Observer Report: Rice County Commissioners Meeting, 3.10.26

Present: Underdahl, Purfeerst, Peters, Malecha

Absent: Hoisington

• AGENDA I. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
  • A. Roll Call 
  • B. Approval of Agenda 
  • C. Approval of Minutes – Regular Meeting – February 17, 2026 
• II. PROPERTY TAX & ELECTIONS: Denise Anderson
  • Approved all of the following unanimously:
    • A. Temporary 3.2% Malt Liquor License for Church of St Patrick Shieldsville for October 10, 2026 at 7525 Dodd Rd Faribault 
    • B. Tax Exempt Gambling License for Church of St. Patrick, Shieldsville, for March 20th, 2026 at 7525 Dodd Road Faribault, MN 55021 
    • C. Tax Exempt Gambling License for Church of St. Patrick, Shieldsville, for October 10th, 2026 at 7525 Dodd Road Faribault, MN 55021 
    • D. One Day Temporary Consumption and Display Permit for Church of St. Patrick, Shieldsville on October 10th, 2026 at 7525 Dodd Road, Faribault, MN 55021
      • Purfeerst: What does display mean?
        • A: They can display the liquor at the bar. 
    • E. Temporary 3.2% Malt Liquor License for Holy Cross Catholic School for May 21, 2026 at 6100 37th St W Webster 
    • F. Application for renewal of Consumption and Display permit for Thomas Tousignant dba LeMieux Resort at 7710 Cedar Lake Blvd Faribault for the license period of April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027 
• III. DRAINAGE AUTHORITY: Jarett Spitzack
  • A. 2025 Yearly Reporting and 2026 Plan of Work Jarett presented a summary of the work that was completed in 2025 on our public drainage ditches. In addition, he provided information on upcoming projects and other work that may occur during 2026.
    • Purfeerst: I see plastic pipes. Why aren’t we using steel?
      • A: Some counties require steel, but most don’t specify. Most of the old ones are steel and new one are plastic. We could look at putting that in the policy — to use steel instead of plastic. 
    • Purfeerst: The plastic ones will melt in a fire, whereas steel will not.
      • A: Agree — that allows for prescribed burns in the ditches. 
    • Purfeerst: Good job on the repairs. 
    • Peters: Good job. The redetermination is going to be great. 
  • B. JD-6 Final payment
    • Approved final payment 
• IV. OUTSIDE AGENCY: Rice Steele 911 Center, Brian Becker Administrator
  • A. Recommending Vendor Contract Award for Lateral Cabling – Faribault PSAP
    • Peters: Does that seem like a fair price?
      • A: Yes, and they’re local. 
    • Unanimously approved. 
• V. RECORDER’S OFFICE: Mike Fangman
  • A. Purchase of the 2021 Ram Pickup is being decommissioned by the Sheriff’s Office.
    • Some discussion of what the old vehicle could be used for and had been used for in the past.  
    • Approved. 
• VI. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Allan Klug
  • A. Zix Email Security and Compliance renewal
    • Approved: Rice County utilizes Zix for email security and archiving. This service is renewed annually from CIT. For 2026 the cost is $26,892. 
  • B. Datto Backup Upgrade
    • Approved: Rice County uses Datto backup appliances and services to backup CJIS servers and data. With the migration of Attorney evidence from the cloud to on Rice County servers with the move to LENS the existing system is not sufficient to backup CJIS data. Upgrading from the existing pair of devices to the new platform and larger models capable of backing up CJIS systems has been quoted by CIT as our Datto provider. The new cost for managed backup for CJIS systems is $3969 each month on a three-year commitment. The existing cost of Datto to backup CJIS is $1630 so the new increased cost is $2339 each month. Fiscal impact: An additional $28,068 in annual expenses for three years. 
    • Purfeerst: How full are the 12 and 18 systems?
      • A: 12 and 18 cannot capture a full backup. They cannot hold all of the backups. 
    • Purfeerst: So this is overdue?
      • A: Yes, and we are upgrading to the new generation. 
    • Purfeerst: Would this size take us through five years?
      • A: If our data needs don’t change dramatically. If we started a video recording system, then we would have to revisit this. 
  • C. VMware Renewal
    • No longer needed. Moving away from VMware. 
    • Malecha: What’s replacing it?
      • A: We are moving to microsoft solution, which is covered by microsoft licence. 
  • D. Annual Microsoft Fees
    • Approved: Rice County purchases licenses for Microsoft software and services from SHI as part of the State of Minnesota contract with the other counties, cities, schools, and state agencies. Licenses are purchased on a three-year agreement billed annually. Subscriptions are renewed annually. 2026 is year two in our current three year agreement. SHI has invoiced the county for our 2026 licenses. Fiscal impact: $219,314.11 from the 2026 budget
  • E. Civic Plus Annual invoice
    • Approved: Rice County uses Civic Plus for various web-related services. Rice County recently consolidated services into one account and we have received our initial consolidated invoice for 2026 expenses. The invoiced amount is $32,808.43 as the consolidated amount due prorated for services already paid. The total for 2026 expenses is $59,906.13. 
