WAW To Hold Press Conference on Tuesday, Nov 18th

Citizen Group Grades County Board Members.

Join us !!! Stand for Accountability, Stand for Transparency, Stand for Justice!

Press Conference: Report Card on Performance of County Board

Tuesday, November 18th

9am on the steps of the St. Louis County Courthouse in Duluth

For more than 14 months the We are Watching Campaign has been following the actions of the St. Louis County Commissioners. We are watching will present a report card on each commissioner’s performance in key areas related to transparency, accountability, and ethical standards.

At the time of the group’s formation, over two years ago two St. Louis County employees had reported sexual harassment and the subsequent investigation by the county appointed independent agent substantiated the charges of harassment. One complainant has lost her job and the other fears the loss of her job - she is currently unable to work because of events surrounding the harassment.

While our goals encompass more than the sexually inappropriate behavior and racist comments which served as a catalyst for this campaign, it is with renewed outraged that we call on citizens of St. Louis County to speak up for justice for the two women who, after being subjected to sexually inappropriate behavior have had their lives unraveled and their livelihoods taken away. We ask you to stand with us and symbolically, with these employees on the steps of the County Courthouse.

Following the Press Conference, greater detail regarding each rating will be available on the 18th at our website www.northernmnnews.com

You may email questions to wearewatching@northernmnnews.com

If you are unable to attend the press conference visit our website to participate in action steps aimed at increasing transparency, accountability and ethical behavior in county government.

State to move forward with BWCAW land exchange Timberjay Article

Tuesday, November 04, 2008 Volume 14, Issue 9

State to move forward with BWCAW land exchange
By Marshall Helmberger

For the first time, representatives of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources say they plan to meet officially with the U.S. Forest Service over their plan to conduct what would likely be the largest land exchange in state history.

They also indicated their intent to seek support from the state’s congressional delegation for the exchange, which would swap about 93,000 acres of state school trust land in the Boundary Waters wilderness for an estimated 200,000 acres of the Superior National Forest outside the wilderness area. State officials hope congressional action will allow them to circumvent Forest Service opposition to the idea as well as the cumbersome federal regulations related to such exchanges.


for the rest of the article go to :
http://timberjay.com/current.php?article=26

SLC rejects request by US Steel TIMBERJAY Article

http://timberjay.com/current.php?article=4826


Tuesday, November 04, 2008 Volume 19, Issue 44

County board declines to add Three Bays lots
By Marshall Helmberger

The St. Louis County Board has declined a request by US Steel to increase the number of lakeshore lots at the company’s proposed Three Bays development on Lake Vermilion. At the same time, the board did amend several other conditions that had been imposed on the development project by the county’s planning commission.

Officials from U.S. Steel appealed to the county board on Tuesday, seeking to overturn five of the conditions that the planning commission had set when it gave approval to the Three Bays project back in April.

The county board rejected US Steel’s request to expand the number of lakeshore lots from the 62 approved by the planning commission, to 65.

Legal counsel for the planning department had noted that US Steel’s legal arguments in support of more lots was in direct contradiction of longstanding county policy as well as state law.

US Steel did make some progress on other issues, particulary on the question of dockage. The planning commission had limited the number of docks per lot to one, but Tuesday’s discussions produced a potential compromise that allows for two straight docks or one dock with a T-shaped structure at its end.

Commissioner Mike Forsman said the new dock agreement will be much stricter than what is currently in effect in many areas of Lake Vermilion.

“The docks’ issue is spelled out. It’s going to look structured along the shore and there won’t be a proliferation of docks,” he said.

He added that the DNR will be very involved with dock regulations as it has been, especially in regard to sizes and lengths.

The county board also considered changes related to the covenants that would be incorporated along with the proposed development.

County Planning Director Barb Hayden emphasized that the discussions at Tuesday’s meeting are only recommendations. The planning department will work with the attorneys to finalize the wording of the conditions for board consideration at their next meeting on Nov 4.

Forsman said he feels good about the progress.

“I believe that on Nov. 4 we will have a final document signed, sealed and delivered, and this particular chapter of the board will be over,” he stated.

Even so, the future of the Three Bays project remains in question. The Minnesota Legislature has authorized purchase of the land in question from US Steel for creation of a state park. But talks over that land purchase made little progress this summer and were suspended by US Steel in September. State officials say they hope to restart negotiations, possibly next year.

