Clarence Walters, LWV Observer
• The Commissioners approved a proposal by the Community Corrections director to eliminate the clerical supervisor position, which is currently vacant, while reclassifying one probation officer to supervisor. This would result in an annual savings of $48,900.
• Instead of traveling to conferences, a grant from the Homeland Security and Emergency Management in the amount of $19,062.50 must be used for video conferencing equipment. This is a requirement of each county within the southeast Minnesota Region One Emergency Managers Board.
• Gary Weiers annual review was conducted by the Commissioners. As in past years, all commissioners were very satisfied with his performance.
• All five commissioners turned down a request for an amendment to the Rice County Zoning Ordinance from Forest Township. This proposal would have only allowed motorized sports parks to operate eight days per year.
• Commissioners Docken and Malecha proposed that a moratorium be put on motorsports parks until the impact and conditions for use could be determined. By a three to two vote this was rejected. Commissioner Plaisance cited his experience with constituents against a proposed paintball course and now he hears no complaints about it. He felt the motorsports park would be the same. He also stated that if a township doesn’t want such a business, they should do their own zoning.
