[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6478675,"mediaKeyId","5708535-0b0f7da8ea2a34742df8b234e707890a","parentId",5708535,"title","County facilities director reviews maintenance, recent projects and staffing needs","audioSeconds",569,"startMs",4660730,"endMs",5230490,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5708535-0b0f7da8ea2a34742df8b234e707890a&start=4660&end=5230","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5708535-0b0f7da8ea2a34742df8b234e707890a/thumbnail_4660730.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6478675/Meeker-County/Minnesota/County-facilities-director-reviews-maintenance-recent-projects-and-staffing-needs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6478675-3a1c2c5d08cd7c76c3679b2682c88b7d/orig.mp4?Expires=1774995033&Signature=cWZlbFO8-Nz8GS9Dr5uW3pnbMfu-uAqriUKLpMBQ8cnmbxsd8yH~WA7Oc-EinlIOXvv0cgAwQRBNCA-bZdVH7yJXmZO36Was9H~0QoSPKlSzwkjlfdax1zKqg8qMOxHIBp9pyIsNEPMWhy78xH0IZ49G06t7U999CHx-Q95TxtbdxfjadTxoN1EjyMkXjwM~EPYYGD3vofol8MKZVE28ypDlNjp0YNUXbsnpQVbe~pp056SdoxcYmk2q6IC7PXjJ7WhebTTrzXzChFZiBFgL9vBMu5ZeDojTCkYyoyNpr5Gn9wHWPgf3yT7sw~9cBOoquGIHpCndPMAWYulRTkbMag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Meeker County","date","2025-09-03T03:29:24Z","article","Joel (utilities director) briefed the board on Sept. 2 about the Facilities and Maintenance Department’s responsibilities and recent work. Joel said staff handle routine maintenance, building systems (chillers, boilers, UPS/generator at the justice center), janitorial services, groundskeeping and event setups across multiple county buildings. He listed recent capital and maintenance projects including boiler replacement work at the justice center, condenser and air‑handling unit replacements at the government center and elevator modifications; other ongoing work supports the county remodel project and periodic preventive maintenance.

Joel said the facilities team includes a facilities coordinator (Brad) and several full‑time facility workers; one facilities technician position is currently vacant and the department is recruiting. Commissioners asked about deferred maintenance risks and roofs; Joel said roofs on most county buildings are in good condition, with the Tenth Street Garage being the nearest to replacement and requiring monitoring.

Commissioners thanked facilities staff for work on the county employee picnic and for day‑to‑day upkeep that contributes to a positive public impression of county buildings. Joel said the department fields emergency calls and manages contracts and preventive maintenance schedules, and he will return with updates if major deferred maintenance items arise.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","September 2, 2025, Meeker County Board of Commissioners Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The county’s utilities/facilities director presented an annual maintenance report outlining building responsibilities, recent projects (boiler and condenser replacements, elevator modifications) and staffing vacancies; commissioners asked about deferred maintenance and roofs.","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},6478679,"County awards pavement repairs and authorizes freight‑grant application; both motions pass unanimously",154,4295350,4449380,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5708535-0b0f7da8ea2a34742df8b234e707890a&start=4295&end=4449","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5708535-0b0f7da8ea2a34742df8b234e707890a/thumbnail_4295350.jpg","/articles/6478679/Meeker-County/Minnesota/County-awards-pavement-repairs-and-authorizes-freightgrant-application-both-motions-pass-unanimously","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6478679-dcbf3610f50456e5c1aecd7de5b0bb35/orig.mp4?Expires=1774995033&Signature=XEzt-7JI8O61E0KBvwqD8uDYIulaF5imz9tS-xQQaZRNCVf6n0idaECdBLLxX1bYxLSpZ9zyQNuYFABdkJqYXw7AV3QnAQ~j91AIdmT9UVGi1iEW5WocLoQsCx7AhFl5eJZiW~ZFasmK4bf-llwWmnd1z2jauGrqMurO07J~zDOkwuutFcRNsCrYnYWgOmcI2St3NzLKbGR6o~TyWuqYQ8vBz9D~rOIJ8fdST1Kl4Ic3x68LjbALKDVyaHYXvOb5~0F0uPWd5lJTfVcUYFd670FunEgZp06lRe0qrq~xUiQ0OexH5OKWK67rNfbwFbwnt7vSlUFIDcUUIEmF3nELzw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Meeker County Board of Commissioners approved two formal items during the Sept. 2 regular session.

