39:40During their meeting, the commissioners delved into the specifics of the seal coat project, noting that the bid from Asphalt Surface Technologies Corporation was lower than the initial estimate of $1.4 million. The board discussed the inclusion of a fog seal, a measure which some members believed could better embed the chips into the roadway. This option, while increasing the cost by $50,000 to $70,000, was deemed manageable given the county’s budget surplus of around $200,000 for the year. A motion to proceed with the project, including the fog seal option, was approved without opposition.

19:39Meanwhile, in another significant matter, the board addressed the implementation of a burn ban due to recent weather conditions posing fire risks. The ban is set to remain in place until November 1 unless rescinded earlier. This decision was swiftly approved.

The meeting also covered the solicitation of architect services for exterior repairs to county buildings. Proposals from four firms were under consideration, and a committee of three, potentially including a commissioner, was proposed to evaluate these submissions. The committee is expected to meet with the architect firms and return to the full commission with recommendations. The board emphasized the importance of drawing on previous expertise when formulating questions for the architects.

01:02:08Another noteworthy discussion involved the county weed board. The board decided to maintain kosha on the list while adding water hemp, a decision that aligns with its presence in neighboring Ramsey County. This addition is expected to facilitate landowners’ access to reimbursement funds for spraying.

15:56Personnel matters also featured prominently, with discussions on adjusting lunch breaks and work hours for county staff. A proposal was made to reduce the lunch period from one hour to thirty minutes, maintaining a consistent 37.5-hour work week across the year. This change aims to enhance accessibility during lunch hours, catering to constituents who often visit at that time. A motion to implement these adjustments was approved.

34:20Furthermore, the meeting touched upon a Memorial Day service planned to honor Vietnam War veterans. The commissioners agreed to draft a letter to publicize this event through local media channels.

58:29In financial matters, the board approved a salary adjustment for a position that transitioned from the clerk’s office to the treasurer’s office. This adjustment will utilize funds from the previous budget, with future budgets reflecting the change.

01:06:48Lastly, the commissioners addressed a water board permit stipulation, clarifying that while the water board had issued a permit, an additional permit from the commission was necessary. The board discussed the importance of adhering to regulations and ensuring thorough communication with the water board to manage jurisdiction and responsibilities effectively.