Public Notices July 23, 2025
Minutes of the Meeting of the Todd County Board of Commissioners held June 17, 2025
Moment of Silence: The Todd County Board of Commissioners observed a moment of silence due to the tragic events in the Twin Cities affecting our elected officials and specifically the State Representative and Spouse that lost their lives.
Call to Order
The Todd County Board of Commissioners met in the Commissioner’s Board Room in the City of Long Prairie, MN on the 17th day of June, 2025 at 9:00 AM. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Byers. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. All Commissioners were present. Approval of Agenda On motion by Neumann and second by Becker, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To adopt the agenda as presented.
Consent Agenda
On motion by Neumann and second by Denny, the following motions and resolution were introduced and adopted by unanimous vote:
To approve the Todd County Board of Commissioner’s Meeting Minutes for June 3rd, 2025 as presented.
GAMBLING PERMIT – ROTARY CLUB OF SAUK CENTRE
WHEREAS, the Todd County Board of Commissioners are establishing their approval for a Gambling Permit for the Rotary Club of Sauk Centre through this resolution;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Todd County Board of Commissioners approve a Gambling Permit for the Rotary Club of Sauk Centre to hold a raffle event at the Greystone Golf Club in Kandota Township at the address 10548 Andrews Drive, Sauk Centre, MN on August 22nd, 2025. Hire Camden Terwey for the full time Deputy position on a rate of pay of Grade 10 step 1 $28.48 per hour start date TBD.
Approve the resignation of Eligibility Worker Carrie Wiechmann, effective June 20, 2025.
Auditor-Treasurer
On motion by Becker and second by Denny, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous Roll Call vote: To approve the Commissioner Warrants number (ACH) 403929 through 403950 in the amount of $48,941.87 and (Regular) 58988 through 59020 in the amount of $44,822.43 for a total of $93,764.30. On motion by Noska and second by Neumann, the following motion as introduced and adopted by unanimous rollcall vote: To approve the Health & Human Services Commissioner Warrants number (ACH) 806533 through 806587 and (Regular) 713118 through 713168 for a total of $145,661.80.
On motion by Denny and second by Becker, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous rollcall vote: To approve the Health & Human Services SSIS Warrants number (ACH) 601698 through 601714 and (Regular) 518454 through 518478 for a total amount of $110,253.89. Public Works On motion by Neumann and second by Noska, the following resolution was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote:
LOCAL BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM GRANT AGREEMENT 1057245 GRANT TERMS AND CONDITIONS SAP 077-599-065
WHEREAS, Todd County has applied to the Commissioner of Transportation for a grant from the Minnesota State Transportation Fund for construction of Bridge #77J93, and;
WHEREAS, the Commissioner of Transportation has given notice that funding for this project is available, and; WHEREAS, the amount of the grant has been determined to be $185,010.25 by reason of the lowest responsible bid.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, be it resolved that Todd County does hereby agree to the terms and conditions of the grant consistent with Minnesota Statutes, section 174.50, and will pay any additional amount by which the cost exceeds the estimate, and will return to the Minnesota State Transportation Fund any amount appropriated for the bridge but not required. The Todd County Board Chairperson and Todd County Auditor/Treasurer are authorized to execute a grant agreement and any amendments thereto with the Commissioner of Transportation concerning the above-referenced grant.
Sheriff’s Office
On motion by Noska and second by Denny, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: Approve the purchase of 2-2025 Chevy Tahoe’s from North Country GM of Hibbing for the total cost of $106.980.56.
Planning & Zoning
On motion by Neumann and second by Becker, the following items were tabled to the July 1, 2025 meeting: 1) Smieja & Wiener request for rezoning 2) Tomsche Request for CUP 3) Yoder Request for CUP.
Solid Waste
On motion by Neumann and second by Denny, the following resolution was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote:
2025 TODD COUNTY INTERIM FINANCING FOR CAP GRANT PROJECT AND TRANSFER OF FUNDS AUTHORIZATION
WHEREAS, Todd County received a $4,000,000 Capital Assistance Program (CAP) grant through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and $2,795,000 from the Minnesota General Fund to construct a new Transfer Station Building, Scale house and associated exterior improvements at the existing Transfer Station Facility in Browerville (Project), and;
WHEREAS, on March 19, 2024 the Todd County Board of Commissioners approved financing for the project whereby the total project budget was established at $10,197,156.43. Local match (Todd County, including solid waste department) funding was set at $3,402,156.43. This includes funding from ARP and Solid Waste Department with a loan from the General Fund.
