Blue Earth County, MN

Board Meeting Information & Materials

The Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners will hold acceptance hearings for completed drainage work on County Ditch 56 and County Ditch 73. The board is asked to approve the final contract price of $683,230.05 for the County Ditch 56 Branch 3 repair, releasing the remaining $34,161.50 to contractor Selly Excavating, Inc. The agenda also includes a bid award for Judicial Ditch 33, a contract renewal for Medical Examiners, and several planning and zoning permits.

• Acceptance of County Ditch 56, Branch 3 repairs with a final contract price of $683,230.05 and final payment of $34,161.50 to Selly Excavating, Inc.
• Acceptance hearing for County Ditch 73 repairs
• Bid award for Drainage Judicial Ditch 33
• Renewal of Medical Examiners contract
• Planning and Zoning actions for PC11-26, PC15-26, PC16-26, and PC17-26

Board Meeting Information & Materials

The Blue Earth County Board will hold a work session to hear updates from state and local officials, including MnDOT's capital highway plan, Veterans Services, and the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation. They will also discuss the 2027 county budget, including a draft community support funding list, and an update on the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) prevention program, which faces a state funding reduction. The meeting is informational and no formal votes are scheduled.

• 2027 county budget draft shows total revenues of $156.7M and expenditures of $157.9M, with a projected deficit of $1.2M
• AIS Prevention Aid for Blue Earth County drops from $116,530 in 2026 to $58,347 in 2027 due to state statute change
• Community support draft for 2027 includes $105,107 for Historical Society, $50,000 for Vine Faith in Action, $50,932 for Greater Mankato Growth-REDA
• MnDOT District 7 Capital Highway Improvement Plan presentation includes projects on Veterans Bridge, Hwy 22, US 169, and US 14 corridor study
• 2025 AIS program performed 2,139 watercraft inspections and spent $55,062 on contracted inspection services

Board Meeting Information & Materials

The Blue Earth County Board will consider several action items, including an Economic Development Authority resolution to allocate $28,512 from the Housing Trust Fund to Partners for Housing for a Housing Generalist position. The Public Works department will also seek approval for a cost-participation agreement with Mankato for CSAH 26 reconstruction, a surveyor's certificate correction, and a right-of-way acquisition for Red Jacket Trail repairs. The board will also review bills and minutes.

• Housing Trust Fund allocation of $28,512 to Partners for Housing for navigation services
• Intent to Cost Participate Agreement with City of Mankato for CSAH 26 reconstruction (UP railroad to CSAH 57)
• Approval of land surveyors' certificate of correction for CSAH 27 right of way plat no. 46
• Right-of-way acquisition resolution for Red Jacket Trail repairs
• Discussion of UPRR crossing replacement on CSAH 5 (estimated county cost $72,000)

Board Meeting Information & Materials

The Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss drainage, planning, and zoning matters. A primary focus is a final hearing to approve the Viewers' Report for the redetermination of benefits for County Ditch 59.

• County Ditch 59: Redetermination of Benefits Hearing
• County Ditch 77: Removal Hearing
• County Ditch 56 and 73: Set Acceptance Hearings
• County Ditch 97: Appointment of Engineer and Viewers
• Planning and Zoning: Interim Use Permit Hearings for PC12-26, PC13-26, and PC14-26

The Blue Earth County Board, acting as the Drainage Authority, approved the redetermination of benefits for County Ditch 59, adopting the Viewers' Report and the benefits and damages statement. The board also granted a petition to remove property from County Ditch 77, but reduced benefits rather than full removal. Additionally, the board approved interim use permits for a short-term rental on Loon Lake and two after-the-fact permits for dirt bike practice areas, along with several public works and administrative items.

• Approved redetermination of benefits for County Ditch 59 (2026-265)
• Granted petition for removal from County Ditch 77 with reduced benefits (2026-268)
• Set Aug 25, 2026 hearing for County Ditch 56 Branch 3 contract acceptance (2026-269)
• Set Aug 25, 2026 hearing for County Ditch 73 contract acceptance (2026-270)
• Appointed engineer and viewer for County Ditch 97 outlet petition (2026-271)
• Approved interim use permit for short-term rental on Loon Lake (2026-272)
• Approved after-the-fact interim use permit for dirt bike practice area in Rapidan Township (2026-273)
• Approved after-the-fact interim use permit for dirt bike track in Jamestown Township (2026-274)

Board Meeting Information & Materials

The Blue Earth County Board will hold a work session to discuss renewing the hazardous waste services contract with Tri-County and potential fee changes for Very Small Quantity Generators. The meeting also includes updates on disability and mental health services, a tour of public works facilities, and a presentation on capital equipment requests.

