A Common Sense Approach to
Preparing for the Unknown
By Jill Bruns, Renville County Public Health Director
It would be so much easier to really
enjoy your life if there weren't so many
things trying to do you in every day.
The problems begin even before we
wake up. Falling out of bed kills 600
Americans every year.
There's the early-morning heart
attack, which occurs 40% more often
than those later in the day. What about
the drive to work with the maniacs on
the road? What if you slip on the ice or
choke on your bite of steak?
As smart as we are, you would
think we would be pretty good at
separating out the things that are likely
to kill us from the ones that are long
shots. But you would be wrong. We
agonize over avian flu, which has not
killed anyone in the US, but have to be
convinced about the merits of getting
an annual flu shot, which contributes to
the deaths of 36,000 Americans each
year. We worry about the mad cow
pathogen that isn't in our hamburger
and worry far less about the cholesterol
that contributes to the heart disease that
kills 700,000 every year.
We all have a confounding habit of
worrying about mere possibilities while
ignoring huge probabilities. Grocery
shoppers are still skeptical about
buying spinach for fear of E. coli while
filling their carts with sugar laden
sodas, fat-drenched French fries, and
salt encrusted chips. At the same time,
18% of all adults still smoke in
Renville County; 60% are overweight
or obese; only 56% report always
wearing a seatbelt while driving.
The Psychology of Risk (Why We
Guess Wrong)
Which risks get attention and
which get overlooked depends on
many factors. The most important is
dread. The more pain or suffering
something causes, the more we tend
to fear it. The cleaner or at least quicker
Renville
County
500 E. DePue Ave.
Olivia, MN 56277
Phone: 320-523-3710
Email: [email protected]
Web site: www.co.renville.mn.us
the death, the less it troubles us. For
instance, we dread anything that poses
a greater risk for cancer more than the
things that injure us in a traditional
way, like a car crash.
We also dread catastrophic risks,
those that cause the deaths of a lot of
people in a single stroke, as opposed to
those that kill in a chronic way.
Unfamiliar threats are scarier than
familiar ones. Novel and unusual
diseases capture the headlines and
shake us up.
We also misjudge risk if we feel we
have some control over it. The
decision to drive instead of fly is a
common example. Behind the wheel,
we're in charge. So people fearful of
flying routinely choose the car,
ignoring the fact that at most a few
hundred people die in US
commercial airline crashes in a
year, compared with 44,000
killed in car accidents.
We tend to get mad when
we see someone driving
erratically while talking on a
cell phone, even if we've
done the very same
thing...that same day!
We tell ourselves we're
different, because we
were able to pay
attention to the
road. This is the
convenient
belief that
risks that
apply to
other
people don't apply to us.
And finally, some risk gives us
pleasure. Drinking alcohol or eating
too much ice cream is immediately
gratifying and we talk ourselves into
ignoring almost any long-term costs.
Rational Response to Risk
Take the time to learn more about
the real odds. Look at the numbers. In
government, we need to frame
warnings so that people understand
them. For instance, pollutants in fish
can be dangerous, but for most people, the
cardiac benefits of fish easily outweigh the
risks. If people begin to thoughtfully
compare both sides, they can make
reasoned choices. Most people would
be far likelier to
protest a nuclear
power plant than a
tobacco company, but it's
smoking, not nukes, that kills
an average of 1,200
Americans every single
day.
Officials who give
honest, hard numbers
and citizens that
takes the time to
understand them
would not only
mean
a
smarter
nation, but
a safer
one.
The top 10 leading causes of death in 2003 in the United States as reported by the
National Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Volume 6
Winter/Spring 2007
Issue 1
Renville County’s New Approach to Law Enforcement
Emphasis on reducing repeat offenders through
rehabilitation of the offending individuals
Sheriff Jerry Agre’s jail expansion goals are to have a functional,
flexible, long-term building that will meet Renville County’s jail needs
at a reasonable cost. Agre wants the jail expansion done right as he looks
10, 20 and possibly 30 years into the future. The jail expansion has been
designed with the intention that if it is filled to capacity there will be
room to add another pod if needed. Renville County currently has 41
people serving sentences with eight housed here in the current county
jail, some are on home monitoring systems, with the remainder housed
in the Yellow Medicine jail located in Granite Falls and in surrounding
county jails as needed. The number of individuals serving sentences has
steadily increased over the past few years. People who violate the law
will be removed from the community and will be incarcerated.
Sheriff Agre attributes several factors to the overall increase in
incarcerations. Violations due to driving while under the
influence (D.U.I.) have had a big impact in the last few years. More
people are sentenced for this offense due to recent law changes.
