Rice County Observer REport, Commissioner Meeting, 3.24.24

Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance 

Roll Call 

Approval of Agenda 

Approval of Minutes

Retirement Presentation for Cheryl Bjoraker, Social Services 

                      Began in 1978 and has worked with department  

                      For 46 years.  

Environmental Services- Julie Runkel 

1. Final Plat/Thom- Section 15, Warsaw Township. Approved 

2. Waiver of Plat/Simonson (Lien)- Section 36, Northfield Township. Approved 

3. Interim Use Permit/Kielmeyer (Donkers)- Section 12, Walcott Township. Approved.  

4. Interim Use Permit/Kielmeyer- Section 34, Webster Township. Approved 

5. Interim Use Permit/Budde- Section 8, Walcott Township. Approved. 

6. Resolution #24-016- Resolution to Adopt Official Map No. 2-CSAH9 (Hwy 9/35 site). Approved 

7. Resolution #24-017/Replacement of conservation Easements for Paul and Wendy Vandenheuvel- Section 16, Webster Township. Approved. 

Property Tax and Elections- Denise Anderson 

1. Approval of ES &S Election Services Agreement 

Election Systems and Software is offering a Service Agreement to lock in prices for services until December 31, 2026. ES&S has a great working relationship with Rice County. The Agreement is a Bundled Service Agreement that provides a discount on programming services. The Property Tax and Election Director recommends approval. The City Attorney has reviewed the agreement, with no issues found. Approved (unanimous) 

2. Tax Abatement Report for 2023. Approved 

3. C. Renewal of Consumption and Display Permit for The Barn at Crockers Creek LLC, 24141 Bagley Avenue, Faribault, MN for the licensing period of April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025. Approved by Sheriff. Approved 

4. Renewal of Consumption and Display Permit for Winjum’s Shady Acres Resort of Faribault, 17759 177th Street West, Faribault, MN for the licensing period of April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025. Approved by Sheriff. Approved.  

Information Technology- Allan Klug 

1. Annual Microsoft License Fees. This is a budgeted item, out of the IT budget and tied to the State of MN. The amount this year, out of a three -year cycle, is $152,474. 80. Approved.  

Social Services- Megan Thomas and Chris Sammon 

1. Approval of Contract with the U of MN for Child Psychiatric Consultative Services. The previous supporting grant to be replaced by Ucare, in amount of $9,000 to continue services through 2024. Approved.  

2. Approval of Grant Contract with Department of Human Services. For those who do not qualify for MA. The grant is for 10,000 for 2 years, with quarterly reporting. Specific needs for gentleman who requires specialized therapies. The city to pay until the contract is finalized, about 2 mo. Approved.  

3. Rice County Family Services Collaborative Award of Sauer Family Foundation Family Resource Center Grant. Approval to receive grant- Approved.  

4. Gift Cards for youth in Foster Care. This is a gift from the Faribault American Legion #42, for youth in foster care. The Cards (VISA) are $50 each. Distribution /use monitored by the department. Approved. 

5. Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation. In 2023 there were 1,176 suspected child maltreatment reports in Rice County. Proclamation read and approved.  

Sheriff’s Office- Jesse Thomas 

1. I-BAND System Rice County Public Safety Building. This is a radio booster system to be utilized in the new building and will cost #64,492.00 plus shipping (no more than 2% of cost). Will be out of contingency fund. Approved.  

2. 2024 Annual Boat and Water Safety Grant Contract Agreement . From the State of MN, $13,048.00, must be used within one year. Approved.  

Highway- Dennis Lubbe 

1. Resolution #24-014 Vacating and Sale of Excess Right of Way Easement County and State Highway- 1 and 34. Approved.  

Finance- Paula O’Connell 

1. Resolution #24-015 authorizing sponsorship of trails operated by the Faribo Sno-Go Club. The amount is $25,000 through the State of MN. Approved.  

Administration- Sara Folsted 

1. Consent Agenda, including extra time/overtime report 03/08/24, Payment of bills and Personnel appointments. Approved 

2. Establishing Temporary Modified Hours for the Government Services Building for 2024, for the period of May 20, 2024 through September 27, 2024. Full time employees will be expected to work 40 hours per week. The hours: M-Th 8:00-4:30, Fr 8:00-12:00. Approved.  

3. Revisions to the Rice County Personnel Policies and Procedures; Drug-Free Workplace Policy #4900. 

This is to comply with Legislative changes in 2023 having to do with legalizing recreational use cannabis. Hoisington asked if one can test for cannabis. Thomas discussed lack of reliable test, but use of reasonable suspicion, as is used to question use illegal drugs, prescription drugs, to determine impairment. Approved.  

Adjourned.