• Tri-County hazardous waste contract renewal discussion
• Proposed Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) fee changes
• Capital equipment requests totaling over $3.3 million
• Tour of Public Works and Justice Center facilities
• Updates on Mental Health Center operations

Board Meeting Information & Materials

The Joint Blue Earth and Faribault County Drainage Authority is meeting to discuss two petitions to outlet additional acres into Joint Judicial Ditch 49. The board will decide whether to appoint Ron Ringquist as the viewer to determine outlet fees and benefits for the requested properties.

• Petition for outlet for Neal and Shelli Grover property in Sterling Township
• Petition for outlet for Olson Gregg D & Gwendolyn B Revoc Trusts property in Sterling Township
• Proposed appointment of Ron Ringquist as viewer under MN statute 103E.401

Board Meeting Information & Materials

The Blue Earth County Board will act as the Drainage Authority to award a $29,746 repair contract to Selly Excavating for County Ditch 56, Branch 5, and appoint an engineer for a partial abandonment petition on County Ditch 77, Branch 1. The Public Works agenda includes final payments for two bridge replacement projects and approval of the 2025 Highway and Parks annual reports. A closed session is scheduled for attorney-client privileged discussion, and the board will receive a Rapidan Dam update.

• Award repair contract to Selly Excavating for $29,746 for County Ditch 56, Branch 5 boring under CSAH 20
• Appoint engineer Charles J. Brandel for partial abandonment petition affecting County Ditch 77, Branch 1
• Consider final payment of $13,619.78 for SAP 007-598-038 – CR 156 box culvert bridge replacement ($517,183 contract)
• Consider final payment for County Project 2184 – CR 184 box culvert replacement
• Rapidan Dam update and discussion (July 2, 2026 memorandum)

The Board approved a $29,746 contract for County Ditch 56 repairs and appointed an engineer to review a partial abandonment petition for County Ditch 77. Additionally, final payments were approved for two road culvert projects and the 2025 annual reports for the Highway and Parks departments were accepted.

• Approved $29,746 low bid from Selly Excavating for County Ditch 56, Branch 5 repairs
• Appointed Charles J. Brandel, PE, of ISG as engineer for County Ditch 77 partial abandonment proceedings
• Approved final payment of $13,619.78 to Minnowa Construction Inc. for County Road 156 Box culvert bridge replacement
• Approved final payment of $1,989.03 to Selly Excavating, Inc. for County Road 184 Box Culvert project
• Approved 2025 Highway Department Annual Report
• Approved 2025 Parks Department Annual Report
• Approved bills for June 18-24, 2026 totaling $2,197,172.91
• Approved bills for June 25 – July 1, 2026 totaling $1,924,815.26

Board Meeting Information & Materials

The Board will hold a final hearing on County Ditch 51 to consider accepting the engineer’s repair report and authorizing financing for the project, estimated at $491,486. It will also review a Small Cities Loan extension request for the Wendland Seed loan of $64,500, proposing a five‑year extension. Additional items include drainage hearings for County Ditch 59 and 77, a zoning map amendment hearing (PC10‑26), and a Drug Court contract amendment.

• Small Cities Loan Extension Request – Wendland Seed loan $64,500, 5‑year extension
• County Ditch 51 final hearing – approve engineer’s repair report and finance ~$491,486
• County Ditch 59 redetermination of benefits hearing
• Zoning Map Amendment Hearing (PC10‑26)
• Drug Court Contract Amendment

The Board approved a petition for repairs to County Ditch 51 and authorized reimbursement bonds up to $638,900 for the project. Additionally, the Board extended a small cities loan for Wendlandt Seed and scheduled hearings for other drainage projects.

