The Dodge County Commissioners met in regular session January 9, 2023, in the Commissioner’s Room at the Dodge County Government Services Building, Mantorville, MN, at 9:30 a.m. Chair John Allen called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.
Mr. Kohlnhofer reported that according to Minnesota State Statute § 331A.03 the county must advertise bids in a qualified newspaper. In addition to or as an alternative, the county may publish advertisement in a recognized industry trade journal or on the county’s website. The Highway Department has been advertising on the County’s website and legal paper. Due to the limited distribution of the legal paper, the Highway Department would like to continue to use the county’s website as the official publication for all bids and request related to transportation construction and maintenance projects/materials. The proposed resolution will recognize the Dodge County website as the standard method for advertising the Highway Departments projects going forward. The County Engineer recommended that the Board approve the resolution to establish the Dodge County’s website as the alternative method to disseminate solicitations of bids and requests per Minnesota State Statute § 331A.03 Subd.3 (b). Commissioner Peterson offered the following resolution (#2024-02), seconded by Commissioner Toquam: WHEREAS, Minn. Statute § 331A.03 Subd.3 (b), allows a county to use its web-site or recognized industry trade journals as an alternative to disseminate solicitations of bids, requests for information and requests for proposals; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Dodge County Board of Commissioners hereby resolves: BE IT RESOLVED, the County of Dodge will use the Dodge County website, www.dodgecountymn.gov, as an alternative means to disseminate solicitations of bids, requests for information, and requests for proposals for transportation related construction and maintenance projects. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any dissemination by alternative means must be in substantially the same format and for the same period of time as a publication would otherwise be required under Minn. Statute § 331A.03 Subd.3
Ms. DeVetter informed the Board that Dodge County has been awarded $42,674.75 from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Urban and Community Forest ReLeaf Grant program for the removal of 43 ash trees infected with Emerald Ash Borer at Fairview Care Center. Funds from this grant will also be used to plant 50 new container stock trees at the site to replace the removed trees and restore the site. There is no match for this grant and prevailing wage requirements do apply. The county had received preliminary quotes from contractors for purposes of grant application but a formal contract is not in place. Motion by Toquam seconded by Kenworthy to approve and authorize the Project Manager to sign the proposed grant contract with Minnesota DNR and proceed with a contract for tree removal and replacement services at Fairview Care Center.
Ms. Cornelius reported that in the matter of the application of Dodge County Wind, LLC for a Certificate of Need, a Site Permit, and a Route Permit for the up to 259 MW Large Wind Energy Conversion System and associated 161 kV Transmission Line in Dodge, Mower, and Steele Counties, Minnesota, written comments will be accepted through January 10, 2024, by 4:30 p.m. The Environmental Services Director shared with the Board the following comments which she plans to provide regarding the Dodge County Wind, LLC project: There are three parties involved with this project: Dodge County Wind (DCW), Dodge County, and Mower County. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) filed with this project is between only two of the three parties. Dodge County was asked to be part of the MOU and declined to sign. The preferred route of Dodge County, the county where the majority of the transmission line will be installed, is and will remain State Hwy 56. From the beginning of this proposed project, Dodge County firmly held the position that based on Minnesota Statute, the county does not have the authority to allow private utilities into County Road right of way (ROW). MNDOT also took the same stance as the reason why the proposed utilities could not be located within State Road ROW. However, in what appears to be an effort to accommodate private utilities such as the NextEra DCW project, legislation has been recently changed to allow private utilities into road right of ways. It is Dodge’s understanding that the main driver for this change was due to the challenges of obtaining private landowner easements/permissions for the transmission line route associated with NextEra’s Dodge County Wind (DCW) project. It appears the DCW project will serve as a pilot project for this new legislation. As a result of these legislation changes, the County and MNDOT’s road ROWs now are “open” to having private utilities in them. Dodge County is unsure how the alternate route became labeled “the preferred route” as at no time did representatives from Dodge County or its townships use such a term. The alternate route was indicated by the road authorities to be “possible” NOT “preferred”. For example, the proposed leg running along CR K (700th St) has always been stated as not an option due to ROW width and as such will not be permitted and yet it remains on the maps. The leg running along CSAH 4 (710th St) is in only a slightly wider ROW but is being “squeezed” in with little room for road maintenance and