2020 Highway Department Budget approved
Tue, 01/07/2020 - 9:29am
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By:
Karen Edelbach
The Clearwater County Board of Commissioners began on December 31, 2019 with the introduction of guest, Chuck Horsager, a Commissioner from Wadena County who was in the area. After the meeting he said there was more discussion here in Clearwater, which he thinks is good to help the commissioners come to an agreement on issues.
Engineer Dan Sauvé brought the 2020 Highway Department Budget, which was approved in the amount of $3,092,086, much of which comes from the State of Minnesota.
Some of the upcoming 2020 work includes the sidewalks, storm sewers, and resurfacing of Main Street and 1st Avenue in downtown Clearbrook.
"I have been spreading the word that the sidewalks will be wider, and lanes narrower, (similar to Bagley work) because of the American's Disability Act," Commissioner Mark Larson said.
A discussion ensued about why approval of the budget is postponed until so late in the year.
In the past, it was stated, that Dan Stenseng wanted the levy to be passed before the approval of the budget.
"We need to see this ahead of time," said Commissioner Neal Illies. The other commissioners thought that would be beneficial. It is not clear as to how it will be handled in the future.
The engineer said that the County is snow blading several additional townships this winter. They are down by two employees.
Two Mack trucks will be replaced in the coming year due to the expense to maintain them.
Sheriff Darin Halverson was authorized to advertise for a full-time deputy sheriff to fill a vacancy in the office.
Environmental Services Director, Dan Hecht brought roadside and right of way spraying motions for 2020-2021 between Clearwater County and Roy Abraham for noxious weed control. Motions were approved by the Commissioners. There will be a discussion about noxious weeds at a future meeting.
Wetland Easements: Though they do not all agree that wetland easements should be continued in the county, there is a consensus among the commissioners that it should be up to landowners as to whether they wish to have easements on their property. There are objections to the Fish and Wildlife pursuing property owners with high payouts for this, and that the easements are perpetual.
"But it is a huge benefit to these people (receiving the payments)," said Commissioner Dean Newland.
The Commissioners said they may reconsider approval at such time it impacts other property owners with lower land values.
County Auditor-Treasurer Allen Paulson brought motions which were approved by the Board to cancel several warrants, 2020 Tobacco License for Bagley American Legion, Off Sale and Sunday Sale Liquor License for the Alida Country Store.
A motion was approved modifying the Drug Free Workplace policy per the labor attorney suggestions.
Commissioner Dean Newland thanked Chairman John Nelson for serving as chairman in the past year.
Chairman John Nelson thanked the new Commissioners Mark Titera and Mark Larson for their work this year. "You did a good job!"
"Every meeting is a learning experience," Commissioner Mark Titera said.
All Commissioners were present at the meeting: John Nelson, Neal Illies, Dean Newland, Mark Titera, and Mark Larson.