• Approved loan extension for Wendlandt Seed (City of Mapleton) through July 2031
• Approved petition and engineer's repair report for County Ditch 51
• Approved resolution for reimbursement bonds up to $638,900 for County Ditch 51 repairs
• Scheduled final hearing for County Ditch 59 Redetermination of Benefits for July 28, 2026
• Approved agenda (2026-229)
• Accepted jurisdictional documents for County Ditch 51 into legal record

Board Meeting Information & Materials

The Board of Commissioners is reviewing a three-phase plan to repair flood damage on the Red Jacket Trail and discussing preliminary 2027 levy and tax impact estimates. The session also covers homestead applications and administrative budget requests.

• Proposed $1,239,000 Phase 1 Red Jacket Trail repairs (culverts and bridges) using FEMA and County funds
• Proposed $542,508 Phase 2 trail paving and culvert lining dependent on DNR grants
• Proposed $1,422,120 Phase 3 Trestle Bridge #6961 rehabilitation dependent on DNR grants
• Discussion of 2027 levy impacts based on a preliminary 9.90% levy increase estimate
• Estimated 4.15% increase in county net tax capacity to approximately $136.7 million

Board Meeting Information & Materials

The Blue Earth County Board will hold public hearings on County Ditch 65 redetermination of benefits and repairs, plus repairs on Ditch 28 and appointment of an engineer for Ditch 94. The board will also consider a resolution authorizing a property management agreement with the City of Mankato to manage up to 130 public housing units converted under the RAD program. Other items include approval of minutes, bills, and revisions to the employee recognition policy.

• Property management agreement with City of Mankato for 101-unit Orness Plaza and 29 scattered-site public housing units (RAD/Section 18 conversion)
• County Ditch 65 public hearings on redetermination of benefits and repairs
• County Ditch 28 repair hearing
• County Ditch 94 – appointment of engineer
• Human Resources employee recognition policy revisions

The Board of Commissioners, acting as the Drainage Authority, approved the updated Findings and Order regarding the redetermination of benefits for County Ditch 65. This action replaces previous benefit and damage records with a new Viewers’ Report. The Board also accepted jurisdictional documents into the legal record.

• Approved agenda with corrected title (2026-206)
• Recessed meeting for Economic Development Authority meeting (2026-207)
• Approved agenda for County Ditch 65 Redetermination of Benefits Hearing (2026-208)
• Accepted jurisdictional documents into the legal record (2026-209)
• Adopted Findings and Order for redetermination of benefits for County Ditch 65 (2026-210)
• Accepted jurisdictional documents for County Ditch 65 repair hearing (2026-211)

Board Meeting Information & Materials

The Blue Earth and Le Sueur County Joint Drainage Authority will consider awarding a $23,500 lump-sum contract to Krueger Excavating for tree and brush removal on Judicial Ditch 01. The board will also appoint a new chair and approve the agenda. The repair work stems from the 2022 redetermination of benefits for the public drainage system.

• Appointing a new chair for the joint drainage authority
• Repair approval for tree and brush removal on Judicial Ditch 01 estimated at $23,500
• Contract award to Krueger Excavating of Albert Lea, LLC
• Specific work location: northwest quarter of the northeast quarter of section 22-109-26, affecting Frederic Hiniker and Koerner properties
• Item also includes a related estimate for additional ditch work totaling $68,500 across multiple judicial ditches

Board Meeting Information & Materials

The Blue Earth County Board will review three design alternatives for the Rapidan Dam repair project, with estimated costs ranging from $18.2 million to $23.3 million. The meeting includes a FEMA funding update and a discussion on the Rapidan Dam Park community engagement survey.

• Review of three west slope repair alternatives ($18.2M - $23.3M)
• FEMA funding update and cost estimate ($23.1 million)
• Discussion on Rapidan Dam Park community engagement survey
• Update on FERC License Surrender and Environmental Assessment Worksheet
• Board concurrence on preferred alternative and next steps

Board Meeting Information & Materials

The Blue Earth County Board will hold public hearings on the final engineer's report and redetermination of benefits for Judicial Ditch 33, along with hearings on County Ditch 64 and Judicial Ditch 15. The board will also consider year-end audit adjustments, a human services report, and administrative items including bills and minutes.

• Judicial Ditch 33: hearing on Final Engineer’s Report, Redetermination of Benefits, and possible order to prepare construction plans
• County Ditch 64: Redetermination of Benefits hearing
• Judicial Ditch 15: Acceptance hearing
• Year End Audit Adjustments presented by Finance Director
• Planning and Zoning report (no specific item listed)

The Board approved the agenda and accepted jurisdictional documents into the legal record. It adopted the Findings and Order that the redetermined benefits for Judicial Ditch 33 are approved and will replace the original benefits in all future proceedings. The Board also authorized payment to the viewers for their work and directed staff to implement the new benefit figures.