WHEREAS, Todd County awarded the majority of the work (less equipment, engineering, etc.) in the Project to Hy-Tec Construction on March 19, 2024. The work awarded to Hy-Tec has a substantial completion date of September 20, 2025.
WHEREAS, The State of Minnesota entered into an Agreement with Todd County effective December 31, 2021 for the $4,000,000 CAP Grant. These funds have all been reimbursed to Todd County for work completed.
WHEREAS, The MPCA and State of Minnesota have not prepared a grant agreement for the additional $2,795,000 committed by the State Legislature. State of Minnesota staff have indicated that the money can remain encumbered without an agreement until December 31, 2027.
WHEREAS, The Solid Waste Department does not expect it can pay for the remaining cost of the project without the aforementioned state funding. Recently, pay requests were received from the general contractor (Hy-Tec) that have not been paid in the amount of approximately $1,497,206. The Solid Waste Department desires to find an interim funding source in case the State of Minnesota continues to be delayed in its obligations.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Todd County Board of Commissioners does hereby authorize interim financing from the General Fund for the Project to be called upon for up to 18 (eighteen) months for an amount not to exceed $2,795,000 (Two million, seven hundred ninety-five thousand and 00/100 dollars) at an interest rate of zero (0) percent. Repayment of this advance to coincide with the State of Minnesota’s delivery of funding per the CAP Grant Agreements.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Todd County Board of Commissioners does hereby authorize the County Auditor-Treasurer to transfer the requested funds, as necessary to coincide with vendor payment withdrawals for CAP Grant project expenses, in an amount not to exceed $2,795,000 in total from Fund 01-General Revenue to Fund 51-Solid Waste based on the monthly cash balance of the Fund 51-Solid Waste. On motion by Noska and second by Denny, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: Authorize solid waste director to sign attached proposals from Widseth for $12,500 for Stormwater Permitting.
On motion by Denny and second by Becker, the following item was tabled: CAP Grant Change Order.
Health & Human Services
On motion by Becker and second by Neumann, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To approve the agreement between Todd County Health & Human Services and Lakes Country Associates.County Attorney
On motion by Noska and second by Denny, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To approve the Assistant County Attorney job description.
Administration
On motion by Becker and second by Noska, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To approve the Annual Service Agreement with Safe Assure in the amount of $12,412.53 with funding from the Safety Account and Public Works. On motion by Neumann and second by Noska, the following resolution was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote:
A Resolution Rejecting the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s
“Sanctuary Jurisdiction” Designation for Todd County
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently released a public list designating 20 Minnesota counties, including Todd County, as so-called “sanctuary jurisdictions;” and
WHEREAS, DHS has not promulgated an official definition of “sanctuary jurisdiction;” and
WHEREAS, this “sanctuary jurisdiction” designation was made without consultation, clearly defined criteria, or notice to Todd County in advance of the public release; and
WHEREAS, this lack of communication placed local officials in the difficult position of responding to media inquiries and constituent concerns without any explanation or context for this “sanctuary jurisdiction” designation; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota state law prohibits the detention of individuals for more than 48 hours without formal charges, thereby limiting the ability of counties to comply with certain ICE requests; and
WHEREAS, this “sanctuary jurisdiction” designation could lead to serious and unfair consequences, including potential loss of critical federal funding that supports public safety and essential community services; and
WHEREAS, national organizations such as the National Sheriffs’ Association and the National Association of Counties have expressed similar concerns regarding the lack of clarity, transparency, and due process in the DHS designation process.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Todd County Board of Commissioners formally rejects to the designation of Todd County as a “sanctuary jurisdiction” and expresses deep concern about the lack of communication and transparency demonstrated by DHS in this matter.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board requests that our Minnesota Congressional Delegation to advocate for:
1.Immediate clarification from DHS regarding the criteria and methodology used in making “sanctuary jurisdiction” designations;
2.A transparent and accountable process that includes notice, input, and the opportunity for so-called “sanctuary jurisdictions” to appeal this designation; 3.Assurances that Minnesota counties, including Todd County, will not be unfairly penalized, especially in terms of federal funding vital to public safety and community well-being.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Association of Minnesota Counties, and our Minnesota Congressional Delegation, as a formal statement of Todd County’s position that DHS’s arbitrary “sanctuary jurisdiction” designation for Todd County is unfounded and inaccurate. County Auditor-Treasurer’s Report The County Auditor-Treasurer reported the 2026 budget preparations are well underway.