Allowable Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) changes effective in
August of 2005, lowered the legal limit from .10 to .08 resulting in
more offenders. More individuals are charged with having
controlled substances causing DUI convictions. Another factor
increasing incarcerations is due to an increase in the number of
women who are being sentenced to serve jail time. Agre noted that
the majority of these female convictions are due to drug related
charges. Agre said State mandated sentencing has increased the
number of incarcerations and the length of time people are
incarcerated. Today, more domestic and sexual abuse is reported,
investigated and prosecuted. Laws on domestic abuse have changed
resulting in an increase in the amount of time served by violators.
Not only have the number of incarcerations increased but the
associated costs to house them have also been rising.
In 1991, the cost to house an inmate was between $25 and $30 per
day. In comparison, last year the costs to house the same inmates rose to
between $55 and $60 per day plus medical, transportation and staffing
time expenses and Agre predicts the costs will continue to escalate. In
2003, the annual cost to house Renville county inmates rose from
$150,000 to $300,000. This increase was due to cost shifting from the
State of Minnesota to counties. When an inmate has a sentence to be
served in a state prison and has less then 6 months left, the cost to house
the inmate is shifted to the county. The average cost to house a short
term offender is $10,000 and the State will pay $10.00 per day if there is
money available, but the funds to reimburse the county tend to be
depleted before the budget year is over. The costs to house inmates have
been a major concern of the Renville County Commissioners, county
administration and the sheriff’s department.
The Renville County Commissioners were recently presented with
the 2008 expanded county jail operational costs. During the discussion
several benefits for Renville County jail expansion were identified.
Renville County’s goal for the expanded jail is to make a difference in
Total operational costs for the Renville County Jail Expansion will vary based on
the number of beds rented to other units of government. For example - 12 vacant
beds rented to other governmental units would result in a revenue of $240,000
realizing a net Renville County tax levy affect of approximately $10,000. If no beds
are rented to other local units of government the new effect on the tax levy would
be $250,000. Renville County currently has a contract with the Federal Bureau of
Prisons and has made contacts with other unis of government showing an interest
in renting beds from the new facility. (*All numbers subject to change due to
fluctuations in economic conditions)
inmates lives and not just have them serve their sentence. County
commissioners and Sheriff Agre and staff want to help inmates develop
coping skills to deal with their problems and to become good productive
members of our communities in a hope to reduce recidivism.
Once the jail addition is complete, Sheriff Agre, and staff
including Elaine Johnson, Jail Administrator; Doug Pomplun, Chief
Deputy Sheriff; and Kelley Johnson, Deputy, are planning a new
approach when working with Renville County inmates. In an effort to
reduce recidivisms, the sheriff’s team is planning to help inmates
rehabilitate their lives by offering them unique programming. The inservice programming will include educational opportunities, drug and
alcohol treatment, meeting mental health needs and a mentoring
program upon inmate release.
The inmates will be offered life and coping skill classes. The life
skill classes will focus on topics such as balancing a check book,
completing a job application, tips on job interviewing, making good
choices and decisions, conflict resolution, and computer skills. Those
inmates who need to earn a GED will be helped to achieve one. If an
inmate needs to complete college work, the staff will help the individual
apply to a college. Classes will be offered to help inmates gain coping
skills when dealing with domestic abuse.
Law Enforcement ~ Turn to Page 2
Law Enforcement
Continued from Front Page
Many inmates are in need of drug and alcohol treatment. Agre and staff
are planning to bring in professionals to provide treatment at a lesser cost
than the county pays today to have inpatient treatment offsite. Providing
inmates with access to in-house chemical abuse treatment while serving
time helps them work on their problems immediately and doesn’t cause
delays between sentencing, serving time and then attending treatment. The
treatment programs will be reinforced by holding Alcohol Anonymous and
Narcotics Anonymous meetings right in the jail. In-house treatment will be
another means to help inmates make a difference in their lives before they
are released.
The Sheriff’s staff is also going to address inmates spiritual needs by
allowing optional church services and bible studies in the jail when
requested by inmates.
The Renville County Sheriff’s office is planning to addresses inmates
mental health needs by contracting for these services. The closing of many
state hospitals has driven many of the former patients into the communities.
Sometimes these individuals are unable to live on their own, commit crimes
and end up being incarcerated. This programming will work with the
inmates needs and is also planned to train sheriff personnel when working
with these inmate’s special needs.
One of the big questions that looms over the jailer and the inmates head
once the inmates time is served is “What happens when the inmate walks
out the door?”. Neither group wants to see an inmate return to jail. To aid
inmates in reentering the community, the Sheriff’s department is going to be
starting a Mentoring Program. The goal of the mentoring program is to have
a community member walk along side the inmate to help keep them from
returning to their old life style. Many times inmates soon to be released have
no home, no clothes, and no job to return to. Setting up a Mentoring
Program will help inmates gain access to resources to help themselves.
