OT County approves hazard mitigation plan

By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

The County of Otter Tail has received $500 from the West Battle Lake LakeShore Association to assist in operational costs to fight Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). 

Two Internet Landing Installed Device Sensor (I-LIDS) will be installed through the county Land and Resource Office.

The I-LIDS is a self-contained, solar-powered system at boat ramps used to reduce the risk of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) through video inspection of boats and audio education of boaters.

Human Services report given

County Human Services Director Deb Sjostrom, along with Human Services Supervisors Michelle Fischer and Melanie Courrier, discussed with county board members disability services throughout Otter Tail County.

The programs available include home and community-based services for disabilities, long-term care and pandemic-created challenges.

“We work to create opportunities to improve efficiencies and enhance how services can be offered to consumers,” Sjostrom said.

Workforce challenges to fully staff service providers is an ongoing barrier which is expected to continue impacting service delivery. County board members commended the work of Human Services employees for their dedication and commitment to meeting the needs of county residents.

Hazard mitigation plan

County Emergency Manager Patrick Waletzko presented to the county board an updated Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan which will guide the actions of the county and cities to eliminate or greatly reduce the impact of natural hazards/disasters on communities. 

The development of the plan began in 2020 and was completed earlier this year after being reviewed by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and Federal Emergency Management Agency. The plan will be adopted by the County Board and all city councils, which are the final steps to make the plan official.