County Board Notes-July 23, 2013

A part of the OACCT's Public Policy efforts for 2013 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.

-Board appointed Ed Nelson as Steele County Trails Administrator

-Public hearing was held with regard to some county street projects, primarily the turning back of CR111 to a gravel road, there were multiple questions on the wisdom of this change.   City of Medford, Blooming Prairie and Owatonna presented information to be considered in their 5 yr. CIP.  The city of Owatonna has multiple projects/repairs they would like considered should funding become available.  

-Board noted they have 7 open employee postions

-Board discussed plan for HR dept. and ultimately an HR director

-Awarded contracts to paint the Hope School, Community Center HVAC project, basement/dryland training at Four Seasons and replace chairs at the Four Seasons

-The board was presented with informationa from the Association of MN Counties citing the passage of wheelage taxes by all surrounding counties and they approved one as well, with little discussion.

-County  awarded contract for Engineering for CSAH 12 in Medford for redesign

-Awarded contract for Dane Rd. bridge approach repair

-County planning to take over maintenance of county parking lots including plowing, striping and seal coating

-Board approved the Hold Harmless agreement for the Chamber for Arts in the Park

-County Attorney highlighted the positive BCA report citing our low crime rate and high case clearance rate