Clearwater water management plan to proceed
Nathan Nordlund, District Manager of Soil and Water Conservation District, SWCD, came to the Clearwater County Board of Commissioners meeting on April 19, 2016. He said the draft copy of the amended 2010-2020 Clearwater Comprehensive Local Water Management Plan was posted for public comment on the SWCD website.
A hearing took place on this date of April 19, but no one showed up for the hearing. He stated there were no comments posted on the website, nor in writing.
Board Chairman Neal Illies reconfirmed there was no one at the hearing, and there were no comments or questions posted, so Mr. Nordlund will continue with the process of the water plans.
He said that things are going well in preparation for the upcoming boating season, with annual training taking place for inspectors.
Commissioner Arlen Syverson asked if any infected lakes have been found.
Mr. Nordlund said, "No, which is good news for us. There were close to 2000 inspections made last year."
"We will also look at lakes we have not done surveys on. Five were done last year. Each costs about $2,000 per lake, and we may do four this year. Time is involved over several days to do the surveys, and samples are taken in 1000s of points in the lakes. Then reports are done."
The money for these surveys comes from the AIS funds.
They have published 2000 new handouts about AIS prevention which will be distributed by the inspectors at the lakes, and Environmental Services, Sheriff Department, Land Department, and DMV.
County Veterans Service Officer Harry Hutchens, III brought his quarterly report to the Board covering the period from January 1 to March 31.
Commissioner Dean Newland asked how many Veterans reside in Clearwater County, and if there are some who receive services in other counties, as well as those from other counties who receive services here. He wondered how they keep track of this.
CVSO Hutchens stated that there were 985 Veterans in Clearwater County according to the last census. He stated that it is basically a Veteran's preference as to where they receive services, and those numbers change.
"The minute they leave active duty they become a Veteran," he said. "People move geographically, or some are snowbirds. We have a lot who come in the office."
The Commissioners asked for a total Veteran count and other current data, which will be researched by CVSO Hutchens.
Land Commissioner Bruce Cox said they have had trouble getting contractors for the last two years. They are in need of gravel application on the forest roads, and have budgeted $100,000 for the project. It is expected to be a summer-long project, he said.
He plans to attend an ATV meeting coming up, and a DNR representative is expected to be there. Commissioner Illies said he attended one in Leonard recently, where at least 50% of those in attendance were Clearwater County residents.
Commissioner Illies brought Legacy Bill information whereas the White Earth Nation is trying to acquire Clearwater County land. Land Commissioner Cox said it has been amended again and he will keep the Board updated about it.
Commissioner Dan Stenseng is attending the Environmental Quality Board regarding the pipelines in St. Paul in order to testify there.
County Engineer, Dan Sauvé brought the results of contract awards for the following county bids: Bituminous Milling, Surfacing & Culvert Replacement to Mark Sand & Gravel Co. of Fergus Falls, Minn. in the amount of $2,441,408; Bridge Replacement to Gladen Construction, Inc. of LaPorte, Minn. in the amount of $357,751; Pavement Markings to AAA Striping Service Co. of St. Michael, Minn. in the amount of $65,432; and Aggregate Crushing and Surfacing to Vogt's Dirt Service of Walker, Minn. in the amount of $207,212.
The Engineer noted that 5,659 gallons of paint will be used for the pavement markings, and there is a one to three year expected life for the markings, depending on traffic.
All bids were approved by the Commissioners. The Board also allowed time and one-half be paid for time over 48 hours to the Assistant Engineer due to staffing difficulties and the necessity to provide inspections on County State Aid Construction projects. This will be effective from May 16, 2016 through completion of the 2016 construction season.
The Engineer is discussing the preservation of the Greenwood Township Historic Bridge with the Lake Itasca Region Pioneer Farmers, and the City of Clearbrook.
Commissioner Dan Stenseng pointed out the expense of upkeep for the next 50 years.
Commissioner Illies said there is liability while they are getting the bridge registered and fixed up.
Environmental Services Director, Dan Hecht wants to find someone to assist at the County Landfill, greeting visitors, showing them where things go, and help unload when needed. It is about 14 hours per week.
He said in the last five years there has been a 50% increase in traffic at the Landfill.
County Auditor Allen Paulson received authorization to pay the submitted invoices of $37,709 for the County Revenue Fund, and $25,232 for the Nursing Service Fund.
Commissioners present at the meeting were Daniel Stenseng, Dean Newland, John Nelson, Neal Illies and Arlen Syverson.