call to order the board of commissioners meeting. Please uh join in the flag pledge. >> I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, [clears throat]
with liberty and justice for all. >> Beth, note that all commissioners are here. Uh approve or amend the agenda. >> Uh Mr. Mr. Chair, just one change under 915 county administrator. If we could please add a government center technology update. That's the third
item. >> That's it. All we have, sir. >> Move for approval of the amended agenda. Mr. Chair. Oh, sorry, Mr. Chair. Uh, I would like to add um um county road one update somewhere. >> [sighs]
>> We can do that under It's basically just about DC trip and everything like that. >> Do we want to do that just under commissioner updates? >> Just do it on your other dates. Otherwise, we can put it under >> No, we'll do that. We'll do it under commission. Yeah. Meeting updates.
>> Chair, I'll move for approval of the amended agenda. >> I'll second. >> We got a motion and a second. Any you know. Okay. We got a motion in a second. All the question. All in favor say I. I.
>> I opposed. Motion carries. Thank you. >> County board meetings are broadcasted live and video recorded on YouTube. Please refrain from speaking from the audience area and come to the podium so the viewers can hear you. The county board observes Robert's rules of order for its meeting. So, please obtain the board's chair's consent before
addressing the county board. Public comments are generally reserved for the open forum segment or public hearings. However, public comment on other agenda items may be allowed at the discretion [clears throat] of the board chair. As we begin today, please turn off the cell phones or turn them on vibrate. Thank
you. Open for um Mr. Leot. Guess you want to ditch, >> right? Okay. I want answers. They've been playing this game for like seven years with county ditch seven. So Frank, we
have uh open open forum on the county ditch and that's how I would like you to address the ditches after this board meeting. >> So I'm supposed to stay till after the meeting? >> No. So we'll be doing the ditch meeting
in about I don't know half hour probably 20 minutes. It should. We got to wait for what's done to get her loop or not loop >> because we have an open form about ditches on the ditch. [cough and clears throat] >> Well, I ain't got time to wait. I Here's
the point. Ed said you guys are going to walk it a couple guys or some damn thing. >> Yep. Walk. Walk. and they and and and I want whoever gave the final say where I'm a I want to talk to that dude where
I'm a benefactor of that ditch when I got millions of gallons of water on my metal and it takes a month for it to to drain off and the culprit is Mayhew Creek >> right >> I'm the Gulf of Mexico for for county
dead 7 and I want answers on that >> kind. >> So, let me know when when when you guys are coming out. I want to be out there and I'll take you with my side by side. We'll check that baby out. I mean, they
sent me a map. >> Yep. >> And I mean, on one side, you know, this they claim I'm benefiting, but the damn ditch bank is 10 foot high. So the water always got to go to Mayhew
Creek before it doesn't even go in county did 7 where the two blocks it's on my land and if it's I should have the option I think if it ever if you guys ever do clean it
why can't I hire a guy on my own to clean that two blocks out? I know it would be cheaper than play paying a thousand bucks a year and your guys ain't doing a damn thing with it. >> Okay. Anything else Frank with the
ditch? >> Mr. John, can we try to schedule something you and I together? >> Well, we we have but it just hasn't worked out and you know with Adam and then but if he wants somebody from H2 out there >> I can I can certainly ask.
>> We can ask. I mean it comes with a cost to the to the ditches to to that ditch. >> Okay. Commissioner Johnson, you'll be taking care of that. >> So, will Frank uh Commissioner Pop and I will work with our ditch inspector to schedule something to come on out to your property. >> Well, I don't know [laughter] who, but I
also want who made who made the call where I'm benefiting from it. >> And I can certainly ask I can promise that they'll be there, but I'll certainly ask them. And when we get a heavy rain, whoever makes that decision decision, I want him to come out there and look
too when I got 8 billion gallons of water sitting there. >> I mean, you see that once it's 4t deep when we get a 4 in rain. >> Yep. >> And we can put that >> we can put that on Adam's deal that if we get a big rain, he could go out. >> Oh, sure. Correct. I mean, you know,
let's take the truck or the >> Yeah, he can video it. >> Yep. He can >> take [clears throat] the drone out there and Yeah, you could do a drone of it, too. >> Thanks, Mr. Leot. >> Okay, that's it. So, consent agenda. What do you want to do with one through
seven? I'd like to pull four and five. >> Mr. Chair, I'll move for approval of consent agenda items 1 through three, six, and seven. I'll second that. Okay, we got a motion and a second. Any
further discussion on that? If not, I'll call the question. All in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Oppose. Motion carries. Christine, you want to take four and five for us, please? >> Thank you. >> Okay. So, um is which one is four? Four
is the egg BMP loan overpayment. So, basically, this um property owner paid their egg BMP loan in full. That was that septic loan for Eagle View Commons in October of 24. It got missed on our spreadsheet. So, it got assessed to them
in 25 and 26. The homeowner didn't catch it until this year and so we removed it now and they just need to be refunded last year's payment. >> Mr. Chair, >> Commissioner Pop, >> are they asking for any interest on that
money? >> Interest cannot be paid on it. >> Okay. [snorts] And that is perm Michelle. >> Okay. Any other questions? I just wanted a clarification from Christine, so that's why I pulled it. >> Any other questions or concerns about
this? If not, >> I'll uh motion to approve the refund. >> Second. >> Payment. >> We've got a motion and a second for discussion on this item. If not, I'll call the question. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Thank you. Motion carries. Next, Christine number five.
>> Okay. So, this issue came up. Um, a property owner called in and said that they weren't receiving their tax statements. So, looked into it further. The the um property was in US Bank's name. So, did digging further into it.
Basically found out that in 2016 they had entered foreclosure proceedings with their bank. before the sheriff sale occurred, they redeemed the property, but somewhere in their bank and they there was an administrative error in
their on the bank side to not go through with the sheriff's sale. Well, the sheriff's sale went through. The bank bought it back, went into the bank's name. They we got a document in our office or somewhere at the county here that never ended up
getting put into our tax system that it got put back into the owner's name that they redeemed it. So, they continued paying their property taxes or their mortgage payment and the escrow was paying even though it was because we just go off a parcel number, not off a
name, even though it was still in the bank's name since 2016. So, um, their mortgage got paid off in 2024 and they weren't getting tax statements
because it was still going to US Bank. So, when she called, she said, "We're not receiving any tax statements." And that's when [clears throat] we found all this out. So, basically, they're requesting that the penalties and interest for 24 and 25 be waved. since
they never got a tax statement. It was an error on our end back in 2016 that this wasn't changed in the tax system. And they're also requesting, excuse me, that homestead [clears throat and snorts] status remain or be re reactivated on it
because in 2018 it was removed. So we can only go current year and two years back. So it would be reinstating Homestead. That's where the $210 comes from. >> Question. >> Sorry, it was kind of a long story.
>> No, that's fine. So, I just go ahead, >> Mr. Chair. Just to clarify then, Christine, looks like a little over $1,420 to be waved or reimbursed? >> Waved. >> Waved. >> So, it was never collected. It's not part of the levy. They're prepared to
pay the 24 256 taxes. >> Okay. And this happened back in 2016, >> right? >> Yeah. Wow. >> But the taxes were paid up until their mortgage was paid off in 24. >> Okay. >> And we have the satisfaction of the
mortgage and everything recorded, but the one document that said that they redeemed it and the sheriff sale was null and void. Didn't get to our office >> with all the moving parts and foreclosures and everything like that. I'm surprised this doesn't happen more often to be quite honest with you.
>> [clears throat] >> I would have to I think it's a no-brainer. >> Yeah. I I want to thank you for clarifying this because I was puzzled too yesterday when we were having this conversation. It's like how did this happen from 2016 till today? >> Right. Yeah. >> Board, what would you like to do with
this approval? >> I'm sorry. Move for approval. I apologize. I move for approval of this item. And is there a second? >> I'll second. >> Okay. Thank you. We got a motion and a second. Any further discussion on this? Not to call the question. All in favor say I. >> I.
>> Opposed? Motion carries. Thank you. Thank you, Christine, for that. >> Thank you. >> Next. Well, the sheriff's office consider proclamation of national public safety. >> Troy joins us. >> Oh, okay. I'm sorry. I see. >> Hi, Troy.
