More inspectors for Lake Lomond to deter AIS from 'ever reaching Clearwater River'
Tue, 11/19/2019 - 12:42pm
admin
By:
Karen Edelbach
SWCD Chester Powell and Briel Prokosch, Program Technicians brought an update to the Board regarding the recent designation that Lake Lomond contains Zebra Mussels, an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS).
"We will be increasing the inspection hours on the AIS expenses. Options of some form of decontamination unit cost $20,000, but the maintenance is more than that," stated Chester Powell.
"Another option is for an inline water heating system that is 140 degrees, which is more user friendly. It is for water craft and boats to be washed and decontaminated. We can't require it, but if it is available, many will use it. A catch basin could be set up at the park. There will be budget increases as a result."
Commissioner Neal Illies stated that it is important to work closely with the city.
"We will be going door to door for property owners on (lakeshore) land to notify those with sub pumps on the water. Since the water goes through the city retention pond near Cornerstone, we will add this location to our monitoring, so it (AIS) never makes it to the Clearwater River," Chester stated.
The Soil & Water Conservation District continues to get funding for AIS prevention, containing a $96,000 buffer at present, and receives $98,000 every year.
A Public Hearing for an amendment to the Sewage Treatment System Ordinance was conducted when the Clearwater County Board of Commissioners met on November 12, 2019. Bob Perkinson brought concerns regarding expense caused if one is not in compliance of the new amendment, and Cheryl Charness was concerned with the wording of the amendment.
"The State says Clearwater County has been non-compliant for 20 years," Environmental Services Director, Dan Hecht said.
"My system was legally put in by a licensed professional and was inspected," Mr. Perkinson said. "It would cost $15,000 to upgrade, which is quite an expense." He said his was installed in the 1980's.
"The older they are, the more likely they are non-compliant," Director Hecht said. Even with an inspection one that old would be non-compliant.
Commissioners Neal Illies and Mark Titera wanted to know how to figure out if a system is non-compliant. Director Hecht stated that comes through inspection, often of lake shore property, or property transfers, when requested by the buyer, or bank demands it.
Since Mr. Perkinson's property is intended to stay in the family, there would be no issue with non-compliance since no inspection would be needed, it was stated.
Cheryl Churness took issue with wording indicating a system in non-compliance must be upgraded within 24 months of receipt of non-compliance notice, which might be required if there was a complaint about the system during a family transfer.
A discussion about the 24 month requirement for upgrade, replacement or abandonment took place among the Board members. It was determined that 24 months was inadequate in light of the expense involved. The Commissioners requested that Director Hecht change the term to 48 months, since there was no stipulation of a certain allowance of time by the State. The Amendment to the existing Clearwater County Subsurface Sewage Treatment Ordinance was passed unanimously.
Wetland Conservation Act Resolution was passed by the Board of Commissioners which requires local government units to implement the rules and regulations promulgated by the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) pertaining to wetland draining, filling and excavation. The City of Bagley has passed a resolution delegating the implementation of Minnesota Rules chapter 8420 to Clearwater County.
2019 Demolition Landfill Permit Reissuance: Terracon Consultants, Inc. was approved for a task order dated Nov. 6, 2019 in the estimated amount not to exceed $4,990 for preparation of a hydrogeological work plan as required by the landfill permit reissuance.
Engineer Dan Sauvé received approval for payment of the Clearwater County Highway Department bills as presented in the amount of $58,058.
Commissioner Neal Illies has been in contact with the County Attorney, and also the Engineer regarding a land easement east of Leonard on a railroad grad. David Rongstad and Craig Strandlien were present regarding the direction to be used by ATVs and snowmobiles. They discussed taking down of fences there.
"Most important, is that the original road plan is a 30 foot roadway. We purchased it with project and park money. That holds until that road is reconstructed," the Commissioner said. "The County Attorney says you can't legally block off a trail since it was parks money used. By statute you can't close it off."
Engineer Dan Sauvé said, "I have safety and liability concerns. There is a hazard the way the culvert is set up."
"Our decision must be for the good of the public. For now, we should leave the fences there," he said. "At some time we should hear from MCIT (County insurance). We can't block it off."
The Frontier Precision quote was accepted, authorizing the purchase of a new Trimble satellite GPS survey equipment, to replace the old one purchased in 2008 and controller in the amount of $24,224 with trade in.
A low quote from Todavich Electric was accepted, authorizing them to change lighting fixtures in the truck garage to LED and replace seven exterior light fixtures in the amount of $5,120.
Assessor Jamie Freeman will advertise for a Senior Assessor Clerk, with a pay range starting at step 1 of grade 10 per Bjorklund's job descriptions. The previous clerk has accepted a position with another company.
County Auditor-Treasurer Allen Paulson was authorized to pay the submitted invoices of $201,604 for the County Revenue Fund and $52,493 for the Nursing Service Fund.
Several parcels of land were authorized to be repurchased by Joyce Meyers and Mike Meyers.
All Commissioners were present at the meeting: John Nelson, Neal Illies, Dean Newland, Mark Titera, and Mark Larson.