[PAGE 1] ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE COUNTY BOARD February 6th 2024 The Board of Commissioners of Freeborn County met in the Freeborn County Boardroom at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 6th, 2024. Members present: Commissioners Forman, Edwin, Kaasa, Shoff and Eckstrom. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioner Forman offered the following motion; MOVED, approving the agenda as presented with the addition of one item under the Consent Agenda; Approval of Regular Status Employee’s and the addition of one item under Report of Administration; to Consider a resolution to enter into the Minnesota Housing – Minnesota City Participation Program Joint Powers Agreement Motion seconded by Commissioner Kaasa. After discussion, a vote was taken and the Chair declared the motion approved. Commissioner Shoff offered the following resolution; RESOLUTION No. 24–048 Approval of the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners Consent Agenda as provided in the Freeborn County Board Rule of Procedure 9(A) WHEREAS, the Freeborn County Board is the governing body of Freeborn County, and; WHEREAS, the Freeborn County Board has implemented a Consent agenda to perform the duties of the board in a more effective and efficient manner, and WHEREAS, the following items have been placed for approval of the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners on the current Board meeting Consent Agenda as provided by the Board rules of procedure, being routine and of a regular action; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, to place the following are hereby approved for appropriate action: 1) Approval of the January 16th, 2024 minutes; 2) Approval of Regular Status Employees Resolution seconded by Commissioner Eckstrom. After discussion a vote was taken and the Chair declared the resolution adopted. The Commissioners provided Board Committee updates. Commissioner Kaasa offered the following resolution; RESOLUTION 24-049 APPOINTMENTS TO THE FREEBORN COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD WHEREAS, the Freeborn County Board of Commissioner has the authority to appoint members of the community to the Freeborn County Extension Services Advisory Board; and WHEREAS, there are currently two (2) opening for Extension Services Advisory Board members for terms of three (3) years each; and WHEREAS, Freeborn County has received two (2) letters of interest for these open terms; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners hereby appoints Miranda Sailor and Tom Hovde to the Freeborn County Extension Services Advisory Board for the terms beginning January 1,2024 through December 31, 2026. [PAGE 2] Resolution seconded by Commissioner Forman. After discussion a vote was taken and the Chair declared the resolution adopted. Chairman Edwin asked if there was any public comment and there was none. Commissioner Eckstrom offered the following resolution; RESOLUTION 24-050 RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A FREEBORN COUNTY CORRECTIONS ADVISORY BOARD WHEREAS, Freeborn County Probation Services is formed under and follows the laws of statute 244.19 which establishes a County Probation Office (CPO) with a Director appointed by the District Judges, and; WHEREAS, The County Board is tasked with issuing resolutions for certain Minnesota statutes, including under certain Correctional statutes, and; WHEREAS, per MN Statute 401.08, county Probation Directors are required to assemble and maintain a corrections advisory board that will assist in formulating and carrying out a comprehensive plan for local correctional services to qualify for the subsidy program under 401.01, and; WHEREAS, Freeborn County Probation Services receives an allotment of money from the Minnesota Department of Corrections by MN statute 401.10 currently in the amount of $349,829 per year, and; WHEREAS, the state aid that the County receives would be stopped if Freeborn County does not take this action, and; WHEREAS, Freeborn County already has this in place in the form of the Criminal Justice Resource Group which meets quarterly and includes members of the judiciary, law enforcement, county and city attorneys and correctional staff, which satisfies the requirements according to the MN Department of Corrections; WHEREAS, the County Board must issue a board resolution stating the following so as to establish the required language to continue our funding allotment; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners orders a local Freeborn County Corrections Advisory Board be assembled and established by the County Probation Director as per MN Statute 401.08. Resolution seconded by Commissioner