>> Troy, >> good morning, commissioners. >> Good morning. >> I apologize for not being able to be there in person. I had some personal events come up and uh so opting to attend virtually here, but I wanted to make a point of speaking to the item. Um we've entered that time of year once
again where uh the the months and weeks designated on our calendar turn to uh thoughts of thanking the people that are out here performing the work of public safety, keeping everyone safe and and secure. And this upcoming uh the first
designation we have is the week of April 12th to 18th has been designated as national public safety telecommunicators week. So we have uh we have a excellent staff of people that are in our PAP and
they're the ones that are the voice of calm out there for people. They uh they answer the phone calls. They they handle the chaos and deal with the radios and just uh all the things that go on in that PAP. I know that some of you have spent some time in there and know
firsthand what it's like. And I can't express enough how much appreciation I have for the folks both in our office and this whole state and nation that answer these phones and are the ones that serve as that first vital link in
the chain of public safety. So, this is a resolution to recognize the excellent work that these uh public safety telecommunicators do and to thank them for all they do and designate the week of April 12th to 18th as public safety
telecommunicators week. >> Great. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Chair Gapinsky. It's actually fitting. I just seen on the news the other day that somebody, I forget what state it was, was retiring >> and they had a couple callins for their
last call in on on 911 and everything and they did it on TV. It was actually really cool. So, I do agree it it is a for what these individuals get for compensation and what they deal with is absolutely truly amazing. So, I will
move for um the public safety awareness point and direct the chair to sign for this uh this uh week for telecommunicator operators. >> I'll second that. >> Got a motion and a second. Any further discussion?
>> Mr. Chair, I just to echo Commissioner Kapinsky's point. You know, Sheriff, you did you did mention, I know a handful of us, maybe all of us have spent some time over there and the three and a half hours I was there, it was amazing to watch the things that happen and the pressure that those people are under and it's unbelievable. You could hardly keep
track of what's going on. So, >> thank you. >> That's right. The dots on the screens keep >> Thank you very much. >> And and Mr. Chair, I I also want to echo what they said sitting over there. It's like I don't know how they do what they do. >> And then they talk these people through
>> getting through everything and they never know what the end answer is. They never, you know, they can talk the hardest thing through on the phone and and by the end of it, they never get the answer back of >> how it turned out, >> what the outcome was. >> Yeah.
>> And the calls keep coming. >> They don't stop. >> Great. Thank you. Well, so we've got a motion and a second on this. Any further discussion? If not, I'll call the question. All in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Opposed. Motion carries. Thank you. Thank you, Troy. Appreciate.
>> Thanks, Sheriff. >> Thank you very much. >> Next, Roxanne Aman. Clarification on research as it pertains to contractor shops and residential districts in the county. >> Good morning, [clears throat] commissioners. Morning.
>> Good morning. um after the last meeting where there was um where we discussed the reszoning of a property and ultimately denied the reszoning um in relation to a contractor's shop in a residential district. I just wanted to seek clarification on whether the uh
county board wanted staff and the planning commission to do additional research into the allowance of contractor shops in residential districts. board commissioner [clears throat] Kapinsky. >> Uh, Mr. Chair, I I would personally like
that, but I didn't, you know, I got a lot of clarification that day that we would have to open it up to countywide >> and that I think opens the Pandora's box on everything. And I don't if that is truly the case, I personally don't know
that we I would support looking into that because that would that would open up every development for having something like this, not spot zoning. >> Mr. Chair, Roxan, when do you foresee planning commission hasn't talked about that I'm aware of uh kind of our next
overlook or update to the comprehensive plan? I know we're it's we're through 2040. We touch on it every >> usually every 10 years is when you would do that and we adopted the previous comp plan in 20 uh 18.
>> So it could be in the next three years. >> Sure. I I guess to me that would be the more appropriate time. >> I I [clears throat] would agree. How extensive do you get into this when you go through the comprehensive plan? >> Let's talk about things exactly like this. It gets pretty deep.
>> Well, I'm just wondering. I mean is it >> that was a long draw [snorts] out process. Oh yeah, >> it's a very long planning commission how it went. Um, >> you know, I mean, I agree with Commissioner Kapinsky that if we're going to open it up, >> maybe we can set some parameters like
for the one we just visited. >> Yeah, >> if it was something going in there to me means a lot different than if we just open it up to anybody that wants to do it, >> you know, look at current use or past use or something like that. But to just open it up to countywide, oh man, I
mean, Yeah, we'd have a we'd have a big crowd out here. >> There'd be a steady parade through the door probably. >> I I would not be interested in opening it up. >> No, I mean it I mean you could just >> you know but then you're but then you're spot zoning and I don't know if that's the right thing either, but but I would
have to agree like Commissioner Johnson said just you know bring it up in in a couple years >> when you do the comprehensive plan again. >> Yeah. I'm Yeah, it just seems like a little more appropriate time otherwise. You know, I guess it would be a little
bit different if we had members of the public here asking for an amendment to an existing ordinance and we've done a couple of those >> with the exception of this spot zone request. I haven't heard that or seen that. >> Right. >> So, they the public andor the board
always has the opportunity to update >> the ordinance. It's not that it can't be done. It's just that in this general overlook, it might fit better into the update in the comp plan. >> Yeah. >> And that doesn't even mean it's gonna happen. I mean, we wouldn't have to go through, excuse me, Mr. We wouldn't have
to go through the whole comp plan. [clears throat] I mean, we could look, you know, >> different sections. >> Yeah. The planning commission and Roxan could look at, >> you know, do we need to tweak this? Do we need to tweak that? Or, you know, we wouldn't have to Well, I think I mean, correct me if I'm wrong, but if we get to 2028, we're going to go step by step through that comp plan and talk about
right. And a lot of it we might just check out, pick it off the box, >> right? It wouldn't have to be a a rewrite. It could be an update. The previous wasn't a full rewrite. Um but that likely isn't necessary. Um >> and just to quickly follow up on the
contractor shop, I am aware that they are looking at a parcel. Um the fountains are so I and we've had conversations about whether that parcel is appropriate. So um it'll be great to see that move forward. Yeah. >> And on that note, they were
>> they were doing some stuff for the township on my road. So, you know, it went past and so I stopped. >> You know, it's like kind of, you know, they are totally understand. They are, you know, I I appreciate people that come before us and when the results don't go their way and it's like we
understand what you guys had to do. You know, we don't like it, but we had understand, you know, they're they're not poed at the county or anything like that. So, I think that part was satisfying. I think we did our due diligence. We discussed it and they seen how hard it was for us to tell them
that, you know, this just doesn't fit. >> Yeah. Well, there was other issues involved in that, too. >> You know, and it's dealt I'm sorry. I've dealt with these issues, too, at the city level, so I know what it's all about. >> Mr. Chair, I in full transparency, I came that day and I was voting for it
>> 100%. And I I even I told my wife everything. This is this I made up my mind. And you never ever ever put yourself in a corner like that. And I did that one other time and I'm still paying for it. >> So it until you hear the whole story and
it opens up the whole county, it it we just couldn't do it. >> But >> okay, Roxan, you got your consensus of what to do moving. I appreciate it. >> Thanks, Mr. Chair. As long as she's up here. >> Um I know you sent an email yesterday. I took quite a few calls a week ago on the
cannabis deal >> and I didn't even know what was going on and not because it all goes to the planning commission and everything like that, >> but it was it would it sounds like that's kind of a hot topic right now in in the area. >> Yes. Can she give a brief update on that or
>> No. >> Uh Michelle, >> I don't know if >> or I can I can swing by after >> because it's Yeah, it's not on the agenda and it's not a public hearing. I don't know that I can >> Okay. >> speak about it. Yeah. >> Planning commission see that Thursday.
>> Are you guys going to make a decision on that Thursday? >> I assume they will. I won't be there, but I assume they will. >> Okay. >> Some type of decision would table it. >> Be some type of decision. >> Yeah. Michelle, you got something to add? >> I don't. If you have any questions, I'm certainly here to answer.
>> Okay. Okay. Thanks. >> It sounds like there's more people against it than for it, >> but it is what it is. >> Yeah. >> That works. >> Once again, I it goes This is a planning commission deal. It's not a board, >> right? >> You have possession. >> It's an IUP.
