I. CALL TO ORDER Charlie Peters called the meeting to order at 8:30 AM and led the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. All commissioners except Hoisington were present. The minutes of the October 28 meeting and this meeting’s agenda were unanimously approved.
II. OUTSIDE AGENCY
A. Consideration of Appropriations for Area Food Shelves
Commissioners heard representatives from food banks in the county report on how their organizations are being affected by loss of funds from the federal SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Two judges have ordered the administration to resume payments of about 50% of the authorized funds but there is no indication of how long that will take. In addition, no new applications for SNAP will be accepted beginning Nov 1. All food shelves reported minor upticks in need but not skyrocketing user numbers. All said that there is enough food available but it is very expensive, even from the food bank that serves them. The Northfield food shelf representative said that they are getting less food at higher prices. Many worried people who have not accessed the food aid are calling to ask about how food assistance works.
Underdahl asked how quickly county aid could help. Scott Wopata of CAC said they are already buying on the assumption that help will come. So money will be used right now.
Malecha asked if there is a specific request.
Sara Folsted reported that any commitment by the Board would mean a lot.
Peters suggested the Board allocate funds now.
Malecha said let’s do it now and then again if needed.
Purfeerst pointed out the number of families already accessing food aid.
Underdahl opined that food shelves always can use money from the county. However, they can do their job without county assistance, so why not choose a measured approach, a fiscally responsible one. He suggested $20-25K to the CAC (Community Action Center) and $5K to each of the other two agencies, the St. Vincent de Paul Food Shelf in Faribault and the Lonsdale Food Shelf.
Malecha said yes to funding CAC but giving more: $25K to CAC, $20K to St Vincent de Paul and $5K to Lonsdale.
Sara Folsted said she would report in a few weeks how it’s going. Purfeerst asked how often this would be reported on and revisited. Malecha said now and again as we find out what happens.
Underdahl pointed out that this is a case of responding to a crisis. They must all recognize that the Board can’t do this on an ongoing basis. They must be cautious.
Sarah said the community is stepping up generously.
Peters said let’s see how it goes each week. Break down to weekly amounts. Sarah said doing it all at one time is simpler, unless we are planning to check and see if the money is actually needed. Malecha said all at once is easier and more useful.
Pufeerst pointed out that others are also in need. He would like a two-week program here, not a whole month, at about half of what Malecha had suggested, A 2-week bandaid. Peters agreed that the Board should provide half of each organization’s monthly budget.
Underdahl pointed out that this approach would mean they have to add this discussion to the agenda each week. He believes that metering out doesn’t give the whole benefit of what they want to do. Need is always there, and he is confident they will spend prudently. Underdahl said let’s just do it now, one and done, what we want to do. Peters agreed with that.
Purfeerst said that as the county board, they simply cannot vote against such a proposal.
Malecha then moved funding the CAC at $25K, St Vincent de Paul at $20K, and Lonsdale at $5K for a total of $50K appropriations now to food shelves in the county.
It was unanimously approved.
III. SHERIFF’S OFFICE: Jesse Thomas represented by Joe Johnson
A. RESOLUTION #25-039 / ACCEPTANCE AND ADOPTION OF EMERGENCY
OPERATIONS PLAN (EOP)
Johnson presented the plan. Malecha said it was a lot to read, and thanked the sheriff’s office for all their work.
The plan was unanimously approved.
IV. HIGHWAY and PARKS: Dennis Luebbe asked for approval of the last payment on the road contract project, Contract # 25-50 for Aggregate Surfacing.
Purfeerst asked the total cost per mile of road in the county. Luebbe said they had resurfaced 30 miles, at about $10,000 /mile. He commented that gravel is much cheaper than asphalt, which also provides better performance, comfort and safety. In this contract there were a few issues which lowered the final cost: some material placed during rain failed and the company was penalized for quality and also some lateness–but these are typical for such a job. He pronounced the job well worth the cost. The payment of $26K was unanimously approved.
V. FINANCE:
A.Fran Windshitl, interim investment officer, reported on Cash & Pooled Investments for the period ending September 30, 2025. He reported gaining about $1million more than forecast due to high interest rates, but said now rates are dropping. That means some of our fixed investments are now more valuable. He pointed out various choices of investment he had made, including some housing bonds, one at 5.25%.
Malecha thanked him for wise and effective investment. Purfeerst agreed that Windschitl has been able to find the best of the best rates.
B. Quarterly Financial Report for period ending September 30, 2025 was given by Peggy Schaak CFO.
VI. ADMINISTRATION: Sara Folsted asked for approval of the consent agenda.
A. Consent Agenda
1. Extra Time/ Over Time Report 10-17-2025
2. Payment of Bills
3. Personnel Appointments
It was unanimously approved.
Commissioner Malecha confirmed that there will be no meeting for Veterans Day.
VII. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:39 AM.
by Orick Peterson
