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Pipestone County Commissioner Meeting
June 10, 2025
The Pipestone County Commissioners met with Chairman, Chris Hollingsworth, Commissioners, Luke Johnson, Doug Nagel, Dan Wildermuth, and Dallas Roskamp. County Adminis-trator Steve Ewing was also present. Chairman Hollingsworth called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M. with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
AGENDA
Motion by Wildermuth, seconded by Nagel to approve the agenda. Ayes, Hollingsworth, Johnson, Nagel, Wildermuth, Roskamp. Nays, none. Motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Roskamp, seconded by Wildermuth to approve the consent agenda as follows:
1. Approve Commissioners Minutes 5/27/25
2. Approve Auditors Warrants: 5/30/25, 6/6/25
3. Approve Commissioners Warrants: $163,125.70
4. Approve May Hospital Warrants $547,472.53
5. Approve May Hospital Off-Line Warrants $271,431.11
6. Approve Treasurers Report May 2025
Ayes, Hollingsworth, Johnson, Nagel, Wildermuth, Roskamp. Nays, none. Motion carried unanimously.
As per Minnesota Statute 375.12 the following Commissioner Warrants information is presented:
Alpha Wireless Communications Co (vendor name at payment), 27,768.00 (total amount)
Visa-First Bank & Trust, 18,766.86
Tyler Technologies Inc, 16,861.63
Van Dyke Sanitation Inc, 15,518.87
Pipestone County Highway Department, 10,461.60
ADVANCED CORRECTIONAL HEALTHCARE, INC, 7,012.42
Nobles County Auditor Treasurer, 5,475.00
O’Neill O’Neill & Barduson, 5,275.00
SoJo’s Sportswear, 3,675.00
Bomgaars Supply Inc, 3,454.57
Pipestone Publishing Co Inc, 3,412.93
Emergency Automotive Technologies Inc, 3,213.92
Revize LLC, 3,069.00
Marco Technologies LLC, 2,869.02
EMS MANAGEMENT & CONSULT-ANTS, INC, 2,867.97
Midwest Overhead Door LLC, 2,430.07
WARRANTS OVER $2,000, 132,131.86
NUMBER OF CLAIMS UNDER $2,000, 71.00
WARRANTS UNDER $2,000, 30,993.84
TOTAL, 163,125.70
PROJECT UPDATES, PROJECTS UNDER CONTRACT, PROJECTS IN THE PLAN-NING STAGE
County Engineer Nick Bergman provided information on project updates, projects under contract and projects in the planning stage. Engineer Bergman presented a Request for Board Action on the denial of a driveway permit request for six separate driveways for a proposed housing development along CSAH 15/ 8th Avenue Northwest in the City of Pipestone. Engineer Bergman received driveway requests for the development by the developer, Jeremy Whipple. Engineer Bergman denied the request because adding driveways onto a busy county road is a safety concern. Allowing these driveways may have a negative impact on the Safe Routes to School project that the City of Pipestone is working on. Engineer Bergman requested that the board either up-hold his decision or reverse the driveway permit denial. The applicant, Pipestone Development Company didn’t agree with the denial, so two different MNDOT Traffic Engineers were consulted, and they both recommended avoiding the proposed accesses. Mr. Jeremy Whipple attended the meeting and spoke to the board regarding the housing development proposal for eighteen homes to be developed on the property and the request for the driveway permit. Motion by Johnson, seconded by Hollingsworth to reverse the recommendation of the Highway Engineer to approve the driveway permit. Ayes, Johnson, Hollingsworth. Nays, Wildermuth, Nagel, Roskamp. Motion failed.
Engineer Bergman updated the board on the status of projects under contract; CP 2025-100 gravel crushing has started, met with the consultant on the Holland Utility Project, work on SAP 059-647-001 Edgerton Main Street from Howard Street to CSAH 1 work will start on July 18, 2025, and bids for the 2025 Box Culvert Contract #2 will be opened at the meeting today at 10:30 A.M.
Engineer Bergman gave a maintenance update. Crews have been graveling roads and repairing culverts and general maintenance work.
