Will the Minnesota legislature agree to reimburse Cook County for $165,063 in legal fees incurred when it hired a special prosecutor to represent it in its case against then Cook County attorney Tim Scannell in which he was charged with having inappropriate relationship with a 17-yearold girl that resulted in two fourth degree felony counts for Scannell?
“Probably not,” said Representative David Dill (DFL), who wrote the bill on behalf of the county.
“Simply put, I’m seeing no appetite for it. Yes, it’s expensive [legal fees] for a county of 5,000 people to absorb, but lightning does strike. What would happen if this passed and we set a precedent and then another case came before us with a million dollar price tag?”
Another bill sought to grant $250,000 to Chik- Wauk Museum and Nature Center is receiving an entirely different reception by legislators, said Dill.
“I’m excited, no, double excited about this legislation. Bruce Kerfoot gave one of the best presentations I have ever seen in my 13 years here. He and his wife Sue are incredible advocates for Cook County, let alone for this. Don’t get me wrong, there are still future hearings to go before we know how this will turn out, but I’m really feeling positive about this.”
If appropriated, the grant will be given to the Gunflint Trail Historical Society so it can complete phase two of the Chik- Wauk Museum and Nature Center. Money will become available in the fiscal year 2016 and will be available for appropriation until June 30, 2018.
The third piece of legislation that was under discussion on March 4 would grant Tofte Township municipal housing authority powers so it could own and manage the senior housing it is in the process of building.
“We are just starting to search to see if there is any precedent for this in the state, but even if there isn’t, I have a feeling this will pass,” Dill said.
“Currently counties and cities already have this authority. If it goes through the Tofte board would act as the HRA (housing and redevelopment authority) on behalf of the township. There’s more work to do, but I am feeling positive about this.”
The Minnesota Legislature wraps up its work mid-May.
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