Permit problems Stearns County residents and township officials appeared before the board to express concerns over a recent letter sent to county residents in violation of the county’s zoning ordinance. Nearly 100 letters were sent to residents who failed to obtain construction site permits. All the letter recipients had built a structure without a construction site permit, which violates the Stearns County Land Use and Zoning Ordinance. In the letter, landowners were told they needed to obtain a permit and pay a penalty fee, remove the structure, or demonstrate that they had obtained the appropriate permits. Since that letter was sent, approximately 90 percent of the recipients have contacted the Environmental Services Department. A number of people produced records showing that the proper construction site permits were issued, others showed that the structure was built before the ordinance took effect. Some admitted they built without a permit and others said they were not aware a permit was necessary or were misinformed. Because of the complexity of the various scenarios, the board agreed to offer a one-time amnesty period. This amnesty is in effect for the next 60 days, and will waive any penalty fees and, if the person had obtained a township permit, the county permit fee and charges for a variance will be waived. Commissioners directed staff to inform county residents of the rules laid out in the zoning ordinance. To educate county residents, Environmental Services plans to put informational flyers with tax statements, distribute the information to county newspapers, and hold training sessions in March and April with township officials. Since the Zoning Ordinance took effect in 2000, Stearns County Environmental Services has received numerous reports of permit violations. Aerial photographs, records and databases from other county offices also show discrepancies in permit compliance. Questions about the permitting process can be directed to the Environmental Services Department at (320) 656-3613 or (800) 450-0852. New voting machines The county board looked at new voting machines that may be used in Stearns County in two years. HAVA, the Help America Vote Act of 2002, requires the county to have voting machines designed for individuals with disabilities at each polling place by 2006. These machines, designed for the blind or visually impaired, will provide the same opportunity for access and participation as other voters. Current procedure is for someone to read and mark the ballot for the individual, costing them their privacy. The new electronic touch-screen voting machine demonstrated at the county board meeting has larger print for the visually impaired and headphones with audio instructions for the blind. The machine can also be programmed in multiple languages. Incorporating these new voting machines will be costly to the county. Each unit has a price tag of about $4,000, and there are 101 precincts in Stearns County. The Board of Commissioners approved a resolution requesting federal dollars appropriated by the Secretary of State to fund the purchase of these machines and to pay for ongoing operating costs. Eighteen of Stearns County’s smallest precincts still use paper ballots. Also included in the resolution is a funding request to cover the cost of purchasing optical voting equipment for these counties to replace their outdated voting systems. The voting machines will be purchased in 2005 to be used in 2006. Property valuations appeals A date was set for the County Board of Equalization and Review. This board provides an opportunity for citizens to appeal their property valuations. Those who went before their local board and want to appeal that decision have the opportunity to come before the county board. The Board of Equalization will meet at 9 a.m. June 14 and, if necessary, again at 1 p.m. June 22. Meetings will take place in the County Board Room in the Administration Center in downtown St. Cloud. County Commissioner Don Otte and four appointed community members serve on the Board of Equalization and Review. The county will begin soliciting for these positions soon.
