At their March 4 meeting, Douglas County commissioners took action on traffic signs to increase safety in a newly congested area of the county, discussed a potential new interchange on 94, and met with members of the Alexandria City Council to share thoughts on the use of ATV and UTVs in city limits among other items.
Periodically county commissioners and Alexandria City council members come together for a joint meeting. One issue for the March 4 meeting was ATV and UTV use in the city of Alexandria. There are both city and county roads within the city limits and the elected officials agreed members of the public want to know where they can legally operate these vehicles. They agreed to study the concerns and work toward a plan for the safe use of these special vehicles within city limits.
County Engineer and Public Works Director Tim Erickson raised the issue of an interchange from 94 to County 17, also known as Gene’s Barn Road. He asked the city council members present, Bill Franzen, Roger Thalman, and Nicole Mace, if that raised any issues with them. They concurred the county should proceed with its preliminary work.
The city/county meeting was preceded by a regular county board meeting. Commissioner Shane Schmidt asked Erickson to better control traffic flow at County Road 46 and Nevada Street. The addition of a large business and other growth in the area has created the need for a 4-way stop. Erickson asked the board for permission to purchase and install flashing stop signs and portable messaging board to make all drivers in the area aware of the need to stop.
The board also approved a project for aerial mapping of the county’s culverts and bridge breach lines. This will ultimately assist in better managing water flow.
Housing Study
The Douglas County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) works to provide safe and affordable housing and economic opportunity. The HRA owns 28 public housing buildings located across the county. It also owns five apartment buildings and six duplexes. Executive Director Emajean Hanson-Ford provided commissioners with a brief update on 2024, including the success of a program to replace smoke/carbon monoxide detectors in HRA buildings when needed, funds to landlords for repairs and the rehab of the Belmont building in downtown Alexandria. There’s also a program for down payment assistance for qualified applicants. Hanson-Ford said all programs are moving along, although the landlord repair program still has $25,000 that needs to be spent. She also invited commissioners to a Housing Study Kickoff Meeting March 13. This meeting is to share information on the goals of a study being done in 2025 to determine what type of housing is needed in the county. Township officials and city officials are also encouraged to attend.
Tent Caterpillar Spraying
Commissioners denied a request for a congested area flight permit for a company that is traditionally hired by lake association to spray for tent caterpillars in Douglas County. Board Chair Jerry Rapp has expressed concern that such spraying is also detrimental to caterpillars that become monarch butterflies.
Employee Appreciation
Commissioners approved a proclamation declaring March 7, 2025, Employee Appreciation Day for Douglas County employees. Chair Rapp read the proclamation which states:
“You are at the core of everything we do. For those working directly with the public in keeping
our roads and communities safe, helping families thrive, managing people, land, property,
and records, we thank you! And, for those behind the scenes, working to keep the county
running smoothly by managing files, procedures, budgets, paychecks, employees, and
programs, we thank you! The residents of and visitors to Douglas County benefit from your
diligence in producing exceptional results.
We appreciate your dedication, creativity, and resilience—especially when faced with
challenges. Simply put, this place wouldn’t be the same without you!
So, on Friday, March 7, 2025, we wish to acknowledge Employee Appreciation Day for
Douglas County employees. During the month of March, we encourage our public to take a
moment to say thank you to the incredible people who make this county a better place to
live, work, and thrive.”
The next board meeting is Tuesday, March 18 at 9 a.m. in the Administration Building at 821 Cedar Street, Alexandria.