By Joanne Bergman The Murray County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday August 23rd with all members present. Auditor Treasurer Heidi Winter presented the second pay order for work completed on County Ditch 22 in the amount of $185,805.16. Her request also included payment of $18,262.50 for engineering and design of the project. Total cost of the bid awarded on February 1, 2022 was $377,521.52.
Two resolutions were approved to establish a joint drainage authority with Pipestone County. County Ditch 07 and County Ditch 21 were both completed in the early 1900’s. Benefits to landowners on both systems are being redetermined on the basis of land values, and the changes in land usage and by nature.
Slayton Administrator Josh Malchow and Councilperson Blake Heronimus asked for a reconsideration of a repair petition submitted for discussion on August 2nd. During recent exploration, cameras found tile on Judicial Ditch 17 that are cracked and collapsing near the golf course and the City sewage treatment ponds. Photos of the damaged tile were presented that clearly showed the area of concern. After the discussion the petition was approved for repair.
The Board approved an expense of $275 to repaint the sign for the ACE office on Maple Road following the redesign of their logo.
Larry Filippi and Travis Fuechtmann represented Contegrity Group in regard to construction of a new highway maintenance building. Bids for the project received earlier this year were much higher than the available funds. Contegrity Group feels that under their construction management more competitive bids will be received. Modification of the plans will be necessary to fall within the funding sources. It was a thought provoking discussion with input from the architectural firm CBS2 . A decision was made to move forward with a meeting of the board members and both firms to set financial limits and to consider building options. Commissioner Gunnink commented, “The land is there and money has been bonded”.
