[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6367376,"mediaKeyId","2158834-0c83f25cc6e70ba657afb535cb8fda0c","parentId",2158834,"title","County approves multiple public‑works contracts, selects TKDA for Highway 9 bridge design and Barr for Rapidan Dam removal work","audioSeconds",222,"startMs",3751000,"endMs",3973000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2158834-0c83f25cc6e70ba657afb535cb8fda0c&start=3751&end=3973","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2158834-0c83f25cc6e70ba657afb535cb8fda0c/thumbnail_3751000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6367376/Blue-Earth-County/Minnesota/County-approves-multiple-publicworks-contracts-selects-TKDA-for-Highway-9-bridge-design-and-Barr-for-Rapidan-Dam-removal-work","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6367376-4c8267c6e15b918792b93727d7501db5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184095&Signature=VMThg3YCD7mH7BdpAPVKpp~rRPj0tMdKDcf8w4ZmFps3CWgDkpvaCXPP0muY~vCIMGjdclTkVFvV1cgD9kiAn7JYUkVrS6tgN3u9ELWCnAJkLM0TowcOhDtpVnl47t8CiJsv4PqSDfR0EcaQ2Y4XYxamYC6jGSB8RYsAOSZLcrEoB3UmPtpe-brQf3f-BgJTzwde4P1vcFPtySDPrS79A5OOHGbPG~NHfI8BzPim91Ik~l0zDZNdj1bnzAvzI~D~ANpgpTFd7x2r8IrggkWZf4Sk6NH9mtgjaqjU8Qi5O~FBG1hgXR-UUHvs~FvnDfMjCEccCH6CkMR3SRngeJx3TA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Blue Earth County, MN","date","2025-01-28T00:20:16Z","article","Blue Earth County Public Works presented a package of contract approvals and project updates on Jan. 28, awarding design and construction contracts for multiple county road and bridge projects and moving the Rapidan Dam removal procurement forward.

Public Works requested and the board approved: final payments on several completed projects; award of a box‑culvert replacement contract (County Project 2184) to Sully Excavating ($182,713, 14.52% over engineer’s estimate); award of a bridge replacement contract (State Aid Project 759835) to R and E Enterprises; and award of a reconstruction contract on Victory Drive (State Aid Project 768211) to Wendell Lorenz Construction (low bid $2,668,341.25). The board approved those awards by voice vote.

For preliminary and final engineering services, staff selected TKDA for the County State Highway 9 bridge over the Blue Earth River; the contract amount presented was $2,557,758, to be funded with Federal Highway Administration and MnDOT ER funding. Staff also recommended and the board approved a professional services agreement with Barr Engineering to lead engineering for removal of the Rapidan Dam; the base contract shown in the packet was $1,473,000, with optional tasks totaling about $911,000 (total possible value $2,384,000). Public Works said the county procured Barr under federal procurement procedures to preserve potential FEMA reimbursement and that FEMA has been coordinated with staff on the procurement approach.

Staff reported a planned controlled demolition of a Highway 9 bridge using explosive charges by a subcontractor later in the week and described continuing design work on several other highway projects. Public Works also reported the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued an administrative penalty order related to erosion control on a recent project (MPCA penalty: county $16,593; contractor $22,125) and that the county will appeal; an administrative hearing was scheduled for Feb. 3.

