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Meeker County board approves adopt‑a‑highway program, contract acceptances and local permits; selects MetLife for voluntary employee coverage
Summary
The board established an adopt‑a‑highway program, accepted final payments for road safety and seal coat contracts, approved multiple shoreland and mining permits, and authorized MetLife as the county's accident/critical illness/hospital supplemental insurer for 2025–2028; park staff also reported potential DNR funding of about $550,000 toward a new Koronis Regional Park boat landing.
Meeker County commissioners approved several routine and programmatic items during the meeting, including a new adopt‑a‑highway program, final acceptance of road contracts, conditional and interim use permits, and a human resources recommendation on benefits.
Public Works Director Phil Schmaltz proposed starting an adopt‑a‑highway program on county state‑aid highways with roughly two‑mile segments, requiring two cleanups per year for a minimum two‑year commitment and a $100 sign panel fee for participants. The board approved the program by motion and voice vote.
Schmaltz also recommended final acceptance for SP047070017, a Highway Safety Improvement Program pavement‑marking contract performed by CAMCO that was completed under budget; the board approved final acceptance and payment. Commissioners likewise approved final acceptance and payment for the county's 2024 seal coat program after staff recommended final acceptance.
In land use business, Land Use Director Greg Schultz presented and the board approved a conditional use permit for a shoreland landscaping project on Lake Erie (permit number 16461) and a separate shoreland project for Lake Washington (transcript motion referenced '16 42'); the board also approved an interim use permit renewal (application 16468) for limited aggregate mining (Old Anderson site) in Swede Grove Township with conditions and a six‑year renewal term.
Human Resources coordinator Michell Johnson briefed the board on an RFP for voluntary accident/critical illness/hospital supplemental coverage. After reviewing proposals from incumbent and competing carriers, Johnson recommended MetLife for 2025–2028 citing comparable rates and improved claims handling; the board approved the change.
Parks Manager Braden Gereham delivered a department update and noted the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources had offered to contribute roughly $550,000 toward a redesigned Koronis (Kronos) Regional Park boat landing, provided Meeker and Stearns counties oversee the project. Gereham said the DNR would work with the county on design and that the county would consider long‑term maintenance responsibilities before committing to an agreement.
All actions noted above were approved by voice vote where motions were made and seconded. Several commissioners and staff said they expected community interest in adopt‑a‑highway signups, shoreline permits, and the boat landing design as those projects move forward.