Sheriff Agre and staff will be looking for volunteers to help with the
Mentoring Program.
In addition to providing Renville County inmates with special
programming, an expanded county jail will provide new opportunities for
inmates and the county. The jail expansion will allow Renville County to
house female work release individuals. Today, female work release
individuals must be housed in other counties because of the current
inadequate female cell space at the current jail. Family members often find
it hard to visit their loved ones who are incarcerated in other county jails.
The jail expansion will house Renville County offenders and thus should
make it easier for family members to visit and support the inmates. Family
support is critical in the rehabilitation process for many inmates. When an
inmate is in need of medical attention, those services will be provided by
local pharmacies, clinics and the county hospital. The money allocated for
providing these services will remain in Renville County rather than being
expended in surrounding counties when inmates are housed out of county.
The expanded jail facility will make the entire jailing process more
centralized. Many of the services provided by the county and state such as
probation, social services, defending attorneys and the courts for inmates
will be easily accessible. Deputies will no longer be driving inmates back
and forth for court appearances. This will improve safety for the deputies,
the prisoners and for the general public.
The jail expansion will house local inmates and the Federal Bureau of
Prisons has shown an interest in housing prisoners in Renville County’s
proposed expanded facility. The bureau has contacted Sheriff Agre about
housing federal prisoners in Renville County. These prisoners have
normally committed white collar crimes. The county has a contract with the
bureau, but it is limited due to the minimal number of cells available in the
current jail facility. Renville County is one of a few out state counties in
Minnesota that has this relationship with the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Renville County Commissioners, Administration and the Sheriff’s
Department will be breaking ground this spring to expand the current jail
facility, but the expansion will be more than just having additional cell
space to lock people up. Inmates will be treated with respect and offered
classes and counseling to help them make a better life for themselves.
This ground breaking effort will continue long after the jail expansion is
complete in an effort to help inmates rehabilitate and reduce returns to
the Renville County jail.
Ground Breaking Ceremony
Start Construction
Construction Phase
2007
Early March
What is a septic system?
A septic system consists of a septic tank and a soil treatment
system where sewage is treated and disposed of into the soil
by infiltration.
What is the average cost of a septic system?
The average cost of a septic system in Renville County
ranges from $6,000 to $10,000. Mound treatment systems
will be on the high end of the pricing, while trench
treatment systems will be on the low end. Because pricing
varies, it is a good practice to get two estimates. The prices
may differ, but the type of system should be the same.
How is the size of a septic system determined?
The amount of water use and type of soil on the site are two
factors used to determine the size of a septic system. The
number of bedrooms in the house is used to determine the
average number of gallons of water use per day. The type of
soil is also used to determine the size of the soil treatment
system.
Are there grants or loans available to construct a
septic system?
There are currently low‚ interest loans available to qualified
homeowners. For more information on loans for septic
systems, contact Water and Household Hazardous Waste
Management at 320-523-3706.
Can I choose the type of septic system and the
location on the site?
The septic system designer will use Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency (MPCA) standards to determine the type of
septic system best suitable to be installed on your site based
on the landscape and observation of soil located on the
property. It is important that a homeowner communicate to
the septic system designer those areas of the site that are
planned for future development including house additions,
decks, driveways, and parking areas. Keep in mind that the
location of the septic system may not always be able to be
placed where you would want it.
Is it true that new septic systems freeze during cold
weather?
On occasion, a winter of cold temperatures and little snow
cover can cause freezing of a septic system. The most
common causes of freezing are improper sewer pipe
installation, lack of snow cover, low system usage, and lack
of a vegetative (grass) cover.
Who can install a septic system?
Does Renville County only allow mound systems?
Currently Renville County rents beds from other county facilities at a per bed cost of
$55.00 to $100.00 per day with additional costs for inmates medical payments,
pharmacy costs, transportation and staffing costs to transport inmates between Renville
County and the out of county jail facilities. Inmates may be housed in several different
county jail locations making coordination of trips difficult requiring increased staffing
and transportation. An average of four trips is made for each inmate to attend court
hearings requiring several hours of additional staff time. The average daily cost per
inmate bed from 2003 through 2005 including all costs was $96.03.
Renville County Commissioners have decided to expand the current county jail
facility and it is planned to be operational in 2008. Renville County retired an annual
bond debt service in 2006 of $505,000 and has continued to levy for this amount,
dedicating the revenue to debt service for the county jail expansion project. Fixed
capital costs for the expansion will be paid over a period of 20 years at an annual
average payment of $475,000. While this cost is a part of the total cost of the jail
expansion project it will result in a no levy increase to Renville County taxpayers. The
capital budget for the county jail expansion includes the costs for the bricks and mortar
as reported to the Renville county board.
In addition to the capital budget the county will realize an annual operations budget.
