Benton Ag Plus - November 6, 2020

BENTON AG Plus

Sauk Rapids Herald | Saturday, November 7, 2020

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A convention unlike any other Foley FFA Chapter makes most of virtual experience

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(Above) Foley High School seniors – Danyel Brambrink (from left), Michael Gadacz, Jayden Baker and Luke Gadacz – watch the 93rd FFA National Convention on livestream in FFA supervisor Al Stemper’s classroom Oct. 29 at Foley High School.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, FFA members participated virtually.

(Right) Lily Dahler, a Foley High School freshman, takes the written test as a contestant in the Best Informed Greenhand contest Oct. 29 at Foley High School in Foley. The objective of the contest is to understand the aims, purposes, history, available opportunities and structure of the local, state and national FFA student organizations.

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FOLEY – For FFA members across the nation, the last week of October is a time to connect with thousands of like-minded peers and celebrate each other’s accomplishments at the national FFA convention.

With this year’s convention taking place virtually, one chapter looked to make the event memorable despite the somber times.

“This was another way to create normalcy,” Al Stemper said. “We wanted to give (students) the chance to do the best we all can with our circumstances.”

Stemper is the Foley FFA Chapter advisor and has attended the convention ever since he became a member in 1980. He worked with the chapter’s officers to coordinate time for members to take in the virtual convention’s live streaming while at school and also encouraged members to listen to sessions in the evenings at home after school hours.

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BENTON AG

Page 2B | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

PHOTO SUBMITTEDL

A group of students in Foley FFA – Courtney Brambrink (front, from left), Gabrielle Orton and Braelyn Kuperus; (back, from left) Lily Dahler, Holly Loehrer, Danyel Brambrink, Emilee Ertl, Elizabeth Lorenz, Grace Loehrer, Tyrone Lambertson, Ben Lewandowski, Tyler Knosalla and Emily Knechtsberger – attend the 93rd National FFA Convention at Foley High School Oct. 27 in Foley. The convention was virtual this year and provided opportunities for students to participate in a variety of educational sessions and workshops.

FFA

from front The 93rd National FFA Convention and Expo was broadcast on an online platform Oct. 27-29 for all registered members. For the past several years, it has taken place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.

While this year’s convention lacked the grandeur an overflowing stadium provides, with the roar of cheers as proficiency winners were announced or the connections youth could make with industry

representatives, it was an event Dana Struffert was eager to participate in.

“Convention was a lot different this year than last because of the crowds of people that couldn’t gather,” Struffert said. “In some ways it was still the same, though, like when speakers told interesting pieces of things going on in agriculture. I think they really did the best job they could have given the circumstances.”

Struffert is a junior at Foley High School and presides as the FFA chapter’s vice president.

She attended the convention for the first time last year.

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and her fellow team worked with Stemper to provide an opportunity for all members to take in the national convention if they chose to do so.

Of the chapter’s 84 members, 24 signed up for the virtual event.

“I’ve got two students who went to the convention last year,” Stemper said. “Usually, our trip is limited to 10 people, so this way, we could give any kid – even kids in class – an opportunity to watch those videos and learn more about agriculture across the U.S. and new technology in the industry.”

Stemper decorated

his classroom to embrace the few days of blue and gold, and encouraged FFA members to engage in the convention. Each member connected with five people from five states, attended a chat room to listen in on issues affecting the agriculture industry and speak with an exhibitor of the career show, among other opportunities to take in the online platform.

“Most of my kids don’t know about the whole convention experience, and many of the younger kids even

lost out on attending the state convention this year,” Stemper said. “This was a way they could do something they normally wouldn’t.”

The chapter participated in dress up days, snacks were available to promote a positive social environment, and each day ended with a reflection.

“They could write down what their Tuesday Takeaway was, their Wednesday Wow Moment,” Stemper said. “It was all about

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FFA Supervisor Al Stemper (from left) checks on Foley FFA President Danyel Brombrink and Holly Loehrer as they monitor the livestream for the FFA National Convention Oct. 29 at Foley High School. FFA members interacted through video, audio and text formats on the national convention website.

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getting them exciting and engaged while still in the classroom.”

