By Ken Francis, Staff Writer
The Sherburne County Board last week approved an agreement with MnDOT for major funding for a road project.
Public Works Director Andrew Witter said the county has been approved for $3 million in federal funding for fiscal year 2019 to cover improvements on Co. Rd. 8 from Hwy. 24 in Clear Lake Twp. to Hwy. 10 in Becker.
“As you recall, we received some freight federal dollars for this stretch for this road,” he told the commissioners. “What this agreement allows us to do is construct the roadway and get reimbursement prior to the fiscal year in which it was scheduled.”
Another advantage, which isn’t typical in most grants, he said, is the county is able to seek reimbursement for staff time for design and engineering up to $248,000.
Total project cost is estimated at $3,975,654. The grant covers 80% of that amount.
Engineering Contract
The board approved a proposal from Braun Intertec Corporation for geotechnical evaluation for the reconstruction of Co. Rd. 1 from Hwy. 10 to the BNSF tracks (SP 071601024). It will assist with the design of the project, which is programmed in 2021. The approximate cost is $4,825.
They also approved a proposal by Braun for evaluation for the portion of the Great Northern Trail located within the southerly city limits of Zimmerman at an approximate cost of $6,420.
The board approved funding from the year-end savings (YES) account for the purchase and implementation of the High Line Personality Timekeeping Self Service Software at a cost not to exceed $88,000.
The county’s primary timecard system is an in-house application built on an aging version of software and operating system.
Rather than go through an extensive rewrite and testing, the HR and payroll department reviewed several timecard options from different vendors. It was determined the best fit would be to go with High Line ePersonality.
TIF Letter
The board sent a letter to the City of Zimmerman in support of a TIF district that would lead to development of nearly 29,000 square feet of office and manufacturing space. The development, when complete, is projected to add more than $1,400,000 in taxable value.
Other Business
In other action the board:
Accepted a quote from EPA Audio Visual to redesign the Maple Room at a cost of $59,179.67.
Approved a temporary On-Sale Liquor License for Palmer Days Sept. 8. The event is hosted by the Clear Lake Lions at Palmer Township Park;
Proclaimed August 2018 as Child Support Awareness Month and Breastfeeding Awareness Month in Sherburne County.
