The Cass County Board adopted a new ATV ordinance, and discussed electronic advertising on billboard signs, and bathroom improvements to both the museum and HHVS building during the April 16 meeting held in Backus.
After the Pledge of Allegiance, the fourth public hearing for the new ATV ordinance was held.
Woodtick Wheelers ATV Club and ATV Safety Educator Craig Wadzink recommended the ATV Ordinance Committee reconvene at the end of the season to evaluate implementation, with input from the sheriff and conservation officers. With no further public input, the hearing was closed and Commissioner Jeff Peterson moved to accept Ordinance 2024-01 that was approved.
Wadzink, who complimented the Board for the process and creation of the new ATV Ordinance, suggested installing s signage for the new ordinance that takes effect May 16. New brochures will be distributed to deputies and made available to the public, including some updated pictures which are still needed.
Next on the agenda was County Elections Administrator Pam Smith requesting the purchase of Poll Pad Electronic Rosters from KNOWiNK, LLC for $43,670. The procurement and purchase will occur in 2025, using the balance of funds in the VOTER account to offset the cost and the balance to be covered by the county.
Current poll pads are no longer supported by Apple, and the old ones can be sold back for approximately $20 per unit or donated to libraries or schools. Based on current and future contributions from the Voter Accounts Fund, the remaining balance of the quote is estimated at $25,945 to be covered by the county CIP plan. This motion was carried unanimously.
County Planner Scott Wold of Environmental Services asked the commissioners to consider a motion to approve a request to begin the process of adopting an interim zoning ordinance and place a moratorium on digital and electronic advertising signs, such as the one recently placed at The Y, south of Walker. Advances in technology have made larger digital displays more affordable and attractive options for advertising. However, these displays also come with concerns for the general public given their brightness and potentially distracting nature along the roadways. An interim ordinance should be drafted limiting the construction of such signs to allow staff time to research and develop new standards on the size, location, and other aspects of digital/electronic signs.
A motion was approved with the understanding that the interim ordinance would be ready in about 60 days.
Central Services Director Tom Buhl asked that the Health, Human and Veteran Services restroom remodel feasibility study with Widseth Smith Nolting and Associates, Inc, for $4,200 be approved. Nate Thiesse, from Widseth, said with existing codes and ADA modifications, the study will detail if the proposed changes are even possible, as well as producing eventual cost estimates.
Brian Buhmann, director for HHVS, stated that improved bathroom facilities, including showers, were needed as decontamination areas for staff who have been performing duties in environments where dangerous drugs and chemicals may be present. Dangerous powders can be transferred to clothing and present a danger to county workers and a potential liability for the County.
Commissioner Rick Haaland recommended that washers and driers be added, if possible. There is sufficient funding from the Opioid Settlement Fund to cover the feasibility study and some of the eventual expenditure. The motion was carried.
Buhl also proposed a motion, which was approved, to retain Widseth, Smith Nolting and Associates, Inc., for $7,350 for coordinating bids related to the needed bathroom modifications at the Cass County Museum. Widseth representative Nate Thiesse explained how they will use the firm Gordian to assist with the project. Gordian is contracted through Sourcewell to provide cooperative building/infrastructure, alterations, and restoration services to provide access to approved contractors and consistent pricing for various services.
This will address the ADA deficiencies in the men’s and women’s restrooms including, approach clearances to the doors, code compliant toilets and grab bars, as well as required height of sinks and insulation of exposed pipes.
Cass County Land Commissioner Mark Gossman presented two items. The first was a motion to approve a Cass County Trail Improvement Program application from Longville Lakes Snowmobile Club for $67,179.75 to purchase a 2023 John Deere 5120 M Tractor.
The Longville Lakes Country Snowmobile Club maintains and grooms 81 miles of snowmobile trails. Longville Lakes desires to replace a 1998 groomer lost in a fire in 2022. They would contribute $40,393.25 of the total project cost of $107,573, leaving the request of $67,179.75 to be paid for by the county, which was approved.
The second item was the Cass County Land Department annual report. Trail maintenance, salaries and forest management were the largest expense items. Timber sales, reforestation, and land sales made up significant portions of incoming revenue. Sales of timber reflect that aspen, followed by red oak and birch were the most popular trees harvested. This report was accepted by the commissioners.
Darrick Anderson, County Highway Engineer, had three items up for consideration. The first was a resolution directing the county engineer to extend spring load restrictions at his discretion but no later than April 26 at 12:01 a.m., which passed.
The second was a resolution for final payment to Sir Lines A Lot for Contract 07010 (S.P. 011-070- 010) for $522,136.61. This project was identified in the County Road Safety Plan that allows the county to pursue and receive highway safety improvement plan dollars for this project. With this funding, the contract was paid for with a 90-10 percent split between federal and state aid funding. This motion was also approved.
The third item approved was a contract to Kraemer Trucking and Excavating Inc., for $5,745,031.63. All work in this contract is within the city limits of East Gull Lake. It consists of mill and overlay on the existing CSAH 70 alignment and the new alignment for approximately 0.9 miles of CSAH 70 along the east side of the USACE campground consisting of two roundabouts and a new bridge.
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