County Administrator Bobbie Hillery reviewed the 2022 performance measure results at the board’s June 27 meeting. The county continues to participate in the Minnesota performance measurement program which is intended to help residents and elected officials measure the ability of the county’s programs to produce quality and efficient, cost-effective service. The Minnesota legislature created the Council on Local Results and Innovation in 2010.
Thirteen performance measure results for 2022 were reviewed:
•Reduce the total number of road accidents; the county had one less fatality and 14 less injuries on local roads in 2022 compared to 2021.
•Maintain Pavement Condition Index rating of 72 was achieved.
•Goal of tobacco use among adults to national benchmark was not achieved (national benchmark was 16 % and state was 15%). Fillmore County was at 19%.
•Child support program cost effectiveness goal was $7 collected for every $1 spent. This goal was not achieved in 2022; $4.40 was collected for every $1 spent. However, this was above the state average.
•The percentage goal of low birth weights at birth was reached. The county is at 5% while the national percentage is 8% and the state percentage is 7%.
•The goal to keep the median ratio between 90% and 105% for three types of assessment ratios was achieved (Commercial/Industrial, Ag/Rural Vacant, and Residential classifications).
•The 10-day turnaround time for document recording was met.
•The goal of 100% post-election results was achieved.
•A goal to increase by 5% state and federal dollars brought into the county for veterans was achieved (increased by 17.5%).
•A goal to maintain 85% of veterans receiving services or benefits was achieved.
•The goal for annual library visits of 5000 per 1000 residents was not reached. There were only 3,927 visits per 1000 residents in 2022.
•The goal to keep the debt service levy under 11% was reached. The debt service levy was at 2.26% for 2022.
•The goal to reach a 35% recycling rate at Municipal Solid Waste was not reached. The recycling rate for 2022 was 30%.
A resolution was adopted to participate in the Performance Measures Program for 2024. A resolution setting the goals for 2024 was adopted.
Open meeting law
Minnesota statute 13D.02 permits remote meetings. Remote meetings can be used at any time using interactive technology (video). Members must be able to both hear and see during all discussion, testimony and votes at all board member locations. Any board member using interactive technology will be considered present at the meeting.
Members of the public at regular meeting location can hear and see all discussion and votes. At least one member of the body must be physically present at the regular meeting location. Votes are to be conducted by roll call. Each location of members must be open to the public.
There are also rules in statute for remote meetings during a pandemic or Chapter 12 Emergency.
Hillery said, “We obviously want to meet in person.” The statute was reviewed to make everyone aware. Information about the statute permitting remote meetings has been addressed by MCIT (Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust) and AMC (Association of Minnesota Counties).
Commissioner Mitch Lentz said this is a major change from the state for public meetings and an available option. Commissioner Duane Bakke said, “I disagree with it.”
Other business in brief
•The June 2023-June 2024 DNR Boat and Water Safety Grant contract agreement was approved. Total funds to be used by the sheriff’s office from this grant are $1,021.
•A conditional use permit application by Buell Consulting, Inc. representing Verizon Wireless for a telecommunications tower in Bloomfield Township was approved as recommended by the Planning Commission.
•Zoning Administrator Cristal Adkins asked the board to add a fee to the Fee Schedule for a Solar Farm permit including conditional use permit and land use permit fee. The board set the fee for a Solar Farm permit at $2,000.
•Paybook #1 for the Jail project was approved to construction manager Contegrity Group in the amount of $18,050.
•Jordan Kohnen was hired as a part-time jailer, effective June 28.
•A letter of support was approved for a proposal submitted by Workforce Development, Inc. for a Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Track Grant. The plan is to develop qualified worker-centered infrastructure jobs.
•The county board’s next meeting will be held on July 11.
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