Dennis Clark was officially appointed as O’Brien County’s Engineer. He made his debut with a request to set a date to accept pipe quotes as August 22. A resolution for a road closure on 290th from Nest to Nettle also passed. The closure is to do work on a low water crossing.
Appointment of an O’Brien County Conservation Board member brought a full house to the supervisors Chambers on August 8 including four of the sitting board members. The four supervisors present, Nancy McDowell had announced her absence on that day back in July, acknowledged each had reviewed the three applications received to fill the position. Dennis Vanden Hull spoke first. He outlined how he had handled his responsibility to make this decision, emphasizing that all three candidates were good candidates. He noted that he liked what the incumbent, Tom Konz had done [during his tenure]. Among the things Vanden Hull cited were how things at Conservation were being brought up to date, following the code, how employees were treated and the payscales. Vanden Hull also noted how the county and the taxpayers were considered with Konz on the board.
Tim Overmire agreed there were three quality candidates to choose from and that he had talked with all of them. Overmire noted that Tom had done a good job and that he had taken a lot of flack. Despite that, Overmire felt that Conservation was moving in the right direction. He particularly liked the public accountability.
John Steensma shared that he had received “a few negative calls about Tom but had gotten many, many, many positive” calls.
Dan Friedrichsen thought of the three applicants and said, “one hands down stood out.” With the discussion ended the board voted unanimously to appoint Tom Konz to a full 5-year term on the O’Brien County Conservation Board.
Approval was given by the O’Brien County Board of Supervisors to use American Rescue Plan funds for two additional projects. It’s been decided to get an additional copier and a new tractor with attachments. The total additional spending from ARPA funds for these two projects is $46,615.00. Discussion about the court house handicap parking tied into the ARPA spending approval. All of the accessible parking spots for the court house are on the street and quite a distance away from doors. They will reach out to the hired Space Needs consultant for suggestions on how to bring handicapped parking spaces closer to the entrances.