Karen Newman
The Clay County Commissioners heard and discussed 2019 Annual reports presented by four county department directors at their March 3 meeting.
Planning and Zoning Director, Matt Jacobson, says that his department partners with the SolSmart Foundation, a program funded by the Solar Energy Technologies Office of the US Department of Energy. According to their website https://www.solsmart.org/ Solsmart’s goal is to make it faster easier and more affordable for cities, counties and regional organizations to go solar because their assistance helps recruit new business, promotes economic growth, and fosters job creation. The local office now houses a plaque recognizing their 2019 designation as a SolSmart Silver designee with the intention of seeking a gold award in the future. Jacobson thanks the county commission with facilitating the hiring of a Planning Technician Inspector position saying, “In 2019, the department conducted 278 building permit inspections. I want to underscore the importance of the Planning Technician position. We couldn’t have done that many inspections without her going out, getting around the county and taking a look at them. We appreciate your support in creating the position.”
Clay County Engineer, David Overbo, reports that his department commends Clay County citizens for their township meeting attendance and participation as road and bridge planning for the future proceeds. Because spring brings flood planning, experienced staff members are educating new staff about the challenges of the season and the responsibilities they will need to assume if flooding occurs. Referring to the process as ‘succession planning’, he says, “We want to draw on the knowledge of the experienced to teach new people.” He emphasizes that his department understands the need for additional gravel on county roads and will prioritize that as funding allows.
Soil and Water Conservation District Director/Manager Kevin Kassenborg wears many hats in his administrative work. He explains that one of his department’s roles is education which includes writing grants to fund participating in events for school children, briefing government officials about soil and water concerns, and teaching grader operators about noxious weed recognition and reporting. People driving on Highway 10 will notice the installation of a sign highlighting the Aquatic Invasive Species program this spring. Kassenborg reminds the public of the Soil Health and Cover Crop Program which serves to promote prevention of winter soil erosion. The program emphasizes the benefits of leaving a row of crop along the edge of the field to catch snow drifts. He adds that the MN Department of Transportation may pay landowners for production loss if they choose to leave a row or two of crop in the field.
“We have a good solid waste program because commissioners are committed to having one,” says Kirk Rosenberger, Solid Waste Management Director. Emphasizing the importance of partnerships between communities to deal with solid waste and increasing capacity for landfill as tonnage mounts with a growing population, he says that future needs will include funding a bonding bill, gathering bids for landfill expansion and working with resource recovery centers.
