Rock County Commissioners meet May 6
Rock County Board of Commissioners May 06, 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 Burger, seconded by Williamson, to approve the May 06, 2025, County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Reisch, seconded by Overgaard, to approve the April 22, 2025, County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Williamson, seconded by Reisch, to approve the Consent Agenda, Resolution No. 08-25 RCRW Loan Agreement OMB 0572-0121 for $3,090,000; a roll call vote was taken resulting in 5-0 vote in approval. Motion was declared carried on a unanimous vote.
Ryan Holtz, Rural Water Systems Manager informed the County Board that the project is moving forward with a bid letting date of May 26, 2025.
Ann Oren, University of Minnesota Extension Regional Director, introduced herself as the new Regional Director, filling the vacancy of Bonnie Christensen.She stated that she has met with the Extension staff in Rock County and looks forward to learning more about Extension services.
Ashley Kurtz, Auditor/Treasurer, presented the claims for payment with an additional claim of $22,204.14 for drapery materials; also presented per diems totaling $4,800.00. 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 183,151.43
Public Works Fund 68,051.90
Library Fund 4,992.21
Land Management Fund 6,287.98
The County Board was in receipt of the Fund Balance report; motion by Williamson, seconded by Burger, to approve the Fund Balance report, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board was in receipt of the Auditor’s warrants paid on 04/25/2025 and 05/02/2025; motion by Burger, seconded by Overgaard, to approve receipt of the Auditor warrants, declared carried on a voice vote.
Mark Sehr, Engineer, presented the bids for CP067-401-029, a bituminous crack route and seal projects:
Lot Pros Inc. $66,736.00
Seal Pros, Inc. $90,560.00
Asphalt Surface Technologies Corp. $91,499.00
Fahrner Asphalt Sealers, LLC $111,019.70
Northwest Asphalt & Maintenance $112,286.00
Seal Tech, Inc. $138,331.91
On a recommendation by the County Engineer, motion by Reisch, seconded by Burger, to accept the low compliant bid from Lot Pros Inc. for $66,736.00, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Engineer presented the bids for SAP 067-030-018, the 2025 Seal Cost project:
Asphalt Surface Technologies Corp. $938,464.27
Morris Sealcoat & Trucking $997,967.73
Motion by Burger, seconded by Reisch, to accept the low compliant bid from Asphalt Surface Technologies Corp. for $938.464.27, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Williamson, seconded by Overgaard, to authorize the Engineer to bid let SAP 067-603-033, a box culvert project on CSAH 3 south of Kenneth, declared carried on a voice vote. The Engineer stated that box culvert projects are limited in 2025 due to low balance in Township Bridge funds at the state.
The Engineer requested to purchase a new vibratory plate packer attachment for the excavator; cost of the new Magnum 160G rhp 30v place is $20,760.00 with a trade in of the Stanley Hydraulic HSX 6025S of $2,500 to make the final cost at $18,260.00. Motion by Reisch, seconded by Burger, to approve the purchase, declared carried on a voice vote.
Jeff Haubrich, County Attorney, reviewed options that the County has in filling a vacant elected position of County Sheriff.
1. Special Election – would involve a primary if more that one candidate
files and the time frame would be May – August (for the primary) and Sep-
tember – November (special election)
2. Appointment Process – the County Board has broad discretion of selecting
a candidate and once appointed, the candidate completes the current term
of the elected position.
After discussion, motion by Williamson, seconded by Reisch, to move forward with the appointment process for filing the County Sheriff position and post the job announcement from June 1 – July 1, 2025, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board was in receipt of AMC correspondence addressed to the governor’s office expressing concerns regarding the proposed budget emphasizing the impacts the policies will have on communities, clients, and taxpayers across the state. No action was taken.
The Administrator presented the following building project updates: Courthouse – making progress in the corridor on second floor and awaiting IT setup within the Land Records office; Armory – currently accepting bids and awaiting the fiber install; Terrace project – awaiting a time line from contract to complete the final punch down listings, final payment has been withheld until the project is deemed complete.
The County Board was in receipt of a meeting notification for the AMC District VIII meeting scheduled for June 12, 2025, in Lyon County.
The Administrator informed the County Board of correspondence received from FEMA regarding actions to rebalance FEMA’s role in disasters. Short-term actions requiring executive engagement include: increase the public assistance declaration threshold, a better review of Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, limit the types of recreational facilities eligible for public assistance funding, deny major disaster declarations for snowstorms. No action was required.
The County Board was in receipt of a request to sign a letter of support along with Soil & Water Conservation District requesting support of USDA NRCS programs; motion by Williamson, seconded by Burger to authorize the Chair’s signature, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Administrator also provided updated regarding Economic Development Authority projects; details will be presented later. Also stated that an appeal has been filed with FEMA on behalf of the Buffalo Ridge Regional Rail regarding the denial of claims incurred from the June 2024 flood event.
Commissioner Reisch stated that he attended the following meetings/events: none
Commissioner Williamson stated that he attended the following meetings/events: was in receipt of a phone call from US Congressman Brad Finstad’s office regarding a new zip code for Minnesota residents on the western border.
Commissioner Burger stated that he attended the following meetings/events: Southwest Health & Human Services Finance/Personnel; Supporting Hands-Nurse Family Partnership.
Commissioner Thompson stated that she attended the following meetings/events: ACE Annual meeting.
Commissioner Overgaard stated that he attended the following meetings/events: none.
With no further business to come before the County Board, the meeting was declared adjourned by Order of the Chair.
(06-12)