The cost to Renville County taxpayers for the operations will include staffing, inmate
meals, inmate medical expenses, equipment service contracts, sanitation, supplies and
equipment. The net effect on the county tax levy will depend on the number of beds
rented to other units of government. Total estimated costs including the capital budget
and operational budget numbers vary from $75.84 to $126.84 per bed based on 30 to
50 beds being occupied.
Jail and County Office Expansion Building Project Timeline
Board Approval of Bids
FAQ’s Regarding Septic Systems
2007
Late March
2007
Early April
2007
2008
Early April Through August
There are four types of soil treatment systems that are
typically installed in Renville County: mound, at-grade,
trench, and pressure bed systems. Of these types, the mound
soil treatment system has historically been the least installed
system in the county. The type of system you will need will
be determined by soil observation and analysis of the site.
A septic system can only be installed by a professional who
is certified by the MPCA. Homeowners may assist with the
installation if the certified installer is on the site.
For more information including a list of septic
designers/installers, please call the Division of
Environment and Community Development at
320-523-3768.
VOIP is New Ring at County
~
V OICE O VER I NTERNET P ROTOCOL ~
Since 1999 Renville County has planned
and built a technology backbone that now
makes it possible to utilize a new phone
system. The County IT staff has been
converting departments over to an Onvy
hosted phone solution using Voice Over
Internet Protocol (VOIP). VOIP is a
communications protocol that will allow the
county to utilize its current data network
Administrator
Assessor
Attorney
Auditor/Treasurer
Court Services/Probation
Court Administration
Environment & Community
Development
Extension
Hawk Creek
Heartland Express
320-523-3710
320-523-3645
320-523-2661
320-523-2071
320-523-3663
320-523-3680
320-523-3768
320-523-3713
320-523-3666
320-523-3589
infrastructure for coice calls.
The present phone system installed in 1996
had reached its full capacity and no longer met
the countys telecommunication needs. The
county board considered several options
including a total replacement of the phone
system with a minimum cost of $250,000.
The decision was made to utilize existing
technology and install a new Polycom system
County Phone Numbers
Heartland Express
Heartland Community
Action Agency Inc.
Hospital
HRA/EDA
Human Services
Landfill/Solid Waste
License
Public Health Nursing
Public Works
Recorder/Abstractor
800-450-7964
320-523-1842
or 877-523-1842
320-523-1261
320-523-3656
320-523-2202
320-523-1505
320-523-3612
320-523-2570
320-523-3759
320-523-3669
that utilizes VOIP at a cost to the county of less
than $50,000. The new VOIP hosted system
will prove to be beneficial for the county by
enabling it to stay current as technology
changes. The county should also see long
distance phone charges greatly reduced with
this new solution. All county departments
should be fully installed and utilizing the new
VOIP technology by mid 2007.
Sheriff
Veterans Service
Water Planning & HHW
320-523-1161
320-523-3763
320-523-3706
County Commissioners:
Ralph Novotny, District #1
Bob Fox, District #2
Paul Setzepfandt, District #3
John Stahl, District #4
Gale Dahlager, District #5
320-848-6392
507-557-8265
320-365-3270
320-523-1283
320-765-2781
2007 Renville County Fee Schedule
Adopted 1-2-07
(Revised 2-13-07)
ADMINISTRATION/GENERAL COUNTY
Minnesota Government Data Practices Act Requests:
Photocopies
25 cents per page
AUDITOR-TREASURER OFFICE
Confession of Judgment Program Fee
$50.00
Delinquent Tax Lien Search
$5.00 per search
Delinquent Property Tax Cost
$25.00
Special Assessments:
Initial Entry
Maintenance
$5.00 per parcel
$1.00 per parcel
Report with verification of delinquent tax, etc.
$5.00 per parcel with $10.00 certification fee
Property Tax Escrow Account Maintenance
Adds: $5.00
Deletes: $1.00
Printouts of Assessor values, property information
$35.00 (01-200 pages)
$35.00 (plus 5 cents per page over 200 pages)
Electronic Media Report
$25.00, plus $15.00 per 200 pages
Bond Reports
$50.00 (one-year search)
$100.00 (two to three year search)
$150.00 (full four to five year search)
Photocopies
25 cents per copy
Printing of Labels
$35.00, plus cost of labels
Tax Searches
$5.00 each parcel
Fax Fee
$1.00 per page/$3.00 minimum per fax
HIGHWAY OFFICE
Item
Accident Reimbursements
Charge
Cost + 35% OH
Copies from Large Copier
$3.00 per copy
Driveway Permits
$50.00 fee + Culvert Cost and
$500.00 Refundable Deposit
Page 1 of 5
2007 Renville County Fee Schedule
Adopted 1-2-07
(Revised 2-13-07)
Driveway permits will only be issued in accordance with the current
(Note:
Entrance/Approach Policy.)