>> Yep. >> All right. >> Okay. Anything else? >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. Mont to you. [clears throat] >> Mr. Chair, I understand at the April meeting of the Great River Regional Library Board of Trustees, there was
discussion about potential meeting between the the board of trustees and our county board. [clears throat] Since then, I spoke with Brandy, the executive director. Uh she says that definitely creates some logistical challenges to try and bring together her entire board
and this board. Uh their next meeting isn't until May. Uh so uh as she and I spoke, we thought perhaps maybe a more logistically feasible arrangement might be to have two county board members meet with a subcommittee of the Great River
Regionality Board of Trustees. again that then that gives you a lot more flexibility as to when you can schedule a meeting and there's not a quorum involved as well. So >> well your chair >> I would disagree with that because commissioner pops the chair of that
committee >> so Mr. Chair this is simply a recommendation to you all. If you wish for instead to us arrange a meeting between the entire Great River Regional Board and this board we will do that. >> Mr. Chair, >> I was at the last library meeting and
they agreed to allow us be on the agenda in May. >> Y >> at their regular May meeting >> because it was brought to my attention by Sterns County Commissioner that if we scheduled a meeting outside of their regular May meeting that there would be a cost to that. And I wasn't asking for
a cost. I was asking for the board members to come and be able to get their questions answered that they wanted answered. >> Uh again, I'm the messenger in this regard. [clears throat] Brandy tells me that that she feels that their agenda will be very full on May because there's
uh I believe there's no April meeting. There was a March meeting. There's no April, right? >> So, she's concerned about adding this topic to that agenda. Is that workable to have this also on the agenda that night? >> Mr. chair commission, >> if if their agenda is going to be that
full in May, they should have thought about having an April meeting. >> Well, we've had full agendas before. >> Yeah. I mean, I >> I don't know. I'm not aware of how they schedule. I'm not sure why there's not an April meeting. I don't know the history. Commissioner Johnson, >> is there a June meeting? >> Um,
>> no. June's going to put us too far. >> Well, the end of June is what they put it off till. But my point, I mean to your point, why wouldn't you just set up a cow that any of these members could attend the May meeting? >> That was going to be my exception.
>> That was going to be mine. >> Again, I cannot speak to the flexibility of the library board and their ability to meet. I I I can't >> Well, as as I mean, but I mean, M. Commissioner Pop, as the chair, couldn't you add an agenda item that would include the Right. Right. Exactly. >> And we have the agenda is not out for
May 6th yet. Not even close. I guess I >> Or not May is it May 6th or May 20th? >> I understand Bry's thought, but I would sure as heck >> 16th. There you go. You're right. Item >> it's the 16th and I >> and they already agreed as a board
agreed to allow us to be on the agenda for the next meeting. So I don't know what Bry's doing, but she got direction. I got direction from the board that we would open it up as a cow that [clears throat] our board members could all attend and get the answers that we need from that board.
>> Mr. Chair, real quick, I I don't think this is on Commissioner Pop here. It just seems like every time we turn around, there's an obstacle with this brandy. >> I will speak to that. Yeah, >> I would I would suggest that we we head for the May 16th meeting and we can have
like you came up and sat at that table and it was perfectly fine and granted we have to pass the microphone back and forth on that table but not >> you know there'll be four of if all four of you show up >> and I'll you know I'll be up in the front so I don't have to >> but I mean as a cow I mean
>> Ed um the rest of the board agreed that it was okay to wait till May 16th and make it a cow. for our and and it was I was even told by Commissioner Clark that oh we could have all showed up that night. She's wrong. We can't because it wasn't >> wasn't listed >> wasn't listed for
>> it wasn't listed for a cow and Ed and I were both already there. >> So Monty, we're going to list May 16th as a cow and then you're going to inform Brandy that we want to be put on the agenda. Commissioner Pop, you will do the exact same thing. Correct. >> Correct.
>> Make sure that we can be on the agenda. >> Yep. >> Fair enough. Fair enough. And that, you know, I think that's the great place to do it because as you can see, >> everybody's there. You got, you know, you got all the commissioners, you got the appointees from other counties. You know, >> I mean,
>> thing is is we we get a we know all these other commissioners. It's like I I don't >> it's not like we're going to be, you know, horrible individuals in there. We want questions. >> I've been there till 9:00. I mean, from 6:00 to 9, the agenda was pretty full. I
don't I'll I'll speak to Brandy on that, but I don't see that as an issue. >> We've had a lot of questions that weren't answered and this is the time hopefully that they'll get answered. >> Yeah. So, >> okay. >> Okay. >> I will so convey that that expectation to uh Brandy that you all our board
would be on their agenda in the May meeting >> and I'll I'll do the same because we're having an executive >> committee meeting tomorrow night because we have to get the labor contract signed. >> Okay. Okay. Got it. Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner Pop, helping us out with that.
>> Okay, Monty. >> Uh, let's see. I believe the next thing is ARPA agreement. So, uh, here's the agenda I have in front of you. This is an amendment to the agreement with the city of Sock Rapids. So, previously, the board agreed to provide $555,000 for water and sewer associated with the
29 extension, but as we know, the 29 extension won't be constructed until 27. However, we must fully expend our ARPA funds by the end of this year. So, about couple weeks ago, uh, some board members, myself, had a meeting with the
city of Sock Rapids and agreed to reoblagate these funds to an alternative project on the city's Second Avenue South project, which will happen this year. So, they tell us they can fully expend these dollars this year on that project. So, what this amendment does is
it essentially reoblagates those funds from the uh 29 extension to 2nd Avenue South. But I wanted to mention though, Mr. Chair, and I have this stated in the agenda item, of course, the 29 extension
water sewer remains a very high priority project uh for the county, of course. So, uh, I'll be working with our county attorney and the city on a subsequent agreement to basically say, look, you know, even though we're reobligating these funds to this other purpose, we
still want this project completed associated with the 29 extension, still very important. So, I want to let you know that matter was not forgotten and I will follow up on that subsequent agreement. This just takes care of the reobligation uh for this year. So the
the funds are good >> and I believe that is all >> Commissioner Gapinsky and myself were at that meeting. It was very quick meeting, very easy meeting, right, Commissioner Gapinsky? >> Absolutely. All they're doing is moving the money. Moving the money. That's all we're doing. >> They'll reinstate the 555,000. Correct.
And put it on. >> That is correct. Yep. >> I mean, >> yeah. I mean, you know, we had other things that did, you know, we'd give what, how many hundred thousands of rice? >> Yep. >> And we get the well in the right place. Probably not. I'll give you a quick update on the remaining ARPA funds perhaps if you could consider action on
this first and I'll give you a quick update on the rest of the ARPA funds. >> Okay, >> I'll move approval >> and I'll second. [clears throat] We got got a motion and a second for this. Any further discussion? >> And Mr. chair. Once again, basically what's happening is we're allocating the
money to a different project and that they were going to pay for and now they're going to pay we're going to pay for that one and they're going to pay that amount >> uh on the 29 extension. >> Right. And they're very much aware of that. Yes, they are. >> Yeah. >> And that's what Monty was actually talking about. He's going to go through
the attorney, make sure that's too. >> Yep. Two separate agreements. One for this and then one for the other. >> Correct. >> So, >> okay. Any further discussion? If not, I'll call the question. All in favor say I. I. >> I. Opposed. Motion carries. Thank you, Monty. Go ahead. >> Just a quick update, Mr. Chair. Remain
ARPA funds. So, uh, as of this moment, we've got about 1,870,000 remaining to be paid out. I'll change my labeling there, but that again, there were 795,000 going out to, uh, the city of Sock Rapids for water sewer. And again, this agreement maintains that.
City of Foley, the the the county dedicated 675,000 to residential water sewer. Sarah Brun tells me in a recent update that um the new development plan for the south of town was supposed to go out to bid in in April for construction
this summer. So, she tells me they're quite confident that they will be able to spend these dollars this year. And like I I've mentioned, I'll keep in touch with those folks, see how it's going. Obviously, we don't want to run any risk of having to return these funds, right, uh, to the federal government.
