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Wednesday, October 25, 2006
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Logging activity reflects housing slowdown CROW WING COUNTY BOARD Senior Reporter A slowing housing and building market is already affecting area loggers.
Crow Wing County commissioners expect to hear more about the fallout next month. Land Commissioner Tom Cowell said Gov. Tim Pawlenty is putting together a task force on the matter and more information will be available in November.
Commissioner Ed Larsen said with less demand for wood products, there will be a large correction in the timber market. Commissioner John Ferrari said big loggers are already affected.
Commissioner Dewey Tautges said last year the county had 690 building permits and as of September had 219 building permits. The downturn has implications for the county's budget as well in terms of timber sales. Larsen said after a period of inflated prices, he believes there may be a couple of years of corrections to bring the market back to a more reasonable level.
In other business, the board:
Named Nov. 13-19 Chemical Health Week in relation to methamphetamine prevention coalition efforts. The week, which urges people to wear red, is designed to raise awareness for abuse of alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
Told the Crow Wing County Soil and Water Conservation District that an emphasis on water flow and the effects of development on water levels along with educating the public on ways to use property and still protect the environment are two county priorities.
Heard paving is expected on Beaver Dam Road this Friday and Saturday and concrete curb work is expected on Riverside Drive with a first paving anticipated before winter.
Learned the Thirteenth Street railway crossing may have concrete planks on site to fix the bumpy crossing by the end of the week. County Highway Engineer Duane Blanck said if the weather holds the new crossing will be installed yet this fall. Otherwise the timbers will be replace and the major repair will wait until after winter.
Agreed to hire a replacement for retiring Crow Wing County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Tim Leonard who is leaving the county after 19 years of employment. Leonard plans to retire Jan. 31, 2007.
Learned a list of improvements for the Central Minnesota Community Corrections juvenile facility at the Brainerd Regional Human Services Center needs $25,000 to $50,000 in improvements following a Department of Corrections inspection. Crow Wing County is the landlord for the facility.
Heard compliments about county employee Brian Miller from a Douglas County commissioner who visited the new jail facility.
RENEE RICHARDSON can be reached at renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.
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