Eagle Lake approves $27K Breckenridge landscaping project during commissioners meeting

The Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners convened on January 28, 2025, for their regular meeting, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda was approved without changes, and the board moved to recess for an Economic Development Authority meeting.

During the Economic Development meeting, the board reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting on January 7, 2025, which were also approved without discussion. Luke Peterson from the City of Mankato presented the Breckenridge Landscaping Phase 2 Visibility Report. This project aims to enhance the landscaping at Breckenridge Townhomes in Eagle Lake, including the installation of additional mulch beds and the replenishment of existing ones. The project, valued at $27,494, is set to commence when weather permits. The board expressed support for the project, and it was approved unanimously.

Following the adjournment of the Economic Development meeting, the board returned to the regular agenda, focusing on the preliminary hearing for County Ditch 63. The agenda for this segment was also approved without changes. Ryan Henneker, the Blue Earth County Drainage staff, presented the jurisdictional documents and outlined the process for the hearing, which included a review of the preliminary survey report and public comments.

Henneker noted that hearing notices were distributed on January 14, 2025, and the preliminary survey report was submitted to the staff and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on November 8, 2024. The DNR's advisory report, received shortly before the meeting, provided insights and recommendations regarding the proposed improvements to County Ditch 63.

The meeting concluded with a structured approach to gather public input on the proposed improvements, emphasizing the board's commitment to transparency and community engagement in the decision-making process.