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Notice To The Residents Of Langola Township

Notice is hereby given that there will be a regular meeting of the Board of Langola Township for the purpose of inspecting and making recommendations for the maintenance and improvements of the township roads of Langola. This meeting will take place on April 12th, 2023 beginning at approximately 10:30 AM. The Board will meet at the Rice City Hall and proceed from there. Any resident of Langola Township wishing to join the road tour is welcome.

Anita Seviola, Clerk Langola Township R-11-2B

Certificate Of Assumed Name

Minnesota Statutes

Chapter 333

ASSUMED NAME: Buddy Built RC.

PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: 4872 5TH AVE NE, SAUK RAPIDS, MN 56379-8705 United States.

NAMEHOLDER(S): Cameron William Oltz, 4872 5TH AVE NE, SAUK RAPIDS, MN 56379-8705 United States.

By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/ her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required elds, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath.

/s/ Cameron Oltz 01/24/2023 R-11-2P

Assessment Notice

Important Information Regarding Property Assessments

This may affect your 2024 Property Taxes.

The Board of Appeal and Equalization for Mayhew Lake Township in Benton County, Minnesota will meet on Tuesday, April 11th, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. at Mayhew Lake Township Hall. The purpose of this meeting is to determine whether property in the jurisdiction has been properly valued and classi ed by the assessor.

If you believe the value or classi cation of your property is incorrect, please contact your assessor’s of ce to discuss your concerns. If you disagree with the valuation or classication after discussing it with your assessor, you may appear before the local board of appeal and equalization. The board will review your assessments and may make corrections as needed. Generally, you must appeal to the local board before appealing to the county board of appeal and equalization.

Given under my hand this 20th day of March, 2023

Lawrence Thell Clerk of the Township of Mayhew Lake R-12-2B

Assessment Notice

Important Information Regarding Property Assessments

This may affect your 2024 Property Taxes.

The Board of Appeal and Equalization for Langola Township in Benton County, Minnesota will meet on Wednesday, April 12th, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. at Rice City Hall

The purpose of this meeting is to determine whether property in the jurisdiction has been properly valued and classi ed by the assessor.

If you believe the value or classi cation of your property is incorrect, please contact your assessor’s of ce to discuss your concerns. If you disagree with the valuation or classication after discussing it with your assessor, you may appear before the local board of appeal and equalization. The board will review your assessments and may make corrections as needed. Generally, you must appeal to the local board before appealing to the county board of appeal and equalization.

Given under my hand this 8th day of February, 2023

Anita D Seviola Langola Township Clerk Benton County R-11-2B

2023 County “SCORE” Grants Available for Solid Waste Abatement, Recycling Projects, and Tire Recycling

Are you looking for a way to positively impact your community but don’t have the funds to bring your idea to life?

Benton County is seeking to enhance existing or promote new solid waste abatement and recycling activities/ programs through our SCORE grant application process. Examples of recently funded projects include recycled material playground equipment, composting, and educational plays at schools. These grants are open to the individuals, public and private sectors.

NEW! Benton County Tire Recycling Program. This grant is now open for applications.

For more information about either grant program and to obtain application forms, please access the Benton County Web site at www.co.benton.mn.us or contact the Benton County Planning & Zoning at: Benton County Government Center, 531 Dewey Street, P.O. Box 129 Foley, MN 563290129, (320) 968-5065. Applications must be received by May 5th, 2023 at the above address.

R-12-1B

WATAB TOWNSHIP, BENTON COUNTY, STATE OF MINNESOTA

ORDINANCE #4 (Amended October, 2022)

AN ORDINANCE REGULATING TOWN ROAD RIGHTS-OF-WAY

The Board of Supervisors of Watab Township, Benton County, hereby adopts and ordains this Ordinance to Manage and Regulate Township Public Rights-of-Way. (It replaces the previously adopted Ordinance 4):

Section 1. Purpose and Authority

A. Purpose. The primary objectives of this ordinance are to protect public safety, reduce interferences with public travel, protect the public’s interest in its rights-of-way, and to provide for the ef cient and uniform administration of the Town’s road rights-of-way. The Board nds that the regulations, requirements, and restrictions, as set forth in this ordinance, are in the best interests of the health, safety, and welfare of the Town’s citizens.

