[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6656855,"mediaKeyId","5114167-a495e4c8b04e57b32b36266d30527713","parentId",5114167,"title","Meeker County commissioners approve emergency no-wake order, bridge design contract and governance review; appoint finance director","audioSeconds",98,"startMs",4463000,"endMs",4365000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5114167-a495e4c8b04e57b32b36266d30527713&start=4463&end=4365","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5114167-a495e4c8b04e57b32b36266d30527713/thumbnail_4463000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6656855/Meeker-County/Minnesota/Meeker-County-commissioners-approve-emergency-no-wake-order-bridge-design-contract-and-governance-review-appoint-finance-director","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656855-539558a290290678d9b0958a1cbf26e1/orig.mp4?Expires=1774947813&Signature=ngU--OEt3XgyyIiPvVIeI2zJwfAfOx6-Lm5zVlz3j0ZjPHpb5hEoKNPtVExXbOa~qiGEUAm9YSsJuhz1FPxVHtNxjsnJNlQRHlscdPyW5FOfjy1Mol57dWtr2raagzeE2~giDmaXOmCB~347cWbm5Js0~gHFrevTI45oPpTLW-Hs6bf-4wDqpKRtsT7cIhVZw--~1dsnv1oCieFWoTzb9gCW6J2ZG6yzC5kkyTg9hh9cyeLUlNXmLp1XiZcHH8cIEn9Un9EcvjGyIUCDQSRbpK-HvQtQP3IwnEldVcxP8xqWTED4YrKPIr3oau0WJ9xeNjJOTmmuT6jb7tOFdMsv5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Meeker County","date","2025-07-02T06:18:49Z","article","The Meeker County Board of Commissioners on July 1 approved several items by motion and roll call, including a 30‑day temporary “no wake” order for specified lakes, an engineering services agreement for a bridge replacement, a resolution to explore alternative governance for the Community Health Board under Minnesota Statute 145A and the appointment of Heather Lemieux as the county finance director.

The board voted to adopt a temporary no‑wake resolution to respond to high lake levels and shore erosion. Chief Deputy Bill Hudson of the sheriff’s office told commissioners the resolution would allow county staff to post temporary no‑wake restrictions — up to 30 days at a single emergency — on lakes that have exceeded their ordinary high water lines and to work with local lake associations and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on longer-term regulation. The resolution was adopted by roll call (Oberg: yes; Van Ort: yes; Samkee: yes; Johnson: yes).

The board also approved an engineering services agreement with Erickson Engineering of Eden Prairie for design and construction engineering services related to replacement of bridge number 47504 (the Cassatt 26 Bridge). The estimated cost for design and construction engineering services is $149,024. Commissioner Van Ort moved the agreement; Commissioner Samkee seconded and the motion carried by voice vote.

Commissioners approved a resolution directing county staff to formally announce the county’s intent to explore alternative governance structures and models for performing the duties of the Meeker‑McLeod‑Sibley Community Health Board as outlined in Minnesota Statute 145A. The resolution passed on a roll call (Samkee: yes; Van Ort: yes; Oberg: yes; Johnson: yes).

The board confirmed the appointment of Heather Lemieux as finance director at a wage of $57.21 per hour, effective July 10, 2025. The appointment was moved by Commissioner Van Ort and seconded by Commissioner Oberg and carried by voice vote; commissioners praised Lemieux’s experience with Wright County, Sherburne County and the Office of the State Auditor.

Other routine business approved during the meeting included the printed agenda and a consent agenda that covered items listed by the county administrator (minutes, board of appeals and equalization minutes, health and human services and hospital accounts payable, temporary liquor licenses and a well disclosure fee increase). The motion to approve the consent agenda carried by voice vote.

The board also set a public hearing for Aug. 5, 2025, to consider an ordinance imposing slow/no‑wake watercraft restrictions on designated lakes; the public hearing date was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote.