>> Uh, the city of Rice, well, 400,000. Julie, the city clerk, tells me that they're in position to get these funds spent this year. Again, I'll keep checking in, making sure that's on track. And there's a small amount remaining. The city of St. Cloud H. I also check with them. They tell me that they have some additional billing come
to us, which will use up those remaining funds. Okay. Yeah. So again, I just want you to know is I'm keeping a close eye on the ARPA funds to make sure they get spent by the end of this year. >> Great. Thank you for that, Monte. >> Yeah. Thanks, Monty. >> Uh, you asked for a Yes, sir. Thank you.
You asked for a tech update. Let me show you something real fast if I may. Um, switch over to the computer and I'm going to switch to um
I'm going to switch to um our website. So, let's see here. Where's Benton County? All right. So, uh, we break tech into into three pieces. Audio visual, low voltage, and
then security. Let's I'm going to jump ahead to, uh, low voltage. So, that currently is out to bid. It's been posted on the Integrity website for about a week and a half or so. Um, Contegrity, our construction manager, is
managing the bid process for us. So, uh, you go on our website and it redirects you to the Integrity website. So, there it is. It's posted on the Contegrity website. Bids will be opened uh April 21st at 2 PM here in the boardroom by Contegrity. Again, they're doing a super
job of managing that bid process for us. Again, that was and also too, I should mention, Mr. Chair, is this was published in the Benton County Herald at least three weeks prior to uh bid opening. So that's been advertised and posted on the builder's website
>> and it's on the builder exchange. >> Yeah. Right. It's been pushed out there. So when I get as much coverage as we possibly can. Uh so that's out there again. I'm I'm going to come back to audio visual. The third part is security. What does that mean? That means basically door control systems and
cameras, security cameras. That is going to be open for bids May 12th. May 12th. So that'll get posted three weeks prior on the Contegrity website and our website. So again, bids will be open May 12th here in the boardroom. Again,
managed by Contegrity for us. Those will be sealed a seal bid situation. Seal bids. Any questions about low voltage or uh security cams, those sorts of things. >> Commissioner Pinsky. >> Mr. Chair, I don't think I've got I know I don't have any questions. I know uh
we've been working pretty heavily on this and >> sometimes you got to uh you take a step back and we've got a lot of time into this and we're just making sure that people know that this isn't any specific individuals that are bidding this. We're going to have a lot of people bidding. I
I would bet there's probably eight >> to 10 probably on the infrastructure and I would say on the security there's probably going to be probably six people bidding it, companies bidding it. So, and it's all public, so it's going to be open to, >> you know, everybody's going to see the
numbers at the same time. >> 9 10 11 I'm just scrolling through the plan. These are these are companies which have actually gone in and obtained the plans from and this is a listing. So, there's a pretty good >> listing of companies that have uh
obtained plans. So, that's a good indicator of what kind of bids that we >> we're going to get some good numbers, >> right? So there's a bunch of companies that have plans most likely that they'll bid. Yeah. >> So lots of competition which is great news and hopefully we get great prices.
>> The last piece is audiovisisual and what we decided to do there was actually go with vendors on state contract. So initially we interviewed four firms over at GLT. We've narrowed that down to two. And what we're doing now is obtaining additional information on all their soft
costs. So their design costs, installation, all that stuff. So we're getting specific estimates on their soft costs. Also to this week, we're going to be calling references on those two vendors. So hoping in about two weeks, our tech group will reconvene and make a
final decision on the AV vendor. Again, these are all on state contracts. So that takes care of the process for competitive bidding when you state contract. >> Yeah. >> So any other thoughts or questions about tech? Commissioner Gapinsky, anything else? >> Um, the only thing I from a AV
standpoint, the only thing I would say is those numbers that the initial numbers that came in on just some we'll call it spot checking uh on our bigger areas were I mean actually right where I thought they were going to come in, maybe even a little lower. So, I think
we're in good shape on that. Yeah, we we had the vendors do some sort of hypothetical harassments on, for example, the boardroom, the community room, and I think of white noise. >> Yeah. All the >> in a sense of where they would land on on cost. Yeah. Yeah. >> And those are going to be your biggest
areas. >> Uh so, uh I I think we're sitting in in really good shape. >> Good. >> Thank you, Mr. >> Chair. Commissioner Bono, >> one question for Monty and then just a comment. These bid openings, will they
they be listed under cow so that the commission? >> We have not, but we certainly can. Would you like us to? >> Yes, >> I I would say yes. Then the commissioners can be here for >> We'll do that. When we set cows, we'll add them to the cow listing. You bet. >> And I would also like to make a comment about I would like to thank Chair or
Kapinsky for all the time and effort that you've put into designing this at no cost to the county. That is miraculous. I I mean that could have cost us over $100,000 or more just to have you do the blueprint part of it. Um
and your company doesn't do any insulation. >> No. No. >> And I and I I will I'm going to take and deflect that cuz Dawson uh just happens to be my son works for our company. Uh he's been kind of handling that stuff. >> Yeah. So I've been I've been hands off.
>> So you'd rather raise Dawson than him right now? >> Probably. [laughter] But, uh, on on that side, uh, the team from the county side, uh, between Steve, um, Monty, Jeff, they've been phenomenal and and the AV
package that they kind of got together. We we kind of went through some parameters on what we should look for. Well, this these guys got together and did 10 times more than what usually AB contractors you get off the state contract. So, it made it very
easy. And that that's honestly I I'm going to contribute to why things are coming in probably better than what I thought or uh because of the detail that was done on the initial side. So >> nice. >> Once again, thank you. >> Thank you for all your hard work. It's
greatly appreciated. >> Okay, next. Sandy, consider a small pilot program. >> Yes. Good morning. >> Morning. Good morning. I noticed when Monty had the um the website up on there, you would have might have noticed
that. Well, I do because it's stuff, but it had a housing support agreement RFP that's been up there on the website for a couple years ever since. Um a couple of board lodges did close in our county. We have been unable to recruit anybody to come in. So, that was a loss of numerous beds we have for individuals
with high needs who are disabled. Um so, this proposal that we're putting forward would attempt to do something different. It's the same pot of money. It's housing support money, but instead of being in a one spot, it's 12 separate apartments. We do not yet, we're not asking to
approve a particular vendor. We're asking to do a pilot. Approximately half the counties in the state um do this type of housing support work. Um the money all comes from the state. So, it is not county funds. Uh the work that
some of the work does come to the county, we believe it will be minimal. and talking with other counties. Um, as you instructed me to do as well, additional contact with Sterns County after the cow we had on this topic. Um, they're not seeing additional costs. Um, there is some work involved. Sterns put
a pause on this for a while because they have numerous apartments like this out there, but they had a issue with not enough staff. This is be minimal work for us with 12 apartments and we'd like to pilot this. Um, we have not asking for a particular venue vendor. We will
come back to you with that but we would like permission to go forward and begin looking into this process. [clears throat] >> Commissioner Johnson. >> Mr. Chair Sandy um at our cow discussion was there discussion in of those 12 units that like two or four of them are
total uh u handicap type apartments. I don't know if that's the correct word but um we talked about >> there will I don't know if they're handicapped apartments. I guess I don't know the specifics, but what we're looking that was a particular provider
that was suggesting those. We're looking at doing a pilot for 12. So, I'm not asking you to approve a particular provider. Okay. So, 12 apartments, it could be handicapped, it could not. Um, these are individually leased apartments. So, at this point, I'm not looking for a provider based issue.
>> Sure. Okay. Thank you. >> 12 apartment units. >> Yes. >> Any other questions for Sandy? about [snorts] this >> if not board what do you want to do with this Mr.
They will not be like they could be one here and one there. You're not >> they could be that scattered site. We would prefer that they be in one building so when we figure this all our one complex so they're all so we can go from one to the next to to do um
>> checks on them. Um so unsure but we would prefer them to be in one place. So that would be the preference >> that be the idea. >> Mr. Chair, I'll I'll move to approve it matches our discussion at our cows. >> Right. >> I'll second. Okay, we got a motion and a second. Any more discussion on this? If
not, I'll call the question. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carries. Thank you, Sandy, for doing that research. Next, consider the update. I'm >> going to ask Dell to come up here and Oh, the >> burial. >> The burial policy first. >> Yes, please. That's what I've got on my agenda. Next.
