The Board’s decision to revise the Benton River Park fee schedule was a key focus of the meeting. With the opening of a new shelter at the park, a daily rental fee of $100 was established, with nonprofit groups receiving a discounted rate of $75. A $3 security deposit was also added, aligning with existing policies at Benton Beach. The Board deliberated on implementing an electronic reservation system for the park, addressing concerns about vandalism and maintenance costs. They considered cellular options for updating reservations and potential Wi-Fi availability, recognizing the additional costs involved. Ultimately, the revised fee schedule was adopted unanimously, with the Board emphasizing the park’s benefits and financial resources, including grants for invasive species management.

In another development, the Board accepted $800,000 in Minnesota Public Health State infrastructure funding, allocated over two years. This funding will support mandated community health assessments and improvement planning processes. The allocation is expected to employ a regional data analyst and program manager, facilitating these efforts. The Board expressed enthusiasm for this financial support, recognizing its importance for public health initiatives. Further discussions are anticipated regarding staffing and sustainability plans following the receipt of a state contract.

The Board also highlighted the success of the recent Mississippi River project meeting, with both chair and vice chair positions filled by Benton County representatives. Funding for the project was discussed, with $260,000 allocated for planning, contrasting with previous amounts for similar initiatives.

Public health matters dominated the meeting, including the approval of additional funding from Medica County. The funding will bolster ongoing public health initiatives, such as the creation of hygiene kits for children and community conversations about the MMR vaccine within the Somali community. The Board noted the positive impact of previous funding and outlined plans for dental events in collaboration with Children’s Dental Services. These services will cater to children regardless of insurance status, addressing a significant need in the county.

The Foley Community Connect Expo was another topic of discussion, set for March 22nd at Foley High School. This collaborative effort between Benton County Public Health and the Foley School District aims to provide community resources and connections. The event will feature car seat checks, free vision checks for children, and meal kits, with Children’s Dental Services offering walk-in dental care appointments. Officials anticipate increased attendance, projecting around 300 participants compared to 219 the previous year. Sponsorship for the event was also discussed, with a tiered system allowing smaller businesses to contribute.

The meeting addressed the leadership structure of the library board, with concerns raised about the absence of elected officials as chair and vice chair. The Board discussed the necessity of reviewing and potentially amending the library board’s bylaws to ensure elected officials lead the board, considering public input on initiatives like “ban the book.”

Concerns about potential state budget cuts affecting human services and public health programs were voiced. The Board noted the uncertainty surrounding state-level decisions and their implications for local services, emphasizing the need for vigilant planning and adaptability.

A proposal for the abandonment of County Ditch 4 was also discussed, with a public hearing scheduled for April 15th. The Board moved to validate the petition for abandonment.

Lastly, the Board agreed to convene a Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss highway topics, particularly the Five-Year Plan concerning roadway projects. The need for a collaborative approach to prioritize road projects was emphasized, with a tentative meeting date set for March 25th.