A part of the OACCT's Public Policy efforts for 2010 is for volunteers from the Public Policy committee attend both City and County meetings and report back on items that are of interest/concern to business.
December 14th County Board Meeting
It was a long session with several motions made and approved. The ones I made note of are the Work Force Center report and the wind turbine ordinance.
The 2011 tax levy and budget.
A grant application for 25,000 to participate in the regional dispatch study
The county commissioner salaries held even.
The Joint Powers agreement reimbursement (without the final amount determined).
The Human Services Committee Report
Contracts on annual basis for interpreter’s salaries were raised from $18.50 to $19.00 an hour with a minimum of ½ hour. The contract with the dental hygienist will continue. Public Health resignation and moved to South Country was approved. They will be getting county input first before the RFP to get payment by South Country going forward.
They presented a language resolution package and it was adopted. A regional tech resolution was also adopted to show the powers that be that they are trying to work regionally.
They applied for a grant of 10,000 for high risk families at risk of entering the child welfare system.
There has been a change in the state transportation volunteer program. The state will no longer be paying no load mileage to volunteers. The department is asking if the county can pick up the difference. No Load mileage is when the volunteer is driving without the client in the vehicle. (i.e. going to pick them up). They have reserved their decision until they get a few questions answered on liability insurance and the amount that would have to be picked up.
Work Force center report – There have been joint staff with MCI for two years and internships have been established. A full time position filled with two half time staff. They want to continue with the contract. A representative from the work force center was there. He indicated that they would like the opportunity to bid on the contract. They are meeting in January but in the mean time they approved the contract with MCI with the understanding they could be terminated with a 30 day notice. The workforce center did indicate they would be looking at closing the Owatonna office and that could impact a lot of people in the area. MCI is out of Mankato and the Work Force Center is funded through Rochester.
Wind Turbine Ordinance
They held discussion on the consideration of Wind Turbine Interim Ordinance. The interim ordinance would temporarily place a moratorium on building new wind turbines. The intent was to allow Steel County time to adopt official position on the adopted would be in effect for one year or until it is removed. They voted to adopt the ordinance at the meeting. They questioned why only mid range turbines were in question and the commissioners stated that the state has statutes on larger and smaller turbines and this size is left up to the county. There is a gap in the current ordinance and it needs to be investigated and resolved before others try to put up mid range turbines. The board wants an ordinance that allows people to continue with good faith. Other counties have done some research. The ordinance would pertain to the project and permitting and not involve conditional permits that have already been extended.
Public Hearing Industrial Development Revenue Bonds – SCCL
The industrial development revenue bonds were approved for Cedarview for $15,000,000. They are revenue bonds and would not affect the levy or the tax payer.
Transportation & Drainage Committee
The fee schedule was increased to be more reflective of actual costs. If a farmer has no other way to get to where they need to deliver product they can apply for a permit with the county and there will not be a fee for overweight usage on the roads.
The fleet card system for the maintenance and fuel operation was approved through US Bank.
They have completed the grants assisting with road flood repairs that FEMA does not assist with.
The RFP for the hwy restoration feasibility study to return the roads to before flood conditions was approved. In order to make the decisions they need estimates of priorities and costs assigned to the damage that was done to roads and facilities. Replacement cost is defined by them and they need a consultant team that is familiar with FEMA policies and have dealt with flood situations in the past. Adjusters International seemed to be discussed the most.
They approved the tax abatement date change and disaster credit for all properties affected by the flood.
Property and Maintenance Committee
Policy the chief deputy is less than the sheriff by 12,000 dollars was discussed. They also looked at a percentage difference as well. The issue was carried over until a study of the issue could be completed.
Three vehicles were voted on and approved for purchase.
The 800 mgz radio was approved to purchase all required equipment at 119,000.
Cedarview Board of DirectorsSCCL authorize additional capital not to exceed $25,000 to pay for assessments on the road so they can begin development. Steele County will make the payments to raise additional capital for the dererred assessments. The total assessment and interest will be paid to SCCL. They added a cut off date in case the property is not developed.
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