Rachael Beckman

The committee meeting involved presentations and updates regarding the Wright County Regional Inspection Program (RIP) for the control of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). Discussion covered the significance of AIS challenges, the legal framework including state law and a delegation agreement with the DNR, and the financial support received. The presentation emphasized the goal of providing comprehensive inspection coverage and better utilization of funds compared to the status quo (e.g., the RAMP program), noting regional inspections are predicted to be ten times more cost-effective. Updates from 2018 operations were provided, including extended hours for decontamination services and high compliance rates with mandatory entrance inspections on participating lakes (Lake Sylvia, Lake John, Lake Pleasant). Data comparing pre-pilot and RIP performance highlighted a significant increase in entrance inspections (51% overall increase) due to extended operating hours. Furthermore, inspectors' efficiency, measured by inspections per hour, remained stable or improved due to service consolidation, compensating for fewer exit inspections. Decontamination efforts also showed a slight decrease in volume compared to the previous year.

The meeting included discussions on several key areas. First, the Committee of the Whole met on July 21st to discuss strategic planning and county vision, focusing on future needs in finance and technology, and tasked administration with drafting job descriptions for a proposed Project Administrator and Finance Director, as well as developing a 3, 5, and 10-year organizational chart. Second, the Committee of the Whole met on July 22nd to discuss the backup dispatch center, reviewing costs associated with equipping it to support four stations and considering funding options including 911 funds. Third, the Personnel Committee met on July 22nd to address IT staffing needs, recommending the reclassification of an IT position to Accounting Technician and the creation of a new Electronic Contract Management Solutions Architect position to replace a vacant On-Base Administrator role. Finally, the Board addressed CARES Act funding, recommending engagement with Clifton Larson Allen (CLA) as a contractor to assist with administration, rules compliance, and vetting processes, including plans to hold virtual town hall meetings with townships and cities to facilitate their participation.

The meeting addressed the approval of minutes from August 28th and the agenda for the current meeting. Key discussions included the approval of a plat for Horsewell Lake Lots in Corona and Clearwater Township. The board reviewed the transfer of authority for a portion of County Ditch 33 to the City of Monticello, as the development conditions were not met, and scheduled a public hearing for October 16th regarding this transfer. The Building Committee reported on the compost and recycling center, noting concerns with the existing facility's electrical and HVAC systems, and recommended developing a plan for equipment removal, with a follow-up in Q1 2019. The committee also discussed the geothermal system leak at the LEC and the use of bond proceeds from the highway building project, deciding to proceed with the installation of a dedication plaque and an electronic screen, while deferring fence and carpet replacement until later phases or budget availability. Finally, discussions covered the paving of the County Fairgrounds roads, deciding to table the paving until a funding source is secured and clarifying potential cost increases, and the continuation of the Wright Greater Lake Silvia Association inspection station program, noting a required county contribution exceeding seventy thousand dollars and questions about expense allocations, including law enforcement costs.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the October 9th minutes. A discussion ensued regarding a public hearing scheduled for Ditch 33 that was omitted from the initial agenda posting, with confirmation that proper notification procedures were followed. The agenda approval proceeded. The Board welcomed a new Election Supervisor, Krista Aronson, who has prior experience with Sibley County, with comments noting her immediate need to manage upcoming elections. The September budget report was reviewed, indicating revenues look good, although expenses were slightly above budget on a cash basis, with attention on potential turnover dollars. A major discussion focused on the creation of a joint powers entity, the Wetland Appeal Board, consisting of five members from the Soil and Water Conservation District and two County Commissioners. Progress on securing liability insurance for this new entity through MCITS has caused a mandated 150-day delay for applications. Minor changes to the Joint Powers Agreement were discussed, mainly clarifying meeting descriptions and updating references to fee adjustments from July 2017. The Committee of the Whole report detailed discussions from October 8th concerning 2020 and 2021 assessment contract rates for the Assessor's office, recommending a gradual increase of $1 per parcel for the next two years to better reflect operating costs. The second Committee of the Whole topic addressed staffing for the front reception desk, concluding with a recommendation to continue using volunteers while recruiting for a part-time office technician for up to 24 hours per week. Furthermore, comments were made regarding potential transfers of unused personnel budget authority to the Auditor's office to manage staffing needs.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. The Board approved the minutes from the July 16th meeting with several modifications, including correcting names and spellings. The agenda was approved after adding a request for out-of-state travel for an IT analyst to speak in Tampa, Florida, and adding a time item regarding the local share for Trailblazer transit. The consent agenda was approved after pulling one item (Technology office tech one position reclassification) for separate referral to the Personnel Committee. A resolution to dissolve the Crow River Organization of Water was passed, with discussion focusing on the fiscal agent responsibilities during dissolution and the potential for an audit. The Board then addressed the Trailblazer transit local share, recommending that Wright County absorb the $7,953.28 local share for 2018 as a gesture of good faith, rather than billing the cities, and considered transferring an additional amount to reserves for safeguarding against future state funding shortfalls. Finally, the Board moved to consider the minutes from the Audit Exit meeting of July 16th.