Our Mission: Providing quality services throug2h responsible leadership, innovation and the cooperation of dedicated people Date: April 9, 2019 Contact: Yvonne Klinnert, Public Information Manager Phone: 651-430-6026, after hours 952-807-3723 E-mail: yvonne.klinnert@co.washington.mn.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The following actions were taken at the April 9, 2019, Washington County Board of Commissioners meeting at the Government Center in Stillwater, Minnesota County will sell fuel to Bayport law enforcement through state contract Washington County will sell fuel to the City of Bayport for use in law enforcement vehicles through the county’s state contract, after the County Board approved an agreement with the city April 9. The Washington County Sheriff's Office has a contract with the state for the 2019 Fixed Fuel Program for participants in the metropolitan area. The City of Bayport needs to buy 87 octane gasoline to operate its squad cars and SUVs for law enforcement. The Sheriff's Office will provide up to 600 gallons of gasoline a month to the City of Bayport for $1.6836 per gallon, plus applicable taxes. Any gallons after the 600 gallons per month will be charged the amount charged to Washington County by Mansfield Oil. The contract runs from Feb. 1 through Jan. 31, 2020. Contact: Sheriff Dan Starry, 651-430-7601 Sheriff’s Office will receive funds for boating equipment The Washington County Sheriff’s Office will receive a $6,580 grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources through a boating equipment grant program. The County Board accepted the grant April 9. The Sheriff’s Office will use the money to purchase dive equipment used during water recoveries. Contact: Sheriff Dan Starry, 651-430-7601 County Board recognizes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week The Washington County Board of Commissioners recognized April 7-13 as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week April 9. County Attorney Pete Orput asked the County Board for a resolution to remind residents that every April the Office of Victims of Crime helps lead communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. This year’s theme – “Honoring the Past. Creating Hope for the Future” – encourages commemoration, honor, and respect toward the crime victim advocates, allied professionals, and selfless volunteers who have courageously worked for increased rights for crime victims. The theme also invites a look toward a future of inclusive, accessible, and innovative resources and services for survivors. Contact: Pete Orput, County Attorney, 651-430-6115 County Board designates April 10 as ‘Wear Orange Day’ to promote work zone safety The Washington County Board of designated April 10 as “Wear Orange Day” to promote work zone safety. The County Board made the designation April 9. This year’s theme is “Drive like you work here.” A safe roadway environment for county employees, residents, and visitors is a critical component of Washington County’s goal of promoting the health, safety, and quality of life of residents. The week is designated to promote safety for both road users and work crews, and raise awareness of the need for more caution when driving through work zones to decrease fatalities and injuries. Workers and drivers are both at risk in highway work zones. Risk is increased with excessive speed, distracted driving, driver fatigue, and chemical impairment. During the past three years, 123 fatal or serious injury crashes occurred in Minnesota highway work zones. In 1999, the Federal Highway Administration partnered with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials to create the National Work Zone Awareness Week campaign, conducted annually in April prior to the construction season in much of the nation. National Work Zone Awareness Week is an event that takes place across the United States, with partnerships between state departments of transportation, national road safety organizations, government agencies, private companies, and individuals. Contact: Tim Parkos, Senior Engineer Technician, 651-430-4344 County Board recognizes 9-1-1 Public Safety Dispatchers in Washington County Washington County 9-1-1 Public Safety Dispatchers in Washington County were recognized by the County Board April 9 in honor of National Public Safety Telecommunications Week April 14-20. In 1994, a presidential proclamation was made to designate the second full week in April as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. The National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week honors all of those who help those in need through the use of telecommunications. In its resolution, the County Board thanked and honored the men and women who serve every day as public safety dispatchers in Washington County by proclaiming the week of April 14 through April 20 as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week in Washington County. Contact: Sheriff Dan Starry, 651-430-7601 County will waive fees for well testing in response to flooding In response to spring flooding, Washington County will temporarily waive water testing fees for coliform bacteria for residents wo may gave flooded wells during the duration of the emergency declaration for flood response. The County Board approved the waiver April 9. Homeowners who are concerned about coliform bacteria reaching their well water because of saturated soils may have their water tested by the county. For more information, see the county website at www.co.washington.mn.us and put well “water tests” in the search bar to find more information. Contact: Stephanie Souter, Public Health Program Supervisor, 651-430-6701 A great place to live, work and play…today and tomorrow Government Center • 14949 62nd Street North — P.O. Box 6, Stillwater, Minnesota 55082-0006 Phone: 651-430-6001 • Fax: 651-430-6017 • TTY: 651-430-6246 www.co.washington.mn.us Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action