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OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
BLUE EARTH COUNTY, MINNESOTA

January 19, 1999

1. AGENDA REVIEW

The motion carried. 99-17

2. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS ON COMMITTEES

4. ASSOCIATION OF MINNESOTA COUNTIES

5. PLANNING AND ZONING

Pursuant to publication, a public hearing was held to hear a request to amend the Official Zoning Map of Blue Earth County. The public hearing was opened for public comments by Chairperson Bennett at 10:09 a.m., January 19, 1999. Public comments were heard from: Ms. Deb James, Applicant.

After discussion, Commissioner More moved and Commissioner Landkamer seconded the motion to approve the following:

RESOLUTION AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF BLUE EARTH COUNTY BY RE-ZONING GURNI SUBDIVISION NO. 2 AND PART OF GOVERNMENT LOTS 2-4, AND PART OF THE NE 1/4, SW 1/4, SECTION 20, JAMESTOWN TOWNSHIP TO BE DEVELOPED AS GURNI SUBDIVISION NO. 3, FROM A-1, AGRICULTURAL ZONING DISTRICT TO R-1, RURAL RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICT.

WHEREAS, Deb James / Valley News Company owners of the following real estate in the County of Blue Earth, to wit:

All of Gurni Subdivision No. 2 and that part of Government Lot 2, Government Lot 3, Government Lot 4 and part of the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter all in Section 20, Township 109 North, Range 25 West, Blue Earth County, Minnesota described as: Beginning at the Southeast corner of Lot 9, Block One, Gurni Subdivision No. 2, (bearings based on Gurni Subdivision No. 2); thence North 70 degrees 11 minutes 35 seconds East, 66.42 feet to the easterly right of way line of Gingerale Trail and a point on a 513.91 foot nontangential radius curve to the right having a central angle of 22 degrees 26 minutes 14 seconds and a 199.97 foot chord which bears North 01 degrees 44 minutes 06 seconds West; thence along the curve and easterly line of Gingerale Trail, 201.25 feet to the point of tangency; thence North 09 degrees 29 minutes 01 seconds East, on the easterly right of way line of Gingerale Trail, 186.71 feet to the southerly right of way line of County Road No. 2 and a point on a 1366.99 foot radius curve to the left having a central angle of 10 degrees 08 minutes 44 seconds and a 241.74 foot chord which bears south 86 degrees 58 minutes 20 seconds East; thence along the curve and southerly right of way line of County Road No. 2 a distance of 242.06 feet; thence South 02 degrees 02 minutes 42 seconds East, 386.68 feet; thence South 17 degrees 04 minutes 53 seconds East, 314.00 feet; thence South 33 degrees 24 minutes 30 seconds East; 315.00 feet; thence North 56 degrees 35 minutes 30 seconds East, 300.20 feet to the East line of Government Lot 3; thence South 00 degrees 29 minutes 41 seconds West on the East line of Government Lot 3, a distance of 761.52 feet to the Northwest corner of the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 20; thence South 89 degrees 25 minutes 56 seconds East, on the North line of the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 20, a distance of 260.01 feet; thence South 16 degrees 42 minutes 11 seconds East, 182.17 feet; thence South 83 degrees 17 minutes 57 seconds West, 441.64 feet to a point on an 85.00 foot nontangential radius curve to the right having a central angle of 22 degrees 23 minutes 11 seconds and a 33.00 foot chord which bears South 83 degrees 17 minutes 57 seconds West; thence on the curve 33.21 feet; thence South 83 degrees 17 minutes 57 seconds West, 414 feet more or less to the ordinary high water mark of George Lake; thence northwesterly along the ordinary high water mark of George Lake, 1500 feet more or less to the southerly line of Lot 9; thence North 70 degrees 11 minutes 35 seconds East, on the southerly line of Lot 9, a distance of 257 feet more or less to the point of beginning;

have requested that the existing recorded Gurni Subdivision No. 2, and the proposed Gurni Subdivision No. 3, a proposed 13 lot residential subdivision located in the NE 1/4, SW 1/4, Section 20, Jamestown Township, be re-zoned from A-1, Agricultural Zoned District, to R-1, Rural Residential Zoned District; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Agency of the County has completed a review of the application and made a report pertaining to said request (PC 85-98), a copy of said report has been presented to the County Board; and,

