LWV Observer - Georgiana Campbell
All commissioners were present.
The meeting began when Mary Ho and Mark Shaw, representing Public Health and Social Services, presented a resolution which would establish October as Domestic Violence Month in Rice County. This resolution focuses attention on those who are abused and promotes support for shelters and programs that serve them. HOPE Center provides services for individuals needing them. In the past year 400 adults and 175 children in Rice County have been the victims of domestic violence. The resolution noted that safe, affordable housing and support services are essential in the efforts to prevent domestic violence prevention.
Attorney's Office - G. Paul Beaumaster - The County Attorney presented for ratification the contract of the Minnesota Counties Computer Cooperative (MCCC) with Docutech for maintenance and support of MCAPS software which is owned and used by the County Attorneys User Group. This contract with Docutech was approved by the commissioners,
Sheriff's Office - Richard Cook - Sheriff Cook received a new radar from the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety, delivered by a representative of that office, This new, high tech radar device was given to Rice County as a reward for being involved in the "Click it or Ticket" campaign which promoted seatbelt use. The radar device retails at $3,995 and is extremely effective in detecting speeding cars. As the officers stated: "It's equipment that will save lives."
Auditor/Treasurer - Fran Windschitl reported on the cash and pooled investments of Rice County for the period ending Sept. 30, 2008. The report also included useful charts showing the County's "Budgeted Department Summary" as of Sept. 30, 2008. This was detailed and useful information, which the commissioners and observers appreciate receiving.
Administration - Gary Weiers reminded us that there were still some 2009 Budget Presentations to be considered. Jim Haas talked about community corrections. County Attorney Paul Beaumaster talked about 2009 finances in his area, and Dennis Luebbe talked about his department's proposed 2009 budget. Luebbe began his remarks with the statement that "The Department will survive the 2009 current budgetary challenges " and continued by pointing out that some maintenance and operational services to the public "will be negatively affected." For example, Luebbe explained these as leading to the result that those present should now have a realistic expectation of what will happen with maintenance, operations, and construction. Planning studies, such as the ones for the CSAH 20/TH 3 intersection and for the CSAH 1/TH 246 intersection will not take place as funds are not available.
A commissioner's request by Commissioner Brown dealt with a discussion of signage in rural areas of Lonsdale. Because the house number signs along roads are often faded or the signs are turned so that they are hard to read, emergency responders ( fire departments, ambulance services, and law enforcement) are delayed. Lonsdale and other municipalities have brought this concern to their county representatives. The commissioners voted to establish a task force to be formed by representatives of concerned township and town areas. These individuals would plan appropriate action.
Selco (Library) Board - SELCO requested a second individual from this area to serve on their board , joining Robert Bruce, also a member from this area. This group meets in Rochester MN .periodically.
