The Ramsey County Commission met Tuesday, Nov. 4 in the Courthouse at 8 a.m. The next regular meeting will take place Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 5 p.m. See recap of this meeting inside on page 2 or 3.
The Ramsey County Commission met on the morning of Tuesday Nov. 4, at 8 a.m. at the Commissioners Room in the County Courthouse on Fourth Avenue.
Commissioner Blaine Volk chaired the meeting since president Lee Gessner was not present.
The meeting started with the Call to Order and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Following the approval of the agenda, meeting minutes had one correction from Commissioner Jeff Frith and the financial report was pulled from the agenda because it required some revision.
A representative from the Ramsey Water Resource District Board stepped in to report to the County that one drain tile permit request would be under consideration for approval. He shared that there was a nice gallery attending the meeting held today just across the hall from the County’s. They would look at the County #9 project and conduct normal business.
Jason Kraft, Highway Superintendent, reported that the $19K invoice from Close Construction needs to be approved, the survey of the 96th Ave. crossing of the Edmore Coulee would be moving forward and some options for replacing culverts there will be discussed. The commission encouraged Kraft to “do it for the long haul” keeping in mind trouble spots on that area of road. He responded that they would “figure out what’s best” and come up with a plan.
He also mentioned obtaining a new snow pusher for the shop grounds. They did not receive a quote from RDO, but the Ironhide quote was for two different-sized pieces of equipment. Volk suggested that they check the cutting edge on whichever one they settled on. Kraft explained that the ones they quoted were hooked on like a bucket and would work on either loader. The commission voted to accept the bid for the lower quoted price.
Finally Kraft reported on a few housekeeping items they would be taking care of, as well, windshields replaced, the south door on the shop replaced, signing maintenance agreements, salt was ordered and would be mixed today but the new salt truck will be delayed. They did receive nine applicants for the two positions they advertised for.
Some discussion ensued regarding the use of the county’s reclaimer – who can “borrow” it or “rent” it for use. It came down to an insurance concern when others use it.
Unfinished business brought out the ongoing concern for replacing the Law Enforcement Center in Devils Lake. Commissioner Frith asked pointed questions regarding what the county could afford, should they engage the services of an attorney versed in the bonding process? Should decisions be made by the joint board if more than one county will be involved? Would the costs also be split by the jail? How soon need they make these decisions to get it on the ballot? That could take some time. According to the States Attorney Daniel Howell, it may mean 18 to 24 months to get this process underway. Meanwhile, the facility continues to age. Their greatest fear would be having to shut the jail down and the cost of transporting inmates to another community—those costs would be terribly high. Sheriff Bryan Lang had some information to share about those estimated costs. He told the commission that for 35 to 40 inmates (which would be the average number) it could cost approximately $38K per prisoner per year. More details would have to be discussed and who will be involved in the process has yet to be determined.
Keeping public safety in mind, that is a priority to the people of the County, Frith reminded the commission.
Howell stated that the process could last into 2026 and as long as into 2027, perhaps.
LEC Director Starr Klemetsrud assured the commission that they do have some money in the building fund, depending on how many counties will be involved and how the costs will be shared will have to be decided, too.
Plus, a Special Meeting of the LEC Board will be needed to continue this discussion going forward and to begin the process. The motion to support this plan received unanimous support in a vote from the commission. One commissioner stated that it should happen the sooner the better.
The commission voted to support Operation Green Light for Veterans Day.
The final discussion and action was about the employees getting the Friday after Christmas this year off since Christmas Day is on Thursday. Auditor Kandy Christofferson stated that she had been approached by a number of employees of the Courthouse asking about this. Bill Hodous moved that the County grant the day off this year because of the Christmas Day holiday and the vote was unanimous in favor of that request. The remaining days off will stay the same as are noted in the County employee handbook.