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the County on the 2nd day of December, 1998, following proper notice held a public hearing regarding the request and, following the hearing, adopted a recommendation that the request be approved; and,

WHEREAS, the Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners on the 19th day of January, 1998, following proper notice held a public hearing regarding the request, and following consideration of testimony, voted to approve the requested map amendment; and,

WHEREAS, the Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners finds:

1. The proposed re-zone is necessary to correct an oversight when the original preliminary plat was approved in 1994 and to utilize the building lots in the subdivision as they were originally intended and approved.

The proposed re-zone should be exempted from the 1998 Land Use Plan¹s requirements because the original preliminary plan was approved in 1994. The first phase of development, (Gurni No. 2) has been recorded, the access road (Gingerale Trail) serving this phase of development was installed concurrent with first phase construction, and the developer has eliminated several lots to provide for adequate on-site waste water treatment.

The proposed re-zone is consistent with the land use of the contiguous land.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners, that the request to amend the zoning map of Blue Earth County by re-zoning the existing recorded Gurni Subdivision No. 2, and the proposed Gurni Subdivision No. 3, a proposed 13 lot residential subdivision located in the NE 1/4, SW 1/4, Section 20, Jamestown Township, from A-1, Agricultural Zoned District, to R-1, Rural Residential Zoned District, is hereby approved subject to the following condition:

1. The re-zone for the area to be developed as Gurni Subdivision No. 3 shall not be effective until the Final Plat is recorded.

This map amendment shall become effective 30 days after its passage and upon publication.

The motion carried. Chairperson Bennett officially closed the public hearing at 10:15 a.m., January 19, 1999. 99-18

Commissioner Barnes moved and Commissioner Landkamer seconded the motion to approve the following Preliminary Plat:

RESOLUTION APPROVING THE REVISED PRELIMINARY PLAT OF GURNI NO. 3, A 13 LOT RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION, PART OF GOVERNMENT LOTS 2-4, AND PART OF THE NE 1/4, SW 1/4, SECTION 20, JAMESTOWN TOWNSHIP.

WHEREAS, Deb James / Valley News Company, owners of the following real estate in the County of Blue Earth to wit:

All of Lot 9, Block One, Gurni Subdivision No. 2 and all that part of Government Lot 2, Government Lot 3, Government Lot 4 and part of the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter all in Section 20, Township 109 North, Range 25 West, Blue Earth County, Minnesota described as: Beginning at the Northeast corner of Lot 9, Block One, Gurni Subdivision No. 2, also being a point on a 579.91 foot nontangential radius curve to the left having a central angle of 17 degrees 17 minutes 33 seconds and a 174.36 foot chord which bears South 05 degrees 05 minutes 26 seconds east (bearings based on Gurni Subdivision No. 2); thence along the curve and easterly line of Lot 9, a distance of 175.02 feet to the Southeast corner of Lot 9; thence North 70 degrees 11 minutes 35 seconds East, 66.42 feet to the easterly right-of-way line of Gingerale Trail and a point on a 513.91 foot nontangential radius curve to the right having a central angle of 22 degrees 26 minutes 14 seconds and a 199.97 foot chord which bears North 01 degrees 44 minutes 06 seconds West; thence along the curve and easterly line of Gingerale Trail, 201.25 feet to the point of tangency; thence North 09 degrees 29 minutes 01 seconds East, on the easterly right-of-way line of Gingerale Trail, 186.71 feet to the southerly right-of-way line of County Road No. 2 and a point on a 1366.99 foot radius curve to the left having a central angle of 10 degrees 08 minutes 44 seconds and a 241.74 chord which bears South 86 degrees 58 minutes 20 seconds East; thence along the curve and southerly right-of-way line of County Road 2, a distance of 242.06 feet; thence South 02 degrees 02 minutes 42 seconds East, 386.68 feet; thence South 17 degrees 04 minutes 53 seconds East, 314.00 feet; thence South 33 degrees 24 minutes 30 seconds East, 315.00 feet; thence North 56 degrees 35 minutes 30 seconds East, 300.20 feet to the East line of Government Lot 3; thence South 00 degrees 29 minutes 41 seconds West on the East line of Government Lot 3, a distance of 761.52 feet to the Northwest corner of the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 20; thence South 89 degrees 25 minutes 56 seconds East, on the North line of the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 20, a distance of 260.01 feet; thence South 16 degrees 42 minutes 11 seconds East, 182.17 feet; thence South 83 degrees 17 minutes 57 seconds West, 441.64 feet to a point on an 85.00 foot nontangential radius curve to the right having a central angle of 22 degrees 23 minutes 11 seconds and a 33.00 foot chord which bears South 83 degrees 17 minutes 57 seconds West; thence on the curve 33.21 feet; thence South 83 degrees 17 minutes 57 seconds West, 414 feet more or less to the ordinary high water mark of George Lake; thence northwesterly along the ordinary high water mark of George Lake, 1650 feet more or less to the northerly line of Lot 9; thence North 66 degrees 47 minutes 24 seconds East, on the Northerly line of Lot 9, a distance of 323 feet more or less to the point of beginning;

have requested approval of a Revised Preliminary Plat for a 13 lot residential subdivision located in the NE 1/4, SW 1/4, Section 20, Jamestown Township. The subdivision will be developed and recorded as Gurni Subdivision No. 3; and,

WHEREAS, the Revised Preliminary Plat of Gurni Subdivision No. 3 meets the requirements of the Blue Earth County Subdivision Ordinance; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Agency of the County has completed a review of the application and made a report pertaining to said request (PC 80-98), a copy of said report has been presented to the County Board; and,

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the County on the 2nd Day of December, 1998, following proper notice held a public hearing regarding the request and, following the hearing, adopted a recommendation that the request be approved; and,

WHEREAS, the Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners finds:

1. The proposed subdivision should be exempted from current density requirements and the 1998 Land Use Plan¹s requirements for connection to municipal sewer because the original preliminary plan was approved in 1994, the first phase of development, (Gurni No. 2) has been recorded, the access road (Gingerale Trail) has been constructed, and the developer has eliminated several lots from the originally approved Preliminary Plat to provide for adequate on-site waste water treatment.

The proposed subdivision is consistent with the land use of the contiguous land.

3. The soil conditions are adequate to support the proposed use.

4. Adequate utilities, access roads, parking, drainage, and other necessary facilities have been or are being provided.

5. The proposed subdivision will not degrade the water quality of the County.

6. The proposed subdivision will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity for purposes already permitted.

7. The proposed subdivision will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding vacant property for the predominant uses in the area.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners, that the request to approve the Revised Preliminary Plat of Gurni Subdivision No. 3, located in an R-1, Rural Residential Zoned District, is hereby granted contingent upon the following conditions:

An archeological survey of the property must be completed prior to recording of the Final Plat.

If the archeological survey determines that significant archeological resources exist, the applicant agrees to comply with all mandatory requirements of the Minnesota Historical Preservation Association.

The Final Plat for Gurni No. 3 must be approved by the Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners and recorded within twelve (12) months from the date that the revised preliminary plat receives approval from the Board.

This Revised Preliminary Plat approval shall become effective immediately upon its passage and without publication.

The motion carried. 99-19

Mr. George Rosburg, Madison Lake, representing the applicant, Mary Mettler, spoke in favor of the next Conditional Use Permit request.