Across the nation, there was more member involvement. In a typical year, the stadium fits about 70,000 FFA members, advisors and alumni for Friday evening’s closing remarks. This year, there were 217,000 registered members attending virtually, Stemper said.

“At a click of a mouse, you could get in and take in a general session or watch retiring addresses,” Stemper said.

“The number of people that were able to connect with it all was simply amazing.

Stemper even connected with Foley FFA alumni who took in a session from the convention with their families.

“I think it was fun for that group to remember seeing the convention in person or recalling certain parts of their time in Indianapolis,” he said.

For Struffert, who is active in an assortment of competitions, she enjoyed listening to the sessions while in school and then taking in one on her own time at home. It was a memorable national convention despite not taking place in person.

“I didn’t go to the Blue Room last year, so it was cool I was able to watch that at school with my peers,” she said.

“Like everything in the ag world, you never really know what’s going to happen. You have to come up with a good solution to experience everything even if it changes really fast.”

Stemper agreed.

“I think this really opened the eyes of our members to really grasp how big the organization is and all the opportunities that are in FFA,” he said.

“These kids want to be involved and a part of a team, and the convention created that.”

BENTON AG

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2020 | Page 3B

The will to carry on Lentner strives to farm despite challenges faced as young dairyman

BY JENNIFER COYNE STAFF WRITER

PHOTOS BY JENNIFER COYNE

Weston Lentner holds pictures of his ancestors including – Grandpa George (left) and Great-great grandpa Carl and Great-grandpa John – at his family’s dairy farm Oct. 29 near Rice. Lentner milks 35 cows with his dad, Bill.

responsible for growing up, he often thinks about what he has learned from his father and grandfather.

“Yes, money is important and you can get frustrated with the low milk prices, but my grandpa always reminded me that there’s more to life than that,” Lentner said.

“Farming is not so much dependent on what we have in life, but our faith. That is what is important. (Grandpa) always reminded us that you work for a living and enough to be content with what you have, then you put your trust in the Lord first not knowing what the weather or markets are going to be. No matter what happens, God is in control.”

As the third and fourth generation in the family to farm, and the first generations to farm at the current site, Lentner’s father and grandfather built the dairy to what it is today.

They added on to the barn to fit a total of 42 cows and built on to the house.

Over the years, the pair acquired land to the farm’s

current base of 160 acres of mostly corn, alfalfa and oats.

This was the first year the Lentner family planted and harvested soybean.

“We used to bale small square bales of alfalfa,” Lentner said. “Now, my brothers help us make round bales.”

All of Lentner’s siblings – Kevin and Katie and their three children, Noah, Cole and Kelsey; Amanda and Matt Jurek; and Scott and Bri and their two children, Levi and Casey – help on the farm during the summer months.

While Lentner’s brothers and sister have not taken an interest to purchasing the family farm, Lentner would like to continue the dairy for the sake of his niece and nephews.

“To have them out on the farm and learn from the farm, that’s great,” he said. “Farming taught me a lot about confidence and not being afraid to work. It would be good if my brothers’ and sister’s children could experience

Weston Lentner places a small square bale of hay in front of stalls Oct. 29 in his family’s dairy barn near Rice.

Lentner has worked for his dad since 2009.

that too.”

As Lentner has considered his place in the agriculture industry, he hopes there is a way for him and other young, ambitious farmers to carry on rich family traditions for future generations.

He encourages others to work with current farm owners, parents or otherwise, and connect with the local Farm Service Agency office to develop transition plans.

“Honestly, I’m not sure if I’ll be able to milk in the future,” Lentner said. “But what I do know is that I’m proud to be the descendants of proud American farmers.

They took pride in farming, pride in their church and always put God first, and helped each other out when they needed it. They’ve made me who I am today.”

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was expected to purchase the farm fairly if he chose to continue on that career path. And while Lentner’s siblings are grown and holding down off-farm jobs, the same is expected for the young adult.

“Farm transitions are all different,” Lentner said.

“Some just pass it down from family to family. My family, we buy it.”

For Lentner to best prepare for that transaction, he has invested in the cattle on the farm.

“I’m trying to make sure I have the equity to show when I approach the bank,” Lentner said. “That’s the frustrating part. The bank looks at the numbers and that can be hard to come up with.”

