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The recent 2020 census showed Cook County is gaining population, and because of this growth Cook County Commissioners have formed a committee to look at redistricting county board seats.
Serving on the committee are Commissioners Stacy Hawkins, David Mills and County Auditor/ Treasurer Braidy Powers. The committee expects to develop proposed revisions and present them mid-May.
Because hospital board members are elected to serve the same districts as county commissioners, they will also be affected by any redistricting that might occur.
Nationally, the data from the 2020 census will be used to redraw 429 U.S. House District in 44 states and 7,383 state legislative districts.
The goal nationally of redistricting is to make sure each House district has roughly the same number of people.
Administrator James Joerke recommended commissioners approve the County and Law Enforcement Labor Services Inc. (LELS) which represents non-supervisory employees in the Cook County Sheriff ’s Office.
The labor agreement runs for three years and was approved by the workers. The contract calls for annual three percent costof living adjustments for three years; the addition of Juneteenth (June 19) as a paid holiday; a clothing allowance increase of $50 in year three of the contract for all union members. As part of the agreement the dispatcher job title was updated to Public Safety Telecommunicator. Commissioners approved the contract.
In other county business:
Recent hires
Grand Marais Mayor Jay DeCoux was hired as Radio Communications Analyst. Jay replaces Rowan Watkins who was promoted to MIS Director when Rena Rogers retired.
Savannah Capps was hired as a Social Worker 1 In-Home Support. Savannah replaces Anita Jeziah who retired recently.
Nicholas Honer was hired as Deputy Auditor/ Payroll and Benefits Specialist.
Marcus Childs was hired as Deputy Sheriff.
The Cook County Sheriff ’s Office was awarded an annual grant by the State of Minnesota to assist with funding snowmobile patrol, education and equipment purchases. The Sheriff ’s office will receive $2,764 for 2022.
A request for the county to support a Federal Recreation Trails Program Equipment Grant application submitted by the Cook County Snowmobile Club- Ridge Riders was approved. The club is hoping to receive a grant that can be used to purchase two new drags and a brush mower to attach to their new skid steer.
Commissioners approved a resolution to apply for a 2022 Help America Vote Act grant to make improvements to election accessibility and election security. The grant is a maximum of $21,607 and can be used to match the county’s VEGA ll equipment grant and for other accessibility and security improvements. The grant is expected to be issued by March 18, 2022, and any funds not used will be returned back to the state.
Hunt Electric’s quote of $39,519 to replace pool lighting at the YMCA was approved at the board’s January 25 meeting. The lights needing replacing have corroded due to the chlorination in the pool area.
Commissioners unanimously voiced support for a Grand Marais Family Dentistry revolving loan of $75,000. The money is being used for the expansion of the office. Three dental chairs are being added and a dental therapist to accommodate the increased customer base.
Dave Catlette and Stephanie Shea received a $75,000 revolving loan to help with the purchase of Cross River Lodge on Gunflint Lake. Commissioners unanimously approved the loan.
The Norpine Trail Association was approved to revied a revolving loan of $26,796 to purchase a used Pisten Bully for grooming cross country ski trails.
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