BWCAW Land Swap

Tuesday, November 04, 2008 Volume 14, Issue 9

Separating facts from myth on BWCAW land swap
By Marshall Helmberger

Separating fact from political spin is never an easy job, and that is especially so when it comes to the proposal to exchange state of Minnesota land in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area for a major chunk of the Superior National Forest. Legislators and the DNR have made a number of claims about the value of a land exchange, versus the alternative of selling the state’s 93,000 acres of school trust lands in the BWCAW (see story, page 5).

Few, if any, of the claims of legislators actually hold up under inspection, and a number of factors argue strongly against the idea of a exchange.

Here are just three examples of the myths behind the legislators’ arguments and the actual facts of the issue.:

‰ Myth: A land exchange would yield the most revenue for the state’s school kids.

Reality: A land exchange would actually mean far less for the state’s school trust fund than an outright sale of the state’s holdings in the BWCAW. The state’s recently completed appraisal put the value of the state’s school trust lands in the wilderness at about $72 million. Selling the land outright would immediately increase the size of the school trust by about 15 percent and accumulate an extra $3.5 million a year, assuming just a five percent annual average return.

A land exchange, by contrast, would yield nothing to the school trust initially. And even if the state could obtain 200,000 acres from the Forest Service (which is probably little more than a pipe dream), that land would generate a relative pittance for the school trust— no more than $650,000 a year based even on DNR’s optimistic estimates. Based on the DNR’s actual track record on the management of school trust lands, we could expect the 200,000 acres to yield significantly less than $650,000— probably half of that figure.

Over 25 years, an exchange would likely generate about $12 million for the school trust. During that same period, an outright sale would generate about $160 million for the school trust. If it’s really a matter of generating revenue, this is a no-brainer and it is fiscally irresponsible of legislators and the DNR to pursue such a reckless course.

‰ Myth: This land exchange is needed to help consolidate land ownership patterns, which would make management more efficient.

Reality: It’s absolutely true that better consolidation of ownership would be a good thing for both the Forest Service and the DNR, not to mention the counties. Each entity has scattered lands that intermingle with mixed ownerships, making access more complicated. But there is nothing that prevents the DNR and the Forest Service from sitting down and working out smaller land exchanges right now to consolidate ownership, regardless of what happens to the lands in the BWCAW. The DNR hasn’t pursued that option.

‰ Myth: DNR control of lands now managed by the Forest Service would boost the amount of logging substantially, helping to revive the region’s struggling wood products industry.

Reality: It’s possible that DNR management of these lands would increase harvest levels incrementally, but the impact on the region’s timber market would be so insignificant, that it would be virtually undetectable. The Forest Service’s La Croix District, on the west end of the Superior National Forest, currently puts out about 32,000 cords per year on approximately 160,000 acres of productive land base, or about .2 of a cord per acre per year. The DNR puts out about 400,000 cords per year on its productive school trust land base of 2.38 million acres, or about .168 cords per acre per year. Even assuming that the land the state might receive from the Forest Service is significantly more productive than other school trust lands, it still is highly unlikely that DNR management of this land would yield anything other than a trivial amount of additional timber.

And this deal gets worse. Not only would the land exchange shortchange the school trust, it would cost the counties, especially St. Louis County, several thousand dollars a year in federal funding. Counties receive money from three sources: Payments-in-Lieu-of-Taxes, (or PILT); the 25 percent Fund; and Thye-Blatnik funds. Under the plan envisioned by area legislators and the DNR, most of the federal land that would go to the state would come from St. Louis County, which means the county would lose the majority of its PILT and 25 percent money. This would easily cost the county about $400,000 a year. Lake County would also stand to lose some of this money, though not as much as St. Louis County. This is one reason why the counties have been less than enthusiastic about the land swap proposal in the past.

While the transfer of state lands in the wilderness to federal ownership would mean an extra $250,000 in Thye-Blatnik dollars, that increase wouldn’t come close to making up for the lost PILT and 25 percent funds. Over ten years, the counties could easily see a net loss of $2.5 million.

