County will follow recommendations by CDC & Public Health for safety regarding Coronavirus
Tue, 03/24/2020 - 3:39pm
admin
By:
Karen Edelbach
The Clearwater County Board of Commissioners met on March 17, 2020.
Coronavirus: Nursing Director Marissa Hetlund, Auditor Allen Paulson, and Attorney Al Rogalla came to discuss the Personnel Committee update and information on the changing status of the Corona virus, and current steps that are recommended by the CDC and Minnesota Department of Health, as well as changes at the Court House and restrictions of services in some departments.
"There are no known cases of the virus north of Stearns County (St. Cloud)," stated Nurse Hetlund as of the time of this meeting date.
"There would still be open court," stated Attorney Rogalla. "We would be limiting some warrants in some cases." He said the Sheriff has the ultimate authority on inmates who stay or go.
"Everything is very fluid, and may change tomorrow," Auditor Paulson said. "We could hold an emergency meeting to close the Court House."
The Veterans Service Office and the Attorney offices are remaining open at this time.
Commissioners Mark Titera and Neal Illies expressed the desire and likelihood that the Drivers License Department would stay open for residents of Clearwater County.
"After a thorough discussion by all present, it is understood that Clearwater County will continue to follow leads and communication by the Public Health Administrator and Emergency Manager on future developments for safety, County operation procedures and dissemination of information to County employees and the Public," states the results of the meeting.
In addition, the Board passed work related guidelines as precautions which include: "If any employee is sick, to stay home. Non-emergency workers that have district enrolled students aged 12 and under can use sick time to care for the students. Keep social distancing and wash hands often."
A motion to accept the changes to the update was made by Commissioner Mark Larson, seconded by Commissioner Mark Titera and passed by the Board.
A press release will be forthcoming through local media.
Land Commissioner Bruce Cox received approval to grant a free one year extension on sales that will expire on April 26, 2020 and October 30, 2020 because of adverse surface conditions due to a wet summer and early snow load in 2019. The Damaged Timber policy will not apply to any of the sales extended due to this action.
County Engineer, Dan Sauvé announced the awarding of construction bids which were opened last week as follows: To award the bid for grade widening and culvert replacement on County Road 2 to R.J. Zavoral Sons Inc. of East Grand Forks, Minn. in the amount of $1,349,138.17; to award the bid for pavement markings to Traffic Marking Services, Inc. of Maple Lake, Minn. in the amount of $125,071.30; and to award the bid for regraveling and surfacing to Vogts Dirt Service of Bemidji in the amount of $199,355.14.
"Regraveling is under $10 per yard, which is lower than last time," the Engineer stated.
Quotes for purchase of a pickup, and equipped snowplows were approved. The Engineer said it takes a year to build the snow plows.
Fahey Auction will be held May 9 for the sale of excess equipment.
County Auditor Allen Paulson reported that revenue from the Casino for the past year amounted to $83,000; this is up from the total of $73,000 the previous year.
A step increase for Jamie Halverson was approved, effective April 1.
The Auditor was authorized to pay the submitted invoices of $46,384 for the County Revenue Fund and $14,000 for the Nursing Service Fund.
Commissioners present at the meeting were Neal Illies, Mark Larson and Mark Titera.