CARES Act funding explained; Northwoods Riders get the go ahead for trail in Clearwater County
Tue, 07/28/2020 - 10:05am
admin
By:
Karen Edelbach
The Clearwater County Board of Commissioners met on July 21, 2020.
Funding for Local Governments: Mary Thompson, Operations Director from the Headwaters Regional Development Commission (HRDC) in Bemidji, explained the funding available for local governments to create a program, identify businesses impacted negatively by the corona virus, and get the resources out to them. This funding is a part of the Federal legislation known as the CARES Act which provided the stimulus checks and paycheck protection program.
The eligible funding is for business assistance over and above that which the county offices or entity would normally have, such as staffing, personal protective items, and overtime. Businesses must document that they have been negatively impacted by the covid. The funds are to help those truly impacted, such as salons, barbers and others who had no way of offsetting the impact.
It is up to Clearwater County to set up the program. Details of the program will be further discussed at a work session in August with Ms. Thompson. If Clearwater County does create a program, the HRDC would help to identify those businesses within the entities who are eligible for funds, and how they can appropriately use the funds. If there was not a loss, businesses may still be eligible for funds to use for some things such as preventative or protective measures. Any money not used must be returned.
Within Clearwater County, cities which are eligible for some funding are Bagley, Clearbrook, and Gonvick. Thirteen townships are also eligible, which are Copley, Dudley, Eddy, Falk, Holst, LaPrairie, Leon, Minerva, Moose Creek, Nora, Pine Lake, Popple, and Shevlin. They must do projections as to how money would be used by the 15th of September, and spend it by the 15th of November.
Eligibility is based on population, which must be 200 or more; dollar amount available is based on a certain amount per person in the county, city or township.
Land Commissioner Bruce Cox introduced members of the Northwoods Riders ATV Club who visited the meeting to explain their plan for a trail into Clearwater County. They are Jay Vold, club president, Travis Hetteen, and Terry Martin. In addition, David Schotzko was present from the Bemidji office of the DNR, which provides the money for Beltrami County to sponsor their club.
The trail would extend four miles into Clearwater County on the railroad grade located north of Shevlin on Centerline Road west to Leonard, and is part of what is known as the Wilton Trail. Class 1 (4-wheelers) and Class 2 (side by sides) ATVs would be allowed on the trail, as well as horses, riders, and walkers April 1 to November 1. Snowmobiles are permitted during the winter months.
"We are trying to maintain the railroad grade by first filling holes, and adding additional gravel," Jay said.
"None of us knew about this until it was done," Commissioner John Nelson reminded them. "Dust is a big problem," he emphasized.
Commissioner Dean Newland mentioned the need for weed control.
"On county roads you get dust," said Travis. "We can put down gravel and add extra at the intersections. Mowing is done for weed control."
DNR representative David Schotzko added that they could put down calcium flouride where needed, stating that it would help with the dust problem. They can also do signing and culvert repair.
"We do maintenance one time a year, with grading. The trail is cleaned two times a year," Travis said. wreckless driving if that were the case," he stated.
"Everybody I know in Beltrami County tries to be courteous, and many will shut off their engines in order to allow horses and riders to pass. Sometimes they get nervous.
"Many people just want to get out in nature and enjoy the day and have conversation. The side by sides have become very popular with the older people for that reason, and especially with the disabled.
"The county (Clearwater) won't have to pay for the maintenance now, as the money comes from registrations of ATVs, and a little from the gas tax," Dave said.
A call back from Ron Potter, President of the Minnesota ATV Association, was also received shedding more light on the subject of speed limits on ATV trails.
"The statutes state that there are no speed limits on the trails, however, the owner of the property (in this case Clearwater County) could require speed limits to be posted," Mr. Potter stated. "The law also says that ATVs must abide by the posted speed limits on Township and County roads and right of ways."
County Engineer, Dan Sauvé received approval to award the bid for the fuel supply for county vehicles to My Store of Bagley per their proposal.
County Auditor Allen Paulson was authorized to pay the submitted invoices of $128,997 for the County Revenue Fund and $29,201 for the Nursing Service Fund.
Commissioners accepted the bid from Wagner Plumbing & Heating to move the air conditioner in the computer room. The amount of $3,204 is to be paid from the Building & Grounds fund.
All Commissioners were present at the meeting: Neal Illies, Mark Larson, Dean Newland, John Nelson, and Mark Titera.
"The club receives funds every year from us, and they have done a very nice job - it takes a lot of time," David said. No vehicles would be allowed on the trails.
"We would pay to put up the sign," David said. Signs would be to indicate vehicles are not allowed on the trail.
"Who would take care of enforcement of no vehicles?" Commissioner Nelson asked.
"Conservation officers can do a lot for enforcement action to control it," he added.
After confirmation that all landowners affected by the trail had been notified, a motion to give the authorization for the trail was made by Commissioner Mark Titera, and seconded by Commissioner Newland. It was passed with no opposing votes.
The club members indicated that use of the trail would be a better location for speeding ATVs than in front of homes where they had previously been traveling. Concerns about speed had been an issue brought up at the previous meeting also.
This journalist then asked the club president Jay Vold, "What is the speed limit on the trails for ATVs?"
"There is no speed limit," was his reply.
To verify that statement, this journalist contacted David Schotzke from the DNR for a phone interview on the subject, asking that same question.
"That is correct, there are no speed limits for ATVs. But there is a speed limit of 50 mph for snowmobiles," he replied. "But ATV operators could be cited for wreckless driving if that were the case," he stated.
"Everybody I know in Beltrami County tries to be courteous, and many will shut off their engines in order to allow horses and riders to pass. Sometimes they get nervous.
"Many people just want to get out in nature and enjoy the day and have conversation. The side by sides have become very popular with the older people for that reason, and especially with the disabled.
"The county (Clearwater) won't have to pay for the maintenance now, as the money comes from registrations of ATVs, and a little from the gas tax," Dave said.
A call back from Ron Potter, President of the Minnesota ATV Association, was also received shedding more light on the subject of speed limits on ATV trails.
"The statutes state that there are no speed limits on the trails, however, the owner of the property (in this case Clearwater County) could require speed limits to be posted," Mr. Potter stated. "The law also says that ATVs must abide by the posted speed limits on Township and County roads and right of ways."
County Engineer, Dan Sauvé received approval to award the bid for the fuel supply for county vehicles to My Store of Bagley per their proposal.
County Auditor Allen Paulson was authorized to pay the submitted invoices of $128,997 for the County Revenue Fund and $29,201 for the Nursing Service Fund.
Commissioners accepted the bid from Wagner Plumbing & Heating to move the air conditioner in the computer room. The amount of $3,204 is to be paid from the Building & Grounds fund.
All Commissioners were present at the meeting: Neal Illies, Mark Larson, Dean Newland, John Nelson, and Mark Titera.