Backer gets surprise recognition as Clerk of the Year
RANDOLPH — Randolph City Clerk Kelsey Backer got quite a surprise last week.
U,S, Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director Karl Elmshaeuser presented Backer with a special plaque Oct. 17.
She was under the impression that Elmshaeuser was there for a meet and greet and little did she know she was being presented with a plaque for City Clerk of the Year.
She also received a flag that once flew over the United States Capital. Those present for the award were Deputy City Clerk, Janet Groen; Mayor Dwayne Schutt; City Council President and Councilman Brad Bargstadt; Utility Superintendent, Aaron Nielsen; U.S. Department of Agriculture, Community Programs Assistant, Norfolk Office, Anthony Guenther.
Guenther nominated Backer for the special honor.
In the letter of nomination, Guenther noted, “Kelsey Backer and the City Council played a significant role in helping a flood mitigation project become a reality in Randolph.”
The City of Randolph had been looking at a flood mitigation project for quite some time. They have been working with the United States Army Corps of Engineers on this project and a study was done.
The City of Randolph is in a floodplain, which can often make constructing new houses and other buildings burdensome because of environmental regulations for floodplains. It also makes them ineligible for other government programs.
The City decided to try and make this project a reality for further economic development for their town.
Guenther said Backer played a big role in this project and will continue to as it progresses along.
“She was very good and continues to be helpful in managing this task by contacting all the appropriate parties and keeping them informed (3 funding sources for this project other than USDA RD $2.76 million loan through the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program),” Guenterh said. “She also was very helpful to USDA by providing the necessary information in a timely manner and keeping us informed whenever there was a development in the project.
Backer also aided in the effort to get a sales tax passed as a repayment source for the USDA bond.
“Kelsey and the City did a wonderful job in community outreach, making sure that the residents were informed and knew this was going on for the project,” Guenther said. She has done a great job and continues to do a great job with this project. You can tell alone by her effort and involvement in this project of the care and commitment she has to her community.”
