County Board approves a warning siren at Long Lake Park; surveyor hired for three more years

 

The Clearwater County Board of Commissioners met on June 12, 2018, with the Land Department, Engineer, Auditor-Treasurer, and the Board of Equalization on the agenda. 

In addition to all Commissioners and Allen Paulson, Gary Eck, from Gonvick, Chris Arnold, and Gary Mathis, Gonvick, and Ray Zajac of Mantador, N.D., a Clearwater County property owner, were in attendance. Gary Eck is running for the District 5 Commissioner seat, and Chris Arnold for the District 1 seat.

Land Commissioner Bruce Cox was approached last winter by Emergency Management Director Neil Dolan with an idea for a warning siren for the County Park (Long Lake Park). 

“This would be used only in an emergency situation,” Commissioner Cox said. “I would prefer that it be activated by the Sheriff's Department. 

Commissioner Dan Stenseng asked how they would get the information about an emergency situation. It would be provided by the weather service, such as tornado warnings, straight line winds or other severe storm warnings. 

“This warning would benefit the Long Lake Park area,” he said. “If it goes off, those in the area should get into a bathroom or structure – any cover they can get to quickly. A red alert is severe weather approaching. It is best to get into a secure place. Also the Sheriff Department might come by the area too.” 

The Commissioners approved the purchase of a Tornado Warning Siren for the County Park from Federal Signal Corporation for $6,500. After details for shipment and installation are worked out, it should be in place some time this summer.

County Engineer Dan Sauvé said the Highway Department Financial Annual Report is completed and available for the review of the Commissioners. The summary statement of 2017 finances which was submitted to the State Aid Office allows the department to obtain the final 10% of their maintenance funds and summary of the Annual Road and Bridge funds. 

The Board approved the payment of the Highway Department bills as presented in the amount of $33,979.    

 They also authorized the Highway Department to purchase a 65 gallon diesel exhaust fluid service tank from RDO Equipment Co. of Ada, Minn. in the amount of $1,269. 

“It is a lot cheaper buying in bulk,” he said. It gives the department more options in both Clearbrook and Bagley.

County Auditor Allen Paulson was authorized to pay the submitted invoices of $194,646 for the County Revenue Fund and $41,072 for the Nursing Service Fund. 

A salary step increase was approved for Marissa Hetland, Nursing Service Director to step 9, range 26 effective May 1, 2018. 

Regarding the County Personnel Policy, due to confusion, new wording will be added, “The 12 month period shall be measured forward from the first date an employee takes FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) leave. The next 12 month period would begin the first time FMLA leave is taken after completion of the prior 12-month period.” 

A motion was approved to renew the “County Surveyor Contract of Robert Murray to provide contracted surveying services of sixteen hours per month at a fee of $13,440 per year on a three year contract. 

A motion accepting Amy Halvorson as the person considered to serve on the Personnel Committee. 

A discussion regarding the Minnesotans for Line 3 Coalition was discussed. They wanted an endorsement from the County which was approved. 

The meeting adjourned in order to conduct the Board of Equalization meeting. (See separate article.) 

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