Aitkin County Board meeting from July 26th

By Paul Vold kkin@rjbroadcasting.com (7/29/22)

(Aitkin, MN) — The Aitkin County Board of Commissioners convened Tuesday, July 26th from the Government Center Board Room to receive updates on the Growth Innovations Housing Initiative, Broadband Grant Support, and 2nd Quarter Budget review.

Growth Innovations Executive Director Stan Gustafson provided the Board with an update on their Housing Initiative project which included presenting to the City of Aitkin.

Economic Development Coordinator Mark Jeffers was on hand to present the release of $5,000 to any internet service provider (ISP) that is awarded the Broadband Border to Border grant from the State.

The Board approved the release of the grant funding. Funding through the 2022 Community Grant Program was also awarded to the City of McGregor/McGregor Chamber redevelopment and beautification project totaling $12,500, South Aitkin First Responders  for chest compression system totaling $4,402, and Aitkin County Search and Rescue for UTV tracks totaling $3,441.

County Administrator Jessica Seibert highlighted some of the more glaring numbers from the 2nd Quarter Budget.

Human Resources Director Bobbie Danielson presented Personnel Committee recommendations including accumulation of Personal Leave and the addition of a full-time adult Social Services Supervisor to the HHS Administrative team.

Other Personnel Recommendations included the Board not making the Aitkin County Historical Society Administrator a county position, the hiring of a Grade 3 Custodian-Maintenance Technician, and the Long Lake Conservation Center Scale Modification.

The Board went on to approve Consent Agenda items Data Practice Policy Revisions, the resolutions for the State of Emergency of Aitkin County from severe storms on or around June 20th to June 24th, 2022, CAPs donations, and LG220 Application for Exempt Permit for The Ruffed Grouse Society.

The Aitkin County Board of Commissioners will hold their next regular meeting on Tuesday, August 9th at 9am from the Government Center Board Room.