Commissioners, SWCD Board members, and assessor take oath

 

The first meeting of the new year for the Clearwater County Board of Commissioners was held on January 3, 2017. There were oaths of office given for three members of the Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) Board, two county commissioners, and the assessor. New meeting dates for the year, work sessions meeting dates, and board and committee appointments were accepted. 

John Gunvalson of Gonvick, who will serve as SWCD Board supervisor for Clearwater County, took the oath of office. Alroy Lewis of Bagley, and Harlan Standlien of Shevlin who has served over 30 years on the SWCD Board, also took the oath of office. They will all serve another four years on the Board. 

Dean Newland and John Nelson who were reelected to serve as Commissioners for Districts 2 and 4 respectively last fall, took the oath of office to serve for another four years. It is significant to note that both have just completed 20 years as commissioners for Clearwater County. 

Jamie Freeman took the oath of office for another four years as Assessor for the County.

All of the oaths of office proclaim the persons will support the Constitution of the United States and of the State of Minnesota, and intend to faithfully and impartially perform the duties of the office they are assuming for Clearwater County. 

Dean Newland was elected to be the Chairman of the Board for 2017, and Dan Stenseng to be the Vice-Chairman by their peers. 

The Leader-Record was designated as the legal paper for 2017. 

Tim Terrell, Exec. Director of Mississippi Headwaters Board (MHB) came to the meeting, saying his purpose was just informational, with no decision making to be done. He talked about the MHB's control of the first 400 miles of the Mississippi River, their mission of respecting those waters. Bold initiatives include adding value and money to north central Minnesota through SWCD grants, Legacy and Federal monies. 

He pointed out that with the concern of Aquatic Invasive Species issues, that the counties are using the program of prevention offered. 

“There are eight county commissioners from eight different counties who are involved,” and support the 'County First – County Last' statement, he said. 

“Making a link between what you plan and what you do; getting the people together; connecting the field office to the planning office are the important issues. You can get grants, but getting people working together, across lines, that is hard to do.” 

He pointed out that Minnesota has a lot more Legacy money than many states. “We can do a lot more studies, (such as) what's swimmable, fishable, and drinkable. What issues cause stresses, then move to regulatory. We want to solve problems before they happen.” 

He pointed out, “Things change, and presidents change over time. Thank you for your help in supporting us, and working together.”

Nathan Nordlund, District Manager, and Nick Phillips of the Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) discussed MPCA regarding Tiered Aquatic Life Uses.

“Things are being discussed regarding biology rather than chemistry,” Nick said. “Some waters have gone from general to higher value, or down to modified value, determining how stressors affect water bodies.” 

Commissioner John Nelson asked for an example of high usage. Nick responded that good habitat for aquatic life and and stable recreational use are some examples. Possibly channels that changed, or trees no longer exist for modified use. 

“There is a wide variety of some recreational streams, which need more protection, and other high value that don't have as much as needed,” Jason said. “Using this system can reclassify, providing some frame work for protection.” 

“Are there any streams we could drink out of here?” asked Commissioner Arlen Syverson. 

Jason and Nick responded, “Most have mercury in them, so it is not a good idea.”   

Land Commissioner Bruce Cox received approval to proceed with hiring Sheldon Murphy as Forest Technician at an annual salary of $34,403.

County Auditor-Treasurer Allen Paulson received authorization to pay the submitted invoices of $137,171 from the County Revenue Fund, and $14,750 from Nursing Service. Neal Illies noted the large expense of $47,000 to Minnesota Computer Corp. Mr. Paulson explained this covers the computer licenses and fees. 

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