Shoff. After discussion, a vote was taken and the Chair declared the resolution approved. Commissioner Forman offered the following resolution: RESOLUTION NO. 24-051 AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF $30,000.00 FROM THE GENERAL FUND TO THE INSURANCE FUND WHEREAS, Freeborn County Board of Commissioners has approved the 2024 operating budget; and WHEREAS, Freeborn County provides health insurance to its employees as an employment benefit; WHEREAS, the insurance payments are removed from the insurance funds prior to the employees pay their share of the premium. RESOLVED, that the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners authorize the transfer of $30,000.00 from the General Fund to the Insurance Fund to cover the advance needed for timely premium payment. Resolution was seconded by Commissioner Kaasa. [PAGE 3] After discussion, a vote was taken and the Chair declared the resolution approved. Commissioner Shoff offered the following resolution: RESOLUTION No. 24-052 CONTRACT BETWEEN FREEBORN COUNTY AND THE CITY OF ALBERT LEA FOR ELECTIONS SERVICES This is a contract between the County of Freeborn (“County”) and the City of Albert Lea (“City”) for the provision of election services by Freeborn County. I. Duration of Contract This contract will be in effect for the period beginning January 23, 2024 and ending on November 1, 2024 and will apply to the election held on April 9, 2024. II. County Responsibilities Except as otherwise provided in this contract, the County will provide all services, equipment, and supplies as required to perform, on behalf of the City, all election-related duties of the City under the Minnesota election law, and other relevant state and federal laws. These duties will include but are not limited to: A. Coordinate City election activities; B. Coordinate equipment and procedure training information for all head and other election judges for each polling location in Freeborn County; C. Provide refresher training materials for all head and other election judges for each polling location in Freeborn County; D. Operate, test, demonstrate, and provide technical support for all electronic voting systems in Freeborn County; E. Administer absentee voting; F. Coordinate absentee ballot board activities; G. Coordinate health care facility voting in Freeborn County; H. Provide election forms, supplies and other related materials; I. Conduct preliminary tests and public accuracy tests of voting systems in Freeborn County; J. Coordinate programming, layout and printing of ballots; K. Compile and report election results and election statistics to the appropriate canvassing boards and the public; L. Coordinate and conduct recounts for City ballot questions if needed; and III. City Responsibilities A. Sign agreements so that Freeborn County is authorized to coordinate programming, layout and printing of ballots for precincts; B. Coordinate and provide final approval for polling locations; C. Provide maintenance vehicles for delivery of Election materials, ballots, voting stations and electronic voting systems to each polling location; D. Hire and coordinate election judges for said election and assign related tasks; E. Prepare election notices and arrange for publishing and/or posting; F. Designate principal contacts for election coordination; G. Be responsible for damage or theft to any voting system or ballot box; H. Retain final election records for at least 22 months following each election; I. Retain permanent archive of final election results; J. Conduct official canvass of election results following City election; K. Provide the title and text in electronic format of City questions to be placed on the ballot; L. Mail the notice to each household with a registered voter if location of polling place change is necessary as required by MS 204B.16, subd. 1a; M. Provide necessary claim forms for election judge payment and process said claim forms as appropriate. IV. Material and Voting System Delivery & Collection [PAGE 4] The County and City will share responsibilities for delivery and collection of election materials, ballots, voting stations and electronic voting systems to each polling location according to a separate, mutually-agreeable schedule; V. Insurance During the term of this contract, the City will maintain, through commercially available insurance or on a self-insured basis, property insurance coverage on the electronic voting systems for the repair or replacement of the voting equipment if damaged or stolen. The City is responsible for any deductible under its policy. Otherwise, each party hereby waives and releases the other party, their employees, agents, officials and officers from all