LWV Observer - Georgiana Campbell
All Commissioners were present
Rice County citizens who are distressed by the problems of the world should note that Rice County, a small part of the troubled world, is busy doing some important problem-solving of its own.
1. Administration : Gary Weiers -- Administrator: A resolution dealing with Roberds Lake Septic System Options was up for adoption. A group of concerned county residents were present and expressed their concern that they had not been informed of this project which would mean the extension of sewer services. There was some misunderstanding which will be cleared up. The concerned county residents were uncertain, for example, to what extent Faribault wants to be involved in the extension of sewer services. The residents also feared that they would be annexed by the city of Faribault. But city officials stated that they were mostly concerned with how many people would be interested in participating in the project. The cost of this project makes annexation an important issue.
2. Public Health: Mary Ho -- The concern here was filling family planning special project prescriptions. It was decided that designating only one pharmacy in Northfield and one in Faribault to supply the family planning prescriptions would simplify the whole project rather than have all nine pharmacies (in the county) become involved. A resolution to that effect passed.
3. Social Services: Mark Shaw -- Group residential housing was the issue. The group in this case was homeless people needing a room and board type place in which to stay but with no money to pay for it. There seemed to be agreement among Board members that the needs of the homeless need to be met.
4. Auditor/Treasurer: Fran Windschitl presented a request to use an independent audit service as a mean of decreasing county costs. The request was approved.
5. Administration : Administrator Gary Weiers read the proclamation of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (which is this month), and it was approved by the commissioners.
6. Planning and Zoning: Headed by Julie Runkel (unable to be present for this discussion). This was a continued discussion of possible changes to the recently established Sewage and Wastewater Treatment Ordinance. There had been lengthy discussion earlier this fall. The Commissioners, as well as members of the Planning and Zoning Commission, plus a few others with appropriate knowledge of Planning and Zoning issues as well as of sewage and wastewater, were present for the discussion. After about an hour of discussion, the group adjourned until a later date, possibly the beginning of January.