improvement. Although the alternate route has been indicated to be possible and preliminary pole placements have been reviewed, Dodge County still retains the authority to permit utilities and accommodate them when possible. It has always been established that the TH 56 ROW is much wider and more amenable to such a transmission line. Therefore, with both route options available, in the best interest of Dodge County, it only makes sense that fewer impacts to private property would result from the straightest route and within the largest road ROW, which in this case is the State Highway 56 route. To further expand on the private vs public utility aspect of this project, Dodge County would request that, regardless of route selected, the transmission line have an operations permit as a condition of the project. This will ensure the project owner or any future owner is held responsible for the line for the entire service life of the line, not just during construction. The topic of potential stray voltage’s impact to livestock from the proposed transmission line have been brought up by concerned producers in Dodge County. Farmland and livestock are important assets to Dodge County and are part of its agricultural character, identity and economy. While there is much debate on this topic, in deference to these concerns, the choice of a route option that limits impacts to livestock producers would be preferred by Dodge County. Upon reviewing the route options, if the hybrid option is selected, the transmission line may potentially impact 6 feedlots that have over 30 animal units, and 4 of them along 710th Street are over 150 animal units. For someone who may not be familiar with animal units, it is not always a one for one. For example, one of the feedlots mentioned previously has 510 dairy cows and 40 buffalo. The Hwy 56 route does not have any feedlots over 30 animal units. At a minimum, if Dodge County’s preferred route is not selected, then DCW should provide a stray voltage baseline testing at the farms, at no cost to the livestock producers prior to the line installation. In addition, a surety bond that would cover post installation stray voltage testing costs should be required if issues were to arise at a feedlot, after construction and during operation of the project. There are several conditions that Dodge County would request to be added as a condition of the permits for this project. Dodge County is requesting that a stormwater bond be required to mitigate potential stormwater impacts from the DCW project. Placing the poles in the ROW will be putting them very close, if not in the drainage path which could increase the potential for increased runoff and flooding. As an agricultural county, preventing and mitigating impacts to farmland from stormwater would be a priority. As most of Dodge County is relatively flat, the smallest obstruction can have a great impact during flooding and spring thaw events. Additionally, groundwater contaminants are a hot topic right now in the State of Minnesota, especially the Southeast region. Stormwater runoff is generated from rain and snowmelt events. During construction projects, the runoff collects and transports pollutants like garbage debris, chemicals, oils, and sediment that can damage our streams, rivers, lakes and ultimately, groundwaters. All construction projects disturbing one acre or more are required to apply for an NPDES Construction Stormwater permit and develop a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP). The NPDES permit and SWPPP are approved by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), acting on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enforce the federal Clean Water Act. Dodge County requests that the NPDES permit and SWPPP be reviewed by MPCA on a monthly basis during active construction to ensure it is adequately being maintained and enforced. Dodge County requests that DCW prepare an Emergency Response/Disaster Plan which would provide contact information, protocols, local emergency response resources and financial security to address impacts and private property damage resulting from natural disasters and/or turbine failure occurring at the project site. While DCW has stated that the likelihood of a fire or failure is low, having a plan in place will assist local responders and serve as an information and financial resource for local citizens who may claim private property damages associated with these events affecting the DCW project. Dodge County has put considerable effort into researching issues and costs related to decommissioning as it relates to larger energy projects. To ensure the project does not interfere with future land usage and maintenance, Dodge County would request that if the project is not repowered, DCW will decommission the project and remove all of the project facilities. This means that rather than only removing to a depth of 4 ft, all below-ground cabling would be removed. A Decommissioning Bond should be required and should be maintained throughout the life of the project as a condition of the permit. Provisions for disposal due to repowering or disasters should also be considered. Due to the volatility of the salvage market, the bond should be in an amount sufficient to cover all the project’s decommissioning cost without consideration of salvage value for the life of the project. Currently, there is no local disposal or recycling facility, and none planned, that will accept wind turbines so the costs for transport and disposal should also be included in this bond. The