Courthouse lighting project update

A representative of Lenz Lawn Care attended the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners October 18 to discuss the progress of the lighting project which will add spotlights to accent various features of the courthouse. A discussion of costs arose which led to a revised bid and installation schedule. When complete, the lighting will illuminate the tallest peaks and spires of the courthouse, including the clock tower and will reach from the sheriff’s office to the veterans’ memorial. A demonstration performed several weeks ago using temporary lighting received many positive comments from members of the public.  

Commissioner DeeAnn Malterer stated that, while the cost of the project may seem "indulgent,” the county courthouse is a 125-year-old building whose caretakers should rightly devote resources to maintaining and upgrading. The lighting, in addition to being attractive, will make the clock tower visible, while also improving security and safety around the entrance. 

A representative informed the board the Ditch Authority was ready for final hearings for redetermination of benefits in three matters, and asked that the board set those public hearings. They are CD 16, for a small tile system to the west of Waldorf; CD 28, for another small tile system southwest of Buffalo Lake; and CD 15-1, for a location in Waseca near Gaiter Lake. CD 15-1 also requires a public hearing for partial abandonment and partial transfer, which must be handled prior to redetermination of benefits for that county ditch. All four hearings will take place during the 9:30 meeting on November 15. The board also voted in favor of the findings of fact and order regarding CD 19, which will allow the final payments for crop damages related to that county ditch. 

At 10:02 the board opened the public hearing to consider amendments to statutes 6.16 and 8.03 of the Waseca County Unified Development Code (UDC), which regulate camping facilities. The issue first arose in August when a group had to seek a conditional use permit for a small camping area, as the definition of a campground provided in the UDC requires a minimum of five sites and no provision was made for smaller venues. The amendments include a definition for a "recreational camping area,” which is nearly identical to that for a campground but allows for fewer than five sites and has less stringent requirements for connecting roadways. No public comment was shared: The board passed the amendments with little further discussion.

Ryan Engelstad of Baker Tilly, the tax and advisory firm employed for the county's yearly audit, presented the findings for the 2021 audit of the county's financial statements, federal award program usage, and compliance with related state statutes. Engelstad reported that some corrections reflecting smaller dollar amounts are needed, but no “non-compliance” issues were noted. 

Al Grams was reappointed for three more years to the Southcentral Minnesota Multicounty HRA Board, his term due to expire at the end of the month and Grams having expressed willingness to continue his service. The board also voted to accept a donation in the amount of $2,222 from VFW Post 1642 for the purchase of a Dragon Eye Speed Lidar, which Sheriff Milbrath described as a handheld speed radar which could more accurately track one vehicle at a time in high-traffic areas. The donation will purchase one unit; all deputies will attend a free training on its use and will begin utilizing it when patrolling areas where traditional speed radar is less effective. The next meeting is scheduled for November 1st at 9:30 a.m.