Placement costs show progress

Out-of-home placement costs in Crow Wing County have improved since May.

Sue Beck, county welfare director, told the Crow Wing County Board Tuesday that through June the year-to-date deficit is about $15,500. Last month, the county had a placement deficit of about $27,600.

"Being over the budget this much is pretty good compared to what other counties are experiencing," Beck said.

However, Beck said the budget could have a substantial impact depending on the outcome of an Oklahoma case that could cost the county $100,000.

A healthy moms/healthy children grant of about $83,500 was approved. The grant will pay the contracted costs of Naomi Beachy for $18.04 per hour and other staff time provided by social services and public health.

A Lutheran Social Service contract for Youth and Family Resources was approved. The grant is $52,500 for 18 months and will help with services mentoring violent juvenile offenders.

In other business, the board reviewed the personnel policy. A committee has been working on the policy for about three years and the commissioners hope to finalize the plan soon. The policy covers items that are not negotiated in union contracts and relate to all county employees. Some of the issues are emergency leaves, separation and grievances.

County Attorney Don Ryan said this policy does not change anything the county has in place currently.

The board agreed to have Architecture One move forward with a project for tunnels, underground rooms and plaza renovation at the courthouse, Social Service Building and Law Enforcement center. Bob Ogdahl of Architecture One said the concrete roof, coal bin and the chemical storage room need to be replaced. The structure of the existing tunnel is acceptable, but it has leaking problems. Redesigning the plaza will reduce paving and increase lighting levels.

Estimated cost for the project is $200,000 and the professional design fees for architectural and engineering services are about $30,000.

Commissioner Gilbert Dewes said it makes sense to do all three constructions at one time and it needs to be done.

"The cost is only going to go up," he said.

The planning and zoning department began the process of updating several ordinances that are currently enforced in the county. It is seeking proposals in the updating of land use classification list and maps and a subdivision ordinance.

Dean Williams, planning and zoning administrator, said from 1996-99 the planning commission heard over 400 land use classification changes, reviewed 56 subdivisions and 27 planned unit developments.

Williams said he will bring back a timeline and costs of the proposal to the board next month.

The board was again asked to help pay for the reconstruction of Kego Lake Road in Fifty Lakes. The board said it cannot support a road for private use.

Bruce McIntosh of Golden Eagle Golf Properties asked for the county's help. The money would be used to construct the road from a seven- to nine-ton road so it can hold the logging traffic. If the county agreed it would pay $47,500.

Commissioners approved the Region 5 Development Commission's 2000 comprehensive economic development strategy report.

The board approved an increase from nine to 11 cents per pound for shredding confidential material with the Brainerd Regional Human Services' Center for its work activity report.

Dennis Mackedanz will take Lisa Lundgren's seat on the Central Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Council.

The board proclaimed July 1-8 as safe and sober week in the county.

Commissioners agreed to reimburse $1,053 to county administrator candidates for their expenses when they attended a community event in the county a few weeks ago.