[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6618030,"mediaKeyId","2838409-1677fe063dc896ec1f88e524675f9a00","parentId",2838409,"title","County board approves memorandum to join Pope‑Douglas single‑sort MRF agreement; county to contribute $12,000 annually","audioSeconds",644,"startMs",1772000,"endMs",2416000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2838409-1677fe063dc896ec1f88e524675f9a00&start=1772&end=2416","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2838409-1677fe063dc896ec1f88e524675f9a00/thumbnail_1772000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6618030/Stevens-County/Minnesota/County-board-approves-memorandum-to-join-PopeDouglas-singlesort-MRF-agreement-county-to-contribute-12000-annually","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6618030-b3cad62c9dd7745d8658f5cde4d21432/orig.mp4?Expires=1773742683&Signature=guZyMwDiGxEd55E8UzRcEH424sbwsquNf3soI1rO1cwJnD0Hd7dEMJWENYHrr9ykKX6md4JVAU~e8~9abiMGvUz8lodE7Dw5OiO-HJfyVcgctHMYDaWUB~WTYWEPcATK9pRusnr4vgpWH4WaaecXXYer67mCpR0M3fHXvJtBB~Bn0jSH9~8i2SLuzS9W7clpHs1ppwBOR9iDP1snz0BWQ6zfr9Cu4mOTjhcnNM3DNBW0aqmwcxFVSUECifd7Ge~zwHREz9ipZlP-jSDB3Nqf6EE1fYQXquURmuYQMGisAFKBAQAbsYfajjZa8zfpY-SnqZFkgLJDiWFfowm1pdlZCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Stevens County","date","2025-04-01T19:06:37.08Z","article","A representative for Pope‑Douglas region solid‑waste operations updated the Stevens County Board on a new single‑sort materials recovery facility (MRF) and asked the county to formalize a funding and delivery agreement.

The presenter said the regional MRF is nearing commissioning and that the facility has agreed to accept single‑sort recyclables from Stevens County at a starting tipping rate set at $58 per ton once steady deliveries begin (the presenter said commissioning is expected in April and regular intake in late April or early May). The county contribution was described as $12,000 per year from the solid‑waste fee to support capital equipment for the single‑sort operation; the presenter said that contribution was included in the Stevens County budget for 2025 and that the contribution would continue for five years.

The presenter described efforts to manage contamination in single‑stream recyclables and said the MRF equipment is robust enough to process some bagged material and common contamination, but the facility will reclassify heavily contaminated loads and charge garbage tipping fees if contamination exceeds contract thresholds (presenter described an informal threshold in the 20–30% range that would trigger reclassification). County staff said the hauler agreements and sampling, cameras and loader‑operator checks will be used to manage contamination and coordinate with the new facility.

The presenter said the new facility purchased much of its equipment used to keep costs lower, and that commodity prices (cardboard, aluminum, plastics) remain variable and will affect the long‑term economics; Pope‑Douglas said it would assume commodity‑price risk while charging a cost‑covering tip fee to the member counties. Pope‑Douglas invited county board members and staff to tour the facility; construction and installation were in progress at the time of the presentation.

Commissioners then moved to accept the MRF contract/agreement supporting a regional processing arrangement and the funding arrangement described by the presenter. The board passed the motion. The motion record shows “motion carries”; no roll‑call vote or named vote tally was recorded in the meeting transcript.