>> Yep. Yep. >> Good morning, everybody. >> Good morning. >> Morning. Um, basically the only change to that to the burial policy would be to add that $500 um for opening and closing of the grave site if they do a traditional burial.
>> And this is what we talked about the cow. >> So >> I'll move approval. >> Second. >> Okay, we got a motion and a second. Any further discussion on this item? >> If not, I'll call the question. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carries. Thank you, Janelle. >> Mr. Chair, just one question. the
gentleman that brought all of this to my attention. Have we been in contact with him to make sure he is aware of of this? >> I've got a note to call him and make once it's approved. So, I contacting him again. >> Thank you. >> Yes. >> Great. Thank you. Okay. Next, human
services update. >> Well, you know, when I put this on the agenda, I don't ever know exactly what's happening because human services is in flux the these days with the feds and the state. Um, but I have nothing really new to indicate about from the federal level or the state level. But on a local level, I will indicate that we did
finally hire our co-responder, our mental health co-responder for law enforcement. >> Great. >> Uh, we did two separate recruiting efforts and we did hire Dustin Johnson, who's currently a social worker within human services. >> Um, so he will start that in uh June
1st. So we do have that started and that'll be a new um adventure for us and we're really excited about that program. I'm really excited to have Dustin join us in this adventure. He's an experienced worker who's got a lot of skills in crisis deescalation. So, u we're really excited about that.
>> Um on a similar note, we did also train all of our social workers. We had St. Cloud PD come in and do five hours of training for all of our social workers on deescalation skills. It did involve some role playing, which I mean somehow people think social workers like that. I
will say that social workers hate role playing. me hate it a lot. Um, and I joined them for the role playing because if I'm going to have them do something, I'm going to do it, too. And I hate it probably more than most of them do, but I did my role playing. It was kind of awful, but yes, I learned a lot. So,
really a good nice thanks out to um Tad Hess from St. Paul PD for the training he's done with us. It's been really nice. Um, and the other thing I'd say is that we are still continuing to do outreach um at Lincoln Center. Um, so we have eligibility worker that goes out
there once a month and does some work. She's very busy when she's there. There are a lot of clients that are working with her. And then of course Victoria, our outreach workers out there weekly. Uh, we are will just begin on I believe it's April 20th to go out to the Salem
outpost once a month to do eligibility work there. Um, so we're just beginning to do a little bit of more outreach in the St. Cloud area. Any questions? I just, Mr. Chair, I I just got a comment. You know, as you're out and
about doing things, you just realize how our local first responders, police officers, you name it, don't just show up to work and and do this, including all human services. They're out there doing things on their own time during
events and everything like that. I mean, my daughter plays uh basketball. You they got a couple officers from St. and cloud that are coaching back. They're very much involved in the youth from the cop house. There's I mean it it's absolutely incredible to see what you
know the buy in from everybody not just for a paycheck but what they do outside of their jobs and and how they interact with human services, different departments and it it it is tr truly a thrill to see. >> Yeah, we should have Salem Outpost come and give an update on their program too
but they have the free dental clinic there now the medical clinic. Um they're doing a yoga with the cops kind of thing going on. Um so there's a lot of things happening there as well as we have law enforcement going out with our outreach worker out into the field >> um to see some of the homeless shelter,
you know, tent sections of our city as well. >> Yeah. >> Um so there's a lot going on. >> Absolutely. >> Well, there is. Thank you. >> Thank you for everything. >> Thanks. Thank you, Sandy. At this point in time, we'll convene the regular board meeting and turn it over to the uh
Commissioner Johnson for the county ditch meeting. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Call our ditch authority meeting to order at 9:46. Uh please note all commissioners are present. Um we'll move on to approve our amendments to the agenda. Members andor Adam have any additions?
Okay. Is there a motion? >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Motion a second to approve the agenda as presented. All those in favor? I opposed. It's carried. Move on to open forum. Um I believe Mr. Leget was here earlier and shared with us and left. So
um anyone else open forum for ditch? >> Hearing or seeing none, we'll move on to our consent agenda item. Approve or amend the ditching meeting minutes of the March 17th 26 meeting. >> I'll move the consent agenda item. >> Okay. >> I'll I'll second.
>> All right. Motion a second to approve the consent agenda. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor? I >> I >> opposed. That's carried. Move on to regular agenda. Update on CD3 maintenance of the buffer strips. Adam, [clears throat] >> good morning, commissioners.
>> Morning. Wrong one. All right. Last time we spoke, um, we talked about, um, that on CD3 only one side of the buffer strip was cleared of trees when maintenance was completed a few years ago. Um, I got information from Excel
stating that they would um, they would cut down the trees, but they would just leave them in place and then we would be the ones to have to um, get rid of those trees. Um, you guys asked me um, to talk to our attorney regarding this situation.
Um, seeing if we have the right to to tell Excel that they need to get rid of the trees or if that was if that was our duty. Um, I'm going to scroll down here. Um, like I stated, this is Excel. They said they'll make ready for removal 10
ft feet clearance of their of their power lines. Um, and I asked our attorney and they stated that the drainage system is responsible for the buffer and he stated if Excel is willing to cut the trees, that is a bonus to the system. Um, and
our attorney stated that he doesn't believe that we can force them to remove it because it is the drainage authorities's responsibility. Um, and so that leads us to the the question I had a few weeks ago. Is is this
something we want to move forward to um with is this does the drainage authority want to put out quotes for the removal of of the trees on the buffer strip of CD3? >> I guess Commissioner Bite, do they have a comment? >> Yeah, I want to ask a question. So, if
they come in and cut these trees down, obviously something has to happen with them and they need to I mean, I don't know what the legalities are or anything, but can't we just offer that if someone needs the wood, they can come in and and grab them and clear them out?
>> It's a huge responsibility in the county. >> Yeah, >> it's what I guess >> it's a huge responsibility county for liability than anything if that Go ahead. I'm sorry. >> I think with um John's comment about it is a bonuses system. I I can see that
point. I'm a little wor worried that if we go out for quotes I I think we should maybe ask two questions. What does it cost to clear it out? And what does it cost to >> clean it up? Because is there really a
bonus to it? I don't know. I'd like to see that. >> Yeah. Well, >> you know, in in a quote because >> just because they're going to drop them doesn't mean it helps the people who are going to be doing it, >> right? And my my comment was how are they going to drop them? What are they
going to leave a one foot? Are they going to get right down to the ground? >> And if we can't get in there, >> then we can't get in there. Yeah, >> that's what makes me a little nervous about that. But I think we need to get the quotes. I mean, let's go out and see what it costs. But I'd ask for two two options. Get an alternate in there. you
know, what's the deduct on it if the trees are down? >> Yeah. I guess my only concern is um I know contractors are wary working around power lines. >> Yeah. >> And so
I would assume that maybe it's more expensive for the for the section that has the power lines in it um to remove those trees. Um, and I'm not sure how um willing XL would be to let someone
else in and cut down those trees around the power lines. I'm not sure if that would be an issue to them or or not. I've I've not worked regarding this before. I >> I mean, I'm hearing John say it's our responsibility. >> Yeah. >> Maintain the buffer. So, m >> Mr. Chair, I I I I I understand your
concern and I would agree with it, but the reason we left them up is hoping that XL would take them down, cut them down anyway. Okay. >> And if they're willing to cut them down, I mean, I think it is a benefit to the ditch system for them to cut cut them
down so we don't have to worry about power lines. It's the issue of getting everything cleaned up. >> That's the issue. >> Excuse me. But there can't be a liability if they did one side on the power lines already when we cleaned the ditch versus the other side. It was more
of our choice. >> Who dropped those though? >> Yeah. Who dropped them? >> I think we didn't. Didn't we have that when we cleaned the ditch? >> I I don't know. I I'm >> I don't think the power lines >> I'm actually asking who dropped those. >> Yeah, I don't I don't think the power lines were an issue cuz they were on the other side of the buffer strip. So, I'm
not sure if the trees even would have >> The lines are only on one side. >> Correct. Correct. The lines are only on the the north side of of CD3. >> I'm just a little leerary that they drop them and we can't get in there and get them out. That's >> Well, yeah. You know what happens when you let wood stay there and then get a
high rain floods into the ditch and >> that's the balancing act of >> Mr. Chair. I I believe if XL can get in there to cut them down, we can get a contractor in there to >> pick them up. >> Pick them up. I mean, >> they got to just set them off to the side so we can get to them. >> Yeah. I mean,
>> yeah. I'm not sure what XL if if they literally just chop them down and leave them there or if they cut them into, you know, movable. >> Yeah. His comment here is make ready for removal. 10 foot clearance. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> So contractor can safely remove them.