Mailbox Supports
(Note: If the mailbox support is on a County Road or County State Aid
Highway, it MUST be installed by County Forces.)
$75.00 (Installed)
Specific Service Signs (Churches, etc.)
$225.00 per sign installed/standard size
Culverts (Government Entities Only)
Delivery Charge
Seasonal bid price, plus 10% handling
$100.00
Sign Crew Labor
Cost + 20% OH
Shop Labor
Cost + 20% OH
Parts and Materials
Cost + 10% OH
Used Materials
Calculated Cost + 10% OH
Maintenance for Governmental Agencies
Per Contract
Moving Permits
$20.00 Individual Permits
$100.00 Blanket Permit
Utility Permits
$50.00
Section Corner/Survey Information
$50.00 per hour
LICENSE OFFICE
Highway Maps
$1.00
Burning Permit Administration Fee (running fire)
General Burning Permit (January 1 - December 31)
$2.00
$5.00
ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Zoning (Land Use) Permit
$55.00
ISTS Permit
$250.00
Variance Appeal
$575.00
Conditional Use Permit Application
$775.00
Zoning Amendment
$775.00
Variance Appeal/Conditional Use Permit Application
(same site -- multiple applications)
$175.00
Page 2 of 5
2007 Renville County Fee Schedule
Adopted 1-2-07
(Revised 2-13-07)
Park Fees: (Revised by County Board 2-13-07)
Rustic Camping Site
$12.00 per night
Recreational Camping Site (Lake Allie Only)
$20.00 per night
Group Camping (by reservation)
$50.00 per night or $7.00 per camping unit
Daily Recreational Use
No Charge (donations accepted)
Monthly Camping Rate
$340.00 per month
Shelter Reservations
$50.00
Vendors
$25.00 per vendor per event
Dumping Station (non-camper)
$10.00 per event
Woodcutting Permit
$50.00
PUD/Major Subdivision
$1,550.00
Inspection Fee
$40.00 per hour (one hour minimum), plus
mileage at County rate
Photocopies
25 cents per page
Late or Delinquent Application
2 x fee
Handicap Accessibility Permit
$350.00
State Feedlot Permit Review/Inspection
$300.00
RECORDER'S OFFICE
Fax Fee
$1.00 per page/$3.00 minimum per fax
Copy of Image
$1.00 per page
Photocopy Fee (Regular and Legal Size)
Photocopy Fee (Large 14" x 17")
50 cents per page/$1.00 minimum
$1.00 per page
Abstracting Fees
$45.00 Certificate
$4.00 per entry
$1.00 per page of exhibit
$10.00 name search
Owner and Encumbrance Report
$45.00, plus $10.00 per name search
Page 3 of 5
2007 Renville County Fee Schedule
Adopted 1-2-07
(Revised 2-13-07)
Real Estate Computer Report Fee
$75.00 setup fee for new query, plus 50 cents
per printout page
$25.00 existing queries, plus 50 cents per
printout page
SHERIFF'S OFFICE
Service of Civil Process
$30.00 for each individual service, plus mileage
Mileage for Civil Process
60 cents per mile round trip
Collection on Execution After Levy
Six percent (6%) of the total amount seized,
collected or stipulated to the parties as a
result of a sheriff's levy.
Posting Three Sale Notices
$30.00
Returning Process Not Found
$25.00
Returning Execution Unsatisfied
$30.00
All Sheriff's Sales
$100.00
Redemption of Property:
Receiving and paying over money paid on redemption of property and
executing a certificate, to be collected from the person redeeming
$100.00
Redemption Preparation Fee and Certificate
$200.00
Judgment and Decree Sales
$100.00
Execution Sales
$100.00
Return of Process without Action
$25.00
For Services Not Herein Enumerated
Charge the same fees as for a similar service.
Securing Properties (Seizures, Attachments, Writ of Restitution, etc.)
$50.00 per hour for each deputy involved
Copies for Writ of Execution
$6.00
Copies of Photocopies
$5.00 per photo, $25 minimum (Anything over
$25.00 is $2.50 per photo; copying video tapes
$25.00 per tape.)
