At the December 11 County Board meeting, commissioners reviewed a list of 2019 legislative priorities. At their upcoming December 18 meeting, Rep. Greg Davids and Senator Jeremy Miller will be present to hear the county’s legislative preferences.
Commissioner Duane Bakke noted the priority list document grows year to year. He suggested that next year there be more discussion at the department head level on what should be prioritized. Some of the priorities listed, for example, language supporting increased Natural Resources Block Grant funding was never discussed locally. He wasn’t sure if he agreed with it. He also questioned language on the expansion of veterans courts statewide; Veteran’s Defense Project Initiative.
Commissioner Randy Dahl said we are doing a good job here (veterans court); do we want to pay for somewhere else? He suggested they emphasize road and bridge funding and reimbursement for mandated social services.
Bakke also suggested there should be a modification of the 60 day rule, requiring consideration for a conditional use permit by the county after a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) environmental review. He used the Catalpa situation as an example. Newburg Township currently has a one year moratorium on new feedlots over 500 animal units. Bakke believes the rule should be waived during the moratorium. We shouldn’t be forced to issue a CUP when there may be other outcomes.
Many of the priorities listed involve state funding. The funding of County Program Aid, rural broadband development, and local bridge bonding are requested. A request is made for long term funding for implementation of the Root River One Watershed, One Plan which is complete and has been approved by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR).
Additional funding is requested to support social services eligibility technology and for an expansion of access to mental health services. Also, maintain and restore local public health funding.
An increased reimbursement for mandated law enforcement training is requested. Provide additional funding directed to the local level to enforce subsurface treatment system per MPCA rules. Support adequate funding for staffing of the new veterans home.
These requests represent only some of the legislative priorities listed.
DNR land acquisition
A resolution of support was sought by the Nature Conservancy and the Minnesota DNR for the purchase of 2.75 acres and a donation of 24.75 acres owned by Greg Jenson, Preble Township. The Jenson building site will be added to the Choice Wildlife Management Area (WMA). It will become public land open to hunting, fishing, hiking, and other low impact activities.
The Nature Conservancy will be using funds mostly from the Outdoor Heritage Fund.
Don Ramsden, DNR, said Preble Township has no problem with the 27.5 acres going to the DNR. Commissioner Marc Prestby asked about the cabin on the property. Ramsden said it will be removed along with the well and septic system. Prestby commented that this is a good property for the DNR to acquire.
It was noted that the DNR will make payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILT) estimated to be $2,192 on the property. The 2018 property tax on the property was $1,808.
A resolution supporting the purchase was adopted. Chairman Mitch Lentz voted no.
Other business in brief
• County Coordinator Bobbie Vickerman reviewed the structure of the land records, recorder, and auditor/treasurer and suggested staffing adjustments recommended by the Personnel Committee. The structure and staffing changes were approved as presented.
• The 2019 regular appropriation in the amount of $215,000 to SWCD and an additional $2,000 as local match for a grant for buffer law compliance activities was approved.
Bakke reported that Donna Rasmussen, SWCD district administrator, was named 2018 Employee of the Year at a state meeting. He suggested they send a letter of congratulations.
•The county entered into a cooperative agreement with the Third Judicial District Court for courtroom improvements. Twenty-thousand dollars will be allocated from the county’s 2019 budget.
• After some discussion a request by Heidi Jones, auditor/treasurer elect, for an unpaid leave of absence from her current position as finance officer while she serves as elected A/T was approved. State statute allows a person elected into another position to request a leave of absence to preserve a similar position of like seniority.
• County Recorder David Kiehne submitted a letter reviewing his responsibilities. He added that 4,100 documents have been recorded in 2018 as of December 1. There have been 96 parcel splits. His office also does abstracting.
He submitted his salary request for 2019; $72,500.
• County Attorney Brett Corson also submitted a letter detailing his experience and the responsibilities of his office. He requested a salary for 2019 in the amount of $118,000 based on extensive experience and legal duties and responsibilities.
• Continued intermittent employment for Char Meiners to assist with training and staffing, to be coordinated by Vickerman, was approved as needed. Payment not to exceed $5,000.
• A contract with Minnesota for 2019/2020 Minnesota Comprehensive Adult Mental Health Act in the amount of $103,572 was approved. These are all grant funds.
A proposal to increase the Mobile Crisis Grant for 2019/2020 to supplement the decrease in grant funding from the state was approved.
• Jessica Erickson, director of nursing, requested and received approval for telecommunting status for Michele Gatzke, RN, for two days per week. No additional equipment will be needed. She will be the first public health employee to telecommute.