claims, liability and causes of action for loss, damage to or destruction of the waiving party’s property resulting from fire or other perils covered in the standard property insurance coverage maintained by the parties. Furthermore, each party agrees that it will look to its own property insurance for reimbursement for any loss and shall have no rights of subrogation against the other party. VI. Indemnification Each party to this contract will defend, hold harmless and indemnify the other parties, their officials, agents and employees from any liability, loss and damage it may suffer as a result of demands, claims, judgments or costs including, but not limited to, attorney’s fees and disbursements, arising out of or related to the indemnifying party’s performance or failure of performance under this contract. This provision shall not be construed nor operate as a waiver of any applicable limits of or exceptions to liability set by law. This provision will survive the termination of this contract. VII. Legal Representation The County Attorney’s Office shall advise and represent the County in all election-related matters, and the City Attorney shall advise the City on election-related matters. In addition, the City’s Attorney shall assist and cooperate with the County Attorney’s Office as may be reasonably requested concerning matters covered by this Contract. VIII. Election Costs and Payments The City shall make a payment to the County within thirty (30) days of the date on which the invoice is received. The total amount billed to the City for 2024 Special Election services shall be five thousand and no/1ooths dollars ($5,000.00). This amount does include: the cost of postage associated with election activities including absentee voting, replacement ballots, election materials including absentee voting envelopes and polling location forms/supplies. The amount of the contract does not include preparation and printing of ballots or equipment programming, or election judge salaries and expenses. All invoices and receipts related to all City election ballots and equipment programming will be compiled by the County and submitted to the City for reimbursement outside the administrative fee noted above. The City is responsible for all election judge salaries and expenses related to City elections and will provide the forms and processing necessary for payment to each judge. IX. Recount Expenses In the event of a recount, an agreement will be worked out between the County and the City as to costs and payments; before recount activities begin. [PAGE 5] X. Independent Contractor It is agreed that nothing in this contract is intended or should be construed as creating the relationship of agents, partners, joint ventures or associates between the parties hereto or as constituting the County as the employee of the City for any purpose or in any manner whatsoever. The County is an independent contractor and neither it, its employees, agents nor its representatives are employees of the City. From any amounts due the County, there shall be no deductions for federal income tax or FICA payments nor any state income tax, nor for any other purposes which are associated with an employer- employee relationship unless required by law. Payment of federal income tax, FICA payments and state income taxes are the responsibility of the County. XI. Data Practices All data created, collected, received, maintained or disseminated for any purpose in the course of this contract is governed by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, any other applicable statue or any rules adopted to implement the Act or statute, as well as federal statutes and regulations on data privacy. XII. Entire Agreement This contract shall constitute the entire agreement between the parties and shall supersede all prior oral and written negotiations. This contract cannot be changed altered or changed except as provided in a written agreement signed by all parties. Resolution was seconded by Commissioner Kaasa. After discussion, a vote was taken and the Chair declared the resolution approved. Commissioner Forman offered the following resolution: RESOLUTION No. 24-053 ELECTION SYSTEMS & SOFTWARE, LLC ELECTION SERVICES AGREEMENT This Agreement is made as of the date it is executed by the last of the parties named below (the “Effective Date”), BETWEEN: ELECTION SYSTEMS & SOFTWARE, LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company (“ES&S”) AND: Freeborn County, (“Customer”) RECITALS: A.Customer has agreed to purchase certain election-related services from ES&S for use inFreeborn County, Minnesota (the “Jurisdiction”). The terms and conditions under which suchservices shall be provided