The Murray County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on October 5th with all members in attendance.
At the invitation of the Board, Senator Bill Weber was on hand to discuss issues of importance to Murray County. First item to be discussed was County Ditch 11 repairs. The 100 year old tile was discovered under Highway 30 near Lake Wilson when the road collapsed five years ago. Murray County has maintained that the cost of moving the tile is an expense to be paid by MN Department of Transportation. However, no response has been made to the request for payment. Senator Weber will be forwarding the information to the proper people.
A further request for the support of Sen. Weber was for funding of improvements to Valhalla Road. For the safety of both motorists and pedestrians in the area, the road needs to be raised and widened, work that has not received approval of the Department of Natural Resources. The price of the project is beyond the means of Murray County to fund alone.
The next item brought forward by Highway Engineer Randy Groves was the difficulty in obtaining adequate reimbursement for reconstruction of St. Highway 267 (Iona to Hwy 30). In a Turnback Agreement the road will become a County Highway once that work is completed.
Inclusion of funding for a new highway department building in a State bonding bill was requested with support pledged by Sen. Weber. Continuation of energy production tax from wind towers along with financial support of childcare were also discussed.
Parks Director Justin Hoffmann was present to discuss additional tiling for the fair grounds and the addition of a sewer line for a proposed new shop building. The Commissioners did not agree to the sewer line due to budget concerns at this time.
Murray County Medical Center CEO Luke Schryvers presented his monthly report of activities and finances. A new urologist, Dr. Rosen, had a full schedule in his first day at MCMC. The relationship will continue with patients to be seen again on October 26. A Risk Assessment Review has been completed with a 93% score. This review will result in lowered insurance rates. Finances showed an increase in clinic visits, the highest in recent months. The Sanford cyber attack resulted in an increased amount of accounts receivable as claims could not be submitted during that period. Cash on hand has increased by $150,000. Total net income was positive in the amount of $1.1M for 2021. An update of the pharmacy system is being budgeted as a capital expense in the coming year. Covid testing has continued with a large increase in positive tests. The clinic is busy with Covid and booster Covid vaccinations along with ones for the flu.
The first payment for the Dinehart-Holt House restoration and repairs was made in the amount of $80,808.90. This followed discussion with Director Janet Timmerman that resulted from the misunderstanding of the pay request. Grant monies, contributions and budget adjustments fund the project.
Ditch Inspector Travis Radke had three petitions for consideration. A tile line of 1200 ft is being laid in Lake Maria to replace old tile. There should be no affect on other tile draining into that area. Branch Haken had reported a blow out on his farm in Sec. 17, Slayton Township. Jim DeYounge had reported a wash out in the road ditch in Sec. 9, Leeds Township. Radke reviews each petition for repair and a contractor completes the repair and bills the ditch system.
Zoning Administrator Jean Christoffels discussed the Conditional Use Permit that will allow Lake Farm Properties, LLC to construct a small private campground in Sec. 4, Lake Sarah Township. The CUP was approved with conditions. The campground must be licensed and the well water meet health standards. The wetlands abutting the campground must be flagged and delineated.
Human Resources Director Ronda Radke brought two resolutions to the Board both dealing with employee health insurance. The first set the 2022 employer contribution of $746 for a single person and $1,424 for a family policy. These were the same as 2021. The second resolution included the six plans for singles and families with deductions ranging from $2800 to $10,000 and the premium costs of each plan.
County Administrator Thomas Burke reminded the Board members of the District 8 Association of MN Counties Meeting on October 28. The Annual AMC meeting will be December 7 with all the commissioners invited to attend. That date falls on a regular board meeting day so it was his suggestion that some agenda items be moved to November 30 to proceed the Truth in Taxation meeting.
Jon Bloemendaal informed the Commissioners of a large number of tractor tires coming into the recycling center. With those already on hand there are enough to make a load. He requested adjusting his budget to allow for $8000 to take tires to the recycling facility.
The meeting concluded with Committee reports with each member listing meetings attended during the period of September 19 to October 2.
