The Douglas County Board of Commissioners agreed to name two county representatives to assist the Douglas County Library Board in its effort to review land options for a possible new library.
That action came at the October 17 board meeting after the president and vice president of the Douglas County Library, along with a consultant, shared with commissioners a library needs study they’re calling A New Chapter.
President Becky Albright told commissioners the library board has done its due diligence in determining there is a need for a new library. She says now it’s time to decide on the best land option and determine how to fund the construction. The library board’s goal is to have a new library available to the public by 2028. Albright told the commissioners libraries are essential. Studies are finding that libraries are a safe place. They are free and welcoming to all, especially young people, and the elderly. She said they are a unique hub for education and literacy, workforce development, and community connections.
The current library is 19,000 square feet and because its location on Fillmore Street in Alexandria is landlocked there is no room for expansion. The goal is to build a 34,000 square foot library that is in a more visible location with ample parking that has room for various programs. Terry Quist, a lifelong Douglas County resident, is the project consultant. He said the steering committee has found three possible location sites. They are all at least 6 acres and within two miles of Alexandria. They are not identifying the sites until direct conversations can be held with the landowners. Among the additional next steps is forming a capital campaign framework and exploring grant opportunities.
Land and Resource Management
Justin Swart, the Douglas County Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Coordinator, was presented with the 2023 Individual Research Partnership Award from the Minnesota AIS Research Center. Swart was recognized for being a leader in the effort to reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species. That work includes implementing the county watercraft inspection program, directing AIS monitoring projects, and administering county AIS control grants.
His supervisor, Land and Resource Management Director Dave Rush said, “When you have a program you need a good person to lead it. Douglas County has been very fortunate to have Justin Swart working with staff, lake associations, and others in the community, to protect our waters.”
Also, on the Land and Resource Management agenda, were the following items for commissioners’ approval.
- A final plat for the Ida South Storage buildings. This is a 31-unit storage planned unit development in Ida Township.
- A Conditional Use Permit and Preliminary Plat to allow the expansion of the Betsy Ross Resort on Lake Ida. This expansion would replace most of the older ten cabins and replace RV units with new cabins. The permit allows for not more than 30 resort units when the expansion is finished. There will also be a change in the business model whereby some of the units will be owned by investors but made available for rent as part of the resort.
Public Works
County Engineer and Public Works Director Tim Erickson presented commissioners with three Local Road Improvement Projects. The rules require cities and townships with populations under 5,000 to have a county sponsor to receive funding under LRIP. The board approved being sponsors for the following three projects:
- Brandon Township for improvement of Chippewa Heights NW
- Millerville Township for improvement of Lakes Road NW
- City of Kensington for improvement of Green Acres Plat Road for a new development
The county board also approved entering into an engineering contract for the construction of a timber bridge in Chippewa County Park which will provide access to land that will be used for tent camping and cross-country skiing at the park. The bridge will cross the stream between Little Chippewa Lake and Devils Lake. It will be large and sturdy enough for emergency vehicles, including fire trucks. Boats will be able to travel underneath it.
The county received $350,000 in grant funding for the project, thanks to Park Superintendent Brad Bonk. The grant requires a twenty percent match from the county, but Bonk shared with commissioners that the Brandon Fire Department has contributed funds which means the county would only need to pay about $35,000 and that money will come from park user fees.
Auditor Treasurer
Auditor Treasurer Vicki Doehling, accompanied by Assessor Stacy Honkomp, presented commissioners with four tax forfeit properties to classify before they can be sold. Doehling described each parcel and recommended they all be classified as non-conservation. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will next review the parcels and local municipalities will be notified the land will be for sale.
County Board
Commissioners approved the county’s purchase of land from the Douglas County Ag Association. The land is located west of the Douglas County Public Works building. The county will pay the Ag Association $700,000 for the land.
The board also agreed to enter into a lease agreement with the Ag Association for land the county owns under the racetrack. The county will lease the land to the Ag Association for the sole purpose of the racetrack and county fair activities.
Transmission Line Presentation
The Big Stone South Alexandria Transmission Line will be explained to members of the public at a number of locations, including the October 17 Douglas County Board meeting.
Todd Langston is the Transmission Project Manager and is employed by Otter Tail Power Company. He shared a map of the area expected to be impacted, which is available at this website www.Bigstonesouthtoalexandria.com and he explained why the line is necessary. He said it will ensure electric reliability, increase resiliency to extreme weather conditions, reduce transmission congestion, and increase access to low-cost energy. The next opportunity to learn more about this project is October 23 at the Broadway Ballroom Events Center. That informational session runs from 3 to 6 p.m.