Minnesota Buffer Program and Pollution Control discussed at County Board meeting

 

The Clearwater County Board of Commissioners met on December 20, their last meeting of 2016, which included discussions about the Minnesota Buffer Program and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency relating to Tiered Aquatic Life Uses. Comment periods are now open on both of these issues. 

Board of Water & Soil Resources: A “Notice of Request for Comment” regarding the Implementation of the Minnesota Buffer Program was received from the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR). BWSR will take comments until Jan. 9, 2017 until 4:30 p.m., which may be submitted via email to www.bwsr.state.mn.us/buffers. 

“There is no funding for Counties to assume responsibility for enforcement at this point,” Nathan Nordlund, District Manager of Soil & Water Conservation District said. “After March 31 it is expected counties will assume the responsibility.”

Commissioner John Nelson said, “We have been advised to not take it on since the mandate is from the State.” 

Nathan responded, “If you assume the responsibility, you can give it up again.”

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency: MPCA intends to adopt rules regarding proposed amendments relating to Tiered Aquatic Life Uses. They state the subject of the rules are the “Waters of the State”. 

A comment period is open until 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 2, 2017. Comments and hearing requests can be directed by email to talurulemaking.pca@state.mn.us.  

The State will be holding hearings n Feb. 16 if 25 or more persons submit a written request. Otherwise the MPCA intends to adopt the rules without a hearing.

“It is up to BWSR to fund wetlands,” Commissioner Dan Stenseng said. “Some districts are shutting down, because there is no money to set aside for new wetlands.” 

Chairman Neal Illies said the new wetlands are for highway projects. 

“They are not going to regulate the ditch system and I'm concerned with that, because everything goes into the streams,” said Chairman Illies. “I think we should comment on it.”

Commissioner Nelson requested that the SWCD contact them to see where it stands, and if the County Board needs to comment to the Soil and Water Board members.

It was also stated by Commissioner Stenseng that the Federal Waters of the U. S. issue has been put on hold and there is an injunction on that.  

Aquatic Invasive Species Plans: Nathan Nordlund, District Manager of Soil & Water Conservation District estimated the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) expenses during 2016 to be $62,738. The AIS Plans for 2016 and 2017 were approved, adapted from the 2015 and 2016 Plans, respectively.

The data access review available on line is to be review by the SWCD. 

“Water craft surveys showed that 50% done this year of incoming water craft from other counties had water or vegetation attached, but not ours this year,” Jason reported. “Most are fairly compliant.”

Commissioner Arlen Syverson asked where invasive species are being detected in northern Minnesota. Cass and Beltrami Counties have officially identified AIS in some lakes, but they are not this area program. 

Lynn Sebek, Realty Specialist for the service, came from Fergus Falls, Minn. with the details for the designation of two wetland easements in Clearwater County by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. One is for 7 acres located in Section 21 of Holst Township. The other is for a parcel containing 8.9 acres located in Section 27 of Eddy Township. The easements protect wetlands while allowing agricultural use. 

The Commissioners  unanimously approved the wetland designations.

County Auditor-Treasurer Allen Paulson opened bids for 2017 publishing from the Farmers Independent newspaper in Bagley, and Richards Publishing of the Leader-Record in Gonvick. The bids went to the newspapers as follows:

First publication of the financial statement summary will be done by Richards Publishing; second publication will be done by Farmers Independent; publication of the County Board proceedings and the two publications of the delinquent taxes list will be done by Richards Publishing. 

Environmental Services Director Dan Hecht brought a cost summary breakdown regarding the solid waste collection site improvement during 2015/2016 at Eddy Town Hall. The project was cost-shared 50/50 between township and county for dumpster site related portion of total cost of total town hall and dumpster site reconstruction. The project is now finished for a total of $4,708.

County Engineer, Dan Sauvé received approval for the Highway Department 2017 Budget; and payment of bills in the amount of $14,351 as presented. Some purchases approved are for a new 2017 Caterpillar skid loader in the amount of $67,200 with trade in; two 2016 John Deer mowers in the amount of $20,118 for both with trades; a 2017 snow plow truck for $62,334 with trade in; dump body, hoist, snow and ice equipment for the truck in the amount of $88,523; and a 2017 GMC Sierra ¾ ton pickup in the amount of $26,928 and $28,671. All of these item will be purchased off the State contract.

The Labor Agreement between Clearwater County and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, AFL-CO, Local Union No. 922 was approved and signed, including salary increases in the amount of 2% for 2016, 2017, and 2018.

The North Country 2017-2020 Joint Powers Agreement between Lake of the Woods, Beltrami, and Clearwater Counties was approved. Continuation of PERA phased retirement for Vicki Hanson, Stephanie Roed, and Merry St. George, all CCNS employees were approved for another year. 

The Board authorized the payment of the submitted invoices of $29,626  from the County Revenue Fund, and $23,231 from Nursing Service, the last bills to be paid for 2016. In addition, many tobacco licenses were approved for businesses with in the county. 

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