Commissioners hear about TZD, Lesard Sams update, establishment of Ballot Boar

 

Lt. Brad Norland from Minnesota State Patrol, MnDOT Engineer Lou Tasa, and Holly Kostrzsewski, TZD Coordinator brought information to the Board of Commissioners meeting on May 10, 2016 about the Toward Zero Death (TZD) program, and their continual efforts to get people from place to place safely. 

“We're tired of having to show up at doors to inform families of a death from a crash,” said Lt. Brad Norland. He emphasized the need to use seat belts, obey the speed limits, do not drink and drive, and avoid texting and other distractions.  

(See the related article about Toward Zero Death.)

Land Commissioner Bruce Cox updated the Board of Commissions as to an amended Lesard Sams proposal to purchase Pot Latch land in Clearwater County. The new language would be for DNR to receive the property instead of  White Earth Tribe, and the County Board must approve the actions. 

Commission Dan Stenseng said he would much rather see the DNR have it instead of the Tribe. 

“Clearwater County does not care who purchases the land as long as  the tax base is not lost, or the State is compensating the County with Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT).” This was emphasized by Commissions Dean Newland and Dan Stenseng.

Bruce Cox said, “This is purely about revenue. PILT is to reduce the burden of cost of services to the taxpayers.” 

Though there was a yes vote, the amended changes will still take time to see if they are approved, and the session is drawing to a close shortly. Another brief letter is being sent to the appropriate legislators to reiterate Clearwater County's stand on this issue. 

County Engineer, Dan Sauvé received approval to hire Leon Wander as an Engineering Technician II at a starting salary of $20.48 per hour. He comes with 13 years of experience in surveying, so is considered well qualified by the engineer. 

The County Engineer and County Board Chair were authorized to execute MnDOT agreement with the State of Minnesota for the County to receive Local Road Improvement Program Bond funding in the amount of $700,000. This will include work from Hwy. 2 to Ebro. 

Lou Tasa, the District State Aid Engineer brought the proposed 2016 and 2017 Construction Program for MnDOT District 2 which includes Clearwater County to inform the Commissioners of upcoming road work and expected detours.

Sheriff Darin Halverson received authorization to purchase furniture at a cost not to exceed $4,800 from the gun permit fund.

The Sheriff is looking into converting a cargo van for the hauling of computers, 30-40 hospice beds annually for Nursing Service, and election equipment. If this is not possible, then the department may spend up to $10,000 for another vehicle for the purpose. 

A resolution to implement the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency's rental rehabilitation deferred loan pilot program in Clearwater County by the Headwaters Regional Development Commission (HRDC) was approved in the amount of $100,000.

Commissioner John Nelson said it is for five counties to divide among them, so it will not mean a lot for the county. It is for the improvement of rental housing units within Clearwater and other counties, and will only provide resources for a small number of units throughout the entire region.

County Auditor-Treasurer Allen Paulson received approval of a resolution to establish a Ballot Board consisting of the Auditor-Treasurer office staff effective for the 2016 Primary and General Elections. He said that with their training, the staff can now take care of the mail-in ballots right away and they are getting more of these. 

Commissioner Dan Sten-seng said this is “early voting”.

The auditor-treasurer received authorization to pay the submitted invoices of $139,607 from the County Revenue Fund, and $14,774 from Nursing Service.

Chairman Illies noted the purchase of spraying chemicals, expenses for the Morey trial, and telephone conversion costs included in the invoices.

Commissioners present at the meeting were Daniel Stenseng, Dean Newland, John Nelson, Neal Illies and Arlen Syverson.