is meeting for a workshop to review salary requests and contracts. The session includes updates on county infrastructure and a discussion on the final levy.
- 2023 salary requests for County Attorney and Sheriff Elect
- Printer/Copier RFP discussion
- Fairground bathroom and salt/sand building discussions
- Contract reviews for Auditor Treasurer, Recorder, and Ditch Inspectors
- Final levy discussion
Board of County Commissioners
The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss liquor licenses and public works payments. The board is considering software contract renewals and travel for the National Association of County Engineers Annual Conference.
- On sale for wine and strong beer for Three Oaks Vineyards & Winery, Bancroft Township
- On sale 3.2 beer for Three Oaks Vineyards & Winery, Bancroft Township
- Final payment on CP 022-M-002
- Final payment on SP 024-070-030 / SAP 024-610-010 and SP 024-070-031 / SAP 024-635-024
- Software support contract renewal with MCAPS
The Board of County Commissioners approved a series of highway project final payments and liquor licenses for Three Oak Wines. They also renewed the MCAPS contract through 2025 and authorized filling an Adult Mental Health Case Manager position.
- Approved renewal of MCAPS contract for 3 years (Jan 1, 2023 - Dec 31, 2025)
- Granted On Sale Wine and Strong Beer license to Three Oak Wines in Bancroft Township
- Granted On Sale 3.2 Beer license to Three Oak Wines in Bancroft Township
- Approved $123,269.37 final payment to Traffic Marking Service, Inc. for road striping
- Approved $72,675.16 final payment to Ulland Brothers Inc. for milling and overlay
- Approved $113,554.11 final payment to Ulland Brothers Inc. for reclamation and surfacing
- Approved filling the vacant Adult Mental Health Case Manager position
- Approved $5,648,299.46 in claims across multiple funds
Board of County Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will consider the appointment and employment contract of Candace Pesch as County Administrator. The meeting includes decisions on public works payments, land easements, and health and human services contracts.
- Appointment of Candace Pesch as County Administrator
- Final payment for micro-surfacing of designated roads and mill and bituminous overlay on CSAH 6
- Contract with Medica for Special Needs Basic Care services
- Private land easements and utility application for County Ditch 54 Shell Rock River Watershed
- MN DHS/Freeborn County Grant Contract for Adult Protection Grant 2022-2023
The Board appointed Candace Pesch as County Administrator and approved her employment contract. The Board also authorized several road project payments and approved a care coordination contract with Medica.
- Appointed Candace Pesch as County Administrator effective Nov 2, 2022
- Approved employment contract for Candace Pesch
- Approved contract with Medica for Special Needs Basic Care coordination services
- Authorized $165,013.30 final payment for micro-surfacing on CSAH 20, 25, and 46
- Authorized $101,246.94 final payment for mill and bituminous overlay on CSAH 6
- Approved $2,854.78 MN DHS grant for Adult Protective Services
- Approved sale of three surplus 2012 Ford F-350 trucks
- Approved agreement with Agricultural Society for new electrical service at fairgrounds
Board of County Commissioners
The Board of County Commissioners is holding a special meeting to conduct interviews. The board will deliberate and consider a motion to offer the position of Freeborn County Administrator.
- Interviews for County Administrator position
- Motion to offer the position of Freeborn County Administrator
The Board of County Commissioners conducted interviews with four candidates. Following a closed session regarding labor negotiation strategies, the Board voted to authorize contract negotiations for Candidate 3.
- Approved motion to enter closed session for labor negotiation strategies
- Approved motion to provide Mike Humpal parameters to make a contract offer to Candidate 3 (4-1)
Board of County Commissioners
The Board of County Commissioners is holding a workshop to review the Freeborn County Promise Scholarship and CD 54 easements. The board will also discuss moving the December 6, 2022 board meeting.
- Freeborn County Promise Scholarship presentation by ALEDA
- CD 54 Easements discussion
- Proposed date change for the December 6, 2022 Board Meeting
Board of County Commissioners
The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will meet to review various department reports and resolutions. The board is deciding on fee schedules for 2023 and reviewing several personnel and contract agreements.
- Approval of 2023 Solid Waste Fees
- Setting of 2023 payable Ditch Assessments
- Four-year Medical Examiner Contract Agreement with River Valley Forensic Services, P.A.
- Grant Agreement with MnDOT for 2022-2023 Toward Zero Death Enforcement program
- Pursuit of Corridors of Commerce funding for I-90 and CSAH 20 Interchange Project
Board of County Commissioners
The Board of County Commissioners is invited to attend the 2022 Employee Recognition Banquet. The agenda states that no action will be taken on any county business during this event.
