County learns Villard Beach area is on county land
News | Published on July 18, 2022 at 11:59am CDT
By Melanie Stegner
news@pctribune.com
It was brought to the Pope County Board’s attention at a meeting last week that the Villard Beach area southwest of the city is on property owned by the county.
The property is adjacent to CSAH 25 and the multi-use trail. “We had an inquiry, realized it was county property, and would like its status going forward. The land was originally the city’s and was given to the county long ago,” said Villard Mayor Jason Rupp.
County Administrator Kappmeyer provided the board with options on how to handle the property. The city of Villard would like to continue to maintain and operate the beach area. There are currently no facilities or lifeguards. The first option would be a lease option for a nominal fee. The lease would contain wording that would include that the property can only have a specific use and would clarify responsibility between the two entities.
The beach was originally put together as part of an Eagle Scout project and has been a nice amenity to the city, the board was told. Rupp said the city is concerned about liability issues and wants clarity about how to move forward.
The second option would be to convey the property to the city of Villard. The property is currently part of the road right-of-way and would require an easement or permits to continue to operate.
The third option is to subdivide the property and create the beach area alone. The property is not desirable to do so with the right of way and restrictions of ordinances and requirements.
“Both of us have interest in the property, so I feel it’s in the best interest for the county to keep ownership of the property and do a lease option as Kappmeyer has recommended,” said Brian Giese. For as long as the beach has existed it’s been operating as a good faith agreement.
Board hears report from WCI staff
West Central Initiative staff members, Rebecca Lynn Peterson and Jill Amundson, were on hand at this week’s county commission committee of the whole meeting. They presented an update as well as reports on their activities. “Our Climate Action Plan Survey is available for residents to complete to ensure that WCI is prepared economically and physically for what may be coming,” said Amundson.
“Over the last two years over the funds that we host and through our own resources, WCI has been able to do $55,400 in loans and $794,500 in grants,” said Peterson. (The WCI website has more information about the programs available and about the disbursement of funds.)
“This year, during give to the max day, we are offering to purchase two apple trees for each of the 82 communities in our region. We will plant them in the chosen location with the chosen nursery,” said Peterson.
“I’m very impressed with how far you have come in your organization over the last five years. The strides are very impressive, and the reach of the programs is awesome,” said Commissioner Wagner.
WCI would like to create a four-year plan going forward and do more on an individual basis and has the access to do so, it was stated.
The board discussed the ARPA fund balances and how much of the allocated funds have been used. A request was received from first responder agencies to replace AED devices to two entities. “I think we need to discuss this further as there are questions about jurisdictions and responding agencies,” said Commissioner Gerde.
The board met in a special meeting on Thursday to determine if it was necessary to retain outside counsel in the current dispute with the Minnesota Department of Human Services over the selection of providers other than the county’s selected county-based purchasing provider, PrimeWest Health for Minnesota Senior Health Options, Minnesota Senior Care Plus, Special Needs Basic Care and Families and Children Medical Assistance Programs within the county.
The dispute revolves around an objection to the DHS’ selection of participating health plans for Pope County which after review was determined to not meet the needs of the county. Under two Minnesota Statutes, the county is able to decide the use of a different program. The board unanimously approved retaining outside counsel.
