Rock County Commissioners meet March 22
Herreid Board Room          9:00 A.M.
Rock County Courthouse March 22, 2022
The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Thompson with all Commissioners present.  Also in attendance were Administrator Kyle Oldre, County Attorney Jeff Haubrich, Deputy Administrator Susan Skattum and Star-Herald Reporter and Mavis Fodness.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance.
Motion by Thompson, seconded by Overgaard, to approve the March 22, 2022
County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Burger, seconded by Overgaard, to approve the March 08, 2022
County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Thompson, seconded by Williamson, to recess and call a Public
Hearing meeting to order at 9:05 A.M., declared carried on a voice vote.  
Purpose of the meeting was to hear comment on a Tax Abatement Request for the addition of a 1.5 million bushel grain bin and 200ft x 90ft building structure located in Section 15-102-44, Lot 0 of Magnolia Township; the estimated amount of the abatement is $74,095.00 over a period of nine years. No attendees were present. Commissioner Williamson led a conversation regarding the terms of the abatement and had reservations pertaining to the length of the abatement.
Following the discussion, motion by Overgaard, seconded by Thompson,
to close the Public Hearing at 9:21 A.M. and reconvene the County Board meeting,
declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Reisch, to approve Resolution
No. 12-22, approving the Tax Abatement for New Vision Coop, declared carried on a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Williamson voting nay.
Ashley Kurtz, Auditor/Treasurer, presented the claims and Per Diems of $800.00; upon a review of the claims, motion by Burger, seconded by Thompson, to approve the claims and per diems, declared carried on a voice vote. A complete listing of the claims is available upon request at the Auditor/Treasurer's office. 
MARCH 22, 2022 CLAIMS OVER $2,000
CENTERPOINT ENERGY $2,212.62 
CHS               7,548.53 
COUNTIES PROVIDING TECHNOLOGY               6,755.00 
ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH INST   7,273.00 
ERICKSON ENGINEERING               3,959.00 
FLEET SERVICES DIVISION-ADMIN FMR               7,399.15 
KEMP ELECTRIC               2,980.89 
KETTERLING SERVICES INC           12,252.22 
LUVERNE BUILDING CENTER, INC               2,544.79 
LUVERNE/CITY OF               8,665.54 
LYON COUNTY LANDFILL           13,875.44 
M-R SIGN CO INC           11,163.35 
MN COUNTIES COMPUTER COOP               7,305.00 
MORRIS ELECTRONICS               3,206.01 
POWERPLAN               5,911.49 
ROCK COUNTY OPPORTUNITIES               2,085.20 
TITAN MACHINERY INC               3,641.71 
TK ELEVATOR CORPORATION               6,064.54 
WEX BANK               3,627.74 
ZIEGLER INC               9,523.96 
75 PAYMENTS LESS THAN $2,000                           32,421.02 
TOTAL               $160,416.20 
The County Board was in receipt of the Fund Balance report; motion by 
Overgaard, seconded by Reisch, to approve, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Auditor/Treasurer informed the County Board of a request from Sara Misterek of her intent to repurchase tax-forfeited property, located in the City of Luverne; Kurtz stated that all taxes, penalties and interest totaling $10,719.39 have been paid and recommends approval of the re-purchase of property. Motion by Burger, seconded by Thompson, to approve Resolution No. 09-22, approving the repurchase of tax forfeited property, parcel 20-1000-00, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Auditor/Treasurer informed the County Board of a request from Sheri Rozeboom of her intent to repurchase tax-forfeited property, located