While financial stability is critical in purchasing and operating a business, for Lentner, the desire to dairy farm is not driven by money but rather the lifestyle and morality developed in the barn.

As the young farmer considers how his life was shaped by the chores he was

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RICE – Weston Lentner has one hope, and that is to continue on a family tradition built on faith and humble farming practices.

Yet, the reality is far bleaker than Lentner wishes with a turbulent agriculture economy and ever-changing dairy industry.

“I would love to be able to farm full time and I hope I can do that someday, but right now I just don’t know for sure,” Lentner said. “I could see myself farming down the road or it could all be done in a week’s time.”

The 26-year-old works for his dad, Bill, milking 35 cows on the family’s thirdgeneration farm in Benton County near Rice. Lentner also holds down a job off the farm.

In August 2009, Lentner moved in with his father after spending much of his childhood in Duelm with his mother. Since that summer, he has been responsible for milking cows and taking care of the youngstock.

“I’ve learned a lot about dedication and work having grown up on the farm,” Lentner said. “I’m here twice a day, every day of the week, and I really enjoy what I get to do.”

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by Lentner’s grandfather, George. Yet, the family’s history in farming stretches five generations with Lentner’s great-grandfather, Carl, first homesteading in the area.

As Lentner’s father was one of 11 siblings, he

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Page 4B | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

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LITTLE FALLS – Joe and Nancy Berg spend their days raising and caring for 50 head of beef cattle. While they are cattlemen through and through, their entry into the industry was far from typical.

“I thought there was nothing to it,” Joe said. “When I went to pick out a group of 25 cows to get started, I showed up in shorts and my Birkenstocks. Since then, we have learned a lot.”

The Bergs operate Berg’s Red-Tail Ranch in Morrison County near Little Falls. The couple raises a herd of Red Angus, Red Simmental and Red South Devon cattle for beef.

The couple began their journey into farming in 2008.

Joe is an avid outdoorsman and, at the time, was searching for private land to hunt on. He purchased 320 acres near Little Falls and rented the land back to the farmer who was living on the property.

When the farmer passed away, Joe and Nancy decided to use the land by grazing cattle.

Nancy grew up on a farm, but Joe had no prior

PHOTO BY KAYLA ALBERS

Nancy and Joe Berg stand with their herd of Red Angus, Red Simmental and Red South Devon crossbred cows Sept. 9 on their ranch in Little Falls. The Bergs care for 50 animals at their farm.

experience farming, let alone raising beef cattle.

Upon reading a book about raising cattle that Nancy gave him, Joe decided they could start out with a small herd and grow from there.

“Being that he didn’t know anything about farming, he researched everything thoroughly and kept researching,”

said Nancy of her husband’s interest in ranching.

Nancy’s experience farming was developed on generations of practices that were first introduced in her grandfather’s era.

“It was a completely different way of farming (the way Joe was looking), which I

Red Angus and Red Simmental crossbreds and purebred Red Simmental cows graze a pasture Sept. 9 in Little Falls. The Bergs started ranching in 2008.

thought was pretty cool,” she said.

Joe agreed.

“I’d ask for advice from a bunch of people and they would give you six answers,” he said. “Then, you took those six answers and narrowed it down.”

When the Bergs started their beef cattle business, they wanted to be an efficient operation.

Over the years, they have made changes to continually improve.

They established new grazing paddocks, put up new fencing, and installed frost-free waterers and temporary seasonal waterers. The cows now only drink out of waterers with purified water, rather than drinking out of drainage ditches.

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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2020 | Page 5B

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The Bergs’ donkey, Bentley, helps lead the herd to a new pasture Sept. 9 in Little Falls. The cows are raised on pasture as part of an efficient management plan.

“I am trying to maximize water intake for every one of the animals,” Joe said. “We are going further, trying to increase forage out in the pasture.”

Many of these improvements have been possible with outside funding.

“We got into different grants that allowed us to do the watering, pasture rotation, that kind of thing,” Nancy said.

“We’ve just made everything more efficient, even putting the cows through the head gate and making more fence line.”

Efficiency is not the Bergs’ only focus. They also put a large emphasis on cow comfort. They always make sure the cows have access to water and ample grass to graze on, and use a fly control program to minimize the negative effects of pests in their herd.