Granite City Paving contract award

Public works director Phil Schmales presented four quote responses for small pavement repairs and recommended Granite City Paving of St. Cloud as the low bidder for an estimated cost of $39,090. Commissioner Psamtke moved to award the pavement repair quotes to Granite City Paving in St. Cloud for an estimated cost of $39,090; Commissioner Schmidt seconded. The board approved the motion on a voice vote. The record did not list individual roll‑call votes; the transcript indicates the motion carried by affirmative voice vote.

Minnesota Highway Freight Program grant application (Highway 12 & County Road 34)

Schmales also brought a late addition to the agenda: a resolution authorizing public works to execute documents to apply for Minnesota Highway Freight Program funding for intersection improvements at Highway 12 and County Road 34 (Cassaw). The program flows through MnDOT and is federally funded. Schmales said the application is due the following day and the grant, if awarded, would be scheduled for 2029–30 with an application amount of roughly $2,300,000; county share and additional state economic development transportation funds would be sought to cover remaining costs. Commissioner Schmidt moved to approve the resolution; Commissioner Van Ort seconded. The board approved the resolution on a roll‑call voice sequence in which commissioners indicated “yes” individually (transcript shows affirmative responses from Commissioners Schmidt, Somnke, Van Ort, Oberg and Johnson). Schmales emphasized that passing the resolution is an application step and does not commit the county to construction.

Votes summary

- Award pavement repairs to Granite City Paving (estimated $39,090) — motion: Commissioner Psamtke; second: Commissioner Schmidt; outcome: approved (voice vote).
- Approve resolution to apply for Minnesota Highway Freight Program funds for Highway 12 & County Road 34 (approx. $2.3M request) — motion: Commissioner Schmidt; second: Commissioner Van Ort; outcome: approved (roll‑call sequence/voice responses).","At its Sept. 2 meeting Meeker County commissioners awarded a small pavement repair contract to Granite City Paving and approved a resolution to apply for Minnesota Highway Freight Program funds for the Cassaven/Highway 12 intersection; both carried on voice vote.",{"_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},6478684,"Energy Connect representatives outline final PUC route, easement negotiations and construction timing through Meeker County",843,2592390,3435810,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5708535-0b0f7da8ea2a34742df8b234e707890a&start=2592&end=3435","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5708535-0b0f7da8ea2a34742df8b234e707890a/thumbnail_2592390.jpg","/articles/6478684/Meeker-County/Minnesota/Energy-Connect-representatives-outline-final-PUC-route-easement-negotiations-and-construction-timing-through-Meeker-County","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6478684-09a6bd6a3a460816af23f7bd6692cb43/orig.mp4?Expires=1774995033&Signature=ZfQRoH1JugvVW9joHZbcsl86VZJiGcblytV5fcaYBFs5D5OmaCXSlnEOHg9h3YivpjCH3f19f97hgKNJ4d1g2bsnqUKN650C~VaEy4IO9lJmSchoB0bQ4c5NBa0oPZORcuQKVU3BAteg8hyMktB-iyoX9cStpFO~l-q-tIYRvMiZe9edQeUHl7DNNGgWJ8zief7GpSeZchZ87WkPZXe4hdwIiH4Ue70rJqjIG6am~DrYOhzCbcScDSZzawcD-8OOjEGr6RBUbmLkULQ-h73dZNb1Rg4mOb7dM2nAyfJdWz7MyXc83F0jHgbl2lBQyDBK3EsQDuUl9QhwwKfo~MrMig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Scott Johnson, Accel Energy community relations manager, and Andrew Welch, land‑rights agent, presented an update on the Energy Connect (Double Circuit 345 kV) transmission project and took county questions on Sept. 2. Johnson said the PUC process selected the blue route as the preferred, ordered centerline and that the project extends roughly \"175 to 180 miles\" between Garvin (Lyon County) and the Sherco area (Sherburne/Becker). \"The blue route is the route,\" Johnson said, adding that engineering can still adjust the alignment within a 1,000‑foot permitted corridor (a 150‑foot permanent right of way typically centered on the blue line).

Presenters summarized the permitting history: public input and scoping (early 2024), a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and subsequent ALJ findings, a verbal route order in April 2025 and a written route order in June 2025. Johnson said Xcel (Excel/Energy) is now working on engineering, geotechnical surveys and easement acquisition with a contractor (WSB) and expects to start easement acquisition in Meeker County this season. He said early construction is planned to begin in other counties in 2026 and that portions in Meeker County could see activity in 2027 depending on final scheduling.

