County Engineer Ron Gregg presented four bids for the concrete overlay project on CSAH 1 south of Ostrander and north of Ostrander to CR 39 at the board’s May 28 meeting. He added that approval has been received from the MnDOT Office of Civil Rights.
The board approved the lowest bid from Croell, Inc. in the amount of $3,516,637.47. This bid was just slightly lower than the engineer’s estimate. The bid is locked in for next year, although the project could be done this year. About $2,080,000 of this project will be paid for with federal dollars.
Approval was given to enter into an Airport Maintenance and Operation Grant contract with MnDOT. The ongoing contract allows the acceptance of grant money that comes in for maintenance and operations. The board authorized the county engineer and highway/maintenance airport office manager Pam Schroeder to execute the contract.
The county has scheduled weed spraying on a two year rotation. Spraying county roadway ditches in the north half of the county is planned for this year.
Other business in brief
• A motion to pull the Commissioners’ Warrants was approved unanimously. Chairman Duane Bakke said they were “messed up.” They will need to be corrected for the next board meeting.
• The county has a policy for out-of-state travel for trainings and professional meetings. Out-of-state travel must be approved in advance. The policy is in place to limit out-of-state travel when possible. After some discussion, trainings for new appraisers and land records director were approved with out-of-state travel approved for Roxanne Alden. Commissioner Marc Prestby voted no.
• Lyle Johnson was hired for intermittent bailiff/transport, effective May 29.
The resignation of Jonathan Holger, child support officer, was approved with thanks for 12 years of service, effective no later than July 10.
Requests to advertise for a replacement child support officer and for a support enforcement aide were approved. Human resources officer Kristina Kohn noted reimbursement for a support enforcement aide is 66%. If this position is filled, an office support specialist position will not be filled. Approval was given to have a support enforcement aide position classified by David Drown Associates to place it in the current pay structure.
The advertisement for a replacement office support specialist, sr. was approved. County Coordinator Bobbie Vickerman detailed the expected duties for this position that has been held by Audrey Inglett who will retire July 25.
The Merit System EEO/AA policy was adopted for 2019.
• Director of Nursing Jessica Erickson reviewed information related to topics that will be discussed later this day at the Fillmore-Houston Joint Board of Health.
• An access permit to CR 8 requested by Aaron and Amanda Gillespie, section 7, Carrolton Township for a field drive was approved.
• The closing of a section of Fillmore St. E by the Memorial entrance to the Fairgrounds on Tuesday, July 16 at 6 pm for a Veterans Tribute was approved based on the city of Preston’s approval.
• Due to rain during Trout Days, the gambling permit for the golf tournament and raffle is transferred from May 19 to June 8 for the Preston Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament.
• Sheriff John DeGeorge updated the board on the Memorial Day tornado. There was damage to four different farms, out buildings. There were no injuries reported or livestock loss.