Allison Whalen, CEDA, encouraged commissioners to write a letter of support for a Seed Grant from Community Heart & Soul Initiative at the board’s May 27 meeting.
The EDA is applying for a $10,000 seed grant to start a program to get a perspective from community residents to define those things that they believe matter most for the future of the community. This will be a two-year program costing $20,000. The EDA intends to apply for additional grant funding for the other half of the cost, so there will be no cost to the county.
The program will engage residents from towns throughout the county. An effort will be made to speak with major employers from each of the towns. Commissioner Larry Hindt noted the county is working to update its Comprehensive Plan. Whalen said this will be a way to help gather that information. Commissioner Duane Bakke said towns have their own Comprehensive Plans and this may be just another or repetitive layer. Commissioner Randy Dahl agreed that it may repeat some things, but then, if you quit looking, you are falling behind.
The board endorsed the initiative with a letter of support for the seed grant application.
Other Business in Brief
• At the May 13 board meeting, Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. (LELS) provided a three-year union proposal. A counter proposal was reviewed this day recommended by county administration. County Administrator Bobbie Hillery noted some job descriptions the LELS recommended for grade increases were reviewed by David Drown & Associates. Only the captain position needs to be adjusted. Commissioners agreed a 3% general wage increase for each of the three years would be appropriate, rather than the 3.5% union proposed increase. The county counter proposal will be sent to the union. Negotiations with union officials may continue at the June 17 board meeting.
• A subscription agreement with Standard Ambulatory Portal Service Order Form with Collective Medical Technologies, Inc. (PointClickCare company) was approved. Director of Nursing Jessica Erickson said there is a requirement that there be a notification when a client goes to an emergency room or is in the hospital, so they can provide follow up.
• Approval was granted to draft a resolution to approve the sale of Preston Oil Products (POP) property to the city of Preston through forfeiture for $1. Hillery said the property is ready for sale and this will begin the paperwork to get the state to release the property. The city of Preston has had the state test the property for petroleum leaks.
• The “as is” sale of the Highway Department’s Ford F550 using sealed bids was approved. The county reserves the right to reject all bids.
• The final payment in the amount of $32,896.91 to Minnowa Construction, Inc. for the construction of a three-span bridge on CSAH 29 in Newberg Township was approved. The total value of the work was $657,938.08 (3.1% under contract price).
• Approval was granted to pursue a state grant for the purchase of a front-end loader for the Fillmore County airport. One bid from RDO Equipment Co. in the amount of $289,700 has been received. The majority of the cost (90%) will be funded by the Federal Aviation Administration Airport Infrastructure Grant; 5% is to come from the state and 5% from the county. SEH assisted in the grant application.
• Jason Baldner was hired as a replacement Highway Maintenance specialist (Spring Valley shop), effective June 2.
• Trenton Chiglo was hired as a replacement Highway Maintenance specialist (Chatfield shop), effective June 16.
• The resignation of Alyzabeth Carr, part-time jailer, was accepted, effective May 21 after two months of service.
• An access permit for Amos and Miriam Gingerich for a new field access on CR 19, section 11 of Preston Township was approved.
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