MCMC SIGNS TWO DOCTORS
The Murray County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, May 07, 2024 with all members present.
Deputy Sheriff Bryan Boese was present to lead the public meeting to hear comments on the new body camera policy for his department. The policy follows the language of other Minnesota counties to meet the rules of the law. There were no questions brought forward by the public.
Zoning Administrator Jean Christoffels presented requests of Bavaria Solar, LLC and EESolar 24, LLC for extensions of their Conditional Use Permits citing difficulty in obtaining needed materials to complete their projects. The CUP for EESolar 28,LLC was approved for a solar farm in Section 10, Slayton Township, with an additional condition for the installation of fire proof fencing around the entire site. There had been some concerns expressed of the danger to the adjacent tree disposal site of fire from sparking from damaged solar panels. EE Solar must also have a completed contract with Excel Energy for the sale of the electricity prior to construction.
The Conditional Use Permit of Randall Smith was approved that will allow him to use alternate elevation structures at his Foreman Acres site that lies in a flood fringe district.
Also approved was the CUP of Harvey and Caroline Larson that will allow them to repair the shoreline retaining wall to four feet in height along their West Shore Acres lot.
Auditor Treasurer Heidi Winter presented six projects approved by the AARP committee. Safety Improvements to the Sheriff’s Department entrance are estimated at $15,000. Installation of downlights to improve lighting in the Government Center lobby will cost $2,475.87. A new range/ griddle in the 4H Building will replace the current twenty year old model at a cost of $7,900. New software for Board Agenda Management will cost $38,393.50 over the next three years. Agenda items and documentation will be available to all departments and will have information for the public on the website. The last two items will provide leadership programming for all department heads at a cost of $24,500 and training for board members at $19,800. These are two sources of training that would not be financially possible without the federal monies now available. Murray County still has $194,345.30 of the original $1,591,588 AARP funds.
CEO of the Murray County Medical Center, Luke Schryvers, presented his monthly update. Recruiting efforts have finally met with success with the signing of Dr. Lawrence Sanchez. He is a family practice provider and has been practicing in Nashville, Indiana. Dr. Goldammer who has been at MCMC as a locum has decided to become a permanent member of the staff. Briana Solheim will be transitioning from patient service representative to the role of marketing director.
MCMC had a great first quarter of the year with patient admissions up by 20 year to date and patient days up by 79 over 2023’s first quarter. Surgeries at 26 over 2023 and clinic visits 226 ahead of 2023. The net positive income for April was $52,457.
Parks Director Justin Hoffman obtained quotes for electric hookups for the new camping sites at Sundquist Park with $15,000 from Engelkes Electric accepted as low quote.
Highway Engineer Randy Groves received approval of a resolution requesting a variance on the Valhalla Road improvement. The State Aid requirement of a 40mph speed is considered as too dangerous. The design of the road will support 20 mph and 30 mph zones, according to Groves. The Board gave approval to the request.
Emergency Management Director Carl Nyquist outlined a list of grants Murray County has received through his office. A siren at Seven Mile Park at a cost of $28,269 was funded. A study and planning of the hydrology of Lake Shetek and the Upper Des Moines River was funded in two grants totaling $268,000. Two drones will be obtained at a cost of $24,000 for the use of emergency situations and for inspection of buffer areas along the drainage ditches. Portable radios for all area fire departments will replace 15 year old units at a cost of $400,030. Thirty two AED units for First Responders and public areas will replace 18-20 year units at a cost of $81,000. Training grants totaling $15,500 provided programs for Currie Fire Department and Lake Wilson First Responders.
The next Commissioner meeting will be Tuesday, May 21st.