Huber Fees
$15.00 per day
Jail Boarding
$55.00 per day
Pay to Stay (Prisoner's Fee)
$15.00 per day
Page 4 of 5
2007 Renville County Fee Schedule
Adopted 1-2-07
(Revised 2-13-07)
Booking Fee
$10.00
Drug Testing Fee
$25.00 (quick test), $45.00 (full screen)
Training Fee
$20.00 per student for handgun, shotgun and
Taser qualification
Administrative Fees
$5.00 (includes, but is not limited to department
background checks, burning permits, mailing
fees, copies of reports, fingerprinting, printout
of driving record)
CDL Testing
$25.00
Page 5 of 5
We Appreciate Our Renville County
~ V O L U N T E E R S ~
County Extension Committee
County Park Commission
RCC District #1
RCC District #2
RCC District #3
RCC District #4
RCC Disrict #5
Bob Fox, County Board Chair
Gale Dahlager, County Board Vice Chair
Larry Jacobs, Secretary designee
Tom McGraw
Sheila Robinson
Chris Honzay
Joy Kosak
Al Nelson
District #1
District #2
District #3
District #4
District #5
Youth-At-Large
Youth-At-Large
At-Large Member
At-Large Member
Larry Godejahn
Greg Smith
Karen Bratt
Jon Wogen
Greg Reek
Abby Smith
Brian Kohout
Gary Simondet
David Fischer
Lake Allie Environemental Service District
Renville County Watershed
Managers
Buffalo Creek
High Island
Renville County Housing and
Economic Development Authority District #1
County Planning Commission
Tim Franzeen
Dean Bloemke
Gerald Fluck (Secretary)
Ken Jacques
Joe Maiers
Charles Kubesh
George Schlagel
Dwight Swanson
District #2
District #3
District #4
District #5
At-Large
Board At-Large
Matt Jaunich, Hector
Shirley Dove, Morton
Mark Glesener, Bird Island
Mark Thiesse, Olivia
Deb Hinderks, Renville
Scott Nissen, Franklin
Mary Ann Minkel
At-Large
At-Large
District #1
District #2
District #3
District #4
District #5
Eugene Johnson
Dale Hanson
Gerald Fluck
Ted Domeier
Larry Gass
Norm Malecek
Gerald Mulder
County Board of Adjustment
District #1
District #2
District #3
District #4
District #5
Alvin Ulrich
Bob Schlicht
Larry Gass
Kathryn Kelly
Robert Enestvedt
County Water Planning
Agri-Business
Agriculture
Buffalo Creek Watershed
Extension
FSA/Ag
Sportsmen
Sportsmen
Brad Aaseth
Robert Lerohl
George Schlagel
Al Nelson
Rick Schmidt
Jon Wogen
Larry Godejahn
County Transit Advisory
Committee
Sacred Heart
Renville
Elderly Day Care
Fairfax
Hector
Buffalo Lake
Olivia
Liz Lanning
Betty Elliott
Jessica Neitzel
Marcia Seibert-volz
Barbara or Delton Duehn
Shirley Rath
Mike Schroer
Mid-MN Developement
Commission
Dick Loftness
Pioneerland Library Board
Fairfax
Hector
Olivia
Renville
Bird Island
Francis Schweiss
Sarah Groves-Speece
Pat Brown
Jim Schueller
Dee Prochniak
Volunteer Drivers
Rita Berg
James Daun
Marlene Hawbaker
Pete & Vi Jordet
Marlys Klinghagen
Gordy Krause
Rosie & Jerome Manderscheid
Robert & Mary Miller
Sarah Puchalski
Aaron Schafer
Doug Van Der Hagen
Barb Woltjer
Mark Bute
Delton and Barbara Duehn
Lowell & Jean Herdina
Jerome Kiecker
Charles Korsmo
Liz Lanning
Marvin Mulder
Glen Rodel
Curt Swanson
Linda Wellnitz
Larry & Sara Welsch
SAVE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE!
~ SAVE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE!
RENVILLE COUNTY
COUNTYWIDE CLEAN-UP
AND FLOURSCENT BULB
COLLECTION
Renville County Highway Shop, Sacred Heart
Tuesday, June 5, 2007 • Time: 1:00 - 6:00 pm
Renville County Highway Shop, Fairfax
Wednesday, June 6, 2007 • Time: 1:00 - 6:00 pm
Renville County Highway Shop, Buffalo Lake
Thursday, June 7, 2007 • Time: 1:00 - 6:00 pm
Renville County Landfill & HHW Facility
June 5, 2007 • Time: 8:00 am-6:00 pm
June 6, 2007 • Time: 8:00 am-6:00 pm
June 7, 2007 • Time: 8:00 am-6:00 pm
32877 County Road 4, Olivia
~ ITEMS TO BE COLLECTED AND FEES ~
Resident
TIRES: Car $1
Truck $4
Tractor front $4
Tractor rear $10
APPLIANCES: $6
Non-Resident/
Commercial Business
Car $3
Truck $8
Tractor front $8
Tractor rear $20
$12
Including refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, water heaters,
washers, dryers, dehumidifiers, air conditioners, freezers,
microwaves, etc.
TELEVISIONS: $5
COMPUTER SYSTEMS: $6
$15-$25 (Depending on Size)
$12
Including monitors, hard drives, keyboards, speakers,
printers, etc.
