Drainage and Tiling Considered at Commissioners Meeting

The Grant County Commissioners met Tuesday, April 17. They first convened as the drainage board to address the permit for tiling submitted by Jerry Zubke of Big Stone Township. The tiling would connect both of Zubke’s properties and go through Dan Bogenrief’s property and possibly a road. A dark, non-perforated tile would be used. The two landowners are working cooperatively to move the water.

Citizen Kathy Tyler argued against the tiling. She stated land-applied manure is becoming an issue as runoff water carries high levels of phosphates and nitrates into local streams and lakes. Tyler said Lake Mitchell is covered with green slime – a direct effect of the run off from land-applied manure – and it is estimated it will cost 7.1 million dollars to clean up the lake. Tyler suggested an emergency control system of a dam, much like they have in northern Deuel County, should be in place, so, when major flooding occurs the water can be held back. She also suggested a bio filter be added to the end of the tiling to remover the nitrates and phosphates from the water before it heads down stream. She noted the tiling in question will dump directly into the Whetstone River which in turn flows into Big Stone Lake. Taking Tyler’s suggestions into consideration, the commissioners unanimously approved Zubke’s permit.

Tom Peschong also requested a permit in Georgia Township. The permit would allow Peschong to tie into an existing permit received by Eric Anderson. Peschong’s permit was approved.

Kerwin Schulz, of the Grant County Highway Department brought forth a business inspection proposal by Banner Engineering. The board approved the proposal.
Grant County townships were given excess gravel from the powerline projects. Lura Township asked the county to substitute gravel, load for load, for gravel from a gravel pit closer to each township to save both parties hauling expenses. The board agreed to the exchange.

Kevin Schuelke, the new Grant County emergency management employee, officially met for the first time with the commissioners. He said although his first month in the position had been a lot of training he also had the opportunity to work with different segments of government due to accidents and a manure spill. Schuelke has been working closely with the state’s regional director, Randy Mattocks – one of six state directors based in Aberdeen. Mattocks visited Grant County to better understand the geography and to tour the Big Stone Power Plant and area quarries. Upcoming items in Schuelke’s agenda are a class offered by the National Weather Service on weather spotting and a mock accident at high school.

Bobbie Bohlen gave an update for the Grant County Economic Development committee. The group has been working with ICAP to tour the community to find areas to build three houses simultaneously. One family is interested in building an ICAP home in Milbank, but two more are required to start the project.

Bohlen also said Lake Area Technical College in Watertown in coalition with Ottertail Power Company and Valley Queen Cheese are supplementing funds from grants to provide an adjunct campus to offer courses in robotics ACDC electric at Milbank High School. The cost for each class would be $200 – compared to $1700 if the class were taken at Lake Area Tech. College credits would be awarded. A minimum of eight students is needed for each course. The classes would be open to anyone in the county. Bohlen also proposed creating a space on Main Street to assist small businesses during their incubation period.

Mark Reedstrom, Grant County States Attorney, discussed transferring the storm shelter/bathroom built on the property of the Trailer Court back to the owners now that the project is completed. The owners of the trailer court had voiced concerns about paying taxes on the storm shelter/bathroom as the facility is open to the public, but the owners pay the utilities and perform its basic maintenance. They suggested the county should continue to own the facility, take care of the taxes, insurance, and major repairs and the trailer court would continue paying the utilities and doing general maintenance. No decision was made, but research was initiated to consider lowering taxes on the property as well as comparable running costs with the other facility the city has at Lake Farley Park.

Also on the agenda, was the dispatch services contract Grant County has with the City of Milbank. As Grant County Sheriff Owen was out of town, discussions were held with Police Chief Van Vooren and City of Milbank Administrator Jason Kettwig. No decisions were made. Kettwig also informed the board the city is conducting a drainage study to resolve the water issues from excess rain and snow at Pribyl Park.