are set forth in the GENERAL TERMS attached hereto.B.The following Exhibits are incorporated into, and constitute an integral part of, this Agreement(check all that apply): __X Exhibit A (Summary of Services) X Exhibit B (Ballot Layout, Coding, and Voice File Services) X Exhibit C (Ballot Printing Services) NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, each of the parties hereto: •Agrees to the GENERAL TERMS and the terms and conditions set forth in each Exhibit. •Agrees that at all times, this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State in which the Customer is located. [PAGE 6] •Represents and warrants to the other party that as of its signature date indicated below it has full power and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement, and that the person signing below on its behalf has been properly authorized to execute this Agreement. •Acknowledges that it has read this Agreement, understands it and intends to be bound by it. Resolution was seconded by Commissioner Eckstrom. After discussion, a vote was taken and the Chair declared the resolution approved. Commissioner Forman offered the following resolution: RESOLUTION 24-054 WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of Freeborn County to eliminate certain bonded indebtedness, and WHEREAS, it is to the financial advantage of the County to invest internally; THEREFORE, NOW BE IT RESOLVED, to authorize the actions and procedures to pay the debt owed by County Ditch 31, Improvement on February 6, 2024 and; FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED, to invest in this ditch fund by providing a loan from the General Fund in the amount of $168,388.61 for County Ditch 31 Improvement to allow for debt payoff at an annual interest rate of 3% and a term of 10 years, for a total loan investment of $168,388.61. Resolution was seconded by Commissioner Shoff After discussion, a vote was taken and the Chair declared the resolution approved. Commissioner Eckstrom offered the following resolution: RESOLUTION 24-055 DECLARATION OF OFFICIAL INTENT TO REIMBURSE EXPENDITURES FOR DITCH PROJECTS WITH PROCEEDS OF DEBT OBLIGATIONS The undersigned, being the county auditor of Freeborn County, Minnesota, and authorized by the Board of County Commissioners to make declarations of official intent under Treas. Reg. § 1.150-2 with respect to ditch projects to be undertaken or financed by the County, hereby declares as follows: 1. It is expected that the costs of the following ditch project(s) are intended to be reimbursed or otherwise financed by the issuance of debt obligations: County Ditch 31. 2. The amount of obligations expected to be issued for such purpose is not expected to exceed $168,388.61. Resolution was seconded by Commissioner Shoff. After discussion, a vote was taken and the Chair declared the resolution approved. Commissioner Forman offered the following resolution: RESOLUTION AND ORDER 24-056 Resolved, that is hereby ordered that the lien filed in the office of the County Recorder for the following drainage system for improvement thereof shall be payable in the following manner: County Ditch No. 31 Improvement one installment of the principal on or before October 15 subsequent to the filing of the lien in the office of the County Recorder and another installment on or before the 15th day of October of each year thereafter, for a total of 10 equal installments with an annual interest rate of 3%. Resolution was seconded by Commissioner Shoff. After discussion, a vote was taken and the Chair declared the resolution approved. [PAGE 7] Commissioner Shoff offered the following resolution: RESOLUTION 24-057 WHEREAS, Freeborn County has bank accounts required by Minnesota Statutes for various county funds under the discretion of the Auditor-Treasurer and; WHEREAS, The Auditor-Treasurer strives to obtain safe, cost effective banking for Freeborn County and is moving funds to a lower cost solution; WHEREAS, that Resolution 23-172 authorized a six-month short-term loan from the General Fund to a new Sheriff Turnkey Bank Account at CCF Bank in the amount of $50,000.00 for the purpose of covering debits during the transition from a prior bank account at US Bank. WHEREAS, the Sheriff Turnkey Bank account at CCF Bank took a longer time to establish due to the turnkey system. THEREFORE RESOLVED extending Resolution 23-172 for an additional six-month period to allow for the closure of the US Bank account and proper reconciliation of the accounts. THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the interest earned in the Sheriff Turnkey Bank Account at CCF Bank remain with the Office of the Sheriff Resolution was seconded by Commissioner Forman. After