By MaryHelen Swanson

Chisago County Commissioner Bob Gustafson has for many months been interested in participating in the Metropolitan Counties Energy Task Force.

In fact, he attended a few meetings, at his own expense, last year.

When the commissioners were setting up the list of committees and extra board assignments, it was discussed that Chisago County should include this task force on the list.

But belonging to the task force would obligate the county to a financial contribution of about $6,000/year. In addition, there would be monthly per diem and mileage costs.

The commissioners did not add the Metro task force to their list earlier this year, but last week approved, on a 4-1 vote (Commissioner Ben Montzka opposed) to accept a one-year, no-cost-to-the-county invitation to join the group.

Still facing per diem and mileage costs, the motion to become involved was amended to say there would be no compensation for attendance or mileage.

Following that action, Commissioner Rick Olseen offered a motion to appoint Commissioners Gustafson and Lynn Schultz to the MCETF, both having agreed to not requesting per diem or mileage reimbursement. Board chairman Mike Robinson stepped down to second this motion.

On hand for the meeting, Dick Stafford, Gary Kriesel and Judy Hunter from the Metropolitan Counties Energy Task Force updated the board on the task forceís work in 2006 and shared a 2006 work plan.

In 2005, MCETF completed a grant from the state of Minnesota Department of Commerce Energy Office in which five counties on the task force undertook and completed recommissioning projects.

The task force also recruited new members from the 11-county metro area and Ramsey and Sherburne joined the group on a trial basis through that effort.

The MCETF was also involved in policy and legislative issues. State and national energy legislation passed in 2005 has potential to effect reliability and affordability of the electrical supply to the area.

The task force intends to learn the fiscal and policy implications to local governments of recently passed national legislation.
Other issues that may be monitored in 2006 include Xcel Energyís planning and regulatory activity, investigation of studies impacting local energy, other legislative and regulatory activities, energy market changes and utility property valuations and assessments.

The task force has a budget set of $81,000 for the year 2006. It meets monthly.

In other business, the county board:

ï Set the annual Board of Equalization meeting for Wednesday, June 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the Government Center.

ï Approved a contract for services between Environmental Services/Zoning and Julie Runkel, recently the director who has now resigned. She has agreed to assist the county for a short while to complete the draft of the new comprehensive plan at $45/hour up to $1,800. County Attorney Katherine Johnson thought there should be a more formal contract drawn up, however.

ï Approved the purchase from Elk River Ford of two new squad cars.

ï Adopted a resolution honoring the service of Eleonor ìEllieî Mittelstaedt who is retiring as office support specialist from the Human Services Department. She served for 35 years.

ï During public comments, heard from Gene Olson of Lent Township who was wondering why the Bookmobile still comes to Wyoming when there is a new library there. Commissionersí comments included Ben Montzka who said not having it would penalize families and citizens who could not get to the library, such as day care centers and nursing homes. Commissioner Schultz said maybe the homes could find a way to get the residents to the new library. County Administrator John Moosey said he would talk to ECRL director Bob Boese about it.