COMMISSION ADVANCES COURTHOUSE PROJECT

    During Tuesday’s meeting, the Marshall County Commission took significant steps in preparation for the upcoming courthouse project. After spending an hour in executive session for contract negotiations, the board approved bids from six companies for various aspects of the project, including foundation work, concrete, footings, precast walls, landscaping, earthwork, and utility relocation. The total cost of these bids came in lower than expected at $1,885,179. However, the board denied an asphalt bid, which will be rebid at a later date.
    The project is set to begin approximately on Oct. 1, with county offices making preparations for the transition. The auditor’s office will relocate to the Schumaker Building by Sept. 20 to accommodate early voting. The Treasurer, Register of Deeds, Director of Equalization, and Planning and Zoning Director will also move to the same location prior to construction beginning.  The Clerk of Courts, Sheriff’s Office, and E911 services will be relocated to the Community Building, while court proceedings will take place in Day County.
    Sheriff Sam Swanson updated the board on efforts to move 911 operations to the community building, including obtaining quotes for relocating equipment. The board approved $407 for the installation of a permanent antenna at the Community Building.
    During public comments, Jerry Burger once again requested blueprints for the courthouse project. The board informed him that, according to the county’s architects and engineers, such blueprints are not typically made public. Burger also inquired about asbestos mitigation and employee compensation. The board stated that air quality tests have shown no asbestos issues in the air, and the county has qualified for a Brownfield Grant to conduct a Hazardous Material Survey, the results of which are pending.
    Judge Sommers also addressed the board, asking for a timeframe on when court operations would need to relocate. The board informed him that pending acceptance of bids (later in the meeting), construction may begin on or before Oct. 1.
    In the highway report, Superintendent Dustin Hofland reported a critical finding in the inspection of a bridge in Stena Township, leading to its closure. To qualify to apply for a state grant to improve the bridge, the county would need to fund a $25,000 hydrology study. A previous application for a federal grant was denied, and Hofland estimated the cost of replacing the bridge with a box culvert at $750,000. He will continue to explore options.
    In zoning matters, the first reading of Ordinance No. 68 took place, involving a rezone request in Buffalo Township from Agricultural District to Lakefront Residential by Randy Deutsch. The second reading is scheduled for Sept. 24. Meanwhile, Ordinance No. 67 was read and subsequently adopted during the meeting.
    Other actions taken by the board included the approval of a variance for Kent Erickson in Hickman Township and a plat for the S & A Ogren Addition in Sisseton Township. Building permits were accepted for Jason Bender in Lowell Township, David Johnson in Buffalo Township, Hans and Laure Nelson in Veblen Township, David and Twila Kristofferson in Lake Township, and Jeanette Glynn Gravdahl in Sisseton Township.
    Additionally, the second meeting regarding Marshall County’s Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan took place on Sept. 9 at the North Marshall Fire Department. The board discussed possible mitigation projects and critical structures for inclusion in the plan. A public survey will be released in the coming weeks, with the next meeting scheduled for Nov. 12.
    In other business, two sheriff’s department vehicles were surplused and will be offered for sale, and one SUV was transferred to the highway department.