Fillmore County Land Use Department Responsibilities

Land Use department responsibilities were expanded at the November 12 meeting of the county board.

Land Use Director Blake Lea explained there are people in-house who have completed the necessary training in water management. Both Lea and Dallas Dornink have met the requirements for certification as a Minnesota Wetlands Professional In-Training.

The Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act of 1991 (WCA) requires a local government unit (LGU) to implement regulations set forth by the Board of Water & Soil Resources (BWSR) for wetlands (draining, filling, and excavation). Lea noted the funding related to the WCA will be used by his department to determine when regulations are being violated. SWCD (soil and water conservation district) will still be responsible for any restoration planning when there are violations of regulations set by BWSR pertaining to wetland draining, filling and excavation.

A resolution was adopted by the county board accepting authority and administrative responsibility (local government unit) for the implementation of the WCA as of January 1, 2025 within the legal boundaries of Fillmore County in accordance with Minnesota Rules, Chapter 8420. A resolution was adopted delegating the decision-making authority regarding the WCA to the Land Use Department. Lea noted there are not many wetlands in Fillmore County. He added that his department works back and forth with the SWCD.

A grant agreement with BWSR was approved. The amount of the grant to be awarded is $21,200 to be used for the 2025 Subsurface Sewage Treatment System (SSTS) Program.

Other Business in Brief

• Veterans Service Officer Jason Marquardt requested approval to replace the 2024 Equinox. Marquardt had received two quotes for a 2025 Equinox. The low quote submitted by North Country GM in the amount of $29,229 was accepted. The vehicle is being replaced due to an accident which resulted in the 2024 car being totaled. The new Equinox will be paid for with insurance dollars (MCIT payment of $27,263) and $1,966 from the Veteran Van Donation Fund. The purchase of the new vehicle was approved. The board also approved a see-through window decal required by the MDVA grant using MCIT reimbursement funds up to $960. The decal includes crisis line information and Veterans Linkage Line information.
• Klysen Schoppers was hired as a Highway Maintenance Specialist, effective November 13.
• Emily McCabe was hired as a Public Health RN/LPN, effective December 2.
• An update on the Forestville Bridge was given during committee reports. Funding sources discussed were the possible inclusion in a bonding bill and LCCMR (Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources) funds. Chairman Duane Bakke noted a counter on the temporary Forestville bridge had counted 11,000 people crossing this bridge last year.
• On November 21, the Planning Commission will discuss Minnesota Sands, LLC operation and reclamation plan for the Dabelstein Mine located in Pilot Mound Township.