    • Underdahl: Have staff been happy with this software? Also it seems like we have to refresh that sometimes, and is it coming soon?
      • A: Accessibility improvements are coming. We do have a regular refresh of the site. It does seem to be the best solution available. 
• VII. COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS: Angela Brewer
  • A. RC Treatment Court Enhancement Grant – housing units contract with the Community Action Center — approved
    • The Community Action Center (CAC) has partnered with Rice County Community Corrections (RCCC) to provide two furnished housing units since 2023 for participants in COSSAP (now referred to as COSSUP) funded programming. The housing units were designated as post-treatment housing units and provided to assist those returning to the community following residential substance-use treatment with making a safe, stable return to the community. The federal COSSAP grant funding is scheduled to end in 2026 and these units have been under utilized within that program. The existing contract between RCCC and the CAC expired on February 28, 2026. In addition to COSSAP funding, Rice County Community Corrections is the recipient of a federal grant aimed at enhancing its Treatment Court program. Within this grant funding is allocated to the objective of increasing housing stability for Treatment Court participants. The grant is awarded through September 30, 2027. The Rice County Treatment Court (RCTC) program serves participants with significant substance-use disorders. Participants in the Treatment Court program often experience disruption in housing, lack of housing opportunities, or are unhoused individuals. To assist in the recovery and stability of participants in the community, the RCTC program is seeking to contract with the CAC for use of these two housing units by RCTC participants, supported by the existing enhancement grant. If approved, priority will be given to participants returning to the community from residential treatment or as a step-down in care from structured sober group living environments. The housing units may be utilized for up to six months by the participant as they secure employment, complete aftercare, participate in the Treatment Court program, and secure independent housing. The units would be fully funded by the Treatment Court enhancement grant. Fiscal impact: The funding for the housing units will be fully funded by the federal Treatment Court enhancement grant and will not impact the department’s approved budget nor require the use of County levy dollars.
    • Underdahl: Are the two units meeting our needs?
      • A: We haven’t been able to use them for treatment court. The need is always greater than we can provide, but this will help. 
  • B. Out of State Travel Request – RISE26 conference – approved
    • Rice County Community Corrections is the recipient of a federal Treatment Court Enhancement grant to support additions and enhancements to various areas of the Rice County Treatment Court. One of the enhancements is service delivery supported by ongoing training and development of the Treatment Court Team. In 2025, multiple members of the Treatment Court team were able to attend the RISE conference presented by All Rise and found the training and networking opportunities to be exceptional and beneficial to the Treatment Court program. The 2026 conference is being held in July 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. Five team members have requested attendance at the conference, including two Rice County employees. Fiscal impact: The cost of the conference, including travel, meals and lodging, will be paid through the Treatment Court Enhancement grant. There is no direct cost to Rice County for this training or travel.
• VIII. HIGHWAY: Dennis Luebbe
  • A. Award of Contract # 2650- Culvert replacements and rehabilitations – Approved
    • Underdahl: We’re using two different surfacing materials. Why?
      • A: We use crushed gravel, and we used to use crushed limestone earlier. In some cases it is a superior product, but there is always a tradeoff, as it can produce more dust. 
    • Underdahl: Can you give us a report on the mix of clay in gravel?
      • A: A few years ago we increased that content. We’ve struggled with some of that product being delivered with higher than desired content of clay. This year, trying to stop delivery of material that does not meet our specifications. 
  • B. Award contract # 2651 – Aggregate Surfacing  -Approved
    • Public bids were opened on February 19th. A bid summary and location map are attached. I recommend awarding the contract to the low-responsible bidder. FISCAL IMPACT: This is a 2026 budgeted item. COUNTY BOARD ACTION REQUESTED: To award contract # 2651 to Kielmeyer Construction, Inc. in the amount of $348,787.00. 
  • C. Award of contract – replacement of Lonsdale Salt shed – Approved
    • The 2026 budget included ($60,000) in funding to replace the Lonsdale salt shed. The existing building was constructed in 2006 and has come to the end of its useful life. Greystone Construction submitted a quote for $71,180.00. Department staff will remove the existing shed and renovate the asphalt pad to accommodate the new structure. The new structure is larger (40′ x 32′) than the existing (34′ x 23′) structure to allow for future storage demand. The Department allows the City of Lonsdale access to this on a limited basis. Attached are the two quotes. The Transportation Committee recommends awarding the contract to Nelson’s Agri Structures. FISCAL IMPACT: This is a 2026 budgeted item. COUNTY BOARD ACTION REQUESTED: To accept the low quote for replacing the Lonsdale shop salt shed submitted by Nelson’s Agri Structures for $59,000.
    • Peters notes how needed this is, based on what he is hearing from constituents. 
