By Melanie Stegner

news@pctribune.com

Representative Paul Anderson was in attendance at last week’s meeting of the Pope County Board of Commissioners to go over his focus points during this year’s legislative session in St. Paul. 

The first topic he mentioned that he would like to see clarification on is the recent laws regarding School Resource Officers. “The Minnewaska School District is unique with W.I.N. Academy and having more clarity on this law would give the officers located in the district a better understanding of what the intent is,” he stated.

“I’m afraid the new flag design is here to stay, but the feedback I’m getting from people out here is not positive. The committee was given carte blanche and we may be stuck with it,” Anderson added.

“LRIP (Local Road Improvement Plan) is high demand and is going to outmatch the amount of money available. Stearns County alone had 30 applications for those funds,” said Anderson.

On the agriculture end of things Anderson stated that the main focus is on water quality. The state capital is in the process of being remodeled and expanded at a very high cost. “It’s $700 something million dollars and is kind of a political hot potato.”

Commissioner Gerde thanked Anderson for coming to the meeting and thanked him for his work at the capital on County Program Aid (CPA) as it helps offset property tax. He discussed concerns with the solid waste and inflationary prices as they try to refurbish and renew recycling equipment. 

Commissioner Gordy Wagner also thanked him for his work on CPA and reminded Anderson of the county-based purchasing through Primewest health. Primewest is currently being used in 23 counties through the state. Commissioner Gremmels asked about the vagueness of where the Big Stone South to Alexandria project was going to go and Anderson said he will keep an eye out for any information.

The board went into public session to discuss the Pope County Housing Trust Fund. There was no public comment, so the meeting went back into regular session and the commissioners unanimously voted to enact the ordinance establishing the fund. The fund is intended to provide an approved, appropriate method by which the county can receive its allotment of housing funding from the state and use it for local purposes in support of needed housing. The fund also allows additional activity in this area beyond funding from the state. 

Sheriff Tim Riley requested approval of the State of Minnesota Federal Boating Safety Supplemental Equipment Grant. This year the funds will be going toward the purchase of buoys, chains and binoculars for the aquatic program.

Sarah Green, County Recorder requested an adjustment of fees for additional remote access of the Laredo plan to the existing plan that is offered to subscribers. Laredo software is designed to allow remote access to clients recorded document information by professional searchers like title companies, financial institutions, realtors and surveyors. Subscribers will be charged $30 per month to use the system.

A plat recording extension was granted to Jason Tank for the Third Addition to West Shores. Tank was required by local ordinance to record the play document with the County Recorder within 90 days of the approval he received on June 20, 2023, and that time period has expired. After consideration the board approved the extension unanimously.

The board’s first Wetland Conservation Act decision was presented at the meeting by Ralph Hanson, Land Use Specialist regarding a tiling project by Earl Hauge in Chippewa Falls Township. The board approved unanimously.

A professional services agreement was approved between Pope County and Obenland and Nelson Law Firm for the provision of support services for county attorney activities. Approval of some additional tobacco retailer licenses was also given. 

Dates were set for the county board of appeal and equalization meeting. The meeting in 2024 will be held on Monday, June 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the third-floor board room. Appointment times are required to be heard at the meeting. The primary canvassing board was approved with Gremmels and Wildman being the commissioner members. A new policy was passed to replace an older version regarding tax abatements. “The old policy was pretty vague, this one clarifies some of the most common situations,” stated Stephanie Rust, County Auditor/Treasurer.

Financials and bills were reviewed and then a reminder that Representative Frandsen will be attending the February 6 regular board meeting was given, which is also the next regular meeting of the board.