And if the DNR and legislators have their way, we could lose substantially more federal funding. That’s because the DNR is planning to seek congressional action to circumvent the federal government’s regular and very cumbersome land exchange process. The state’s congressional delegation has been reluctant to go this route in the past, because they worry it would bring attention to the Thye-Blatnik funding. The BWCAW is the only wilderness in the country that receives such funds, and our congressional delegation would just as soon leave sleeping dogs lie. Given the budget-cutting mood in Washington, the Thye-Blatnik dollars could easily be cut off, a move that would cost the three Arrowhead counties about $2.1 million a year.

That’s probably one of the reasons Congressman Oberstar says he doesn’t favor congressional action on this issue, at least not now.

To put it all in perspective, the proposal by the DNR and legislators for a land exchange will cost the state as much as $150 million in lost revenue over 25 years, cost the counties millions in lost revenue, and will likely yield little or no additional timber. This proposal isn’t just bad, It’s utterly irresponsible. It appears area legislators and DNR officials are essentially putting their egos ahead of the public interest. Unless they can shelve the false rhetoric and come up with a legitimate explanation of why the state should surrender so much money at a time of fiscal crisis, this proposal should go absolutely nowhere.

Nov 4 St. Louis County Board Mtg

Today's board meeting is currently being broadcast on Cable Channel 7

AGENDA
http://www.co.st-louis.mn.us/slcportal/Portals/0/Agendas/age11-4.pdf


9:30 A.M. USS Appeal of April 10, 2008, Planning Commission Decision – Three Bays on
Vermilion Development
9:35 A.M. Public hearing, pursuant to Resolution No. 538, adopted October 14, 2008, for
Submission of 2009 Action Plan for CDBG, HOME, and ESG Funds. {431}
9:40 A.M. Public hearing, pursuant to Resolution No. 539, adopted October 14, 2008, to
consider the adoption of the fee schedule for various County services for the year
2009. {432}
AT THIS TIME CITIZENS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ADDRESS THE
BOARD ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA. [Speakers will be limited to 5
minutes each]
FOR ITEMS ON THE AGENDA, CITIZENS WILL BE ALLOWED TO
ADDRESS THE BOARD AT THE TIME A MOTION IS ON THE FLOOR.
CONSENT AGENDA: Approval of business submitted on the Consent Agenda.