amount of the bond shall be reviewed and updated periodically to ensure it is adequate to cover decommissioning expenses. Additionally, Dodge County does have concerns that the few disposal sites that do exist will be inundated with materials from all other wind projects which could significantly affect transport and disposal costs in the future. It is Dodge County’s experience that turbines are replaced at roughly an 8 to 10-year timeframe, rather than lasting the life of the project. Has this factor been addressed in your decommission plan and will that affect the cost of disposal? While the DWC Project does not require local zoning land use permits and is exempt from Dodge County Zoning Ordinances performance standards, all the ancillary activities associated with project construction, operation and maintenance are not. For example, it was mentioned at the public hearing that a lot of the laborers during the construction phase will be bringing in campers/RVs to live in. Dodge County has limited campsites and strict zoning rules on campers/RVs. In addition, permits would also be required for any contractor’s yards associated with the project. These rules will be enforced. In conclusion, Dodge County recognizes that there will be some benefits from this project. However, there are also some potential disadvantages from this project. As a result, Dodge County appreciates a thoughtful approach and appropriate conditions on the permit to alleviate, to the extent possible, negative impacts to Dodge County. Commissioner Toquam reported that she read the entire letter and felt it was well written. Ms. Toquam also felt Ms. Cornelius' points were very valid and clear as far as what Dodge County is expecting. Commissioner Toquam stated she liked the fact that there weren't much for grey areas within the letter that was written. Ms. Toquam noted the one area that she didn't think about was the campers/RV's so it was interesting to see that information included. The Environmental Services Director stated this is just one example. Mr. Cornelius informed the Board that she thinks that sometimes it gets lost that while Environmental Services isn’t permitting the whole project, they are permitting everything else that comes into our county, so if there are any zoning violations that occur because of this, they would address them like they would any other violations. Commissioner Peterson stated this is being presented as something that is a benefit to the citizens of Minnesota, and although some of the energy created from this system may go to Minnesota, it could also go anyplace. Mr. Peterson reported he was skeptical on some of the statements that the developers told the county, such as they can't go underground with the transmission lines because it's too expensive, or that they can't go to the Steele County Transfer Station or the Byron Sub-Station because of cost. Mr. Peterson commented Dodge County Wind wants to be recognized as a public utility, and if you want to be recognized as a public utility, then the benefit of the project should be for the citizens. Commissioner Peterson believes everything that they are doing is for the benefit of the company and that they want the best profit that they can make, and the most money they can make. They also want to go the cheapest way they can vs what's the most effective way for them to go. Mr. Peterson stated he wasn't sure how to word it, but he felt Dodge County should to include the following comments in the letter regarding the Dodge County Wind project: 1. Dodge County is skeptical about what their true comments to us are about, and why this is the only route that they can use. 2. Dodge County Wind wants to use this route because it offers the most financial gain for them. Ms. Cornelius informed the Board that this comment period for the project was basically to look at the EAW and what they had written, and determine if we felt anything was obviously missing. The Environmental Services Director noted that she approached this as these comments are our safe net, and if the project gets forced down this path, then these are the conditions that have to be associated with it. Ms. Cornelius reported that if Dodge County Wind is going to make this happen, then they need to be aware that Dodge County is going to ask that several things be included with this project as conditions. That’s what this comment period is meant for. The Environmental Services Director reported there will still be another comment period when the Judge releases their findings and their final, then we’ll get one more chance to make our rebuttal to that. The tentative date for the PUC meeting is in April 25th, 2024 where the Environmental Services Director and County Engineer will go again and voice their opposition to a certain route, discuss our preferred route, if the project is going to move forward, offer up alternative things that they feel should be looked at, or provide input if it is determined that neither of the proposed routes seems viable. It was Commissioner Peterson’s option that a comment should be included in the letter that states underground power lines by far are the most environmentally friendly way to go with transmission lines. Ms. Cornelius indicated that they can include a paragraph about the underground power lines in the letter. Mr. Kohlnhofer stated the challenge is that it’s all about profitability, even when Xcel does a project, it’s about profitability. Xcel Energy isn’t going to do a project that they are going to lose money on. The County Engineer