Caledonia Argus

County asked to support wastewater initiative program

Posted: 9/23/03

By Shannon McKinney
Argus News Reporter

As community facilitator of the Southeast Minnesota Wastewater Initiative, Sheila Craig explained to County Board members Tuesday, September 16, that she plans to educate the county on treatment options for wastewater.

The initiative is funded with $530,000 for three years in a 11 county area through a grant from the Minnesota Extension Service. Craig who recently retired from 28 years of work with the University of Minnesota Extension Service in Fillmore County, is one of two other people hired from the grant to educate counties about wastewater options.

She encouraged commissioners to be involved in the initiative, noting that involvement of elected officials has historically caused the program to be more successful.

Houston County Zoning and Solid Waste Officer Rick Frank said the septic systems in the county are constantly being upgraded, but added that many people do not understand that maintenance is an important part of a septic system after it is installed. He said, ìThey still need to be pumped every three years. Itís part of treating it.î

Bea Hoffmann, Executive Director of the Southeast Minnesota Water Resources Board said education will focus on treatment options that eliminate disease causing organisms in wastewater.

NACO vice president visits board

Commissioner Kevin Kelleher introduced a special guest to commissioners. Bill Hellson, who is serving as vice president of NACO (National Association of Counties), answered questions posed by commissioners.

While serving on a county board in Oregon, Hellson remarked that the biggest challenge their board faces is balancing services with available resources. He said, ìWe have a lot of slivers of service. We try to maintain evenness in services.î

Oregon is noted for its progressive zoning laws in protecting the agriculture industry. ìIt helps because realtor and owners know where you can go,î said Hellson, of the zoning boundaries.

On the federal level, Hellson is currently working on making a law that would require a sales tax on internet sales originating from states which have a sales tax.

CCSA plan read public viewing

The CCSA (Childrenís and Community Services Act) plan is ready for public viewing next month. The plan sets goals for the human services department for the next year. Wilms said, ìItís an opportunity to reflect on what weíre doing well and what we need to do better.î

The 18-page report has been condensed from the 100 page report it was two years ago because its focus has scaled back from mental health and other programs to just MFIP (Minnesota Families Investment Program) and social services programming.

Diversionary Work Program begins in July

Bonnie Goetzinger, Financial Assistance Supervisor, reported that the Diversionary Work Program will begin July 4, 2004.

The program will change the way the MFIP program currently operates. Those applying for cash benefits must first conduct a four month job search before any cash is given. During the search, child care will be paid for and assistance for housing and utilities will be provided for through a vender-rent program.

Budget cuts affect Medical Assistance

Beginning October 1, budget cuts have prompted changes to medical assistance. Recipients aged 21 years and older will be charged a co-pay for prescriptions and some services.

Foster care numbers are down

Meier-Wills noted that foster care numbers are down from 35 last month to 29 children in foster care in September. She noted that there are not always enough homes for children. As a result, the human services department is working on providing foster parents with more support as a way to retain foster parents. Meier-Wills said, ìWeíve put new emphasis on recruitment and retention.î

Plans are being made to march in the Applefest Parade and hand out magnets or pencils supporting foster care.

Meier-Wills believes there is misinformation on the requirements of foster care.

Commissioner Ann Thompson suggested holding classes on foster care and adoption.

Expansion underway for Small Change Laundry Service

Wilms updated the commissioners on the expansion of the ABC Works Small Change Laundry Service. The laundry service employs developmentally disabled people who live in Caledonia and La Crescent. The expansion will allow people who are bused to Caledonia from La Crescent to have the option to remain working in La Crescent. Budget cuts have caused ABC Works to look at ways to reduce its transportation costs. The expansion will have the added benefit of greater participation for those close to home, Wilms said.

ABC Works Program Manager Judy Wandling said committees have begun meeting for the project. Wandling is hoping for a spring groundbreaking.

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