In a unanimous vote Tuesday, the Sherburne County Board extended the contract of lobbyist David Turch & Associates for one year at a cost of $48,000.

 

Turch was hired for a six-month “trial” period in May, with the hope he would be able to use his connections in Washington to help the county secure federal funding for transportation and economic development.

 

Back in May, Commissioner Rachel Leonard was outspoken about the county’s unsuccessful history using lobbyists before and felt contracting with Turch would probably be another futile attempt.

 

Commissioner John Riebel was also skeptical, but agreed to give Turch a chance. 

 

“Six months. If he doesn’t deliver, give him the boot,” he said.

 

Tuesday, Administrator Steve Taylor said during the six-month period, Turch had delivered for Sherburne County.

 

“We put him on a short leash. We gave him six months, and I think they did a fair amount of work in six months,” said Taylor. “They have been active with the U.S. Marshals Service.

 

There are negotiations taking place right now for federal inmate reimbursements.”

 

He said Turch has assisted with the economic development application and secured letters of approval from Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken for a rail park feasibility study.

 

Taylor said Turch has also been in constant communication with county officials about federal funding opportunities. In September, the county received nine funding opportunity announcements.

 

Turch also made a personal appearance Oct. 20 to update the board on current legislation and opportunities.

 

Commissioner Leonard admitted Turch had accomplished some things for the county, but said some accomplishments benefitted other clients as well.

 

She said she was still not in favor of the whole lobbyist approach in government.

 

“I’ll support it, but I still have reservations about having to go to our representatives to beg them for something that should be done,” she said. “They should make those decisions without lobbyists.”

 

Commissioner Felix Schmiesing agreed.

 

“I don’t think you’re alone,” he said. “We all have those types of concerns.”

 

He urged Taylor to continue to keep Turch on a “short leash” in the future so the county continues to benefit from his services.

 

The board approved the language in a letter to be sent to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) regarding Xcel’s Integrated Resource Plan that includes shutting down Sherco Units 1& 2 by 2026.

 

Taylor said there had been discussion in a recent meeting about fast-tracking the process to review Xcel’s plan.

 

The letter states the county board doesn’t support fast-tracking the process.

 

“We want them to do their due diligence with this project just like they do with all other projects,” said Commissioner Schmiesing. “Fast-tracking would serve some sector and some other sector might be shorted. We just think it’s important that they follow their process. I think there’s been an effort to get  them to rush through this a little bit and I don’t feel there’s anything to gain by that.”

 

In other action the board:

• Approved a conditional use permit (CUP) for JFT Resources for a non-hazardous waste recycling operation on 69.10 acres between Hwy. 169 and Baldwin Street, just north of the Elk River city line in Livonia Twp.;

 

•Tabled a decision for an interim use permit (IUP) for Steven Willprecht for a temporary manufactured home on 8.85 acres on Co. Rd. 73 in Big Lake Twp.;

 

•Approved a CUP for Jeffrey Gliadon for a 30’x40’ personal storage structure in the lakeshore district of Briggs and Rush lakes in Palmer Twp.;

 

•Approved a CUP for William and Cindy Delkamp for a 32’x56’ personal storage structure on 4.28 acres in the lakeshore district of Sandy Lake in Baldwin Twp.