reported that to go underground with this kind of wattage, it is his understanding that it would have to go in a concrete conduit and it would also have to be insulated, which makes it an uneconomical project. Mr. Kohlnhofer believes the fight will then be that Dodge County is going to be asked to tell them why we can’t accommodate them above ground like we do every other power company. Commissioner Peterson reported there are a number of utilities that are going underground now, and in states like Florida. The County Engineer noted the reason we insulate the transmission lines up here is due to permathaw. Mr. Kohlnhofer informed the Board that the ditch would never freeze if we had a power line of this size in the ditch. Ms. Cornelius reported Mr. Peterson has brought up a valid point, and they could touch on the point that developers are receiving a lot of subsidies from the State for this project. So, when they say the cost to them, what does that mean? The Environmental Services Director questioned how much of it is actually a cost to them and how much is actually being subsidized by money they are receiving from the state, which is ultimately money we’re giving to the state. Ms. Cornelius stated we could go at it from that angle. Mr. Peterson stated that’s what he was getting at, they are making a profit, they just want to make more of a profit each time. The County Engineer noted it’s not a bad comment to include. Mr. Peterson reported that he wants the Judge this is ruling on this to see this comment. Commissioner Allen agreed with Commissioner Peterson’s comments and adding a paragraph to the letter that states that Dodge County believes that Dodge County Wind is looking at profitability, nothing else. Mr. Allen stated although we will get another chance to comment on this project, he felt it might be a good idea to add this paragraph to this letter and the letter for the next comment period. Ms. Cornelius indicated that they could write something up to this effect that could be included in this letter. Mr. Allen felt the additional language should be added to this comment letter, rather than the next one so everything is in there to begin with, instead of waiting a few months and asking for additional conditions. The Environmental Services Director reported that she can add this information that was brought up at the Board meeting to the proposed comments. Commissioner Allen suggested that Commissioner Peterson work with Ms. Cornelius to add the additional comments that were brought up at the meeting to the comments she plans to send regarding the Dodge County Wind Project. Commissioner Toquam stated it seems fitting to add the language to this comment letter because the comments are related to the EAW, which is the Environmental Assessment Worksheet. So, if we are talking about the environment, this is also a fitting place to put those comments. The County Engineer pointed out, if they go down Highway 56, the fight there is that once they get to Mower County they have to go east because they have narrow right of ways. Mr. Kohlnhofer pointed out if they go Highway 56 and they bury the line in Mower County, they will have less burial to do. They don’t have to bury it along Highway 56. Commissioner Peterson suggested that Ms. Cornelius include an additional comment stating that Dodge County is requesting that underground installation of the transmission line be further explored. Motion by Toquam seconded by Peterson to approve and authorize the Environmental Services Director to submit written comments regarding the Dodge County Wind, LLC project as presented with the addition of a request to further explore underground installation of the transmission line.
The Director of Land Records discussed with the Board the 2023 fire abatement requests. Included in the Board packet was a list of fire abatements that were received for taxes payable for 2023. The county's abatement policy requires the County Board's approval in order to process damage abatements. Each of the properties on the list were inspected by the county's appraisal staff and it was determined that they qualify for an abatement. Commissioner Kenworthy reported that Gerald Lee is in the process of rebuilding his home. They are not living in the home yet, but they have started rebuilding it. Mr. DeCook reported it's good to know that they are rebuilding, it's part of this process. Land Records wants to see stuff rebuilt and people moving back into these homes. It was noted the added value of the rebuilt properties will get added to the tax base in future years. The Director of Land Records informed the Board that Jacob Peterson is the fee owner of parcel 18.029.0201, not Noah Peterson as listed on the abatement list. Commissioner Toquam noted there are a couple of properties in her area that are on the list that she believes are in active violation of the county’s ordinance and possibly one that is in Commissioner Kenworthy’s area. Ms. Toquam questioned whether or not those property owners would still receive the abatements. Mr. DeCook stated this would be a question for the County Board. If they feel an active violation is a reason not to give an abatement, they can deny that request. Ms. Toquam reported that she is referencing the Hamersma property and the Peterson property. Commissioner Toquam noted the Sletten property is possibly in violation too. Commissioner Kenworthy confirmed that the Sletten property is in violation of the county’s ordinance too. Commissioner Toquam stated that we struggle in this area to