Virus detected in county computer system

MIS Technical Director, Stuart Lien announced that the County computer system had been infected with a virus detected last week. They are doing what they can to resolve the problem with the help of a protection service. So far, no adverse affects have occurred, because the virus protection is catching it. 

But until the host is found the system is continuing to be reinfected. 

County Engineer, Dan Sauvé said that the bridge over Heir Creek on Hwy. 105 in the northern county has washed out on both sides, the culvert has lifted up, and is in need of replacement. While a culvert, it is considered a bridge, as the legal width of a bridge is 10 feet or more.  

“There are 32 million bridges on the waiting list for replacement or rehabilitation,” said Engineer Sauvé. The estimated cost for replacement is $85,000 and will probably be done this summer, using State Transportation Bond Funds, and some local funds. 

Environmental Services Director, Dan Hecht brought the Annual Report, which is a summary of what the office does. 

“This is a good opportunity for the new board members to become aware of our activities.” He welcomed any questions they may have to become familiar with what their office does, and invited them to stop by the office to see their records, or for him to expand on anything they do. 

He reported that 17 land use permits were processed; 37 septic systems permitted, inspected and records processed; 302 individual Wetlands Conservation Act contacts made; and 35 subdivisions processed.  There was $1,700 in revenue generated from these items. Subdivisions include any splits of property.

“When the Subdivision Controls Ordinance was adopted by the County in 2007, the primary goals regulating subdivisions was intended to achieve were:

1) Prevent the creation of landlocked parcels of land (parcels with no vehicular access) 

2) Reduce the occurrence of trespass conflicts that often occur when small parcels are created (less than 2.5 acres)

3) Coordinate with County and State rules and policies governing access approaches connecting to County and State highways. 

“This ordinance has been very effective in achieving these goals since adoption in 2007 with a modest impact on staff needs in my office, but which we’ve been able to accommodate with existing staff. I should point out also that implementation would not work without the cooperation we receive from the Recorder’s Office, Auditor/Treasurer, Assessor and Highway Department. It’s a group effort,” he said. 

The Demolition Landfill activities were explained, with approximately $45,000 collected in gate fees, sale of scrap metal and commercial/large quantity demo-debris gate fees. 

The report included Solid Waste Collection, Disposal and Recycling, with a 10 year Solid Waste Management Plan updated in 2018. There were 4,504 tons of trash shipped to Fosston from Clearwater County in 2018, a 2.4% increase over 2017. Also, 104 tons of recyclables were collected at drop-offs in Bagley and Clearbrook. 

He reported that the newly installed compactors for recyclables collection at all schools were making positive impacts at their locations. 

County roadsides in the distance of 104 miles of spraying were done in 2018. A gravel pit improvement program is ongoing. 

Chester Powell, Program Technician for Soil and Water Conservation District was on the agenda.

He explained that the Mississippi Headwaters One Watershed–One Plan policy committee meeting was taking place on Jan. 31 from 9 a.m. to noon. 

“This is a chance to hear what other counties in the district think of this, to ask questions, and express concerns,” he said. 

The informal meeting take place at the Bemidji Administration Building. Most of the Commissioners said they intended to attend this important meeting, and were encouraged to attend by the Board Chairman, John Nelson. 

“This is an important meeting,” he added.

Director of Nursing Marissa Hetlund will hire Lisa Syverson as a full time RN and will work more than 1040 hours per year. She has worked in a hospital setting for five years, which Ms. Hetlund said is valuable experience for home care. 

Jill Olson will be hired as a Home Health Aid/Homemaker and will work less than 1040 hours per year. The director will also advertise for an additional full or part time RN position.

A motion was made and passed to authorize the payment of the Capital One credit card bill for the amount of $2,548, that is due Feb. 6. Commissioner Neal Illies reviewed the bill and said much of it was for travel and motel expenses from many departments.

All Commissioners were present at the meeting: John Nelson, Neal Illies, Dean Newland, Mark Titera, and Mark Larson.