Rock County Commissioners meet May 20
Rock County Board of Commissioners May 20, 2025
Training Room - Rock County Law Enforcement Center 9:00 A.M.
Chair Overgaard called the meeting to order with all Commissioners present. Also in attendance were Administrator Kyle Oldre, Deputy Administrator Susan Skattum, County Attorney Jeff Haubrich, Star-Herald Reporter Mavis Fodness and County resident Carol Morgan.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance.
Motion by Reisch, seconded by Thompson, to approve the May 20, 2025, County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Reisch, seconded by Burger, to approve the May 06, 2025, County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.
Jeff Nelson, Falls Architect President presented the following bids for the Armory renovation project.
Bidder Base Bid (existing bldg. renovation) Alternate Bid (bldg. addition)
Tri-State Construction $728,346.00 $365,031.00
Sunkota Construction $688,000.00 $376,000.00
Lloyd Construction $838,000.00 $420.000.00
There was a considerable discussion with Auditor/Treasurer Ashley Kurtz and the Administrator regarding the status of various building projects – Courthouse, Kahler Terrace, Veteran’s Memorial lights and Armory and how the project expenses have been paid; as to date $1.8 million has been paid from reserves. Upcoming building projects include the Armory building renovation and addition, Human Services roof repair, completion of the Courthouse renovation/1st Floor and replacement of HVAC/air handler units at the Courthouse; these expenses are estimated at $1.4 million. The Auditor/Treasurer also stated that the remaining reserve funds total $1.3 million.
Motion by Reisch, seconded by Williamson, to accept the low bid ($688,000) with the alternate bid ($376,000) from Sunkota for a total of $1,064,000.00; there was additional discussion regarding potential CIP bonding for the various building projects, due to the uncertainty of state budget cuts and mandates of certain services. Motion by Reisch, seconded by Williamson, to amend the existing motion with the potential to utilize Capital Improvement Plan bonding, declared carried on a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Burger voting nay.
Wanda Jarchow, representing Luv1LuvAll/Rock County Oral Health Task Force presented an update regarding the Mobile Dental Clinic stating that it is in the sixth year of operation. Rock County has approved funding requests in 2021 - $10,000 and 2023 - $10,000; client visits are $40/visit and the funding lasts around 18-months. Jarchow stated that the service is highly utilized and requested another funding request of $10,000. Motion by Burger, seconded by Reisch, to approve, declared carried on a voice vote.
Ashley Kurtz, Auditor/Treasurer presented the claims and per diems of $1,050.00; motion by Reisch, seconded by Thompson, to approve, declared carried on a voice vote. An itemized listing of all warrants over $2,000 and an aggregate total for warrants under $2,000 are published on the County website at the following address: www.co.rock.mn.us/department_directory/auditor_treasurer
Total Commissioner Warrants paid by Fund:
General Revenue Fund 123,353.30
Public Works Fund 90,277.03
Library Fund 11,090.56
Land Management Fund 10,420.79
The County Board was in receipt of the Fund Balance report which reflected the first half collection of property taxes; motion by Overgaard, seconded by Reisch, to approve, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board was in receipt of the Auditor warrants listing paid on May 9, 2025, and May 16, 2025; motion by Thompson, seconded by Burger to acknowledge receipt thereof, declared carried on a voice vote.
Mark Sehr, Engineer and Eric Hartman, Land Management Office Director led a discussion regarding the status of the demolition landfill; 3-5 years the demolition landfill will be full. Hartman presented an executive summary:
New Construction/Expansion Final Closure
Liner construction $3,897,000 Construction for existing site $460,000
Permitting costs $300,000
Disposal of leachate & hauling $3.30/
mi; total miles tbd
Final closure on expansion $1,123,000
Operation costs $200,000/yr Post closure care $25,000/yr
E. Hartman stated that 13 unlined demolition landfills within the region are scheduled to close with the exception of Nobles County and Lyon County Regional Landfill. Due to the costs of new construction and operational costs for a demolition landfill, Hartman recommended to cap/close the existing demolition landfill once it is full and handle the demolition materials the same as municipal solid waste (MSW); the Transfer Station would be for both demolition and MSW materials. MSW materials would continue to be transported to Lyon County and demolition materials would potentially go to Nobles County or another location that is certified to receive the materials. No action was taken.
Dennis and Tim Hartman informed the County Board that they have received notice that they are a qualified applicant from the State of Minnesota Office of Cannabis. They also requested the County Board consider an amendment to the current Cannabis Ordinance: change the registration process from a first come first basis to a merit-based system. They also requested consideration to adopt a Host Community Agreement or a Community Benefits Agreement that would promote engagement between the business and municipality to bring positive investment and opportunity to the community. The County Board thanked Tim and Dennis Hartman for their presentation; no action was taken.
The County Board was informed that the City of Kenneth was requesting to re-enter into a contract with Rock County for law enforcement services; proposed changes include a higher rate to accommodate the absence of a contract for the years 2022- 2024. After additional discussion, motion by Burger, seconded by Williamson to table action until the next County Board meeting to allow for additional discussion, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Administrator presented a legislative update: biggest issues are cost shifts relating to Health and Human Services, and the potential cut of $20 million to County Program Aide. The special legislative session deadline is June 30, 2025.
Commissioner Williamson received correspondence from Congressman Brad Finstad’s office requesting a letter of support for the re-designation of zip codes for Springwater and Quartzite Townships(a name assigned by the USPS); motion by Williamson, seconded by Thompson, directing the County Administrator to draft and send correspondence supporting the change, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Administrator also reported that the Hardwick EDA project is moving forward by utilizing housing aid funds from the Rock EDA for a house structure; stated that a press release is coming soon regarding a new business in the City of Luverne; initiated conversations with Auditor/Treasurer and architect regarding the Armory project.
Deputy Administrator Susan Skattum reported that the positions of Cost Accountant/Office Manager at Highway, Summer Help position, Deputy and RNCC Probation Officer have been filled.
Commissioner Reisch stated that he attended the following meetings/events:Southwest Minnesota Opportunity Council, Rock/Nobles Community Corrections.
Commissioner Williamson stated that he attended the following meetings/events: Rural Water.
Commissioner Burger stated that he attended the following meetings/events: Rock/Nobles Community Corrections, Southwest Adult Mental Health Consortium.
Commissioner Thompson stated that she attended the following meetings/events: Southwest Regional Development Commission, Library.
Commissioner Overgaard stated that he attended the following meetings/events: City of Kenneth, Planning & Zoning.
The County Board was informed that the Nobles-Rock Cattlemen’s is hosting a golf event on June 17 at 2:00 at the Adrian County Club; Commissioners are invited to attend.
With no further business to come before the County Board, the meeting was declared adjourned by Order of the Chair.
(06-12)