in Martin Township; Kurtz stated that all taxes, penalties and interest totaling $10,089.43 have been paid and recommends approval of the repurchase of property. Motion by Thompson, seconded by Williamson, to approve Resolution No. 10-22, approving the repurchase of tax-forfeited property, parcel 08-0269-000, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Auditor/Treasurer informed the County Board of a request from the City of Jasper to purchase tax forfeited property, parcel number 16-0045-200 within the City of Jasper, Rock County for the purpose of correcting blighted conditions pursuant to Minnesota Statute 282.01.  Correction plans include demolition of the building, capping off the utilities, and grading for a shovel-ready lot for redevelopment.  Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Williamson, to approve Resolution No. 11-22, authorizing the conveyance of tax-forfeited parcels to the City of Jasper, declared carried on a voice vote.
Kurtz requested approval of a contract from Trimin for IFS software support for 2022-2024 for an annual cost of $5,320; motion by Burger,
seconded by Overgaard, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Administrator informed the County Board that the Frederick and Maryanna Manfred House located at 1431 Quarry Road, in Mound Township (in Blue Mound State Park) will be considered by the State Historic Preservation Review Board (SHPRB) for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. The County Board is invited to attend the SHPRB virtual meeting scheduled for Tuesday April 12, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. Listing of the properties provides recognition of their historic importance and assures protective review of Federal and State project that might adversely the character of the of the properties. If listed in the National Register, certain Federal and State investment tax credit for rehabilitation and other provisions may apply.
The Administrator presented a legislative update regarding Rural Water’s request for state bonding for $2 million to assist with construction of a new water tower; the request is identified as H.F. number 4280 and the next step is to get a 
hearing. As to date, there are no other legislative updates.
The County Board was informed of the Annual Road & Bridge hearing scheduled for March 22nd at 1:00 P.M. in the basement of the Rock County Community Library.
The Administrator updated the County Board on the following activities:  duct cleaning is completed at the Human Services building; rodent proofing will begin at the Courthouse building; Luv1LuvAll organization received opioid settlement dollars; has been active in legislative testifying for EMS funding; will be meeting with contractors for an assessment and price for repairs to the tunnel and Kahler Terrace; has worked out details between A.C.E and Generations with their location move; and has been meeting with vendor for security cameras at the Courthouse Square.
Commissioner Williamson stated that he attended the following meetings:
One Water One Plan, Rural Water
Commissioner Thompson stated that she attended the following meetings: Chief Elected Officials/Private Industry Council, Southwest Health & Human Services, Southwest Regional Development Commission.
Commissioner Overgaard stated that he attended the following meetings: Magnolia Township, Denver Township, Kenneth City Council, Extension and Daycare facility tour.
Commissioner Burger stated that he attended the following meetings: (3)
Southwestern Mental Health, Community Corrections.
Commissioner Reisch stated that he attended the following meetings:
Community Corrections.
With no further business to come before the County Board,
the meeting was declared adjourned by order of the chair.
(04-21)