Board of County Commissioners
The Board of County Commissioners is holding a workshop to receive updates from department heads. Discussions include environmental regulations, personnel classifications, and grant funding for a tornado shelter.
- Wind turbine setbacks
- Recycling fee
- Tornado shelter grant funding
- Medical Examiner Contract
- Paid time off for COVID-related illness
Board of County Commissioners
The Board of County Commissioners will meet to discuss several administrative resolutions, including the filling of three Detention Deputy vacancies. The board will also consider new home tax abatements and the sale of surplus county property.
- Three resolutions for new home tax abatements
- Purchase of Service Agreements with Lutheran Social Services and Unique Abilities for Semi-Independent Living Services
- Resolution to purchase a replacement tractor
- Filling of three vacant Detention Deputy positions
- Setting the Truth in Taxation meeting for December 8, 2022
Board of County Commissioners
The Board of County Commissioners is meeting for a workshop to receive updates from department heads. Discussions include sheriff staffing, building maintenance, and public works projects.
- Sheriff's report on attracting and retaining staff
- Roof work on East Bay of Environmental Services Building
- Pending housing abatements
- Sale of surplus property via MnBID
- CSAH 20 Interchange with I90 update
Board of County Commissioners
The Board of County Commissioners will consider the preliminary 2023 budget and tax levy. The meeting includes a public hearing for County Ditch No. J21 and a presentation on the MnDOT 10-year Capital Highway Investment Plan.
- Preliminary 2023 Tax Levy and Budget
- Donation of $100,000 to the Inclusive Playground committee
- Public Hearing for County Ditch No. J21
- Lot Consolidation Agreement for Glen Jensen and Margaret Drury in Bath Township
- MnDOT presentation on 2023-2031 Capital Highway Investment Plan
Board of County Commissioners
The Board of County Commissioners will hold a workshop to review an annual update from the Southern MN Initiative Foundation. The body will also discuss Aristotle issues and risks, a potential contribution for an inclusive playground, and wind turbine setbacks.
- Southern MN Initiative Foundation annual update
- Aristotle issues and risks presentation by Barna, Guzy & Steffen
- Proposed contribution for an inclusive playground
- Discussion regarding a lawsuit
- Environmental Services discussion on wind turbine setbacks
Board of County Commissioners
The Board of County Commissioners will review several personnel status changes and resignations. The meeting includes decisions on a scrap-twine recycling permit and a campground expansion, as well as a contract change for Probation & Pretrial Services.
- Conditional Use Permit for I-90 Reprocessing LLC to operate a scrap-twine recycling facility
- Expansion of the KOA Campground (SEP #2)
- Grant of $4,152 from the Freeborn County Communities Foundation
- Resolution to end current contract with Mn DOC and purchase a vehicle for Probation & Pretrial Services
- Amending Resolution 22-226 regarding prices for 2022 Tax Forfeiture Parcels
Board of County Commissioners
The Board of County Commissioners is holding a workshop to review several departmental updates. Discussions include funding commitments, the County Administrator's position profile, and security for the courthouse building.
- Fundraising for Inclusive Playground & Miracle Field
- CD62 concerns regarding Ditch Inspector
- Courthouse building security
- County Administrator position profile and salary range
- Possible Joint Powers Agreement for SELCO
Board of County Commissioners
The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing and consider a resolution to update the 2022 Fee Schedule. The board will also review the Freeborn County Solid Waste Plan and various personnel changes.
- Public hearing and resolution for the 2022 Fee Schedule
- Resolution to adopt the Freeborn County Solid Waste Plan
- Approval of drainage repairs
- Hearing date for County Ditch No. J21 Repair and Improvement of Branch A
- Personnel actions including filling a vacant Detention Deputy position
Board of County Commissioners
The Board of County Commissioners will hold a workshop to discuss budget requests from outside agencies and potential changes to the county fee schedule. The meeting includes reviews of ARPA funding, capital improvements, and the Le Sueur River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan.
- Le Sueur River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan
- Outside Agency Budget Request Presentations
- Fee schedule modifications and additions
- Paid internship in County Attorney’s office
- Budget review of ARPA use, trail funding, capital improvements, and fairgrounds buildings
Board of County Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will consider several personnel hires and departmental grants. They are also deciding on a public hearing for the fee schedule and a payment to the City of Albert Lea for downtown development.