Engineer Bergman presented the 5-Year Road and Bridge Plan for board approval for the years 2025 through 2029. Motion by Roskamp, seconded by Wildermuth to approve the presented 5-Year plan. Motion carried unanimously. Copies of the plan are available for public inspection on line at www.pipestone-county.com and at the Highway Department Office.
MN DNR PROPOSED STATE LAND ACQUISITION RESOLUTION 59-18-25
Mr. Bill Schuna from MN DNR presented a request for a Minnesota DNR Troy Township Wildlife Management Area Addition for approximately 21.11 acres, more or less, and 2000 feet of stream length more or less in the Southeast Quarter of Section 2, Troy Township. The land is currently pasture. The In Lieu of Tax payment from the DNR is estimated to be $610 or $28.90 per acre until it is reassessed. This parcel will be managed as a Wildlife Management Area and will be open to public hunting, trapping, wildlife viewing, and other forms of wildlife-oriented recreation. Motion by Roskamp, seconded by Wildermuth to approve the acquisition and Resolution 59-18-25. Motion carried unanimously.
REPLACE BOILER SYSTEM AT EMERGENCY SERVICES BUILDING (EMS)
Facilities Manager Kyle Evans presented a request for the replacement of the boiler system at the Emergency Services Building (EMS). The existing units have served the building since 2008 and are failing, and parts are not available as the company is out of business. A quote from Johnson Controls was obtained utilizing Sourcewell Contract 1-1QC7L0LT, of which the county is a member. Contract price is $20,630.00 which includes the two new boilers and connections to the Johnson Controls Metasys system. Installation of the system will be provided by Hennager Plumbing and Heating, Pipestone for all labor, parts, and disposal of the old boilers in the amount of $5,215.50. Motion by Nagel, seconded by Wildermuth to approve the project as recommended. Motion carried unanimously.
PERSONNEL
Human Resources Director Charlotte Seager presented a Request for Board action for the Appointment of a County Assessor. She requests the appointment of Jean Nelson as County Assessor for Pipestone County, effective July 14, 2025 contingent upon approval by the Minnesota Commissioner of Revenue. Minnesota Statutes 273.061 Subd. 1 mandates that each county has a county assessor. The assessor is appointed by the board of county commissioners and must be selected based on their knowledge and training in property taxation. The appointment is also subject to approval by the Minnesota Commissioner of Revenue. It is recommended that the board approve the starting salary of $108,908.80 (D62- Step E on the 2025 pay plan). Motion by Johnson, seconded by Roskamp to approve the appointment of Jean Nelson as County Assessor and starting salary as recommended. Motion carried unanimously.
NEW HOME TAX ABATEMENT PUBLIC HEARING
Auditor/Treasurer Amanda Sandy appeared for a New Home Tax Abatement Public Hearing for Lance and Tammy Oye for the construction of a new home in the City of Pipestone, Lot 2, Block 3, First Addition, City of Pipestone, parcel ID: 18-762-1000, address: 904 9th Ave. SW. A copy of the City of Pipestone Building Permit # 25065 was presented as required. Motion by Johnson, seconded by Nagel to open the public hearing at 10:01 a.m. Motion carried unanimously.
No members of the public were in attendance, and no public comment was received by correspondence. Motion by Wildermuth, seconded by Roskamp to close the public hearing at 10:02 a.m. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Wildermuth, seconded by Nagel to approve Resolution 59-17-25 Home Tax Abatement for Lance and Tammy Oye as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT PURCHASE REQUEST
Information Technology Director Bill Folger presented a request to purchase a licensing upgrade for one of three virtual servers with Microsoft. Purchase will be for Windows 2025 Data Center under Minnesota Contract pricing of $8,635.53 from SHI. Funds have been budgeted for the purchase. Motion by Nagel, seconded by Roskamp to approve the purchase as requested. Motion carried unanimously.
CITY OF PIPESTONE HRA VOUCHER PROGRAM RESOLUTION 59-19-25
City of Pipestone Housing and Redevelopment Administration Director Tammy Manderscheid presented a request that the county adopt Resolution 59-19-25 authorizing support for the consolidation for the administration of the housing choice voucher program in Pipestone County to the Economic Development Authority of Mankato, Minnesota. Motion by Roskamp, seconded by Wildermuth to adopt Resolution 59-19-25 as requested by Director Manderscheid. Motion carried unanimously.