The board did not adopt additional terms on commercial contamination enforcement at this meeting; county staff said they will work with haulers and Pope‑Douglas staff on the operational agreement and sampling procedures and will bring a delivery contract to the county within 30 days, the presenter said.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Stevens County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting 04/01/2025","oneSentenceSummary","A Pope‑Douglas solid‑waste representative told the Stevens County Board the region’s new single‑sort MRF is nearing commissioning and will accept Stevens County recyclables at a start rate of $58/ton; the board approved a motion to accept the MRF contract and a $12,000‑per‑year county contribution for five years.","taxTitle","Stevens County, Minnesota","taxId",71450,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6618035,"Grande River group presents revised design options for Crissy Dam site after wide public input",1488,244000,1732000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2838409-1677fe063dc896ec1f88e524675f9a00&start=244&end=1732","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2838409-1677fe063dc896ec1f88e524675f9a00/thumbnail_244000.jpg","/articles/6618035/Stevens-County/Minnesota/Grande-River-group-presents-revised-design-options-for-Crissy-Dam-site-after-wide-public-input","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6618035-3cd08dce25f15fe5410852e7415bb492/orig.mp4?Expires=1773742683&Signature=cav8NXO0V4-PKJDUdY6m95gLSQax3f-FCo8iTqFdfTuk6oiCb-FHgnGKm1dmHMC1wC5gco5TxtKVJQn6yKOtpqXQ3akJCelvt~M8UbDtTurugnnYS1MG8S8j793QugI2c3cZ0cth8cYP7~kpm2PoKPCeFFsxNP1i9PbmRI9m2Yj-MfsK8DVFGils8G2PNHWQkCrFLFNZgnD6pbYnLfCww97zPUWDrbClEs7BRsN-ODSnI8KX8KykVVDYFIcZHuvqUuJgBOThNWOoRaYl8Brwtj9LNqpYGYixGAQRVS7iQ-DDTVqiEHfLZzZa6k~vbu4hM0-95nFxk53uBDDrKnA1ig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sophia, the watershed coordinator for the Grande River Association, briefed the Stevens County Board on the outreach and next steps for a project to alter the Crissy Dam reservoir and restore river channel features.

At an informational meeting March 6, about 50 people attended and project staff collected 39 website comments plus a handful of letters and emails, Sophia told the board. The comments showed a mix of views: general support for the project, support for “option 2” that would keep the reservoir water level the same, support for “option 1” to restore the natural channel, and a few comments opposing the project entirely. Concerns raised included aesthetics for Riverview Drive homeowners, recreational access (ice skating and views), the potential spread of cattails in new green space, and whether funding would cover some options.

Sophia said the project team printed detailed maps and a single large diagram at the public meeting and presented three alternatives during the presentation. She described a new draft that combines features of earlier options: it widens and dredges a new channel (about 80–100 feet wide in parts), deepens portions of the pool so sediment will move through the system more readily, retains most accessible fishing platforms from option 2 while adding a new accessible pool below the bridge, and plans to use some dredged spoil to raise green-space elevations so they are mowable and not immediately colonized by cattails.

Board members and attendees pressed for details on permitting, long-term maintenance and ownership, and how the ordinary high‑water mark might change. Sophia said the city of Morris will own the park and would be responsible for maintenance, while local Soil and Water Conservation District and watershed funding could support some maintenance activities. On permitting, presenters said Department of Natural Resources (DNR) permitting and ordinary high‑water‑level determinations will control what maintenance and vegetation removal are allowed.

County staff asked whether dredging and channel changes would affect a planned County Road 10 bridge replacement and the highway department’s five‑year plan. The project team said the options on the table would likely rule out a box‑culvert solution and would require a multi‑span bridge, a more expensive alternative that could delay the county’s schedule. Project engineers told the board they intended to present a more refined draft to the city council and the county board before a wider public hearing; staff expected a follow‑up presentation to the county board in mid‑April and a public open house later in April or the first week of May, depending on comment and revision needs.

