The Murray County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on April 15, 2025. Following the normal opening items of business the meeting was closed for a meeting with the attorneys handling the CD 11/State Highway 30 legal action. An October trial date is anticipated. A Legislative Claim was filed on October 25, 2022 followed by the filing of a Civil Complaint for repayment of costs associated with the damage to CD 11 from the collapse of Highway 30. Upon the reopening of the meeting Dennis Welgraven and Heidi Winter were appointed to the mediation committee.
Auditor Treasurer Heidi Winter was given approval to once again participate in the Performance Measures Program. The report filed with the State Auditor will result in some additional aid for the County with a minimum commitment of time in preparing the report according to Winter. The report identifies the actions of the County in regard to all aspects of government e.g. Public Safety, Public Works, Public Health, Social Services, Taxation, Elections, Veterans Services, Parks and Libraries.
Ditch Inspector Travis Radke had only two repair petitions to present to the Board. These were from John Risacher and Tyler Tutt.
Justin Hoffmann, Parks Manager, presented two quotes for the 12 foot roof extension requested by the Pork Producers. Joe Schreier Construction will complete the roof at a cost of $16,000 with the Pork Producers paying for the labor and materials.
Zoning Administrator Jean Christoffels was given approval for a letter to the Minnesota Department of Commerce regarding the curtailment of wind power impacting the tax revenues of Murray County and surrounding counties. The question of continued new development of wind power in the area when power from old towers is being curtailed. The letter will support and strongly encouraged the hiring of specialized technical services to investigate the issue.
Highway Engineer Randy Groves presented the bid results for the crushing and stockpiling of gravel for roadway use. The low bid came from Rogge Excavating at $41,965. This was exactly the amount of the engineer’s estimate.
Sheriff Heath Landsman received approval for the Boat and Water Safety Grant from the State of Minnesota. The monies fund the costs of hiring a deputy to patrol the lakes during the summer months.
The contracts for 2025 coverage of the Cities of Iona and Chandler were approved. At a cost of $10 per resident, the City of Iona will pay $1400. The City of Chandler will pay $2610. The purchase of a set of six inoperable guns at a cost of $2900 was approved. They will be used during gun safety classes. The purchase of new software that will monitor jail inmates and provide data required by Department of Safety was approved at a cost under $4453. This will allow the Sheriff to continue lodging prisoners within his facility.
Membership of the Building Committee was changed with Commissioner Loy Woebler replacing Commissioner Jackie Meier as alternate. The old highway department building is being emptied of stored equipment etc in preparation for being listed for auction.
