The Washington County Supervisors Tuesday were unanimous in approving a formal resolution for a highway easement, a motion to repair a railroad grade crossing, and a third to continue procedures for a county wind energy ordinance.

The resolution completed the settlement with Matthew A. Keeper and Mark R. Leeper, managers of L & L Acres, LLC for permanent highway easements in Clay and Dutch Creek townships, by making a formal acceptance of the agreement approved last week.  Total cost for the land along Dogwood Avenue is $241,330 for a total of 16.49 acres in eight parcels of land. The agreement also ended any further move toward land condemnation under the state code for eminent domain.

The approval with the IDOT in a Grade Crossing Surface Repair Fund Agreement is for the Old Military Road (Underwood Avenue), at the west side of Ainsworth, with 60 percent of costs from the state fund, 20 percent from the county, and 20 percent divided between the county and City of Ainsworth.

County Engineer Jacob Thorius explained that the Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad had done other repairs in the area earlier that included replacement of some railroad ties.

As discussed at last week’s meeting, the board approved continuing the process for a county wind energy ordinance that will include public hearings with a discussion and review of the draft ordinance prepared, but tabled indefinitely, at the start of this year.  At that time, the original company interested in the project withdrew abruptly.  Since then, a Texas firm affiliated with Duke Energy of North Carolina has approached the county about a wind energy project in the eastern part of the county.   

In other business, the board:

Accepted the annual report from the Washington County Conservation Board showing “a good year” that saw completion of a new shower facility (replacing the original 1991 one) at the county Conservation Education Center at Marr Park, installation of handicapped accessible doors at the Center, and attendance of 11,900 persons who attended its 543 formal programs.  However, Executive Director Zach Rozmus noted it is likely higher since there is formal counting of every walk-in at the Center.  He noted that within the programs, “every single age group” was represented from preschool to senior citizens.  The WCCB concluded its fiscal year June 30 with a balance of $444,671 noted as within the average for such departments within the state.

Appointed Michael Huston to fill an unexpired term as a Lime Creek trustee.

Approved a pay rate change for Cindy Rico Chavez, Environmental Health Specialist, from $26 to $27 hourly, reflecting her competition and certification as a professional food safety inspector, effective August 25.

Approved Joshua Laws from an EMT to a level 1 Medic, going from $24.44 to $27.44 hourly, effective August 18.

Approved employment termination of Kevin Engel, equipment operator, Secondary Roads, who is retiring, effective August 31.

Approved termination of employment of Yahir Jimenez, engineering summer intern, effective August 28.

Learned of progress for options at Building 3 in Orchard Hill as part of the plan for relocation of some county administrative offices, including renovations at the county courthouse.  However, supervisor Marcus Fedler stressed the work is at “very early stages” and that there are several options with “lots of variations.”  Major funding for the project is from the approximately $4.4 million in COVID-19 relief funds.