The Murray County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, February 15, 2022. Commissioner Molly Malone chaired the meeting. Commissioner Dave Thiner was absent. Several employees were recognized for their years of service: Devin Gillette and Lonny Lambertus, each 5 years, Scott Nelson, 10 years, Laurie Hill, 15 years, Marcy Barritt and Lisa Saner, 30 years and Nancy Pieske, 35 years.
Auditor Treasurer Heidi Winter presented two ditch bills for payment. Engineering on Judicial Ditch 3 was $9105 and engineering on County Ditch 22 was $3112. The final payment on the Administration Building HVAC was approved for $60,331.21. The total costs of the system totaled $1,206623.53.
Subordination agreements were approved on two parcels on which the County holds Septic Tank Loans. This allows a lender to hold first place on a mortgage.
Jason Lohrenz was on hand along with Heidi Winter to discuss the 2022 Help America Vote Act. Murray County is eligible for $21,837.09 for to improve the security of the software to used in elections. There is no match of County monies, however the annual license, maintenance and support will increase by $2425 in the following years. Winter explained that the costs will be offset as there will be no need to purchase updates of current equipment.
Chief Deputy Heath Landsman was given approval for the purchase of three portable radios for Law Enforcement at a total cost of $12,855.50. This is an annual budgeted expense for the department.
Dawn Butler presented an update of License Center activities. Drivers’ exams have resumed as of January 28. Written tests are taken at kiosks and there will soon be a machine to dispense license tabs. The department is reimbursed by the State of MN for services. Butler had some concerns regarding the new Golf Cart Ordinance that was enacted for the safety of others on roads in the Lake Shetek area.
Swenson Park Campground plans for expansion were presented by Zoning Administrator Jean Christoffels. To maintain set back from the lake, four sites will be moved, a new entrance road will be built and thirteen sites will be added. The need for an addition reflects the popularity of the park.
Ronda Radke presented a draft of the job description for the Extension Administrative Assistant. This is done as Nancy Pieske is retiring at the end of March after 35 years. It is Radke’s suggestion that the job be changed from 40 hours to 32 hours a week. After discussion of the impact the change may have on programs and how it will affect the hours the office will be open, a decision was delayed for one week. It was noted that the office can only be open for the hours that there is someone at that desk.
The meeting ended with a Closed Session to discuss legal action in regard to the decision of the Board at the last meeting to not award a bid for the improvements on County Ditch 22. The Board has 61 days to accept the low bid made by Noomen Excavating.
