GOLF CART ORDINANCE NEARING REALITY
The Murray County Board of Commissioners met on August 3, 2021. Luke Schryvers, CEO Murray County Medical Clinic presented his monthly update to the Commissioners. Staffing updates included the retirement of Dr. Carol Lang, DO. A positive report was given concerning Tom Bergman, PA-C’s first month as a provider. Efforts continue to attract another doctor with a site visit planned with a possible candidate. The search continued for a Radiology Tech, a Compliance Officer and a Maintenance person. Staff is working to transfer the records of 5000 patients to the new EPOC computer system scheduled for launch in March 2022. A new Urologist, Dr. Rosen is scheduled to see patients monthly along with Dr. Louwagie, an Ophthalmologist. Some positive cases of Covid have been seen. Vaccines continue to be available at any time.
Human Resources Director Ronda Radke reported the resignation of Darren Saner, the head mechanic at the highway department. Ryan Kleve was hired as a maintenance worker beginning August 16.
Parks Manager Justin Hoffmann was on hand in regard to the fairgrounds tiling project. Three contractors had requested the specs for the project; however no bids for the work were submitted. County Attorney Travis Smith advised the Board that it was proper to contact those who had expressed interest to determine the reason for not bidding. It was thought that perhaps the deadline for completion of October 31 didn’t allow enough time so that may be changed to a longer timeline.
Chief Sheriff’s Deputy Heath Landsman presented a copy of the proposed ordinance for golf carts around the areas. The new ordinance, approved by the Board, will require the driver of a golf cart on designated County and Township roads to have a County issued permit card as well as a drivers license. Operation of golf carts by young unlicensed drivers, especially in the Valhalla Island area, has become a huge safety issue. The new ordinance will allow sheriff deputies to control usage of the carts by issuing fines. A public meeting will be held at 9:00 am at the August 24th meeting.
Zoning Administrator Jean Christoffels had three Conditional Use Permits to present, all of which were approved by the Commissioners. Virgil Rylaarsdam will expand an existing feedlot in Sec 44 Moulton Township from 467 animal units (AU) to 558 AU with an earthen storage basin and a second barn. Shetek Farms, LLP will expand a feedlot in Sec 27 Holly Township from 2,126.4 AU to 3,124.4 AU. Planting of trees and shrubs will be required following construction. Ten acres in Sec 14 in Lake Sarah Township were rezoned to allow Roger Henning, Jared Ahlers and Phillip Joens to develop a private campground to family and friends to use.
Christoffels along with Justin Hoffmann discussed a parcel of land in Sec 1 Mason Township, known as Kuehl’s Point. The parcel had previously been donated by Dorance and Marion Kuehl to the County for use as park or public land and was accepted on November 30, 2004. The parcel can only be accessed from the lake and has a very high shore line. A neighbor wishing to install a boat landing on the site has approached the County. It was decided to deed the parcel back to the Kuehl family, as the County has no use for it. The family can then sell it if they wish.
Highway Engineer Randy Groves advised the Commissioners that personal contact has been made with both contractors who had bids accepted on June 22 for work to be completed for the new building. Those bids were rescinded, as other costs of the project were much higher than had been estimated. The contractors expressed understanding of the situation and were invited to submit bids in the future.
The Commissioners voted to support a resolution to the multi county agency administering Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program dollars.
A $17,000 Fair Board Appropriation discussed at the previous meeting was found to be unnecessary at this time. That amount, as budgeted, had been disbursed on January 5. As a recipient of $10,000 in Covid monies, the Fair Board felt they had sufficient funds. If needed a request may be made following the fair. The carnival that had been booked has had to cancel the contract, as they are unable to find drivers for the equipment or needed parts for repairs. Other options are being pursued to provide entertainment. Emergency Management Director Carl Nyquist and Administrator Tom Burke led a discussion of safety concerns related to Covid and the Murray County Fair. They were given the Board’s approval to proceed as they thought best and to keep them informed of any precautions that may be necessary. Extra hand sanitation stations will be installed along with a supply of masks as preventative measures.
An independent firm, AQC, has researched the continuing problems with the new HVAC system in the Courts Building with numerous errors found in the construction. Bisbee Plumbing will be required to reinstall the system with AQC providing supervision of the work. The County has retained $76,000 of the monies to ensure proper construction.