B. Authority. As a road authority, the Board has broad authority to regulate what occurs within the Town’s road rights-of-way. This authority is found in Minnesota Statute

Section 365.10, Subd. 17, a variety of Sections in Chapters 160, 164, 165, 169, 222, 237, 368, and other chapters, as well as the rules associated with those chapters and all other powers granted to Urban Townships.

Section 2. De nitions

Section 3: Prohibition without Permit

Section 4. Town Removal of Facility or Junk

Section 5. Permit Required

WATAB TOWNSHIP, BENTON COUNTY, STATE OF MINNESOTA ORDINANCE #5 (Amended October, 2022) AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING EROSION CONTROL AND STORM WATER MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR LAND DISTURBANCES AND WATER QUALITY

The Board of Supervisors of Watab Township, Benton County, hereby adopts and ordains this Ordinance to Manage and Regulate Township Public Rights-of-Way. (It replaces the previously adopted Ordinance 5.)

Subdivision 1: Purpose

Subdivision 2: Authority

Subdivision 3: Scope

Subdivision 4: Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan: Approval and Administrative

Subdivision 5: Approval Process

Subdivision 6: Conditions

Subdivision 7. Inspections

Subdivision 8: Permit Transfer/ Modi cation or Subdivision

BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MARCH 7, 2023

The Benton County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on March 7, 2023, in the Benton County Board Room in Foley, MN. Call to order by Vice-Chair Jared Gapinski was at 9:00 AM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the ag. A roll call showed Commissioners Beth Schlangen, Steve Heinen, Jared Gapinski and Ed Popp present. Commissioner Scott Johnson was absent. Gapinski noted the absence excused.

Motion by Heinen and seconded by Popp to approve the Agenda as written. Motion carried unanimously.

There was no one present to speak during Open Forum.

Motion by Popp and seconded by Schlangen to approve Consent Agenda items 1-3: 1) approve the contract for outside labor attorney services and authorize the Vice-Chair to sign; 2) approve the Letter of Support for Compostable Products Labeling; House File 1165/Senate File 2243 and authorize the Vice- Chair to sign; 3) accept and le the Administrator’s Report; Monthly Financial Report through 12/31/2022. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Karen Pundsack, Great River Regional Library Executive Director, presented the 2022 Library activities report. This item was for informational purposes only.

Next, County Assessor Brian Folden recognized the Land Services (Recorder’s Of ce) employees Cheryl Kantor, Katie Bursch and Betty Stellmach as our 4th Quarter Award Winners of Benton County’s Employee Recognition program. It is Benton County Policy to recognize workers that go above and beyond in their daily work. There are four categories of awards: Customer Support; Innovation and Ef ciency; Employee Safety/Injury Reduction; and Inspirational Leader. Cheryl Kantor, Katie Bursch and Betty Stellmach were all nominated by Folden and selected as winners by the Employee Recognition Committee in the category of “Customer Service”.

Next, Emergency Management Director Kristen Tschida requested the County Board appoint Sheriff Troy Heck as the Emergency Management Deputy Director. Foley Fire Assistant Chief Larry Nadeau has been the Emergency Management Deputy Director for 15+ years. Chief Nadeau has retired from public safety and no longer has interest in lling this position. It should be changed to an individual with knowledge and authority to run emergency operations and expend County Funds. Motion by Heinen and seconded by Popp to appoint Sheriff Troy Heck as the Emergency Management Deputy Director per MN Statute §12.25. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Wetland and Solid Waste Program Lead Sierra Cotter requested to conduct a public hearing on the 2023 Solid Waste Facility Licenses for Waste Management, Republic Services (Minden Transfer Station), Henkemeyer Land ll Inc., and Sandhill Organics dba Tri-County Organics LLC, Tom Kraemer Inc. dba East Side Transfer and Recycling. Benton County Solid Waste Ordinance #471 requires annual renewal of solid waste management facility licenses including a public hearing before the County Board of Commissioners. Solid Waste Ordinance #471 requires the Board to set bonding, and