Votes at a glance: all formal roll-call votes recorded during the meeting were unanimous in favor where a roll call was taken; several other items were approved by voice vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","July 1, 2025, Meeker County Board of Commissioners Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Meeker County Board of Commissioners on July 1 approved a temporary 30‑day no‑wake order for designated lakes, authorized an engineering contract to design a bridge replacement, opened an official review into Community Health Board governance under Minnesota statute 145A and appointed a new finance director.","taxTitle","Meeker County, Minnesota","taxId",73314,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6656845,"Meeker County and Litchfield hospital officials update board on ambulatory care addition, shelter use during tornado and courthouse/dispatch remodel",3755,906000,4661000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5114167-a495e4c8b04e57b32b36266d30527713&start=906&end=4661","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5114167-a495e4c8b04e57b32b36266d30527713/thumbnail_906000.jpg","/articles/6656845/Meeker-County/Minnesota/Meeker-County-and-Litchfield-hospital-officials-update-board-on-ambulatory-care-addition-shelter-use-during-tornado-and-courthousedispatch-remodel","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656845-de32e0e8f0e7f04fc6ec83c9ff34038a/orig.mp4?Expires=1774947813&Signature=L1pCOGwGT2wgFk6MDrEZ37Hx8q4eLMX0D5Wf79Vae2IT6hbbVxsf9bfVrqQs-9YFiDSat1QFFrCUfPzr-BqXZB2jYDEXSsK7ytX7Tn6szxMxBM6pJr3Vp45fWJZOBiP~sldgfQd5uU6qCIbvmgbDM9ljAFPejaviERSFqy7ULZ8986I5cVi3elzEx1Ic4J1Stsw4aAAt6uRKGZvUgcv625axjDbdw82bxEBClx4H1C6C~5b1WdEydpRT8bVx8XezIPGbaj-sxPHjy7sJKJVd2wHWG4uA4~6e1YE-a6DfFFwdB7bhG~FYVFZqZTvcEo3UURiY9pGJvq-hMxwcEacw4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hospital and county administration provided project and facility updates at the July 1 Meeker County Board meeting, covering the hospital's ambulatory care addition, recent emergency shelter use, and the county justice center remodel and dispatch cutover timeline.

Mary Ellen and Tyler (hospital leadership) said the city planning commission and city council approved the vacation of Lockerbie Street in front of the hospital to allow the ambulatory care addition and that the hospital has issued a request for proposals for general construction; bid results are expected roughly in mid‑August. They described staff collaboration with neighbors and the city and listed mitigation measures the hospital will use to reduce impacts on adjacent properties (privacy fencing, lighting controls). Mary Ellen reported that during a recent tornado warning the hospital provided shelter for more than a dozen people — including pets — in the hospital lower‑level conference room when the county shelter was unavailable.

Tyler provided the hospital's financial snapshot through April 2025: cash and cash equivalents are increasing, accounts payable are modestly higher as a timing issue, and days cash on hand remain strong. The hospital reported an operating margin of 8.2% and a total margin of 11.1% year‑to‑date through April; revenues are slightly over budget while expenses are significantly under budget.

County Administrator Andrew Lettson updated the board on the Meeker County Justice Center remodel, noting a target dispatch cutover date of July 28 pending completion and testing of the primary circuit; a temporary failover to Kandiyohi County dispatch was described as the contingency. Exterior work remaining includes sidewalk pours and parking lot patching, with a larger resurfacing project planned when public works can complete surveying and bidding (fall or next spring). Interior signage and separation of the work release space were in progress; final cosmetic work is expected after dispatch moves into the new space.

Lettson explained that public entry will be consolidated through the parking‑lot entrance with a staffed security checkpoint during business hours and badge access for employees; the Sibley Street entrance will be locked to the public. He said the county is coordinating with tenants on a potential shared monument sign and will return to the board with design and cost information.