County Coordinator’s Report
The County Coordinator reported attending the solid waste, soil and water, personnel, finance committee, interviews and has received a grant for our wellness program from Sourcewell.
County Commissioner’s Report
The Commissioners reported on meetings and events attended.
Commissioner Becker attended the Extension, AMC District 4, TWCC, Rainbow Rider and Soil & Water Conservation Tour meetings. Commissioner Neumann attended the Rainbow Rider and Solid Waste meetings. Commissioner Noska attended the regular meetings with mention of the upcoming wellness program employee event Commissioner Denny attended the Finance Committee and regular meetings. Encouraged public to attend our local community summer events.Commissioner Byers extended thanks and gratitude to County Staff and the Todd County Community during his family’s recent loss. Closed Session Chair Byers closed the session pursuant to MN Statute §13D.05 Subd. 3(a) at 10:01 a.m. Chair Byers provided a summary of the closed session that Department Head Evaluations were held for the following persons and all were deemed satisfactory standing:
Jackie Och, HHS Director. Mitch Johnson, Facilities Manager
Adam Ossefoort, PZ/SWCD Director Chris McConn, Solid Waste Director Chris Odden, County Assessor Mike Eberle, Solid Waste Supervisor Loren Fellbaum, County Engineer Peter Berscheit, Veterans Service Officer
Chair Byers reopened the session at 12:34 p.m.
Adjourn
On motion by Becker and second by Denny, the meeting was adjourned for the month of June 2025.
COMMISSIONER WARRANTS
VENDOR NAME $ AMOUNT
ARC ELECTRIC SERVICE 3,314.25
CHAMBERLAIN OIL
COMPANY 2,735.26
EMERGENCY AUTOMOTIVE
TECHNOLOGIES 2,557.22
LAKES AREA BLASTING 15,760.00
LONG PRAIRIE LEADER 3,015.00
LONG PRAIRIE OIL
COMPANY $5,306.58
MENCH/JAMES 4,375.00
METAL CULVERTS INC. 28,265.60 NOW MICRO INC $9,936.00
SALAM INTERNATIONAL,
INC 2,242.20
46 PAYMENTS LESS
THAN $2,000 19,571.44
Total: $93,764.30
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES WARRANTS
VENDOR NAME $ AMOUNT
V#15231-COST EFF
HEALTH INS 2,493.84
V#16675-COST EFF
HEALTH INS 4,346.28
AMAZON CAPITAL
SERVICES 2,750.68
RURAL MN CEP INC 20,284.93
MORRIES ELECTRONICS
INC 3,112.84
USPS-POC 5,820.00
90 PAYMENTS LESS
THAN $2,000 44,628.60
AMAZON CAPITAL
SERVICES 2,167.17
DHS - SWIFT 51,405.97
NOW MICRO INC 2,484.00
PETERSON/JENA 3,810.00
6 PAYMENTS LESS
THAN $2,000 $2,357.49
Total: $145,661.80
VENDOR NAME $ AMOUNT
180 DEGREES INC 9,059.68
# 17598 $4,189.03
GERARD TREATMENT
PROGRAMS 9,475.46
HEARTLAND GIRLS
RANCH 22,278.46
LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICE
OF MN 3,059.15
RESOURCE TRAINING AND
SOLUTIONS 2,470.00
STEP 10,217.59
#16359 2,087.54
#17734 2,929.50
VALLEY LAKE BOYS
HOME INC 10,168.00
WEST CENTRAL REG JUVENILE
CTR 18,298.00
31 PAYMENTS LESS
THAN $2,000 16,021.48
Total: $110,253.89
On a motion by Noska and second by Neumann, the preceding minutes of the County Board meeting held June 17th, 2025 were duly approved by unanimous vote at the Todd County Board of Commissioners at the Regular Board Meeting held on July 1, 2025.
Witness my hand and seal:
/s/ on file
Bob Byers,
County Board Chairperson
/s/ on file
Denise Gaida,
Todd County Auditor-Treasurer
________________________31pnc
