A Solid Waste Engineering Study was approved at the county board’s March 24 meeting.
The first step to expand the solid waste transfer station includes an evaluation of the existing facility’s condition and the exploration of options for expansion. It will consider the future needs for the facility. The study will be conducted by Short Elliott Hendrickson (SEH, Inc.) at a cost of $22,800.
Existing operations will be reviewed; the study will try to determine what is feasible and what needs to be done.
Commissioner Duane Bakke said he thinks there is a need for the study to include a topographical study. County Administrator Bobbie Hillery noted the intent is for the expansion to be in the general area where the recovery center currently is located.
The results of the study are expected to be used to apply for grant funding. It is anticipated that construction could begin in 2027 or 2028.
Approval was granted to go ahead with the study to put the process for expansion and improvements in motion.
Other Business in Brief
- The current glass at the Social Services countertop is not a strong glass. It will be replaced with a more durable, protective glass. A quote from Ford Metro, Inc. to replace the glass with a protective glass was approved at a cost of $5,825.
- The rehire of James Thorson intermittently for project consulting during the current construction season was approved. County Engineer Ron Gregg explained that one of Thorson’s duties had been to inspect bridges. The Peterson Bridge project is planned for this season and Thorson will be an excellent candidate to monitor the construction of that bridge.
- Veterans Service Officer Jason Marquardt will be allowed to temporarily work using telecommunication.
- Denise Zwart, eligibility worker lead, was transferred to Deputy Human Services Director, effective March 27.
- Approval was granted for painting a mural under the CSAH 8 bridge as requested by the city of Lanesboro. Gregg said the mural will not affect the structural integrity of the bridge.
- An access permit was approved for Charles and Mary Stackhouse for a new driveway access on CR 11 in section 33 of Fountain Township.
- An access permit for Ervin and Linda Yutzy for a new driveway access on CSAH 15 in section 34 of Bristol Township was approved.
- Stacy Schultz was appointed SELCO liaison. She will attend SELCO meetings and keep the county administrator informed.
- Kathy Steinbrink was appointed as District 1 representative to the Extension Committee as recommended by Commissioner Mitch Lentz.
- Bakke reported that the application submitted by Bruening Rock Products for a sandpit near Lanesboro has been withdrawn. The county board at its March 10 meeting had voted for the preparation of an EAW for the proposed sand pit.
- Approval was granted to reinvest a matured CD in the amount of $21,301 at Merchants Bank for six months at an interest rate of 3.94%.
- Representatives of American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) social worker union met with the board for negotiations. AFSCME Local 1944-0007 presented a union proposal for Social Workers.
The board asked for time to review the proposed agreement and scheduled a time to meet again with the union, April 20 at 9 a.m.
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