[{"_1":2,"_108":-5,"_109":-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],{"_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",6559607,"mediaKeyId","3199210-ed7177239488fa9273ec37b5ba9e5785","parentId",3199210,"title","Polk County Public Health renews breastfeeding‑friendly workplace recognition and launches 'Canvas of Hope' community art project","audioSeconds",2997,"startMs",2997000,"endMs",-1,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3199210-ed7177239488fa9273ec37b5ba9e5785&start=2997&end=0","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3199210-ed7177239488fa9273ec37b5ba9e5785/thumbnail_2997000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6559607/Polk-County/Minnesota/Polk-County-Public-Health-renews-breastfeedingfriendly-workplace-recognition-and-launches-Canvas-of-Hope-community-art-project","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6559607-a9d7896702a7b3acc952cc3526f73cab/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194539&Signature=i2D7~stDVZlfRSq4H0Nw~Jgjdub9dr9SkGsplEiY2m-dUdSXqAyG2m7iI3G8bzif4L6bmqcTbaQk54gzmOsjDZg-GJ9dSWqWUSXyJJdi3fpRN-YrQHYlXfp1jEiUfijI1pG8vcwFsfB5H2Uuiz9Fy4dVGajD-yUXZ0jEEJ2JK5A9MBfCLYxM8C4ADiUFWjDtdUZyWLw-uxz7ZdiimbApJw5OawEGQmNrvksuzRA3yZxePcKTA4CPObARUcpS1hE9uBMf6El5xkOH4PKOjLaFiKTW4~bstJ7xQdJPqxw-TAhJN2mUjJUutDimil7qtCFXPa~Hv1jnOx0HY4yD74SAsg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Polk County","date","2025-05-06T15:28:39.48Z","article","Polk County Public Health announced two community initiatives during the board meeting: renewal of its Minnesota breastfeeding‑friendly workplace recognition and an ongoing \"Canvas of Hope\" public art program that public health says promotes adult mental‑health awareness and community connection.

Public Health staff said the department recently received a renewal certificate from the Minnesota Department of Health recognizing the department and three worksites (McIntosh, East Grand Forks and Crookston) for workplace supports that include a written lactation policy, employee education, designated lactation spaces and break time accommodations. Staff said the county has achieved the state’s highest designation level and that the county also is conducting outreach to local businesses about legal obligations under Minnesota breastfeeding law and federal law.

Tammy, a public health employee who led the effort, told commissioners that the department displays the certificate at all three locations and has signage and private lactation spaces available for employees and visitors. Staff said renewal involved a formal application and documentation of policies and practices, and that the county also integrates breastfeeding supports into workplace wellness efforts.

Public Health also described the \"Canvas of Hope\" program. Staff said canvases painted by community members — collected at venues including long‑term care facilities, shelters, libraries and the county fair — are traveling exhibits intended to spark conversation about adult mental health and reduce isolation. The initiative also produced a calendar and greeting cards with selected canvases to support workplace wellness and community engagement, staff said.

Commissioners thanked staff for the recognition and community work. Public Health staff asked the board to help spread the word to businesses and community partners about breastfeeding supports and mental‑health outreach.

