The Murray County Commissioners on Tuesday, June 2 had three conditional use permits (CUP) on their agenda, one of which drew a small crowd into the Government Center.
The CUP for potential construction of a telecommunications tower by The Towers, LLC was not acted upon by the commissioners, but was instead remanded back to the Planning Commission. According to Zoning/Environmental Administrator Jean Christoffels, the Planning Commission had recommended approval of the tower, but there was new information that had not been available at the time of the May meeting.
Concerns from residents included property values, ice deflection, flashing lights, longterm maintenance and more, but according to Commissioner Roger Zins who is part of the Planning Commission, requirements set by the county were met by The Tower, LLC. With the new information, Murray County Attorney Travis Smith said it is certainly within the board’s right to remand the CUP back to the Planning Commission for further review. The only action taken by the board was to approve the extension of the 60-day rule, which would have automatically granted the CUP if no action was taken. With the extension, there will be time to bring the subject back to the Planning Commission, then bring it back to the board.
Two other CUPs were approved by commissioners – one that will allow for a cabin to be elevated in Foreman Acres, and another that will allow for Lake Shetek Campground to follow a variance approved last year regarding the addition of 5 campsites.
In other business, commissioners heard the monthly report of Murray County Medical Center CEO Luke Schryvers, who said the gross revenue of the medical center is strong, but they are expecting a normal summer slowdown. Schryvers said the X-ray remodel is likely to begin in August. MCMC has applied for a Rural Health Transformation Program grant and transitioning to a new purchasing software. He also said MCMC is still struggling to receive Medicare dollars.
New ambulance rates were approved by the commissioners, with the first rise in rates since 2010. Murray County cities and townships pay an annual fee, with cities based on per capita and townships based on section. City rates will go from $10 to $12 per capita; township sections will go from $35 to $42.
The commissioners approved a request from Parks Director Justin Hoffmann to seek bids for winter storage contracts, and also to purchase 18 Blue Spruce evergreen trees for Swenson County Park.
Museum Director Nick Demuth was given approval to apply for a Minnesota Historical Society grant, which would be used to replace windows at the Dinehart Holt House for $177,408. This would be a third attempt to receive a grant for the windows.
Facilities Manager Nathan Wurpts received approval for the first step in a county facility plan. Commissioners approved Wurpts seeking an RFP for professional architectural Services. The plan is to get professional guidance on facilities planning for the government center and courthouse, with an overall view of the county buildings and holdings in general.
Candidate filing period closed for county offices The filing period has closed for anyone wishing to run for county offices.
The only contested race for Murray County offices for the general election in November will be in District 3. Incumbant Dennis Welgraven has filed for another term as Murray County Commissioner, and he will run against Tyson VanPeursem, who is currently a member of the Planning Commission.
In District 4, Judy LaBoda has filed for the commissioner seat. Murray County Sheriff Heath Landsman has refiled for his seat, as has County Attorney Travis Smith, County Auditor/ Treasurer Heidi Winter, and County Recorder Karen Brown.
Soil and Water Spervisor filings include Paul Posthuma for District 1 and Anthony Conrad for District 3.