CONSENT AGENDA
http://www.co.st-louis.mn.us/slcportal/Portals/0/Agendas/cag11-4.pdf
FOR THE MEETING
OF
ST. LOUIS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
November 4, 2008
County Board Room, Room No. 200, St. Louis County Courthouse, Duluth, Minnesota
RESOLUTIONS FOR APPROVAL:
1. Applications approved for abatement of taxes.
2. Appraisal report for sale of timber, as submitted by the Land Commissioner.
3. Workers’ Compensation Report dated October 24, 2008, as submitted by the County Attorney.
4. Applications for license to sell tobacco products at retail, as submitted by the County Auditor.
5. Application for license to sell tobacco products at retail, as submitted by the County Auditor. {Change of officers}
6. Applications for license to sell tobacco products at retail, as submitted by the County Auditor. {Licenseholders were issued tobacco violation citations}
7. Amendment to Ordinance No. 46 for rezoning the N 1/2 of SE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 and the SW 1/4 of the SE 1/4 lying east of County-State Aid Highway No. 4, Section 14, Township 58 North, Range 16 West (Biwabik) from SMU-11 to MUNS-4.
8. Amendment to Ordinance No. 46 for rezoning GL 2, the SW 1/4 of the NE 1/4, and the NW 1/4 of the SE 1/4, Section 5; GL 2, GL 3, GL 4, GL 5, GL 6, GL 7, the SE 1/4 of the NW 1/4, and the E 1/2 of the SW 1/4, Section 6; the NE 1/4 of the NW 1/4, and GL 1, Section 7; the E 1/2 of the W 1/2, and the W 1/2 of the SW 1/4, Section 8; and the N 1/2 of the NW 1/4, Section 17, all in Township 61 North, Range 15 West (Kugler), from FAM-3 to MUNS-4.
9. Repurchase application approved for John Stepan to purchase the NE 1/4 of SE 1/4, Section 30, Township 61, Range 15 (Town of Kugler), for the total consideration of $2,828.39.
CONSENT AGENDA
St. Louis County Board
November 4, 2008
Page 2
10. Repurchase application approved for Judy Bechtold to purchase Lot 13, Block 4, Merritts First Addition to Mountain Iron, City of Mt. Iron, for the total consideration of $4,531.75.
11. Repurchase application approved for Terry and Mary Johnson to purchase Lot 19, Block 5, Virginia/Rainy Lake Cos Addition to Virginia, for the total consideration of $8,851.05.
12. County Auditor authorized to grant a utility easement to Lake Country Power over: All that part of the NE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 and the NW 1/4 of the NE 1/4, Section 16, Township 55 North, Range 16 West, for the total consideration of $146.00.
13. Approving the reclassification to non-conservation and sale of state tax forfeited parcels located in that part of the SW 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 26, Township 63 North, Range 12 West, lying west of the west right-of-way boundary of County Highway 88; and that part of the SE 1/4 of the NE 1/4 lying north of County Road 115 in Section 15, Township 62 North, Range 17 West; for the total consideration of $160,662.51 for Parcel 1; and $14,003.90 for Parcel 2; funds for the two parcels totaling $174,666.41 to be deposited into Fund 240.
14. Designation of Broeker Road (C.R. 626) as a Minimum Maintenance Road beginning at the SE corner of Section 30, Township 59 North, Range 21 West, and running westerly on the section line one-half mile terminating at the South quarter corner of Section 30, Township 59 North, Range 21 West; and further, that the Public Works Department immediately erect signs on the roadway.
15. County officials authorized to execute an agreement with the University of Minnesota for payment for C.P. 3769, NOvA Project Easement to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources whereby the University of Minnesota will reimburse the amount of $37,385.68 to the County and authorizes the revenue to be deposited in Fund 200, Agency 203204, Revenue Object 583100, and payable from Fund 200, Agency 203204, Object 636500.
16. Lawful Gambling License Application approved for Voyageur Trail Society, Inc., to operate out of: Ash Ka Nam, Unorganized Township 68-19, Pull Tabs, renewal; The Dam, Leiding Township, Pull Tabs with dispensing device, renewal; Frontier Resort, Unorganized Township 69-19, Pull Tabs & Bar Bingo, renewal; Kec’s Cove Resort, Kabetogama Township, Pull Tabs, renewal; Norway Point Resort, Leiding Township, Pull Tabs, renewal; Rocky Ledge, Kabetogama Township, Pull Tabs and Tipboards, renewal; Sportsman’s Last Chance, Portage Township, Pull Tabs, renewal; Trails End Resort, Portage Township, Pull Tabs, renewal; Voyagaire Lodge, Crane Lake Township, Pull Tabs, renewal.
CONSENT AGENDA
St. Louis County Board
November 4, 2008
Page 3
17. Chair of the Board and County Auditor authorized to execute the Lobbying Services Agreement with Arrowhead Counties Association which would use the services of St. Louis County’s lobbyist to further Arrowhead Counties lobbying activities at the State Legislature during the 2009 legislative session not to exceed $16,000 (excluding the County’s in-kind contribution of $2,000).
18. County officials authorized to enter into an agreement with the Town of Fayal whereby the township will pay the project costs for M.P. 6723-56473, C.P. 56473, and other costs detailed in the agreement or incurred by the County. Revenue budgeted for expense in Fund 200, Agency 203203, Revenue Object 551537, in the amount of $30,000 and project payable from Fund 200, Agency 203203, Object 652800.

Link and Article by WAW in DNT October 28, 2008

Opinion Page : http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/group/group/Opinion/

The specific article : http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/76813/

Text of the Article

Published October 28 2008
Local view: Don’t get rid of Kron and Sweeney — they play positive role for county
We are writing in response to the News Tribune’s editorial endorsements last week of the challengers running against St. Louis County Commissioners Bill Kron and Peg Sweeney.

We are writing in response to the News Tribune’s editorial endorsements last week of the challengers running against St. Louis County Commissioners Bill Kron and Peg Sweeney.

Since August 2007, our We Are Watching Campaign has consistently attended County Board meetings and workshops. We have closely monitored the actions of commissioners and have seen, firsthand, the work of Kron and Sweeney, including during some very difficult discussions. We have been impressed with their integrity, thoughtfulness and advocacy on behalf of the residents of their districts and St. Louis County. Hence, it was with a combination of shock and dismay that we read the News Tribune’s endorsements.