discussion, a vote was taken and the Chair declared the resolution approved. Commissioner Kaasa offered the following resolution: RESOLUTION 24-058 RESOLUTION APPOINTING SUE YOST AS THE PUBLIC HEALTH DESIGNEE TO THE FREEBORN COUNTY FAMILY SERVICES AND CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH COLLABORATIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WHEREAS, the County of Freeborn hereby entered into a Joint Powers Agreement to provide collaborative and integrated services to children and families, and WHEREAS, the establishment of this Board serves as a mechanism whereby additional programs and services may be developed or the benefits of the parties, and WHEREAS, each entity shall designate a voting member of the Collaborative Board of Directors as stated in Section 7 of the Freeborn County Family Services and Children’s Mental Health Collaborative Joint Powers Board Agreement, therefore BE IT RESOLVED, that Sue Yost, Freeborn County Public Health Director be authorized to be the Public Health designee to serve the on the Board of Directors of the Freeborn County Family Services and Children’s Mental Health Collaborative. Resolution was seconded by Commissioner Shoff. After discussion, a vote was taken and the Chair declared the resolution approved. Commissioner Kaasa offered the following resolution: RESOLUTION 24-059 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE A CONTRACT WITH UCARE [PAGE 8] WHEREAS, Freeborn County Community Health Board will approve the contract agreement with UCare for Freeborn County Public Health to will continue to provide case management, care coordination, and Special Needs Basic Care. We will be adding an additional service called Quality Program. WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute 145A.04 requires assuring health services by engaging in activities such as assessing the availability of health-related services and health care providers in local communities, identifying gaps and barriers in services; WHEREAS, Freeborn County Public Health will continue to provide care coordination and case management services to individuals that are disabled and under the age of 65 years and those 65 and over. The Quality Program in Schedule K will be added to the services provided. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners/Freeborn County Community Health Board does hereby approve the contract agreement with UCare to add Quality Program services. Resolution was seconded by Commissioner Forman. After discussion, a vote was taken and the Chair declared the resolution approved. Commissioner Kaasa offered the following resolution: RESOLUTION 24-060 LE SUEUR RIVER WATERSHED COLLABORATION FISCAL AGENT SUB-AGREEMENT This Sub-agreement is made and entered into between the Waseca Soil and Water Conservation District (Waseca SWCD), and Freeborn County (hereafter “Sub-recipient”), collectively referred to as “Parties” and individually as “Party”. RECITALS: WHEREAS, the Parties to this Sub-agreement are Parties to the Joint Powers Agreement (hereafter “JPA”) for implementation of the Le Sueur River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan; and the Parties that have entered into the JPA are known as the Le Sueur River Watershed Collaboration (hereafter “LSRWC”); and WHEREAS, pursuant to the LSRWC JPA, Waseca SWCD is designated as Fiscal Agent with the authority and responsibility to enter into grant agreements and sub-agreements with Parties of the LSRWC and professional service providers to carry out grant activities identified in the grant work plans; and WHEREAS, Waseca SWCD will be awarded grants to fund initiatives and projects for implementation of the Le Sueur River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan; and Waseca SWCD will enter into grant agreements which incorporate grant work plans that detail grant activities and provide for the allocation of funds awarded under such grant; and WHEREAS, Sub-recipient is qualified and willing to carry-out and implement the grant activities identified in the grant work plans that are incorporated in the grant agreements that Waseca SWCD has entered into for the implementation of the Le Sueur River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan. Resolution was seconded by Commissioner Eckstrom. After discussion, a vote was taken and the Chair declared the resolution approved. Commissioner Forman offered the following resolution: RESOLUTION 24-061 RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT A $200 DONATION TO THE FREEBORN COUNTY CVCC FROM EMMONS LUTHERAN CHURCH – WOMEN OF THE NORTH AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH [PAGE 9] WHEREAS, the Freeborn County Department of