LWV Observer - Georgiana Campbell
A quick look at the agenda for this week's meeting, which listed only four staff members scheduled to present business of some sort, might lead one to think that the meeting would be brief and unimportant. That would not be correct. There was business dealing with topics ranging from the County's energy policy to a discussion of potential revisions to the Rice County Sewage and Wastewater Treatment Ordinance.
Extension Office: Brad Carlson from the Extension Office presented the Farm Family of the Year, which was chosen by vote of Rice County farmers. Three brothers from one family were chosen this year. Their names were added to the large picture on the wall where past farm family members were recognized.
Next, Joe McGough, in charge of the Rice County Energy Policy, presented the County's Energy Policy (5 pages). The policy was designed to "raise energy use awareness and promote energy conscious behavior in the workplace." Rules on indoor temperatures might also lead to treatment of other cost control opportunities such as water use and vehicle fleet management. So the rules regulating energy use during nighttime, weekend and holiday appropriately were set up, but, of course, will differ from those for daytime.
There are also policies for light use, equipment and appliances, personal appliances, space heaters, small fans or hot plates etc., turn off lights when leaving, use stairs instead of elevator, etc.
Dennis Luebbe: County Engineer -Grants are always important. Luebbe asked the commissioners to approve a resolution with a long name (but also with a lot of money). Up to $1.5 billion of grant funds are available. Available funding would help improve the county's highways, some of which greatly need improvement . The commissioners, interested in this opportunity, voted to approve the resolution which has the name: Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recover ( T.I.G.E.R.) Discretionary Grant. In the case of Rice County, it could be used particularly for the reconstruction of County State Highway No. 1.
The last 60 minutes of the meeting was an opportunity for the Wastewater Treatment Ordinance work group to continue discussion on potential revisions. Discussion also included the 5 commissioners. Compliance inspections and when these inspections should take place, as well as when a system should be replaced were considered. Staff was looking for direction from the work group on changes they might think necessary. The most emphatic statement made by the work group was that they would agree to following State requirements but no farther................ There will be another work session.
Comments
Who was the farm family of the year? Also, could you ask P&Z office again for copy of the resolution protecting 4 or 5 townships (includes Forest and Cannon City) from the aggressive annexation policy Faribault had been exercising. It is my understanding that Faribault prefers not to have annexation agreements w/townships such as Bridgewater and Northfield Township have w/Northfield.