We acknowledge the News-Tribune’s prerogative to endorse any candidate, but on the basis of observing board meetings and the conduct of board members for the past 14 months, we found the newspaper’s choices perplexing. Just months ago, the editorial board wrote of Kron: “Last year ... longtime Commissioner Bill Kron stood as one pillar of decency and common sense. ... St. Louis County should be excited about re-electing him.”

The board chairman cannot control the behavior of other commissioners or control others’ actions outside of meetings. When individual commissioners make racist comments, wear sunglasses to meetings, commit acts of harassment or belittle substantiated charges of sexual harassment, they, not the board chairman, are responsible.

Commissioner Kron initiated the effort to create an enforceable code of conduct well before the sexual harassment cases were reported.

Commissioner Sweeney, the only female board member, brings much-needed diversity to the board and has significant knowledge of the law regarding sexual harassment in the workplace.

Commissioners Kron, Sweeney and O’Neil supported a more stringent code than was eventually adopted.

Kron, Sweeney and O’Neil voted for sanctions against those found to have sexually harassed. They used their votes to stand up for moral integrity.

Commissioners Sweeney, Kron and O’Neil supported utilizing existing county administrative staff to fill the interim administrator position rather than hiring recently defeated County Attorney Alan Mitchell at a substantially higher rate of pay.

The current budget is fiscally responsible and has been carefully developed in light of numerous state and federal mandates, meeting the needs of the citizens and taxpayers of St. Louis County. In the past year, the board has cut more than 55 positions, most without layoffs, protecting much-needed services expected by the residents. Given the complexity of the county budget, it strikes us as naļve that Kron’s challenger, Chris Dahlberg, who has apparently not attended any County Board meetings, would be able to achieve his promised cost savings.

Commissioners Kron and Sweeney bring balanced, innovative and respectful styles to governing. Both are willing to listen to constituents and colleagues. The News Tribune, with its endorsements, seems to favor a loud, abrasive approach. Anyone interested in seeing what that brings can watch video of Sweeney’s challenger, Sam Haddad, testifying to the board in January 2008. It’s posted at northernmnnews.com.

Dahlberg held public office for a brief time as a Duluth city councilor. He is remembered for using a city credit card at a Hooters restaurant and for delays in reimbursing the city for credit card charges. We believe further due diligence of Dahlberg’s candidacy is warranted, particularly in light of the nature of problems that have plagued the County Board to date.

One of our concerns from the very beginning of our scrutiny of the County Board was that busy constituents hear only sound bites may not be aware of the “rest of the story.” We urge voters to resist the temptation to “throw the baby out with the bathwater.” Those commissioners responsible for the embarrassing problems are not those up for re-election this year.

It is part of the mission of We Are Watching to provide an avenue for residents of St. Louis County to be more aware of the actions of their commissioners. We encourage readers to examine the records of Commissioners Kron and Sweeny — and of their challengers — more closely.

We believe these incumbents should remain on the board and in county government as responsive, reliable and ethical influences.

KATHY HELTZER and KEVIN SKWIRA-BROWN, both of Duluth, submitted this on behalf of the grassroots We Are Watching Campaign. The group formed 14 months ago and continues to monitor the St. Louis County Board to enhance public awareness and increase accountability and transparency in county government.

Tags: local view, opinion

great editorial in the paper today!

Thank you for the great editorial in today's paper. When I read the papers endorsements I was wondering if they were actually informed... I wondered if they knew what went on in the County meetings. Your editorial will set them straight I hope.
Thanks again,
Sandra

Board Update for Sept 9 2008 Board Meeting

At their Board meeting on September 9th the SLC Board discussed the proposed county budget and increase in tax levy. The administration proposed an overall property tax levy of 4.88%. This includes “special levies” that support items such as wages for sheriff personnel and Health and Human Services costs caused by reductions in Federal Health and Human Services grants.

Many factors have already impacted the 2009 budget, including increased costs for utilities, gas, diesel. It was noted that the majority of the services provided by SLC are mandated services.

Information about the budget can be found on the St. Louis County web site.

The largest part of the county budget goes to Personnel Services at 47%. The proposed budget is at $352 million.

Administrator Mitchell indicated that a recent survey of MN counties showed that 11 of the 15 counties that responded were proposing a levy greater than SLC, 3 were lower.

The Board has a workshop scheduled for Sept 16th at which time they will discuss specific program cuts.

