County Coroner resigns; new RN hired; construction bids awarded

By Karen Edelbach

The Clearwater County Board of Commissioners met on April 16, 2019 to cover agenda items from Nursing Service, Engineer, Veterans Service and Auditor Treasurer.

County Auditor Treasurer Allen Paulson said a letter of resignation from the County Coroner has been received, effective the end of May.

“This gives us time to look for someone to take over,” Mr. Paulson said. He said there is another doctor in the area which may be able to take on the responsibilities. 

Director of Nursing Marissa Hetlund received authorization to hire Aaron Spray as a full time Registered Nurse. She will work more than 1040 hours per year at step 4.

Engineer Dan Sauvé awarded bids for the previous week's bid opening in four categories. Those awards are as follows: Grade widen, bridge, and culvert replacement project to Red Lake Builders of Red Lake, Minn. in the amount of $1,929,136. Pavement Markings to Traffic Marking Services of Maple Lake, Minn. in the amount of 60,378. Re-gravel project to Vogt's Dirt Service of Bemidji in the amount of $285,366. Bituminous surfacing to Mark Sand & Gravel of Fergus Falls, Minn. in the amount of $1,580,655.

Bids ran 4-6% higher than last year, Dan said.

“Did you know it would be higher?” Commissioner Mark Larson inquired.

“I knew it would be higher, but it is comparable to what other counties are getting,” Dan responded. “And when we are getting quotes for bids, it is a delay of around three months.”

County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO)/Safety Controls Coordinator Harry Hutchens, III submitted his Quarterly Report to the Commissioners for review. The report showed 323 telephone calls, 28 office visits, 10 home visits, 308 emails, as well as other contacts made with 90 “unique clients” during the quarter from January through March of 2019. 

Commissioner Dean Newland asked for a clarification as to what a “Unique Client” is.

Mr. Hutchens explained that there may be many different types of contact with a particular veteran, and all of those contacts collectively are for one Unique Client. 

“It all centers around that Veteran,” he said.

He attended the Spring Minnesota DVA/CVSO Conference at Walker, Minn. on March 19-21. 

During this quarter, he also facilitated the Clearwater County Safety Committee Meetings for January and March. Safety Guidelines were passed by the Board.

Another matter from the CVSO had to do with concerns from some individual clients, reported to him by a third party who said the individuals wished to remain anonymous. He said he has not been able to resolve their issues as a result, but is very willing work with and to hear their concerns. 

He has taken the matter to the Human Resources Director (HRD), Al Paulson for help in dealing with these situations and stated a genuine commitment to work with the HRD and each client. He believes there should be a chance for hearing them, but also for him to have the opportunity to be heard and make explanation and changes as well. 

A statement of “Client's Rights and Responsibilities” was circulated among the Commissioners and others in attendance.  

“The Board is under strict guidelines. We have confidentiality issues we absolutely have to follow,” stated Commissioner Dean Newland, “including being unable to mention names.” 

A step increase for Jamie Halverson in Human Services was approved. A step increase occurs on the anniversary of the day an individual is hired, it was stated. 

The Auditor-Treasurer was authorized to pay the submitted invoices of $36,046 for the County Revenue Fund and $1,976 for the Nursing Service Fund. 

All Commissioners were present at the meeting: John Nelson, Neal Illies, Dean Newland, Mark Titera, and Mark Larson.