Commissioners approve state, federal boat and water grants

By Jake Keohen

The Le Sueur County Board authorized by resolution the acceptance of state and federal boat and water grants at its regular morning meeting Tuesday, April 12 at the courthouse in Le Center.

Sheriff Dave Gliszinski appeared before the board to gain approval for the grants, proceeds of which help fund boat and water enforcement, training and equipment. The state grant will provide $9,144, while the state/federal combination grant will come in at $5,000.

Sheriff Gliszinski also presented a request for approval of E-911 and mapping funds from the state to cover a $6,000 maintenance agreement between GeoCom and Le Sueur County for 911 service. He added that service without the agreement would be much more costly.

In connection with grant requests, County Auditor Ron Germscheid said he was applying for a $29,000 homeland security grant, which would be received only if federal funds are made available.

In other actions or discussions, the board:

• Tabled a request by Cliff Wetzel of Elysian Township for a 5-year window for a compliance inspection and possible replacement of a septic tank system on property he has obtained. Board appeared agreeable to the request but will get opinion from County Attorney Brent Christian, who was not present at the meeting.

• Greeted two groups of high school students and chaperones who were visiting the courthouse for County Government Day. The students tour the various departments to observe county government in action.

• Tabled approval of a resolution on recycling contract presented by Al Christensen of the Le Sueur/Sibley Solid Waste Joint Powers Board until review by County Attorney Brent Christian.

• Approved a change in by-laws for the South Central Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Joint Powers Board and appointed Commissioner Bob Culhane the active board member, with Commissioner Joe Connolly the alternate.

• Approved a bid from Stocker Construction of Le Center for replacement of an emergency door at the Environmental Services Building in the amount of $840.98.

• Approved request of Carrie Mueller, water planner, for the county to act as fiscal agent/grantee for a grant of $9,133 (county match $1,500) from the DNR Shoreline Habitat Grant Program.

• Approved purchase of Cannon Valley Co-op building and storage bins in Le Center, located near the courthouse, for $1, with purchase agreement presented by Cliff Gripp of CV. A 40 x 100 steel building will not be demolished and may be used by the sheriff's department for storage of vehicles and property.

• Approved recommendation of Personnel Coordinator Peggy Donovan to terminate the full-time temporary status as a jailer/dispatcher for Monica Muchow effective April 4. She will return to her part-time status as a jailer/dispatcher. Public Health Director Cindy Shaughnessy also appeared with Donovan to discuss her position. Her year of probation will end on April 20 and the board voted to make her position permanent. It was a good year in public health