Sophia and the engineers told the board funding constraints will determine which alternatives are possible — one alternative that would raise the pool substantially would require a grant amendment or new funding. Sophia and other presenters emphasized that sedimentation is a key driver for the design changes and that dredging the channel is intended to reduce future sediment accumulation and improve water quality. The project team said they plan planting and mowing in the new green space to prevent it from becoming unmanaged cattail marsh. No formal county action or vote on the project was taken during the meeting; presenters said they will return with a revised draft and more information on permitting and construction sequencing.","Sophia, watershed coordinator for the Grande River Association, briefed the Stevens County Board on revised design alternatives for the Crissy Dam project that aim to reduce sedimentation, preserve some recreational features and add managed green space while acknowledging tradeoffs for adjacent homeowners and county bridge plans.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6618014,"Board appoints Linda Vavra to Boyd District Watershed seat after required notice period",34,3634000,3668000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2838409-1677fe063dc896ec1f88e524675f9a00&start=3634&end=3668","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2838409-1677fe063dc896ec1f88e524675f9a00/thumbnail_3634000.jpg","/articles/6618014/Stevens-County/Minnesota/Board-appoints-Linda-Vavra-to-Boyd-District-Watershed-seat-after-required-notice-period","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6618014-4556effa8c4d70fe8efbc117e70a9a0e/orig.mp4?Expires=1773742683&Signature=UpPV2Ea4WQhB0aoXl-TvelnyeVNnS~vJX5Ik3zUaWgWJ4t7HXWRZasnQRavqTVLLQIrQQWEpYZbvzSMec5taZDsT1SzrhP6ck~x9GX0om7Hj-yCsRYCIRVzOnFzChsmB~1LJCYdNODoiZJFoM~fiu~x7VD7Mxu0f9ReRcEaDv5F3cY7r8yVL4npl6CF3ARdHg5F7vkzBpOWWwf~OpVZ~aNTaG9g5qTKvEaHofTHo20gNH6B~yoeaFSrqcneFwEsBXLCbPr6R5vTFL~1dtcijRIiAirxWXkUCMhMzJz5GopJ9J7wdd40C-TrT8qFH7ZNSrHJoq6CwKr2O-1yxsvPIAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County staff said the county ran the required advertisement for the Boyd District watershed board vacancy and received a single applicant, incumbent Linda Vavra. Commissioners moved to appoint Vavra to the watershed position to fill the term that was about to expire; the motion carried with the board’s recorded outcome stated as “motion carries.”

Staff asked the board to act before the watershed board’s next meeting and before the current term’s expiration in April. No alternate applicants were reported during the meeting.","After running the required public notice, Stevens County had one applicant — incumbent Linda Vavra — for the Boyd District watershed board seat; the county board unanimously appointed Vavra to continue the term.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6618021,"County awards crack‑seal contract and authorizes gravel bid advertisement for 2025 road work",183,3295000,3478000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2838409-1677fe063dc896ec1f88e524675f9a00&start=3295&end=3478","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2838409-1677fe063dc896ec1f88e524675f9a00/thumbnail_3295000.jpg","/articles/6618021/Stevens-County/Minnesota/County-awards-crackseal-contract-and-authorizes-gravel-bid-advertisement-for-2025-road-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6618021-66562a8a7c66ede63923ff6361e8bee4/orig.mp4?Expires=1773742683&Signature=jyPMS9U2WivHjy2ZxYs2-UjE9AO3FlXOzdADR8gO8RXnkztjixLU6kDt97bf-GkqDLz3Wo2R0OV-bYlrOIoqCmPcVfqUMMWdVo-R9oiwG7aDVEQWkYRwdYuiuvEa-O7EfpG9cuJtR4f0InjtA4fgXoixg6jNobfzGchAd7C3nc7q~jJoXbrikbkKvukn4XKZYloWfFdY08wM9sKWshS5omKCr-G1wys9ZMRinIysS1knO3~4GA~7v1okj-mtY8mF3PSoz9-4w4YprcRChbp1VsVVVdSCa0dgH7BLAbMDluexjRCosbFObhNFpH2qPGFdmFOSgOate7cI0ltisAtzhw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County highway staff presented two budgeted road maintenance actions and the board approved both items.

Crack‑filling/seal: Highway staff said the county had purchased the sealant material in a prior budget year and requested a motion to award labor for seasonal crack and seal work on County Road 1 and County Road 20 to Aztec of Saint Cloud. Staff reported a discrepancy in a per‑pound bid value on the sheet ($2.10 vs. $2.18 per pound) but confirmed the low bidder and total labor award figure of $23,980 for the labor portion. A commissioner moved to approve the award to Aztec; the board voted and the motion carried.