Discussion centered around the alteration which had already occurred and that they do not meet shoreland rules. After discussion, Commissioner More moved and Commissioner McLaughlin seconded the motion to approve the Conditional Use Permit to grade and fill in an R-T, Rural Townsite and Shoreland Zoned District, in Jamestown Township.

Commissioners Landkamer, Bennett and Barnes voted nay.

The motion failed, therefore the Conditional Use Permit was denied and the land must be restored to its original state.

Commissioner Barnes moved and Commissioner McLaughlin seconded the motion to approve the following Final Plat:

RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT OF GURNI NO. 3, A 13 LOT RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION, PART OF GOVERNMENT LOTS 2-4, AND PART OF THE NE 1/4, SW 1/4, SECTION 20, JAMESTOWN TOWNSHIP.

WHEREAS, Deb James / Valley News Company, owners of the property included in the official plat of Gurni Subdivision No. 3 have submitted a Final Plat for approval; and

WHEREAS, the Final Plat of Gurni Subdivision No. 3 meets the requirements of the Blue Earth County Subdivision Ordinance; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Agency of the County has completed a review of the application and made a report pertaining to said request (PC 03-99), a copy of said report has been presented to the County Board; and,

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the County on the 6th day of January, 1999, following proper notice held a public hearing regarding the request and, following the hearing, adopted a recommendation that the request be approved; and,

WHEREAS, the Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners finds:

1. The proposed subdivision should be exempted from current density requirements and the 1998 Land Use Plan¹s requirements for connection to municipal sewer because the original preliminary plan was approved in 1994, the first phase of development, (Gurni No. 2) has been recorded, the access road (Gingerale Trail) has been constructed, and the developer has eliminated several lots from the originally approved Preliminary Plat to provide for adequate on-site waste water treatment.

2. The proposed subdivision is consistent with the land use of the contiguous land.

3. The soil conditions are adequate to support the proposed use.

4. Adequate utilities, access roads, parking, drainage, and other necessary facilities have been or are being provided.

5. The proposed subdivision will not degrade the water quality of the County.

6. The proposed subdivision will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity for purposes already permitted.

7. The proposed subdivision will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding vacant property for the predominant uses in the area.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners, that the request to approve the Final Plat of Gurni Subdivision No. 3, located in an R-1, Rural Residential Zoned District, is hereby granted contingent upon the following conditions:

An archeological survey of the property must be completed prior to recording of the Final Plat.

The applicant agrees to comply with all mandatory requirements of the Minnesota Historical Preservation Association if the archeological survey determines that significant archeological resources exist.

Construction permits will not be issued for Outlot ³A² until connection to municipal sewer is available.

4. The Final Plat for Gurni No. 3 must be recorded within twelve (12) months of the date that it receives approval from the Board.

This Final Plat approval shall become effective immediately upon its passage and without publication.

The motion carried. 99-20

Commissioner More moved and Commissioner Landkamer seconded the motion to approve the following Conditional Use Permit:

RESOLUTION GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO TRANSFER DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS SECTION 22, DECORIA TOWNSHIP

WHEREAS, Alan Schenk and the Arnold Schenk Trust, owner of the following real estate in the County of Blue Earth, Minnesota, to wit:

The South Half (S _) of the Southwest Quarter (SW 1/4) of Section Twenty-two (22), Township One Hundred Seven (107) North, Range Twenty-six (26) West, Blue Earth County, Minnesota.

have applied for a Conditional Use Permit to Transfer Development Rights from the Southwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter, Section 22, Decoria Township to the Southeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter Section 22, Decoria Township, an Agricultural Zoning District; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Agency of the County has completed a review of the application and made a report pertaining to said request (PC 04-99 ), a copy of said report has been presented to the County Board; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the County on the 6th day of January, 1999, following proper notice, held a public hearing regarding the request and, following the hearing, adopted a recommendation that the request for a Conditional Use Permit be granted; and

WHEREAS, the Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners finds that:

1. That the Transfer of Development Rights conforms with the County Land Use Plan.

2. That the Transfer of Development Rights will not degrade the water quality of the County.

3. That the Transfer of Development Rights will not adversely increase the quantity of water runoff.

4. That soil conditions are adequate to accommodate the Transfer of Development Rights.

5. That the Transfer of Development Rights does not create a potential pollution hazard.

6. That adequate utilities, access roads, drainage and other necessary facilities have been or are being provided.

7. That the Transfer of Development Rights will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity for the purposes already permitted.

