After a brief public hearing without public comment Tuesday, the Sherburne County Board approved a change to the fee schedule increasing the fee for a new handgun carry permit from $65 to $80.

 

Chief Deputy Don Starry said the request comes because of an increase in the number of permits being issued for county residents.

 

“In years past the fee has been higher. We reduced it to make sure that we aren’t charging the public too much,” he said. “At this point in time we need staff to keep up with the demand so we’re asking for a $15 increase.”

 

Starry said state statute allows the county to charge up to $100 for a permit. Of the $80 to be collected by the county sheriff’s department, $10 goes to the state.

 

The new fee goes into affect immediately.

 

Other area counties have different fees. Stearns, Hennepin and Wright counties each charge $100. Morrison County charges $85 and Benton County’s fee is $60.

 

The board approved a contract with Damon Farber Associates for plan design for Phase I development of Grams Park in Livonia Twp. at a cost of $55,542.

 

Assistant highway engineer Dan Knapek said Phase I includes the entire trail system and boardwalks crossing wetland areas within the park. Actual cost construction is estimated at about $550,000.

 

In an effort to streamline the property tax abatement process, the board approved a revised abatement policy allowing the county assessor and auditor to approve abatements up to $2,500 without board approval. In the past, all abatement requests came before the board.

 

The board approved $4,800 in funding to subsidize costs related to a source-separated organics program at the 4-H food stand at the Sherburne County Fair Aug. 14-17.

 

County 4-H clubs will be collecting organic waste materials from their food stand during the fair. They estimate they will put in about 920 hours toward the program, which will include collecting and sorting food waste, training 4-H participants and educating the public about organic recycling.

 

The funding will cover the purchase of compostable food serving materials and compostable trash bags. 4-H is also requesting funds to purchase two picnic tables made from recycled plastics. 

 

Funds will come from the SCORE budget.

 

In other action the board:

 

• Set a public hearing for June 21, 9:05 a.m. to discuss approval of updates to the Sherburne County Capital Improvement Plan;

 

• Approved a two-year collective bargaining agreement with LELS Transport/Court Security/ Licensed Correction Officers Unit;

 

• Proclaimed May as Mental Health Month and Foster Care Month in Sherburne County;

 

• Approved a request by the zoning department to apply for four grants to assist in funding the subsurface sewage treatment system program;

 

• Approved the purchase of a used DuraPatcher for $40,000 by the maintenance department;

 

• Approved an agreement with MnDOT for advanced federal funding in the amount of $1,548,000 for construction, grading and bituminous surfacing  on Co. Rd. 4 and realignment of Fremont Drive east of Hwy. 169;

 

• Approved the vacation of a portion of Co. Rd. 23 right of way and a portion of Co. Rd. 79 right of way that was left over after realignment of the roadways.