Posted: 5/30/06
Human services still scrambling for space
By David Heiller
Argus News Editor
A plan to rent more space for county human services workers has fallen through.
Human services director Beth Wilms told county commissioners on May 23 that she wonít be able to lease space at Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center (HVMHC) in Caledonia for a second employee.
The landlord of the building does not want HVMHC to sub-lease office space, Wilms said.
County commissioners had approved paying $972 per month for that on May 2.
Human services has had one employee at HVMHC on a limited basis for about five years. ìI am hopeful that she can remain at that office until new space has been found,î Wilms told The Argus on May 24.
Wilms asked the board for direction on the problem. Board chairman Kevin Kelleher said he and Ann Thompson, who are on the human services committee, will meet with Wilms to work on the situation.
Until then, Wilms said her staff will juggle the space they have with staff utilizing the offices of staff that may be out ill or on vacation.
Other business
ï House demolition: The board awarded the bid to tear down the Joe Klug house at 314 S. Marshall to Comstock Trucking of Caledonia for $9,850. The house will be used for parking. Asbestos removal will take place on May 31.
Jail administrator Mark Schiltz said someone had approached him about salvaging things from the house before it is razed. Maintenance supervisor Tom Molling said that would require bids and advertising and would slow down the process. Commissioners agreed with him.
ï Personnel: The board approved a recommendation by personnel director Tim Comstock to advertise for another public health nurse. He recommended hiring someone who has a bachelor of science degree (BSN) because of more flexibility.
Also. probationary workers Charlie Vix (home health aide), Lois Egland (office support specialist), and Pamela Mechtel (home health aide) were changed to regular status effective their anniversary dates.
ï Bridge bid: Commissioners approved awarding a contract for a bridge replacement on Pfeffer Valley Road in la Crescent Township to Kimball Paving and Excavating of Houston. Their bid of $89,451.43 was $6.82 lower than the bid of $89,458.25 submitted Van Gundy Excavating of Houston.
ï Calcium chloride bid: Molling told commissioners that the calcium chloride bid that was awarded to Ferrell Gas of Rochester would not be fulfilled because they could not get the chloride. The board voted to award it to Univar USA Inc., St. Paul, which was the second lowest bid. The bid will not cost the county any more money because Ferrellís bond will cover the cost difference, Molling said.
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