The board heard questions about after‑hours meeting access, badge configurations, and the effect of the remodel on court security; staff said evening meetings will be coordinated and that the new checkpoint is intended to provide security for the whole building rather than a single level.","County and hospital leaders told the board the hospital's ambulatory care addition is in the RFP stage, the county shelter temporarily housed residents during a tornado warning, and the county's justice center remodel and dispatch cutover are on track with a July 28 target date for dispatch relocation.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6656850,"Meeker County Health & Human Services details MNChoices assessments, waiver programs and staffing pressures",859,2127000,2986000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5114167-a495e4c8b04e57b32b36266d30527713&start=2127&end=2986","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5114167-a495e4c8b04e57b32b36266d30527713/thumbnail_2127000.jpg","/articles/6656850/Meeker-County/Minnesota/Meeker-County-Health-Human-Services-details-MNChoices-assessments-waiver-programs-and-staffing-pressures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656850-d1ea022302c6d9d04dfc8c97e109b834/orig.mp4?Expires=1774947813&Signature=QxaxdxTMyCv25vjbIGrGIiqEmgAiz5ndp-RcfEDYeDnOkS0CgZIwYJkAydBVxnvMa99ZY6RohdSYgmv2GMeVsnGBR4dhRw5tsH6MyOJPBEYKxHYO482AcPz-tBopXZSleY5FJpD2nVu41xNUwLlFzJNCHFdr4uxHALtxjZOeSemWHl4HkQ7SSjgV4ZLPbatRdLEbbXRYoHtq9yg7-QWUJ7GJkZlSKScJRFkvy8Q~tlNb1UNCPKNR7uKTe9dobrVdbTKZzDOd7ppyWHKyh3Ol-3tUBLpFpAoUt5KvvQQuc9yXbjRRRzYtqzAQVcMgBfYc-7g7KIsHAIA0vD-ChITz6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Health & Human Services staff briefed the Meeker County Board of Commissioners on July 1 about MNChoices assessments, elder waiver and alternative care programs, and staffing and provider availability in the county.

Melissa Stonelake, supervisor for MNChoices and the over‑65 waivers, said Meeker County performs comprehensive MNChoices assessments — an initial assessment can take more than a dozen hours — and that the program is intended to identify person‑centered services to keep people in their homes rather than in facilities. Stonelake reported 2024 revenue from MNChoices of $581,593 and explained the state/federal share (about 45% state, 55% federal under the current cost allocation). She said the county currently staffs four full‑time assessors plus two half‑time positions (roughly five FTEs) and that many case managers are required to be certified assessors.

Stonelake described the way the MNChoices funding allocation is tied to the random‑moment time study (RMTS): staff receive intermittent electronic “hits” asking what they are doing at a particular moment; coding responses generate reimbursement for time spent on eligible activities. She noted the RMTS is the principal mechanism that determines MNChoices allocation and that staffing availability and honest, timely completion of RMTS hits materially affect revenue. As the board discussed, a pending state budget change under consideration could change the state share or move to a flat rate; HHS staff said federal rules and CMS oversight create additional uncertainty.

Board members pressed on a range of operational issues: how often RMTS “hits” arrive (random; staff have 24 hours to respond), oversight of responses (records in the county documentation system can be checked), and how potential changes to state funding rules might affect county budgets. Tina Schenk, HHS director, and Andrew Lettson, county administrator, said they are tracking state and federal developments and would coordinate with regional partners and MNChoices administrators on any necessary adjustments.

Sizable gaps in local long‑term care capacity were also discussed. Stonelake said Meeker County has roughly 100 elderly waiver clients currently and about 20 Alternative Care (AC) clients; local skilled nursing and assisted living capacity contracted after COVID, and some residents now must receive care out of county. Commissioners and staff noted programs such as caregiver supports, senior companions and potential intergenerational or volunteer models to address socialization and nonclinical needs, but they cautioned that provider recruitment remains a limiting factor in rural service delivery.

The presentation concluded with a request for continued monitoring of MNChoices allocations and staff capacity; commissioners thanked HHS staff and asked for periodic updates as federal/state budget decisions become clearer.","Health & Human Services presented a status report on MNChoices assessments, elderly waivers, the new CFSS program and staffing/provider shortages; commissioners and staff discussed funding mechanics, random‑moment time study revenue and local service gaps.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Meeker County commissioners approve emergency no-wake order, bridge design contract and governance review; appoint finance director

Meeker County and Litchfield hospital officials update board on ambulatory care addition, shelter use during tornado and courthouse/dispatch remodel

Meeker County Health & Human Services details MNChoices assessments, waiver programs and staffing pressures