---

   CROOKED LAKE TOWNSHIP—Cass County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) representatives requested a revolving loan at the regular board meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 15.

   Cass County HRA Executive Director Scott Wilson stated if a revolving loan fund was to be set up it would allow HRA to secure potential properties for workforce housing projects. Currently HRA has two potential projects. One of the project would create approximately 30 housing units in Cass County. Wilson said if the County Board were to provide $500,000 in a revolving fund, the HRA could purchase potential properties allowing communities time to pursue funding and developers for the project.

   Commissioners Jeff Peterson and Neal Gaalswyk both had reservations and concerns with approving such a large sum of money without a plan to protect the funds. Peterson mentioned if a revolving fund were to be established, he would prefer a third party handle the funds such as a bank. Gaalswyk agreed, but also wanted to know if HRA had a plan on how to purchase and resell the property. Wilson stated HRA would act as a holding company by securing the property and then selling it to the community after they get project funding approved. The current possible project was stated to be time sensitive and the property could possibly be taken off the market before the community could secure financing. 

   Gaalswyk made a motion to table the request with HRA providing more information on how funds will be administered at the next regular meeting. Peterson seconded the motion, with all board members unanimously approving the motion.

   County Administrator Josh Stevenson reported to the board with an update from the recent All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Ordinance Committee meeting. It was noted the meeting was held for the purpose of receiving input from the area Townships and was well attended by the Township Supervisors. Topics discussed were ATV usage on county road surfaces versus road ditch, county forest road ATV usage and ATV use or trails that connect communities.

   During the meeting current laws and regulations were discussed with it being stated many riders are unaware of current helmet laws for riders under 18 years old and ATV certification if born after July 1, 1987. Stevenson mentioned the majority of people in attendance were in favor of allowing the use of ATV’s on road surfaces as it was stated the majority of ATV accidents  have occurred within the road ditches. The group did recommend to the board to add a third goal of an ATV ordinance to create uniform rules and reduce confusion for users, which the board made into motion and approved unanimously. The next committe meeting for more township input will be held Aug. 24 at 6 p.m. at the Land Department in Backus.

   In other business, the county board:

   • Approved the Step Three hearing decision, class action grievance related to internal postings.

   • Approved an updated service agreement with Cass Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) with the County dispersing all Aquatic Invasive Species program funds at the beginning of the year and SWCD providing a yearly report documenting all expenses.

   The next meetings are as follows: commissioner’s board meeting 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5 at the boardroom in the courthouse annex in Walker; AMC Fall Policy Conference, Sept. 13-5 at Arrowwood Conference Center, Alexandria and commissioner’s board meeting 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19 at Pine Lake Township, 6724 17th Ave NW, Walker.

---