LWV Observer – Georgiana Campbell
This meeting featured resolutions and agreements.
Rice County entered into an agreement with the consulting firm, Tristem,
LTD. Auditor/Treasurer Fran Windschitl’s presented the proposed resolution. According to the proposed agreement Tristem would analyze the county’s utility costs and then advise the county on how to decrease utility costs. The county’s fee for this service would be 49% of any refunds received as a result of Tristem LTD’s services.
On the agenda was a “commissioner’s request” made by Commissioners Plaisance and Gillen. They presented a resolution in support of public hearings on the impact of proposed changes to clean water legislation. This issue began with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision that federal agencies had exceeded their authority under the Clean Water Act. This was followed by Congress proposing legislation to broaden federal authority. Then the state of Minnesota enacted legislation and a subcommittee to deal with watershed management policy. The public hearings are to give the public an opportunity to tell how “hardship, unfairness, cost and confusion can be avoided.” Since Commissioners Plaisance and Bauer, were absent, only three Commissioners were present and no vote took place. The issue will be taken up at a later date. From the discussion that did occur, it seems likely that the resolution will be approved by the Rice County Commissioners.
Another resolution stated that Rice and Steele Counties would like to study the possibility of a partnership to provide adult detention services. The two counties wish to “explore” a joint powers arrangement. Sheriff Cook voiced his disappointment that law enforcement personnel had not been included in the discussions so far.However, both the Commissioners and Administrator Weiers said that there was no intention to exclude anyone from these very preliminary discussions. Commissioner Gillen emphasized the intent to “have everyone’s input”.
Julie Runkel, Planning and Zoning head, presented the department’s work plan for 2008.
The final list of change orders for the courthouse renovation was presented and approved by the Commissioners. At this point there is $1800 left in the renovation budget. There will be no more change orders.