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   BACKUS— North Memorial Health EMS Relationship Specialist Kevin Lee presented the Longville ambulance third quarter report at the regular commissioner’s meeting held Tuesday, Nov. 19. Volumes were higher than the budgeted amount with 283 patients needing medical assistance. Therefore, third quarter revenues were favorable by $57,970, however the expenses also increased during the quarter due to salary expenses and increased vehicle maintenance. Lee mentioned with the difficulty to acquire new ambulances current ambulances are requiring more repairs. It was also noted during the third quarter Brainerd continues to be where most patients choose to be transported with Crosby being the second highest choice. 

   SWCD Conservation Manager, Dana Gutzmann updated the commissioners with upcoming options regarding three of the county’s comprehensive watershed management programs. The three programs mentioned were Mississippi River Brainerd Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan, which has been completed and approved by the Minnesota Board of Water & Soil Resources (BWSR) board, Upper Mississippi – Grand Rapids Comprehensive Watershed Management and Crow Wing River Comprehensive Watershed Management plan. Both of the latter plans have also been completed but have yet to submitted to the BWSR board for approval.

   Gutzmann informed the board once these plans have been submitted and approved the County will then have three options regarding implementation. The county can adopt and implement the plan, adopt the plan or continue to manage the Cass County portion within the watershed with the current local water management plan. No immediate requests or motions were made.

   County Engineer Darrick Anderson requested the board approve a joint powers agreement with the City of Lake Shore for trail maintenance along County State Aid Highway 7 which will layout roles and responsibilities for current and future trails along the corridor. Commissioner Bob Kangas asked who’s responsible for the utilities that lie beneath the trail. Anderson commented most utilities have been relocated and now lie between the trail and the road. A motion to approve the agreement was passed unanimously.

   The next meetings are as follows: Annual Municipality Opioid Settlement Fund meeting 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3 at the boardroom in the courthouse annex in Walker; commissioner’s board meeting 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, followed by a public hearing for the 2024 Cass County Fee Schedule and Budget and Property Tax levy beginning at 6 p.m. at the boardroom in the courthouse annex in Walker; AMC Annual Conference Dec. 9 - Dec. 11, at Double Tree Hotel, 7800 Normandale Boulevard, Minneapolis and commissioner’s board meeting 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17 at the Land Department meeting room in Backus.

 

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