FLUORESCENT BULBS: Free
BALLASTS: Free
RECHARGEABLE
BATTERIES: Free
50¢ per bulb*
$3.00
Free
Including Nickel Cadmium (NI-CD), Nickel
Metal Hydride (NI-MH), Lithium Ion (Li-ion),
and Small Sealed Lead (Pb).
• WILL NOT •
BE ACCEPTED AT THE COLLECTIONS
• Automotive Batteries. Alkaline and
non-rechargeable batteries will
also not be accepted.
• General household garbage such as
bicycles, lawn chairs, grills, coffee
pots, fixtures, furniture, etc.
• Household Hazardous Waste
(HHW) including paint, pesticides,
cleaners, oil, oil filters, etc. These
items can be brought to the
Renville County Landfill & HHW
Facility.
• Recycling items including
newspapers, glass, cans, etc.These
items can be brought to the
Renville County Landfill & HHW
Facility or to a community Waste
Management drop site.
• Clothes in washers or dryers.
Food in refrigerators or freezers.
*Free bulb disposal for Renville County businesses
Reduced Collection Fees for Renville County Residents:
Participants in the Countywide Clean-Up must be residents of Renville County to receive reduced fees.
Please bring proof of residency such as a driver’s license, tax statement, or utility bill.
Please note: This year the Fluorescent Bulb collection will be combined with the county wide clean up days!
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE RENVILLE COUNTY LANDFILL & HHW FACILITY AT (320) 523-1144 OR
RENVILLE COUNTY WATER & HHW MANAGEMENT AT (320) 523-3706.
Housing and Economic
Development News
500 E Depue • Olivia • MN 56277 • 320-523-3656 • www.renville.com
CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE EVIDENCE OF
HIGH LOCAL INTEREST IN RENEWABLE ENERGY
Volume 6
Winter/Spring 2007
At top: HRA/EDA
Development Assistant
Stefanie Agre greets
conference participants.
At right: Lisa Hughes of
the Minnesota
Department of
Employment and
Economic Development
talks with a conference participant.
Over 140 people attended each day of a Renewable
Energy Conference held at Max’s Grill in Olivia on
February 8-9. The conference focused on wind energy
and cellulosic ethanol. It was hosted by the Renville
County HRA/EDA and the West Central Clean Energy
Resource Team (CERTs) and sponsored by Farm Credit
Services of Minnesota Valley.
Thursday’s wind energy focus drew approximately
150 people from Renville County and around the state
who are interested in wind turbines. According to Karen
Anderson from the American Sustainable Energy
Council, Minnesota is only using one-tenth of one
percent of the available wind power. A major concern is
the fact that the majority of the developed wind power in
the state is owned by out-of-state interests. Locally
owned turbines would do for rural residents what value
added agriculture does by helping to increase the number
of jobs and economic benefits in a county, Anderson said.
Renville County HRA/EDA has been collecting wind
data from a location near Hector for approximately four
years. The data shows that the county has the potential
for successful wind energy production. The city of Olivia
is currently in the process of selecting a location to
Issue 1
construct a wind turbine to provide power to its residents.
Friday’s cellulosic ethanol focus drew around 140
people interested in learning more about the topic.
Cellulosic ethanol is an ethanol blend that does not use
feedstock but instead uses switchgrass and other
cellulosic biomass. Bill Lee, general manager of the
Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company in Benson, believes
that cellulosic ethanol will develop through the evolution
of corn-based ethanol plants. Speakers said that many
technological challenges must be overcome before the
industry becomes economically feasible. The transport of
bulky cellulosic materials also presents a challenge.
The advantages shown by cellulosic ethanol make it a
goal worth seeking, speakers said. According to Greg
Cuomo of the University of Minnesota Outreach and
Education Park, it currently takes 3 to 4 gallons of water
to produce a gallon of ethanol from corn, whereas
research shows that with cellulosic ethanol would reduce
water needs by eight to tenfold. A reduction in the amount
of fossil fuel used to create each gallon of ethanol would
be another important advantage, they pointed out.
The Renville County HRA/EDA would like to thank
the following speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors of the
Renewable Energy Conference: Renville County Board
Chair Bob Fox; Mike Reese of WCROC; Steve Wagner
of USDA ARS; Andrew Falk, Renewable Energy
Consultant; Dave Pederson of Prairie Woods
Environmental Learning Center; David Winkelman of
WERC; Karen Anderson of the American Sustainable
Energy Council; Lisa Noty of USDA; Toni Merdan and
Tom Meium of Congressman Collin Peterson’s office;
Bill Lee of CVEC; Greg Cuomo of UMORE Park; Matt
Ketelson of Senator Norm Coleman’s Office; Ralph
Groschen of the MDA; Stacy Miller of the MN State
Energy Office; Ted Aulich of the University of North
Dakota EERC; AURI, CERTs, CURE, Farm Credit
Services of MN Valley, Minnesota West Community &
Technical College, ProAg of Renville County, SWIF,
Sunrise Agra Fuels, USDA, Wind Turbine Industries
Corp., Windustry, and Winkelman’s Environmentally
Responsible Construction.