• Approved agenda (motion carried)
• Accepted jurisdictional documents into legal records (motion carried)
• Adopted redetermined benefits for Judicial Ditch 33, replacing original benefits (motion carried)
• Authorized payment to viewers for their work (order adopted)
• Directed Property and Environmental Resources staff to implement the new benefits (order adopted)

Board Meeting Information & Materials

The Joint Blue Earth, Brown, and Watonwan County Drainage Authority will hold an Acceptance Hearing for the Judicial Ditch 48 repair contract. Commissioners will consider the Engineer’s Acceptance Report and a draft Findings and Order recommending acceptance of the contract and release of the remaining retainage payment. Public comments will be heard before the board votes to accept, defer, or reject the findings.

• Accept draft Findings and Order for Judicial Ditch 48 repair
• Release final retainage payment of $6,130.77 to Noomen Excavating Inc.
• Contract total $122,615.30 for JD48 repair (original $126,879.05, net savings $9,895.75)
• Public hearing notice posted at 204 South 5th Street, Mankato and published May 15, 2026
• Engineer’s Acceptance Report submitted by ISG Engineer

Board Meeting Information & Materials

The Joint Blue Earth and Waseca County Drainage Authority is meeting to award an improvement contract for Judicial County Ditch 83. Staff recommends awarding the project to the lowest bidder, Selly Excavating.

• Proposed contract award to Selly Excavating for $323,696.75
• Review of 10 submitted bids ranging from $323,696.75 to $445,315.85
• Project completion date set for November 30, 2026

Board Meeting Information & Materials

The Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners will consider several drainage motions, including stays for County Ditch 88 and County Ditch 93 and hearings for other ditches. The Economic Development Authority agenda includes appointing Joshua Milow as Executive Director, an intergovernmental agreement with Mankato’s EDA, and a property‑management agreement for RAD/Section 18 units. The board will vote on allocating up to $135,283 from the Housing Trust Fund to Connections Shelter for a summer emergency‑shelter expansion. Additional items include a tax‑abatement policy and a Minnesota River‑Mankato Watershed joint‑powers agreement.

• Motion to stay County Ditch 88 and County Ditch 93 (Drainage)
• Appointment of Economic Development Authority Executive Director Joshua Milow
• Intergovernmental agreement with the Economic Development Authority of Mankato
• Allocation of $135,283 from the Housing Trust Fund to Connections Shelter for summer shelter expansion (May 1–Sept 30 2026)
• Acceptance of bids for Improvement Number 11208 (e.g., Quality Appliance $114,900; Nielsen Blacktopping $194,900; Craig Hertaus Construction $384,362.40; Quality Appliance mechanical $199,500)

The Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners, acting as the Drainage Authority, adopted findings and orders to pause the February 17, 2026 repair orders for County Ditch 88 and County Ditch 93. For Ditch 88 the board voted 3‑0‑2 to stay the order, direct staff to hold informal landowner meetings, have I & S Group, Inc. prepare an amended engineer’s report, and set a reconsideration hearing. For Ditch 93 the board moved to adopt a similar stay and procedural steps, though the minutes do not record the vote tally.

• Stay February 17, 2026 repair order for County Ditch 88 (3 yeas, 0 nays, 2 absent)
• Direct Drainage Authority staff to hold informal landowner meetings for Ditch 88
• Instruct I & S Group, Inc. to prepare an amended engineer’s report for Ditch 88
• Schedule a reconsideration hearing for Ditch 88 after the amended report is filed
• Stay February 17, 2026 repair order for County Ditch 93 (motion moved; vote not recorded)
• Direct staff to hold informal landowner meetings for Ditch 93
• Instruct I & S Group, Inc. to prepare an amended engineer’s report for Ditch 93
• Schedule a reconsideration hearing for Ditch 93 after the amended report is filed

Board Meeting Information & Materials

The Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners will receive updates on regional economic development, the county feedlot program, the countywide tax abatement policy, the Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionately Act, and SNAP and Medicaid programs. Each presenter will provide status reports and upcoming work plans. No formal decisions are indicated in the agenda.

