LWV Observer - Georgiana Campbell
This week's busy agenda included 11 topics, beginning with community health and concluding with a request for approval of the SELCO Library agreement.
A topic named RURAL ADDRESS SIGN TASK FORCE REPORT described in detail how residence markers in the rural area should be constructed and placed. A committee has been formed and is meeting to finalize details, but we know that the signs will be made of aluminum and the sign posts of galvanized steel. The committee will determine costs and placement of the signs and the public will be informed as the project continues.
Public Health issues, presented by Mary Ho, continue to be important. These include administrative services for the child and teen checkup programs. Also important is the contract amendment in the amount of $89,337.00 to support activities related to HINI prevention and treatment.
Sheriff Richard Cook had issues involving homeland security and emergency management. A snowmobile safety enforcement grant was approved, as was a joint powers agreement for Region One Southeast Minnesota Emergency Management. (As you can see, emergency was an often-used term.)
Dennis Luebbe, Highway Department, received approval of a final payment to the company that had finished the bridge replacement on CSAH 8. A road maintenance agreement with the city of Faribault was also approved.
Mark Shaw, Social Services requested adoption of a contract amendment (with Scurry, Zwecker and Associates) which would provide needed mental health services through Dec. 31, 2009. This action increases the value of the contract so that additional mental health services can be provided. The resolution was approved.
Fran Windschitl, Auditor/Treasurer requested approval of a Natural Resources Subgrant agreement (with the state of Minnesota under the Federal Recreational Trail Program Project Agreement). In this case the grantee, Rice County, proposed using some of the grant to purchase snowmobile trail grooming equipment. This was approved.
Julie Runkel, Planning and Zoning: On the agenda were 4 items up for approval. A CUP to build furniture -- Northfield township --Approved.
A PUD for a Shoreland Planned Unit Development, to create 9 single family residential lots in Wells Township-- Approved with 4 conditions.
Leslie Fowler of the Cannon River Sportsman Club applied for an amendment to the Rice County's zoning ordinance. The amendment would add archery ranges, a conditional use within the Urban Reserve zoning district. This item was sent back to the Planning Commission to hold a public hearing at 7:05 p.m. on Dec. 10th. The other requests were approved.
Four elected officials, Windschitl, Beaumaster, DeGroot, and Cook, who each described his or her work, were also on the agenda. It was stated that they would present salary requests. They did not do that but instead noted the decrease in county funds available. and their willingness to continue. The commissioners expressed their appreciation.
All commissioners were present.
