Jeremy LeBlanc

The Renville County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan outlines strategies to reduce long-term risks from natural hazard events. It focuses on identifying, assessing, and prioritizing hazards such as flooding, windstorms, tornadoes, hail, lightning, winter storms, extreme cold, extreme heat, drought, landslides, and dam/levee failures. The plan aims to safeguard human life and property, mitigate economic losses, and ensure eligibility for federal hazard mitigation funding through comprehensive risk assessment, community capability building, and proactive mitigation actions over a five-year cycle.

The Buffalo Creek Watershed District Board of Managers, acting as the Drainage Authority, held a final hearing regarding the improvement of portions of Judicial Ditch 15, Branch 56. Key discussion points included consideration of a petition for the improvement, the engineer's report, the viewer's report, the DNR's advisory report, and public comments. The Board reviewed findings related to improvement benefits and damages, the economic benefit to lands deriving drainage benefit, and the determination of benefit classifications. The board also discussed the separable maintenance costs, improvement costs, and the coordination with various county auditors and the Joint Drainage Authority for bonding and assessment conditions.

The Labor Management Committee meeting included discussions on medical insurance feedback, which was reported as overall positive across different departments regarding plans and prescriptions. The committee also reviewed employee input from a survey, which indicated a desire for AI/Chat GPT training and computer skills training, as well as discussions on benefits, including increasing accrual times/dates and sick time parameters for childcare. Additional topics included outdoor seating and flower pots.

The Labor Management Committee meeting included discussions and decisions on several topics. The agenda was reviewed and accepted. The committee discussed floating holiday status, which was approved for the Personnel Policy, with AFSCME groups requiring a Memorandum of Agreement. Results from the Employee Input Survey were reviewed, including technology training/computer skills, meal vending options, and the addition of picnic tables to the campus.

The meeting included a welcome to the newest member, Erik Flaat, and a review of the 2023 Safety Policy Revisions for the 2024 Edition, including updates to the "Heat" phrasing and the addition of the "Silica Program." The committee discussed the status of Annual and Defensive Driving Training, as well as the Safety System Upgrade, with a presentation for approval of the new Heartland Security System. First Reports of Injury were reviewed, including incidents from the Sheriff's Office and Public Works, along with committee comments and supervisor recommendations. The committee also discussed Property Damage Reports, Liability Reports, winter reminders, and the Step Wisely campaign.