Care is taken in their decisions when it comes to breeding with a focus on maternal breeding to develop good mothers rather than solely for the end beef product.

They are careful about which animals they choose to raise as homegrown bulls and which sires they select from reputable breeding programs.

“A lot of farms are terminal breeders,” Joe said. “That means those animals are born in the spring, weaned off in the fall and then go to a feedlot and finished for the final product.”

Joe and Nancy’s breeding tactics are longer-term, often not realizing the full potential of each breeding decision until several years later.

“It’s a four-year process to see whether or not you made a good decision,” Joe said.

“Some decisions are good; some are bad when you go back and look at the pedigrees.”

The Bergs purposely raise the three breeds of cattle for their docility, breeding traits and marketing traits as finished animals.

They once experimented with Wagyu, but soon realized the other red breeds were a better fit for their business.

“They’re not as efficient as we thought they might be,” said Nancy of the Japanese breed. “It was a fun experiment to try out, but we just couldn’t raise them how you traditionally raise Wagyu beef.”

Joe agreed.

“I found that most of our crossbreeding we have been doing (with the red breeds) is paying off a lot better,” he said. “The flavor in our finished animals is phenomenal.”

When the Bergs have cattle ready for slaughter, they sell quarters and halves to customers who then can customize their cuts with the meat processor.

This year, Joe and Nancy have plans to start offering finished cuts to customers.

“It’s not about

grassfed, or cornfed or whatever,” Joe said. “I want people to know where their food comes from.”

From its humble beginnings, Berg’s RedTail Ranch has developed into a reputable farming enterprise in central Minnesota. And for Joe and Nancy, it is the venture they were looking for when they found an opportunity to better utilize their hunting ground.

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Every year, they begin their breeding season around July 4, which makes for a spring calving season the following year.

“I think calving is the best,” Joe said. “It is the most exciting and most stressful time because you are doing everything you can to get that calf up and going.”

The last two years there have been snowstorms in April, making calving extremely difficult.

“All of our cows don’t calve on the same day,” Joe said. “We try to calve within 35-45 days, which helps.”

Nancy and Joe keep records on every single animal that is born on their ranch. They spend quite a bit of time with the calves and heifers, to the point where they are not skittish around new people.

“I get comments about how docile our animals are,” Joe said.

“It’s like having 50 dogs.”

Nancy agreed.

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“It’s funny watching their personalities.”

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ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is announcing a new Farm Business Management Scholarship Program, funded through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. Nearly $250,000 in scholarships will be available to farmers negatively affected economically by COVID-19. Priority will be given to farmers engaged in any stage of mediation or bankruptcy between March 2 and Dec. 30.

An estimated 350 Minnesota farmers are currently distressed due to COVID-19 impact, including farmers in mediation, bankruptcy, foreclosure and debt restructuring.

The FBM program offered by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, helps farmers manage their finances and learn how to navigate the complicated financial systems of farming.

The scholarships will cover approximately 75% of the cost of tuition.

To apply contact an FBM instructor. Applications were available beginning Nov. 6. Applicants must be registered for at least 10 credits for either fall, spring or combination by Dec. 10.

Funding for this program is made available through the CARES Act, and is part of a $7.7 million plan announced earlier this month by Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan to support agricultural producers, meat processors, and farmers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

To learn more contact Keith Olander, director at Minnesota State Northern Agricultural Center of Excellence, at keith.olander@clcmn.edu or 218-8945163, or Brad Schloesser, director at Minnesota State Southern Agricultural Center of Excellence, at brad. schloesser@southcentral.edu or 507-389-7263.

Page 6B | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 20, 2020 The Benton County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on October 20, 2020 in the Benton County Board Room in Foley, MN with Commissioners Ed Popp, Spencer Buerkle, Steve Heinen, Warren Peschl and Jake Bauerly present. Call to order by Chair Buerkle was at 9:00 AM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

Peschl/Heinen unanimous to approve the agenda as amended—add item: approve Dispenser Agreement with Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products.

No one was present to speak under Open Forum.