Sept 2nd County Board Update

At the September 2nd County Board meeting We are Watching SLC spokesperson, Kathy Heltzer, addressed the County Board regarding concerns about Commissioner Forsman’s disparaging comments towards “illegal aliens”. She indicated, in part, “We are a land of immigrants. St Louis County was built by immigrants from many countries. With the exception of Native Americans, most of our families and ancestors immigrated here from someplace else seeking a better life.”

She went on to ask that comments such as those made at the August 12th meeting become rare or non-existent.

Commissioner Forsman defended his statements, again indicating that he believes “illegal aliens” will come to St Louis County and that there is a difference between “legal and illegal” immigrants.

Disappointing Comments by Commissioner at Aug 12th Board Meeting

I was disappointed (but unfortunately not shocked) by the comments made by Commissioner Mike Forsman at the August 12th County Board meeting in Mt. Iron. To see for yourself, look here at the video.

The Board was discussing a bid by a company for "budcapping" to protect trees from damage caused by deer on county land. Apparently only one company was interested in the $98,000 contract and this lead Commissioner Forsman to share "only is opinion" with respect to "illegal aliens" who he believes are employed by Superior Forest Products (an Arkansas company). While he admits that this information was provided to him "3rd hand" he does not hesitate to tell the public that these people "avail themselves of of social services" and are generally problematic.

Never mind that County Attorney Ford pointed out that the contract could easily include a provision (or maybe it already does) prohibiting the hiring of undocumented workers.

Here we are, almost a year after the "We are Watching" campaign was started in response to inappropriate conduct by two of the commissioners regarding sexual harassment and then the lack of action by four of the Board members to do anything about it and we still have some commissioners boldly making comments that degrade people of color, specifically immigrants.
Let us not forget Commissioner Nelson's "slavery speech" that proceeded the sexual harassment complaints......

Perhaps when these commissioners are up for re-election in 2010 the voters will give serious consideration as to if they are the best folks to continue representing them after all.

County Board Meeting Update-July 1, 2008

County Board Meeting Update-July 1, 2008
• Chris Jensen pharmacy contract delayed
• EEOC Complaint Still of concern

At their Board meeting on July 1st the St. Louis County Board of Commissioners voted to table the decision regarding the pharmacy contract at the Chris Jensen Nursing Home (see Blog entries for April 3 and June 2, 2008). Reasons cited for the delay included the absence of Commissioner Nelson, due to illness, and questions other commissioners still had regarding the contract. The decision will be considered at the next meeting scheduled for July 8th in Duluth.

Kathy Heltzer, We are Watching Spokesperson. addressed the Board regarding the recent Committee of the Whole meeting during which time the Board discussed the refusal of the County Administrator to place the County Attorney, Melanie Ford, on the Board agenda. County Attorney Ford had asked to speak to the Board regarding the most recent complaint filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). (see Blog entry “Raukar and Fink Harassment Charges” dated June 5, 2008) Administrator Mitchell refused to place County Attorney Ford on the agenda and Commissioners Nelson and Fink supported his decision. As a part of the discussion, Administrator Mitchell indicated that there had been a meeting of the “Ethics Committee” as indicated by the “Code of Conduct” although there were no minutes of this meeting and no record of the content or outcome of the meeting. It was clear that this was the first that the county attorney had heard of such a meeting! This raises obvious concerns regarding the ongoing conduct of some commissioners, especially related to the EEOC complaints and the handling of these complaints prior to their being filed with the EEOC. These were the very issues that prompted the “We are Watching” campaign’s inception in August of 2007.

We are Watching

As we continue to watch the County Commissioners both we and the commissioners benefit.

Openness helps strengthen government.

Re-naming Big Island

I was sorry to hear that at the May 27 County Board meeting in Hibbing the SLC board voted to rename Big Island at Pelican Lake "Big Strand Island" after the person who sold it (I understand it was sold and not donated) to the state. This issue came up several months ago when Commissioners Nelson and Forsberg mentioned that Rep. Rukevina wanted this to happen as he had indicated to Mr. Strand this would happen and he expected commissioners to make sure it would happen. Commissioners asked Bois Forte elders for feedback and they responded by suggesting that if the island name was going to be changed, they would like to see it go back to the original Indian name, Gitchee Miniss. Several commissioners ignored the Bois Forte elders request as well as feedback of members of another family who had connections to the island who spoke against it being named Strand Island. SLC Board went ahead and changed the name to Big Strand Island. It seems to be another slap in the face to our Native American brothers and sisters whose ancestors inhabited this land long before any of us newcomers. The process appears questionable to me. I am pleased that Commissioners Sweeney and O'Neil voted against the change, but unfortunately their votes did not prevail.