The board approved final payments, contract awards and professional services selections by voice vote and directed staff to proceed with contracting consistent with the agreements presented to the board.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","The Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners Meeting for January 28th, 2025, Episode #290","oneSentenceSummary","Blue Earth County Public Works on Jan. 28 won approval for multiple contract awards and selected TKDA for bridge design and Barr Engineering for Rapidan Dam removal engineering.","taxTitle","Blue Earth County , Minnesota","taxId",52764,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6367387,"Blue Earth County holds preliminary hearing on County Ditch 63; engineers and DNR favor storage option",2152,304000,2456000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2158834-0c83f25cc6e70ba657afb535cb8fda0c&start=304&end=2456","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2158834-0c83f25cc6e70ba657afb535cb8fda0c/thumbnail_304000.jpg","/articles/6367387/Blue-Earth-County/Minnesota/Blue-Earth-County-holds-preliminary-hearing-on-County-Ditch-63-engineers-and-DNR-favor-storage-option","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6367387-8ee0fe24bd447e446f0c06dcfc5483a9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184095&Signature=nWyxYK1fI98XSdyS-ZCFxp07JvQJisssf2yK3vPkKlltzlgJhC7f92fLN233pZmvOW-kxh15jSScrpT~SiLCIzJ9CQbx23TGtruhcb7B7IX9fMLbgaXM6leTCn~p1xwBbCLjDX918cYD0j9uP-uL~jQJt454L2-OoVnOhVCLctZsZbX5DKiFHTFUF6ZWDoAWJP4wfHk9DEtAL3rh4aZpUsJUZQSyLc8uDH0EnSa-GHUSxh0lafz~esWmdpQR2fiXwMZbFbGOi2k9NACwgozZAv-ti8R10-FGfoVAgu73aFLo7aWcl4GRQvyLPjFa7UEAeWfXVD3IjVL9ldKiMNl9ug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Blue Earth County on Jan. 28 held a preliminary hearing on proposed improvements to County Ditch (CD) 63 in Decoria Township, where engineers recommended replacing failing tile and adding a storage basin to reduce downstream erosion and water‑quality impacts.

At the hearing, Blue Earth County Drainage staff said notices were mailed Jan. 14 and that the county received a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) advisory report on Jan. 24. ISG engineers presented a preliminary survey report dated Nov. 8, 2024, describing a watershed of roughly 1,300 acres that drains to a private waterway and then to the Cobb River about 1.6 miles downstream. Engineers reported failing tile, shallow cover depths and sections with cracked, misaligned pipe.

The engineer’s report presented two options. Option 1 would replace and enlarge the mainline and branches without storage; Option 2 includes the same tile work plus a roughly 2.58‑acre downstream water‑storage area with bermed containment and controlled culvert outlets. ISG staff said the storage option reduces modeled peak‑flow changes for several storm events and helps settle sediment and nutrients; the DNR advisory said it preferred the storage alternative because it lessens hydrologic and geomorphologic impacts on downstream public waters and fish habitat.

Engineers reported existing branch and mainline drainage coefficients generally below the industry standard of 0.5 inches per day, noted shallow cover depths in much of the system, and described the proposed design to meet a 0.5 in/day coefficient and a minimum 4 feet of cover (with most of the proposed system at about 5 feet). ISG presented drone and televising imagery showing severe erosion at the outlet, cracked or misaligned concrete tile in places, and debris buildup in branch lines. ISG estimated separable maintenance (repair in kind) at $1,450,000; the full improvement cost, including storage, at $2,650,000; and a net additional cost of $1,190,000 to upgrade capacity and depth as proposed.

The DNR advisory asked the county for additional hydraulic data to evaluate outlet adequacy, including a detailed hydraulic/hydrologic model, cross sections downstream of the outlet and drone data if available. DNR staff noted the receiving Cobb River is impaired for aquatic life and recreation and recommended that the drainage authority provide the meeting minutes, findings, viewers’ report and any final orders to DNR Region 4 when available. The advisory also said Option 1 would require a public waters work permit and that the storage option may avoid that permit if landowner agreements and project updates are provided.

ISG staff said they will refine modeling (including requests to test making Branch 6 a continuous 24‑inch tile), seek landowner agreements for potential storage locations, and prepare a detailed survey and viewers’ report before a final hearing probably later in the year. The county received no public comments during the allotted public‑comment period at the hearing.

The board voted to accept the jurisdictional documents and the preliminary engineer’s report into the record and, later in the meeting, moved to approve the draft findings and order and to appoint viewers and direct the engineer to prepare the detailed survey report. Both motions passed by voice vote.