Popp/Bauerly unanimous to approve the Consent Agenda: 1) approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of October 6, 2020 as written; 2) accept and file Management Team Meeting Minutes of September 10, 2020 as written; 3) accept and file Human Services Committee of the Whole Minutes of October 5, 2020 as written; 4) accept and file Committee of the Whole Minutes of October 7, 2020 as written; 5) approve summary of closed session conducted October 6, 2020 to evaluate the performance regarding an individual subject to County Board authority; 6) approve Resolution 2020-#33, reappointing Michael Harvey as Benton County Assessor for a term of January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2024, and authorize the Chair to sign; 7) approve contract for email migration consulting services, and authorize the Chair to sign; 8) approve 2020 Solid Waste Hauler License Round III—GFL Solid Waste Midwest LLC—and authorize the Chair to sign; 9) approve 2020 tobacco license application—Adam’s Tobacco Shop; and 10) approve Dispenser Agreement with Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products for replacement of paper towel and hand soap dispensers with touchless models, and authorize the Chair to sign.

Amanda Othoudt, Executive Director of the Benton Economic Partnership (BEP), presented a revised listing of Benton County businesses recommended for CARES grants by the BEP, noting that all 23 businesses on the listing have experienced a loss in sales. She noted that some businesses may have received funding from other sources; however, this does not make them ineligible for CARES funding from the county when the dollars are used for dissimilar expenses. Othoudt stated her intent to bring another round of recommended grant recipients to the November 3rd meeting of the County Board; there may be potential to reopen the application process in the future should there be CARES funding remaining. Heinen/Bauerly unanimous to approve the Round One distribution of CARES funding to Benton County businesses, as recommended by the Benton Economic Partnership.

The Regular County Board meeting was recessed at 9:13 AM to conduct a meeting of the Economic Development Authority (EDA).

The Regular County Board meeting was reconvened at 9:27 AM. The next item on the agenda was a public hearing to consider the request of JANNEW Properties LLC (Sandra Saldana) to rezone 14.62 acres in Watab Township from the “A” Agricultural District to the “R-2” Single Family Residence District. Roxanne Achman, Department of Development Director, explained that there are some significant aggregate resources in this area; however, it is unlikely that an aggregate-type operation would occur in such close proximity to residential uses. Achman stated that this area is separated from the remaining agricultural areas by a physical barrier—the railroad does run directly to the west; there is an existing home and the applicant would replat into five additional lots, for a total of six lots which would all be over two acres in size. She noted that Watab Township did review this request and are in support; any plat would be required to go through Watab Township first before coming through the county. Sandy Saldana spoke in favor of the request, stating her belief that this request would be a good fit for the area and the additional housing would be beneficial. The public hearing was opened at 9:33 AM; with no one wishing to address the County Board, the public hearing was closed at 9:34 AM. Motion by Bauerly to approved Ordinance #479, rezoning 14.62 acres from “A” Agricultural to “R-2” Single Family Residence District, and authorize the Chair to sign. Second by Peschl.

Popp stated his intent to excuse himself from the vote because of a family conflict. Motion carried with Bauerly, Peschl, Heinen and Buerkle voting aye and Popp abstaining from the vote.

Monty Headley, County Administrator, explained that the County Board discussed the allocation of CARES funding in Committees of the Whole on October 7th and 19th, and reached a consensus on supplemental allocations; these allocations are in addition to allocations adopted September 1st and include distributions to schools and non-profits.

Headley noted that this plan also directs more resources to business assistance through the Benton Economic Partnership. He reported on CARES funding for non-profit grants (County Board allocated $100,000 for non-profits); BEP has recommended that the County administer those grants.

Headley stated his intent to bring forth a listing of applicants for the non-profit grants to the County Board and ask the Board to make a decision on which non-profits should receive grant funding and the amount of the grant—any non-profit that serves Benton County residents will be eligible and must have experienced some types of impacts because of the pandemic, i.e. lost revenue. Headley noted that the county may also receive additional CARES fund-

PUBLIC NOTICES

ing from townships within the county who have unspent CARES dollars to turn back to the county. Popp/Heinen unanimous to adopt a supplemental CARES allocation plan dated October 20, 2020 as presented.