Raukar and Fink Harassment Charges

http://www.northernmnnews.com/page2.html

Some of these charges have now become Federal EEOC charges.

The details are important

Of particular relevance to worksite behavior http://northernmnnews.com/Raukar%20Investigation.pdf
Page 8, 15, 17 of the pdf give details the actions that brought about part of the complaint against Raukar.

Reported advances, attempts to glean information about personal interactions with other employees and his attempts to quiet the person who complained.


http://northernmnnews.com/Fink%20Investigation.pdf
The Fink Investigation
EEOC charges have been filed.

Chris Jensen Pharmacy Contract Re-Visited?

At their Committee of the Whole meeting on June 10th the St Louis County Board will decide if the Falk's Pharmacy contract for providing service to the Chris Jensen Nursing Home will be considered by the Board at their subsequent meeting or not. While there seems to be overwhelming evidence that Falk's is no longer the best option for the county, some Board members continue to support them.
Consider the following:

• It is estimated that the county would save $60,000-$100,000 a year by switching to another vendor
• Every other nursing home in Duluth has switched from using Falk's
• The SLC Jail discontinued it's contract with Falk's years ago
• The last Chris Jensen Director and also senior staff have consistently indicated that their facility would be best served by getting a new provider of pharmacy services
• For several years there have been concerns about the number of mistakes made; overall service has not been good

• Falk's has not kept up with the technology that is presently the industry standard

So, why are some commissioners still wanting to stick with Falk's? This is a mystery! Contact YOUR commissioner to let them know of your concern. Come to the Board meeting, see democracy in action!

What's Up With the Pharmacy Contract at Chris Jensen?

At the Committee of the Whole meeting on March 18th, Board members discussed whether to keep the current pharmacy contract with Falk's Pharmacy or go with PharMerica, a company that apparently submitted a bid that could save the county $100,000 a year for better service ! Their new County Administrator, Al Mitchell, strongly supported going with PharMerica, as did three of the seven Board members. This seems like kind of a no-brainer. See video footage of Chris Jensen Administrator, Norma Brendle telling the Board what she thinks.

Very interesting and somewhat of a mystery as to why folks who are usually VERY interesting in saving the county money (remember the famous food and beverage inspection issue-claiming to need to save money by sending this duty back to "state inspectors" who are not exactly "available" the same way that local folks were) now think we should "go local" at significant increased cost! Contact your Commissioner to see what the deal is! This will likely be re-visited in coming months.

County Board Considers "Contracting Out" Management of Chris Jenson Nursing Home

At their Committee of the Whole meeting on April 1st the County Board discussed contracting out the management of the Chris Jenson Nursing Home to Ecumen Services, Inc.

This contract would be at the cost of $300,000 a year ($25,000/month)

Staff from Ecumen indicated that typically 80% of nursing home costs are salaries. They indicated they will take a close look at the present budget and compare what is happening at Chris Jensen with other nursing homes. They will evaluate all areas of Chris Jensen. They will prioritize identifying a leader and also having a good relationship with the county board. When asked about management of other county-run nursing homes they indicated they presently manage homes in Lake County and also in Grand Rapids. (among others) . They will focus on trying to "maximize reimbursements".

This contract will not have any "direct effect" on other current contracts at Chris Jenson (according to County Administrator Mitchell). In the future, however, other contracts might be re-considered to create cost savings. (Mitchell)

The expectation is that the Board will find out how to run Chris Jensen more efficiently. This should include a variety of areas. (Mitchell says we need someone to look at the "long term plan")

Committee of the Whole voted to send this to the Board without recommendation.

County Board Gets Update on “Minnesota’s Shrinking Government”

At their Committee of the Whole meeting on March 11th the Board heard from a consultant to the “Property Tax Study Group” which is made up of counties, cities and school districts in the Minneapolis/St Paul and Duluth area. The presentation clearly articulated how the State of MN has increasingly taken a greater share of taxes with counties and other local governments getting a lesser share. At the same time, they are mandated to increasingly provide more and more services to residents.