Engineers and county staff said next steps include more detailed hydraulic analyses, continued landowner coordination on any storage basin and preparation of the viewers’ report and final engineering report for a subsequent hearing.","Blue Earth County on Jan. 28 held a preliminary hearing on proposed improvements to County Ditch (CD) 63 in Decoria Township, where engineers recommended replacing failing tile and adding a storage basin to reduce downstream erosion and water‑quality impacts.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6367382,"Blue Earth County approves landfill cell construction and closure plans, seeks MPCA grants for PFAS work",434,2841000,3275000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2158834-0c83f25cc6e70ba657afb535cb8fda0c&start=2841&end=3275","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2158834-0c83f25cc6e70ba657afb535cb8fda0c/thumbnail_2841000.jpg","/articles/6367382/Blue-Earth-County/Minnesota/Blue-Earth-County-approves-landfill-cell-construction-and-closure-plans-seeks-MPCA-grants-for-PFAS-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6367382-e216d94373c0ec656d13cfc443ccfeed/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184095&Signature=gXR6-tXKgCOtI1BZhjIfqs~NU2Wae7muzZW10cMf6lhjYlpOxvRDQr1PdYqNKTb1U40SujHmmgS~zbDSzGwQCTya5WkTL634ZpnHHbHG48mZBWMMDbRlaE9WAthiRj9vzVtYCiTy~VphYsnOooDutBWCMQg7t0UVdb5YtrmC-PbquoDEBODywCnLiY7zpzeemoe86foHaovI5kMR4spkOrJbJUtEGu~3T4SnKaSrqal5v-9vZ-cS823yNvlBKqVY5nU8dA3-XwSjVjjaooY7l0dJgC1q8aorGqFI~AvB0Rk9zYn-e485ZBKZPTkWteSQvItIR~V3jCmCh6iqXHaZMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Blue Earth County on Jan. 28 authorized contracts and project approvals for landfill cell construction and closure, and approved applying for state grants to test technologies and locate sources of PFAS (per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances) entering the landfill.

Michael Stolberger, director of Property and Environmental Resources, told the board the planned Cell 4B/5B/7 construction will open about 3.25 acres of permitted disposal capacity, providing roughly 200,000 cubic yards of capacity; the contractor estimate presented to the board was approximately $940,000. The board authorized the county administrator and the director to execute agreements needed to complete the work.

Stolberger also said the county needs to close portions of the active phase to establish final cover and divert stormwater from leachate collection; the board authorized county staff to proceed with the closure work to be completed in 2025. An engineer’s cost estimate for the closure work was provided in the meeting packet (transcript text: “engineer’s estimate of cost on this is just under $140,000,0.0”); the director said the project was budgeted and that completing closures earlier helps leachate management and PFAS preparedness.

On PFAS, the board approved a revised grant application strategy. Property and Environmental Resources described two grantable projects: (1) a technology pilot to evaluate PFAS removal methods from landfill leachate (project cost stated at just under $240,000) and (2) a project to identify where PFAS is entering the landfill (cost not specified in the meeting transcript). The county will apply for available MPCA grants and use Ponderosa Enterprise funds to provide required local matches (10%); Stolberger said if both grants are awarded the county’s aggregate local cost would be around $54,000 including staff time and materials. The board voted to authorize the re‑application and local funding commitment; the motion passed by voice vote.

Stolberger told commissioners that earlier contractor mobilization and deferred maintenance contributed to higher unit costs for the new cell construction than prior years, and that manager and staff expect much of the PFAS‑related future costs will be large and require ongoing board discussion.

The board approved the construction authorization, closure work authorization and the grant‑application resolution by voice vote. Stolberger said projects would move forward in 2025 pending grant awards and final contracting.","The county authorized construction and closure work at the county landfill and approved applying for Minnesota Pollution Control Agency grants to pilot PFAS treatment and to map PFAS sources; estimated contract and project costs were presented and local matching funds were committed.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6367366,"Board approves Breckenridge Townhomes landscaping Phase 2 visibility improvements in Eagle Lake",122,169000,291000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2158834-0c83f25cc6e70ba657afb535cb8fda0c&start=169&end=291","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2158834-0c83f25cc6e70ba657afb535cb8fda0c/thumbnail_169000.jpg","/articles/6367366/Blue-Earth-County/Minnesota/Board-approves-Breckenridge-Townhomes-landscaping-Phase-2-visibility-improvements-in-Eagle-Lake","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6367366-788f361ab49b46848183f9406a12e009/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184095&Signature=FMRfHtVcQyGOq3111DrD4ZNR5RZlqdsaLIOKGOY3eSCD0shTH7eZR01hvHfo9HQwJ8hTHr590lJP0UgPjqSaDX7mCJ8sjv2epgHtGbjSJiB~nBbuSS5tt2TH-0cLLVyss-Peqe-j5z7xCgIfoTyCth802TsFkAn8LCiC8JrLpCOnOZO-NDTDrmYojEhDiJSzf9DzWMf0VoG5U7qbucaCMHc~XWO0PIxU1Y4lZ5SaBVAAjVZKMYR0Lzi0QzMjCtc5Yms8iwHZpPP0dRyh2ZAeXGBVT3glb2ABVdaYvu2t5pPMyOXdn9wRB1ubRpDRSGXbMIxoPbVkoudZovHA8cTZJg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Blue Earth County commissioners on Jan. 28 approved a feasibility report and moved to fund landscaping improvements at Breckenridge Townhomes in Eagle Lake as Phase 2 of a visibility/grounds project.

