By Joanne Bergman The Murray County Board of Commissioners met on June 6 in the first meeting of the month.
Ditch Inspector Travis Radke had three repair petitions to present to the Board. One each in Judicial Ditch 14,County Ditch 19 and County Ditch 37.
The DNR will be acquiring 8.8
acres from the Lamb family that is adjoining the Buffalo Marsh.
The area in the Wildlife Management Area of Buffalo Lake is planned as a parking lot for access to the area that is open for public hunting, trapping and other activities. The County will receive a lump sum payment of $533.25 in lieu of taxes normally paid on real estate.
CEO Luke Schryvers provided his monthly report of activities and finances for the Murray County Medical Center. Recruitment has continued in an effort to obtain the services of a medical doctor for the facility. Two candidates have interviewed with their decisions to come later this summer. A mass casualty drill was completed with reports and updates for improvements now being completed. Covid waivers have ended as of May 11. Masking rules have been removed. However, vaccine mandates are still in place for staff.
Patient numbers dropped considerably during April with swing bed days and clinic visits the two positive activities during the month. Fewer patients resulted in a drop in revenue. The net in-had been suggested. It has now been decided to leave the rate at current levels as there is a potential in funding from the State.
Two Murray County lake shore properties may be benefited with Hazard Mitigation Grant monies. The homes were impacted by lake shore erosion during an event on July 3, 2018. The $650,000 will cover 75% of the cost with home owners assuming the remaining 25%. The process of application has just begun with the owners given the option to continue. If accepted, the structures will be removed and the lots returned to green space.
Matt Meier has applied for a Conditional Use Permit to operate a greenhouse in an agricultural district. Meier, along with Kara Townsend and Elizabeth Meier will establish the business on property once owned by Ronald Rice in Section 16, Belfast Township. The permit was approved with Commissioner Meier abstaining from the vote.
EDA director Justine Wettschrek outlined the Rental/Redevelopment Program request of Albert Van Dam. He has applied for $7,000, a portion of his costs, at 2% interest to shingle his rental property at 2813 Mill St. The loan calls for 54 payments with any balance to come due if the property is sold within five years.
Human Resources Director Ronda Radke reviewed two updates to the Employee Policy manuals that outline the paid employee holidays. The State of Minnesota has authorized the observance of June 19 (Juneteenth) as a paid holiday and has now been added to those observed in Murray County beginning in 2023.