Rock County Commissioners meet March 8
Herreid Board Room          9:00 A.M.
Rock County Courthouse March 8, 2022
The  meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Thompson with all Commissioners present.  Also in attendance were Administrator Kyle Oldre, County Attorney Jeff Haubrich, Deputy Administrator Susan Skattum and Star-Herald Reporter and Mavis Fodness.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance.
Motion by Burger, seconded by Thompson, to approve the March 08, 2022
County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Williamson, to approve the February 22,
2022 County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.
Ashley Kurtz, Auditor/Treasurer, presented the claims; motion by Overgaard, 
seconded by Thompson, to pay the claims, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board was in receipt of the Fund Balance; motion by Williamson, seconded by Burger, to approve, declared carried on a voice vote. A complete listing of the claims is available upon request at the Auditor/Treasurer's office. 
MARCH 8, 2022 CLAIMS OVER $2,000
A & B BUSINESS INC $2,647.47 
BUTLER MACHINERY CO   2,857.12 
CENTERPOINT ENERGY               3,323.88 
DAN HAMANN CONSTRUCTION           24,100.00 
LIBERTY TIRE RECYCLING LLC               3,569.80 
MORRIS ELECTRONICS           11,172.48 
NOBLES COUNTY AUDITOR-TREASURER               8,760.00 
ROCK COUNTY AUDITOR-TREASURER               2,648.10 
SAFEASSURE CONSULTANTS INC               6,773.10 
52 PAYMENTS LESS THAN $2,000           20,084.21 
TOTAL                 $85,936.16 
Kurtz informed the County Board that her office has served eviction notices on tax-forfeited properties located in City of Hills, City of Luverne and Martin Township.  Kurtz stated that owners will have an opportunity to purchase back the property from the State of Minnesota before the tax-forfeited properties are transferred back to the county.
Mark Sehr, Engineer requested to bid let the 2022 Bituminous Mill Overlay
projects, with a bid let date of April 18th at 10:00 A.M:
•SAP 067-604-033: Main Street, TH 75 to Blue Mound Avenue.
•SAP 067-618-011: Blue Mound Avenue, Main Street to Fairway Drive.
•SAP 067-634-001: Warren Street, Cedar Street to Blue Mound Avenue.
•SAP 067-636-001: Blue Mound Avenue, Warren Street to Main Street.
•CP 067-401-023: Rock County Library Parking Lot.
•CP 067-401-024: Rock County Highway Department Parking Lot.
Also requesting the bid let SP 067-604-031, a mill overlay project on CSAH 4,
from Rock River Bridge to Nobles County on April 18th at 11:00 A.M. Motion by
Burger, seconded by Overgaard, to approve both bid letting dates, declared
carried on a voice vote.
The Engineer requested authorization to move forward in replacing (3)
CAT 140M AWD motorgraders and presented the following price quote
off the state bid from Ziegler Motor Grader:
Machine #1                                                           $464,099.00
Machine #2                                                           $457,739.00
Machine #3                                                           $457,739.00
Trade 3 CAT 140M AWD                                     ($391,068.00)
Total                        $988,509.00
Motion by Williamson, seconded by Overgaard, to authorize the Engineer to move forward with the purchase of (3) motorgraders and accept the
bid from Ziegler of $998,509.00, declared carried on a voice vote. The
expenditure is to be paid from 2022 CIP bond proceeds.
Motion by Burger, seconded by Reisch, to approve Resolution No. 08-22, in Support of Lights and Dedicated Turn Lanes at the Intersection of US Highway 75 and Main Street (CSAH 4) in the City of Luverne, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board was in receipt of information regarding the Opioid settlement and a proposed allocation formula from the MN Attorney General’s office; Rock County’s proposed allocation of the settlement is $453,668.98 which will be distributed over the course of 18 years. The proceeds will have a restricted use and the allocation still has the potential to change; a distribution timeline is forthcoming.
Administrator Oldre briefly discussed with the County Board the state’s $9.2 billion surplus and update of the 2022 Legislative Conference. Oldre also stated that 46 legislators have announced their retirement due to redistricting.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Thompson, to approve a 2022 contract
renewal with Safe Assure for $6,773.10 to conduct safety training, declared
carried on a voice vote.
The Administrator presented updates on the following: EDA Committee had met and they are considering to conduct a county housing study, so they will be requesting some operating funds; continues to work with ACE on the relocation to the new Generations building; needs to discuss an easement issue with the County Attorney’s office regarding the BRRRA and Lineage; rodent proofing is scheduled to begin on 03/18 and air duct cleaning at the Human Services Building begins on 03/11.
Commissioner Williamson offered a comment stating that the county should consider reserving a portion of the ARPA funds to assist with various
projects to include an appropriation to the EDA Committee.
Commissioner Williamson stated that he had attended the following
meetings: all county government meeting. 
Commissioner Thompson stated that she had attended the following meetings: all county government meeting; also discussed a request from the Chamber to host an Ice Cream Social for the Rock County 150th Anniversary/Rock County Hall of Fame Induction.
Commissioner Overgaard stated that he had attended the following meetings:  all county government meeting, Walleye Wind pre-construction, Luv1 Luv All event, City/County Liaison, EDA and went out with the County Engineer for a culvert inspection.
Commissioner Burger stated that he had attended the following meetings:
Burger stated that the Southern Prairie Annual meeting is scheduled for March 25th
and that he is not available to attend and strongly suggested that Rock County
have a representative to present; it was determined that Commissioner
Thompson would attend.
Commissioner Reisch stated that he had attended the following meetings:
(2) EDA meetings and a City/County Liaison.
After adjournment of the meeting, the County Board was scheduled to
tour the proposed Day Care facility located in Luverne.
With no further business to come before the County Board, the meeting
was declared adjourned by order of the chair.
(04-21)