• REDA (Regional Economic Development Alliance) update
• Feedlot Annual Report and 2026‑2027 Work Plan presentation
• Countywide Tax Abatement Policy discussion
• Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionately Act update
• SNAP and Medicaid program update

Board Meeting Information & Materials

The Blue Earth County Board and Economic Development Authority are reviewing bid awards for Capital Improvement Project 11208. This project involves appliance, exterior, and flooring upgrades at several housing sites across the county. The board is also holding hearings regarding drainage ditches and an interim use permit.

• Proposed $114,900 contract with Quality Appliance for project 11208 appliances
• Proposed $194,900 contract with Nielsen Blacktopping and Concrete, Inc. for project 11208 exterior work
• Proposed $384,362.40 contract with Craig Hertaus Construction for project 11208 flooring
• Public hearing for Interim Use Permit PC09-26
• Hearings for Judicial Ditch 15, Judicial Ditch 33, and County Ditch 64

The Board unanimously approved an interim use permit for a lawn care business in the Agriculture Zoning District at 22262 State Hwy 60, Madison Lake. The Board also adopted findings and orders for Judicial Ditch 15, setting a hearing for May 26, 2026, and adopted findings and orders for Judicial Ditch 33. All motions carried.

• Approved interim use permit for lawn care business (unanimous)
• Adopted Findings and Order for Judicial Ditch 15, scheduling hearing on May 26, 2026 (motion carried)
• Adopted Findings and Order for Judicial Ditch 33 (motion carried)

Board Meeting Information & Materials

The Joint Blue Earth, Brown, and Watonwan County Drainage Authority is setting a public hearing for May 26, 2026, to accept the completed repair contract for Judicial Ditch 48. The repair, awarded to Noomen Excavating Inc. for $126,879.05, is finished and the engineer's report confirms satisfactory completion. Affected property owners will be notified by mail at least ten days before the hearing.

• Set acceptance hearing for Judicial Ditch 48 repair on May 26, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. in Mankato
• Repair contract awarded to Noomen Excavating Inc. for $126,879.05
• Repair location near Lilly Lake, Lake Crystal, Minnesota
• Engineer Charles J. Brandel of ISG filed Acceptance of Contract Report on December 5, 2025
• Joint authority includes Blue Earth, Brown, and Watonwan counties

Board Meeting Information & Materials

The Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss a proposal to redesign the jail's leadership structure. The plan aims to improve staff retention by creating supervisory sergeant roles and reclassifying a programming position.

• Proposal to create 4 shift-based supervisory sergeant positions
• Proposal to create 1 administrative sergeant position
• Reclassification of the programming-focused sergeant position to Jail Programmer
• Proposed updates to Jail Administrator and Assistant Jail Administrator job descriptions

Board Meeting Information & Materials

The Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve an interim use permit for a 45‑site campground at 55425 Hemlock Rd, South Bend Township, removing the previously required traffic‑study condition. The approval includes numerous site‑specific conditions on stormwater, reclamation, and licensing. The meeting also included routine agenda items such as a Library Board appointment, Public Works and County Attorney reports, and a resolution on the public‑housing payment‑in‑lieu‑of‑taxes rate.

• Approval of interim use permit for 45‑site Jones Ford Campground at 55425 Hemlock Rd
• Library Board appointment
• Public Works report by County Engineer Ryan Thilges
• County Attorney report by Pat McDermott
• Resolution on public‑housing payment‑in‑lieu‑of‑taxes new rate

The Blue Earth County Board approved an interim use permit for a 45‑campsite Jones Ford Campground. It also approved a $300,000 gravel‑crushing contract, purchased two electric pickup trucks, and appointed Sara Frederick to the Library Board. The Board accepted a $2,423,146.26 bid for the County State Aid Highway 69 reconstruction and requested a speed study for County Road 60 (Stadium Road).

