At the Cook County Board of Commissioners January 24 meeting commissioners’ approved an amendment to the AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) contract. One of the changes calls for the Cook County Land Commissioner to act as the fiscal agent instead of Cook County Soil and Water for the AIS grant. A second change is to increase the wages from $20 to $25 per hour for the Coordinator Position held by Amanda Weberg, with the yearly pay not to exceed $40,000.
Currently, Cook County Land Commissioner Lisa Kerr is now in charge of county boat landings and related duties, which include the AIS program, which was previously done by Cook County Soil and Water.
AIS Coordinator Amanda Weberg supervises five positions and gives presentations all over the state developing new outlets and ideas, all while paying her taxes and insurance at a higher rate because she is under contract. The AIS contract is funded through annual grants from the state and does not affect the county budget.
The AIS Task Force discussed at length both amendments at a January 9 meeting, and motions were made to support both items and forward that recommendation to the county board.
Tim Nelson, Land Services/ Planning & Zoning director asked to have a commissioner and an alternate appointed to the Subdivision Ordinance Committee. Two commissioners who were in those roles in the past were Garry Gamble and Frank Moe, both of whom no longer serve on the board.
“The Subdivision Ordinance Committee had met over the course of a few years, but the process kept getting set aside due to more pressing matters,” Nelson said adding that with updates planned over the next four of five months, “we need additional commissioner appointments to the committee.”
Commissioner Ginny Storlie agreed to serve as the primary and Heidi Doo-Kirk as the alternate on the Subdivision Ordinance Committee.
Commissioners approved the annual solid waste licenses for North Shore Waste and Nelson Machine Products.
Cook County Highway Department administrator Dave Betts recommended that the board change its resolution for the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon and allow parking on both sides of the Gunflint Trail by the public and mushers. The recommendation came with the understanding that event organizers would monitor and respond to access and public safety concerns if they arise. Following the race, Betts recommended a debriefing so that the county board and his department, the Sheriff ’s department, and event organizers can discuss how parking should be handled next year.
Gwen Danfelt was approved to serve on the Grand Marais Public Library Board.
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