  • D. Award contract for asphalt crushing – Approved
    •  The Department stockpiles recycled asphalt from various pavement projects on the county property near the County Landfill. When accumulated volumes make it cost-effective, crushing of this material is necessary so that the product can be utilized on various maintenance projects and used on day-to-day operations, (shouldering operations along paved roadways). Two quotes were received for crushing 15,000 tons of material, with Timm’s Trucking beating out Holtmeier Construction Inc. quote of $71,000. The Transportation Committee recommends awarding the contract to Timm’s Trucking. Quotes are attached. FISCAL IMPACT: This is a budgeted item under Highway maintenance operations. COUNTY BOARD ACTION REQUESTED: To approve the low quote for asphalt crushing submitted by Timm’s Trucking & Excavation in the amount of $70,550.00
  • E. Approval of Cooperative Agreement for County 86 access study – Approved
    • The City of Elko New Market requested we participate with them, and Scott County, on a limited access study along CSAH 86 (30th Street West) along the Scott County line, between the intersection of Scott County CSAH 91 and Scott County Thomas Avenue. Elko New Market residential development is expected to include a new access point onto CSAH 86. It is desirable to develop an access plan for this area due to the existing intersection spacing (including Canby Avenue in Rice County), and the area topography and geology. The study includes a two-phase approach to look at a focused area near the current development area, and a larger area including the I-35 overpass. The Transportation Committee recommends approval. A location map is attached. FISCAL IMPACT: The budget includes funding for transportation studies of this magnitude. COUNTY BOARD ACTION REQUESTED: To approve the Cooperative Agreement for an access study led by the City of Elko New Market, in the amount of $12,846.40.
  • F. Request for change in traffic control – City of Northfield
    • BACKGROUND: The City of Northfield will be constructing a portion of the Mill Towns State Trail this summer along Spring Creek Road along the eastern edge of the city. Spring Creek road intersects with Woodley Street and is controlled by a STOP condition, with Woodley Street having the thru-movement. The city is requesting the county convert the intersection into an All-STOP condition. Attached is the City’s request, their traffic study report and my memo recommending to deny this request. Members of city council and staff met with the Transportation Committee on February 24th to present this request. FISCAL IMPACT: Costs associated with any changes in traffic control at this intersection would primarily be the responsibility of the city. COUNTY BOARD ACTION REQUESTED: To deny the request from the City of Northfield to create an all-way STOP condition at the intersection of Woodley Street (County 28) and Spring Creek Road.
    • Luebbe: Analysis is that a 4 way stop is not warranted. Recommends the county reject the city’s request. 
    • Malecha moves to add a 4 way stop.
    • Ben Martig, City of Northfield Administrator
      • Concerns about the Mill Towns Trail crossing — want that to be a safe crossing. The analysis is based on historical information, but it’s hard to predict traffic with the new travel. There is also the option to have a hawk system light, which can be activated as needed. But the council had concerns about safety for pedestrians, with sight lines being limited. 
    • Luebbe: From an engineering perspective, there is not enough traffic or history of crashes. There are reasonable sight lines. There are also unintended consequences — Woodley Street has 2,200 vehicles moving through it each day, and there will be no one present. People will start to roll through the intersection, and then that reduces the effectiveness of other stops. The other environmental impacts are worth noting: there is a lot of heavy trucks and traffic, and you’re going to hear a lot of noise, more wear and tear on the vehicles, more pollution. There may also be more crashes as a result of this — because people are not expecting a stop there. There are other methods to explore if it becomes an issue. There will be a road crossing beacon there, which can be activated by pedestrians. 
    • Peters: If we deny this, they will get the beacon system?
      • A: The hybrid beacon system is not proposed at this time. Those are hundreds of thousands of dollars. Instead, there will be a flashing beacon that has to be activated by the pedestrian, as well as speed flashers and markings on the road. 
    • Malecha: When we redid E. Woodley St. from Division St. E around 2008, we didn’t have a 4 way stop at Prairie and Woodley. We installed one. Wasn’t warranted at that time, but lots of foot traffic, and neighbors advocated for it, so we approved it. There won’t be different traffic at this intersection proposed than other stops on Woodley. Because there is a curve in the road, the flashing beacons don’t work so well. Also when is Spring Creek going to be paved? At some point in the future, and that will increase North/South traffic. This is where the residents speak — and they have been speaking loudly to me — that they want a 4 way stop there. Have to advocate for his constituents. 
  • Purfeerst: I have taken multiple calls on this, asking for the 4-way stop. Why is the county involved within city limits? Why don’t we turn the roads back to them and let them do what they want to do? I’d feel pretty sick if I heard somebody got hit on the road from somebody driving over the speed limit. I’d like to explore turning these roads back to the city. 
  • Vote: Commissioners approved 4 way stop, unanimously. 
• IX. ADMINISTRATION: Sara Folsted
  • A. Consent Agenda
    • 1. Extra Time/ Over Time Report 02-20-2026
    • 2. Payment of Bills 
    • 3. Personnel Appointments 
  • B. Out of State travel request 
• X. ADJOURNMENT