After a brief public hearing without public comment Tuesday, the Sherburne County Board of Commissioners approved an amendment to the county’s curfew ordinance.

Under the new language, a minor is considered anyone under the age of 18. Previously, a 17-year olds were also exempt from the curfew ordinance.

The amendment also changes the jurisdiction to only the unincorporated areas of the county. Previously, the ordinance was in effect in the cities as well.

The ordinance also makes parents liable for their minor child. A parent of a minor child can be charged with a misdemeanor if there is a curfew ordinance violation.

 

County Attorney Kathleen Heaney said the sheriff’s office and Health & Human Services supports the amendment.

 

“This is in line with other city police departments,” said Sheriff Joel Brott.  “We welcome this change.”

 

The ordinance amendment goes into effect upon publication.

 

The board approved an expenditure of $1,621,621.63 to Atmosphere, $421,813.24 to Fluid for furniture and fixtures and  an additional $11,325.00 equipment an appliances for the

 

Government Center expansion project. Taylor said the county will be re-using up to 80% of the existing furniture for some departments. He said the total cost of 2,054,759.87 is about $340,000 under budget.

 

The board also approved an expenditure of $140,000 to MN State Industries for signage for the expansion project. Taylor said there will 1,207 interior signs that will help direct people through the building and identify the function of each room. Each sign will carry the new county logo in addition to any text.

 

The money will also cover the cost of two lighted outdoor monument signs.

 

In other action the board:

 

• Approved a Minnesota Lawful Gambling application to conduct excluded Bingo for Travelers Country Club in Clear Lake on May 26, June 30, July 28 and August 25, 2018;

 

• Approved the sale of two lots in the Sherburne County Public Safety Addition in Zimmerman to the Zimmerman EDA for $44,900 and authorized payment of the annexation fee of $3,240;

 

• Set a public hearing for 9 a.m. Feb. 20 for a tax abetment application by The Garage Guys, LLC for an expansion of their business at 570 Humboldt Drive in Big Lake;

 

• Approved a transfer of $768,203.80 from the county’s land and building fund to make the 2018 bond payment for the expansion project;

 

• Approved a Consumption and Display Permit for Del­Tone/Luth Gun Club in Haven Twp.;

 

• Accepted a grant of $44,566.00 from the state to support children's mental health screening, assessment and mental health services to children in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.