Humboldt County supervisors opened their regular session by approving the meeting agenda and the Nov. 8 minutes by voice votes.

The board handled a set of routine financial actions. A claims motion to approve county payments was made and carried after members discussed verifying one item with the sheriff. Ben, a county staff member, presented progress Voucher No. 1 for a bridge replacement on Iowa Avenue; he said the project is complete but staff are awaiting certification tickets for riprap and pipe before final documentation. The board voted to accept the voucher. The board also approved change order No. 2 for project SQBG swap 601 — Ben said Blacktop Service milled a consistent 5-inch depth for a lump-sum $2,500 paid from Farm-to-Market funds — and then approved Voucher No. 3 that covers that change order and hot-mix asphalt line items.

The board granted an application from Marceau and Dodd to work in the county right-of-way to add tiling near an old church on Texas Avenue; applicants must accept responsibility for damages and call locates. Supervisors also renewed a Class C retail alcohol license for River Valley Poultry (wine sales) after staff confirmed no violations in the record.

On personnel business, the board appointed Nicole Niemeier to succeed Diane as county recorder. The appointment is to take effect Jan. 1 (the retiring recorder will assist in a transition), the term to run through Dec. 31, and the motion passed unanimously after a roll-call confirmation.

Board members also discussed ongoing intercounty contracts for well and septic permitting, noting the county currently receives a flat fee under the agreement with a neighboring county and that the contract will be eligible for amendment at its next renewal.

The meeting recessed for a work session and later returned.

Next steps: routine vouchers and the recorder appointment will proceed according to the timelines discussed by staff; staff will follow up to obtain outstanding certification tickets and to inspect a roadside dumping site reported during the meeting.