All debris will be left on site. >> Are they going to leave stumps high? >> No, that would be my question. See, that's [snorts] >> Do you guys remember on CD9 and 14 when the trees were removed, was the stumps just stump grinded or were they
>> they were to be removed to to the grade? Yeah, >> because we had an issue on six where they left left them up a foot. >> Right. They did come back through and grind them. >> They did >> because I just didn't know if if we [clears throat] would ask these contractors to do just stump grind them
to the grade or fully remove the stump. >> I don't know. They don't need to remove the stump. >> All right. >> Get them to grade though. Yeah. Whether it's grinding or or uh cutting them off. >> Yeah. >> I think it's going to be easier for them just to bring in a stump grinder. And
>> so is there a skid loader? Are you're everybody's thinking that you asked the quotes for the removal of the cut down trees, but [clears throat] >> you know, >> yeah. >> Would you like still an alternative to them? >> I Sorry, Mr. Chair. >> I I think if XL is willing to take them
down, that's their liability. Let them take them down. That's just my opinion. >> And maybe they don't even want you taking them down >> and and that's probably correct, too. But I don't know. >> They probably want to do it because it's their line. Well, we also asked them to do it too. >> Yeah.
>> You know, we we created a >> So then you can just then I guess at that case it wouldn't be an alternate that they'd be noted in the quote documents that the trees would be downed by Excel and and made ready for removal. I'd use that language right there that Excel gave you.
>> But I would also put in there that we we do need the the stumps ground down >> too great. >> Yeah. Too great. So, if they do leave them up this high, they got to come through the chainsaw, cut them down, and then grind them >> or whatever they're going to do to get them to grade. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I guess I'm not sure how fast,
like if I were to contact XL today and tell them to please, you know, start cutting down the trees. I don't know how fast >> I think my perspective, I'd get the I'd get the quote >> based on the fact that Excel will be doing it. So, we kind of have a a number we can juggle around with because what
was the maintenance assess for that? Do you remember? >> Um, I don't think I put it on here sadly, but I I don't I know they're still kind of paying off kind of the repair and redetermination of benefits. So, I'd like to see before we move ahead. >> Yeah. Because the amount that was
>> I think we're going to have plenty of time. My guess is going to be next year because they got to probably go through engineering. >> Yeah, >> probably. >> I I mean, [sighs] one post took over a year to move. One line took over a year to move. I think we're prepared to get
quote. Let's get some quote. >> Yeah. >> All right. >> Not to exceed numbers. >> Yeah. I'll put an estimation and then a not to exceed number on the quote as well. >> I I actually drove through there the other day. God, that ditch looks dirty again. >> Yeah. >> Does it not?
>> Yeah. I have a an inspection set in a couple weeks, so I was going to fly it again and and just see how it's looking. As bad as it sounds, I ended up doing a Uturn [laughter] right be not very smart. >> That's a shock right there. Really entrenched.
>> I drove by it and then it ever get you ever get by something and you're like, "Wait a minute. What was that?" >> So I end up doing a U-turn. I go back. I'm like, "God, we just cleaned this a year, two year year and a half, two years ago." >> Yeah. >> So there's a lot of debris and everything in that whole system, though, too. So
>> yeah, I have maintaining the buffer. I have an inspection of CD12 that I'm going to be doing on on Thursday this this week. I'm going to be meeting with one of the land owners out there and and just discussing with him. >> Is it the petitioner by chance? >> No, it is a different land one of the
land owners at the start of it. I'm not he didn't tell me what he wanted to ask me, but he just said, "Can I meet you out there?" And I said, "Of course." So, >> talking about that, you weren't here, but Frank Leot was in for open form for the regular county board meeting talking about >> Yeah. basically having some of us come
out and meeting with him on the property, including yourself. Um, so at some point here in the near future, we could try to schedule that. >> He does have a side by side that we can use. So, >> and and when you guys do that, I I mean, if if it's out there a little bit and we have the opportunity to put as a cow, I
would like to come to that, too. >> I mean, you guys have been putting up with a lot of stuff on that ditch stuff and >> he's he does want somebody from H2O. Yeah, I I listened to it on the uh Okay. Um on YouTube this morning prior to me
coming here. And I I just put this shared just to show you guys all again what I sent >> Mr. Leot a few weeks ago. >> Um I get his his concerns, >> right? I mean, >> um but a lot I'm going to scroll down a little bit further. This is from the
National Wetland Inventory. Everything in light green and green is considered a wetland on his property. And so it's going to be hard to determine on the ground. Yes, there's going to be there's going to be water standing there because
a lot of his property is a wetland. [clears throat] >> Um and so it's going to be hard to determine like yes, he's got water on his land, but he's not he's not technically a benefit of the wetlands. >> Well, the the hard part for him is he's
on the end of CD7 that dumps into May Creek, >> which dumps into his >> We can't touch that. that we can't touch. >> And you can see here right where CD7 enters his property and into Mayhew Creek there, this blue hash mark is all wetlands and he is not considered a
benefited um landowner do in this in this property. So when he states that he kind of gets flooded out here, I'm not sure the extent of the flood out. If it goes into the yellow, then yes, he's he has a fair point that he's getting benefited
for something that is flooded. That that is an issue. But if he's just talking about this blue hashmark area, he's not getting charged for that. So, it's going to be >> Yeah, Mr. Chair, I would assume that map would be very
>> helpful >> helpful. >> And he has it. Well, but but so everybody else has it with them so that when he disputes it, you can >> you know, Adam, you can say, "Well, here this is >> future." CD7 maintenance is going to be a challenge. >> Oh, >> where does it actually drain across the
road or across his property? >> Right there on that right there. >> Right there. I mean, that part in there when you get a heavy rain like the yellow part. I mean, he's not he's not trying to jank jerk our chain and tell us that water doesn't sit there because
I've seen it's deep. But >> yeah, it's like how far does the water go up to? Is it does it go into the yellow area? >> Yeah, I've seen it like all the way into there, but it's not. It does know where to go because >> the outlet's the issue. >> The outlet is the issue. You know, I see
his point because he's getting >> drowned and assessed for some that the water does it take so long for it to get through May Creek and we can't do anything about that. >> We can't go in and make Mayahoo Creek bigger. >> No.
>> Or clean the trees out. >> Yeah. Commissioner Johnson, if you just want to I can contact H2O or you can and I can contact Frank as well or whoever whoever [clears throat] thinks is >> I suggest contacting Derek or Brian and get an estimate of what it would cost to
have them >> come out here. >> All right. >> Because again, this is dealing with something that they did almost four years ago. >> Yeah, I can email both of them and ask them the cost of of coming out here and meeting on site.
then we can move forward. >> Let's go back to the ditch. >> It Yeah, the ditch system will pay for it. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Other than that, yeah, I got nothing else from >> All right. Members, anything? >> No, >> Mr. Chair.
>> I just want to say thank you, Adam, for taking all this on. We We really appreciate it. >> I agree. >> No, thank you guys. >> All right, we're journed at 10 o'clock. I'll pass it back to the board chair for finishing up our board meeting. >> Great. Thank you, Commissioner Johnson.
