North Country ATV Club seeks approval to form routes in Clearwater County, ARMER tower discussed by Board

Commissioner Dean Newland wanted to know what their plan is.

“The goal is to get members over here, so people know what we’re doing. We keep trails and driveways clean, and want to keep homeowners happy,” Schummer said.

It was stated that safety is a main concern. They would receive grants from the state and Polaris Industries.

“We work with the foresters and DNR, who say where to go, which is on county and state lands usually. We don’t do anything unless it is okayed by the foresters and DNR, and they map out trails for us,” he added.

“By doing this,” he said, “we can keep people off of roads and try to keep them on trails.” (Now there is much riding on dirt roads in Clearwater County.)

Vold said they have 160 members in their club at this time. They want to connect Beltrami and Hubbard with Clearwater County.

Joe Mayer explained that the primary goal is to tie in existing trails so riders can access the Buckboard Hills on the south end of Clearwater County. There is also a railroad grade heading into Leonard from Beltrami County. Mayer said eventually they would like to be able to link the northern and southern routes.

Mayer said the idea is “just getting off the ground.”

Commissioner Newland said this is a controversial idea, and thinks there would be more against it. 

Board Chairman Neal Illies thought it could bring patronage into our establishments in the county. 

Commissioner Dan Stenseng said they would need a sponsor, must be organized with bylaws, and have insurance. Schummer confirmed they have insurance. Further discussion is expected at a future meeting.

Greenwood Twp. Tower: The Commissioners discussed the proposed tower in Greenwood Twp. north of Clearbrook, west of Hwys. 5 and 7. This tower would be for the transmitting of ARMER, the new radio system the state is using.

Director of Nursing Marissa Hetland brought a motion to delegate the Clearwater County Nursing Service (CCNS) Director to administer the CCNS quality improvement programs for home care and hospice, which was approved by the commissioners. A services list and organization chart was provided to the board members, which she said had no changes from last year.

A request for approval for phased retirement option for CCNS employee Vicki Hanson starting March 1, 2016, was passed by the Board.

County Engineer Dan Sauve` received authorization to pay the Highway Department bills in the amount of $109,994.

Motions to authorize the County Highway Department to advertise projects for milling, bituminous surfacing, and culvert replacement; Minerva Township bridge replacements on 230th and 240th Street; pavement markings; aggregate surfacing; and supply fuel in Bagley were all approved.

Commissioners authorized the County Highway Department to purchase crack sealing material off the state contract and rent associated placement equipment, with the goal of saving some money.

“We will buy a semi load and the Highway Department will put it down on our own,” said Sauve`. 

Chairman Neal Illies asked what kind of savings there would be.

Sauve replied, “I don’t know yet. The biggest savings is keeping the crew busy. It takes a big crew, and spring is the only time to do it.”

Commissioner John Nelson requested that Highway Department employees use safety precautions in where they park. 

The Commissioners authorized the Highway Department to purchase RoadEng with license in the amount of $4,525 from Softree in North Vancouver, B.C.

Deputy Ryan Solee brought a motion from the Sheriff’s Department that a salary increase be approved for Sheriff Darin Halverson. The annual salary of $72,821 was approved, effective Jan. 1, 2016. 

Commissioners authorized the County Sheriff to promote Rodney Felt to full-time permanent correctional officer to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Aaron Jenson, effective Feb. 1.

County Auditor-Treasurer Allen Paulson received authorization to pay the submitted invoices of $144,355 from the County Revenue Fund, and $74,511 from Nursing Service.

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

Commissioner Dan Stenseng as well as other commissioners will be attending the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) Legislative Conference March 9-10 in St. Paul. Commissioner John Nelson said they meet with a legislator groups, then with individual legislators.