Following the approval of the commissioner warrants, the board heard from Heath Landsman, chief deputy, in regards to the contract with the City of Avoca for providing law enforcement services. The contract was also approved.
Commissioner Welgraven expressed concerns regarding the last week’s approval of the JPA agreement for the Clear Lake project. His concerns are related to the downstream residents being flooded out and felt the tile size wasn’t large enough to alleviate the problem. Additionally Welgraven shared his concern with the idea of having a project presented and voting immediately afterward. He feels this doesn’t give the board adequate time to properly assess the project. However, it was pointed out that backing out of the JPA at this point was in reality reneging on the agreement. Commissioner Welgraven did meet with ditch inspector Travis Radke who affirmed he didn’t see too much of a problem. However, Welgraven once again expressed his concern with voting on something right after it had been presented. He was informed by County Attorney Smith the board has the option to table their decision until they feel comfortable voting on it. Another concern raised was if the project would exceed the $46,000 mark who would be responsible for the additional funding. He felt this wasn’t made perfectly clear in the agreement even though the board was under the impression the DNR would be picking up any additional amount. Commissioners Welgraven, Kluis, and Gunnink felt this should be in writing so the County doesn’t get ‘stuck’. Welgraven made reference to CD 11 of which the county has been dealing with for years according to him. It was asked for Smith to reach out to the DNR and see if this could be included in the agreement. Commissioner Jens suggested bringing in engineer or Bill Schuna (DNR) to come back and explain this possible issue. Commissioner Welgraven, along with auditor-treasurer, Winter, said they would reach out to the engineer and DNR to get clarification.
Commissioner Thiner brought up the idea of a commissioner attending the Viewer Association meetings. The County is paying $200 to be a part of the association feels that perhaps someone should attend. Heidi Winter, auditor-treasurer, said that typically those meetings are geared towards viewers, however, every once in a while there is a good one for general ditch information. Commissioner Thiner asked if this should perhaps be included in their meetings in which the commissioners receive per diems. He moved forward with a motion in this regard which was approved by the board.
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