The Board struggled with how to get this information out to taxpayers/residents in a way that they could understand. They were frustrated that the press did not stick around for this meeting where the presentation occurred. (note to the Board: this presentation was on the agenda for 11am so if you had figured out how to actually have it at that time maybe the press would have reported on it!)

Commissioner Fink suggested that this presentation be timed to coincide with when people pay their property taxes in the hopes that folks will pay attention then. He indicated, “When the public is interested we ought to tell them what they need to know”.
Commissioner Kron suggested they send out a newsletter with the headline, “State raises your property taxes”.

The Auditor indicated that property tax statements are going out right now so if they wanted to draw attention to this issue now might be the time.

Commissioners asked appropriate questions and participated in a respectful discussion about this issue.

Request for Free Conveyance of Tax Forfeited Land by the Duluth Board of Education

A representative from the Duluth Public Schools came asking that the county convey a piece of property (110 feet x 125 feet) by Lester Park School to the District. They want to put a parking lot there. Commissioner Fink spoke against this, indicating that he was concerned about the lost revenue to the county in that the District was not going to break ground until 2011. Debate ensued and the rest of the commissioners thought it made sense to go ahead now, versus making the District come back later. Fink than launched into a story about property in his district that belongs to the school district and how maybe the county might want to make a trade down the road. He was unhappy that folks had made light of the small amount of revenue that SLC was getting from the Lester Park area property and then everyone apologized for having said this. (Commissioner Forsman had done a little math and figured out how much it had cost them in employee time while they debated this issue)

Commissioner Nelson Recommended to Serve on the Advisory Committee to the Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area

At their next Board meeting, Commissioners will vote to appoint Commissioner Nelson to this committee.

Respectful Workplace Training

Al Mitchell encouraged all commissioners to attend this training. So far O’Neill is the one commissioner who has attended. Encourage your commissioner to go!

Duluth Budgeteer Weighs in on the Alan Mitchell Appointment

Our View: Where's the logic?

Budgeteer News
Published Friday, February 08, 2008

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What are five of the seven St. Louis County commissioners thinking?

We refer to the five — Dennis Fink, Bill Kron, Mike Forsman, Keith Nelson and Steve Raukar — who voted in favor of hiring former (defeated in last year’s election) County Attorney Alan Mitchell to serve as interim County Administrator at a salary of $2,605.50 per week. In addition to his generous salary, Mitchell will receive full health-care benefits, a county car and compensation for his daily trip from his home in Hibbing.

Granted, the position of County Administrator is important. The county employs approximately 2,000 people. It has a massive budget.

It also has two deputy county administrators: Lisa Potswald and Gary Eckenberg, both whom applied for the interim position along with Mitchell and at least one other person.

Let’s ponder this. Here are two people who have been assisting the current county administrator (Dana Frey, who’s leaving for a job in Bosnia) with all the tasks of running the county for years (Eckenberg for more than four years, Potswald for two and a half).

If the commissioners find the two deputy county administrators so incompetent, then their next step should be to fire both of them. Obviously, they can’t do their jobs, otherwise the board wouldn’t have needed to hire an attorney to do the administrator’s job.

Then there’s the money.

At the county’s current pay scale, we understand that it would take a new county administrator nine years to reach what they’re paying Alan Mitchell to fill in until someone suitable is found. St. Louis County has never even had a county administrator stay long enough to earn that kind of money.

Why would you not save yourselves some money, at least in the interim, and appoint one of the existing deputies — who likely is competent, otherwise he or she would have been fired before, we assume — to fill the position until you’re ready to hire someone permanently?

It boggles the mind.

Here’s the clincher: Mitchell also has agreed not to apply for the permanent county administrator post as part of the agreement.

Huh? Do they want us to applaud that?

If he’s that good — so good that Commissioner Forsman started recruiting him as soon as he heard Dana Frey was leaving — then he darn well ought to be allowed to apply for the job.

Thumbs down to the fabulous five who voted for this gross misuse of taxpayer funds.

And kudos to Commissioners Peg Sweeney and Steve O’Neil for sticking to their guns and voting against this blatant cronyism.*

* Cronyism is defined in the American Heritage Dictionary as “favoritism shown to old friends without regard for their qualifications, as in political appointments to office.”