Luke Peterson, representing the City of Mankato facilities division, said the Phase 2 work would replenish mulch beds installed in Phase 1 (2023), add mulch in playground areas and remove under‑utilized planters between the road and townhomes. Peterson gave a project value of $27,494. Board members called the existing landscaping a “real asset” to the area, moved to approve the project and the motion passed by voice vote.

The county recorded no public comment on this item and the contractor/implementation details were not discussed in detail during the meeting. Staff will proceed with next steps under the approved feasibility and funding authorization.","Blue Earth County commissioners approved a feasibility report and funding motion to install mulch beds and landscaping at Breckenridge Townhomes in Eagle Lake, Phase 2, with a project value presented as $27,494.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6367372,"County board approves zoning amendment tightening elder‑care conversion standards",124,2648000,2772000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2158834-0c83f25cc6e70ba657afb535cb8fda0c&start=2648&end=2772","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2158834-0c83f25cc6e70ba657afb535cb8fda0c/thumbnail_2648000.jpg","/articles/6367372/Blue-Earth-County/Minnesota/County-board-approves-zoning-amendment-tightening-eldercare-conversion-standards","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6367372-70460f423e313aeca510082ecb810059/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184095&Signature=N7UYny9lR0FhbBIeW-FME926oegIy0cs4uTICzdAfvnIFwGyRA0RBDnCcChF8devyRoBApf20uOzEWsfoMbVYMEy51TY4DBYYajkJ90qEmEl56XTnXqYbk5N7a7QdWrIv-McprsTXlyU9HwgkJbUiE~tcJns7CzvkwkoAnog9-avkw1~mY0Zpj3NWx1LLkCSayy4tdwoESZogJmRoFRoF8zD3UrNY-g67HUsBJnCQwqub7kvBtwkw5e8pHLO37FRobTnQuv3D-F3lu83rytxVn2Js3hDzBDBQEoCiwt2yMpZLels4OZv~lV3GosEuPTwq7k7eLel0Zto2PPhr4FG-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Blue Earth County on Jan. 28 approved an amendment to Chapter 24 of the county zoning ordinance that revises standards for elder‑care and dependent‑care facilities and clarifies requirements for converting such uses back to single‑family dwellings.

George Leary of Blue Earth County Planning and Zoning presented the packet and said the Planning Commission reviewed the proposal at a public meeting; one citizen attended and thanked staff. Planning Commission members discussed requirements for conversion back to single‑family dwellings and unanimously recommended approval. Leary said the commission appreciated staff’s methodology. The county board voted to adopt the planning‑commission recommendation by resolution and the motion passed by voice vote.

Leary also told commissioners that the planning commission will return in February with two additional ordinance amendments: an adaptive‑reuse ordinance and a home‑occupations amendment to allow outdoor storage; both will be scheduled for further public review and board action.

The board approved the zoning amendment based on the planning commission’s findings and directed staff to bring future ordinance drafts back for public hearings and formal action.","Blue Earth County commissioners voted unanimously to adopt a Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation to amend Chapter 24 zoning rules addressing elder/dependent care standards, easing conversions that previously needed variances and clarifying reversion to single‑family use.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County approves multiple public‑works contracts, selects TKDA for Highway 9 bridge design and Barr for Rapidan Dam removal work

Blue Earth County holds preliminary hearing on County Ditch 63; engineers and DNR favor storage option

Blue Earth County approves landfill cell construction and closure plans, seeks MPCA grants for PFAS work

Board approves Breckenridge Townhomes landscaping Phase 2 visibility improvements in Eagle Lake

County board approves zoning amendment tightening elder‑care conversion standards