At the February 13 meeting of the Fillmore County Board, Joel Thoreson, county surveyor, and Jarad Carolan, county assistant surveyor, explained the application process for a Public Land Survey System (PLSS) Preservation Program grant.
In 2023, the legislature passed the Public Land Survey System Preservation Grant Program that provides $9.7 million to help counties find the perpetuation of monuments that mark public land survey corners.
According to an assessment of monuments in individual counties, Fillmore County has 2,713 corners, of which 2,082 are certified (77%), leaving 631 to be certified (23%).
Thoreson said grants are from $50,000 to $300,000. Counties can make multiple applications and no match is required. He said they would like to apply for two grants ($300,000 each) over two years. He estimated $300,000 will allow them to restore and certify about 166 corners. They will need to submit quarterly reports and information will be put on the website.
The board approved their request to proceed with the grant application.
Darrell Schmitt, engineering supervisor, asked for and received approval to advertise for the surface reconditioning project on CR 113 in Prosper.
Other Business in Brief
•Sherriff John DeGeorge recommended the termination of Enterprise Fleet Management vehicle purchases, due to changes over the past five years. Going forward, interest expenses over a four-year plan will drive the cost of a vehicle higher through Enterprise than on the state bid. In the next 13 months the majority of the fleet will be out of the Enterprise program. The board voted to terminate Enterprise Fleet Management purchases.
The board then approved the purchase of two 2024 Dodge Durangos ($41,411 each) and one 2023 Ram 1500 ($37,764) on the state bid from Dodge of Burnsville, Minn.
It will cost $15,243.95 for equipment and installation in each Durango and up to $10,000 for equipment and installation for the Ram 1500. Approval was granted to purchase equipment and installation from EATI as presented for the new squads.
Much of the total cost for the new squads and equipment ($161,073.90) will be covered with the remaining Public Safety Funding ($128,008).
•Danielle DeVito, Pest Mitigation and Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, gave an update on the spongy moth (formerly known as the gypsy moth). The non-native (Asian) moth was introduced on the east coast in 1869. It has now reached seven eastern counties in Minnesota including Fillmore and Houston. Efforts to control the moth began in 1980.
The moths can defoliate 300 species of trees. Due to the moth’s western movement the management area will include two areas in Fillmore County. The aerial treatments will occur in June and July. The treatment is certified organic and contains synthetic mating disruption pheromones that are similar to what the female moth emits to attract males. For more information visit the Minnesota Department of Agriculture Spongy Moth Treatments website, www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/spongymothtreatment. Individuals can sign up at the website to get notification of treatment time by text or email.
•Members of the 2024 Absentee Ballot Board were approved. Election Administration training was approved for five people.
•Caitlyn Rietmann was hired as a replacement social worker, effective March 18.
•Approval was granted to authorize temporary help in the county attorney’s office.
•Awards were given for participation in the Wellness Program. Those awarded were given gift cards to Preston Foods.
Employees were recognized for their years of service. Troy Sukalski, Highway, and Kari Cahill, Social Services, were honored for 35 years of service. Pam Schroeder and Alan Polzin, both in Highway, were honored for 30 years of service to the county. Heather Barth, Veterans Services, Brent Kohn, Highway, Jesse Grabau, Sheriff’s Department, and County Commissioner Duane Bakke were honored for 25 years of service. Lindsi Engle won the Safety Award. Some Like It Hot, Spring Valley, provided the treats.
•The board will meet next on February 27.
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