New Assistant County Attorney hired, traffic counters to be installed at county lakes
The Clearwater County Board of Commissioners met on July 14, 2015.
Attorney Richard Mollin introduced Jason Steck to the Commissioners as the candidate he wanted their approval to hire as Assistant County Attorney. Mr. Steck is one of seven candidates interviewed, and has a background and positive recommendation as a Law Clerk for two Minnesota Court of Appeals justices, which Attorney Mollin said fits the criteria which would be very useful in Clearwater County.
The Commissioners approved the hiring of Mr. Steck, effective August 1, at a salary of $28.75 per hour. He plans to live near the Gonvick community.
Kathy Rasch from Soil and Water Conservation District received approval from the Commissioners to purchase six traffic counters at a total cost not to exceed $4,750 using funds from the AIS Prevention Aid State Funding, with motion by Commissioner Neal Illies, seconded by Commissioner Dean Newland.
Commissioner Newland asked how they would count. Ms. Rasch said they may count per day visitors, and also monitor time of day to indicate when the traffic is heaviest.
Commissioner Illies asked if they could be used by other County departments as well, to which Rasch said, "Yes, I would think that would be fine, since they will belong to the County."
Over 170 hours of watercraft inspections were logged between Memorial Day and July 1, most being at Lake Itasca so far.
"Overall the inspections are going well. Most people seem to be receptive to the inspections," she said. "No boats have been found to carry any aquatic invasive species, which would have them turned away."
Commissioner Nelson pointed out that a Clean Water Fund Grant has been awarded to the Clearwater Soil and Water District.
"It is due to the efforts by Kathy Rasch to write an extensive plan," he said. This focuses on water quality, soil health, less tillage and less erosion. It is the first grant given out of this kind from the State of Minnesota.
Ms. Rasch said, "This will give us a good opportunity to interact with the farmers in Clearwater County."
Director of Nursing Marissa Hetlund gave an overview of the 2014 Highlights from the Clearwater County Nursing Service stating the myriad of capacities in which the Nursing Service is involved.
In 2014 there were over 3,200 Skilled Nurse visits and 9,187 Home Health Aide visits to Home Care clients; 4,668 homemaking visits; plus physical, occupational, and speech therapy visits; hospice clients served in various capacities; prenatal clients and newborns receiving visits and services; diabetic screenings, blood pressure checks, foot care, farm safety, and bicycle safety education; Health Fair for Kids in Bagley and Clearbrook; Immunizations and Flu Shots; hearing and vision screenings, and checkups for children and teens; and 30 car seats were distributed in Clearwater County.
In addition, grants provided funding for Disc Golf at the Bagley City Park, community gardens at the fairgrounds, promotions of the Farmers Market, Food Service Training, active recess training for Bagley and Clearbrook-Gonvick Schools, day care providers in the county related to promotion of breast feeding, healthy foods and activities.
A Walk/Bike Challenge was held for county residents to encourage exercise with prizes of Farmers Market coupons for those who completed the program.
Nursing Service received approval to purchase a Coagcheck kit for checking blood sugar at a cost of $1,480-$1,500 for Gonvick.
County Engineer, Dan Sauvé received Board approval to award the Fuel Contract to Bagley Coop, at an estimated total for the year of $135,551, which is seven cents a gallon over their cost. Commissioner Newland made the motion, Commissioner Illies seconded it, and it was passed.
The Commissioners approved the payment of Highway Department bills in the amount of $33,015.
The Commissioners discussed a letter from County Auditor-Treasurer Allen Paulson proposing a two percent increase in the upcoming budget. Commissioner John Nelson requested that it not include an increase for the Commissioners' salaries.
Authorization was given for the County Auditor-Treasurer to pay the submitted invoices of $177,464 for the County Revenue Fund and $36,274 for the Nursing Service Fund.
Board Chairman Dan Stenseng said, "The Courthouse is in need of a new phone system, possibly with all staff on the same system." He said it would likely include Nursing Service, the Highway Department, and Human Services in the future, and be quite a cost savings to the County.
Commissioner Nelson thought it was worth looking into presently as to whether doing it all at once would save money.
Stuart Lien is researching more information about a potential system, and is expected to bring that information at the next Board meeting.
Commissioners present at the meeting were Daniel Stenseng, Dean Newland, John Nelson, Neal Illies and Arlen Syverson.