Rock County Commissioners meet Nov. 17
Rock County Board of Commissioners 9:00 A.M.
Herreid Board Meeting Room/Zoom Video Meeting November 17, 2020
The meeting was called to order by Chair Overgaard with all Commissioners present. Also in attendance were County Administrator Kyle Oldre, County Attorney Jeff Haubrich, Deputy Administrator Susan Skattum and Star-Herald Reporter Mavis Fodness.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all who were in attendance.
Motion by Reisch, seconded by Thompson, to approve the November 17, 2020, County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Burger, seconded by Williamson, to approve the November 03, 2020, County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.
Ashley Kurtz, Auditor/Treasurer, presented the claims and per diems of $2,400.00; motion by Reisch, 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.
NOVEMBER 17, 2020 CLAIMS OVER $2,000
BIG TOP TENT RENTALS $2,770.00
CEMCAST PIPE & PRECAST 11,130.00
CHS 8,423.68
COUNTIES PROVIDING TECHNOLOGY 6,491.00
FALLS ARCHITECTURE STUDIO, LLC 4,875.00
FLEET SERVICES DIVISION-ADMIN FMR 7,034.42
GRAHAM TIRE-WORTHINGTON 8,937.76
KETTERLING SERVICES INC 9,802.05
LYON COUNTY LANDFILL 15,076.66
MORRIS ELECTRONICS 4,757.15
QUADIENT FINANCE USA INC 8,181.12
SANDERS INC 3,974.52
SANFORD USD MEDICAL CENTER 7,436.70
SEACHANGE 2,904.63
SOUTHWEST HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES 16,738.34
STAPLES ENTERPRISES INC 3,198.24
TOLLEFSON PUBLISHING 2,820.61
W & N CONSTRUCTION INC 7,580.00
WEX BANK 2,045.82
ZIEGLER INC 14,229.70
65 PAYMENTS LESS THAN $2,000 32,590.31
TOTAL $180,997.71
The County Board was in receipt of the Fund Balance report; the Auditor/Treasurer stated they are still processing the seconded collection of Ag real estate. Motion by Williamson, seconded by Thompson, to approve the Fund Balance report as presented, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board was in receipt of the 2021 tax capacity rates for all municipalities throughout the county; no action was taken.
Kurtz reported that Rock County had a 94.94% voter turnout, which is similar to other presidential elections. She stated that her office has received positive feedback regarding the setup of polling places and the overall process. The County Board congratulated Kurtz and staff for their efforts in ensuring a safe and successful election process.
The Administrator and Auditor/Treasurer presented a CARES Funding update stating that the initial balance has increased due to allotments returned from townships; the current balance is roughly at $219,000. The County Board had discussion on how to distribute the remaining funds and recommended the following additional allocations:
•Food Shelf - $35,000
•District 2184 Community Education - $35,000
•Family U - $22,000
•Rock County Opportunities - $45,000
•Hills-Beaver Creek School District - $20,000
•Luverne School District - $20,000
•Jasper First Responders - $4,300
•SWHHS - $30,285
•Sanford (training expenses) - $7,400
After considerable discussion, motion by Burger, seconded by Reisch, to approve the additional allocations identified and authorized the Administrator and Auditor/Treasurer to make necessary adjustments to utilize all CARES funds, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board was in receipt of a letter from Minnesota Department of Health informing them that Rock County’s COVID-19 positive rate was at 5%; no action was taken.
The County Board was informed that the Transit Advisory Committee has a vacancy due to the passing of Alyce McClure. The new member should be someone representing the senior citizen population.
The County Board was in receipt of a request from Next Era for a letter of support for the Walleye Wind project, a project that is estimated to generate approximately $20 million county tax revenue over the first 30 years of operation. The letter of support is beneficial for project’s PUC application; the PUC hearing for the Walleye Wind project is scheduled for December 9, 2020. Motion by Reisch, seconded by Williamson, to issue a letter of support for the Walleye Wind project, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board was informed that the Land Management Office has issued (18) notifications for parcels that are non-compliant with the Rock County Riparian Buffer Ordinance; the notices also includes corrective action plans that allow property owners 11-months beginning December 1, 2020 to comply with the ordinance before penalties are assessed. Presented as information only.
Motion by Williamson, seconded Thompson, to approve a Johnson Controls maintenance contract renewal for $52,605.00, a 3% increase effective 11/01/2020 – 10/31/2021, declared carried on a voice vote.
Commissioner Reisch stated that he attended the following meetings: Southwest MN Opportunity Council, Community Corrections, Plum Creek Library Executive Committee, Sergeants Union negotiation and City/County Liaison.
Commissioner Thompson stated that she attended the following meetings: Southwest Regional Development Commission, Canvassing Board, Career Force webinar meeting and AMC District 8 meeting.
Commissioner Williamson stated that he attended the following meetings: Rural Water, Canvassing Board and Beaver Creek township.
Commissioner Burger stated that he attended the following meetings: AMC District 8, Sergeant Union negotiation, Southwest Mental Health and Community Corrections.
Commissioner Overgaard stated that he attended the following meetings: AMC District 8, Luverne Area Community Foundation Charitable event, City/County Liaison, Extension, Transit Advisory and stated that he completed Board of Equalization certification.
With no further business to come before the County Board, motion by Thompson, seconded by Overgaard, to adjourn, declared carried on a voice vote.
(01-07)
