Nelson County commissioners approve load limits, permits, K9 spending and to advertise for assistant states attorney

The Nelson County Commission on March 5, 2024, unanimously approved several routine and operational measures, including adopting county load limits per state guidance, approving a heavy-weight permit for a local pig farm, and authorizing up to $5,000 from the K9 fund for equipment.

Chairman Cody Johnson and Commissioners Aaron Mork, Mike Haugland and Steve Forde (with Commissioner Cameron Swenson attending via Microsoft Teams) opened the 9:30 a.m. meeting, recited the Pledge of Allegiance and approved minutes from the Feb. 20 meeting and the amended agenda. Public comment was not offered.

Highway Superintendent Curt Loe joined for Road & Bridge business; the commission approved county load limits consistent with state guidance. The board also approved a heavy-weight permit for a pig farm after discussion, with Commissioner Steve Forde moving both motions and Commissioner Aaron Mork or Commissioner Mike Haugland seconding as noted in the record.

Auditor Nathan Parks presented a quote of $1,517.12 from Access Elevator & Lifts Inc. to repair the courthouse basement wheelchair lift; the commission approved the repair on a roll-call vote. The board approved conditional use permits previously recommended by the Planning & Zoning Commission and granted two tax abatements for parcels 02-0001-11470-000 and 18-0003-35574-000.

Sheriff Kurt Schwind and Chief Deputy Jesse Madche presented K9 equipment needs; the commission authorized spending up to $5,000 from the K9 fund for equipment. The commission acknowledged receipt of a letter concerning Sheriff Schwind and tabled further discussion pending review.

States Attorney Jayme Tenneson asked for permission to advertise for a contracted Assistant States Attorney, with the position’s salary to be taken from the States Attorney’s current salary and an estimated cost of $40,000; the commission approved advertising for the position and possible appointment.

The board reviewed a County and Township Cost Share Agreement proposal — including a suggested change to increase the county share from 75% to 90% for paved road work and from 60% to 65% for gravel roads, and adjusted mowing wording about stubble height by Oct. 1 — and tabled the item for further consideration. Discussion of the Lake Region Law Enforcement Center Joint Powers Agreement was also tabled pending additional research by the States Attorney.

Other business included approval to renew the county website domain for $55 for one year, portfolio updates from commissioners on pavilion and shop projects and a Human Service Zone satellite office in McVille, and approval of the bills as presented. With no further business the commission adjourned.

Votes at a glance: the meeting record shows unanimous approval on the minutes, agenda, county load limits, pig-farm weight permit, conditional use permits, wheelchair lift quote ($1,517.12), K9 fund spending authorization (up to $5,000), the two listed tax abatements, the $55 domain renewal and the motion to advertise for an Assistant States Attorney. Several items (the Lake Region JPA, the County–Township cost-share agreement details and Michigan Daycare rent) were tabled for future consideration.