8. That the establishment of the Transfer of Development Rights will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding vacant property for predominant uses in the area.

9. That site specific conditions and such other conditions are established as required for the protection of the public¹s health, safety, morals, and general welfare.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners, that the request for a Conditional Use Permit to Transfer Development Rights in an Agricultural Zoning District, is granted with the following condition: 1. The applicants must subdivide and record all divisions of land in accordance with the provisions of the County Subdivision Ordinance.

This resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage and without publication.

The motion carried. 99-21

Mr. Pat Duncanson, Applicant, was present for the next item and had nothing to add. Commissioner More moved and Commissioner Barnes seconded the motion to approve the following Conditional Use Permit:

RESOLUTION GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT THREE TOTAL CONFINEMENT SWINE BARNS CREATING A NEW FEEDLOT OF 807 A.U. LOCATED IN THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER SECTION 31, BEAUFORD TOWNSHIP

WHEREAS, Pat and Mary Duncanson, owner of the following real estate in the County of Blue Earth, Minnesota, to wit:

The Southwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 31, Beauford Township, T.106.N - R.26.W;

has applied for a Conditional Use Permit to construct three total confinement swine barns in an A, Agricultural Zoning District; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Agency of the County has completed a review of the application and made a report pertaining to said request (PC 05-99 ), a copy of said report has been presented to the County Board; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the County on the 6th day of January, 1999, following proper notice, held a public hearing regarding the request and, following the hearing, adopted a recommendation that the request for a Conditional Use Permit be granted; and

WHEREAS, the Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners finds that:

1. That with proper management of the proposed barns and with proper manure application, the Conditional Use should not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity designated for agricultural uses.

2. That with proper management of the proposed barns and with proper manure application, this facility should not constitute a pollution problem.

3. That the predominant use in the area is agriculture and the Conditional Use should not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding vacant property for agricultural uses.

4. Adequate utilities, access roads, drainage and other necessary facilities have been or will be provided.

5. Adequate measures will be taken to provide sufficient off-road parking and loading space to serve the proposed use.

6. Soil conditions are adequate to accommodate the proposed request.

7. Proper facilities will be provided which will eliminate any traffic congestion or traffic hazard which may result from the proposed use.

8. The feedlot is not greater than the feedlot standards allowed in the A, Agricultural Zoning District.

9. The proposed use is consistent with the County Land Use Plan.

10. That the proposed use does not include residential development.

11. That the proposed use does not include industrial development.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners, that the request for a Conditional Use Permit, to build three total confinement swine barns in an Agricultural Zoning District, is granted with the following conditions:

1. That the total confinement barns, conform with the site plan attached to this report PC 05-99.

2. That the feedlot, including all buildings and the proposed building, be located on a single, legally described parcel consisting of a minimum of ten contiguous acres. The parcel shall be a parcel of record, properly recorded in the Blue Earth County Land Records Office.

3. That the applicant must obtain a Blue Earth County Feedlot Permit and a Certificate of Compliance or Interim Permit before any animals are placed in the barns.

4. That the applicant obtain a Blue Earth County Construction Permit before building begins and within nine months from the date the County Board of Commissioners approves the Conditional Use Permit. The permit shall be rendered invalid if application for a Construction Permit is not made within this nine month period. Time extensions for Conditional Use Permits must be obtained from the County Board of Commissioners subsequent to a public hearing conducted by the Planning Commission.

