LWV Observer - Georgiana Campbell
This meeting gave Rice County residents a good look at what the County is doing and some of its future plans, especially in the areas of Economic Development (Dept. head, Deanna Kuennen), The Rice Soil and Water Conservation district (Dick Huston, presenter), and Planning and Zoning (Julie Runkel, Dept. Head).
There were also presentations by staff members reporting how past planning has resulted in accomplished projects, e.g. in social services and administration. Social Services' Mark Shaw gave the Social Services "out of home placement report" which indicates that fewer children were placed out of home in 2009 than in 2008 or 2007. This also means the County needs to spend less in this area while still having the children in a safe home (often with relatives).
News of special interest: Fran Windschitl has received a certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. This is the 16th year that he has received this award.
Rice County Soil and Water Conservation District: Dick Huston presented information about what the Soil and Water Conservation District does. He showed many pictures and told us of meetings and educational presentations they had sponsored for school children (1400 children in all) and others. Everyone could learn about conservation projects, such as soil and water education, and the wider use of sediment basins. Also important is habitat restoration and conservation. Filter strips are used to reduce soil erosion, and buckthorn growth must be reduced. Also of special importance is eliminating urban erosion as much as possible. That is the erosion that occurs in building site areas. Shoreland restoration is also important to protect river and lake shorelines by the use of buffer zones.
The Planning and Zoning Dept: Julie Runkel led a discussion about P. and Z.'s 2009 work plan as well as discussing the first edition of the P. and Z. Dept.'s Land Use Annual Report (2008). These work plans were interesting to study -- and to realize that this is a 3 year study. Grants are available to finance the necessary work. The objectives of the work plan are clearly laid out. If they are met, Rice County may be as clean and beautiful as we all want it to be. Also discussed were the revised sections of the Sewage and Wastewater Treatment Ordinance. The commissioners voted to hold a public hearing on revisions of this ordinance. It will be heard at the Planning Commission hearing on June 4, 2009 at 7:05 p.m.
Economic Development: Deanna Kuennen presented for discussion the 2009 Planning and Zoning Dept. Work Plan with new economic development website pages. Sample pages were included in the packet that observers received. The new feature on the website is an online available land database. For example, this website can be used by those looking for sites in the area on which to establish their business. Users can then search for available land and buildings in Rice County. Other information to be available includes data about the workforce and demographics. There will be more information later.