Section 6. Permit Application

Section 7. Permit Conditions

Section 8. Permit Denial

Section 9. Work Standards

Section 10. Warning Signs

Section 11. Alteration of Right-of-Way Grade

Section 12. Cultivation and Landscaping

Section 13. Obstructions and Junk

Section 14. Unauthorized Maintenance

Section 15. Doing Damage

Section 16. Mailboxes and Signs

Section 17. Parking of Vehicles within a Right-of-Way

Section 18. Approaches, Culverts, and Headwalls

Section 19. Utilities

Section 20. Animal Waste

Section 21. Town and Contractors

Section 22. Site Inspection

Section 23. Enforcement and Penalty

Section 24. Savings Clause

Section 25. Severability

The entire ordinance is available for viewing in the Clerk’s of ce at the Watab Township Hall, 660 75th Street NW, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379, via email by request, and/or on the Watab Township website. The ordinance is also posted at the Great River Regional Library and on le at the Benton County Law Library.

Dated March 20, 2023

Kathy Sauer, Clerk Watab Township R-12-1B

Registration

Subdivision 9: Plan or Permit Amendments

Subdivision 10: Termination of Coverage

Subdivision 11: Technical Standards and Speci cations

Subdivision 12: Storm Water Discharge Design Requirements

Subdivision 13: Permit Review Fees

Subdivision 14: Prohibition of Illicit Discharges

Subdivision 15: Salt Storage at Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional Facilities

Subdivision 16: Enforcement

The entire ordinance is available for viewing in the Clerk’s of ce at the Watab Township Hall, 660 75th Street NW, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379, via email by request, and/or on the Watab Township website. The ordinance is also posted at the Great River Regional Library and on le at the Benton County Law Library.

Dated March 20, 2023

Kathy Sauer, Clerk Watab Township R-12-1B insurance requirements and whether to have the facility pay into a test well closure and post closure contingency fund. The Board established the existing facilities requirement at a minimum of $1.5 million in liability insurance and a $10,000 bond, with none of the facilities having to pay into test well closure and post closure contingency fund. The following solid waste management facilities were issued licenses in 2022, and again are applying in 2023: Waste Management, Republic Services (Minden Transfer Station), Henkemeyer Land ll Inc., and Sandhill Organics dba Tri-County Organics LLC, Tom Kraemer Inc. dba East Side Transfer and Recycling. The above listed facilities are all in good standing with the MPCA; the above facilities had on-site inspections by the Benton County Solid Waste staff and appear to be in compliance with MPCA and Benton County requirements. The public hearing opened at 9:20 AM. No one was present in-person or virtually to speak. The public hearing closed at 9:20 AM. There were no emails, letters or other communications to be read into the record. The Department has not received any comments or concerns from any State agencies, cities or townships. No ofcial action was required by an affected Township. Motion by Heinen and seconded by Popp to set the surety bond at $10,000 and to set the insurance at $1.5 million as a part of the 2023 Solid Waste Management Facility Licenses. Motion carried unanimously. Then, Popp motioned to authorize the Benton County Board Chair to sign the facility licenses. Seconded by Heinen. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Interim County Engineer Mark Loidolt provided an engineer’s update. Loidolt shared that Benton County received a grant for $750,000 for the Mayhew Lake Road/ CSAH 1 and County Road 29 roundabout to be used in 2025. So far this year, Benton County has received $2.75 million of outside federal funding for roads. This item was for informational purposes only.

Next, Board members reported on recent meetings they attended on behalf of Benton County.

Under Comments by Commissioners, Popp addressed the letter that was received from Goodhue County Commissioner Linda Flanders regarding clean-up along the Mississippi River and asked if this topic could be brought to the next Regular Board Meeting for discussion.

