Rena Rogers
Interim Cook County Adminstrator Rena Rogers passed the baton to the newly hired County Administrator James Joerke at the October 13 meeting.
The board recognized and thanked Rena Rogers for her hard work, dedication, and guidance through a year that included the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 added several layers of responsibilities to an already busy position.
Rogers served as interim county administrator for one year, bridging the gap between Jeff Cadwell and James Joerke. Cadwell left to take an administrative post in Mahnomen County. Joerke left his job as executive director and manager of energy and water efficiency programs at Bridging The Gap, an environmental non-profit in Kansas City, Missouri, for his administrative position with Cook County.
Concerning Rogers, Myron Bursheim said she possessed the skill set and leadership ability needed to get through this transition period, especially in light of COVID-19. Bursheim cited Rogers’s cost management and risk management skills, plus her ability to finish tasks left undone when she took over, and her ability to work with various groups to put together a COVID-19 work plan. He said she was “nothing short of remarkable.” Plus, he added, “You had a good sense of humor through it all. You have done a remarkable job. What a gift you have given us.”
* Commissioners approved continuing the out-of-class appointment for Rogers. Rena will assist new administrator James Jorke through the end of this year to make his transition smoother as he learns the county government’s workings.
* A request to approve a revision of Section F of the Cook County Fiscal Policy by the Budget Advisory Committee was approved. Auditor/Treasurer Braidy Powers said the section stipulated that if commissioners used money from the general fund, which caused it to go below 75 percent, a plan had to be made to replenish those dollars to ensure the general fund balance was 75 percent or higher. If funds are used, and there is still more than 75 percent left in the general fund account, no plan has to be made to replenish those dollars, added Powers.
* Following the Cook County Community Center Board of Trustees’ advice, commissioners approved a weekly lease agreement for the use of the Cook County Community Center this year for $375 per week due to fewer people curling because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cook County Community Center Director Diane Booth told commissioners that only half of the 70 or so curlers wanted to compete this year because of COVID-19, and no bonspiels are scheduled this winter. Instead of five months, curlers are looking at a three-month season. Typically the curling club pays $625 per week to rent the community center space, but because so few people want to play, Booth said it was agreed to lease the space for less. She added the contract could be broken by either party if the county needs space or if the players decide to end their season early.
A plan to keep players safe from the virus is in place, added Booth. Commissioners lauded her work on this matter before voting unanimously to approve the curling agreement.
* Commissioners approved a contract for $47,000 with Ulland Brothers, Inc. for clearing 10.29 acres at the Cook County Airport.
* Two donations were approved. The first was for $2,000 from the North Shore Health Care Foundation to the Chaplain program and a $100 donation came from Scott and Linda Waterhouse to Cook County Search and Rescue for equipment.
* The annual Natural Resources Block Grant Agreement for the subsurface septic treatment systems (SSTS) programs was signed.
* Following the Lake Superior North Watershed Policy Committee’s recommendation, commissioners agreed to delegate authority to Cook County SWCD to move $5,000 within the budget of LSNW Implementation Plan Funds without LSNW Policy Committee approval.
A motion was also passed to authorize $3,700 to be moved to the Rustic Creek Townhomes Urban Green Infrastructure Project from the Two Harbors Stormwater Project, as part of the fiscal year 2020 Implementation Plan Funds. With that approval, the amended contract is now $59,789.
*Eighteen additional election judges were approved to serve on the November 3 General Election.
*In recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day, Board Chair Myron Bursheim read the county’s proclamation adopted from October 12, 2015, supporting Indigenous Peoples Day.
* The board renewed the vacation rental services agreement with Granicus to monitor and service vacation rental licenses within Cook County for $23,406.
The funds to pay Granicus are taken from the $200 vacation rental license fee of $200 per vacation rental.
Land Commissioner Tim Nelson said there are between 150 and 170 properties enrolled in the program, adding, “There are a lot of licenses in the hopper,” which means the program will grow.
As far as enforcement for owners who haven’t enrolled that should be registered, Nelson said the county is working with them. He added at this time, there hasn’t been a need for much enforcement of non-compliance.
The program is set to run for three years, at which time it will be reviewed, said Nelson.
* The Bearskin fuel reductions service agreements were signed with Eagle Lake Forestry, Imperial Forestry Inc. and Nesgoda Services, Inc. to reduce fire risks in the woodland urban areas. The board chair and auditor-treasurer were authorized to execute those agreements.
* Bob Thompson, the county assessor, came before the board and said he has to be sworn in before the new year. Bob will be reappointed for a four-year term after January 1, 2020, but he has to take an oath of office as part of the process. Before entering upon duties, every county assessor shall take and subscribe to the oath required of public officials. Thompson will appear at an upcoming meeting and be given his oath of office.
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