• Approved Interim Use Permit for Jones Ford Campground (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Sara Frederick to Library Board
• Accepted low bid $300,000 from Martin Marietta for 2026 Gravel Crushing Contract
• Entered agreement with State of Minnesota to purchase two electric pickup trucks
• Approved Agency Agreement appointing Commissioner of Transportation as federal‑aid agent
• Accepted low bid $2,423,146.26 from Wendell Lorentz Construction for Highway 69 reconstruction
• Approved resolution requesting speed study on County Road 60 (Stadium Road)
• Approved meeting agenda (motion carried)

Board Meeting Information & Materials

The Joint Drainage Authority for Blue Earth, Faribault, and Martin Counties will discuss awarding a repair contract for Judicial Ditch 24. Staff recommends the lowest bidder, Krueger Excavating of Albert Lea, LLC, for the project.

• Proposed repair contract award to Krueger Excavating of Albert Lea, LLC for $361,012.75
• Engineer's estimate for the project was $541,749.65
• Six total bids received ranging from $361,012.75 to $612,733.20
• Proposed project timeline: start in May 2026 with completion by October 15, 2026

Board Meeting Information & Materials

The Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners will consider the Economic Development Authority’s recommendation to reject the sole $1,036,000 bid for Capital Improvement Project 11208 and to rebid the work. Commissioners will hold an acceptance hearing for County Ditch 78, where they may adopt the engineer’s acceptance report and contract. The agenda also includes interim use permit hearings for PC07‑26 and PC08‑26 and other drainage and public‑works items.

• Reject bid of $1,036,000 from Wilcon Construction Services for Capital Improvement Project 11208 (Breckenridge Path Townhomes and BEC Scattered Sites RAD Conversion Improvements)
• Acceptance hearing for County Ditch 78 improvement; contract awarded to Stevens Bobcat and Backhoe, LLC
• Interim Use Permit hearing for PC07‑26
• Interim Use Permit hearing for PC08‑26
• County Ditch 2 bid award (item listed under Drainage)

The Board approved the acceptance of the County Ditch 78 improvement contract as complete and ordered payment of any balance and release of retainage. It also approved an $80,027.55 low bid for repairs to County Ditch 02, authorized a redetermination of benefits for County Ditch 50 and appointed viewers, removed a duplicate $14,888.80 benefit entry for County Ditch 56, and appointed an engineer for the proposed County Ditch 99.

• Accepted County Ditch 78 contract as complete; retainage to be released (motion carried, Paap abstained)
• Approved low bid of $80,027.55 from Borneke Construction for County Ditch 02 repairs (motion carried)
• Ordered redetermination of benefits for County Ditch 50 and appointed five viewers (motion carried)
• Removed duplicate $14,888.80 benefit entry for County Ditch 56 (motion carried)
• Appointed Charles J. Brandel, PE, as engineer for proposed County Ditch 99 (motion carried)

Board Meeting Information & Materials

The commissioners will hold a work session to discuss the county’s RDF program. They will receive an update on the status of Rapidan Park from the county engineer. The session will also include administrative items presented by the county administrator.

• RDF discussion
• Rapidan Park update
• Administrative items

Board Meeting Information & Materials

The Blue Earth and Brown County Drainage Authority is meeting to initiate a Redetermination of Benefits for Judicial Ditch 36 in McPherson Township. This process is intended to update land values and usage data since the last redetermination in January 2020 to support proposed improvement petitions.

• Proposed appointment of viewers Mark Behrends, Robert Hansen, Kendall Langseth, Bruce Ness, and Wes Dahl
• Proposed appointment of Charles J. Brandel, PE, of ISG for engineering services
• Initiation of Redetermination of Benefits for the 4,800-acre Judicial Ditch 36 watershed

Board Meeting Information & Materials

The Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners will hold a final hearing on the Redetermination of Benefits for County Ditch 63 and consider adopting the viewers’ report and findings. The agenda also includes a bid award for County Ditch 56, a provider agreement for the Minnesota Cyber Response Team, and updates from Public Works, the County Attorney, and Administration. Additional items are a review of an off‑site gambling application and a 3.2 liquor license renewal.

• County Ditch 63 Redetermination of Benefits hearing – approval of findings and order
• County Ditch 56 bid award
• Minnesota Cyber Response Team Provider Agreement
• Public Works update
• Off‑Site Gambling Application

Board Meeting Information & Materials

The Blue Earth County Board will discuss the repeal of Minnesota’s shotgun‑only hunting zone for the 2026 season and review a draft ordinance that could limit firearms used for deer hunting in the county. Additional agenda items include the county administrator hiring process, a discussion of the county communicator role, and planning for a public works open house. All items are scheduled for the February 17, 2026 work session.