Ending

Public Health staff said they will continue outreach to businesses about breastfeeding law and will host the traveling canvases at additional community venues; commissioners congratulated staff on the renewal and the community engagement work.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","5-6-25 Polk County Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Polk County Public Health renewed its Minnesota breastfeeding‑friendly workplace recognition and displayed a traveling community art project called \"Canvas of Hope\" focused on adult mental health and connection.","taxTitle","Polk County, Minnesota","taxId",71063,"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},6559622,"Polk County commissioners approve permits, grants and software purchases in May session",2788,2493000,5281000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3199210-ed7177239488fa9273ec37b5ba9e5785&start=2493&end=5281","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3199210-ed7177239488fa9273ec37b5ba9e5785/thumbnail_2493000.jpg","/articles/6559622/Polk-County/Minnesota/Polk-County-commissioners-approve-permits-grants-and-software-purchases-in-May-session","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6559622-0ae42666b65fb9c359e33153c40fcccf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194539&Signature=Kj0P507geEBS2WxGqTBMgk8Sl9dBl2KfeXatgwB4g0GK4Ye9ikIpcguWccaKY2qadVYXdHw65VWQe2w8-ZV6viqAu8bv-Mw~RrpUpQfX-SDHjJNSB6zPSGrXI5oXV2oPrMNytkztKQEm1ftvRbklwvZMJGQDquFvB3F9KnzoM0XlyywzoX~zwv-DdX6PLmvYlCkuCHddrONf46QxDQi8ZJkDz6VOi6Sm9F1cPpnFuFUyhjqDyXyQnvD2iYVPicaUH0N3wNRnkPT8060DCACW-AXIT7~PXXAf1gxOHf--~z4cv7UXUZT7zQ2aCciSIo0LhvK1jJopSNhdZrvgTZoA0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Polk County commissioners on Tuesday approved a package of permits, contracts and administrative changes, signing off on liquor licenses, a microfilm storage contract, travel authorizations, a payroll‑software purchase and several land‑use and infrastructure actions.

The board moved quickly through routine business before debating a series of staff‑recommended items. Several measures were approved by voice vote without roll call.

Votes at a glance

- Liquor licenses: Approved conditionally for Lakeview Resort, Snow Sled Inn Bar & Grill and one Euclid establishment; approval contingent on sheriff and county attorney sign‑off.

- Document storage services: Approved a one‑year agreement with Avenue Enterprises to store 567 rolls of microfilm at $5 per roll; total annual cost $2,835.

- Travel authorizations: Approved out‑of‑state travel for county veterans service staff (National County Veterans Service Officers Association conference, July 12–19, Louisville, Ky.) and for GIS Coordinator Steven Molt to attend a July 14–18 conference in San Diego.

- Opioid settlement funding: Approved a transfer and contract of up to $50,000 from the Polk County opioid settlement fund to the New American Integration Center for prevention, partner coordination and short‑term supports (see separate article).

- Interim use permit (IUP) for hot‑mix asphalt plant: Approved an IUP for RJ Zavril & Sons to operate a portable asphalt batch plant in Chester Township for a 10‑year term with conditions including dust and odor control, no routine Sunday batching, and requirement that the plant remain temporary and portable (detailed staff conditions and a separate article cover this item).

- Large gathering permit: Approved a large gathering permit for River Bottom LLC to host the Johnny Holmes Band at Maple Lake Pavilion (May 25) with a maximum attendance cap of 1,250 and coordinated emergency/parking plans.

- Conditional use permit termination: Approved termination of a 2016 conditional use permit at Anderson (Union) Lake to allow conversion of an accessory structure (shed) into a dwelling; a full building permit and septic already are in process.

- Drainage orders: Approved a batch of redetermination orders for county ditches listed in the meeting packet and authorized related director’s orders.

- MnDOT technical assistance grant: Approved agreement and resolution to accept a MnDOT bridge improvement program technical assistance grant and authorize the chair and county administrator to sign required documents.

- UKG/Kronos payroll upgrade: Approved purchase and implementation of UKG (Kronos) payroll/timekeeping modules and services at a one‑time cost just over $45,000, with recurring maintenance costs planned for future budgets.

- Finance director job description and grade: Approved updates to the finance director job description and reclassification from grade 19 to grade 20 to broaden recruitment flexibility.

What the board said and next steps

Board members voiced support for moving routine administrative items promptly so staff can proceed. On items involving public impact — the asphalt plant IUP and the opioid settlement award — commissioners required specific conditions and documentation: the IUP was approved only on the condition the plant remain temporary and comply with state and local air, noise and traffic standards; opioid settlement funding will be reimbursed to the county under a performance and reporting contract and is restricted to allowable uses identified in the attorney general’s guidance.

Several items — including the DNR water appropriation permit tied to the gravel pit and the county’s investment policy draft — remain administrative tasks for staff to complete and return to the board as needed.

The board directed county staff to return with a newspaper designation after learning that one longtime local paper will cease publishing; staff said they will bring a recommendation to the board at the next meeting.

