Rural Hospital Grant accepted to build new ambulance garage
The Clearwater County Board of Commissioners met on April 12, 2016 with all commissioners present.
Seth Tram was present at the Board meeting to accept the Rural Hospital Capital Improvement Grant in the amount of $125,000 and to have plans designed for the construction of an ambulance garage. This will allow for the continued use of the helipad at the hospital. He brought drawings for the location of the proposed garage near the old clinic, but said there are no drawings of the helipad yet to show elevation.
"It is all about what is best for the community and the patients, and it's about time," Mr. Tramm said.
Commissioner Arlen Syverson said he does not want Sanford to be the contractor and wants the Board to see any changes that are to occur regarding this project.
Commissioner John Nelson said only major changes should be brought to the attention of the Board, or there would be too much time involved. He said the problem with government is that it often takes so much time to get anything done.
Commissioner Neal Illies pointed out that they need the helipad up at the hospital to wheel out patients from the Emergency Room.
The motion was passed to accept the grant and authorize the County Auditor-Treasurer to seek bids for the construction of the ambulance garage.
Housing Authority: Commissioner John Nelson updated the other commissioners regarding his meeting with HRDC. He said they are willing to help search through the papers from the Clearwater Housing Authority with their approval.
Letter to Governor: It was agreed that all Clearwater County commissioners names will be included on a letter directed to Governor Mark Dayton addressing the Sandpiper Pipeline delays.
Land Commissioner Bruce Cox received approval to adopt a Resolution of Land Sale in the City of Shevlin for the appraised price of $2,000 plus fees.
Commissioner Cox said they have a potential timber sale coming in the amount of $100,000. He said the market is pretty good.
Sheriff Darin Halverson received Board approval to sign the Software License and Service Agreement with Zuercher and Insight Mapping for the Public Safety Software Suite to replace the current software, pending review by the County Attorney. The total cost of the software and maintenance for three years will not exceed $212,000, which will be paid from the E911 account.
Sheriff Halverson commented that there are no tax dollars which go to pay for this update, but the money comes from the 911 fees that everyone pays on their cell phone and land line accounts. The money is supposed to be used to upgrade 911 services.
County Attorney Richard Mollin received Board approval for consent to enter into the Joint Powers Agreement to look up criminal history. The access will be for the Attorney, Sheriff, and Human Services offices.
Assessor Jamie Freeman came to the Board to request advertising for a full time temporary Assessor Clerk to assist with updating of Vanguard software. However, the Board members encouraged her to seek other solutions in the immediate future in order to offset the possibility that this would turn into a permanent position.
County Engineer, Dan Sauvé and assistant Pat Halloran opened bids and read results for summer projects in the county. There were 12 contractors present to hear the results. The bids will be awarded at the April 19 meeting of the Board.
A Resolution for the Minnesota Township Sign Program (inventory and replacement project) which provides consistent signing of township roads and improves the safety of motorists, was approved by the Commissioners. It was stated that 54% of townships want to participate in this program.
The Engineer will advertise for an Engineering Technician I or II position to replace resigning Megan Metcalf.
He was authorized to award the quote for re-roofing the Highway Dept. Office Building to DL Roofing of Bagley in the amount of $29,690; and to purchase four Foscom Wireless Outdoor Cameras for the Highway Dept. Building and shops in the amount of $1,040. This is for the purpose of security. He received authorization to pay the Highway Department bills in the amount of $58,192.
A resolution was approved stating that the Clearwater Trail Blazers Snowmobile Club is submitting a funding application with Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources Div. Of Trials and Waterways for the snowmobile grant-in-aid program for 2016-2017. The amount the last two years was less because of the lack of snow.
The Board approved appointment of Greg Scherzer to the Clearwater County Extension Committee with the term ending 12/31/2018 and to appoint Noah Shegrud to the committee to fill the remaining open term to end on 12/31/2017.
County Auditor-Treasurer Allen Paulson was given authorization to pay the submitted invoices of $148,124 from the County Revenue Fund, and $24,375 from Nursing Service.
Commissioners present at the meeting were Daniel Stenseng, Dean Newland, John Nelson, Neal Illies and Arlen Syverson.