• Shotgun Zone Repeal – state law change effective Jan 1 2026, to be addressed by the Board
• Review of draft Deer Hunting Firearms Ordinance limiting firearms to shotguns, muzzle‑loaders, or handguns, with penalties up to $1,000 and 90 days jail
• County Administrator hiring process
• County Communicator discussion
• Public Works Open House discussion

Board Meeting Information & Materials

The Board of Commissioners will hold repair hearings for County Ditches 88, 93, and Judicial Ditch 32, as well as a set acceptance hearing for County Ditch 78. The body will also review planning and zoning permits and a request for abatement at Eagle Lake.

• Proposed $1,072,650 repair for County Ditch 88 in McPherson Township
• Planning and Zoning hearings for PC04-26 (Interim Use Permit) and PC06-26 (Code of Ordinances)
• Resolution for Financial Assurance Rate for Mining Reclamation
• Resolution for Groundwater and Surface Water Protection Loan Program
• Eagle Lake Abatement Request

The Board adopted Findings and Order approving the option‑3 repair plan for County Ditch 88 and directed the engineer to prepare detailed bidding documents. It also approved a resolution to seek reimbursement bonds up to $1,400,000 for those repairs. A similar Findings and Order was adopted for County Ditch 93, approving its option‑3 repair plan and directing engineering work. All motions carried.

• Approved County Ditch 88 repair plan (option 3) – motion carried
• Directed engineer to prepare detailed plans for County Ditch 88 bidding – motion carried
• Approved resolution to issue reimbursement bonds up to $1,400,000 for CD 88 repairs – motion carried
• Approved County Ditch 93 repair plan (option 3) – motion carried
• Directed engineer to prepare detailed plans for County Ditch 93 bidding – motion carried

Board Meeting Information & Materials

The Blue Earth County Board, acting as the Drainage Authority, adopted findings and orders to schedule a repair hearing for Judicial Ditch 32 on February 17, 2026. It also set a hearing for the County Ditch 63 benefits redetermination on March 3, 2026, and approved a revision to the 2026 Joint Judicial Ditch 15 assessment, reducing it to $684,800. Additional agenda items included a bid award for County Ditch 16, a Microsoft licensing change to G5, and public works updates.

• Set hearing for Judicial Ditch 32 repair on Feb 17, 2026
• Set hearing for County Ditch 63 benefits redetermination on Mar 3, 2026
• Revise Joint Judicial Ditch 15 assessment from $779,900 to $684,800
• Bid award for County Ditch 16
• Microsoft licensing change to G5

The Blue Earth County Board approved an advance of $10,068,219.48 from the Capital Fund to the Ditch Fund to cover cash deficits. It also set hearing dates for Judicial Ditch 32 (Feb 17, 2026) and County Ditch 63 (Mar 3, 2026) and corrected a drainage assessment to $684,800. Additional actions included accepting a $438,941.90 contract for County Ditch 16 repairs, a $185,349.28 Microsoft licensing purchase, and final payments for a bridge replacement and safety signs.

• Approved agenda with updated committee list (motion carried)
• Scheduled public hearing for Judicial Ditch 32 repairs on Feb 17, 2026
• Scheduled final hearing for County Ditch 63 benefits redetermination on Mar 3, 2026
• Corrected 2026 multi‑year special drainage assessment for Joint Judicial Ditch 15 to $684,800
• Accepted low bid from Krueger Excavating for County Ditch 16 repairs ($438,941.90)
• Advanced $10,068,219.48 from Capital Fund to Ditch Fund to cover deficits
• Approved $185,349.28 Microsoft 365 G5 licensing purchase from SHI
• Approved final payment $12,973.59 to Minnowa Construction for bridge replacement

Board Meeting Information & Materials

The Joint Blue Earth and Waseca County Drainage Authority is holding a hearing to review the Detailed Survey Report for Joint County Ditch 83. The board will decide whether to approve the reports and order the preparation of construction plans for public bidding.

• Proposed replacement and improvement of Mainline tile for a 2,943-acre watershed
• Estimated construction cost of approximately $463,138
• Review of Detailed Survey Report and Viewers' Report
• Review of DNR Commissioner Advisory Report
• Project location includes McPherson, Le Ray, and Alton Townships