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It appears that SPRING PLANTING season has ARRIVED!!
By Joanne Bergman The Murray County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Commissioner Malone attended via interactive technology.
Auditor Treasurer Heidi Winter was given approval to continue participation in the Performance Measures Program. Murray County has participated in the State Auditor program since 2011. The application of Westbrook Firemen Relief Association for an Off Site Gambling Permit was approved. A raffle is scheduled at the Tracy Sportsman Club in early June.
A Closed Session under M.S. 13D.05 was held with discussion with Hannah Schacherl. She is a member of Rinke Noonan, the County’s legal firm handling the claim for damages on CD11/State Highway 30.
Highway Engineer Randy Groves received four bids for striping 86 miles of County roads. Each year one-half of the roads have new stripes painted. The low price was received from Farmers Asphalt Sealers LLC at $97,604.04, Gary Spaeth, Chair of the Republican Party of Murray County requested the support of the Board in opposing the newly selected seal and flag for the State of Minnesota. The Board declined to act, urging citizens to individually contact members of the legislature to voice their concerns.
The quarterly allocation to Murray County Soil & Water was approved in the amount of $49,069.75 Shelly Lewis summarized the activities of the various programs.
Ditch Inspector Travis Radke had only one repair petition to present. It was on JD 7 in Fenton Township.
Jessica Bjerke, manager at Sunrise Terrace, presented the proposed rate increases recommended by her board. Prices will range from $1100 to $1645, with rates dependent upon the size of each unit, a $50 increase as of July 1st. The Guest room price will increase to $50 and garage space to $55. Residents will receive a 60 day notice of the rent increases. An increase was necessitated with a list of needed repairs amounting to $40,000.
Human Resources Director Charlotte Seager presented the list of seasonal employees. Museum assistants returning this season are Bryanne Bose, Nancy Moberg and Carson Engelkes. Lisa Siverson was the lone new hire. Seasonal Park Maintenance employees returning this season are Howie Konkol, Michael Carlson, and Dylan Kluis. Elissa Wieneke is the only new hire.
Sheriff Heath Landsman requested approval of a contract with Prairie Lakes Detention at a cost of $376 per day. Juvenile housing was difficult to obtain following a recent arrest. The bed is only guaranteed to remain available with approval of the contract. Following lengthy discussion with County Attorney and Sheriff Landsman, the Board approved the contract as a “No Choice” action. This was a budgeted item so funds will have to be used from the County’s reserves.
2023 legislation has placed an additional burden on law enforcement. The Sheriff’s office must accept any guns, store those guns, and purchase them with the introduction of Extreme Risk Protection Orders. A grant was obtained in the amount of $2,247.98 for the purchase of two 64 gun safes and two dehumidifying rods to be placed in the secure evidence room for storage of those guns. The County’s share will be $400 to cover the price increase of the safes since the grant was submitted.
Parks Director Justin Hoffman was given approval to move ahead and solicit quotes for two projects. The first will be for electrical work for the addition of six campsites in Sundquist Park. The other will be for labor to add concrete in the Horse Barn,an area of 30’x120’. The first half of the project was completed last year with park maintenance personnel providing much of the labor.
County Administrator Carolyn McDonald presented the request of the Fulda Heritage Society for a letter of support. The group is working to obtain funding to preserve the 1880 Fulda Depot and preserve its history. No funds were requested of the County. The letter of support was approved.
The Board was advised of the acquisition of 77.46 acres of land in Lake Sarah Township by Ducks Unlimited. The land will be donated to Minnesota DNR as a State Wildlife Management Area for the public to enjoy. An annual payment in lieu of taxes is to be paid, es-timated at $5,362. This amount is more than the current taxes due. In discussion Heidi Winter reviewed the past history of such payments and has found the lands retain value and the Payment in Lieu of Taxes remains at the level of taxes. Murray County has 12,523 of wetland management acres.