Johnson and Welch addressed local questions about easement terms, compensation and alternatives. They said easements are negotiated property by property with appraisals and that options such as buying a parcel (“buy the farm”) exist but are rare. Welch said easements will include crop‑damage payments and tile repairs where needed and that landowners retain property ownership; easements grant Excel the right to build, operate and maintain the line.

The presenters described technical details familiar to landowners: single‑pole steel monopole structures (mostly monopoles with some two‑pole assemblies at angles), structure heights that vary with terrain (around 140 feet in many cases), mid‑span clearance engineered at least 35–40 feet above ground and double‑circuited wires on both circuits. They said construction methods will include crane set and a mix of helicopter and ground‑based stringing operations. Presenters said Quanta/MJ (construction contractors) and MJ Electric are the likely primary contractors.

Commissioners asked about local impacts: haul‑road agreements and township coordination, laydown yards (none currently planned in Meeker), effects on broadcasting and EMF concerns (presenters said they would investigate any broadcast concerns), and the location of a proposed Sunflower substation (presenters said a purchase agreement for the substation site is believed to be signed and offered to provide parcel confirmation to county staff). Johnson said Xcel will follow up on outstanding questions and coordinate with the county on haul roads and township notices.

No county approvals were requested at the meeting; the presentation was informational and focused on landowner outreach and easement negotiation.","Xcel/Accel Energy told Meeker County commissioners the Energy Connect double‑circuit 345 kV transmission line has a PUC‑ordered centerline (the “blue” route) through Meeker County, is entering easement acquisition, and anticipates preliminary construction activity near Meeker in 2026–27.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6478689,"LAMP Kinship program gets new coordinator, says county grant and local donations will support growth",981,1133680,2114970,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5708535-0b0f7da8ea2a34742df8b234e707890a&start=1133&end=2114","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5708535-0b0f7da8ea2a34742df8b234e707890a/thumbnail_1133680.jpg","/articles/6478689/Meeker-County/Minnesota/LAMP-Kinship-program-gets-new-coordinator-says-county-grant-and-local-donations-will-support-growth","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6478689-9534f6d5e061895721836c0178147161/orig.mp4?Expires=1774995033&Signature=fjhYxrS0BFsSuBGXOMZcVfIjMAe9Sd9-up5uQDYZB7pNcCrc70Qfd8k7lyUhEbg2aXq4XI7wVFEeWEJpnlmeqXJxnl9rTb-1iBX5TAixE94dJWGF38mF~cU4JYv4dyMHoDYWkz3K5ZJEEgotpp89RZrhRBYyRe6wCEon9O9KTtoJ8uiweMKHMGImxOJDedVojCvsgkzQNae4WBp2Mviab2ut9m1kjJn2lc-DS2GK-ppUAG9IiPr18TUnqOQuhCrZtpCBNUE9VIh6hnbbmLWM~doDblLOf0FkSoLj2E-mHngGNOP~hJl~eKlmyW1Jrz5hIEcl3B9zrVPS-K24hDp5VA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cindy Holstrom, speaking for LAMP Kinship, told the Meeker County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 2 that the volunteer mentoring program has completed a yearlong reorganization and recently hired a program coordinator, Erica Buller. \"We have now just recently hired a program coordinator. Her name is Erica Buller,\" Holstrom said, adding that Buller will work 20 hours per week on program operations while Holstrom focuses on fundraising and awareness.

Holstrom said the county’s annual gift to LAMP remains in the draft county budget at $5,000 and that Meeker Health & Human Services has $10,000 designated in HHS’s budget under a PrimeWest reinvestment line. Tina (Meeker Health and Human Services) confirmed the HHS budget designation and said LAMP aims to serve about 10 children per year through referral partnerships with county social services and schools. \"These dollars are really just meant to support that,\" Tina said.

LAMP described three program components it will expand: one‑to‑one mentor matches (currently eight active matches, nine with the pending assignment), group activities including after‑school programming with 4‑H, and a lunch‑buddy program that operates in multiple schools. Holstrom said mentor matches ask volunteers for a two‑year commitment and about four hours per month.