Popp/Heinen to set the Committee of the Whole Meetings: Tuesday, March 14, 2023 Of ce of the State Auditor Central MN Listening Session, St. Cloud State University, Alumni Room, Atwood Memorial Center, 720 4th Avenue South, St. Cloud, MN 56301, 10:00 AM; Monday, March 20, 2023 Space Need Meeting with GLT Architects, Benton County Boardroom, Foley, 8:30 AM. Motion carried unanimously.

Vice-Chair Gapinski adjourned the Regular Board Meeting at 10:20 AM.

Jared Gapinski, Vice-Chair

Benton County Board of Commissioners

ATTEST: Montgomery Headley Benton County Administrator R-12-1B

Benton County Board Of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes

FEBRUARY 21, 2023

The Benton County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on February 21, 2023, in the Benton County Board Room in Foley, MN. Call to order by Chair Scott Johnson was at 9:00 AM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the ag. A roll call showed Commissioners Beth Schlangen Scott Johnson, Steve Heinen, Jared Gapinski and Ed Popp present.

County Administrator Montgomery Headley requested to amend the Consent Agenda to add item #12 to consider a Collective Bargaining Agreement with Teamsters Local 320, representing Sheriff’s Licensed Supervisors, for the period of January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2025; and to add Consent Agenda item # 13 to appoint David Manea to the Extension Committee representing Commissioner District 4 (Gapinski). Motion by Heinen and seconded by Popp to approve the amended agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

David Wilson of 7585 Ronneby Rd NE, Foley, MN 56329 was present to speak during the Open Forum to address his concerns regarding the denial of access to Highway 23 for the Wilson Addition development. Wilson stated that he feels he was harassed and discriminated against because of his request for the access to Highway 23. Johnson stated he will need to talk to staff to give Mr. Wilson an answer to his concern.

Gapinski requested to pull consent Agenda item # 13. Motion by Heinen and seconded by Schlangen to approve Consent Agenda items 1 - 12: 1) approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of February 7, 2023 and authorize the Chair to sign;

