At the June 13 meeting of the county board, the process of reviewing and updating county policies continued. Human resources officer Kristina Kohn reviewed changes suggested for each of the policies being discussed this day.
The Compensation policy was given its second reading with final approval of the changes. The first reading of the proposed updates to the Family and Medical Leave and General Provisions policies were made. Both only had minor changes.
Kohn suggested the Personal Appliance policy (includes items like personal heaters, fans, and coffee makers) should be simplified and condensed. She noted many items prohibited are being used by employees. The purpose of many of the appliance restrictions is to ensure that they are safe and have a three prong plug. The policy will be brought back for the first reading with simplified language.
The first reading of the Employment policy was reviewed. There seemed to be a consensus that only one commissioner need be on the hiring committee for most positions. The whole board will interview candidates for department head positions.
At the last meeting, candidates for the social services manager position were interviewed by the full board. Kevin Olson was approved this day to be hired as the replacement social services manager effective July 3.
Buffer Law jurisdiction
County Attorney Bret Corson described the language in a resolution regarding the Buffer Law. The resolution was adopted. The county will accept jurisdiction over the Buffer Law and its enforcement. The county accepts authority and administrative responsibility to implement the law and it will be responsible for corrective actions on a parcel basis to ensure compliance. Commissioner Duane Bakke said the funding is still there. He added this does not include “other waters.” Bakke expressed his concern that other waters will become protected waters which are required to be buffered. “Other waters,” which are mostly up in agricultural fields, are not part of the resolution which passed this day.
Anne Koliha, SWCD, said there could be a list of items that could be designated as other waters. Chairman Randy Dahl insisted most farmers are trying to do their best already to do everything right. There is a small number that won’t try to mitigate erosion. He questioned whether you should do something because of that minority that affects the majority that is already doing a good job.
Commissioner Mitch Lentz said the maps the SWCD provided which identify about another 100 miles of “other waters” are often identifying dry runs. He said he didn’t understand the value of identifying them on a map. Commissioner Gary Peterson asked if we are looking far enough ahead on this issue.
Other business in brief
• A Regional Administrative Agency Cooperative Agreement for Fraud Prevention Investigation Program with Wabasha County was approved from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2019. Sheriff Tom Kaase said the total grant for the program is $90,000. Five counties including Goodhue, Winona, Houston, Wabasha, and Fillmore are included in the program. Each county is required to pay $1,500 per year to help cover the cost of a vehicle. The $1,500 charge to each county is new this year and was not required in the past agreement.
• Approval was given for a Hangar Lease agreement on Parcel 1 at the Fillmore County Airport with the Fillmore County Flying Club.
• A resolution was approved to sponsor the Bluff Valley Riders, Mabel-Canton Trail Busters, Hiawatha I and II and Tri-County Trailblazers snowmobile clubs for 2017-2018. Fillmore County enters into an agreement with the Minnesota DNR for financial and technical assistance to maintain these public snowmobile trails.
• An access permit was approved for Robert and Mary Chasse to construct a new driveway access to County Road 117, Section 33, Fountain Township. The couple has a permit for a cabin on the property where there are no other buildings.
• A Communications Antenna License with the state of Minnesota benefiting the DNR (region 3) was discussed. This would be a renewal of the license. In the last term of the license, $1,300 was paid annually for space on the tower. Commissioner Marc Prestby suggested there be an increase in the fee. It was decided to offer renewal of the license for a $1,500 annual fee.