Department Heads meet to report on progress and concerns
Wed, 04/21/2021 - 1:51pm
admin
By:
Karen Edelbach
The Clearwater County Board of Commissioners met with Department Heads on April 9.
Department
Head Summaries
Sheriff: Darin Halverson had a discussion with the Human Service Director and Attorney about a new law now in affect. The Attorney said an officer must now articulate why they might use deadly force. Before, an officer was allowed to do his job within what is reasonable within the law. There is a law suit pending to get it stopped for now.
"We are looking at a new set of laws that we don't have in place now. It's all new language from policies that have been in place for 30 years," Sheriff Halverson said.
Human Services: Administrator Jamie Halverson said child protective and vulnerable adults situations are asking for law enforcement to accompany them on visits if there are safety concerns.
Commissioner John Nelson mentioned that the goal was to de-esculate situations by using personnel that are not uniformed in these situations. He was told there are different answers from different sectors. The concern is they never know what they will encounter.
She said the department is discussing State Programs that their office operates.
Attorney: Kati Lorsbach said Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota self-service kiosk is now available to the public in the Law Library.
"Anyone can use it, and it's free of charge."
She said the DWI Court Training will be ready in June or July, and they have resumed trials.
They have been dealing with many calls regarding Senior Scams.
Land Commissioner: "There are lots of park calls, and many new users," Bruce Cox reported in anticipation of summer.
Regarding discussion on land sale/replacement, "There are legislative pieces I'm working on with Senator Utke and Representative Grossell. Since this was written, they have added a $1 million cap on the fund and a 10 year sunset clause," he reported.
He has been in contact with Senator Utke, and it appears that this didn't get a hearing during the current session. It will be discussed this summer, and probably be on the agenda next year.
"Long held lands are beginning to sell," he said.
Commissioner Mark Larson wanted to know if these lands were ever homesteaded?
"Yes, but rocks and trees don't make for good farm land," was the reply. The land is not very fertile."
Environmental Services: Dan Hecht said that there is a program with money available for home owners, who are also low income, with a 50-80% reimbursement for septic system installation.
One hundred twenty five thousand dollars was spent for installation of a waste compactor. Recycling is being done now at Bagley and Clearbrook schools.
"Student Councils are doing the collections. Time was spent teaching them to do the collections," he said. "There has been a 12% drop in solid waste in Clearbrook, and 12-18% in Bagley, which is pretty good drop with covid."
There are recycling bins now instead of garbage containing recyclables. He hopes that there will be more of a drop in solid waste needs, eventually reducing the collection bill.
Recorder: Brenda Knable reported that all drivers license extensions are done as of March 31, 2021. She said the department is "super busy" with documents and remonumentation work.
Maintenance: Derek Loiland said they have the leak fixed in the elevator. Window washing and carpet cleaning are recent work being done. He is ready to make a proposal regarding carpet flooring projects, including elevators, nursing and in court rooms.
"Building and Grounds Committee meetings will be starting again," he said.
Veterans Services: Logan LeClair reported that there were 24 office visits, one home visit, 6 regional visits (mostly in Clearbrook), and 31 other interactions. The DAV had a Meet and Greet recently in Bemidji for updates regarding the VA nursing homes.
Highway: Engineer Dan Sauvé said the pipeline construction will be shut down from April 1st until June 1st due to some permit restrictions, but inspectors may still be on sites.
Auditor-Treasurer: Al Paulson said tax money continues to come in. He has two interviews for the Assessor position scheduled on the 20th.
Nursing Services: Marissa Hetland said they continue to vaccinate, mostly second doses. Most of their source is used up. Vaccination in Clearwater County is not very high.
She reported 18 new cases recently.
All Commissioners were present at the meeting: Mark Larson, Mark Titera, Dean Newland, John Nelson, and Neal Illies.