- Payment to City of Albert Lea for Downtown Development
- Resolution setting a public hearing regarding the fee schedule
- Hiring of Ryan Rasmusson for the County Assessor position
- Acceptance of County Veterans Service Office Operational Enhancement Grant Program FY2023
- Final payment for micro-surfacing projects in Freeborn County
Board of County Commissioners
The Board of County Commissioners is holding a workshop to discuss departmental budgets and the search for a County Administrator. The meeting includes reviews of employee investment fiduciaries and tax software quotations.
- County Administrator search with Mike Humpal, SCSC
- Employee investment fiduciaries from Nationwide and IRON Fiduciary
- Tyler Technologies Tax Software sales quotation
- Request to hire one Karen Community Health Worker
- Budget reviews for Public Health, Environmental Services, Maintenance, IT, Auditor, Assessor, and DHS
Board of County Commissioners
The Board of County Commissioners will review personnel changes, department reports, and administrative policies. Key considerations include the adoption of a watershed management plan and the imposition of a wheelage tax.
- Adoption of the Shell Rock – Winnebago Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan
- Authorization of the imposition of Wheelage Tax
- Updating the fee schedule for the Recorder’s office
- Setting prices for Tax Forfeiture Parcels for the 2022 Sale
- Approval of a new purchasing card program and policy
Board of County Commissioners
The Board of County Commissioners is holding an emergency session to discuss one primary matter. The board will consider a resolution to declare a state of emergency.
- Resolution declaring a State of Emergency
Board of County Commissioners
The Board of County Commissioners will hold a workshop to hear presentations from three search firms. The meeting includes reviews of the wheelage tax, recorder's fees, and budgets for multiple county departments.
- Search firm presentations from DDA Human Resources, Inc., GOVHR USA, and South Central Service Cooperative
- Budget reviews for Sheriff’s Office, Highway, Personnel/Admin/Commissioners, Recorder, Extension, Probation, County Attorney, and Veterans Services
- Discussion of Recorder’s Fees and Remote Access Agreement
- Review of Wheelage Tax
- 4H request to place book “houses” in 4H rock garden
Board of County Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review a labor agreement for the Jail Programmer Unit and the filling of the County Assessor position. The meeting includes decisions on tax abatements, tax forfeiture parcels, and several grant agreements.
- Agreement between Freeborn County and Minnesota Public Employees Association for Jail Programmer Unit (2022-2024)
- Resolution to fill the vacant County Assessor position
- Acceptance of a $26,320.64 reimbursement grant from MN Department of Health
- Agreement for the Prosecution of Petty Misdemeanor and Misdemeanor Offenses for the City of Clarks Grove
- Approval of the 2023 Budget Calendar
Board of County Commissioners
The Board of County Commissioners is holding a workshop to review administrative and personnel matters. Discussions include a prosecution agreement with the City of Clarks Grove and the recruitment of a County Administrator.
- Prosecution Agreement with City of Clarks Grove
- Second Half ARPA Commitment
- County Administrator Recruitment
- Assessor position
- Tax abatements
Board of County Commissioners
The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss the appointment of an interim County Administrator and the filling of an Office Eligibility Worker position. The board will also review the 2021 County Audit and consider resolutions regarding bond issuance and the 2022 Change Fund appropriation.
- Presentation on the 2021 Freeborn County Audit by Doug Host CLA
- Resolution setting parameters for issuance for bonds
- Resolution updating the 2022 Change Fund/Impress Cash Fund appropriation
- Discussion on Resolution 22-173 regarding Permission to Fill Office Eligibility Worker Position
- Consideration of interim County Administrator
Board of County Commissioners
The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting to continue discussions regarding the appointment of an interim County Administrator. The board may also set a date for a future workshop.
- Discussion on appointment of an interim County Administrator
- Proposed workshop for Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Board of County Commissioners
The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing to determine projects eligible for funding via the Transportation Sales and Use Tax. The meeting also includes votes on labor agreements and a $625,000 grant for Veteran’s Court operations.
- Public hearing and resolution on projects for County Transportation Sales and Use Tax
- Acceptance of $625,000 supplemental grant from Office of Justice Programs for Veteran’s Court
- Tentative agreements for Detention Sergeants Unit (MPEA) and Licensed Deputy Unit (Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc.) for 2022-2024
- Grant contract with Minnesota Department of Health for Rural Health Assessment
- Appointments of Mitchell Delger, Alan Bakken and Dan DeBoer to the Shell Rock River Watershed Board of Managers
Board of County Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting including a closed session regarding allegations against individuals. A subsequent workshop will cover funding for the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and mental health programming staff movement.
- Closed session regarding allegations or charges against individuals
- Discussion of payment for CIP if bonding is unavailable
- Discussion of DHS staff movement for mental health programming
- Discussion of the process for filling the County Administrator position