By Joanne Bergman The regular meeting of the Murray County Board of Commissioners held on December 7, 2023 dealt largely with 2024 business. The 2024 Snowmobile Trail Assistance Program Sponsor will remain as Murray County acting as the fiscal agent for the Murray County Driftbreakers.
Auditor Treasurer Heidi Winter was once again approved to handle the deposits and investments for Murray County. She was also given approval to handle Electronic Fund Transfers.
The Pocket Gopher fee paid those trapping the animals will remain at $2 per animal. Many townships also offer a fee for trapping them. The annual payments from the fund run from $28 to $236.
The 2024 Beaver Control fee will remain at the current $75. The animals must be removed from a county drainage ditch, a county highway ditch or a county park to be eligible for the payment. The expense from the fee runs from $225 to $600 over the past five years.
The 2024 Solid Waste Assessment will remain at $24. The assessment adds nearly $127,000 each year and maintains a balance of $345,000. The assessment pays for the expenses accrued by the landfill.
The assessment for the 911 Sign Assessment will remain at the current $3 per address. The revenues are used for replacement of damaged or missing signs. Highway Engineer Randy Groves requested signatures on an agreement with MnDot for use of CSAH 48 and CSAH 29, a thirteenmile stretch, to be used as a detour for Highway 59 construction. Work will run between 291st St and Highway 23.
Human Resources Director Ronda Radke announced the hiring of Ann Muecke as the Historical Museum Site Coordinator/ Collections Manager.
Zoning Administrator Jean Christoffels requested a 60 day extension of the Conditional Use Permit of Lundblad Holdco Solar, LLC. The project One MW solar garden will be located in Section 22 of Slayton Township. The extension was needed to allow additional time for preparing the findings and to gather additional information before the Planning Commission could recommend a decision. A date of December 21, 2023 is set for the matter to once again come before the commission.
Christoffels along with Sarah Soderholm reviewed the 2024 Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Plan update. The plan outlines actions to be taken when a new infestation is identified in a county lake.
Commissioner Lori Gunnink was given approval to seek quotes to update the heating system in the Historical Museum. Prices will also be sought for moving two buildings at End O Line Park.
