“I sat on the other side of this table and I understand the ramification of the levy cap.”
It’s true, a short while ago Sen. Rick Olseen sat at the county board table wondering along with his peers how to balance the county’s budget.
Last week Sen. Olseen and Rep. Jeremy Kalin sat before the Chisago County commissioners recapping the 2008 Legislative session.
Both were pleased and displeased with certain aspects.
Olseen talked about the “dreaded levy cap” imposed on counties this year by the Legislature.
“Who arrived at the 3.9 cap?” asked Commissioner Bob Gustafson.
Rep. Kalin offered that the Governor wanted a 3.0 cap, when Gustafson interjected, “the president and the governor don’t make the laws, you guys do.”
Olseen said the Governor didn’t ask for much this year, adding, “the political reality is when the Governor doesn’t want much, there’s little wiggle room.”
Gustafson told the two legislators that he has a problem with another unit of government telling the county how to run its business.
Chisago commissioners have, at a previous meeting in July, discussed whether to stick to the mandated 3.9 percent levy cap or try to find the loopholes in preparing the county’s 2009 budget.
That decision hasn’t been made yet.
The board room was unusually full of visitors last Wednesday evening, many were there on a planning commission issue.
Also present was Sheriff Todd Rivard, who told the Post Review that he plans to be a regular at the meetings or else have a deputy there.
It was about security. And that was what resident Dave Whitney had on his mind as he stepped to the microphone during the public forum.
He started out saying, “We all have the Constitutional right to bear arms, but we also have the expectation that we will be safe when we go to work or attend a public meeting.
Whitney said as the economy worsens, more and more people face economic frustrations that go to the core of their well being. “This frustration and anger is more and more evident at the local government level and for good reasons.”
He said more and more local government meetings are becoming “louder and louder, angrier and angrier.”
He reminded the commissioners that recent news events show how quickly anger can turn to violence.
He had solutions: No firearms or other weapons allowed in county buildings, except for sworn peace officers; the sheriff or appointee attend all county board, planning commission and board of adjustment meetings; attendees at these meetings be wand-screened before entering.
He also had a long-range solution: More security at the government center during the day providing employees more protection. Commissioners need to meet with sheriff and develop a long-range plan for building security.
“We cannot prevent all violence from occurring,” he said, “ but we can be aware of the potential problem and take reasonable steps to prevent violent acts on employees and the general public from occurring.”
The meeting continued with the planning commission (PC) actions.
The commissioners were abrupt with each other as they attempted to pass a motion regarding the Buberl Compost Recycling Center. While this issue has caused significant discussion at PC meetings, the question at hand was the acceptance of the PC’s recommendation to not require an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) because it is felt that when a conditional use permit (CUP) is approved by the PC, the county can impose conditions that will prevent adverse affects.
Commissioner Ben Montzka wanted to slow down and perhaps give more people time to speak on the issue.
Commissioner Mike Robinson, whose district the recycling facility would be in, came back saying “we’re not shoving anything down anybody’s throat. I represent the people up there and I know what I’m doing,” he said to Montzka.
The vote on the EAW passed 4-1 with Montzka opposed.
Robinson reminded all that the issue is back on PC agenda Aug. 7 for a CUP and suggested they all be there.
Another PC action actually brought about a public demonstration as people opposed to the CUP for Aaron Lindeberg, Franconia Township, to operate a light machine shop.
A man and a couple of women demanded to be heard, but board chairman Lynn Schultz refused to hear them as they were out of order. She told them the time to have spoken was July 3 at the PC meeting (see video below).
The women spoke anyway, one in particular was loud and upset. She was gaveled by the chairman. But continued, pleading with the board for a chance to be heard on the CUP. “We’re taxpayers, too,” she said.
The people, apparently neighbors of the Lindeberg’s, did not attend the PC meeting and wanted to have a say. They insisted there would be noise and more issues that would require calling the sheriff.
They were cut off and left the board room angry.
In other business, the board approved Heartland Express rate increases: senior in- city rate from 50 cents to 75 cents, corridor rate from $1.75 to $2; and border zone from $3 to $3.50. effective Aug. 1.
The above video is of a confrontation regarding the approval of a conditional use permit for a light machine shop in Franconia Township. The woman on the video is unidentified. The main voice off-camera is that of Chisago County Commissioner Lynn Schultz. The voice that can be heard starting at 2:02 of the video is that of Commissioner Ben Montzka. The second of Montzka's motion at 2:34 comes from the audience, not a county commissioner. (link to video only)
Comments (2)
shaferlocal: ...
I am writing as a concerned citizen. As far as safety goes at the court house, why did they get rid of the receptionist who sat at the front desk? Last time I was in the court house anyone could have walked in. There is no one watching the front main doors. It is scary to think what could happen there. Think of the employee's safety before making changes like that.
1
July 23, 2008
Todd : ...
As usual, Jeremy Kalin has no answers other than to raise taxes and blame the Governor. Jermey,gas is already costing my family enough,thank you for the extra tax!
