County board asked to join state-wide group

On Tuesday the Lyon County Board heard Daniel Larson, Executive Director of the Minnesota Rural Counties (MRC) Association, who asked the boardoard to join the MRC.
Currently there are about 30 counties in the group — most in northern Minnesota. Counties in this area in the MRC are Redwood, Cottonwood and Watonwan counties.
Larson said the MRC is an, “Established and well-regarded organization with coordinated leadership and communications capabilities that advocates specifically for  rural county concerns.”
“We are actively working to build membership in your region,” said Larson.
“Our group brings in speakers relevant to rural Minnesota,” he said and he listed the subjects of several of the special speakers.
“They wanted me to put this information in a book so we’re working on that format,” he said.
“We realize your budget is tight, but the $2,500 we’re asking, means you need value for that,” said Larson.
“Dan (Larson) helped us organize the Parks and Trails Coalition establishment to get trails and parks established in Minnesota,” said Commissioner Rick Anderson. He thanked Larson for his contribution. Larson returned the thanks, saying Anderson also worked hard to help get the Parks and Trails funded and established. “Funding every year allows our state to do what it’s doing — establishing a great park and trail system in Minnesota.” The request will be considered during budget talks.
“We’ll take this under consideration,” said Board Chairman Gary Crowley.

IN OTHER actionthe board:
•Approved a public hearing in an attempt to build a new Head Start facility next to the corporate office in Marshall.
It would provide efficiencies for both the organization and consumers using the UCAP services.
The board approved “conduit” funds to help finance the acquisition, construction and equipping of the new facility.
The county board was asked to approve a public hearing for the issuance of a conduit revenue obligation. The aggregate face amount of the note is at $2 million. However, UCAP director Nancy Straw, Executive Director of UCAP, said the amount needed is closer is $1.2 million but they padded the amount so if the cost changes they won’t have to return to the council.
“Conduit” bonds are initiated by and issued for the benefit of private entities. Lyon County will not be responsible for the bonds.
The “private entity” repays the loan in an amount sufficient to pay principal and interest on the bonds. The loan is handled entirely by a separate bond trustee. After the bonds are issued the county will have almost no role in payment or administration of the bonds.
Straw said leased classroom space for Head Start was no longer available and after checking existing buildings and other options, it was decided to build a new facility.
The planned building is on Saratoga Street, next to the current UCAP offices.
The proposed facility includes rooms for infant and toddler care expansion (Early Head Start) plus office space.
“A new Head Start facility in Marshall is critical to ensuring early childhood education needs are met,” sited Straw. She added that, “A new facility will also create a sense of stability for families and teaching staff.”
•Approved a bid from Traffic Marketing Services of Maple Lake for $45,611 to do 45 miles of striping of county roads.
•Went on record support efforts of PrimeWest.
The Lyon County Board has already approved the use of PrimeWest network for Lyon County.
Tuesday the board went on record adopting a resolution in support of the efforts of Prime West.
PrimeWest Health is a network is made up of more than 10,000 health and social services practitioners and facilities in Minnesota and the surrounding states.
The network covers the entire health and social services provider continuum, giving PrimeWest Health members optimum access to and choice of providers.
PrimeWest Health network providers, to deliver quality and cost-effective care to over 40,000 PrimeWest Health members who live in our 13 counties and are eligible for Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP).
Tuesday Lyon County Commissioner Charlie Sanow said, “PrimeWest provides better service for our people. I would encourage us to endorse their efforts.”
Commissioner Rick Anderson also endorsed the work of PrimeWest.
Commissioner Steve Ritter made the motion to adopt a resolution in support of the efforts of PrimeWest.