SKM Hog Farms LLC 
applies for 
livestock feedlot permit
Notification Requirements
MINNESOTA RULE 7020.2000, SUBP. 4
notice of application foR 
livestock feedlot permit
Notice is hereby given per Minnesota Statutes, 116.07, subd. 7 (a), that SKM Hog Farms LLC has made application to the County of Rock, for a permit to construct a feedlot with a capacity of 500 animal units or more.
The proposed feedlot will be located in the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of section 31 in Martin Township, Rock County, Minnesota.
The proposed facility consists of a total confinement barn to house 2400 head of swine between 55 and 300 pounds. Using 0.3 animal units per head, total animal units are 720. The building shall have a poured reinforced concrete pit for manure storage. The total animal unit capacity will be 720.
This publication shall constitute as notice to each resident and each owner of real property within 5,000 feet of the perimeter of the proposed feedlot, as required by Minnesota State Law.
(04-21)

Severtson applies for 
livestock feedlot permit
Notification Requirements
MINNESOTA RULE 7020.2000, SUBP. 4
notice of application foR 
livestock feedlot permit
Notice is hereby given per Minnesota Statutes 116.07, subd. 7(a), that Sterling and Denise Severtson have made application to the County of Rock, for a permit to construct a feedlot with a capacity of 500 animal units or more.
The proposed feedlot will be located in the NE 1/4 of Section 11 in ViennaTownship, Rock County, Minnesota.
The existing facility consists of open lots with runoff controls to house 150 head of feeder cattle, 324 head of finishing cattle and 290 head of calves. The proposed modification will be add 176 head of finishing cattle to the open lots with runoff controls and 160 cow/calf pairs in a total confinement building. Manure storage from open lot and total confinement will be pack on lot. The site will house 500 head of finishing cattle and 160 cow/calf pairs equaling 619 animal units.
This publication shall constitute as notice to each resident and each owner of real property within 5,000 feet of the perimeter of the proposed feedlot as required by Minnesota State Law.
(04-21)

H-BC School Board 
meets March 28
Hills-Beaver Creek Dist. 671
Minutes
March 28, 2022
The Hills-Beaver Creek School Board met for its semi-monthly meeting at 8:17 p.m. in the H-BC Secondary School Board room, 301 N Summit Ave, Hills, MN.
Board members and Administration present were Fransman, Gehrke, Harnack, Knobloch, Rauk and Rozeboom. Superintendent Holthaus, Principal Kellenberger
and Business Manager Rozeboom were also in attendance. Board member
Bosch was absent.
Motion by Rozeboom, second by Harnack, and carried to approve
the agenda. No Visitors
PATRIOT PRIDE:
-Elementary Band/Vocal Music Concert 3/28
-End of Quarter 3
-Winter Awards Banquet 3/29
Board Committee Meeting Reports:
-Building Grounds-3/15, Upcoming Community Ed-3/30, Staff
Development/TAB 4/6
Motion by Knobloch, second by Fransman, and carried to approve Consent
Agenda:
-Minutes—03/14/2022
-Bills and Treasurer’s Report
-Student Activity Accounts Report
-Resignation of Caitlin Slaba, teacher, effective the end of the 2021-2022
school year
-Resignation of Tyler Johnson, teacher, effective the end of the 2021-2022
school year
-Civil rights complaint procedure
INDIVIDUAL ACTION ITEMS:
Motion by Harnack, second by Fransman, and carried to approve Solar Energy
Project at both the Elementary and Secondary School.
Motion by Rauk, second by Harnack, and carried to approve FLR
Sanders quote to refinish Secondary School Gym Floor.
DISTRICT NON-ACTION ITEMS:
•Secondary Principal Report
•Superintendent/Elementary Principal Report
•Legislative update - Rozeboom
AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING
DATES TO REMEMBER:
-Regular Board Meeting, Monday, April 11, 2022
-Regular Board Meeting, Monday, April 25, 2022
Meeting adjourned at 10:09 p.m.
Tamara Rauk, Clerk
(04-21)

City of Luverne adopts
Ordinance No. 27
ORDINANCE NO. 27, FOURTH SERIES
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE CHAPTER 153. ZONING, SECTION, 153.055 RESIDENTIAL USES, (D) RESIDENTIAL; ACCESSORY 
STRUCTURES AND USES
THE CITY OF LUVERNE DOES HEREBY ORDAIN:
SECTION 1.   That Section 153.055. Residential Uses, (D) Residential; Accessory Structures and Uses, (2) Attached/detached accessory structures and uses, (a) 2. of the Luverne City Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
(D) Residential; accessory structures and uses.
      (1) Opt-out. Pursuant to authority granted by M.S. § 462.3593, subd. 9, as it may be amended from time to time, the city opts out of the requirements of M.S. §
462.3593, as it may be amended from time to time, which defines and regulates
temporary family health care dwellings.
(2) Attached/detached accessory structures and uses.
         (a) 1. Private garages and storage sheds provided that all garage and storage space, attached and detached, excluding storage space which is a part of the interior of the principal main building or structure including the basement and attic thereof, shall not exceed 1,200* square feet of floor space; provided also that any accessory building more than 120 square feet must have a minimum three-foot rise over a 12-foot distance pitched roof and a minimum six-inch eave and it must rest on a permanent foundation of wood or concrete material and is erected in its entirety in accordance with the state’s Building Code and finished with comparable materials as the principal structure.  
2. *Note to division (D) (2) (a) 1., above: Allows up to 5% of lot square footage, with a maximum of 1,200 square foot attached and detached accessory structures not to exceed finished, above grade square footage of principal structure.
SEC. 2.  This ordinance takes full force and effect seven (7) days after its publication.
(04-21)

The Hills-Beaver Creek High School FFA students traveled to Beaver Creek on April 12 to host an Ag Day for elementary students. At the afternoon event students rotated through five stations, where they learned about animals and tractor safety. Each student received an activity book designed by FFA member Samantha Moser. “The officers wanted to put this on to encourage younger students to take part in FFA and to learn about animals and a bit about farm safety,” said FFA adviser Cloey Anderson.

