The Tuesday, June 2, Cass County Board meeting was conducted in the same manner as previous meetings, with commissioners Dick Downham and Scott Bruns joining via phone conference along with presenters.
Cass County Administrator Joshua Stevenson shared an update on county building operations while following current social distancing recommendations. Stevenson said they have received many positive compliments from the public on the efforts the county is taking to keep everyone safe while continuing to provide service to the public.
It was noted the courts resumed hearings Monday, June 1, and although there was very little traffic, there would probably be an increase in that as more complicated trials begin.
Stevenson did make a recommendation to continue limiting public access to county buildings through Tuesday, June 16, with courtrooms and court proceedings remaining open, which all board members approved.
Stevenson said Cass County has provided some mutual aid to the Twin Cities by sending area law enforcement for assistance over the previous weekend. He said the morale of the officers was upbeat and positive.
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A public hearing was held regarding adoption of the county’s capital improvement plan. Chief Financial Officer Sandra Norikane explained that the five-year forecast had changed since the previous approval due to the solid waste committee meeting and scheduling upgrades and related funding for the Pine River transfer station.
This project is scheduled to begin in 2023 with an estimated cost of approximately $4.4 million. The estimated grant proceeds are $1,956,500 with an estimated $2,405,000 needed in funding. Commissioners unanimously adopted the updated plan.
In other business, the county board:
- Awarded the contract for noxious weed spraying to B & P Weed Control in the amount of $44,070.
- Authorized the highway department to purchase 5,000 Cass County Highway & Recreation Maps from B.I.G. for $6,555 plus shipping. It was noted that only a few highway maps were left in stock and upon further review they were last updated six to seven years ago. In addition, the Land Department’s maps were outdated, and as the public does not use maps as regularly as they used to, it would be economical to combine the two.
Upcoming meetings
Board of Equalization, 2 p.m. Monday, June 15, at the Land Department Meeting Room in Backus; commissioner’s board meeting, 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, at Pine Lake Township, 6724 17th Ave. NW, Walker; annual planning work session, 9 a.m. Friday, June 26, at the Land Department Meeting Room in Backus; and commissioner’s board meeting, 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 7, at the Land Department Meeting Room in Backus.
