Cottonwood County public meetings in 2022
28 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
County Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will meet to certify the 2023 levy and finalize the annual budget. Discussion items include legislative updates, water management plans, and various county personnel and service matters.
- Finalize 2023 Budget and Certify 2023 Levy
- Set 2023 Non-Union and Elected Official Wages
- Approval of LELS 144 & 346 Union Contracts
- Purchase of new Duty Weapons
- Resolution authorizing Allonges to G.O. Water Revenue Notes
The Board approved the 2023 tax levy and established salaries for commissioners and key employees. Other actions included approving new law enforcement labor agreements, a jail medical services contract, and the purchase of duty weapons.
- Certified 2023 tax levy at $11,993,021 (unanimous)
- Approved $117,999 contract with Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Inc. for jail medical services (unanimous)
- Approved 2-year agreements with Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. Local No. 144 and Local No. 346 (unanimous)
- Approved $8,816.69 quote from Kiesler Police Supply for Glock handguns and holsters (unanimous)
- Reduced MDA AgBMP low interest loan rate for septic systems to 1.5% effective Jan 1, 2023 (unanimous)
- Eliminated charges to veterans for volunteer rides (unanimous)
- Approved 2023 Commissioner salary at $23,000 plus per diems and fees (unanimous)
- Hired law firm Rupp, Anderson, Squires & Waldspurger for an internal investigation (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting with several action items, including final approval of the 2023 budget and levy, a closed session for employee discipline, and a Truth in Taxation meeting. The board will also consider final payment for a road project, disaster aid funding resolutions, and an easement for Summit Carbon Solutions.
- Final Payment – Project 017-599-110
- Disaster Aid Funding Resolutions
- 2023 Recycling update
- Final Budget/Levy for 2023
- Easement – Summit Carbon Solutions
The Board approved a $256,614.47 final payment for a bridge replacement and renewed the Home Initiative program with updated tax abatement limits. The Board also authorized federal funding agency agreements for road repairs and approved a promissory note for PrimeWest health care access.
- Approved $256,614.47 final payment to Midwest Contracting, LLC for bridge L9425 replacement (unanimous)
- Issued Notice of Suspension and Directives to an employee effective Dec. 8, 2022 (4-1)
- Adopted three resolutions (22-12-07, 22-12-07A, 22-12-07B) for MnDOT agency agreements (unanimous)
- Renewed Home Initiative program and increased single-family home tax abatement limit to $320,000 (4-1)
- Approved Promissory Note with PrimeWest Rural Minnesota Health Care Access Initiative (unanimous)
- Approved December warrants totaling $182,604.43 (unanimous)
- Approved Amendment #3 of the Joint Powers Agreement for A.C.E. of Southwest Minnesota (unanimous)
- Accepted retirement resignations of Dennis Erickson and Sheli Fast (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting to discuss a closed session under state law for preliminary consideration of employee discipline and attorney-client privileged matters, with potential action afterward.
- Closed meeting under Minn. Stat. 13D.05 for employee discipline and attorney-client privilege
- Potential action following the closed session
The Board of Commissioners held a special meeting to discuss allegations against an employee. After a portion of the meeting was held in a closed session, Chairman Gravley stated that no action would be taken by the board today.
- Closed special meeting at 4:13 p.m. for preliminary consideration of employee discipline (unanimous)
- Opened closed session at 4:50 p.m. (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting at 4:51 p.m. (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Cottonwood County Board will hear presentations on the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline project and a proposed MOU with Watonwan County for jail/dispatch services. They will also consider fuel bids, a 2023 resurfacing project on CSAH 9, and several personnel actions including hires for legal secretary and ditch inspector.
- Presentation on Summit Carbon Solutions Proposed Pipeline at 9:05 a.m.
- MOU between Cottonwood County and Watonwan County regarding jail/dispatch services
- Fuel bids and 2023 CSAH 9 Resurfacing project
- Personnel actions: probation completions, legal secretary hire, ditch inspector hire
- American Rescue Plan (ARP) discussion
The Board approved a multi-year fuel contract with Staples Oil Company, Inc. and voted to request an Environmental Impact Study for the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline. Other actions included approving a dispatch assistance agreement with Watonwan County and several personnel changes.
- Approved letter to Public Utilities Commission supporting Environmental Impact Study for Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline (4-1)
- Accepted MOU with Watonwan County Sheriff’s Office for dispatch assistance (unanimous)
- Accepted fuel contract bid from Staples Oil Company, Inc. for $542,458.40 annually (unanimous)
- Approved 750 feet of additional pavement on CSAH 9 to be paid by local resident (unanimous)
- Approved permanent full-time status for Tyann Galer, Carly Pohlman, and Brenda Schenk (unanimous)
- Hired Julie Oberg Speckmeier as Legal Secretary at $24.13/hour (unanimous)
- Hired Dylan Oeltjenbruns as Ditch Inspector at $25.23/hour (unanimous)
- Approved November warrants totaling $220,923.88 (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on County Ditch #35 and consider petitions to impound, reroute, or divert for CD #33 and JD #27, plus a petition to abandon JD #27. They will also review conditional use permits for Klingsporn and Nagorske, a railroad agreement, snow maintenance agreements, and an ARCGIS Enterprise Agreement. The meeting includes approval of minutes, warrants, and a closed session for labor negotiation strategy.
