Blue Earth County approves four ditch repair contracts, road agreements, equipment purchase and FEMA buyout consulting

Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners voted Feb. 11 to award four county-ditch repair contracts, approve multiple county road project agreements and equipment purchases, and hire a consultant to prepare FEMA buyout applications for seven flood-damaged or at-risk homes.

The actions, taken during the board’s regular meeting, affect drainage work in several townships, right-of-way acquisitions and trail construction partnerships with cities, the purchase and rental of road maintenance equipment, and contracting for FEMA buyout application support. County staff said the buyout work carries some financial risk for the county if property owners later opt out.

County drainage system coordinator Ryan Hornecker summarized the bidding results for four ditch projects and recommended awards to the lowest responsible bidders. “On January 30, four quotes were submitted for the County Ditch 78 Branch 1 improvement work,” Hornecker said, and ISG recommended awarding County Ditch 78 Branch 1 to Stevens Bobcat and Backhoe LLC for $45,101. The board approved that award; one commissioner abstained from the CD 78 vote, stating a landownership connection to the ditch.

For County Ditch 86 (Beauford Township), Newman Excavating LLC was awarded the repair contract for $49,500. For County Ditch 89, Kruger Excavating of Albert Lea LLC was awarded a lump-sum contract of $69,614 for initial tree-and-brush clearing; Hornecker noted the engineer’s estimate had been about $142,269.23 and commissioners commented on the low bid variance. For County Ditch 95 (Mapleton Township), Kruger Excavating of Albert Lea LLC won the $65,000 bid. The board approved each award by motion and voice vote.

In public works business, the board adopted a resolution authorizing right-of-way acquisitions for County State Highways 15 and 28 in St. Clair, part of a reconstruction project planned for February 2025. The board also approved an intent-to-cost-participate agreement with the City of Lake Crystal for a trail along County State Highways 6 and 79 connecting to the Lily Lake Estates subdivision; the project has a Transportation Alternatives grant covering 75% of construction costs and may receive additional funding from a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources grant for the remaining local share.

The board approved final contract payment for project 7669008 (Mineopa tunnel repair on County State Highway 69). The contractor was M. Hinches & Sons, Inc.; the final payment amount presented was $8,694.75, producing a final contract total of $173,895.

On equipment, the board awarded purchase of a 2025 motor grader (with snow wing and roller attachment) to RDO Equipment for the John Deere 772GP configuration at $363,165, including trade-in and attachments; the board also approved continuation of the 2025 motor grader rental contract (one bidder, Erosion Control Plus) at approximately $97,600. Commissioners discussed operator availability, annual cost versus ownership, and road conditions during dry seasons.

The board approved a memorandum of agreement with the Izaak Walton League’s Minnesota Valley chapter Green Crew program for parks partnerships and education, and it approved a professional services agreement with Bolton & Menk to prepare FEMA buyout application materials for seven flood-damaged or at-risk properties. County staff told the board the FEMA buyout program would reimburse roughly 75% of eligible home values and associated removal costs but warned the county could incur some local costs if homeowners opt out before buyouts are completed.

Other administrative items approved by the board included routine bills, human resources staffing updates (promotions, recruitments, and filled 9-1-1 telecommunicator positions), and a committee appointment change naming Eric Weller as an alternate to the Emergency Communications joint powers board.

Votes at a glance

- County Ditch 78 Branch 1: Award improvement contract to Stevens Bobcat and Backhoe LLC — $45,101. Motion approved; one commissioner abstained (land ownership disclosed). Source: Ryan Hornecker presentation and voice vote on record.

- County Ditch 86 (Beauford Township): Award repair contract to Newman Excavating LLC — $49,500. Motion approved by voice vote.

- County Ditch 89: Award tree-and-brush clearing contract to Kruger Excavating of Albert Lea LLC — $69,614. Motion approved by voice vote; commissioners noted the bid was well below the engineer’s estimate.

- County Ditch 95 (Mapleton Township): Award repair contract to Kruger Excavating of Albert Lea LLC — $65,000. Motion approved by voice vote.

- Right-of-way acquisitions resolution: County State Highways 15 & 28 (St. Clair) — resolution adopted by voice vote.

- Intent to cost-participate agreement: City of Lake Crystal trail (CSH 6 & 79) — approved by voice vote; project has a Transportation Alternatives grant (75% funding) and is applying for DNR local trails funding to cover remaining construction costs.

- Final payment: Project 7669008, Mineopa tunnel repair (CSH 69) — final payment approved; contractor M. Hinches & Sons, Inc.; final payment $8,694.75 (final contract total $173,895).

- Purchase: 2025 motor grader to RDO Equipment (John Deere 772GP) — $363,165 (including trade-in and attachments); approved by motion.

- Motor grader rental contract: Renewal with one bidder (Erosion Control Plus) — approximately $97,600; approved by motion.

- MOA: Izaak Walton League Minnesota Valley chapter Green Crew (parks education/partnership) — approved.

- Professional services agreement: Bolton & Menk to prepare FEMA buyout applications for seven properties — approved; county staff noted timing considerations tied to emergency management plan expiration and potential county share if homeowners opt out.

What happened next

Staff described ongoing project work and timelines: 60% design submissions and right-of-way work on several county state highways, review of an MPCA administrative penalty order on County State Highway 13, and ongoing coordination with FEMA and engineering consultants on the county dam and bridge damages. County staff said FEMA is assessing quantities for dam repairs and that further meetings with Barr Engineering and FEMA are expected to clarify scope and funding.

The board adjourned after routine committee reports and departmental updates.