Human Services - Crime Victims Crisis Center directly serves those who have been victims of crime, domestic violence and sexual assault; and WHEREAS, the Freeborn County Department of Human Services - Crime Victims Crisis Center plans events and campaigns bringing community awareness to the issues of crime, domestic violence and sexual assault; and WHEREAS, the Emmons Lutheran Church – Women of the North American Lutheran Church has offered a donation to the Freeborn County Department of Human Services - Crime Victims Crisis Center in the amount of $200 to be used for services provided by the CVCC; and BE IT RESOLVED, that the Freeborn County Department of Human Services - Crime Victims Crisis Center accepts the donation in the amount of $200 from the Emmons Lutheran Church – Women of the North American Lutheran Church to be used for services provided by the CVCC. Resolution was seconded by Commissioner Kaasa. After discussion, a vote was taken and the Chair declared the resolution approved. Commissioner Kaasa offered the following resolution: RESOLUTION 24-062 RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE 2024 PURCHASE OF SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE FREEBORN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND DR. ANNETTE SMICK WHEREAS, psychiatric services in rural Minnesota are becoming increasingly difficult to access; and WHEREAS, the Freeborn County Department of Human Services is part of the 10-county South Central Community-Based Initiative (SCCBI) to provide services to persons with mental illness; and WHEREAS, the SCCBI purchases mental health services including psychiatric services from the Freeborn County Mental Health Center for residents of counties comprising the SCCBI; and WHEREAS, Dr. Annette Smick is able to provide quality psychiatric services for clients of the Freeborn County Mental Health Center, increasing accessibility for local residents; and WHEREAS, the Freeborn County Mental Health Center and Dr. Annette Smick are credentialed to bill insurance for psychiatric services; therefore BE IT RESOLVED, that the 2024 Purchase of Service Agreement between the Freeborn County Department of Human Services and Dr. Annette Smick be approved for provision of the psychiatric services to residents of Freeborn County and of counties comprising the SCCBI. Resolution was seconded by Commissioner Eckstrom. After discussion, a vote was taken and the Chair declared the resolution approved. Commissioner Shoff offered the following resolution: FREEBORN COUNTY MINNESOTA RESOLUTION # 24-063 A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT A DONATION OF PORTABLE FIRE SUPPRESSION TOOLS FROM THE ALBERT LEA WESTERN STAR LODGE #26 MASONIC LODGE. THEY WILL DONATE 10 INITIAL UNITS TO BE OUTFITTED IN SHERIFF’S OFFICE PATROL VEHICLES, WITH PLANS TO DONATE ADDITIONAL UNITES IN THE FUTURE. WHEREAS, Minnesota State Statute 465.03 allows for counties to accept donations through resolution by the board. WHEREAS, the Fire Suppression Tools are small, portable, devices designed to be deployed into or near a fire, and when discharged, they will immediately suppress the fire for a length of time, allowing local fire departments more time to respond to the scene before additional damage is done. [PAGE 10] WHEREAS, there are many times in which the Sheriff’s Office Deputies arrive on a fire scene long before responding fire departments, but have no means of engaging the fire to prevent loss of property or life. WHEREAS, the Masonic Lodge has donated these devices to county sheriff’s offices in Wisconsin who have had successful deployments of the devices, which has saved homeowners in damage cost from house fires. WHEREAS, the Sheriff’s Office will train the deputies on the use of the Fire Suppression Tools (from Fire Suppression Solutions LLC) and will outfit the patrol vehicles with the donated units to be used for the purposes of minimizing the loss of life and property from fires. BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that Freeborn County, by and through its Board of Commissioners, accepts the current and future donations of portable Fire Suppression Tools from the Albert Lea Western Star Lodge #26, to be used by the Sheriff’s Office. Resolution was seconded by Commissioner Kaasa After discussion, a vote was taken and the Chair declared the resolution approved. Commissioner Eckstrom offered the following: RESOLUTION 24-064 ACCEPTING THE RESIGNATION OF IVAN ESTUPINAN WHEREAS, the Freeborn County Department of Human Services has the responsibility for providing a quality service with integrity and accountability to the citizens of Freeborn County; WHEREAS, the Freeborn County Board is the appointing