Sherburne County is continuing to upgrade its vehicles in the public works department after years of conserving its budget by making repairs. Tuesday, the county board approved a request by Public Works Director John Menter to purchase two new tandem trucks at a cost of approximately $460,000. At a workshop meeting last summer, Menter said the aging fleet was in need of replacement. Tuesday, he said it was time to replace two trucks. “Two single-axle trucks we’re currently using for plowing are 18 an 19,” he told the board. “I would like to replace them with new tandems.” Menter said the money was already in the budget. “We reduced some line items in the public works fund to move some money into capital equipment purchases,” he said. Menter mentioned to the board that he saw there was one county in the western part of the state selling one of their older tandem trucks. “We have three trucks that are older than the one they are trying to sell,” he said. “So that’s probably an indication that we’ve gotten our money’s worth out of our trucks.” The board also approved the purchase of two 2013 Ford Fusions at $18,862.19 each from Midway Ford using the State of Minnesota contract. One vehicle will replace a 2005 Dodge Durango and the other will be added to the fleet, bringing the county’s fleet total to 17. Other Business In other action the board: * Set a public hearing for 7 p.m. March 18 at Haven Town Hall to turn back portions of Co. Rd. 91 to the township; * Set a public hearing for 7 p.m. March 13 at Big Lake Town Hall to turn back portions of old Co. Rd. 14 near the Bailey Station Cemetery to the township; * Passed a resolution approving the platting of right-of-way on Co. Rd. 52. * Set a public hearing to consider adopting an ordinance allowing the Sheriff’s Office to conduct criminal history background checks for licensing and employment; * Approved the 2012 county OSHA report indicating thee were 31 cases reported with 124 days away from work. * Approved a payment of $13,920 to EL-Jay Plumbing & Heating for a water heater replacement at the Government Center. * Ratified a transfer of $144.78 from the general fund to the county ditch account to cover a 2012 year-end deficit balance; * Appointed Amanda Fiedler, Community Development Director from Becker to replace Nick Ziegelmann on the Sherburne County EDA for a term of six years; * Approved a MN Lawful Gambling Application for Bingo for Travelers Country Club in Clear Lake Twp. for May 25, June 22, July 27 and Aug. 31, 2013; * Approved advertising for bids for turn lane and culvert replacement on portions of county roads 4, 5, 9, 15, 16, 121 and 30; * Approved advertising for bids for sealcoating and pavement marking on various county roads (separate bids); * Approved the hiring of a paid intern for the county attorney’s office. A grant will cover most of the cost, with the remainder covered by the forfeiture fund.