Aggregate/gravel advertisement: The board also authorized advertising for bids for an aggregate/gravel contract (CP2025‑1) to gravel County Road 14 from County Road 13 East for four miles to a minimum depth of four inches, with a budgeted appropriation of $250,000 for the work. Staff said the selected bidder would supply the gravel; commissioners discussed internal gravel supplies and the county’s multi‑year gravel plan. A motion to advertise for bids carried.

No detailed bid tabulations or formal contract documents were executed during the meeting; staff said some retainage and pay items for other highway projects remain under administration.","Stevens County commissioners awarded a crack‑filling/seal project to the apparent low bidder and authorized advertisement for aggregate/gravel bids to support a planned four‑mile graveling project; both items were budgeted for 2025 and motions carried.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6618025,"Stevens County approves draft AI policy to set guardrails for staff use and vendor testing",689,2563000,3252000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2838409-1677fe063dc896ec1f88e524675f9a00&start=2563&end=3252","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2838409-1677fe063dc896ec1f88e524675f9a00/thumbnail_2563000.jpg","/articles/6618025/Stevens-County/Minnesota/Stevens-County-approves-draft-AI-policy-to-set-guardrails-for-staff-use-and-vendor-testing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6618025-c64704dc8322edf0d852d84afdbcb5bb/orig.mp4?Expires=1773742683&Signature=L5aZBgOXtHj-v-Mpr3lJp92hrnZ3ivAcJPK2F2TweWf7-mD1PEIiDmwJZ41VMPNU2lk5F-QNG-VVkYl1u0Nhb82ZQFcnlpsZZATprewZYU7sfJ9FeikZC8y~nDx9pQDSaUOtPAjWHfQCmjkGDkSihwmYOyor4x3a7ONkH3HDLKTc31xeONBRwBNnSyVGuIbSqfDoHz8nZJlKoKA69hCA9pxuIa-zSuBupJ-h2~6nKRJC-RwJQAlJLE2FiRreVeGp-HN557PMn~Lwwsu0S1LfwAFVX-LTYoFI65Ib5tzFfHigiApOF1NxyxX5pWXjlb3HaM2Z9xiH98eCST~e0RbX2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County staff presented a draft artificial‑intelligence policy intended to set basic guardrails for county employees and elected officials using AI tools.

The presenter described the draft as a borrowed policy adapted for county use and said it focuses on data practices: what staff may enter into generative AI tools, how vendors must be vetted and how departments with specialized data (for example, human services and law enforcement) must follow their own, stricter rules. The presenter said the county already uses AI features embedded in vendor software (for example, redaction features in body‑cam systems and automatic transcription/dictation tools) and that the policy would create a governance framework for broader use.

Staff explained plans to test Microsoft Copilot within the county’s Microsoft government‑cloud licensing, which would limit storage to a trusted government environment; the presenter said pilot testing will include attempts to transcribe multi‑speaker public meetings and to draft meeting minutes and follow‑up items for staff review. Staff warned that public generative tools (for example, ChatGPT) should not receive private personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers or medical information and said that anyone using generative outputs must verify source accuracy.

A question from the board asked whether employees and elected officials would be trained on acceptable uses. Staff said the policy includes guidance and that departments with specific federal or state rules (for example, CJIS for law enforcement and DHS/health data for human services) will apply those rules on top of the county policy. Staff said the policy will evolve as tools and vendor offerings change.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the Stevens County AI policy and the board approved that motion. The transcript records “motion carries”; no roll‑call tally was recorded in the meeting minutes.","The county board approved an AI policy to govern use of generative and embedded AI tools, require data‑practice compliance and encourage testing of Microsoft Copilot in the county’s government cloud; the board voted to adopt the policy after staff explained training and vendor‑vetting plans.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County board approves memorandum to join Pope‑Douglas single‑sort MRF agreement; county to contribute $12,000 annually

Grande River group presents revised design options for Crissy Dam site after wide public input

Board appoints Linda Vavra to Boyd District Watershed seat after required notice period

County awards crack‑seal contract and authorizes gravel bid advertisement for 2025 road work

Stevens County approves draft AI policy to set guardrails for staff use and vendor testing