Date: September 1, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM

Attendance: Commissioners: Gillie, Younggren, Johnson, and Jones. Absent: Swenson

1. Call to Order 

The meeting was called to order by Chair Younggren.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

3. Approval of Agenda

Motion: To approve the agenda.

Motion by: Commissioner Jones

Second by: Commissioner Johnson

Motion carried.

4. Public Comment

Chair Younggren asked for public comment. Hearing none.

5. Northwest MN Housing and Redevelopment Authority Director Charity Brault, Grant Writer John Wynne and HRA Board Member Marilyn Gustafson

Brault appeared before the Board to provide an update regarding the Northwest Multi-County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA), including current housing programs, funding sources, rehabilitation projects, down payment assistance, and housing voucher programs serving Kittson County and the surrounding region.

 

The Board reviewed the proposed HRA levy for taxes payable in 2027. The proposed Kittson County levy was reported at $111,535. Discussion included taxable market value calculations, levy capacity, county commitments, and the manner in which HRA levy funds are utilized to support housing and community development activities.

Brault and Wynne provided an update on Small Cities Development Program activities and rental rehabilitation projects. They explained that construction and rehabilitation costs have continued to increase and that the limited availability of contractors remains a significant challenge. These conditions have increased the cost of completing housing rehabilitation projects and, in some cases, have resulted in funding gaps. The HRA has increasingly utilized levy funds in the form of loans to assist projects where other funding sources are insufficient to cover total rehabilitation costs. 

An update was provided on the HRA's down payment assistance program. The program has experienced increased activity, with additional homebuyer closings occurring throughout the region.  It was noted that the current committee membership information should be reviewed and corrected to ensure the appropriate Kittson County representative is listed.

The Board received information regarding federal Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and the State of Minnesota's Bring It Home rental assistance program.  Demand for rental assistance has increased significantly, resulting in the closure of the waiting list and concerns regarding a projected funding shortfall.  The Section 8 Family Self-Sufficiency program was also discussed.

8. Kittson County Highway Engineer Arthur Kukowski and Assistant Engineer Keith Klegstad

a.     Kukowski presented the final payment for project 187 to Knife River Materials in the amount of $205,672.65.

Motion: To approve.

Motion by: Commissioner Gillie

Second by: Commissioner Johnson

Motion carried.

b.     Kukowski presented the final payment for project 188 to Subsurface Inc in the amount of $5,690.00.

Motion: To approve.

Motion by: Commissioner Johnson

Second by: Commissioner Jones

Motion carried.

c.     Kukowski and Klegstad gave an update of the progress of Pit #10.

6. Approval of Board Minutes

Motion: To approve August 18, 2026 minutes.

Motion by: Commissioner Gillie

Second by: Commissioner Jones

Motion carried.

7. Approval of Bills, Meals and Per Diems

Motion: To approve the bills, meals and per diems.

Motion by: Commissioner Gillie

Second by: Commissioner Johnson

Motion carried.

·       Commissioner’s                          $62,079.35

·       Auditor’s

§  August 18, 2026              $1,505,679.06

§  August 24, 2026              $13,548.29

§  August 25, 2026              $365,837.15

§  August 26, 2026              $61,717.00

§  August 27, 2026              $151,344.00

o   Meal Reimbursements                              $82.11

9. Kittson County Administrator Aimee Sugden

a.     The Board reviewed the petition and proposed findings and order initiating transfer proceedings concerning Judicial Ditch 31.  

Motion: To adopt the findings and order initiating transfer proceedings for Judicial Ditch 31.

Motion by: Commissioner Gillie

Second by: Commissioner Jones

Motion carried.

b.     The Board reviewed the petition and proposed findings and order initiating transfer proceedings concerning State Ditch 84.  

Motion: To adopt the findings and order initiating transfer proceedings for State Ditch 84.

Motion by: Commissioner Jones

Second by: Commissioner Johnson

Motion carried.

c.     The Board reviewed the petition and proposed findings and order initiating transfer proceedings concerning State Ditch 85 

Motion: To adopt the findings and order initiating transfer proceedings for State Ditch 85.

Motion by: Commissioner Johnson

Second by: Commissioner Gillie

Motion carried.

d.     Sugden presented two grant applications relating to courthouse safety and security improvements. Proposed improvements included additional or upgraded security cameras for the courtroom and hallway areas. The application also included proposed modifications to the court office area intended to improve employee safety, security, and the overall configuration of the workspace.  The second application involved funding for courthouse safety education and training. The proposed grant would provide active-shooter and other safety-related training for courthouse employees and appropriate personnel.

Motion: To approve the grant applications for submission.

e.     Motion by: Commissioner Gillie

f.      Second by: Commissioner Johnson

g.     Motion carried.

10. Other Business

None.

12. Correspondence

Sugden received a letter from Kittson Healthcare on upcoming community meetings.  And one from Alluma on the upcoming open appointment.

11. Committee Reports

Commissioner Gillie~Alluma, Law Library, AMC, SAPTF

Commissioner Younggren~AMC, Budget.

Commissioner Jones~NWCA, NW HHW

Commissioner Johnson~None

13. Upcoming Meetings

Regular Board Tuesday, September 15 @ 9:00 am

AMC Fall Conference September 16-18

18. Adjournment

Motion: To adjourn.  

Motion by: Commissioner Jones

Second by: Commissioner Johnson

Motion carried.

 

Loren Younggren, Chair                                  _________________________________
Kittson County Board of Commissioners

Shirley Swenson, Chief Financial Officer              _________________________________
Kittson County