County Board News
Posted 8/29/02

Editor's note: The following news items are from the Tuesday, Aug. 20 meeting of the Mille Lacs County Board. They were compiled by reporter Dawn Slade.
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County receives invite from Mille Lacs Band
ïThe county received a letter from Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin inviting county representatives to meet with band representatives at the bandís government center on Aug. 28. The band requested the following issues be discussed: (1) a process for selecting a professional, neutral mediator with experience mediating public policy disputes among governments; (2) the involvement of other governments in our discussions; (3) the ground rules regarding the confidentiality of our discussions and the dissemination of information to the media and our respective constituents; and (4) a schedule for meetings. The county is working on a response to the bandís letter.

Invoices for attorneys for July total $41,496
ïThe commissioners approved payment to Tobin Law Offices for its July invoices regarding the litigation with the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. Commissioner Frank Courteau reported the bulk of the payments are for preparation in dealing with defenses, dispositions, compliance rules and meetings. Payments to the attorneys include $1,257.80 to Pustorino, $621.40 to Harris and $39,617.14 to Tobin; totalling $41,496.34.

County transfer land to City of Onamia
ïCraig Molstad and Jerry Kryzer with the City of Onamia discussed a proposal for expansion of a city park on former Soo Line Railroad property in Onamia and requested the county donate an unpurchased lot to expand the park. The board approved the transfer of property contingent upon the city council designating the property a public park.

Gravel pit approved in Hayland Township
ïAfter a lengthy public hearing with residents for and against a proposed gravel pit in Hayland Township, including two residents (husband and wife) whose property will now be surrounded by two gravel pits, the board approved the five acre (two 2 1/2 acre sections) property owned by Paul and Judith Torma for crushing and screening of gravel. There were several conditions included in the conditional use permit, including a reclamation bond or an irrevocable letter of credit of $2,500 per acre as long as top soil is retained. That amount increases to $5,000 per acre if the top soil is removed.