County Board Meeting November 1 2022

At their November 1 board meeting, Douglas County commissioners approved a number of important contracts for the county Human Services Department. These contracts were presented by Director Laurie Bonds.

• The Someplace Safe parenting time agreement provides supervised visitations for families referred by the county.
• Plus Kids provides a safe exchange and supervised visiting location for families at a location on Elm Street in Alexandria.
• Thrive Behavioral Network DBA Milestones in Alexandria provides mental health services through an intensive residential treatment and crisis stabilization program.
• REM Central Lakes, Inc agrees to furnish semi-independent living services in client’s homes. The goal is to assure the client attains the goals specified in the Individual Service Plan.
• Lakes Country Service Cooperative 2023 membership agreement.

Public Works

Public Works Director and County Engineer Tim Erickson and Drainage and Ag Inspector Tom Anderson  asked the board for permission to complete repairs on Branch 12 of County Ditch #17. Anderson explained the location of the project and the need for it. The cost will be $11,680.00.

Tim Erickson also shared that Friday, November 4 is Scott Green’s last day with Public Works. He retired and had graciously agreed to stay on the job for a specified time to ensure his replacement was fully acclimated. Scott has been the Assistant Public Works Director since 1993 and began his service to the county on May 17, 1976. The county thanks him for his many contributions during that time and wishes him all the best in the future.  

Director Dave Rush asked for approval for the final plat for what’s called the Second Addition to Sunset Strip. This is a single lot from larger acreage that will be served by private well and sewer and not have access to Lake Ida.

He also asked the county board to take action for Stor Smart North 2^nd Addition which has completed the required infrastructure improvements at its storage facility. Those improvements included a storm water management system, streets and setting of iron monuments. The board approved a reduction of financial security down to 10 percent.

Commissioner Keith Englund asked Director Rush about the status of a proposed 200 acre solar panel project on the south side of Interstate 94 in Lake Mary Township. Rush said the company had submitted an application to Land and Resource Development. Staff informed the proposed owners this project would require a mandatory environmental assessment worksheet. Rush assured commissioners there will be a public process for this project. Commissioner Charlie Meyer asked Rush if there is a comprehensive plan to dispose of used solar panels which have a lifecycle of 20 to 25 years.

Rush said there is no simple answer and relayed that some counties are charging a fee when projects are approved. Solar panels, Rush said, contain heavy metals and must be disposed of properly.

Finance

Finance Director Jill Frisell asked the board to approve payment of the bills and she introduced Breanna Dokka, the newly hired assistant finance director. Welcome Breanna. 

Auditor/Treasurer

Auditor Treasurer Vicki Doehling asked the board to approve a gambling permit for the Alexandria Industries Charitable Foundation which plans to hold a raffle at an event February 18 at the Smith Lake Public Access in Osakis Township.  

Commissioners reviewed and approved their monthly per diems and had discussion over whether  specific additional meetings should qualify for per diems.

Board Chair Tim Kalina then called for any items from the floor.

Former Douglas County Commissioner Jim Stratton said he has concerns about the per diems commissioners receive and request. He shared that commissioners receive a salary and are assigned specific committees which began a discussion about how the number of meetings and demands on commissioners have changed since he was in office. Commissioner Kalina and Mr. Stratton are on the ballot in November for Douglas County Board District 2.