- Public Hearing – County Ditch #35
- Petition to Impound, Reroute, Divert – CD #33
- Petition to Impound, Reroute, Divert – JD #27
- Petition to Abandon – JD #27
- Conditional Use Permit – Klingsporn
The Board approved several drainage system changes for wetland restoration and property removal. They also authorized expenditures for courtroom carpeting, a jail refrigerator, and GIS licensing, while granting two conditional use permits for feedlot expansions.
- Adopted Findings and Order for removal of property from County Ditch #35 (unanimous)
- Accepted petition to impound, reroute, and divert County Ditch #33 (unanimous)
- Accepted petition to impound, reroute, and divert Branch B1 of JD #27 (unanimous)
- Approved $9,822.60 quote from Hammers for courtroom carpet (unanimous)
- Approved $4,850.00 bid from Elite Appliance for jail refrigerator (unanimous)
- Approved feedlot expansion permits for Mitchell Klingsporn and Curt Nagorske (unanimous)
- Authorized Reimbursement Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad for CSAH 27 (unanimous)
- Approved $48,750 ESRI Enterprise Agreement for GIS licensing (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will receive presentations on the Department of Corrections services, the Cottonwood County Home Initiative Program, the Des Moines River Watershed Management Plan, and a 3DGeo MN Lidar Plan. They will also consider final payments for several road projects, a legal secretary hire, probation completions, and a cell phone reimbursement request. The meeting includes review of the agenda and prior minutes, plus discussion of commissioner warrants and personnel policies.
- Final payment for Project 017-070-0012
- Final payments for Projects 017-598-007/017-598-008 and 017-606-027/017-611-017
- Legal secretary hire
- Cell phone reimbursement request
- Hardship leave request
County Commissioners
The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding a housing initiative at 1923. The board will also consider conditional use permits and a 2023 contract with Brown-Nicollet Community Health.
- Public Hearing: Housing Initiative – Preferred Choice Homes - 1923
- Conditional Use Permits: Elmendorf Christian Community and Neuhof Hutterite Brethren
- 2023 Contract with Brown-Nicollet Community Health
- Bids for Project 017-592-001
- DACA Funding Resolution
County Commissioners
The Board will conduct a public hearing regarding Judicial Ditch #10 and discuss the setting of the 2023 preliminary levy. Additional discussions include housing initiatives, public works contracts, and equipment mechanic hiring.
- Public Hearing: Judicial Ditch #10
- Housing Initiative: New Construction - Preferred Choice Homes - 1923
- Public Works: Final Contract Payment - Project 017-602-027
- Public Works: Bids – Project 017-592-001
- Budget Discussion and Setting of 2023 Preliminary Levy
Work Session
The Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to review the proposed budget for 2023. The board will also discuss county positions for a GIS specialist and a Ditch Inspector.
- 2023 Proposed Budget
- Ditch Inspector position
- GIS position
County Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing regarding County Ditch #35. The meeting includes presentations on highway investment, recycling bids, and 2023 budget requests. The board will also review several service agreements and contracts.
- Public Hearing – County Ditch #35
- Recycling Bids presentation
- Cottonwood County Historical Society 2023 Budget Request
- MCAPS Contract
- GIS/NG911 Professional Service Agreement
Work Session
The Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss the proposed budget for 2023. The meeting also includes a discussion regarding buildings.
- 2023 Proposed Budget
- Buildings
County Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review several lease and transportation agreements. Discussion topics include the American Rescue Plan and the 2023 budget.
- VSO Operational Enhancement Grant
- 017-611-018 Final Contract Payment
- UCAP Transportation Agreement
- SWCD Lease Agreement
- DVHHS & City of Windom Lease Agreements
County Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review various administrative and operational items including equipment purchases and personnel policies. The meeting includes discussions on weed harvester grants, recycling bids, and tax forfeiture properties.
- Weed Harvester Grant discussion
- Recycling Request for Bids
- 2023 Equipment Purchase
- Tax Forfeiture Properties Update
- Personnel Policies #370 to #396
County Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review several administrative items including personnel policies and lease agreements. Discussion topics include the A.C.E. program, courthouse roof repairs, and American Rescue Plan updates.
- A.C.E. Program Review
- Routeware Contract
- JD #3 Redetermination of Benefits
- Jailer/Dispatcher hires
- Courthouse Roof Repair/Replacement
Board of Equalization
The meeting includes an update from the County Assessor regarding county statistics, valuation changes, and law changes. The remainder of the agenda contains no listed items.
- Update on County Statistics, Valuation Changes, and Law Changes by Gale Bondhus
County Commissioners
The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will discuss a housing initiative and tax abatement for Quincey. The board will also address the Red Rock Rural Water System loan closing and tax forfeitures.
