Planning and Zoning Director Tim Nelson came before the county board on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 with a request from one of the two septic inspectors who were contracted to perform Lakeshore Septic Compliance program inspections at Greenwood, McFarland and Tom lakes, as well as Lake Superior. Because of a recordkeeping error on his part, the contractor, Tom Rovinski, went beyond the scope of the project and asked if the county could pay an additional $4,488 for that work.
Nelson reminded commissioners that the septic inspections had been funded by a Clean Water Legacy grant. He said after the original three lakes had all the necessary inspections done, there was funding left and the county asked for—and was given— authorization to use the remaining funding to inspect systems along the Lake Superior shoreline starting at the county line. The contractors were cautioned to work until they met the funding cap.
Nelson said Rovinski conducted 22 additional inspections, which was not budgeted for or authorized. However, he added, “The performance of the 22 additional inspections does benefit the county through more upgraded septic systems.”
Commissioner Frank Moe expressed concern about allowing contractors to be paid for working beyond the scope of a project. And, he said, he “respectfully disagreed” that it was a benefit as the county has a large backlog of work to bring septic systems in compliance.
His colleagues agreed and the request for further reimbursement was denied.
Committees formed on buildings, roads
County Administrator Jeff Cadwell noted that the county is responsible for the upkeep of a number of buildings. He suggested that the county establish a Building Committee to assist Maintenance Director Brian Silence in prioritizing building needs.
Commissioner Jan Sivertson said she would be interested in serving on the committee, but after discussion deferred to Commissioner Garry Gamble, who is already a member of several committees that relate to county owned buildings. Sivertson will be the alternate for the committee which will include Silence, Cadwell, Sheriff Pat Eliasen, Auditor Braidy Powers, County Engineer David Betts, and Public Health and Human Services Director Sue Futterer.
The county also established a Highway Advisory Committee, to enhance two-way communication between the county highway department and the public. That committee will consist of County Engineer Betts, Commissioner Ginny Storlie, one citizen representative from each of the commissioner districts, the city of Grand Marais and the Grand Portage Reservation and one at-large representative. The county will advertise for citizens to serve on the committee, which Board Chair Heidi Doo-Kirk said is intended to support the county engineer in his work with the general public.
Engineering to begin on Ski Hill Road bridge
County Engineer David Betts returned with more information about the planned replacement of the bridge on Ski Hill Road (County Road 5) at Lutsen Mountains. He shared proposals for bridge design from two firms, Erickson Engineering and LHB Corp. He recommended approving the lower proposal from Erickson Engineering, an estimated fee of $40,000. The county board unanimously approved the proposal.
Once the engineering work is done the highway department will seek bridge bond funding. The actual reconstruction will likely not be until 2017.
In other business
. Commissioners reviewed two revolving loan fund requests, one from Lee and Nadder Samari for $52,200 for construction of a satellite veterinary clinic in the Cedar Grove Business Park and another from Jeremy and Kate Keeble for $46,504 to be used to remodel a barn into a hostel on County Road 14 in Grand Marais. On recommendation of the revolving loan fund committee, the board approved both loans with a term of 20 years.
. Auditor Braidy Powers asked for approval to hire a payroll clerk/taxation specialist at a B23 classification ($15.63 – $19.38, depending on experience) for 32 hours per week. Powers said it is important to get the new person on staff a few weeks before the retirement of Financial Coordinator Aimee Luick.
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