Present: Purfeerst, Malecha, Docken, Hoisington, Underdahl
Open Forum (8:00)
Kathleen Hagen: Re: Election security – why were “obsolete” computers used in previous election? Voices concern about vulnerability of the systems. Voices concern about privacy and security of votes. Concerned that tampering happened or could happen– public records exist (not stated where). Asked Commissioners to follow up on her questions.
Howard White: lives in Northfield. Election judge in 2022, enjoyed the experience, compliments to Denise Anderson, Lynnette Peterson (Northfield) and local officials. Impressed with the rigor of the training and the safety and security of the voting process.
Kathleen Doran-Norten: Lives in Bridgewater Township. Legislation may pass this term which will affect folks in townships in Rice County, as regards energy safety and cost. Two thirds of Rice County residents depend on propane. It would be ideal to move folks to natural gas, which is safer and less expensive, saving 40-50% on energy bills.
Agenda
Parks and Facilities: Matthew Verdick
- Fence for Public Safety Center PR 033. Quote includes 198,530, to include fence and metal gates. approved
- Public Safety Center Budget Update and Proposal requests (change orders) approval, out of the contingency fund: 146,914.79 dollars. PR 23-35 lumped together, cover various projects within the Safety Center . No anticipation of going over budget or making further (large) changes. On schedule, estimate is for mid-July for completion. Approved.
- Letter of Support for Riverbend Grant Application. Opportunity to provide training in environmental positions, towards work in park systems. Approved
- Soil and water Lease Agreement for 302 1 st Ave, Faribault, MN. 1500 to include water and electricity, not garbage service. Current payment is 900 per month. Still a low market rate, county will not profit but cover costs. One year lease with a 30 day out, designed for the renters, not the county. Radon study ongoing in space to be used for staff/office. Approved
Communications- Susan Wolf
- National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (January 9, 2024) Proclamation. Approved.
Community Health Board
- Agent of the Board Appointment- designation is updated annually. Deb Purfeerst designated as administrator since 2012. Asking for the Board to approve for 2024. Approved.
Social Services and Community Services: Rick Gieseke, Megan Thomas and Chris Sammon
- Approval of Contract Amendment Between Human services and Social Services regarding Respite Care Services, for South Central Region of MN. Funding supports youth who qualify, for sports or extra-curricular activities. Approved.
Information Technology: Allan Klug
- MNCCC Annual Agreement- Annual invoice, for tech costs, memberships, fees. 34,3900.00. Approved
Sheriff’s Office- Jesse Thomas
- 2024-25 Violent Crime Enforcement Teams grant contract Agreement. Two-year grant, 162, 500 each year. Drug task force and support of that group. Approved
- Rice County Sheriff’s Office/Jail Food Service Agreement with Consolidated Correctional Food service, Division of Consolidated Management Company. For the new jail site.
- Will charge 4.00 per meal, 2900 kcal meal: cold breakfast, hot lunch and hot supper. Approved
- 2024-25 Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Grant Contract Agreement. With the state, 6,000.00 for preparedness against accident at Prairie Island. Approved
- Out of state Travel-Tactical Response to Suicide Bombing Incidents (New Mexico). Feb 25-March 5. All paid for except actual wages. Approved.
Administration: Sara Folsted
A . Consent Agenda. Approved
Adjourn
