Douglas County Board Meeting May 19, 2026

The Douglas County Lakes Association shared an impactful recognition at the May 19 Board of Commissioners’ meeting. Lakes Association President Jay Sieling presented Parks Superintendent Brad Bonk and the commissioners with a Lake Steward sign for the healthy shoreline buffers at county parks with significant shoreline. Sieling recognized how Douglas County maintains exemplary natural shorelines and natural buffers and showcases native plantings beyond the shoreland zone. These actions, the recognition says, help reduce unhealthy phosphorus, nitrogen, cleaning products, solvents and other components from being washed into the lakes. This improves water quality. Sieling added the program is designed to showcase what works so others will follow. He said the goal is to shift away from traditional landscaping and move toward lake-based landscaping.

A big event at Pilgrim Point Park on June 6 will kick off Summer of History 250 in Douglas County. Commissioners approved a permit to use the park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for an event filled with live music, food trucks, reenactments of historical events, a World War II display and much more. The Douglas County Historical Society is coordinating the series of events with various public and private partners.

The staff at Douglas County Extension provided a detailed look at the important work it does. Work that includes helping children find purpose and teaching them skills that will carry into adulthood. Regional Director Cecilia Amadou joined Extension Educators Robin Trott, Jodi Hintzen and Jackie Kokett, along with support staff Kim Taveirne and Sarah Trousil to explain the various programs and their impact. Trott specializes in horticulture and told commissioners her local newspaper articles have helped her go national! Minnesota Public Radio, the New York Times, Farmers’ Almanac, Good Housekeeping and now Martha Stewert are sharing her expertise. Commissioner Shane Schmidt, who is a member of the County Extension Committee, said he listens to Trott’s Saturday morning show on KXRA all the time and appreciates her work. Commissioner Jeff Way also sits on the committee and thanked all the staff who work on 4-H programs along with Aleyna Taveirne who gave a poignant presentation to the board about the value she finds in 4-H. She said she’s been in 4-H since she was 5 years old and it has taught her responsibility and leadership skills. She is the daughter of Kim Taveirne, a long-time support staff. She and Trousil shared their many areas of expertise which, this summer, will include managing the use of Spiny Water Flea detector kits funded by the DNR. Look for more information on this program in coming weeks.  

Additional board decisions included:

Approval of final payment to Korby Contracting Company for work completed on the Chippewa Park Bridge

Cleaning out of County Ditch 4-16 Branch 1 in Leaf Valley Township

Approval of a new assessment on The Rune in downtown Alexandria through a financing program called Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE). The program now allows financing for up to 30 percent of the property’s value allowing the owner to finance additional eligible energy improvements like windows, HVAC, lighting and low flow plumbing. Commissioner Jerry Rapp asked if The Rune had installed the energy efficient equipment required under the original program and was assured it had. The new assessment is for $13.4 million. It will be put in place January 1, 2027, for 30 years at an interest rate not to exceed 8.5 percent.

The next board meeting will be June 2 at 9 a.m. in the Administration Building located at 821 Cedar Street Alexandria.