At the May 12 meeting of the county board, Economic Development Authority Director Allison Whalen asked the board for approval to submit a full grant application through its Small Communities Grant Program to the Blandin Foundation.
The grant request is for $100,000 to be used to perform a countywide comprehensive planning process, a county level housing study, and a community engagement effort informed by Community Heart & Soul principles.
The comprehensive planning process should help in the creation of a long-term framework which will aid in future decision making. The housing study will provide updated information and identify opportunities and barriers related to housing. Community engagement is an effort to include the values and priorities of residents across the county.
The EDA is to have three years to use the funds; no county match will be required. The request to write a grant application was approved.
Other Business in Brief
•The title of Assistant Land Use Director was transitioned to Zoning Administrator for Cristal Adkins. This change is due to the recent resignation of Land Use Director Blake Lea. James Lokken, accounting technician, starts on May 18 and will be responsible for GIS. Dallas Dornink, feedlot officer, will include septic inspections in his responsibilities.
•Chris Martin was hired as an engineering technician, effective May 28.
•Finance Director Christy Smith asked the board to approve the reinvestment of a matured CD in the amount of $500,000 with First Southeast Bank for 12 months at 4.15% interest. The reinvestment was approved as recommended.
Smith recommended the reinvestment of additional funds including an additional $500,000 with First Southeast Bank for 12 months at 4.15% and $1.5 million with Moreton Capital Markets to create a bond ladder that goes out 3-5 years. The rate with Moreton Capital Markets will get locked in on the day of investment; the expectation is that the rate will be about 4% or slightly higher. Smith said it will be good to lock in some higher rates now. The board approved the proposed investment plan as recommended by Finance Director Smith.
•County Attorney Brett Corson explained some changes/clarifications have been recommended to Minnesota Counties Computer Cooperative (MnCCC) Joint Powers Agreement and Bylaws. There will be a vote on the agreement and bylaws at a membership meeting on May 19 in Brainerd, Minn. Corson has designated another county that will be his proxy and cast votes on behalf of Fillmore County. The proposed updated agreement and bylaws were approved.
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