The Sherburne County Board Tuesday recognized County Veterans Service Officer Bruce Price.
Price dedicated more than 40 years of service to the military, including the last 10 as the Sherburne County Veterans Service Officer.
The board proclaimed May 24, 2024, the day of his retirement, as Bruce Price Day.
In addition to the county’s proclamation, Stacy Morse, District Director for Congressman Tom Emmer, read a message from Emmer
“I rise today to honor the exceptional service and dedication of Sherburne County Veterans Service Officer Bruce Price.”
“Throughout his career, Bruce has exemplified the highest level of selflessness and commitment when working with our veterans. His 24 years of active duty service in the U.S. Army, combined with his years of service at the county, state and federal level demonstrates his true dedication to our country.”
“Over the past nine years Bruce has served as veterans service officer for Sherburne in this role. He has worked tirelessly on behalf of our veterans and their families, helping them receive the benefits and care they deserve.”
Morse presented Price with an American Flag that was flown over the United States Capital.
After accepting the flag, Price gave a brief message of thanks to the people he has met and helped over the years.
“I thank the county.... It’s been my honor and pleasure. I’ve had a great office staff. It’s always been there... I will miss it. I will miss the families, the veterans and those personal connections that we’ve made since 2008, as well as those that were in the military...Thank you, and God bless.”
Road Agreement
The board approved a joint powers agreement with Clear Lake Twp. to include 74th Street resurfacing with the Co. Rd. 65 Reconstruction Project.
The estimated cost to the township for the improvements totals $123,247.50, although the final payment from the township to the county will be based on actual quantities and contractor unit cost following the completion of the project.
Rail Grant
The board passed a resolution in support of a Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant submittal. The county is seeking $1.725 million in CRISI program funding for the Hwy. 10 and Co. Rd. 11 Railroad Crossing Improvement Project, with $1.38 million in CRISI Funds and a $345,000 (20%) local match.
Funds from the CRISI program will go towards completing planning and design work for a grade-separated railroad crossing at Hwy. 10 and Co. Rd. 11.
Job Reclassifications
The board approved five job reclassifications as recommended by the Human Resources Dept. and department heads due to a significant change in the duties and responsibilities of their positions. They are:
• HHS Executive Assistant change to Administrative Coordinator;
• Senior Legal Administrative Assistant change to Lead Legal Administrative Assistant;
• Highway Maintenance Supervisor change from Grade 13 to Grade 14;
• Public Works GIS Specialist change to Senior GIS Specialist;
• Public Works GIS Coordinator change from Grade 15 to Grade 16.
The changes are retroactive to Jan. 1, 2024. The total cost of the reclassifications is $16,500.
Other Business
In other actions the board:
• Awarded the contract for pavement markings on various county roads to the lowest responsive bidder, Sir Lines-A-Lot LLC, at $454,904.35. The other bidder was Century Traffic at $629,021.50;
• Approved the purchase and installation of multiple automatic door power controls throughout the Government Center campus at a cost not to exceed $27,500;
• Approved a MN Lawful Gambling Exempt Permit for the City of Big Lake Firefighters Relief Association to be used for a raffle Oct. 13, 2024 at the Big Lake Fire Dept. on Co. Rd. 43;
• Approved a MN Lawful Gambling Application Exempt Permit for the Ruffed Grouse Society - Rum River Chapter, to be used at Wild Marsh Sporting Clays on Co. Rd. 3 in Clear Lake;
• Approved designating $55,831 in funding for Central Campus asphalt repairs in 2024 and 2025;
• Reappointed County Veterans Service Officers Michael Tschudi and Joshua Wiemann;
• Appointed Jerome Doede, Senior Environmental Specialist, as the county’s Public Health Officer for Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems;
• Proclaimed May as Foster Care Month;
• Proclaimed May as National Military Appreciation Month.
