The Polk County Commissioners met on Tuesday at the Polk County Government Center.
POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MONTHLY STATISTICS
The meeting began with the commissioners receiving the March monthly statistics from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The statistics for March cases included 120 traffic stops, 77 school patrol calls, 22 assists to other agencies, 15 motor assist, 14 fraudulent welfare checks, and seven domestic assault cases.
POLK COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT REJECTS COLUMBIA BRIDGE PROJECT BIDS
The meeting continued with Polk County Construction Engineer Darin Carlstrom approaching the board seeking approval to reject the two bids the county received regarding the Columbia Bridge. “This is located on the township road, which crosses the Burlington Northern tracks,” said Carlstrom, “In Columbia Township. It’s a wooden structure, it’s deficient, and we’re working with Burlington Northern and MnDOT for the replacement of it.”
The two bids that were received came in nearly 50% percent higher than the original project cost estimation. With Burlington Northern and MnDOT opting to fund the project, they immediately recommended the county reject the bids due to the excessive cost. “They’re hoping to get better prices,” said Carlstrom, “It’s not guaranteed, but hopefully we will. The bid came in at approximately $2.3 million, which was $800,000 more than the engineer estimate.” The board approved rejecting the bids and will look to reopen them starting this June.
The final item the board approved was a county ditch maintenance request located just north of the UMC campus. The report states there are trees and sediment blockage that the campus would like removed.
COMMISSIONERS RECEIVE INFORMAL PRESENTATION FROM POLK COUNTY 4-H EXTENSION PROGRAM
The commissioners received a presentation from Polk County 4-H Extension Educator Katie Becker, who informed them about the recent programs and events of which 4-H participants have been a part. For more information about the 4-H Extension program Polk County offers, click here.
The consent agenda included the approval of minutes from the April 2 meeting. It also included approving bills and disbursements in the amount of $87,272.03.