On fundraising, Holstrom said the group’s annual budget is about $84,000 and it has been working to secure larger operational grants; recent gifts reported to the board include a $3,000 Walmart grant and a $2,500 award to support the lunch‑buddy program. Holstrom asked commissioners to continue to identify donors and community partners as LAMP expands services to Atwater and the Eden Valley–Watkins area.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about referral sources, counts of active matches, program commitments and strategic‑plan visibility on LAMP’s website; Holstrom said the strategic plan is not yet posted but will be when the organization completes a website update.","LAMP Kinship told commissioners it hired a part‑time program coordinator, plans expanded school and after‑school activities, and is relying on county and private grants (including $5,000 from the county budget) to grow mentor matches.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6478693,"Meeker County hospital reports improved finances and details multi‑year building plan",463,151610,615440,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5708535-0b0f7da8ea2a34742df8b234e707890a&start=151&end=615","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5708535-0b0f7da8ea2a34742df8b234e707890a/thumbnail_151610.jpg","/articles/6478693/Meeker-County/Minnesota/Meeker-County-hospital-reports-improved-finances-and-details-multiyear-building-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6478693-29da046be61bcea8c972dcb73e340dca/orig.mp4?Expires=1774995033&Signature=YyqUBzpKikzB9U9ncB8mGFfDfpjnuZ4tdIDqEJz994qAu~nN4xpGomoJli5dguU4bmDK9yG6BVYINmBOjG8XNdng7vbjLQjY-i24WwWx4TcgTtsEXpqe7GmrTSGB2sYBiCiL8AGqB7sFc~3GjObfwaxatZr1K6tt~Iqz6JiKabfBSoGTtVlIr9ITFLaBib1Oeti3Y-gpK9ZN19Rmjht0sbou5T9-qLzL-AfuuIEKwv7OxqroNGTVG9LSBDCTPPL21wrCdZFHJy5DJpuWI4fagOTVUBn0~yFnGbAbynnMrcEYL6P7~pE~LgArHMvIZlDVwoI5suzBrOPvr7Gcqh04JA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tyler (financial chief officer) reported to the Meeker County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 2 that the hospital’s financial position has strengthened over the summer. “Financials have been, stable over the summer. Cash has been stable, steadily increasing actually,” he said, noting a current ratio of 6 and operating days cash on hand of 2.84 (total cash on hand 4.58). He said inpatient, swing‑bed and outpatient revenue lines were outperforming budget while overall expenses were about 2% over budget, with revenues 6% over budget and a year‑to‑date bottom line of $2,900,000 through July.

The board also heard an update on a planned hospital construction and remodel project. Mary Ellen Wells said the hospital has received contractor bids and is reviewing them; final contractor selection and fuller cost figures are not yet complete. She said two financial studies are being completed — an affordability study and a financing study — and drafts are expected at the end of September. If timing holds, the hospital will brief its hospital board in late September, hold public forums in October, ask the county board for approval in October and begin detailed design. Wells said the earliest construction milestones would be remodeling of the lower level this winter and a spring ground‑breaking for the addition, with an approximate two‑year construction window (start January 2026; targeted completion 2028).

Wells and Tyler emphasized staffing and service expansions tied to the project. The hospital said orthopedics services have expanded with St. Cloud Orthopedics providing a shoulder specialist who will visit several times a month, and pharmacy revenues have been “significantly over budget” because of compound and outpatient pharmacy work. Wells said CentraCare has given notice it intends to close its Eden Valley clinic and the hospital is exploring an operational takeover; CentraCare has paused removal of equipment while the parties evaluate a transition.

Commissioners asked about staffing and timelines; hospital staff said staffing has improved statewide and locally but recruitment remains a focus. When a resident asked whether tax dollars would fund the building project, Wells said the project is not using county tax dollars and “we're not using 1 dime. Never have. The hospital has never used any tax dollars.”

The hospital presenters cautioned that the project carries typical construction and financing risks and said final decisions and any county approvals remain pending the affordability and financing studies scheduled next month.","Hospital leaders told Meeker County commissioners the hospital’s cash position has strengthened, several service lines are exceeding budget, and the hospital plans a multi‑year remodel/addition with financing studies due in September.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County facilities director reviews maintenance, recent projects and staffing needs

County awards pavement repairs and authorizes freight‑grant application; both motions pass unanimously

Energy Connect representatives outline final PUC route, easement negotiations and construction timing through Meeker County

LAMP Kinship program gets new coordinator, says county grant and local donations will support growth

Meeker County hospital reports improved finances and details multi‑year building plan