Douglas County Commissioners met on Tuesday, October 4 at the boardroom located at 821 Cedar Street, Alexandria.
They approved a 2023 health plan for non-union county employees. They also approved hiring a company to provide brokerage and consulting services for future insurance selections.
Nathan Paler with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service presented three habitat easements: one in Ida Township, one in Evansville Township and one in Solem Township. The landowners retain primary responsibility for weed control, recreational use and access and continue to pay property taxes. The board approved the easements.
Veterans Service
Veterans Service Officer Jake Turner asked for and was given permission to begin the hiring process to replace the office administrative assistant who plans to leave in early 2023. He would like the new administrative assistant to be trained in by the current one so there is a seamless transition. The person in this position welcomes veterans who visit the office at 806 Fillmore Street, Alexandria.
Public Works
Douglas County Engineer and Public Works Director Tim Erickson asked that Sir Lines-A lot be paid the final amount for the completion of work done to mark pavement in the county in 2022.
He and Parks Superintendent Brad Bonk also asked the board to approve a resolution for a grant application which provides funds to groom cross country ski trails managed by the Douglas County Parks Division. That grant is for up to $4,000.00.
Auditor/Treasurer
Auditor/Treasurer Vicki Doehling informed the board she and IT Director Brent Birkland will be applying for a Help America Vote Act phase two grant. The funds are used to improve accessibility to, and implement security improvements for elections systems, or fund other activities to improve the security of elections.
Emergency Management
Emergency Management Director Julie Anderson shared with commissioners the creation of a Long Term Recovery Group in Douglas County to continue to assist tornado impacted residents. This Long Term Recovery Group meets via Zoom and is facilitated by Anderson. The core group of participants includes the mayors of Alexandria and Forada and elected and appointed township officials. Additional participants are Calvary Pastor Angie Larson and Heather Molesworth with West Central MN Communities Action. Fundraising to assist with unmet needs is one of the goals of the group. The Alexandria Area Response Fund accepts donations for tornado recovery and West Central MN Communities Action distributes those funds. Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria is seeking additional funds to distribute and is hosting a Neighboring Night event so all tornado impacted families can gather, share a meal, and share how they are doing. Calvary is providing the meal free of charge. There will also be an opportunity for those attending to fill out a card asking about unmet needs. The Minnesota Commerce Department will have a representative there to answer questions from those working with insurance companies, Auditor Treasurer Vicki Doehling will also be in attendance to make sure everyone understands how and where to vote. Additional resources will be available to assist with a wide variety of needs including mental health. Anderson told the board the event will be Tuesday, October 18 at 6 p.m.
The board presented its per diem reports and discussed items to include on the agenda for the next Douglas County/City of Alexandria meeting.
It was then time for Items from the Floor. Judd Hoff spoke and told commissioners he wanted to ensure that the county and its employees are aware of a city of Alexandria code making it unlawful to display an altered flag. He said in his opinion there are people in violation of the code as images of altered flags have become more popular and can be seen on clothing, vehicles etc. in city limits.