Commission approves two right‑of‑way vacations on County Highway 137

The Minnehaha County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 1 approved two resolutions—MC20‑71 and MC20‑72—vacating portions of right‑of‑way along County Highway 137 (470th Avenue) after public hearings and a staff briefing from the county planner.

Planner Kevin Hoekman told the Commission Right‑of‑Way Vacation #20‑01 (MC20‑71) was requested by the Highway Department because a recent reconstruction on County Highway 137 required adjusting the road alignment near an existing church and parking lot; the new road base has already been installed. Marlin Visser, a nearby property owner, spoke in favor of the vacation and asked about fencing on the additional land that would be gained; the Commission directed Visser to contact the Highway Department to discuss fencing. The Commission approved MC20‑71 on a 5‑0 roll call vote (motion by Heiberger; seconded by Beninga).

Hoekman also presented Right‑of‑Way Vacation #20‑02 (MC20‑72), a petition by private landowners to vacate a portion of right‑of‑way at the intersection of County Highways 137 and 126 (470th Avenue and 256th Street). Hoekman said the intersection was reconstructed in 2011, a curve was removed, and the ground at the corner had since been replanted as part of an agricultural field. The Commission approved MC20‑72 by a 5‑0 roll call vote (motion by Heiberger; seconded by Karsky).

Both resolutions include legal descriptions of the vacated right‑of‑way and direct that the resolutions be placed on file with the Minnehaha County Auditor and recorded with the County Register of Deeds.

No objections or competing claims were recorded in the minutes; both motions passed unanimously and will be recorded according to county procedure.