Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Local Government topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Stevens County board approves staffing changes, paging system and ordinance language tied to state statute
Summary
The Stevens County Board of Commissioners accepted a resignation, approved a recruitment restructure for planning and zoning, adopted changes to the T‑21 ordinance to reference Minnesota Statute 609.0331, authorized a Teams‑compatible highway paging system at $8,996.99 from capital funds, and approved three MOUs.
The Stevens County Board of Commissioners on a series of voice votes accepted the resignation of Megan Bergin, authorized backfilling the vacated position, approved a restructured planning‑and‑zoning position description, adopted minor ordinance language changes referencing Minnesota Statute 609.0331, and approved a Teams‑compatible highway paging system at a one‑time cost of $8,996.99 to be paid from the county capital fund.
Staff asked the board to accept Megan Bergin's resignation; a motion was made and the board approved the resignation and separately moved to backfill the position. The board then considered how to replace long‑serving planning and zoning director Bill Ingles and approved advertising a coordinator‑level position (grade 19) with a career path to department head rather than hiring an immediate department head. Staff emphasized the role requires on‑the‑job training for SSTS certification and other technical duties.
On the planning and zoning restructure, county staff said the proposed job posting would specify a 2‑year technical degree with a preference for a bachelor's degree and that certification requirements (for example, SSTS septic system licensing and demolition/landfill oversight) would be conditions of continued employment. A county staffer added the county would consider a retainer or consultant for technical reviews during transition.
The board held a second reading and public hearing on proposed modifications to the T‑21 ordinance and, with no public speakers, approved revised language that removes fixed fine amounts and instead references Minnesota Statute 609.0331 so fines follow state statutory language.
County staff proposed replacing the highway paging system with a Teams‑compatible solution and presented a quote of $8,996.99 for installation, amplification and three paging horns. A staff member said the purchase is a one‑time install expense and would avoid recurring monthly cellphone fees; the board approved the purchase and directed payment from the capital fund.
The board also approved three memoranda of understanding concerning overstrength positions, case aide classifications and premium pay language for social work caseloads. Staff said one MOU split issues into three distinct agreements to address union concerns and operational needs.
Other administrative items included an announcement that Steve Hendrickson's deputy hire cleared background checks and he will start June 1, and scheduling and drainage updates. The board later closed part of the meeting under Minnesota Statute 13.03 for union matters and adjourned.
