The Houston County Board of Commissioners approved a slate of routine contracts, personnel actions and program authorizations at its regular meeting.

Airport fencing: County staff reported a single quote from Phillips Outdoor Services for $31,327.89 to install fencing along the west side of hangars to separate county property from adjacent private land. A staff member said the county will seek MnDOT Aeronautics funds to cover 70% of the cost; "the anticipated portion is about 10,000 county money and a little over 20,000 state money," the staff member said. Commissioners discussed FAA/TSA guidance, site constraints that prevent installing a gate across the entrance driveway, and local liability concerns about pets accessing airport areas. The board voted to accept the Phillips Outdoor Services quote.

Paving contract closeout: Staff presented final certified amounts for the County Highway 2 paving project. "The original contract $2,801,601.74; work certified $2,768,214.37," staff reported, and commissioners accepted final contract closeout with Dunn Blacktop.

Childcare variance policy: Public Health staff explained required statute changes after the state reorganized licensing to the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) and proposed extending in‑home childcare variances from three months to five months. Staff said DCYF had approved the five‑month approach; the board approved the policy updates.

Regional contract management: The board authorized the Public Health and Human Services director to sign a two‑year, flat‑cost contract with Olmsted County's contracting division to maintain regional contract templates and statutory references.

Appointment and staffing: The board voted to appoint Brent Parker as Houston County coordinator and HR director effective immediately, with department heads reporting to that coordinator except elected officials. The vote was recorded by roll call. The board also authorized a competitive search to fill a highway department accounting clerk vacancy, amended during the meeting to authorize a full‑time (1.0 FTE) search.

Economic and workforce actions: Commissioners authorized staff to issue an RFP for EDA professional services to continue contracted economic development support starting in January. Brent Parker provided program figures and loan performance data to demonstrate local EDA activity. Separately, the board approved a workforce development agreement to reimburse 75% of a new hire's salary (up to $10,000) for on‑the‑job training, with reporting requirements to the workforce program.

Payments and adjournment: The board approved listed county payments, including a correction for probation coverage from January through June. After routine commissioner reports, the meeting adjourned.

Votes at a glance

- Phillips Outdoor Services fencing quote ($31,327.89): approved (motion made and carried by voice vote).
- Resolution for final acceptance of Dunn Blacktop contract (County Highway 2): approved (motion made and carried by voice vote). Original contract $2,801,601.74; work certified $2,768,214.37.
- Childcare variance policy (statute update and extension from 3 to 5 months): approved (motion made and carried by voice vote).
- Regional contract management agreement with Olmsted County (two‑year contract): approved (motion made and carried by voice vote).
- Appointment: Brent Parker, Houston County coordinator/HR director: approved (motion carried; roll call recorded affirmative votes by district).
- Issue RFP for EDA services (economic development contract): authorized (motion made and carried by voice vote).
- Workforce development on‑the‑job training reimbursement agreement (75% up to $10,000): approved (motion made and carried by voice vote).
- Highway accounting clerk vacancy search: authorized and amended to 1.0 FTE full‑time search (motion made and carried by voice vote).
- County payments: approved (motion made and carried by voice vote).

Several items required or noted follow‑up: staff will submit the MnDOT Aeronautics funding request for fencing, review and finalize the EDA RFP materials for issuance, and proceed with hiring processes under the workforce reimbursement and highway accounting search agreements. A public hearing on a commercial solar ordinance is scheduled in the near term and will be considered separately.