Clearwater County Long Lost Lake Campground receives improvements
The Clearwater County Board of Commissioners met on December 1, 2015, with Sheriff Darin Halverson requesting authorization from the Board to advertise for a Sentence to Serve Crew Leader due to the resignation of crew leader Brett Nordquist, who is transferring to a different department. Commissioner Dean Newland made the motion, which was seconded by Commissioner John Nelson and approved.
Sheriff Halverson indicated he would plan to advertise in house for the first seven days before extending the advertising outside.
Other motions from the Sheriff were to promote Aaron Jenson to full-time permanent Communications Correction Officer to fill a vacancy, effective Nov. 22; and allow two employees in the department to exceed 1,040 hours, effective Dec. 1, 2015. All motions were unanimously approved by the Board.
Land Commissioner Bruce Cox brought the 2016 Timber Stumpage Base Rates. The rates had not been addressed since 2014, and there is no significant change, he said. The rates published will be the rates paid. A motion was made, seconded and passed by the Board to adopt the 2016 rates.
A motion to accept the 2017 Campground rates for Long Lost Lake Campground was made by Commissioner Neal Illies and seconded by Commissioner Arlen Syverson. It was passed, reflecting an increase of $1 per night per site.
Long Lake Park Manager, Kim Christenson, said, "We have had a good year, with a better turnout this year, and greater sales in the store at the campground. I researched other campgrounds in a 100 mile radius, to compare our rates, which will increase slightly in 2017 after remaining the same for two years.
"We made several improvements this year. We bought a new fishing/row boat, which has been very popular for rental; we upgraded the pier; and we replaced the launching platform at the access to the lake."
Ms. Christenson said she has upgraded the park brochure explaining the campground rules, highlighting in yellow pertinent items. This has resulted in less confusion, and less necessity of refunds needing to be done in the past.
"For 2016 the rates and dumping fees remain the same," she said. "Starting in January of 2017, we will be getting rid of the dumping fee for registered campers, and they will be able to use the sewer dump for free."
Ms. Christenson replaced Ann Persons two years ago as Long Lake Campground Manager, and has worked for the Land Department for five years. A further report is expected for the Commissioners in the future.
Environmental Services Director, Dan Hecht received Board approval that the Demolition Landfill Facility to be closed Dec. 24, Christmas Eve.
County Engineer, Dan Sauvé received Board authorization to pay the Highway Department bills in the amount of $25,318.
Sauvé brought information about what it would mean to Clearwater County if a sales tax on auto parts was passed. For 2015, Clearwater County's portion would be $266,780, and in 2019 it would be $444,634. He said a tax increase in 2015 is unlikely.
Authorization was given for the County Auditor-Treasurer to pay the submitted invoices of $49,307 from the County Revenue Fund, and $5,657 from Nursing Service. Approval by the Board was given for application for the 2016 Off Sale Beer License for Linda Knutson's Store.
Commissioners present at the meeting were Daniel Stenseng, Dean Newland, John Nelson, Neal Illies and Arlen Syverson.
Event: Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) met in St. Cloud Dec. 6-8. County Commissioners John Nelson, Neal Illies and Daniel Stenseng, and County Engineer Dan Sauvé planned to attend.