If you would like more information on wind energy
and/or cellulosic ethanol, please contact the Renville
County HRA/EDA office at 320-523-3656 or visit our
website at www.renville.com.
Around the county...
Danube
Danube Fun Days are
July 11-15th. The
Danube Area Action
Club is looking for more
members, so if you can
help in any way, please
contact Tammy Bentley at 8269918 or Janice Kopel at 826-2155. A
schedule of events will be posted on
Danube‚s web site, which is
www.cityofdanube.com.
Buffalo Lake
Greetings from the City of Buffalo Lake.
We are excited to report that we hope to
re-open Minnesota Beef Industries this
spring. We look forward to the increased
number of jobs, along with the families
we expect to move to Buffalo Lake to fill
these new positions. This will also
increase our tax base, cash flow to local
business, and student enrollment numbers
for the local school district...all in all, a
win-win situation. We are hoping to see
the restaurant on Hwy 212 re-open this
spring. Buffalo Lake Health Care has
added an independent living wing and
construction is proceeding on schedule for
large buildings for sale that
would be suitable for a vehicle
repair shop, tire sales, or a
small manufacturing firm and
would welcome interested
parties to come give them a
look. It would appear that
Buffalo Lake is the place to be.
Hope to see you soon!
the
new
four-plex on
Main Street. We
are pleased with our
newly finished city
maintenance shed that replaces the
building destroyed by the tornado of 2003.
The addition to our Fire Hall is nearly
complete and we would like to invite
everyone to check it out when coming to
town for the Annual Lions Club Fish Fry
and the Fireman's Prime Rib Dinner in
April. We are also looking forward to
building our first ever Habitat for
Humanity home.
Ground breaking is scheduled for May
and community support for this project is
gaining momentum. Finally, we have two
WAITING LIST FOR RENTAL
ASSISTANCE TEMPORARILY CLOSED
On March 2nd, the Renville County HRA/EDA‚s waiting
list for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program was
temporarily closed to new applications. This decision was based
on the fact that new applicants would wait over a year for
assistance.
Under the HCV program, participants must spend 30% of
their incomes on rent and utilities, with the program paying the
remainder up to a maximum figure determined by the size of the
home.
We hope to re-open the waiting list sometime in the last half
of 2007. We are still taking applications for future openings at
our Public Housing apartment building in Franklin and also
have a list of privately owned apartment buildings with
subsidized rents. For more information call 320-523-3656.
LAW REQUIRES CARBON MONOXIDE
DETECTORS FOR ALL DWELLINGS
Under a new Minnesota statute which went into effect
January 1, 2007, all newly built dwellings must have carbon
monoxide detectors. Property owners should be aware that
existing properties soon will also have to comply with this
requirement. Beginning August 1, 2008, all single-family
dwelling units will be required to have a CO2 detector. The law
affects multi-family dwellings beginning August 1, 2009.
Morton
Spring Garden Party is April 21st. Craft
Vendors and quilters are welcome to
join - call the city clerk for information.
Board/Staff Members:
Shirley Dove, Morton
Mark Glesener, Bird Island
Deb Hinderks, Renville
Matt Jaunich, Hector
Mark Thiesse, Olivia
Mary Ann Minkel, Olivia
Scott Nissen, Franklin
Gale Dahlager, Ex Officio
Chris Hettig, Executive Director
Linda Larsen, Housing Coordinator
Stephanie Agre, Development Assistant
Ron Louisiana, Maintenance
DIVERSITY AWARENESS GRANTS AVAILABLE
The Renville County HRA/EDA has grants of up to $300
available for diversity awareness activities. Qualifying activities are
varied, and include bi-lingual signage or brochures, community
events or festivals that promote multi-cultural understanding, or
intergenerational activities such as mentoring programs. Eligible
applicants include local units of government, schools, and
community organizations. If you have questions or wish to obtain an
application, contact Linda Larsen at 320-523-3745.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO
BREAK THE BANK TO
FIX UP YOUR HOME
Of you’re a first-time
homebuyer or a current Maximum Incomes:
homeowner in Renville County, 1 person $30,850
you may qualify for a 0% 2 people $35,300
matching loan of up to $3,000 to 3 people $39,700
help you improve 4 people $44,100
or purchase a 5 people $47,650
home. For more 6 people $51,150
information call the 7 people $54,700
Renville County 8 people $58,200
HRA/EDA.