Bob Cornelius, Human Services Director, requested that the Board authorize the distribution of CARES Act funds to Career Solutions through a sub-recipient grant relationship to establish and manage economic support programs within Benton County; Career Solutions will then distribute the special one- time grant to residents in Benton County experiencing financial hardships due to COVID-19. Cornelius noted that he will update the contract to reflect the increased CARES allocation from $50,000 to $100,000. Peschl/Heinen unanimous to approve the contract to redirect CARES funding to Career Solutions, and authorize the Chair to sign.

The Regular County Board meeting was recessed at 9:47 AM to conduct a Human Services Board meeting.

The Regular County Board meeting was reconvened at 9:50 AM. The next item on the agenda was a public hearing to consider adoption of an ordinance regulating parking on Benton County Road 2. Troy Heck, County Sheriff, explained that, each spring, fishing opportunities draw people to the north shore of Little Rock Lake along the edge of Benton County Road 2 at the bridge over Little Rock Creek. He stated a concern that cars parked on the shoulder of this roadway restrict the ability of passing motorists to see the pedestrians fishing on the bridge or in the ditch, or darting out between parked cars as traffic passes at highway speeds. Heck stated that after reconstruction of this roadway, the Sheriff’s Office has annually made use of the sheriff’s authority to impose a temporary parking ban 1/10 of a mile from each corner of the bridge on either side (trying to enforce through voluntary compliance); this preserves about 3,200 feet of parking shoulder (about 800 feet from each bridge corner) where vehicles may legally park. He stated that the proposed ordinance codifies the safety strategy of forbidding parking within 1/10 of a mile of each corner of the bridge on a permanent basis. The public hearing was opened at 9:54 AM. There being no one wishing to address the County Board, the public hearing was closed at 9:55 AM. Sheriff Heck read a letter received from Donald Weyer (1528 – 125TH Street NW, Rice) into the record; the letter stated, in part, “...I am retired with some health issues which make it very hard to have to walk too far...I have fished off that bridge for over 46 years...now you want us to walk 1/10 of a mile to get to the bridge...this is a problem for people with health issues... we need to find a happy medium for all people...” Bauerly inquired about shortening up the site distance. Popp commented “...we know it’s only a problem a couple times a year...could we restrict parking between certain dates...”

Heck stated his belief that the County Board has the authority to make whatever parking rules they deem fit for the area. Buerkle inquired of any associated ADA requirements. Chris Byrd, County Engineer, stated “...from an engineering standpoint, it does meet ADA requirements...if we started designating parking spots on the roadway, then a certain percentage of those spots as ADA accessible...as part of our reconstruction project, we did have to replace the guardrail...the guardrails are a lot longer than what they were...this is a high speed, highly travelled roadway...we are just trying to make this roadway safe for everybody...”

Bauerly inquired about restricting the speed to 45 m.p.h. through that area. Byrd indicated this would require a traffic engineering speed study be performed. Heinen inquired about starting the parking at the end of the guardrail on either side. Following further discussion, Bauerly/Popp unanimous to adopt an ordinance regulating parking on Benton County Road 2, prohibiting parking within 300 feet on either side of bridge number 05512 on County State Aid Highway 2 at the place this road crosses over Little Rock Creek, and authorize the Chair to sign.

Nadean Inman, Auditor-Treasurer, explained that membership on the Canvassing Board and Post- Election Review Board includes two members of the County Board who are not candidates at the election. Commissioners Popp and Peschl volunteered to serve on the Canvassing Board (November 13, 2020 at 10:00 AM). Commissioners Popp and Peschl volunteered to serve on the Post-Election Review Board (November 18, 2020 at 10:00 AM). Inman reported on the status of Elections (30% of registered voters in Benton County have requested absentee ballots; 18% of that 30% have returned their absentee ballots) and Tax Collections (as of yesterday, the office had collected all taxes except 5% of the levy—the majority of that 5% is agricultural and mobile home collections which are not due until November 16th).

