BY KEN FRANCIS, STAFF WRITER

 

 

One of the biggest changes in the ordinance is the prohibition of tobacco use in all county parks and trails.

 

“We want people to be able to enjoy the natural beauty of our county park system and the outdoors in its true form,” said Public Works Director Andrew Witter.

 

Another change was removing any references to camping.

 

“We had language in there is regards to camping. We have no camp sites or camp facilities at any of our county parks,” said Witter. “Should we develop our park system such that we’ve got camp sites and facilities for that, then we can certainly get that back in there.”

 

Witter said there were changes in definitions that make the ordinance consistent  with state statutes. And language was removed regarding a park administrator, which doesn’t exist anymore, and the park commission, which has been dissolved.

 

The new park ordinance can be found on the county’s website. It goes into effect upon publication of the ordinance in the official county newspaper.

 

 

The board approved an amendment to a tax abatement agreement with  GATR Truck Center in Elk River.

 

The original agreement required GATR to add 63 jobs in connection with their new facility by 2018. Due to the tight labor market, they have only been able to hire 43 new full time employees as of March, said Assistant Administrator Dan Weber.  The business subsidy statute allows the county to grant up to a one­ year extension to a business to meet the required job and wage goals.  GATR has one ­year to reach the required 63 jobs.

 

 

The board awarded the contract for surface improvements on Co. Rd. 3 between Co. Rd. 5 and Co. Rd. 1 to Hardrives at  $2,582,605.81. Other bidders were: Knife River Corp - $2,736,854.83; Central Specialties Inc. - $2,758,523.69 and Duininck Inc. - $2,833,552.34 The engineer's estimate was $2,708,777.55. Construction is slated to begin July 23.

 

The board approved a contract with Bolton Menk for design and engineering services for a roundabout on Co. Rd. 45 at $162,785.

 

The board approved an agreement with Burlington Northern (BNSF) to share the cost of surface signal crossing replacement at Co. Rds. 18, 8 and 15. The county’s estimated cost for the three crossings is $153,790. Work is expected to be completed this construction season.

 

 

The board  approved the following 2018-2019 tobacco licenses: Frontier Liquor, Holiday Stationstore #239, Jim's Market, P & A Liquor, SuperAmerica #4535, Uptown Off­Sale, Casey's General Store #3445, and Dollar General Store #19543 in Zimmerman; Briggs Lake General Store in Palmer Twp. and Ridgewood Bay Resort in Baldwin Twp. Incomplete Applications: Becker Twp. - Holiday Stationstore #598 and SAFE Discount Liquor Santiago Twp. - Santiago Country Store.

 

* Approved a grant request by Planning and Zoning for $40,000 from the MPCA for septic system upgrades for property owners;

* Approved a joint power agreement with the townships of Baldwin, Becker, Clear Lake and Livonia for contract administration for the installation of pavement markings;

* Approved a conditional use permit (CUP) for a personal storage structure for Clyde Lewandowski on his 20-acre parcel on 50th Ave. SE in Haven Twp.;

* Tabled a request by David and Carla Mertz to amend the county zoning ordinance to establish Rural Retail Tourism as an Interim Use Permit in the General Rural Zoning District.