The Polk County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday morning at the Polk County Transfer Station and they heard from Polk County Sheriff James Tadman, Jacob Snyder for a discussion on Planning on Zoning, and Michelle Cote to discuss Property Records. The meeting also had other pieces of information with Attorney Greg Widseth, Historical Society President Anne Muir, and Administrator Chuck Whiting.
SHERIFF TADMAN
After the call to order and going through the consent items, Sheriff James Tadman spoke on the monthly reports. There were 10 motor vehicle accidents in May and Tadman said that is an average number. Speeding is up all around the state, and Tadman says he as well as other law enforcement members continue to stress the importance of slowing down. “Things seem to be going good, knock on wood, but traffic speeds seem to be going up in every county” said Tadman. “Our biggest thing is just trying to get people to slow down and pay attention so that everyone can stay safe.” Lastly, Sheriff Tadman gave a quick update on a dispatch opening they’re trying to fill. “We just put out an ad looking for a new dispatcher after we had one resign and if anyone is out there that is interested, they can contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.” The other number to note from the report was that transportation of inmates was up 3,000 miles this year compared to last, however that number is always fluctuating year to year.
PLANNING AND ZONING
Assistant Environmental Services Administrator Jacob Snyder then had his turn and told the commissioners about five different people who he thinks deserve a Low Income Septic Fix-Up Grant. The money ($40,000) comes from the MPCA through the Clean Water Act, and Snyder says the five people were chosen out of twenty-one applicants based on the size of their septic system, condition that it’s in, and the amount of income they earn. “Today we allocated five out of twenty-one applications we received through the program and the things we look at when looking at an application include the status of the current septic system, household income, and proximity to surface waters such as lakes and rivers. From there we rank our applicants so we can take care of the ones we deem imminent public health threats first.” The County will cover a certain portion of the cost while the homeowner will need to come up with the rest. The number the homeowner will need to pay is based on the qualifications of their application.
PROPERTY RECORDS
Michelle Cote then spoke on some topics regarding Property Records, including an abandoned railroad right of way purchase. The parcels are 19.00124.01, 19.00125.01, and 21.00019.01. The size of the property is nearly 20 acres, and the goal was to get an agreement from the board to purchase the pieces of property. The board moved to sell the 21.00019.01 parcel for $9,000 while the other two parcels will be sold once a conversation is held with the other property owners nearby and they give their consent. By allowing the buyer to purchase the 21.00019.01 property, he will have access to his property from the nearby county road, while the other parcels are talked about in the meantime.
2022 BUDGET STATUS
After a closed session to discuss a Litigation/Claim related to the Red River Valley Juvenile Center, the meeting was brought back to an open session where Polk County Administrator Chuck Whiting discussed the 2022 budget status. Whiting says that the budget is still the same as it was during the last time the board met, but there are a few factors to keep an eye on moving forward. “We’re still waiting for the legislature to finish up its budget and that can affect us” said Whiting. “The Enbridge Energy refund can affect us as we’re very hopeful that the final legislative action will include a payback of those funds.” Whiting also discussed the American Relief Program Status and there is nothing new to report at this time. He did however note that some things are starting to become clear as the summer goes on.
OTHER ITEMS
Other items included Anne Muir the President of the Historical Society discussing the annual report, and Greg Widseth who discussed a vacancy for a Clerk Typist Cashier IIIA.
Muir gave a breakdown of 2020 and how it was the year of change for the society. Muir also gave plans for the upcoming year as they look ahead. The committee passed the motion from Widseth to approve starting the process of finding a new Clerk Typist Cashier. The motion passed unanimously.
The next meeting will take place July 6 and will be back in its usual location the Government Center after the move to the Polk County Transfer Station came back in the spring of 2020 because of COVID-19.
