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Nicollet County reappoints veteran services officer and approves architect contract for HHS building remodel
Summary
The county board reappointed Nathan Tisch to a four-year term as Nicollet County Veterans Services Officer under Minnesota statute and approved a $57,000 architectural services contract for a planned remodel of the St. Peter Health and Human Services building to improve security, private interview spaces and office capacity.
The Nicollet County Board of Commissioners approved two administrative items related to veteran services and a proposed remodel of the St. Peter Health and Human Services (HHS) building.
Veteran services reappointment: The board voted to reappoint Nathan Tisch as Nicollet County Veterans Services Officer to a new four-year term (effective Oct. 31, 2024–Oct. 30, 2028) citing Minnesota Statutes section 197.6 and 197.601 requirements that a county veteran services officer be a Minnesota resident, U.S. citizen and a veteran as defined by statute. County staff noted Tisch was first appointed Oct. 31, 2016 and had met or exceeded performance expectations in annual evaluations. The motion passed on roll call with commissioners voting yes.
HHS building remodel architect contract: The board also approved an architect-services agreement with Ben Vedder Johnson Architects, Inc., using AIA document B132-2019, to design a remodel of the St. Peter Health and Human Services building that includes modifications to the Veterans Services office and public health areas. The project is in the county’s 2025–2029 capital improvement plan and staff estimated the project at $500,000 based on 2024 numbers; the architectural design services cost was cited at $57,000. The remodel aims to address safety and security concerns, add a third office, create a dedicated lobby and a secure exit for Veterans Services, adjust a break room, and provide three multifunctional meeting spaces and seven offices on the second floor, including Federal Tax Information (FTI) considerations. Integrity Group, Inc., is named as the proposed construction manager and construction was described as likely to begin in spring 2025 and last a couple months, with additional agreements to be brought forward after bidding.
Operational impacts and outreach: Staff said employees would be temporarily displaced within the same building during construction and the county would notify veterans and update social media about alternate arrangements; staff also noted possible use of the North Mankato building as part of relocation planning. Board members asked for clarity on staff displacement and whether old tile (sic) or workplace impacts would be handled; staff confirmed internal relocation planning was underway and communications to clients would follow.
Why it matters: Reappointing the veteran services officer ensures continuity for veterans’ benefits counseling and outreach. The facility project is intended to improve privacy, safety and workflow for HHS and Veterans Services staff and clients; staff said the remodel will address FTI concerns for public-health functions.
Next steps: The county will execute the architect agreement, finalize construction manager contracts after bidding and implement relocation and client-notification plans during construction. The board will see additional project agreements for approval following bidding.
