Remodeling construction options for the main floor of the courthouse to house Taxpayer Services offices resulted in a very lengthy discussion at the county board’s March 12 meeting.
Plans involve moving auditor/treasurer employees across the hall to the area now occupied by the assessor. The assessor office employees and zoning and feedlot will move to the area now occupied by the auditor/treasurer. The recorder’s office will stay in the same area. Three options for floor plans, counters, and possible added doors led to questions over space for the public at the counters and security issues.
Sheriff John DeGeorge said it is important to remember there is a licensed police officer in the building for security. Commissioner Mitch Lentz noted significant money has already been spent on security in the building; additional doors to allow only authorized access is an over reaction.
A motion was approved to get quotes for counters. A counter now at the assessor’s office will be removed and replaced to allow more space for the public. More space for the public will reduce office space. Commissioners will consider the cost before approving placement of the counters.
Auditor/Treasurer Heidi Jones insisted three doors equipped with badge readers are necessary to keep data secure. If someone in her office has to leave her desk, checks or data could be left unsecured. Commissioner Randy Dahl maintained information that is required to be open to the public means the public must have access, but doesn’t mean people will not be escorted into that area.
Chairman Duane Bakke was clearly frustrated by the disagreements; three more doors or leave the openings as they are. He suggested they table the issue for today. Bakke insisted we need to trust each other and work together. We are trying to break down the “silos.”
Other business in brief
• County Attorney Brett Corson reviewed the county’s updated abatement policy for property valuation and taxes. Types of abatement include market value reduction changes, classification changes, homestead, and disaster relief. A policy approved in 2015 is being revised. Corson noted some definitions have been added, plus information describing when abatements are appropriate. The formatting changes site current statutes. Added definitions make clearer what constitutes disaster relief, hardship, and market value. The updated policy was approved as presented with the addition of a link to the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
• Anne Detlefsen, women’s shelter, requested and received permission to display an empty shoes memorial in the courthouse beginning the week of March 25. The display honors victims of domestic violence who were murdered. Detlefsen noted there will be a 30-year report coming out in October. March 27 will be Domestic Violence Rally Day at the capital, an effort to make legislators aware of domestic violence and to garner their support.
• County Engineer Ron Gregg asked for and received approval to advertise for a concrete overlay project on CSAH 1 from CSAH 39 to the Mower County line. This will be a federally funded project.
Two bids were received for the 2019 fuel contract. Hovey Oil Co. was the low bid for all locations and received approval for the fuel contracts.
• Social Services Manager Kevin Olson requested and received approval for a proclamation recognizing March as Social Workers Month. The proclamation calls on all citizens to join the National Association of Social Workers in recognition and support of contributions made by social workers.
Olson reported on savings realized by the county because of the claims training provided by Mary Klinhagan, MAK Consulting. The consultant cost the county $4,146.99. However, she showed us things we didn’t know about, which will allow the county to get more revenue going forward. The county has already gained $34,799.47 in revenue it may otherwise not have received, for a net gain of $30,652.48 over the cost of the consultant.
• An upgrade was approved for pneumatic temperature controls for the law enforcement building. Winona Heating & Ventilating, Inc. will do the upgrade costing $10,930. The current controls are failing. The upgrade will allow for remote access.
• The hire of Jordan Heyer, intermittent deputy, was approved effective April 1.
The hire of Karen Apenhorst as a replacement accounting technician in the auditor/treasurer’s office was approved effective April 1.
The hire of Deborah Dunn as a replacement accounting technician in the auditor/treasurer’s office was approved effective no later than April 1.
The hire of Angela Serfling, full-time public health nurse, was approved.
• Approval was given for a driveway access to CR 105 as requested by Jeff Brogle, Section 22, Arendahl Township. The new field driveway will provide access to a new building site (cabin).
Zoning Administrator Cristal Adkins explained MiEnergy Coop has received variances (due to the small size of the parcels) for each of three parcels (substations) owned by the cooperative for 120-foot monopole towers. The substations are located in Arendahl Township (Peterson substation), Fountain Township, and Spring Valley Township. The Planning Commission recommended approval of each of the conditional use permits for each of the telecommunication towers. The board unanimously approved each of the CUPs with one condition; no lights will be placed on the towers.