2) approve the Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes of February 6, 2023 and authorize the Chair to sign; 3) approve the Collective Bargaining Agreement with Teamsters Local 320, representing clerical employees, for the period of January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2025 and authorize the Chair to sign; 4) approve the Collective Bargaining Agreement with Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc., representing Deputies, Detectives and Court Security Deputies for the period of January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2025 and authorize the Chair to sign; 5) approve the contract with Greystone Construction for Highway Department salt shed roof replacement and authorize the Chair to sign; 6) approve permission to have access to CD’s at First National Bank of Milaca; 7) approve the amended agreement with Benton SWCD to Administer the SSTS Low-Income Fix Up and BWSR SSTS Grant programs on behalf of Benton County; 8) approve the Assessing Agreement with Watab Township and authorize the Chair to sign; 9) approve the one-year contracts for local assessing services for Sauk Rapids Township, City of Sauk Rapids, and City of Foley between Benton County and local assessor and authorize the Chair to sign; 10) acceptance and Final Payment for tied projects SAP 005-058-026 & 005-598-027 and authorize the Chair to sign; 11) approve the 2023 Federal Boating Safety Supplemental Equipment Grant and authorize the Chair to sign; 12) approve the Collective Bargaining Agreement with Teamsters Local 320, representing Sheriff’s Licensed Supervisors, for the period of January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2025 and authorize the Chair to sign. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Gapinski requested to make one change to Consent Agenda item #13 to change the name from David Manea to David Manea Jr. as the appointee to the Extension Committee representing Commissioner District 4 (Gapinski). Motion by Gapinski and seconded by Popp to approve the appointment of David Manea Jr. to the Extension Committee representing Commissioner District 4 (Gapinski). Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Land Services Director Roxanne Achman requested the County Board to consider an agreement with the Department of Agriculture to become an authorized lender of an Agricultural Best Management Practice (AgBMP) loan program funds. The purpose of becoming an authorized AgBMP loan program lender is to assist a housing development within the county in securing a loan to replace/upgrade their community septic system. Funds will pass through the County from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) to the homeowners similar to the way a bank would facilitate loans for home improvement projects. Statute allows for the costs to be collected through a special assessment process. The county receives the funds at 0% interest from MDA and has up to 10 years to repay the loan. In turn, the County may charge up to 3% interest on the loan and collect related fees. County’s may allow applicants up to 10 years to repay the loan. The County has the right to deny requests. It is currently the intent to only entertain requests related to replacing or upgrading of community septic systems. Each request would be subject to County Board approval. The County Attorney’s of ce has reviewed the agreement. Achman noted that this agreement does not commit us to lending, but it makes Benton County an authorized lender. Motion by Heinen and seconded by Gapinski to approve the agreement with the Department of Agriculture to become an authorized lender of AgBMP loan program funds. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Achman requested to discuss the application fee for the AgBMP SSTS Loan Application because setting the fee will require an amendment to the Benton County Fee Schedule. Of the counties that serve as AgBMP lenders, the majority have set a fee of $100 for the application to cover the cost of staff time to log and process the information necessary to begin the loan process. The processing of the application will include working with the Auditor/Treasurer’s of ce to verify all owners listed on the deed have signed the application, that property taxes are current and that the owners are current on their mortgage and/or property liens. Then, collecting all assigned liens that will be recorded against each individual property. The cost of recording the lien will be paid for separately and subject to the current document recording fee. Planning & Zoning staff will need to work with the HOA representative and contractor to ensure the invoices are received and then with the Benton County SWCD and Minnesota Dept. of Ag. to ensure payments are processed accordingly. Finally, upon project completion, county staff will need to complete the pro- cess of a special assessment against all participating property owners. Staff recommends a minimum application fee of $100 for the AgBMP SSTS Loan Application and proposes to bring an amended fee schedule forward for action after a public hearing at the March 21st Board Meeting. Motion by Popp and seconded by Gapinski to approve the recommended application fee of $100 for the AgBMP SSTS Loan Application, and to bring an amended fee schedule forward for action after a public hearing at the March 21st Board meeting. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Achman requested discussion on the AgBMP SSTS Loan Terms for Eagle View Commons. In accordance with Minn. Stat. §17.117 Subd. 11, the county shall set loan terms that do not exceed a term length of 10 years or exceed an interest rate of 3% per year. In order for staff to nalize the AgBMP SSTS Loan Application and lien document, we need the loan terms de ned. Based on past discussions at the Committee of the Whole level, staff feels comfortable suggesting that the Board consider a term of 10 years and an interest rate of 3% per year. The project is anticipated to cost an estimated $444,000. The cost would be spread amongst 39 property owners, for a total estimated cost of $11,385.00 per property owner. This cost is only an estimate and is subject to change. It will not be nal until all invoices have been received from the contractor for work completed. If the Board is comfortable with the above loan terms, staff will bring back a resolution stating such. It is best to establish the loan terms based on individual projects rather than for the program as a whole due to how different the projects could be, to include the cost and number of property owners involved. Motion by Popp and seconded by Johnson to approve the AgBMP SSTS Loan Terms for Eagle View Commons and to allow staff to bring forward a resolution outlining the terms of the AgBMP SSTS Loan for Eagle View Commons with the loan term of 10 years and an interest rate of 3% per year, for a total estimated project cost of $444,000 to be spread among 39 property owners, for a total estimated cost of $11,385.00 per property owner. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Achman requested to establish a date and time for County Board of Appeal & Equalization or Special Board of Appeal and Equalization (SBAE) for the 2023 Assessment Year. The County Board of Appeal and Equalization or the SBAE appointed by it, shall convene after the second Friday in June and allow for 10 consecutive meeting days in June. Achman recommended the date of Monday, June 12, 2023 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Benton County Boardroom. Achman also recommended the following appointments to the 2023 SBAE: Rob Jacobs, Appointee Realtor for District 2 (Popp); Joe Scapanski, Appointee Realtor for District 1 (Johnson); Susanne Barkalow, Appointee Appraiser for District 3 (Heinen); Jason Tangen Appointee Realtor for District 4 (Gapinski); and Bill Eichler, Appointee Appraiser for District 5 (Schlangen). Achman also recommended a per diem cost of $150.00. Johnson suggested the SBAE Appointees be paid mileage as well. Motion by Johnson and seconded by Heinen to set the date of Monday, June 12, 2023 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM; the meeting may not end prior to 7:00 PM; to appoint the recommended appointees listed above; and to set the per diem rate of $150.00 and to also pay mileage. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Achman provided a Land Services department update on the Planning & Zoning 2022 Activity Report. County Assessor Brian Folden provided a department update on the Recorder’s Report of Recorded Documents and Related Fees. This item was for informational purposes only.

