LWV Observer – Georgiana Campbell
All Commissioners were present
1. This week’s meeting of the Commissioners included an interesting mixture of public concerns. Mary Ho, Rice County Social Services, brought in a request by Health Finders Collaborative for influenza immunizations at no charge for up to 100 low income, uninsured, chronically ill Health Finders patients. Health Finders provide no cost health services for patients referred by our department and receives services for patients at no charge from District One Hospital, Northfield Hospital, local clinics, etc.
This request was approved
Social Services- Mark Shaw, Social Services Supervisor. The 2009 Legislation passed by the legislature allows counties to provide human services on a regional level. Rice County has a history of cooperating with other counties to deliver human services particularly in the area of adult and children’s mental health. Child Care licensing was considered an area where the regional approach would fit a regional service delivery model. It is proposed that in so using a regional approach to service, delivery would mean that human service directors in the area could be asked to identify individuals or agencies that could license child care.
There is also a new contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield allowing Rice County Social Services to be reimbursed for providing Mental Health Targeted Case Management. Blue Cross Blue Shield wishes to purchase that service from Rice County which would be reimbursed at the full TCM rate.
2. Highway Dept. – Dennis Luebbe, head of this department, asked for adoption of two resolutions which would provide grants to replace two bridges. Both bridges are located in the area of CSAH 19. The amount of the two grants is $62,852 and $125,420.
3. Planning and zoning – Julie Runkel: The issue here was a request for extension of a public 18 hole golf course and clubhouse with full restaurant and bar, to be called the Straight River Golf Course. (This has been known as the Willingers development.) A CUP was requested. There were 14 conditions of approval, many of which had to do with protecting the environment, including soil erosion, wildlife, septic system, buffer strip along river, fertilizer and pesticide use, dust control, etc. The CUP was approved.
4. Auditor/Treasurer /Fran Windschitl: The Auditor/Treasurer requested and received a credit card to use to make payments to vendors. Use of the card also offers certain incentives that may generate additional revenue for the county.
5. Administration– Gary Weiers. Administrator: Besides the consent agenda, which was approved, the administrator and commissioners considered the approval of the energy policy, the December meeting schedule, and the annual road and bridge tour which is planned for September. These were approved. (It is usual for the County Commissioners to take this tour each year.)
6. There was also discussion of Rice County’s Capital Improvement Plan and the issuance of bonds. On Sept. 22, this year, a public hearing was held on the capital Improvement plan and the issuance of bonds. On Nov. 10, the County Board will review bids and award the sale of bonds to the lowest bidder.