enforce this stuff, and have any teeth in the enforcement portion of these and keeping these properties cleaned up and in compliance. The Director of Land Records reported that not approving fire abatement requests for properties that are out of compliance would be a change in the process they've had since he's been working at Dodge County. Mr. DeCook suggested that the Board make this a recommendation for future years so his Appraisers have that communication with the taxpayers beforehand. Going forward, the Director of Land Records could come to the Board with a list of fire abatement requests and include a note from the Environmental Services Director that indicates which properties are in violation and what those violations are so the Board would have a more formal reason to deny the request. Commissioner Allen questioned why the Board would approve these now and not take action now on the properties with violations. It was Commissioners Allen's opinion that if the county didn't do something now to address these violations, they may as well forget ever enforcing any of these problems because we don't have any teeth. Mr. Allen felt this would be the easiest way to address these types of properties that are out of compliance. Commissioner Peterson agreed with Commissioner Toquam and Commissioner Allen's comments and wanted to know if the Appraisers have told the property owners anything different relating to the approval of the abatement requests. Mr. DeCook informed the Board that the Appraisers go out and do the review, collect the abatement and tell the property owner that the fire abatement request will be brought to the County Board for approval. No guarantees have been given regarding the fire abatements. Commissioner Allen wanted to know what the feeling was from the rest of the Board. Mr. Allen stated either we are going to do something to address this or we aren't, because we have no teeth in this and we can't afford to go after every property in violation. Commissioner Toquam stated we have an ordinance in place, things in place, rules in place and then we have things like the fire abatements, and even though they are in violation of the county's ordinance we're going to give them money and reward them for being in violation. Ms. Toquam commented when she went through the list it just didn't feel right to approve the properties that are in violation. Commissioner Allen wanted to know if there was any reason that this request has to be acted on today and couldn't be pushed back two weeks. The Director of Land Records stated he believes the four other properties should be acted on today just so they can get that process rolling. Mr. DeCook reported these people have gone through a tragedy, and the sooner we can get some money to them, the better. For the other three, if they are in violation, he has no problem tabling those requests and getting something more formal from the Environmental Services Director that says what the violations are. Mr. DeCook informed the Board that he would like to have some parameters for this. If the property owners are in violation because they are working with their insurance company before they do anything, Mr. DeCook wasn't in favor of denying those abatement requests, but if they were in violation because of other things like building without a permit or they have a bunch of junk on the property that is not a part of this process, then he could see a reason to deny the request. Commissioner Allen wanted to know if the County Attorney wanted to weigh in on the discussion. Mr. Kiltinen reported one thing they should keep in mind when taking action on requests like this is whether or not the property owners were aware that they were in violation or a letter was sent to them informing them that they were in violation of the county's ordinance. Commissioner Toquam stated she thinks it would be a good idea to give the whole fire abatement list to the Environmental Services Director. Ms. Toquam suggested that the Board approve a fire abatement list for those they know aren't in violation after the list has been reviewed by the Ms. Cornelius. The Board discussed removing the abatement approval requests for the three properties in question until they have been cleaned up. It was the consensus of the group that it may be harder to get the property owners to clean the properties up or have any leverage to get the properties cleaned up once they have received the fire abatements. Mr. DeCook suggested approving the abatements this year and then changing the policy on how they handle these abatement requests moving forward. The Director of Land noted that next year the Appraisers would be instructed to informed the property owners with violations that they would have to clean up their property before they would qualify to receive the abatement. Commissioner Allen and Commissioner Peterson agreed that the violators shouldn't be rewarded. Mr. Allen wanted to know if they could post-pone action on this request today. Mr. DeCook suggested approving the abatements that aren't in violation so the families that were impacted by this traumatic event could get the assistance they need. Motion by Toquam seconded by Tjosaas to approve and authorize the 2023 fire abatements for Gerald Lee, Allison DeRome, Hannah Neitzell and Coy Borgstrom as requested and table action on Chad Hamersma, Timothy Sletten and Jacob Peterson until the Environmental Services Director has had a chance to review the properties and determine if there are any active violations on the properties.
