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   BACKUS —Cass County Commissioners met Tuesday, Apr. 16 for the fourth and final reading of the proposed ordinance regarding regulation of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on county highways and public right of ways.

   Board chair Neal Gaalswyk opened the public hearing for comments. After hearing only one comment from Craig Wadzink, Woodtick Wheelers Vice President thanking the board and the committee for their endless work on this ordinance and requesting the board have a follow-up meeting in six months to address any issues that may arise the public hearing was closed. Gaalswyk took into consideration evaluating the ordinance to see how it was going and mentioned possibly doing it after hunting season. Hearing no other comments the board motioned and approved the ordinance, which will take effect May 16, 2024, unanimously.

   Darrick Anderson, County Engineer, was present to request the board extend spring load restrictions on county roads. It was stated that the Minnesota Department of Transportation lifted restrictions April 12, however in conversing with Cass County area shops some roads still have frost coming out. Therefore, Anderson recommended county roads remain under load restrictions until April 26 at the latest. A motion was made with the board approving unanimously.

   A request to approve payment of $4,200 to Widseth Smith Nolting & Associates, Inc. for a feasibility study concerning a restroom remodel in the Walker Health, Human and Veteran Services (HHVS) building. When asked the reasoning for this remodel, HHVS Director Brian Buhmann stated it’s mainly for the safety of staff. This shower will be used as a decontamination shower for staff who may come into contact with an unknown substance while conducting a home visit. This will allow them to come back to the building and rinse anything off so they don’t take it home and possibly contaminate their family. Buhmann also mentioned the thought of having scrubs or a sweatsuit available to staff to change into after their shower. The restroom being considered for remodeling is in the lower level of the building and will have no public access. Currently the funding for this study will come from the Capital Deferred Maintenance fund, but this will possibly be able to be funded with Opiod settlement money. The board approved the request unanimously.

   In other business, the county board: 

   • Approved the purchase of poll pad electronic rosters from KNOWiNK, LLC in the amount of $43,670 due to current Gen 6 iPads being no longer supported.

   • Approved a request to begin the process of adopting an interim zoning ordinance and place a moratorium on digital and electronic signs so the Environmental Service Department may conduct studies on amending Section 1111 of the Land Use Ordinance to protect public health, safety and general welfare.

   • Approved payment of $7,350 to Widseth Smith Nolting & Associates, Inc for the Cass County Museum ADA improvement proposal. A recommendation to have Gordian, whom is contracted through Sourcewell, provide cooperative building/infrastructure, alteration and restoration services was also approved. 

   • Approved final payment to Sir Lines A Lot in the amount of $522,136.61 for striping multiple roadways with a 6” multi-component white edge line.

   • Awarded the contract for work on County State Aid Highway 70 to Kraemer Trucking & Excavating Inc in the amount of $5,745,031.63.

   The next meetings are as follows: Commissioner’s board meeting, 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 7 at the boardroom in the courthouse annex in Walker and commissioner’s board meeting, 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 21 at Pine Lake Township Townhall, 6724 17th Ave NW, Walker.

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