By Terry Bailey
The Mitchell County Commissioners conducted their weekly meeting at the Courthouse Monday morning, October 21. Commissioners Tom Claussen and Mike Cooper were present as well as the County Clerk Heather Weston. Commissioner Jim Marshall was absent.
Carol Torkelson from the Regional Planning Commission was present to update the Commissioner on current grant applicants. She want to stress that when the projects are bid, any cost above the allowable costs need to be paid by the grantor. One of the projects has only one bidder. When only one bidder is received on a project, this must be sent to the state for approval. Because the bid process has taken much longer than usual due to State requirements, the allowed time may run out before the projects are completed. It is likely that a six-month extension will need to be requested in order for the work to be completed on time.
Tami Eck, Register of Deeds, was present and asked for a fifteen-minute executive session to discuss employment evaluations. No action was taken as a result of that closed session.
Emily Benedick, Economic Director, stopped by to report on the status of two housing projects. The project at the North Campus to renovate the interior to create apartment is progression slowly.
Another project to create nine single family homes for moderate income families is gaining speed. These homes are three-bedroom, two-bathroom units with an attached garage. There will be no basements, but the houses will be provided with a safe room.
Income guidelines to qualify for these home is, for a two-person application is $40,000-$100,000. For a four-person household is $50,000 to $125,000.
The Commissioners approved a Neighborhood Revitalization Grant for Justin Gengler in the amount of $58,000 for a residential addition.
Brian Streit, Courthouse Maintenance Director, requested a 10-minute executive session. No action was taken as a result as of that closed session.
Having addressed all the items on the printed agenda, the meeting was adjourned.