Technology is a theme on County Board’s agenda

by April Scheinoha Reporter Technology was at the forefront of the Pennington County Board meeting Tuesday, Feb. 13. Commissioners approved various technology-related items. County Board approved upgrading the email system at the sheriff’s office. Sheriff Seth Vettleson said the office’s email system is out-of-date according to Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension standards. ABM Technology Group will upgrade the email system. The cost is $17,205.46 for installation, and an additional $1,242 per month for licensing. Commissioners approved a quote for door access points for the third floor of the Government Center. Human Services Department employees will soon move to that location from the county’s Knight Avenue building. Garden Valley Technologies will provide the service at a cost of $11,803. County Board approved installing cameras throughout the Government Center. County Auditor-Treasurer Jennifer Herzberg said 17 cameras will be installed at a cost of $11,367. Commissioners accepted the resignation of IT Technician Nicholas Tretter. In a separate, related matter, County Board tabled readvertising for the position. Since this is a new position and Tretter had been on the job for about a month and a half, commissioners plan to review the job description before determining whether to advertise for the position again. County Engineer Mike Flaagan provided an update on the Kratka bridge. Flaagan said Redstone Construction LLC was set to return this week and planned to start driving piles for the piers. The firm is replacing the 60-year-old bridge at a cost of about $2.78 million. Construction is set to be completed in July. Commissioners approved seeking bids for equipment rental, culverts and fuel. County Board will open the bids at its meeting Tuesday, March 26. County Board approved signifying its intent to apply for a Public Land Survey System Monument Grant. If approved, the county would use the grant to recertify section corners. Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding with the Teamsters union representing jail staff. County Coordinator Kevin Erickson said the memorandum noted a 4% pay differential for jail sergeants over corrections officers. The change was effective Monday, Feb. 5. County Board approved a revised job description for assistant buildings and grounds supervisor or lead custodian. That job description has been sent to Bjorklund Compensation Consulting. Erickson said the county isn’t adding a position. If commissioners move forward with the position, he noted they intend to open the position to internal candidates and not backfill the promoted individual’s current position. Commissioners accepted the resignation of Krista Phillips, who worked in the Child Support Division of the Human Services Department. Phillips’ resignation was effective Tuesday, Feb. 6. She had been employed with the department for 16 years. In a separate, related motion, commissioners approved posting, interviewing and hiring for Phillips’ former position. The next County Board meeting is scheduled Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. at the Justice Center.