Sanford Rehab to receive $30,000 grant matching funds from County

 

Sandford has reapplied for a grant to assist in moving the rehab services from the clinic to the hospital in Bagley. Rob Belanger, Hospital Administrator, Kris Naig, Rehab Manager, and Stephanie McKnight, Nursing Manager, asked the Clearwater County Board of Commissioners for matching grant funds of  $30,000 at their Oct. 31, 2017 meeting. 

A motion by Commissioner Neal Illies, and seconded by Commissioner Dan Stenseng authorizing up to $30,000 in matching funds on a $60,000 grant was approved by the Board. Commissioner Arlen Syverson opposed the decision, stating that he felt there are other things that need to come first. 

“We want to provide open space for patients with balance challenges, and a living space which includes tub, shower, and kitchen where patients can practice with a walker to assess whether patients are ready to go home,” Sanford staff confirmed. 

“Therapists would be right there at the hospital campus, with providers on site. This is a benefit to patients and families with on-site therapists.”

Commissioner Illies asked if Sanford will pick up any balance expenses, which was answered in the affirmative. 

Commissioner Syverson said he had just finished 10 sessions of therapy at the clinic, where there are big windows. 

“It is a nice, bright cheerful place, and they do a good job there,” he stated.

While windows are a benefit for some activities, Administrator Belanger stated that privacy is a big challenge at the clinic now. By moving away from the clinic they can bring more specialized services to the hospital, and equipment can go back and forth.

Commissioner Stenseng pointed out that this is still a County facility, with a $55,000 investment in our property. 

Four Legged Lake Community: After discussion, Commissioner John Nelson made a motion “to rescind the motion passed on June 20, 2017 approving the resolution regarding Red Lake Watershed District Judicial Ditch 5 Operation.” The new motion also states, “The Board delegates the authority to the Chair with consultation of the County Attorney to pursue legal remedy necessary to enforce this motion.” 

“The Board wants the RLWD to continue to work with the community for a solution, and they should talk to people who live in the area. ,” Commissioner Nelson said. 

(See related article regarding “County Support for Four Legged Lake Ditch Solution”)

Environmental Services Director, Dan Hecht stated that Polk County has requested all five counties in the Solid Waste group appoint alternates to the Polk County Solid Waste Advisory Board. He brought a motion to appoint an alternate. Commissioner from District 3, Neal Illies, agreed to the appointment as an alternate member, effective immediately, which the Board approved. It is an ongoing appointment. 

The reasons stated for this being done are to 1) broaden the depth of knowledge on the County Boards about the integrated solid waste system serving the area; and 2) help ensure that a quorum is present at all meetings of the Advisory Board. 

Director Hecht informed the commissioners of a recent accident in which a canister site maintenance trailer was destroyed, and pickup was likely totalled out. The Board approved the replacement of the destroyed trailer in the amount of $3,428 to be used for solid waste collection site maintenance. He stated the truck might be salvageable.

A motion was passed authorizing the Environmental Services office to proceed with the public notice as part of the process for adoption of an ordinance in accordance with Minn. Stat. Chapter 394, of the draft Clearwater County Buffer Ordinance.

Wild Rice Watershed 'One Watershed, One Plan' project representative Kevin Ruud requested approval of a Resolution of support from Clearwater County to make a planning grant application. The Commissioners approved the Resolution of support.

“This process draws in all regulatory bodies,” Mr. Ruud Minnesota Watershed Districts to develop and implement a watershed management plan; and Minnesota Soil and Water Conservation Districts to develop and implement a comprehensive plan also known as One Watershed, One Plan, within the Wild Rice Watershed...”

They have already received support from SWCDs in Clay, Becker, Norman, East and West Polk Counties. No financial support is required. 

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