We'll reconvene a regular board meeting. Actually, first of all, I'm going to go comments or concerns. Commissioner Gapinsky, you wanted to bring something up. >> Um, well, I I I want to bring up Well, obviously I'm heading out to DC next week with the St. Cloud APO um for more
lobbying, but uh we were out there, was it about a month ago? Yeah. Three weeks ago, >> um lobbying for >> 18th. >> Yeah. For for money. I think you guys maybe got the email from Megan. >> Um, we were successful. >> Yep. [clears throat]
>> So, uh, and I I gotta give kudos. I I actually had a long conversation with Megan this morning >> about her uh potentially joining our next meeting. >> Oh. >> So, I'd like to I'd like to get her on because ultimately, if it wasn't for Megan, [clears throat]
>> we would not be getting this money. We can say we went out to DC all day long. That was icing on the cake. If we wouldn't have got this proposal in, which she drove in in like two days basically, we would have never been in this
opportunity. And we did request up to 7 million. So, >> and I'll say it's a pretty good ROI. >> Oh, it is insanely good. >> You know, Commissioner Gapinsky, we also have to thank a couple other commissioners or a commissioner that
stumbled upon Megan one year out there, right? >> Absolutely. Wasn't it you and uh >> Chris Berg that stumbled on or Megan approached you guys? >> We met with her last fall. >> Yeah. >> Y >> you know, so >> and to your point, we'd be I mean, I'll speak for myself, I'd be totally lost
out there without her. >> Yeah. Oh, yeah. >> Just her ability to be able to know where things are at and get where you need to be, >> you still be looking for the room. >> And she's a very humble person. And I'm like I'm like, "No, no, Megan, don't be giving us credit." I said, "You you did a phenomenal job." And
>> she really did. So, um, but we're going out there next week and we're going to, uh, keep lobbying for APO priorities, which are number one the the the potential new bridge. Um, the intersection of 15 and 23, which is a
debacle. >> Um, Sartell has this I always get the roads mixed up. 322. I'm sure Persky's listening. Maybe >> he's in his own meeting. >> He's in his Yeah. But, uh, so we're doing that, but then I'm also going to hit on the the the build grant again,
which we we said we're very thankful for, um, Emmer's office including us in their directed spending, but um, one of the things that Anna brought up when we were out there, and she's from, um, uh, Senator Smith's side, is the fact that
we should really be continuing to hit up Duffy because if if Emmer gives 7 million and we're Not saying that's what we're getting right now, but we're up to 7 million. >> That was our ask. >> Yeah. And let's just say the whole project's 21 million. We could actually
say go back to Duffy and say, "We're doing this part. You do the 14 and then they can they can have they can spread those build grants out further." >> So, it's it's a very good uh setup right now. and we hammered him extremely hard
on on being very appreciative, but make the call to transportation secretary Duffy. So, and and we're going to be making sure I'm I'm actually trying to set up some before meetings when I get out there before our APO goes and and
and uh meets with them just to say thank you. And what was the conversation like to with Duffy's office? >> And everyone, you know, everyone said that they would make that call. >> Everyone >> everyone said that they would make that call. You know, with with Megan, I can't
appreciate >> the amount of time she spent, but of how she had these meetings set up and it was like boom boom boom boom boom. It wasn't an hour, two hours, another meeting. It was back to back to back. >> That was nice. Well, and she understands
the importance of if you take the try to take the politics out of it, whether or not you're in the camp with Congressman Emmer or not, he is the majority whip. >> Y >> and he is our representative. >> So, you have to take advantage of that opportunity. He's very supportive, >> very willing to meet.
>> Yeah. >> Willing to make those phone calls. >> So, that's important. And she understands that. And she's she understands how to work that, >> you know. And it's no different than Grady, too, down in St. fall. It's just incredible. >> It's interesting you walk through the
capital. Hey Grady. Hey Megan. >> People can complain about the amount of money we spent on lobbyists. >> But you know what? If we get our 7 million, that'd be about $12 million. We >> Mhm. >> In how many years? Four years? Three years?
>> Monty, how much has this county's ever gotten before? >> Zero >> in federal dollars. >> Well, and the ear marks, right? that your marks there, >> you know, and Amanda from BEP got us a million dollars, too. So, I mean,
>> and the point of all this is it's off the local levy is it's absolutely your money. I understand that, but >> Yeah. I mean, we're still paying Don't kid yourself. We're still paying [clears throat] >> somebody else does. >> Exactly. And and there's more to be had.
And there's I mean just because we got these we need to we've already proven that paying these lobbyists is the right thing to do and everybody says oh this isn't for me. We we'll just when we get something we'll back away. You never back away because you never know when
you're going to be in line to get that next one. >> Right. So >> well now and if we go together as more of a region isn't the right word but you know including the APO including Sterns including everybody together it really makes a difference. I'm going to be hitting extremely hard on that at their
next meeting to make sure people understand that this is if we pull our money, it goes a lot further than just one of us. One of us were just a small fish in a huge pond. We pull our money and we got central Minnesota together.
Man, we we can we can move things. >> And you go to two congressional or three congressional districts, too, right? >> Exactly. >> Yes. >> So, a big difference. >> No. All right. >> Okay. Anything else, Senator? >> Um, I did have a >> meetings.
>> Uh, I did I did have an email from a Autumn Ridge about the speed limit on one. I explain what our what the plan is, everything like that. But I definitely wouldn't want to talk to um [clears throat] the assistant county
engineer about seeing what we can do for changing the speed. I know it's got to go through a speed study and everything like that. and we don't have a and I and I let them know about that. But I do agree with her 100%. I live on that road and there's people that go 40, there's
people that go 30, and there's people that go 75. >> There's just no rhyme or reason. >> What is the speed limit? >> 55. >> Well, some people think it's 50. >> Yep. >> MDOT's got to get involved, [clears throat] too. >> MDOT's got to get involved. So, it it's
a it's a dangerous area. And and you're talking from 23 to Lake Station roundabout that stretch, right? >> Yeah. Well, 23 to 29 because >> but with the roundabout on 29 going from from that roundabout to Lake Station, now we have the opportunity to turn it
into a school right school zone. >> School zone. You already got to slow down when it's schooling. >> Well, only a small right in front of the school. >> Yeah. Right in front of the school. >> But you're talking from CASA 29 down to CASA 3. >> Correct. Y here. I just have a remark to make on
that. You can change that speed limit. I agree. It's got to be that it's something that maybe needs to be looked at, but you can change it all you want to that eight that comes across um 23 that comes out towards my house, they changed when they redid the bridge on
the metal road over there and and hard that they changed that to a 45. I can tell you that 90% of those people that drive down that road do not drive 45. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, I mean, you can change it and put the signs up and whether people are going to adhere to the sign
or not >> is another [snorts] story. >> Yeah. A couple quick comments. Uh, comm uh Mr. Chair, the roundabout on 29 never ever got designed for the fire
department pulloff fill station. And how many times did we talk about that? I mean, I don't understand what happened, but uh I thank Mr. Bakowski or was it Steve? >> Yep. >> That's his last name, right?
>> Okay. >> I keep thinking about uh Brent. >> Yeah. >> But uh but Mr. Bakowski's taking care of it. He it'll probably have to be in the the extension of 29 project. >> That would make sense. Y >> but uh that was missed. And I also told
him that we should probably have some kind of a cow or an update on a on that roundabout potentially on [snorts] 3 and 29. He said it can't be done um with the 29 extension. However, it could be
designed and bid at the same time. They would take it as one project but two separate bills and and do it that way. So he but I think we should jump on that as soon as possible. >> Lauren, I've got some calls and concerns
about how Okay, so you know where the 29's going to cross over one and go in behind all them houses and stuff there. I've got some calls and concerns about how the road is designed at that roundabout, which you just kind of
brought up, and how all of that traffic is going to actually come into that. And they're seeing some issues. I don't I'm not up on the full [clears throat] project, so to give an answer to some of that is is kind of hard.
>> Yeah. Um but um they're worried about in future years where they're going to have to change that because there's so much traffic coming in that it's not going to that roundout's not going to keep traffic. So >> is that a two-lane roundabout? >> Yeah, it's a two-lane roundabout.
>> Yeah, it's designed it's over oversized though. >> It's it's oversized and overdesigned to meet population studies out like 20 years. what's coming from that apartment building and the housing, they're going to have a hard time getting onto that
road to get to the roundabout. >> That's what they're bringing up. >> Wow. >> Well, this was done by I I I'm not saying they're wrong, but I I'm saying that I can't say they're wrong or right cuz I don't have that education. It was
done by this this was done by um >> WSB. Yeah. And it and it's based on traffic counts many many years into the future after development. >> Correct. >> So I I know that that that group out there has been very vocal on things and
I get it. I get it. But what what they a lot of them didn't realize when they bought those areas and they probably weren't ever told. But that road has been designed for 20 years. >> Long before the houses were >> Yeah. And that's a real litter deal. That's a you know they got to I mean
>> and the county's had the rightway in there for 10 plus years, haven't they? >> Prior to this development even and speaking with Mr. Schultz about this this is in the development agreement. Yeah. About this route. So it's been upfront
>> and and Sock Rapids is not shying away from if they want to come talk to us. It's been in there for many many years. >> Speaking which Sock Rapids got an earmark as well for Storm Road. Mhm. >> to fix that with all that development happening there.
