Commissioners hear of major step for Enbridge line 3 progress

Commissioner Neal Illies reported on final arguments of attorneys heard by the Public Utilities Commission in Minneapolis on March 15 regarding the Environmental Impact Study  done to determine the future of the Enbridge Line 3 project. 

“The meeting I attended was a Minnesota Public Utilities Commission hearing for the Enbridge Line 3 Final Environmental Impact Study (FEIS). The board, after hearing arguments from the Department of Commerce, Enbridge, and attorneys representing special interest groups unanimously voted the FEIS was adequate. This is a major step in the Enbridge Line 3 replacement project,” Commissioner Illies reported. 

He said this opens the door to get things going and is a positive step toward construction starting in June.  

Long Lake Campgrounds: Commissioner Arlen Syverson brought some issues of misconduct at the Long Lake Campgrounds to the attention of the Commissioners. 

“We have had young people come to the park and misbehave, taking photos of the park attendants, pushing kids off the dock, and messing up the shower rooms,” he said. “I think it's important that we have a list of the 'Park Rules'. We mainly need enforcement and a presence there.” 

The harassment has taken place in the summer  in spite of  “Park Rules”. 

“Have you talked to the Sheriff?” Commissioner Dean Newland asked. 

“I have talked to the Attorney, and he says the rules can be enforced. The Attorney said maybe we have to include Law Enforcement,” Commissioner Syverson answered. 

The misconduct would be considered misdemeanors, or possibly disorderly conduct. 

It was concluded that these issues are the responsibility of Law Enforcement. One problem is that it is over 20 miles from Bagley to reach the park and the offenders are often gone before anyone can arrive. 

With the camping season approaching, it was suggested if the employees can't reach the Sheriff that they should call 911.

The Commissioners' up coming work session will devote some time to these issues, and the Attorney will be asked to attend. 

Environmental Services Director, Dan Hecht brought a resolution from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for a grant application which was applied for jointly by the Clearbrook-Gonvick School and the Bagley Schools under its FY'17 Environmental Assistance Grant. Adoption of the resolution for the application was approved by the Commissioners, with Commissioner Illies abstaining. 

The grant project is to implement a recyclables collection system in all three Clearwater County schools, to include compacting machines for efficient storage and transportation of the mixed recyclables. 

“The grant will involve a modest cash match from the schools and substantial in-kind (meaning staff time for education of faculty and students) from the school and myself,” said Mr. Hecht. 

The majority of the project cost is for equipment and recycling bins, to be covered by the grant dollars if awarded.  

County Auditor Allen Paulson was authorized to pay the submitted invoices of $47,817 for the County Revenue Fund and $3,259 for the Nursing Service Fund. 

Clearwater County Nursing Service received approval to move RN Lauri Beier from a part time to a full time position, and will work more than 1040 hours per year. The CCNS will hire Norma Erickson as a Home Health Aide and School Health Para in a temporary casual position less than 1040 hours.

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