Ending

Most measures were approved by voice vote; where state or federal permits are required (for example DNR water permits or MnDOT turn‑lane approvals), staff said applicants must resolve those permits separately before full operation or construction. Pending technical items and follow‑ups were placed on staff work lists.","Polk County commissioners on Tuesday approved a package of permits, contracts and administrative changes, signing off on liquor licenses, a microfilm storage contract, travel authorizations, a payroll‑software purchase and several land‑use and infrastructure actions.",{"_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},6559612,"Polk County OKs 10‑year interim use permit for portable asphalt plant with conditions after neighbor concerns",429,3852000,4281000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3199210-ed7177239488fa9273ec37b5ba9e5785&start=3852&end=4281","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3199210-ed7177239488fa9273ec37b5ba9e5785/thumbnail_3852000.jpg","/articles/6559612/Polk-County/Minnesota/Polk-County-OKs-10year-interim-use-permit-for-portable-asphalt-plant-with-conditions-after-neighbor-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6559612-5ff8be1cca2fcff941ba5347cdfd332c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194540&Signature=HdnZEEfsr13E34JCtJWLVK8sF6DyJt~GIacwMPI9fwk-CFk9omH3C68TMtUeY5y6RLmX4QhUNoIdPwqTMJF5mXqejvbxv6Mk6~YnhFlUFPNOAL2G6seukiFfD2bwPbXLB4CFNFU5VQqomWYVb2xQLZvb88MPHUKcG0pduzQRJUrKFqxELA1M~nAjDRzaTKqUsvw9~FqGGyDh10LZYpfS2xYC7h8kXwtwEgYhtq49k60Xew3Q6vomRI2LKYUxo3mAJzehI5C68fcFC2NxldhlEYGutlPjrsDj1sJ6qtehEcmQf0KRWMnbECr-8bfVh4I80WFntBMGaf9EBDZTy~g9kA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Polk County commissioners voted to grant RJ Zavril & Sons a 10‑year interim use permit (IUP) to operate a portable hot‑mix asphalt plant and contractor staging area in an existing gravel pit in Section 26 of Chester Township.

Planning staff told the board the gravel pit has operated previously and that the company had performed a short project there in 2023 under a prior one‑year clearance. Staff described the proposed staging area as a roughly five‑acre space set well back from State Highway 92; the nearest residence is about 3,000 feet away. The site layout and pit topography, staff said, provide berms and pile screening that reduce visual and aesthetic impacts.

Dan Zavril, representing RJ Zavril & Sons, said the company’s practical operating range for a temporary plant is about 50 to 60 miles; beyond that distance it is not economically feasible. “Anything over that doesn’t really produce a good product for us or make economic sense,” he told the board when explaining why the company seeks a long permit term.

Planning staff and the planning commission recommended approval with conditions. The board’s resolution included a set of standard and site‑specific conditions: the plant must be portable and temporary (not a permanent installation), dust control measures (watering, calcium chloride or similar) must be used to prevent nuisance, air and water permits required by state or federal agencies must be obtained by the operator, township and county roads should not be used for heavy truck routing if a direct access to State Highway 92 is available, and no routine Sunday asphalt batching is permitted except in documented emergency circumstances that are coordinated with county staff.

A nearby resident submitted a written objection during the public notice period, citing concerns about proximity, odor from hot tar, outdoor enjoyment and potential property‑value impacts. Planning staff summarized the objection to the board and noted the area contains multiple pits within a five‑mile radius; Knife River operates a staging area about a mile away. Staff also said MnDOT had advised the applicants to coordinate on access and turn‑lane requirements if traffic volumes require it.

Commissioners discussed the length of the permit, the temporary nature of the equipment, and how staff would handle occasional operational exceptions such as weather‑driven Sunday work to finish county road projects. Staff said they would document emergency exceptions in the permit file and would require applicants to notify staff and file justification when an out‑of‑norm operation occurred.

The board approved the IUP by voice vote. Planning staff will monitor compliance, require any necessary DNR or MnDOT permits to be secured, and handle complaints if they arise.