The Dodge County Commissioners met in regular session January 23, 2024, in the County Board Room at the Dodge County Government Services Building, Mantorville, MN, at 5:00 p.m. Chair John Allen called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
Mr. Sletten stated he is contesting the after the fact fee that he is being asked to pay for starting construction on his property without a zoning permit. Timothy Sletten reported that he never received a letter from the county informing him that he needed to apply for a zoning permit before he started rebuilding his home which was destroyed by a fire. The notice was mailed to the property address where the fire occurred which was unoccupied. Environmental Services has several documents on file that show when they had conversations with Mr. Sletten about this property and rebuilding on this property that clearly explain the process and the deadlines associated with rebuilding. Mr. Sletten stated that his contractor was told by someone at the county that they didn't need a building permit because the basement was intact, therefore his builder began construction on the home. Mr. Sletten then received a letter from the county to cease and desist, which he did. Terry Sletten reported that he has applied for a zoning permit, but is being charged three times the cost of the permit because it’s considered an after the fact zoning permit application. Mr. Sletten is asking that his zoning permit be approved, the zoning permit fee be reduced and that his fire abatement be approved. Commissioner Allen stated that he believes the builder didn't hear or understand what he was told regarding rebuilding, he probably heard the building permit is free due to the fire, and thought they wouldn’t need a building permit. Terry Sletten informed the Board that he pays his taxes and does what he's asked to do. If he had known that he needed a zoning permit to rebuild the house, he would have applied for a zoning permit. Commissioner Kenworthy stated this is a totally different dynamic. Mr. Sletten owns the home, but rents it out. Mr. Kenworthy reported he struggles with the building permit comment, because you always have to have a permit to build. Commissioner Kenworthy believes there was a misinterpretation about what is and is not needed as far as the permit goes. Mr. Kenworthy reported he is a little more lenient on the fee. Mr. Sletten stated he is willing to pay his fair share. Commissioner Kenworthy informed Mr. Sletten that the county has to put these types of penalties in place so people that are being dishonest are penalized. Motion by Kenworthy seconded by Peterson to reduce the zoning permit fee to the regular fee of $400.00 for Mr. Sletten’s property (10.017.0100) with no fines or penalties.
The Director of Land Records informed the Board that MN Statute 505.04 requires the County Recorder to provide storage for all official plats. The last time a cabinet was ordered was around 30 years ago. This will be their third cabinet. The cost of the cabinet (Enduro No. 200), shipping, and storage sleeves will be around $6,000. Mr. DeCook is requesting the Board approve the purchase of a new plat cabinet. The estimate that they received was from Government Forms and Supplies was $5,915.
Mr. Kohlnhofer informed the Board that the process to revoke the designation of the North side of CR K, from TH 56 to CSAH 9 as a county road and turn it back to Ashland Township has progressed throughout the past year. Discussions were held with Ashland Township officers and a public hearing was held January 8, 2024. During the public hearing it was generally agreed by everyone present that this 3-mile section of CR K fits more appropriately at the township level. These roads are within 3 miles of more improved county roads and they do not substantially make connections between other county roads or destinations. They do not fit in the county network and are more suited to be township roads. County Highway staff will meet with township officers and a list of projects and improvements will be developed. These projects will be completed by the county during the 2-year mandatory transition period. Included in the Board packet was a resolution which revokes CR K, from TH 56 to CSAH 9, as a county road and places it under the jurisdiction of Ashland Township. The Highway Department is requesting that the Board pass the proposed resolution revoking CR K, from TH 56 to CSAH 9. Commissioner Kenworthy wanted to know why the Board is being asked to approve the turn back of the north side of the road when they haven't talked to the south side of the road, Hayfield Township. The County Engineer reported that they haven't had any controversy on the south side of CR K so they didn't think it would be an issue to move forward with the north side of the road. Mr. Kohlnhofer noted that a hearing is scheduled for Hayfield Township in April. Mr. Kenworthy stated he was apprehensive to approve this request without talking to all the parties involved. Commissioner Peterson offered the following resolution (#2024-03), seconded by Commissioner Tjosaas. The resolution motion was rescinded. It was the consensus of the Board that the County Engineer needs to bring this request back after Hayfield Township has had an opportunity to consider the request.
Ms. Cornelius and Ms. Cole were present and requested that the Board vote in favor of the proposed resolution to issue 2024 licensure to the following waste haulers: Waste Management, Freeborn County Coop Oil, Skjeveland Enterprises, Kruckeberg Services, Hometown Haulers, LRS of Minnesota, LLC, Veit Disposal Systems and Aspen Waste Systems.
Dave Swenson, a representative of the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument Committee, thanked the Board for partnering with them in the creation of the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument and providing a place to call home in Mantorville. The Minnesota Gold Star Monument Committee donated $10,000 back in 2022 for the care of the memorial. Today committee representatives were present to provide another installment in the endowment of $15,000 for a total of $25,000. Their hope is that this amount will facilitate the perpetual maintenance and care of the Memorial. Mr. Swenson reported the Gold Star Memorial Committee will continue to have annual events to promote the Memorial. They want to make sure no tax dollars went to take care of the Memorial, and reported should the need arise or the $25,000 has been depleted, they will be here to help.
