Language which will become the Fillmore County Court Security Screening Policy was discussed at the board’s August 28 meeting. The policy is being modeled off of Dodge County’s policy.
The policy states “weapons and prohibited items are not allowed in areas designated for court procedures and activities.”
Commissioner Randy Dahl raised questions about the policy. Licensed on duty law enforcement officers and those with official business will be able to bypass the screening. Sheriff Tom Kaase noted that employees that come early (prior to 8 a.m.) or after work hours (4:30 p.m.) will not be screened. Dahl said they should come during established hours. County Coordinator Bobbie Vickerman maintained that a lot of us come in on weekends to finish work.
Screening will be ongoing Monday through Friday during regular county business hours and after hours while the judge remains on the bench.
The policy states, “All persons entering area for court procedures and/or county business where there is a metal detector present will be directed to empty their pockets, remove or identify any and all objects that may be on their person.” “Authorized personnel will be allowed to bypass the screening area by displaying proper credentials…”
Commissioner Duane Bakke insisted the security system is designed to improve security. If court is in session, there should be an officer there all the time. If screening is done most of the time, it is better than before when there was no screening and better than the security that most counties have in the state. Dahl noted everyone will be screened when going to court.
Now the public will only be allowed to enter the building through the main entrance to the lobby. Employees will be able to come in either lobby entrance. No other doors will be used to enter the courthouse.
Judge Matt Opat issued a standing order in a letter dated May 8, 2017. The letter prohibits dangerous weapons within the Fillmore County Courthouse complex. His order does not apply to licensed peace officers or federally-authorized law enforcement agents when in the courthouse on official duty.
Sheriff Kaase received approval for a work contract between STS (Sentence to Serve) and Forestville State Park. The contract is similar to past contracts. He said there is $3,000 available for work to be done this fall.
The board gave approval to sell stripped down sheriff department vehicles (being rotated out) through the Wisconsin auction. Kaase said the auction looked to be the best option for the sale of the vehicles.
The installation of new stools and sinks in the jail has been completed. This is part of the updating and improvements being made to the jail to satisfy state inspectors.
2019 Budgeting
Several proposed budgets were reviewed. Vickerman reported on several budgets under her department and the auditor/treasurer department.
County Engineer Ron Gregg detailed items in the Highway Budget which is divided into four separate accounts. Funds are being set aside for the Chatfield Shop. He reported that approximately $700,000 per year is being raised through the Local Option Sales Tax for local road improvements. Pam Schroeder, highway/airport office manager, reported on the Airport budget. She noted routine maintenance costs are about the same.
Marty Walsh, EDA director, asked for funding in the EDA budget to pay for a housing study (last one published in 2008). The study will cost $20,000. He argued that it is not cost effective for cities to each do an independent study. Some other sources could pay a portion of the cost of a housing study. The county is also looking at having to do an overdue updating of its Comprehensive Plan. The last one was published in 2004. A housing study is a major leg toward a new comprehensive plan. Bakke suggested the comprehensive plan should wait until after the upcoming census.
Vickerman will have a rough levy draft prepared in the next few days. County Program Aid will increase for 2019, up to $777,764. A separate departmental budget will be created for Courthouse Security.
Other business in brief
• Preston tourism director, Gabby Kinneberg requested an appropriation for the Southern Minnesota Tourism Association. Five cents per capita or $1,056.10 is requested from Fillmore County. Thirty-six counties in southern Minnesota provide dollars to invest in the marketing of tourism in the region. Kinneberg said there has been good success with digital marketing. SMTA markets draw visitors from northern Iowa, Minnesota metro area, and South Dakota. Tourism is a $15 billion industry in Minnesota.
• Two bids for the construction of a new Old Barn Bridge in Carrolton Township have been received. The lower bid from ICON Constructors in the amount of $1,145,891.14 was approved. This bid was significantly higher than the engineer’s estimate which was $1,010.648.50.
• Public Health Director Jessica Erickson reported that Kari Schultz received recognition as one of “Minnesota WIC Everyday Heroes.” She is an amazing employee who does a great job for Fillmore County.
The Public Health Documentation System (PH-Doc) Maintenance and Support agreement was approved effective January 2019 through December 2021.
• An appliance recycling contract with Don Doerr (Southern Minnesota Recycling) was approved.
• The updated price list for the Resource Recovery Center for 2019 was approved.
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