A group of volunteers is working to tabulate the results of the Cook County taxpayer survey that was sent out last month. Out of 2,142 surveys mailed, about 850 were returned. Here, Garry Gamble in the white cap and white shirt discusses the protocol used to weigh results of the individual questions. Because of the time it takes to go through each survey—and the limited time of the various people who are helping—the results of the survey won’t be known for two to three weeks. On the other side of the table from Garry, from right, are Nick Burger, Carol Burger, Tom Bradovich, Joyce Heiskari and WTIP’s Joe Friedrichs, who was overseeing the tabulations.
Cook County commissioners looked at $11,244,501.80 in proposed 2017-2018 bonding projects at the board’s Tuesday, October 17 meeting.
Topping the list were four projects from the highway department that totaled $5,697,000. Those jobs include County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 42-45 engineering which is estimated to cost $54,900; CSAH 17 construction $4,423,000; CSAH Brule Run Bridge replacement $625,000; and engineering for CSAH 15, $100,000.
Capital projects include replacing a portion of the courthouse roof and windows, $277,543; replacing law enforcement windows $27,514; YMCA roof $62,252.30; Community Center expansion and upgrades, $3,148,842; Historical Society $91,350; maintenance shop in Tofte $845,000; and the maintenance shop in Hovland $845,000.
There was also one other item, the purchase of a Pictometry machine for $250,000. According to Wikipedia, a Pictometry machine uses a “patented aerial image capture process that produces imagery showing the fronts and sides of buildings and locations on the ground.”
The board discussed the Capital Improvement Plan project list at its Committee of the Whole meeting held later that afternoon. One of the big-ticket items – the community center – was taken off the bonding list for now because it is unclear whether the scope of work can be included in the Capital Improvement bond.
As scheduled now, on October 24 commissioners will consider setting a public hearing for November 14. At the public meeting, the commissioners can approve a resolution approving the capital improvement bond and arrange the bond sale for January 8, 2018.
The week of November 6 the capital improvement plan and bond materials will be available for review.
Actions approved by the board:
. Grand Marais City Councilor Anton Moody agreed to represent the city on the Sawtooth Bluff Steering Committee. The Sawtooth Bluff project is on 640 acres that are jointly owned by the city/county. A steering committee made up of the county and city representatives is looking at adding trails to the area that is north of and surrounding the water tower on the Gunflint Trail and the Old Ski Hill Road.
. Three contractors’ bids to cut and clear in the Hungry Jack Lake area to reduce fire danger were approved. Bridgeview Forestry ($17,679.99), Nesgoda Services ($30,495) and Heirloom LC ($15,840) will be paid through the Hungry Jack Stevens Grant which expires September 2018.
. The Christmas parade event permit was approved.
. Brittany Kubes was hired as the new assistant county attorney. Kubes, a Loyoloa University graduate, is moving from Duluth where she is now practicing law and will start December 4.
• Administrator Jeff Cadwell announced the retirement of Cook County Jailer Judy Sivertson. Her position will be posted internally at the request of Sheriff Pat Eliasen.
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