Chris Byrd, County Engineer, provided an informational presentation on MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) activities: • MS4 is a conveyance system of storm water within our roads and road ditches; owned or operated by a public entity (i.e. cities, townships, counties, hospitals, universities, sewer districts); designed or used for collecting or conveying stormwater that runs off impervious surfaces • Originated with the Federal Clean Water Act which created the NPDES (National Pollution Discharge Elimination System); MPCA (MN Pollution Control Agency) issues NPDES permits for construction sites, industrial facilities and MS4s • As a road authority, Benton County has the obligation to

inspect our storm sewer system and report illicit discharges; not all our road system is under the jurisdiction of MS4, only the county rights-of- way within “urbanized” areas; Benton County is subject to MS4 because of its proximity to St. Cloud- an “urbanized area” as defined by the U.S. Census; Benton County Public Works is only concerned with what’s within the public road rightof-way • Responsibilities include developing, implementing and enforcing a SWPPP (Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan) on affected roadways, including mapping and inventory, and minimum control measures • CMWEA (Central MN Water Education Alliance) assists the counties with public outreach and education/public involvement; Benton County’s annual MS4 public open meeting will be held Monday, October 26, 2020, at 9:30 AM at the Benton County Public Works Facility Byrd reported on the impacts to Benton County Highway with the passage of the state bonding bill.

Johanna Mattson, Human Resources Director, explained that, over the next few months, Benton County employees will have the opportunity to attend virtual training on the subject of Unconscious Bias; this is a twohour training funded through the county’s health benefits provider and broker with wellness dollars. Mattson stated that the emphasis of this training is to build awareness to understand what unconscious bias is and why it matters, understand the impacts of unconscious bias at work and the impact it has on decision making, and develop new skills to take action to manage bias. She stated the request of the Health & Wellness Committee/HR that the County Board make this training a requirement for all county employees.

Buerkle stated “...I’m not sure I’m ready for a “shall”...”

Bauerly stated that he would like to see more of the curriculum. Peschl and Popp stated their belief that this training should not be “forced” on employees. Several Board members inquired of the consequences should an employee not complete the training; there was agreement that the training could be “highly recommended”. Heinen commented “...I would like to hear from Johanna after she’s gone through the training...” Bauerly suggested that several Board members could also go through the training before considering making it mandatory for all employees. Mattson noted that she would like to offer the employee training in 2020 as the wellness dollars must be spent in 2020. Bauerly stated “... as long as you go through it and approve it...” No formal action was taken by the Board.

Board members reported on recent meetings they attended on behalf of the county.

Under Commissioner Concerns, Heinen stated “...I think in the future...we need to seriously look at getting Broadband throughout the whole county...” Bauerly added “...Broadband is part of infrastructure...I’d like to see us have a talk about expanding the Engineer’s role...including Broadband as part of our infrastructure agenda...”

Under Commissioner Concerns, Popp stated “...I have one concern...when we met yesterday and talked about the building inspector...I’m not so sure I wouldn’t like to see that go out for bids...I don’t know if I’m just ready yet to automatically renew the contract we have today (David Barsody)...” There was majority consensus of the County Board to go out for bids for building inspection services.

Popp/Heinen unanimous to set Committees of the Whole: October 19, Pleasantview Elementary Ground Breaking Ceremony; November 10, Fueling Station Repairs at Public Works Facility/Corrections Office Staffing/ CARES Act Funding.

Peschl/Popp unanimous to conduct a closed session of the County Board under MN Statutes §13D.05, Subdivision 3, to continue the evaluation of the performance of the County Administrator (at 11:14 AM).

The Regular County Board meeting was reconvened at 12:22 PM. Chair Buerkle adjourned the meeting at 12:23 PM. Spencer C. Buerkle, Chair Benton County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: Montgomery Headley Benton County Administrator R-45-1B

Benton County Request for Proposals Benton County is issuing a Request for Proposals for contracted Certified Building Official/Inspection services within in the unincorporated portions of the County outside of the Sauk Rapids Joint Powers areas, excluding Watab Township.

The contract requires skilled inspection work in securing compliance with the building, plumbing, mechanical codes and related regulations and standards. Work includes plan review, determination of building permit valuation, inspection of structures, and compliance with County Land Use Permits completed by County staff. County staff will be responsible for zoning enforcement, Flood Plain determinations, addressing, wetland compliance and Sewage Treatment. The complete RFP can be viewed on-line at www.co.benton.mn.us.

Request for Proposals shall be received no later than November 20th at 3:00 P.M. Questions can be addressed to Department of Development Director Roxanne Achman at (320) 968-5069 or email RAchman@co.benton.mn.us.

R-45-1B

BENTON AG

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2020 | Page 7B

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