At their June 16 meeting, Douglas County Commissioners approved a number of requests that will assist the general population as well as specific individuals needing specific services.
Sheriff’s Office
Douglas County Sheriff Troy Wolbersen and his staff are responsible for safe waterways. He asked the board to accept a $21,275 Boat and Water Safety Grant from the state to offset the costs of water patrol, which includes responding to calls for help, observing dangerous behavior by boaters, and educating boaters on safety.
Recorder’s Office
Mary Skillings requested approval to purchase the Vitals Access online payment system from Tyler Technologies. This will help residents request and pay for vital records like marriage, birth and death certificates online. Skillings told the commissioners she is confident there will be a lot of people wanting to use this option.
Coordinator’s Office
Lee Katzmarek is the county coordinator. He is responsible for the evaluation of requests for new county staff positions and presenting the position to the board. At the June 16 meeting, Katzmarek asked commissioners to approve a Compliance Technician for the Land and Resource Management Department. This role would ensure people and businesses are adhering to the rules they agreed to upon receiving permission for a permit. For example, a vacation rental property.
Social Services
Director Tabitha Kremmin updated the board on a grant from Minnesota’s Department of Children, Youth and Families Child Support Division to provide expanded access to employment services for non-custodial parents involved in the child support program. She said the county will use Rural MN CEP as the local employment services provider.
Auditor/Treasurer
Vicki Doehling brought forth an individual family’s request for abatement of penalty for late payment of property taxes. She told the board her office doesn’t typically approve penalty abatement requests, but this case involved a sudden medical hardship, and the family has traditionally paid in full and on time. Commissioners approved the request. Commissioners also approved a temporary liquor license for the annual Rose City Threshing & Heritage Festival July 24-26. And they agreed to form a committee to work out details of a Temporary 1-to-4 day on sale liquor license for food truck operators working a private event in Douglas County. A local vendor requested the Legislature to make Douglas County a pilot project. Commissioners must first approve the special law which would be in effect for one year.
Public Works
County Engineer Tim Erickson requested approval for roundabout maintenance on CSAH 28 and County Road 87. MnDOT will be paving its legs of the roundabouts and asked the county if it wanted to use the same contract to pave its areas of the roundabouts. Commissioner Jerry Rapp made a motion to approve only if there is a bond, which would protect the county, is included in the contract.
Commissioners approved the purchase agreement for land on which the county will construct a stormwater pond near County Road 23.
And commissioners approved a permit to use Douglas County property for an event. This allows the Alexandria Community Christian School to hold the Annual Freedom Fun Run on July 4 at Brophy Park. Park Superintendent Brad Bonk explained, “They have had this event for five years, the last two at Brophy Park. This year it happens to fall on the July 4 holiday, and, under our park policy, that means they need board approval to have an event at the park.”
Charlie Meyer made the motion to approve.
Assessor
Assessor Stacy Honkomp presented renewal contracts for assessing services in Alexandria Township, Lake Mary Township, and the city of Garfield.
The next board meeting is July 7 at 9 a.m. at the Douglas County Administration Building located at 821 Cedar Street in Alexandria.