By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

A motion by County Commissioner Bob Lahman of Parkers Prairie and seconded by Commissioner Lee Rogness of Fergus Falls was unanimously carried to approve the implementation of a Green Grant program through the County Solid Waste Department. This allows for funds to county schools for increasing recycling or other waste reduction efforts. 

The proposal is for two $2,500 grant awards funded by the existing Public Information and Education Officer (PIEO) budget. Schools will go through a competitive application process to receive a grant award.

County board okay as lake fiscal agent

County Commissioners approved Otter Tail County to be the fiscal agent for the Spitzer Lake Association bond request for Flood Hazard Mitigation if passed by the Minnesota State Legislature. 

Spitzer Lake is located south of Battle Lake.

The county board is not requesting state bonding on behalf of the county, has not approved any funds to the project and will not be referenced in the bill language.

Spitzer Lake Association President Gary Olson indicated to county commissioners that the Spitzer Lake Association is the sole entity requesting the bonding from the Minnesota State Legislature.

Back in 2017-18 Spitzer Lake rose more than a foot and a half. State and federal agencies are needed when it comes to funding for outlets and other requirements at Spitzer Lake.