Phil Claussen

The Board meeting agenda included several key drainage items requiring action, such as setting a repair hearing date for Judicial Ditch 32, setting a redetermination of benefits hearing for County Ditch 63, and awarding a bid for repairs on County Ditch 16. Administrative matters covered the approval of the January 20, 2026, County Board Minutes and reviewing bills for two weeks in January 2026. A key decision point was the proposed upgrade from Office 365 G3 licenses to Microsoft 365 G5 licenses, recommended for enhanced security and efficiency, alongside a resolution to advance a significant amount of capital funds to the Ditch Fund to cover deficit cash balances. Additionally, the Board addressed a correction to the 2026 Joint Judicial Ditch 15 assessment levied amount. Public Works items included consideration of final contract payments for two highway projects and updates on dam and bridge projects.

The Board of Commissioners meeting agenda for January 20, 2026, included several key items. Discussions and hearings were scheduled regarding County Ditch 47 petitions for removal, and the Minneopa Creek Cleaning Hearing. Drainage matters included setting repair hearings for County Ditches 88 and 93, and appointing viewers for County Ditch 1. Other items covered Planning and Zoning updates, Recycling Committee Appointments, the 2026 Ballot Board Resolution, Canvassing Board Appointments, and Human Services reports. Administration items included reviewing the County Board Minutes of January 6, 2026, bills for two weeks in January 2026, Human Resources matters, an Off-Site Gambling Application, and 4th Quarter Donations. The agenda also noted a joint Economic Development Authority Annual Meeting and a public lunch invitation.

This document outlines the Blue Earth County Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Plan and Guidelines for 2026. Its primary purpose is to provide guidelines for using prevention aid to prevent the introduction and reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species populations. Key strategies include assessing county resources and risks, increasing public awareness and participation, enhancing enforcement, leveraging partnerships, managing existing invasive species, addressing specific pathways, and broadening early detection and rapid response efforts. The plan aims to prevent the introduction of new invasive species in Blue Earth County and Minnesota.

The meeting served as a session for the Joint Drainage Authority to address the petition for improvement concerning Judicial Ditch 83. Key discussions included the review of jurisdictional documents and notices. The primary action item involved considering the Findings and Order related to the improvement petition, which originated from a petition received on August 23, 2024. The authority sought to set a date for the Detailed Survey Report Hearing, with a proposed date of February 3, 2026.

The Board of Commissioners meeting agenda included several organizational items such as appointing a Chair and Vice Chair, assigning Board Committees, and reviewing the 2026 Board Meeting Calendar. Key discussion topics involved the Economic Development Authority Annual Meeting and the Regional Railroad Authority Annual Meeting. Drainage matters included setting an acceptance hearing for Minneopa Creek cleaning and reviewing a memo regarding County Ditch 56 Branch 1 removal. The Board planned to adopt the Minnesota River Watershed Comprehensive Watershed Plan. Administration items included reviewing previous minutes, approving bills for specified weeks in December 2025, addressing Human Resources, setting 2026 minimum salaries for Attorney and Sheriff, adopting a Crop Damage Resolution, reviewing Publication Bids, establishing 2026 Bounties and Loan Interest Rates, approving the Highway 169 Coalition Dissolution Resolution, and handling Tobacco License Renewals.