authority for all county employees; WHEREAS; Ivan Estupinan has been employed with Freeborn County since April 5th, 2021 and is resigning his position effective February 16th, 2024, NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, to accept the resignation of Ivan Estupinan as a Freeborn County Child Support Officer effective on or about February 16th, 2024. Resolution was seconded by Commissioner Forman. After discussion, a vote was taken and the Chair declared the resolution approved. Commissioner Shoff offered the following resolution: RESOLUTION 24-065 PERMISSION TO FILL THE FREEBORN COUNTY CHILD SUPPORT OFFICER POSITION WHEREAS, the Freeborn County employees have the responsibility for providing quality service with integrity and accountability to the citizens of Freeborn County; WHEREAS, the Freeborn County Board is the appointing authority for all county employees, and; WHEREAS, Ivan Estupinan, Freeborn County Child Support Officer has resigned his position effective February 16th, 2024; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the board approves the filling of the vacant Freeborn County Child Support Officer position. Resolution was seconded by Commissioner Kaasa After discussion, a vote was taken and the Chair declared the resolution approved. Commissioner Shoff offered the following resolution: RESOLUTION 24-066 [PAGE 11] APPOINTMENT OF CANDICE LAHANN AS COUNTY ASSESSOR WHEREAS, MN Statutes 273.061 Subd. 1 requires every Minnesota County to appoint a County Assessor; and WHEREAS, the appointments of every County Assessor shall be for a four-year term beginning on January 1 of each fourth year after 1973; and WHEREAS, the Freeborn County position is currently vacant; and WHEREAS, the current statutory term runs through December 31, 2024, and the new appointee will be eligible for reappointment for the 4-year term beginning January 1, 2025; WHEREAS, Candice Lahann has the knowledge and training in the field of property taxation, and has the senior accreditation from the state Board of Assessors; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners does hereby appoint Candice Lahann as the Freeborn County Assessor, effective February 12, 2024, compensated at Grade 20, Step 6 of the Freeborn County wage scale. Resolution was seconded by Commissioner Forman. After discussion, a vote was taken and the Chair declared the resolution approved. Commissioner Forman offered the following resolution: RESOLUTION No. 24-067 MINNESOTA HOUSING – MINNESOTA CITY PARTICIPATION PROGRAM JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT The Albert Lea Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) enters into this Joint Powers Agreement with Freeborn County to administer the Minnesota Housing Minnesota City Participation Program (MCPP) for Freeborn County for the 2024 MCPP year. The Albert Lea Housing & Redevelopment Authority agrees to coordinate program requests for 2024 under the Minnesota Cities Participation Program for Freeborn County. In order for loans to meet the program requirements, the following criteria must be met:  The borrower is a first-time homebuyer loan using the Start Up program.  The borrower’s income is below 80% of the area median income.  The property is located in Freeborn County. The Albert Lea Housing & Redevelopment Authority will forward program reports on loan activity to the county administrator. The Albert Lea Housing & Redevelopment Authority will promote the program throughout the community using marketing information provided by Minnesota Housing. Resolution was seconded by Commissioner Eckstrom. After discussion, a vote was taken and the Chair declared the resolution approved. Commissioner Shoff offered the following resolution: RESOLUTION No. 24-068 Approval of Claims RESOLVED, that the following claims be allowed and paid on or before February 9th, 2024. FUND NAME AMOUNT [PAGE 12] 01 General Fund $ 1,166,217.58 03 County Road & Bridge $ 246,301.61 05 Human Services $ 240,123.04 06 Public Health $ 109,218.95 31 Capital Improvement $ 273,638.13 40 County Ditch $ 64,623.20 70 Trust & Agency $ 44,862.98 73 Payroll Clearing Fund $ 19,219.03 74 Turtle Creek Watershed $ 8,455.00 79 Social Services Collab $ 147.90 FUND TOTALS $ 2,171,864.44 Number of Claims not exceeding $300 – 180 Dollar amount of claims not exceeding $300 – $16,582.89 Resolution seconded by Commissioner Kaasa. After discussion, a vote was taken and the Chair declared the resolution adopted. Chair, Commissioner Edwin adjourned the meeting at 9:54 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 20th, 2024. By: ____________________________ Attest: _____________________________ Brad Edwin Erin Hornberger Chair County Clerk