Rock County Commissioners meet July 8
Rock County Board of Commissioners July 8, 2025
Herreid Board Meeting Room 9:00 A.M.
Rock County Courthouse
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 resident Carol Morgan.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance.
Motion by Burger, seconded by Thompson, to approve the July 08, 2025, County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Reisch, seconded by Thompson, to approve the June 17, 2025, County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Thompson, to approve the June 17, 2025, Board of Equalization minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Burger, seconded by Overgaard, to approve the consent agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
1. Declare 2013 Chevy Tahoe as surplus and place on E-gov auction
Elizabeth Hoffman, Plum Creek Regional Library Director introduced Erin Anderson, new employee, to the Plumb Creek organization and presented a program update. Hoffman stated that regional libraries are celebrating 50 years of quality library services; also highlighted training, new van acquisition and new programming initiatives. Hoffman requested $3,250 from each of the nine counties to supplement technology initiatives for the 2026 fiscal year; also addressed federal funding cuts and requested consideration for additional financial support for the Minitex Resource system that provides library patrons in the area with resource-sharing services such as MNLINK, Ask A Librarian, Learning Express Library and many others. The County Board thanked Hoffman for the program update and budget requests will be addressed in the 2026 budget process.
Eric Hartman, Land Management Office Director, presented a conditional use permit for William and Missy Cowell for the placement and operation of a banquet/events center (PPA) located on a 21.51 acre tract in the NE ¼ of the NW ¼ of section 13 of Luverne Township. As per Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, places of public accommodation (PPA) in non-code areas require state inspection of new construction, change of use, alterations of additions to a PPA designed for 100 or more people. Building code review, permit and inspection are to take place prior to construction; construction codes and Licensing Division at Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry have jurisdiction for projects with an occupant load over 100 persons. County permits are for Land Use and grading permits. There was considerable discussion as the building was constructed for a different purpose and then later amended. Hartman stated that the Planning & Zoning recommended approval of the conditional use permit for a PPA with (14) conditions; compliance will be enforced by the Land Management Office and Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. After discussion, motion by Reisch, seconded by Thompson, to approve the conditional use permit with identified conditions, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board was in receipt of correspondence from the State of Minnesota Lessard – Sams Outdoor Heritage Council notifying the county of potential habitat conservation project proposals to be considered for funding recommendations to the MN Legislature during the upcoming 2026 session; (4) projects are identified for potential funding in Rock County. No action was required.
Ashley Kurtz, Auditor/Treasurer presented the claims with an additional claim for $134,141.40 payable to Sunkota for the first payment on the construction at the Armory building; the expenditure would be paid from remaining funds from the 2022 GO bond proceeds. Motion by Williamson, seconded by Thompson, to pay the claims, 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 178,752.50
Public Works Fund 87,561.86
Library Fund 1,658.27
Capital Projects Fund 134,141.40
Land Management Fund 5,667.68
The County Board was in receipt of the Fund Balance report; motion by Burger, seconded by Burger, to approve, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board was in receipt of Auditor Warrant listings for June 20, 2025, June 27, 2025, and July 03, 2025; motion by Overgaard, seconded by Reisch to acknowledge receipt, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Williamson, seconded by Reisch, to authorize the Auditor/Treasurer to make a Rural Water Assessment transfer of $50,002.30, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Thompson, seconded by Reisch, to approve Resolution No. 09-25, designating the Auditor/Treasurer as the Identified Official with Authority for Rock County in the utilization of the Education Identity and Access Management system, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Auditor/Treasurer stated that she and County Administrator Oldre are currently updating a five-year Capitol Improvement Plan (2026-2030) for adoption, for the potential of bonding for building renovations/repairs and Rural Water projects; also stated that the DMV limited schedule has been extended for two months.
Mark Sehr, Engineer, requested approval of final payment of $3,544.97 to C & J Construction for the slope repair on County Road 52; final contract amount was $49,774.83. Motion by Burger, seconded by Williamson, to approve, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Administrator informed the County Board of building issues regarding roof leaks at the Courthouse, Human Services and Armory buildings; all are awaiting repairs. Construction at the Armory is moving forward as scheduled and the fiber install from the Courthouse location to the Armory location is complete.
The Administrator stated IT security has been on high alert due to a breech from the University of MN Extension network and that steps have been taken to isolate that breech.
Also stated that AE Innovations will make a public announcement at the Rock County Fair on July 23, at 10:00 A.M.
The Administrator stated that (4) applications were received for the County Sheriff position; an Equipment Operator resignation at the Highway Department and that he will be out of the office July 14-18.
Commissioner Reisch stated that he attended the following meetings/events: none
Commissioner Williamson stated that he attended the following meetings/events: Rural Water
Commissioner Burger stated that he attended the following meetings/events: Southwest Health & Human Services regular board meeting and Southwest Health & Human Services Executive Board conducted (5) interviews for the Director position and have the candidate pool narrowed to two.
Commissioner Thompson stated that she attended the following meetings/events: A. C. E.
Commissioner Overgaard stated that he attended the following meetings/events: Southwest Health & Human Services. Overgaard stated that federal legislation may implement deadlines in 2027 for solar and wind projects.
With no further business to come before the County Board, the meeting was declared adjourned by Order of the Chair.
(08-21)
