Posted: 10/10/06
Security officer on the job
Security officer on the job
Houston County sheriff Darryl Peterson introduced Kurt Kuhlers (right) to county commissioners at their October 2 meeting.
Kuhlers works in a new position as courtroom security officer and emergency management safety director.
Peterson said the department has a vision for the job, but added. ìWe still don't know exactly what the procedure is.î He said he is open to suggestions from the board.
Kuhlers talked about his background of 25 years in law enforcement, including 20 years at Mason City, Iowa, where he supervised an 80-bed jail.
Other business
ï Bridge payment: The board approved a final payment of $24,311 for the bridge project on County Road 4 by Yucatan. The total cost was $486,231.
ï Personnel items: The board approved four personnel items at the recommendation of personnel director Tim Comstock. They changed the status of deputy Duane Brownlee from probationary to regular effective his anniversary date of October 17. Natasha Meyer was put on payroll to be used as needed as a transport matron.
Snow removal bids were approved to be advertised for courthouse sidewalks and parking lots. A Minnesota Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol Testing Agreement was also approved with the Minnesota Counties Insurance Trust.
Comstock said interviews had been done with three applicants for assistant county engineer. He will come back to the board on October 10 with additional information.
ï General criminal grant: Michelle Herman presented a $41,000 grant to the board from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety for crime victim services. The board approved the grant. Herman has worked as director of the program since 1999. She helps people through the criminal justice process by explaining things like rights, hearing times, plea agreements, restitution, and reparation.
ï Human services agreements: The board also approved two agreements for the human services department at director Beth Wilmsí request. One is with the Minnesota Department of Human services to have Houston County process Minnesota Care applications for people ineligible for Medical Assistance. The county receives $30 for each application. ìTheyíre about six months behind in their application processes,î Wilms said.
The other contract is with Workforce Development, Inc. for employment training services such as assessment, job search classes, and referrals.
ï Transportation amendment: The board reviewed a letter from Kermit McRae, chairman of Caledonia Township, stating that the township supports the passage of the state transportation constitutional amendment that will be on ballots on November 7. Chairman Kevin Kelleher said he did not support the amendment. He said the Metro area could receive all of the funds, and that it creates a $300 million hole in the general fund. ìYouíre either going to raise taxes to fill it or youíre going to cut,î he said. ìAnd what are you going to cut?î
ï Feedlot board: Eric Johnson of Houston was appointed to the Houston County Feedlot Advisory Board. He will replace Dale Comstock of Houston, who resigned from it.
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