>> So, >> thanks. >> Yes. >> Okay. Well, let's go to commissioner meeting updates. We haven't done this for a while. >> I'll I'll start. >> I did mine already. >> You did yours already. Yeah. >> All right. Uh March 18th, Highway 23
coalition meeting and a region 7W economic development meeting in St. Cloud uh with Amanda and others from other counties. Uh, of course we had our AMC leadership conference up at Grand View. Um, I was only there Wednesday evening and through the day Thursday,
Thursday night I left. Um, yesterday at an MRC uh, virtual meeting, we had an update from Representative Torqulson. Uh, went over where he thinks things are at at the state level. Also had a BRE visit uh, yesterday late afternoon with
True North Clinic, the new owners of the Foley Medical Center it used to be. So had a very good visit with them for about an hour and a half. So that that went very well. Uh just a reminder if you haven't seen the invitation, we do have our Highway 23 annual meeting. I know that a lot of you attended that in
September, but that was actually for 24. So 25's meeting now is this Friday up in Mora uh at Fridays. So, um, and then also if you're interested, I do have tickets for the Care Pork Chop Dinner, which is coming up May 14th at 4:30. And
there'll be a change of venue this year. It'll be at Northern Hollow Winery. >> Oh, wow. >> Nice. So, if you'd like tickets for that, I have them here. I I understand you may or may not grab them today, but I'd like to get that taken care of maybe by the next board meeting if you're interested. So, that's what I have.
>> Did you say this Friday, Zan? No, >> this Friday, April 9th, up in Mora at Freddy's. >> April 10th. >> A Yeah. Is it the 10th? Sorry. Friday. Look at the calendar here. >> I can't make that anyway. So, >> it is the 10th. Thank you. It's the
10th. Highway 23 annual meeting up in Mora. >> Uh starts at 11. >> I'm going to Morgan Wallen. >> Uh and we will have uh Congressman Pete Stabber there. >> He was there last time. It was in >> when was that Mora? Yeah.
So, he has committed uh Representative Schultz and Representative Nelson are also supposed to be in attendance. >> You said Freddy's, right? >> Freddy's. >> Freddy's. >> I can go next. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Are you done? >> Yeah, I'm done. >> Okay, you're good.
I had a BR R um with uh um uh country and in suites met with them with Amanda and stuff. I thought that went very well. Um learned about their business, what their expansions, that kind of
thing would be. Um and I went, you all know I went to the library meeting on the 17th. Um um there's been some pretty hot topics at the S uh St. Cloud City Council meeting. So um I went to that on the
23rd. I had the AMC leadership summit um on the 20 25th, 26th, 27th and a career solutions meeting on the 31st. Um I had a uh joint powers meeting with the city
of St. Cloud and Minden on the 1st, RSVP meeting on the 2nd and again another city council meeting last night. Okay. Well, I had library on the 17th.
Um like we said, it was a fairly long meeting and then they are in the budget process and there's been a lot of stuff come going back and forth that you know counties are really watching their budget. So, I think that should help us out some on where we're going with this budget. I mean, you know, the
preliminary says that there's going to be an increase to all counties because of just the colas and stuff like that. So, we're going to have they're going to look deeply at staff, you know, not replacing staff or something that's going to come up through the executive. Did have the Sartell one, Mississippi
Sartell that's been kind of slow process. They just can't seem to, you know, we got some input from that irrigators association that's really dragging this out. They just don't, you know, a couple people think they got a lot more input than what they got. So, we had that and then of course the
leadership conference and I did the same thing you did. I left on Thursday night. I had things to do on Friday. So, >> okay. I had pretty much everything else, you know, with the DC AMC conference. What I did do is I did meet with
Michelle Schmidt from Excel at Osaka Osaka Road because of that power line that's right in the middle, you know, to get her on board right away that something's going to have to happen because sooner or later roundabouts going in there. And I didn't say
anything about us getting earmarked money from Emmer either at that time. Uh that's [clears throat] yeah just as I'm looking through my calendar that's everything else. So okay Monty
committee of the holes you ask for the uh bid openings to be listed as committees of the whole. So, the government center low voltage bid opening April 21st here in the boardroom at 2 p.m. The security bid opening will be May
12th at 2 p.m. here in the boardroom. May 12th, 2 p.m. here in the boardroom. Got that? Thank you. Okay. Um, Amanda invites you to take a tour of the Vista Apartments in St. Joseph on the morning
of April 14th. on the morning. Amanda, thank you for staying. Um, do you have a suggested time, Amanda? >> Um, I do not. >> The morning of April 14th, St. Joseph, >> I will have to get an address for you at some point, too. So, >> good morning, commissioners. Um, April
14th. Um, so the tour of Vista Apartments is um, developed by Sand Companies. um they presented at our your last cow and um I thought it'd be a good idea as you're moving forward with this housing support um program at the county
that to tour the apartments and then also meet on site with the provider to answer any questions that you have regarding the housing support project. Um they're proposing a project in the county um at some point and so it'd be nice to um take a look at that project.
So the 14th um I have the morning I pretty much can do I can be accommodating to the board. >> Can we do some something late morning 10:30 11? >> You're gone. >> I I will be heading to DC on tolog
I can't make that. Is there a different day that would work better? >> What about Monday? >> I mean, it doesn't have to be next week. It can be I mean, if you guys are out. >> I would like to see it myself. >> I think it'd be a really great,
>> but if everybody else can't >> about the 20th, >> Monday. >> Mission, you're still out, right? You're still out of country. Yep. >> I'm out of the country. >> Are you missing the next board meeting? >> Yeah. >> Yep. I'm out of the country through [clears throat] the 22nd.
So, how about the 27th? April 27th >> works for me. >> We have mediation that day. So, that would take out two board members. >> That would take what? >> Mediation. >> We have medi labor mediation that day. That would take out Commissioner Hine
and Commissioner Pop. >> What about a Monday? >> Monday. >> That is the Monday. >> That's the 27th. My bad. [snorts] Um, preferably before May if we can do it before May. >> He's out to the 22nd, he said.
>> So, >> when do you leave? >> Friday. >> This week, the 10th. >> Do you want it scheduled so you can go or don't care? [clears throat] >> I'm fine with it because I know what it's all about. And
>> so, how about Tuesday 28th then? >> You know, I mean, it's really up to you guys. >> Tuesday, April 28th. I would just plan for like an hour and a half tour >> similar to our beer or any visits. It'll just be >> on the 28th. I don't have anything till 3:00.
>> Could we do 10:30 on the 28th? >> That should work for me. Yeah, 28th will work. >> Okay, >> good. >> 10:30 on the 28th. >> So, could you Beth will be in touch with an actual address? Yeah, I will get an
actual address. >> Yeah, we'll get that. >> Get it over to Beth and Monty. >> All right. Did you want to list the Highway 22 Coalition annual meeting >> Friday and more at Freddy's 11:00? >> Yes, please. >> Okay. The Famous Freddy's.
Famous Freddy's. I've been there. >> And [clears throat] then you also put the library one on there. >> That's not May 16th, by the way. No, >> that would be uh that would be a Saturday. >> Okay, hang on. So, Commission Pot, what is the act the date of the next library board of trustees meeting? >> It would be the 19th.
>> May 19th at is it 6 PM? >> Yep. >> 6 PM. May 19th. >> It's in the St. Cloud Library. It's that large main room as you >> Mississippi room down the hallway to your right. Yeah. >> What's that room called? >> Mississippi room. >> The Mississippi room. Yes.
>> Yeah. >> Same as the APO room. >> It's either that one or the one straight ahead. It's the big It's the big one at the end. Yeah. >> That's all we have. Mr. Chair, move for approval of the cows. Mr. Chair, second. >> Got a motion, a second. Any further
discussion on that? If not, I'll call the question. All in favor say I. I