5. That the applicant obtain a Department of Natural Resources, ³Water Appropriations Permit² before any animals are placed in the proposed barn.

6. That a perimeter footing drain tile be located at or below the bottom of the pit footings. The footing tile shall include one inspection pipe for each concrete pit. The native materials must be excavated and walls back filled with granular material (pit run gravel or equivalent).

7. That application of manure be on the land documented in the aerial photos included in the State of Minnesota Application for Construction and Operation of an animal feedlot. The application of manure shall comply with standards set forth in Attachment A-1, Manure Management Summary and Attachment A-4, Manure Application Setbacks, as contained in staff report PC 05-99.

8. That the disposal of dead animals be consistent with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health regulations.

9. That the applicant provide an enclosed location for the pick up of dead animals before any animals are placed in the proposed barns.

10. That adequate measures be taken to minimize or control offensive odor, fumes, dust, noise, or vibrations so that none of these will constitute a nuisance.

11. That all manure storage structures must be designed by a registered engineer. A copy of the designed plans must be submitted to Blue Earth County Environmental Services prior to the issuance of a construction permit.

This resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage and without publication.

The motion carried. 99-22

6. MINNESOTA RIVER BASIN

7. HUMAN SERVICES

Commissioner Landkamer moved and Commissioner Barnes seconded the motion to approve the following items:

A waivered service contract with Clark VanHorn of Mapleton to provide waivered services under the Medicaid program for the time period February 1, 1999, through September 30, 1999.

A housekeeping contract for calendar year 1999 between MRCI and Blue Earth County to provide housekeeping services to the alternative apartments utilized in the Adult Mental Health Initiative Program.

An agreement between the State Department of Human Services Mental Health Division and Blue Earth County for the Blue Earth County Children¹s Mental Health Collaborative to receive Children¹s Mental Health Division Grants totaling $250,854.00 for calendar year 1999.

Authorization for the Deputy County Administrator to sign a letter of agreement with the Corporation for Supportive Housing to initiate discussions and planning activities in relation to the TANF and DPPD populations.

Designate members of the Human Service Department as representatives to the ten- county Adult Mental Health Initiative Regional Management Committee to ensure the County¹s participation in activities associated with the Initiative are covered under our liability insurance policy.

Agreement with MRCI to act as the Employer of Record for the Blue Earth County Self-Determination Project.

Agreement with the N.A.D.A. Official Used Car Guide Company to receive copyrighted vehicle valuation data bases to be used in the Financial Assistance Programs in determining eligibility.

The motion carried. 99-23

After discussion, Commissioner More moved and Commissioner Landkamer seconded the motion to approve the following item:

An agreement to receive an Immunization Registry Grant from the Minnesota Department of Health in the amount of $25,000.00 for calendar year 1999.

The motion carried. 99-24

Mr. Paul Schuster, Chair, gave an update from the Human Services Advisory Board meeting.

The meeting recessed at 12:15 p.m.

The meeting reconvened at 1:30 p.m.

8. BLUE EARTH RIVER BASIN

Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) requested $2,000 from Blue Earth County to pay SWCD¹s share to administer BERBI. The request was taken under advisement and will be discussed at budget workshops.

3. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Commissioner Landkamer moved and Commissioner More seconded the motion to approve the County Board Minutes of January 5, 1999.

The motion carried. 99-25

Commissioner Barnes moved and Commissioner More seconded the motion to approve the following Bills:

Bills for the Week of January 11 - 15, 1999

The motion carried. 99-26

Commissioner More moved and Commissioner Landkamer seconded the motion to approve the following Personnel items:

Employment of Dave Karge, Deputy (Patrol Officer) (C42), with a starting salary of $16.62 per hour effective February 1, 1999. (Sheriff)

Resignation of Jill Sorenson, Clerk II/Mail Clerk (A13) effective January 8, 1999. (Physical Plant)

Authorization to initiate recruitment for a Clerk II/Mail Clerk (A13). (Physical Plant)

Employment of Patricia Staloch, Clerk II/Mail Clerk (A13), with a starting salary of $9.36 per hour effective January 25, 1999.