PERSONNEL
Human Resources Director Charlotte Seager gave a Staff and Human Resources Update.
Open Positions: Administrative Support Specialist Extension, Interviews Scheduled.
Recent Hires: Johnathon Martens, Highway Maintenance Worker, start date June 16, 2025, Jean Nelson, County Assessor, start date July 14, 2025. There will be a relaunch of the Pipeline, the monthly newsletter featuring important updates, upcoming events, employee spotlights, wellness tips, and highlights from departments across the organization.
FEEDLOT PUBLIC MEETING RAATZ FARMS
Feedlot Administrator Kyle Krier attended the meeting to conduct a required public meeting for Raatz Farms proposal to modify/construct an existing feedlot located in the Northwest quarter of section 22 in Sweet Township. The existing feedlot consists of a total confinement barn with under barn concrete manure storage pit and open lots without runoff control, holding 500 beef steers, and 250 feeder cattle for a total of 675 animal units. The proposed expansion included expanding open lots, and construction of permanent concrete manure stockpile areas, and an earthen manure storage basin, holding an additional 249 head of feeder cattle for a total of 850 animal units. Brian and Angie Raatz explained the proposal to the Commissioners and Ian Cunningham spoke in support of the proposed feedlot modification plan. No action was required by the board of commissioners as this is a state permit. Commissioners thanked the Raatz’s for the information on the project.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT CULVERT PROJECT BID OPENING
Engineer Bergman attended the meeting to open bids at 10:30 a.m. for Culvert Project #2, SAP 059-599-143, SAP 059-599-130, SAP 059-599-134.
A&C Excavating (plan holder), Marshall, MN (address), $409,109.95 (bid total)
Henning Construction Inc, . Adrian, MN, $440,374.50
Midwest Contracting, LLC, Marshall, MN, $451,933.95
R & G Construction Co., Marshall, MN, $435,991.95
Towne & Country Excavating LLC, Garvin, MN, $479,341.50
Nooman Excavating, Currie, MN, $482,866.86
Engineers Estimate, $448,812.50. Engineer Bergman recommended accepting the low bid of A&C Excavating, Marshall, Minnesota in the amount of $409,109.95 contingent on County Attorney approval. Motion by Johnson, seconded by Nagel to accept the bid of A & C Excavating as recommended pending County Attorney approval. Motion carried unanimously.
A.C.E. ADVOCATE, CONNECT, EDUCATE REPORT
Michelle Baumhoefner, Executive Director, Jill Toering, Program Manager, Pipestone County, Deb Flanagan, Pipestone Volunteer and Paula Demina, Pipestone Volunteer, presented the 2024 annual report of A.C.E. program activities. Pipestone County volunteers logged 33,676 hours of volunteer work in 2024 by 292 volunteers. There are concerns that ACE may lose $130,000 in federal funds due to program cuts. Board members thanked Michelle and the volunteers for their contribution to the residents in Pipestone County.
COMMITTEE REPORTS MARCH 2025
Commissioner Nagel: Building/Grounds, SWCD, Regular Board Meeting, BRDTF, SWHHS, Radio Board, Board Meeting, PCMC, Prime West Health,
Commissioner Wildermuth: Prime West, Building/Grounds, Pipestone City Council, Caring Hands Dental, RCCIP Child Care, Casey Jones Trail, SW18 Mental Health, PCMC Plant Ops, RMEB/PACE, Explore SWMN, Veterans Memorial, SMOC, SWHHS,
Commissioner Roskamp: Regular Board Meeting, PCMC Board
Commissioner Hollingsworth: Sharing Hands Nurse Partnership, SRDC, Regular Board Meeting, CPT, Personnel, CPT Executive, Regular Board, PCMC Board.
Commissioner Johnson: MHA Audit, Holland City Council, AMC Futures, AMC Update, RCR-CA, PCMC Board, Highway 23 Coalition, Southwest Solid Waste, Area II/RCRCA, Personnel, PCMC Plant Ops.
Chairman Hollingsworth adjourned the meeting at 11:43 a.m.
Chris Hollingsworth
Pipestone County Board Chairman
ATTEST:
Steven Ewing
County Administrator