Ending

The permit is limited to RJ Zavril & Sons (it does not run with the land) and requires the company to follow the operational plan and the county’s interim use permit conditions. If the company does not follow conditions or if nuisance complaints mount, staff and the board can revisit final approvals and enforcement options.","The Polk County Board approved a 10‑year interim use permit allowing RJ Zavril & Sons to operate a portable hot‑mix asphalt plant at an existing gravel pit in Chester Township, subject to conditions including dust and odor controls, requirement the plant remain portable and temporary, and coordination with MnDOT and state permits as needed.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":103,"_49":82,"_51":104,"_53":105,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":106,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":107,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6559617,"Polk County allocates $50,000 in opioid settlement funds to New American Integration Center for prevention, referral and support",0,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3199210-ed7177239488fa9273ec37b5ba9e5785&start=2493&end=2493","/articles/6559617/Polk-County/Minnesota/Polk-County-allocates-50000-in-opioid-settlement-funds-to-New-American-Integration-Center-for-prevention-referral-and-support","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6559617-cb2824d6cd2eac80b0bbdbfe03267656/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194540&Signature=CnEMWohGXWeB89eRm3htw-JqOxAuCO6Uk-snAElHWTEHQt2vkZe-oh2ps7M7VHO~PTwOyDW1BZMle0YiN44wSY9NZrsO~53mC3Qopmx78k~p65JgEGQ9ogdJy22-LLLK3tOgb048TSHIrZEpxURVzwFpUz7l44x9Oex7hRAOAwNNQwlWTBMPWsFRMlMGWeQg76UEjP9GYwPi3hsXUlozkBbEjgl-urNldpkudd1Zkw2ADvkpIeRTXscUedkA01-y-SCtNvx6QlkYcEzOHFnDufebypL2y6u8yMoUFJesJH6eYL9inegcV9am6WjgoUx~g0tcSLskKLiGtDT0OBWvfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Polk County commissioners approved a one‑time contract of up to $50,000 from the county’s opioid settlement fund to the New American Integration Center, a community organization based in East Grand Forks, to support prevention, community partner coordination and short‑term supports for people in recovery.

County public health staff said the state memorandum of agreement identifies public health as the lead for distributing opioid settlement funds at the county level. Public Health and the county’s opioid advisory council recommended the award after an RFP and follow‑up consultations with applicants.

County staff described the award as a single, time‑limited contribution that runs June 1 through Dec. 31. A staff member said the award is reimbursement‑driven: if recipients do not expend funds consistent with the contract and submit reimbursement requests, payments will not be made.

Public Health staff outlined three main components of the New American Integration Center’s proposal: community education and prevention (information about opioids, disposal, recognizing signs of misuse and how to access care), partnership building and referral coordination so people can be connected to appropriate services, and direct supports to reduce barriers to treatment such as short‑term transportation or housing assistance and employer engagement for job placement during or after recovery.

Commissioners asked about fund balance and sustainability. Public Health staff said there is currently sufficient money in the opioid settlement fund to cover the contract and other awards made from the fund, and that future funding decisions would return to the board when public health and the advisory council make funding recommendations. Staff emphasized that the settlement funds are distinct from county general tax dollars and that the board’s current awards are limited to the opioid settlement account and allowable uses described by the attorney general’s office.

The board approved the transfer and contract by voice vote. Staff said they will return to the board at year‑end with recommendations about future funding or a new RFP process if partners demonstrate outcomes and sustainability plans.

Ending

The award is a one‑time reimbursement contract; future funding would require renewed board action and would be subject to available settlement proceeds and the attorney general’s allowable‑use guidance.","Polk County board approved a $50,000 contract from county opioid settlement funds to the New American Integration Center for community prevention, partner coordination and short‑term supports, with the agreement running June 1–Dec. 31 and reporting and reimbursement conditions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Polk County Public Health renews breastfeeding‑friendly workplace recognition and launches 'Canvas of Hope' community art project

Polk County commissioners approve permits, grants and software purchases in May session

Polk County OKs 10‑year interim use permit for portable asphalt plant with conditions after neighbor concerns

Polk County allocates $50,000 in opioid settlement funds to New American Integration Center for prevention, referral and support