Resignation of June Willaert, Public Health Nurse (C42) effective January 22, 1999. (Human Services)

Authorization to initiate recruitment for a Public Health Nurse (C42). (Human Service)

Resignation of Matt Regan, Custody Officer (On-Call) (B23) effective December 29, 1998. (Sheriff)

Authorization to initiate recruitment for a Custody Officer (On-Call) (B23). (Sheriff)

The motion carried. 99-27

Commissioner Barnes moved and Commissioner McLaughlin seconded the motion to approve the following Tax Abatements, due to natural disasters: Mr. Steve Meunier, 512 Homestead Drive, Mankato M12-0700-05204; Mr. Gregory Sack, RR 2, Box 57 Janesville, McPherson Township M45-1104-00200; Mr. Brian Fasnacht, 904 Park Road, Madison Lake, Jamestown Township R37-05-34-300-011; Mr. Arthur Symens, 1671 Pohl Road, Mankato, Mankato Township R01-09-20-428-001.

The motion carried. 99-28

Pursuant to publication, bids were received, opened and reviewed for the asbestos removal with the following results:

PROJECT: Second Floor Asbestos Removal - Law Enforcement Center

Commissioner McLaughlin moved and Commissioner More seconded the motion to approve the low bid of $56,840.00 from VCI Asbestos Abatement Company, Inc., Chisago City, MN.

The motion carried. 99-29

Commissioner Landkamer moved and Commissioner Barnes seconded the motion to approve the following resolution:

RESOLUTION OF THE BLUE EARTH COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SUPPORT FOR THE CONFERENCE OF CHIEF JUDGES LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL FOR STATE FUNDING OF THE COURT SYSTEM

WHEREAS, since January 1990 the entire cost for and administration of the trial courts in the 8th Judicial District were assumed by the State of Minnesota on a pilot project basis; and

WHEREAS, recent ³unfunded² state mandates from the Legislature and the Supreme Court have resulted in budget increases for Guardian Ad Litem services and for certified interpreters; and

WHEREAS, the Conference of Chief Judges established a State Funding Committee comprised of judges, administrators and representatives of the Association of Minnesota Counties to review the 8th Judicial District state funding programs and study further state funding of other parts of the state court system; and

WHEREAS, the State Funding Committee recommended a three-tiered proposal consisting of:

1. Permanent state funding for the 8th Judicial District
2. State funding of certain programs in all judicial districts, and
3. Allow judicial district to ³opt-in² to complete state funding.

WHEREAS, Association of Minnesota Counties adopted a 1999 Legislative platform concerning state takeover and service realignment supporting the three tiers of the state funding proposal from the Conference of Chief Judges (see attached);

WHEREAS, the Judges of the 5th Judicial District voted to opt-in to full state funding of the court system at their meeting on September 16, 1998 (see attached);

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners requests that its legislative delegation support the Conference of Chief Judges proposal for state funding of the court system.

The motion carried. 99-30

Commissioner More moved and Commissioner McLaughlin seconded the motion to advance $759,875.11 from the General Fund to the Ditch Fund to cover deficit cash balance in the following ditches. This advance to be repaid plus 7% interest as the funds become available in the individual ditch funds.

The motion carried. 99-31

The December 31, 1998 Financial Status Report was presented to the Board as an informational item.

9. 1999 PLANNING WORKSHOP

Mr. Dennis McCoy, Deputy County Administrator and Mrs. Sandra King, Deputy County Administrator-Land Records Director, were present to discuss the agendas for the Department Head and County Board retreats.

Mr. David Twa, County Administrator, discussed the policy for scheduling agenda items for the Board Meetings.

Commissioner Landkamer moved and Commissioner More seconded the motion to adjourn the Board meeting at 4:05 p.m.

The motion carried. 99-32