Nicholas J. Gray

The committee discussed the creation of Ordinance 5.11 regarding inmate housing costs, reviewed and approved the Jail Meal Request for Proposal, and approved a funding application for the Reentry Navigator program. Additionally, the committee addressed concerns regarding jail operations, received a project update on the tower, reviewed divisional reports and staffing vacancies, and approved the payment of vouchers. A closed session was conducted to evaluate a leave of absence request for a Deputy Sheriff, which was subsequently approved.

Key discussions during the meeting included a resolution concerning Ordinance 5.11 regarding Inmate Housing Cost, Contracted Law Enforcement matters, PSAP Quotes, and the Taser Project/Resolution, all of which were noted to be brought back for action in the following month. Divisional reports and updates on staffing vacancies and recruitment were reviewed. The committee also reviewed and approved Vouchers Payable and conducted a budget review, resulting in the payment of bills.

The committee meeting addressed several significant items. Discussions included a resolution concerning Ordinance 5.11 regarding Inmate Housing Costs, which was postponed pending statutory corrections. Actions taken included the approval of a Taser Project Resolution. The committee reviewed and ultimately approved a side letter for contracted law enforcement agreements for 2026, with a roll call vote recorded. Quotes for PSAP furniture and equipment were reviewed, resulting in the approval of the Watson bid for furniture and the Baycom bid for equipment, also via roll call vote. Other items covered included an introduction to the new Emergency Manager and updates on the Hazard Mitigation Plan, current tower failures, and the Merrillan Railroad Incident. Divisional reports, staffing vacancies, and vouchers payable were also reviewed and approved for payment.

The meeting included an equipment update detailing various repairs to trucks, including EGR cooler leaks, mirror damage from a hit-and-run incident, and lift axle support failures. Operations reports covered county activities such as snow/ice removal and brush mowing, and state road maintenance including patching and brining. Key actions taken included the unanimous approval of the 2026 John Deere 644G loader bid, approval of a bid for the County V structure replacement, granting permission to Xcel Energy for right-of-way work, approval to hire two summer LTEs, and approval for the sale of a 14' plow and excess supplies (guardrail posts and batwing mowers). The committee also approved a resolution amending the ATV Ordinance in the Merrillan/Alma area and authorized payment of vouchers totaling $122,214.88.

The meeting addressed several operational and administrative matters. Key discussions included updates on equipment, detailing repairs and maintenance for several trucks. Highway operations updates covered county activities such as snow and ice removal, site clearing for a new facility, and salt/sand stockpiling, as well as state road activities including patching, brining, and mastic work on I-94. The Committee approved proposed work rule changes and the Administration & Inspection Contract for the CTH V Bridge Construction with Jewell for $20,000. Vouchers totaling $136,262.27 for 2025 and $5,795.98 for 2026 were approved. The Highway Commissioner provided updates regarding 100% Facility Design, Culvert Liners, Loader Bids, and recent statewide crashes.