Staff members at Luverne Aquatics and Fitness are only days away from opening the newly remodeled and expanded facility on North Blue Mound Avenue.
Director Sam Honerman and supervisor Michelle DeKam hosted a Thursday morning tour for the Luverne Area Chamber’s monthly Networking Coffee.
“We’re pretty excited about it,” Honerman told the group.
Hoogendorn Construction broke ground on the $5 million project in April 2021, and crews are wrapping up final punch-list items before the grand opening Monday, May 2.
Improvements include an outdoor splash pad, new locker rooms, four family changing rooms, flat space rooms for group aerobic exercise, new office space and staff area, larger rooms for 24-hour weightlifting and aerobic exercise machines and a new mechanical and heat, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
Honerman led the group through the facility that’s now 10,000 square feet bigger.
 
24/7 fitness access
An updated spacious lobby connects to a 1,600-square-foot weight room with all new equipment, a cardio room with all new equipment and 1,500-square-foot multi-purpose cardio area, all accessible by 24/7 key cards.
“This is the first time we’ve ever had a large room for aerobics,” Honerman said. “We are very excited about this room. This room will be utilized a lot.”
The room has mirrored walls and large screen for video-aided classes, and six newly hired trainers will offer a range of classes.
They include Tabata, Zumba, Bootcamp, Advanced Cycling, Silver Cycling, Cycling, Sculpt Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Power Sticks, Spinning and Seniors in Motion.
The open room can be utilized for its SMARTFIT System that offers more than 200 on-demand fitness classes that are all available 24/7. “So, if you want to do kickboxing at 2 a.m., you can,” Honerman said.
 
Improved locker rooms and four family changing rooms
The new locker rooms (with 96 lockers with key code access) include several private showers and changing areas, handicap features, suit spinners (to dry out wet suits) and antimicrobial floor surfaces.
The women’s locker room is larger than the men’s with an extra vanity area with mirrors, a counter and seating.
The facility now has four family changing rooms, which have long been in demand among members.
“It’s something really exciting for us, for our patrons, for families with little kids, for people with Sanford therapy and for anyone who provides assistance for someone swimming or coming to work out,” Honerman said.
“I think it’s imperative in this day and age to have something like this. The fact that we have four is huge.”
 
Pool improvements
She toured the group through the existing pool area, which had deck improvements and behind-the-scenes mechanical upgrades, but otherwise appears the same.
 The pool is 25 yards long and is three feet deep on the shallow end and 11 feet deep on the deep end.
Amenities include a 1-meter diving board, a rock climbing wall, a wading pool with a slide, a hot tub and the facility’s iconic 30-year-old frog slide.
“He’s been fixed, refurbished, fixed again and painted,” Honerman said. “We can’t get rid of the frog slide.”
Water classes include lap swimming, senior swimming, swimming lessons, H2O Spin, Aqua Nutz, H2O Walk Class, H2O Intense, Wall Workout and Bogo Fit.
 
Splash pad
The outdoor splash pad will use reclaimed water that is sanitized and reused. There are a variety of water features for a variety of ages. For example, several rocks serve as “bubblers” for little ones who might be afraid to be splashed.
A large clear bucket up high slowly fills and eventually dumps on waiting children below. And there are several water cannons and other splash features.
A new climate-controlled observation room is larger than the previous one and includes a play area for small children.
A party room, with an adjacent lounge area, can be rented just off the pool area, and a back lounge area offers a comfortable space (with a coffee kiosk) for adults waiting to pick up their children from swimming.
“This has become one of our favorite parts of the building,” Honerman said.
The pool and fitness staff members now have more space for office work, storage and a staff lounge.
Honerman and supervisor Michelle DeKam are the only full-time employees at the facility. In addition, there are eight supervisors and 56 part-time workers who are lifeguards and/or front desk workers.
Memberships costs, which will be posted on the facility’s website, are expected to rise slightly due to the new amenities.
However, the city is committed to keeping rates low by subsidizing operations to make the facility affordable to all community residents.
The open house on May 2 will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during which time refreshments will be served and people can sign up for classes and memberships.
Regular facility hours start on Tuesday, May 3, with all fitness and water activities available.