By Joanne Bergman The Murray County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. All five board members were present for this second meeting of the new year. Approval was given to the agenda, no conflicts of interest were identified and the commissioners’ warrants were reviewed. The next item of business was to close the meeting to hear an update from legal counsel on the CD 11 State Highway 30 issue. No comments were received from the board following the session.
Auditor Treasurer Heidi Winter received approval of two requests for legal gambling permits. One will allow Shetek Sportsmen’s Association to hold a raffle on June 7. The second request will allow Pheasants Forever to hold a raffle on March 8. Both of these events will be waived the need for township approval.
Ditch Inspector Travis Radke requested a date to schedule a meeting on March 4 for the Abandonment of CD 28. Landowners have submitted a petition for the action. The small ditch is north of Currie and is no longer being used due to a wetland having been established in the same area.
Shelly Lewis and Craig Christensen came before the board to request the First Quarter Allocation for the Soil & Water District. They have a new employee, Danielle Kubal. A copy of the newsletter sent to 900 landowners was presented to each commissioner.
The second closed session of the meeting was held to discuss the strategy related to the pending salary appeal filed by Sheriff Landsman. The result announced following the meeting was that a settlement of $125,000 was reached. Landsman’s salary had previously been set below the average of comparable positions.
Jon Bloemendaal presented the contract with SHE for engineering services on the Demolition Site (Landfill). Their engineer works with Bloemendaal to meet all of the permit requirements of the MN Pollution Control.
Parks Director Justin Hoffmann, along with Jeff Boerboom of the Pork Producers received approval of their request to seek bids for an addition to the Pork Producers building on the fairgrounds. A twelve foot addition on the south end will remain open while providing rain and sun protection for the members working the grills. The costs will be borne by the Pork Producers.
Hoffmann also requested the go-ahead to proceed with the purchase of a new Polaris Ranger to be used in the parks and on the fairgrounds. A trade in price was $19,935 for the budgeted item.
Museum Director Nick Demuth received approval of a three year contract for management of county owned land and property by the historical society. The Museum, Wornson Cabin, Sierk Building and the Dinehart Holt House are included in those properties.
A project proposed by Southwest Health & Human Services to provide four E-Bikes for rental at End O Line Park was accepted. Up to $4500 in grant monies through SHIP funds will be available for the project. It is projected that the $10 hour rental fee will be more than adequate to fund the costs of maintenance. Additional grant funds will be available to fund more bikes if they are needed.
