COUNTY PROJECTS READIED FOR SPRING

By Joanne Bergman The Murray County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. All five members of the board were in attendance. Auditor Treasurer Heidi Winter was questioned as to the progress being made on the 2023 audit. She informed the Board that she is working through the process of submitting required information as well as working on the 2024 audit. It was also suggested that she begin training Emily Ackerman to payroll duties as a backup to the Deputy Auditor.

Ag Administrator Jon Bloemendaal presented the 2024 Feedlot Report. The MN Pollution Control Agency requires the annual report. Bloemendaal was able to report he had inspected 33 of the 435 registered feedlots in the period of January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024. He is required to perform his inspections on a four year rotation. He stated that there is a continued interest in both new and enlarged feedlots in the coming months.

Zoning Administrator Jean Christoffels received a positive response to her request of a Letter of Support to the Lake Sarah Township. The Township is interested in creating an emergency response center, perhaps in the area of Valhalla Road. The center would house emergency vehicles and be a central location for fire and First Responders. The growth of population in the lakes area and the distance from such services are spurring the Township’s efforts. They will be working with all area response teams to set up services and areas to be covered.

Eric Earhart and Jon Boyer were present to explain the Habitat Easement Acquisition on approximately 60 acres in Mason Township owned by Chad, Allan and Tony John-son. The wetland area will not be open to the public. The area will be used for water and wildlife conservation. The purchase of such land is possible with funds created from the sale of the Federal Duck Stamp.

Parks Director Justin Hoffmann received approval to move ahead on the installation of a kayak rental station to be located at West Lake Sarah County Park. A $20,000 grant will provide a five year contract with the company. Kayaks will rent for $25 hr. with the fee split by the County and the company. The Board was informed that all seasonal camping sites in the parks have been taken for the upcoming season. Hoffmann also outlined the projects for 2025. These included dust control for the fairgrounds, the $250,000 lighting project for the race track, the new Cattleman Ass’n building, new restroom sinks and paint near the racetrack and tree replacement due to Emerald Ash Borer damage.

Connie Wieneke will become the Deputy Auditor moving from the Ag/Zoning office. Her wage will increase to $31.41 hr.

Highway Engineer Randy Groves was presented with the Special project of the Year Award for the Murray County Highway Maintenance Facility at the 2025 Minnesota County Engineer Ass’n Annual Conference.