Sheriff John DeGeorge, Emergency Management director Don Kullot, and Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) manager Jon Whitney addressed the county board at their February 27 meeting. They requested approval to purchase the Vesta Next Generation 911 phone system to make the county Next Generation 911 compliant.
The one-time cost for system setup in the amount of $40,283.61 will be paid for out of 911 grant funding. Whitney explained a Motorola hosted system would be best. The consoles will be in two locations and there will be a third mobile unit. A recurring lease monthly fee will be $3,120 over the 60-month contract period. The total five-year contract price is $227,483.61 including the initial one-time fee and monthly lease fees.
Whitney noted 40 Minnesota counties are using this system. Kullot said the current system the county is using is obsolete. Commissioner Mitch Lentz said he supported this solution and its redundancy. The board unanimously approved the Vesta-hosted service portfolio Motorola services agreement using 911 funds contingent on the county attorney’s review of the agreement.
Jail Project Update
Pete Filippi, Contegrity Group, and Bruce Schwartzman, BKV, updated the board on the jail project and explained the reason for change orders. One change order is due to a fire rating issue around the core of the building. The Department of Labor and Industry certifies the building permit. Filippi explained direct communication with the state is not as easy as it once was.
Schwartzman explained during a code review period the issue was the state’s interpretation of where the firewall was needed in the jail. If they could have met with the state earlier, it could have been caught in early plans. The cost in the amount of $294,969.03 for the required change to comply with state safety codes related to the firewall will come out of the contract contingency funds. The change order was approved as presented.
A second change order for added microphones with a cost in the amount of $6,818 was approved. Microphones that record 24/7 will be added in four different areas including the intake area, day room, training room, and the two special management cells.
Filippi noted they are now putting the roof on the new facility. Asbestos abatement in the building being remodeled will require the asbestos to be removed in stages. Approval was given to move ahead with the first stage costing $2,375.
The board approved a builder’s risk insurance policy provided by Hanover for a two-year period at a cost of $22,800. This cost was provided for in the jail budget.
Other Business in Brief
• The board entered into a Local Bridge Replacement Program (LBRP) agreement with MnDOT on a bridge replacement project on CSAH 7 (halfway between CR 5 and CR 8). Two box culverts will be replaced. LBRP funds total $124,503.63 for this project. Matching funds required will be $179,447.62; total project cost is $303,951.25. The agreement was approved. The resolution which is an agreement to the terms was adopted. If the project cost goes over, the county pays the difference and if it is under the estimate, unused funds are returned. Construction will begin in June 2024 and construction is to be substantially completed in November 2024.
• County Engineer Ron Gregg will apply for Highway Safety Improvement Program grant funds (federal funds) to pave the shoulders on CSAH 1, which is estimated to cost $2 million.
• The township annual meeting will be on March 12. Information on the construction schedule for 2024 and township bridges scheduled for 2025 will be available.
• Approval was granted for Brenda Pohlman, Health Educator, for the MRC National Summit Scholarship. She will go to Chicago on May 22-24 for the summit. All costs are fully paid for.
• Jessica Erickson, public health director, asked for and received approval to update CPR equipment at an approximate cost of $5,000. An MRC-STTRONG grant will be used to pay for the equipment.
• A Marco quote for technology equipment for two Public Health conference rooms was approved. Erickson said two grants will cover all of the cost: $7,908 for the small conference room (236) and $17,629 for the larger conference room (235).
• An access permit for Gary and Deanna Nolan to widen an existing driveway for a new building site on CR 22 in section 5, Harmony Township, was approved.
• The retirement of Sharron Sullivan, social worker, effective May 30 after four years of service was approved with thanks.
• The resignation of Nicole Lanz, social worker, effective April 7 after eight years of service was approved with thanks.
• A pay increase for Maddison Henry, Public Health RN, after obtaining certificate from the Minnesota Board of Nursing for Public Health Nurse licensure was approved.
• The presidential primary election canvassing board will meet on March 8 at 10 am. Commissioners Duane Bakke and Randy Dahl will serve on the board.
• The county board meets next on March 5.
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