CSAH 53 & 22 in Oklee to be redone

On February 11, 2020, the Red Lake County Commissioners met with John Dudycha, Anthony Flage, and Ron Weiss present. 

Nick Knott, County Treasurer presented the financial report on the bonds and other savings items. Most are doing very well, but the US Treasury bond interest rate has fallen to 1.48%. 

Knott also asked for permission to purchase 3 new computers due to Windows 7 no longer being supported, which could cause security concerns. Weiss made a motion for the Treasurer's office to spend up to $4,000, seconded by Dudycha. Carried.

Tanya Hanson from the Red Lake County Soil Water Conservation District requesting two shoreland permits to be approved for Enbridge to complete maintenance in the Oklee area. Dudycha made the motion, Weiss seconded, carried.

Eric Hove, County Highway Engineer came with five items  for the board.

First he said that the annual allotment of State Aid is up $200,000. with the balance at $13.2 million. This money is meant to be used for project in the 5 year plan that was approved at a earlier meeting. It is important to show that we are using the funds, Hove said.

The City of Oklee project is scheduled for 2021 on CSAH 53 & 22 (the county roads that go through Oklee). Hove met Monday, February 9th, with the City of Oklee and a six page agreement will be signed about who's responsible for each part of the project. The City of Oklee will have their attorney look over the contract. Hove explained that the County will be responsible for 100% of the road, sidewalk, basic streetlights, and drainage of the road. If Oklee wants fancy lighting, has to replace sewer, or other items, that will be their expense. The lighting will be turned over to the City of Oklee after it is completed and they will be responsible for maintenance of the streetlights.

Hove stated he need an approval for the agreement he just spoke about, the County Attorney has looked it over and the projected cost is expected to be between 1 to 2 million which will come out of the State Aid monies. Dudycha made a motion, Weiss seconded, carried. Hove expects to be opening bids this time next year for the Oklee project.

Next Hove presented to bids for an Engineering Contract for the Oklee Project. The County Roads Committee went through both bids and recommends WSB. They are a Minnesota company based out of the Metro area with offices in Fargo and Brainerd. Once the contract is approved, survey, public outreach, and design can being with the goal of opening bids this time next year.  The contract fee is to not exceed $266,790 and if at any time the county is not satisfied with their work, we have the right to discontinue services. This is also budgeted for and eligible for state aid construction funding. Weiss made a motion, seconded by Dudycha, carried.

The fourth item on Hove's agenda was a proposed 2020 equipment purchase. Hove would like to replace unit #28 (1995 Chevrolet pickup) with a Chevorlet Equinox. Hove has gotten a quote from Thiberts matching the State Bid price and they have offered a trade in value of the 1995 pickup. Final price with taxes and licensing would be $26,485.44. A motion from Weiss was made, Dudycha seconded for the purchase of the Equinox. 

Last on his agenda was the replacement of overhead doors and one opener on the Red Lake Falls shop. The current doors are very old and not well insulated. They received two quotes and the low quote is from Northern Garage Door from Bemidji for $17,820. The new doors will be insulated to R26 and will help reduce heating costs. This project was also included in the budget approved by the board for 2020. A question was asked about warranty. Hove said he didn't know for sure, but if there isn't, he will not award the job and will come back to the board. A motion was made by Dudycha, seconded by Weiss, carried. 

The minutes were approved and the expenditures were looked over an approved. 

Committee reports were given by Wiess - NW Regional Development, Area on Aging, and Correction. 

Dudycha had attended the same meetings are Weiss and had nothing in addition to report, except to have Mary Ann Lambert approved for a board.

Flage reported on his AMC meeting and read a card of thanks from Jean Plante for the watch she received for her 30 years of service.

Meeting was adjourned.