Fillmore County Public Health staff introduced themselves to the commissioners at the county board’s April 7 meeting.
Public Health Director Jessica Erickson brought over 20 members of her staff to the meeting to have them introduce themselves to the board; they noted their program area and their years of service with the county.
The National Public Health Week Proclamation was approved; April 6-12. Health threats range from infectious disease to natural disasters. The health system is not only focused on treating illness but strives to prevent disease and injury and to promote wellness.
At the March 10 meeting the use of Opioid Settlement Funding was approved as requested by Southeastern Minnesota Emergency Medical Services. This day, the proposal was revised somewhat. The equipment for Wykoff will remain the same including a LUCAS chest compression system and a cardiac monitor defibrillator. For Ostrander the LUCAS chest compression system and cardiac monitor defibrillator will be taken out of the proposal and AED defibrillators will be added. An AED will also be at the county fairgrounds for fair events. The revised proposal was approved as presented.
Brenda Pohlman updated the board on Fillmore County’s Age-Friendly Action Plan and its implementation. A local group concentrates on three areas: transportation, social participation and health services, and community support. There are clinics for dental care, head to toe care, and vision care. Two members of the local group introduced themselves. Pam Nelson, Chatfield, expressed her appreciation for a good working relationship with Fillmore County, adding that the elderly is a growing population. Sue Olinger, Harmony, said, “It is our pleasure and privilege to share our efforts to bring health and happiness to Fillmore County.” Pohlman reported there is a vision clinic coming soon to be held in Harmony.
Other Business in Brief
- Allison Whalen, EDA, asked for approval to send a letter of inquiry to apply for a Blandin Foundation grant. It is a small communities grant and could be used to upgrade the comprehensive plan and for a housing study. No matching funds would be required. If awarded, three years would be allowed to complete the project. The grant focus is on rural Minnesota. Approval was granted as requested.
- Approval was granted for the purchase and installation of I-Band ARMER Radio Amplifier for the courthouse using State Homeland Security Program grant funds. Emergency Manager Jason Harmening said it is needed for the courthouse as ARMER radio connectivity throughout the courthouse is not good. A total of $55,000 in grant funds are available for the project. The grant was accepted. The quote from Berk-tel Communications for the equipment is $44,710, an installation quote from Haakenson Electric, Inc. is $973 for a dedicated circuit, and a quote provided by Winona Heating & Ventilating for roof penetration for the project is not to exceed $1,484.
- An access permit for Paul and Sandy Eiken and Todd Eiken for a new driveway for access to a telecommunications tower on 120th St. (CSAH 28) in section 22 of Newburg Township was approved.
- A resolution was adopted approving an Ordinance Amendment to Section 733 of the Fillmore County Zoning Ordinance as recommended by the Planning Commission. The amendment increases the setback for a telecommunications tower from a residence from 500 feet to 1,000 feet.
- The purchase of a R240 disc mower for the Highway Department was approved at a cost of $11,750 with trade from Preston Equipment Company.
- A resolution was adopted in support of State Bonding dollars for Forestville Bridge and Trail System. This is in support of an application to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources for grant funding to preserve the Historic Forestville Bridge. It supports the house bonding bill which seeks $1,000,000 for the Forestville Bridge project and the house bill which seeks $6,000,000 to extend the Root River Trail from west of Preston to Carimona. Commissioner Mitch Lentz voted against; he was against tying the two projects together.
- Jail Project paybook # 37 was approved; the total amount was $183,148.
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