- Public Hearing: Housing Initiative – New Construction – Quincey
- Resolution for Tax Abatement – Quincey
- Red Rock Rural Water System loan closing
- Tax forfeiture discussion
- Discussion of non-compliant septic systems
County Commissioners
The Board will review tax forfeiture valuations and housing initiative items. Discussion includes updates on Summit Carbon Solutions and various personnel and public works matters.
- Housing Initiative: New Construction – Brown
- Resolution for Tax Abatement – Brown
- Housing Initiative: New Construction – Quincey
- Conditional Use Permit – Robin Quincey
- Conditional Use Permit – Duininck, Inc.
County Commissioners
The Board will consider several housing initiative items including new construction and tax abatement. Discussion includes MnDOT agreements, a conditional use permit for Sioux Rock Quarry, and various county staff hires.
- Housing Initiative: New Construction – Oeltjenbruns
- Resolution for Tax Abatement – Oeltjenbruns
- Housing Initiative: New Construction – Brown
- Conditional Use Permit – Sioux Rock Quarry
- MnDOT Agreement – CSAH 2
County Commissioners
The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings regarding new construction housing initiatives and tax abatements. The board will also review a broadband feasibility study proposal and project bids. Personnel changes and 2021 budget actuals are on the agenda.
- Public hearings and tax abatement resolutions for Preferred Choice Homes at 1901 and 1903 Bud Road
- Housing initiative for Cody Oeltjenbruns
- Broadband Feasibility Study Proposal from Finley Engineering
- Bids for Project 017-070-0012
- Review of personnel policies #001 – #136
County Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing and consider a resolution to adopt county commissioner districts. The meeting includes discussions on broadband, housing initiatives, and infrastructure projects.
- Public hearing and resolution for Adoption of County Commissioner Districts
- MnDOT Agreement for CSAH2 Federal Funding and bids for Project 017-599-110
- Housing Initiative new construction for Preferred Choice Homes - 1901 and 1903
- TH60 Corridor Study Implementation Plan Resolution
- Petition to repair County Ditch #35
County Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review meeting minutes and discuss various departmental items. Topics include a housing initiative public hearing, emergency management grants, and public works bids.
- Public Hearing: Housing Initiative – New Construction – K Derickson
- Resolution for Tax Abatement - Derickson
- 2021 Emergency Management Program Grant
- Conditional Use Permit – Bennett Trucking, Inc.
- Bids – Project 017-599-110
County Commissioners
The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting. The body is scheduled to discuss redistricting and the wage matrix.
- Redistricting
- Wage Matrix
County Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will discuss solar projects and housing initiatives. The agenda includes a conditional use permit review and a proposed wage increase for the Assistant County Attorney.
- Big Bend Wind/Red Rock Solar discussion
- Housing Initiative – New Construction – K. Derickson
- Conditional Use Permit – Bennett Trucking, Inc.
- Wage Increase for Assistant County Attorney
- Approve IS Hire
County Commissioners
The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will review a five-year construction plan and bridge replacement priority list. The board will also consider employee wage adjustments and the hiring of a Veterans Service Officer. A closed session is scheduled to discuss an offer for parcel number 08.022.0100.
- 5 Year Construction Plan & Bridge Replacement Priority List
- 2022 Professional Services Agreement – SEH, Inc.
- TH60 Corridor Study Implementation Plan Resolution
- Approval to hire Veterans Service Officer
- Offer for parcel number 08.022.0100
County Commissioners
The Board will review the TH 60 Corridor Study Implementation Plan and consider bridge bonding agreements. Other items include a tax abatement extension request for Guardian Inn/T&M Development, LLC and updates on county personnel and jail assessments.
- TH 60 Corridor Study Implementation Plan
- Bridge Bonding Agreements
- Tax Abatement Extension Request – Guardian Inn/T&M Development, LLC
- Body Worn Camera Purchase
- Jail Assessment Final Report
County Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review agenda and previous meeting minutes. Discussion items include conditional use permits, bridge project bids, and vehicle replacement.
- Clean Water Partnership Low Interest SSTS Loan Amendment
- Conditional Use Permit – Elmendorf H.B.
- Conditional Use Permit – Midco/Mark Gronewold
- Conditional Use Permit – Midco/J Robert Wardin
- Bridge Project Bids
County Commissioners
The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss the upcoming legislative session and various personnel hires. The board will also review a bridge design contract and a resolution supporting SCORE funding.
- Bridge 17501 Design Contract
- Resolution 22-01-18 supporting SCORE Funding
- Contract with Jackson County for Attorney Services
- Ditch Assessments and Sinking Ditch Fund
- Acceptance of MN Historical Society Grant
County Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will meet to conduct annual reorganizations, including electing a Chairman and Vice-Chairman. The body will discuss and decide on 2022 meal rates, seasonal employee wages, and official newspaper bids. Other items include ARPA funds policy and grant discussions.
- ARPA Funds Policy
- Regional Trails Planning Matching Grant
- Off Highway Vehicle Grant
- Cottonwood County IV-D Contract
- 2022 Crop Damage Prices for Corn and Soybeans