North/East metro briefs: Molly O'Rourke gets high marks for leadership of Washington County

Administrator Molly O'Rourke has received high marks for her skill in leading the Washington County government workforce, said Commissioner Lisa Weik, chairwoman of the County Board.

The board conducted a closed-door annual review of O'Rourke's performance on April 4.

Weik said the board applauded O'Rourke for building relationships and partnerships across the county and in the community. Commissioners also commended her for maintaining the county's high bond rating, for positive responses received on the county's residential survey, and for efficiencies she has introduced to county business practices.

Also noted was O'Rourke's respect for others, her ability to hear all sides of a situation and the strong leadership she provides to the county's department managers.

O'Rourke became county administrator in 2012 after working for Washington County for 16 years in taxation, elections, the auditor-treasurer's office and as budget director and deputy administrator. She replaced County Administrator Jim Schug, who retired, Weik said.

O'Rourke also worked in various positions for the city of St. Paul, including as a policy analyst for the mayor.

About 1,200 people work for Washington County government. The county government center is in Stillwater, with regional offices in Cottage Grove, Forest Lake and Woodbury.

After months of planning, a crime lab in Andover won't be adding a fourth partner to its three-county venture after all. The Isanti County Board voted earlier this month not to go through with the proposed partnership.

Since late last year, the Tri County Regional Forensic Laboratory — a joint endeavor of Anoka, Sherburne and Wright counties — had been expecting Isanti County to begin contracting for its services.

The county, which relies on the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) for lab testing, had considered switching to the Tri County lab for quicker turnaround times among other reasons, county officials said.

But a recent visit from a BCA representative helped persuade Isanti to remain with the state, said Isanti County Administrator Kevin VanHooser. The BCA official fielded questions and talked about added staffing, VanHooser said.

Cost also factored into the decision. While the state does the work for no charge, Isanti County would have paid about $55,000 for the Tri County lab's services, effective in July. "It was an expensive endeavor to make that change," VanHooser said.

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The second phase of an extensive reconstruction of traffic-heavy Manning Avenue has begun, following approval of the project last week by the Washington County Board.

County officials now will make right-of-way acquisitions and negotiate roadway easements. The estimated cost of the acquisitions, which will be funded by 2016 bond sales, is about $2 million.

The first phase of the reconstruction, which included a new intersection near Oak-Land Junior High School in Lake Elmo, was completed in 2016. The latest phase of construction will include a realignment of County Road 14 (also known as Old Highway 5) and Manning near the Washington County Fairgrounds. Construction is planned for 2018.

County engineers have said the Manning Avenue (County Road 15) project will improve safety along Manning between Interstate 94 and County Road 14.

The Kinnickinnic River Land Trust's 23rd annual river cleanup will be held Saturday, April 29 in River Falls.

Cleanup crews will meet at 9 a.m. at Glen Park Main Shelter in River Falls to receive maps and assignments. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The 22-mile Kinnickinnic is a nationally recognized trout stream in Pierce and St. Croix counties in west-central Wisconsin. Its watershed covers 170 square miles and it drains into the St. Croix River, a federally designated wild and scenic river.

Volunteers can register online at kinniriver.org/news-events/upcoming-events. Registration must be received by 5 p.m. Monday.

For details, send an e-mail to info@kinniriver.org or call 715-425-5738.