Posted: 7/25/06
New county engineer,
PH director chosen
By David Heiller
Argus News Editor
County commissioners decided on a county engineer and public health director at their July 18 meeting.
Marcus Evans is the new choice for engineer. The board had selected Gary Bruggeman for the job at its June 26 meeting, but Bruggeman and a county committee could not agree on a salary.
Comstock and commissioners Tom Bjerke and Dave Corcoran will now try to negotiate a salary with Evans. He lives in Roseville and is currently employed as the assistant state traffic safety engineer with the Mn/Dot Office of Traffic Safety and Operations.
The county currently is using Tracy Von Bargen as interim engineer. He attended last weekís meeting and told the board that it would be his last meeting. He said he would be willing to meet with Evans to fill him in on various projects. Board members said they liked that idea.
Karla Bright is the choice for public health director. Comstock, Bjerke, and Corcoran will also try to negotiate a contract with her.
Bright, who lives in La Crosse, is currently employed as a community services supervisor by La Crosse County Human Services
She was praised by commissioners for her positive attitude, sense of humor, and her experience in home care billing process. Two other finalists, Connie Meiners and Mary Knutson, were also strong candidates, several board members said.
The county has been without a public health nursing director since Linda Grupa resigned on June 7.
Fish and Wildlife report
In other business, Jim Nissen, La Crosse District Manager for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, told commissioners that the county would receive $11,483 Refuge Revenue Sharing Act funds.
This is $1,300 more than the county received last year, Nissen said. Thatís because this yearís is at 46.5 percent of full entitlement compared to 41 percent last year.
The annual payment is made as compensation for the loss of tax revenue on lands that are part of the refuge.
Nissen also reported that bids have been let on constructing an overlook three miles south of Brownsville. This is being done in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and the Iowa, Chicago, and Eastern (IC&E) railroad.
ìOur hope is to open it this fall but thatís not guaranteed,î Nissen said.
He also noted that a public informational meeting on island work in Raft Channel would be held at the Brownsville Community Center on July 26 at 6:30 p.m.
Other business
ï Auction bids: The board approved Sanden Auction Service as low bid for the county auction on August 15 at 4:30 p.m. at the fairgrounds in Caledonia. Sanden bid seven percent, Steve Schuldt of Caledonia bid 7.95 percent, and Johnston Auction of La Crescent bid eight percent.
ï Asbestos abatement: The board approved a bid of $7,375 from Asbesbegon of Houston for removal of asbestos from the house at 323 South Marshal Street (the former Ozzie Peter home). The company will also remove vermiculite on a time and material basis at $65 per hour. Highway maintenance supervisor Tom Molling said he would bring in quotes on July 25 for demolition of the house.
ï Matching funds: The county approved $13,598 to the Houston County Fair Board as matching funds for the handicapped-accessible showers and bathroom that were built on the south end of the fairgrounds last year. The board committed to the matching funds last year.
ï CREBs report: Aaron Rittenhouse from Johnson Controls reported that firms that want to bid on the mechanical, electrical, and low voltage aspects of the proposed criminal justice center (CJC) can meet at the courthouse on August 1. He hoped that the jail planner, architect, and/or construction manager would be present to answer any questions.
This is part of a program called Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs). Commissioners approved applying for about $6 million in CREBs at their April 18 meeting. The bond issue is not to exceed 37.5 percent of the total CJC project. Interest expense on electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and technology parts of the project would be exempt if it is approved by the IRS.
ï Private graveyard: The board approved a cemetery plat for the Krugmire family at Schechís Mill in Sheldon Township. The 24'x25' parcel can contain 10 lots.
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