By Melanie Stegner

news@pctribune.com

The Pope County Board of Commissioners met last week for a work session to cover three main discussion topics: an ineffective ordinance, dangerous and nuisance dogs and the county’s remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. 

The Land and Resource Management Office staff have been reviewing current ordinances and policies to determine their relevance and, in their research, have found an ordinance dating back to November of 2001 that is called the Pope County Administrative Ordinance. It was stated in the agenda that after reviewing the text of the ordinance, “it’s difficult to envision to whom or under what circumstances this ordinance would apply.” It’s also unclear to the enforceability of the ordinance, it was stated.

During the meeting it was stated that the ordinance was meant to apply to a public health matter, but because of the way it is worded, it’s very vague and could be misleading. The topic will be brought back at a future board meeting for consideration with the options to amend, repeal or clarify.

Commissioner Paul Gremmels requested that some research, background and discussion happen regarding dangerous and nuisance dog regulations after some constituent-contact he received. Ordinances were reviewed from some neighboring counties regarding their regulations to dangerous, at-large and nuisance animals. Douglas County only has a county ordinance regarding dangerous dogs. Isanti County addresses dangerous and at-large dogs.

“The constituent’s main concern is with nuisance dogs scaring wildlife,” stated Gremmels. “Maybe we want to involve DNR, Sheriff’s Department, County Attorney and Humane Society in more discussion on this,” he added.

“The question may be is this more of a civil issue than it is an issue to be handled by the county? There was a situation in Glenwood with an older dog that would roam around and visit the neighborhood and it would be picked up by law enforcement and taken to the vet and then charged $40 per day to hold it. If the owner didn’t find out for a week, the bill got high enough that he eventually just left it there,” stated Commissioner Paul Gerde.

Tom Goracke, a landowner who is affected by this situation stated that he feels the owner should be held liable for the animal. “I’ve discussed this issue with the dog’s owner, law enforcement, the DNR and several others.” Goracke stocks his food plots with pheasants and stated that nuisance dogs scare the birds and other wildlife away.

A draft ordinance was available for review, but commissioners and administrator agreed that the DNR, Sheriff, County Attorney and possibly the Humane Society should be in attendance to assist with regulations before a final ordinance is approved.

More than $200,000 in ARPA funds remain

Pope County received over $2.18 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds as part of federal COVID relief. The funds were originally determined to be used for the border-to-border broadband project as well as childcare and public safety to stay within the guidelines of the fund use. There is a remaining balance in the fund of just over $229,000. 

“These funds need to be out the door before 2026 or they will have to be returned,” stated County Administrator Kersten Kappmeyer. Earmarks for these funds are in place but have not yet been claimed. About $90,000 of the balance remaining was earmarked for childcare with $75,000 of that for the Lakes Area Enrichment Center. 

Discussion centered around various agencies and areas that would be eligible for use of the funds that remain. The possibility of putting a deadline for any requests for the funds to be prior to the end of 2024 was also discussed. More definite plans will be made for the funds at a regular meeting, it was decided.

Minnesota Rep. Paul Anderson will be attending the next meeting of the board of commissioners on Tuesday, Jan. 16 it was confirmed and Rep. Mary Frandsen will be attending the meeting on Feb. 6.