The Regular County Board meeting was recessed at 9:35 AM to conduct a Human Services Board Meeting.

The Regular Board meeting reconvened at 9:38 AM.

Next, Headley requested the County Board consider the Non-union employee general wage adjustment. The County Board had previously approved a 2.5% general wage increase in 2023 for non-union employees on December 8, 2022. Since then, the County’s labor negotiating committee has agreed to a 3.0% general wage adjustment for 2023 for four of the County’s eight bargaining units. Headley recommends revising the non-union 2023 general wage adjustment to match what has been agreed to for these bargaining units, effective January 1, 2023. Motion by Heinen and seconded by Popp to approve the non-union general wage adjustment for 2023 from 2.5% to 3.0% effective January 1, 2023. Motion carried unanimously. Headley also noted how the increase will be nanced. Headley stated that it would cost approximately $212,000 to fund the wage adjustments and health insurance premiums, and that we would be holding some positions vacant to cover the cost. The 3 vacant positions are: the Safety Coordinator position in Human Resources, a Staff Appraiser position in Land Services, and a Social Worker position in Human Services. Headley added that these positions would be vacant for the foreseeable future.

Next, Headley requested the County Board to consider revisions to the County contributions to non- union employee health insurance. Last fall the County Board adopted 2023 employee health insurance rates and County contributions to health insurance premiums. The plan adopted then re ected the County paying 50% of the 12% premium increase, with employees paying the remaining 50% of the increase. Since fall, the County’s labor negotiating committee has agreed to new County contributions that re ect the County funding 80% of the single plan premium, and 75% of the family plan premium. Headley recommends that the County Board adopt this same “80%/75%” plan for non-union employees, retroactively effective to January 1, 2023. Motion by Gapinski and seconded by Johnson to approve the revised 2023 County contributions to non-union employee health insurance, re ecting the County funding 80% of the single plan premium and 75% of the family plan premium, effective January 1, 2023. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Headley requested the County Board to consider a Resolution to vacate County Road right-of-way in connection with the City of Foley odor control facility. The Resolution vacates an easement right-of- way adjacent to County Road

50. Such vacation reverts the land area to the underlying fee title owner. Vacation creates the conditions allowing the City of Foley to negotiate the potential acquisition of land necessary for its wastewater odor control structure. Once the Board approves the Resolution, the Resolution must be served on the adjacent landowners through civil process and posted for 10 days. Final vacation occurs once the County les evidence of posting and service, along with this resolution with the Auditor-Treasurer. Motion by Gapinski and seconded by Johnson to approve the Resolution to vacate County Road 50 rightof-way as described in the Resolution. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Headley requested the County Board to consider a grant agreement with Benton Communications to provide American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the extension of broadband service to unserved and underserved areas of Benton County. The agreement provides $1,060,008 of the County’s ARPA funds as a portion of the local match to State Border to Border grant funds awarded to Benton Communications to extend ber broadband service to unserved and underserved areas of Benton County. Those areas are identied in the agreement and represent 483 addresses. Motion by Gapinski and seconded by Johnson to approve a grant agreement with Benton Cooperative Telephone Company (DBA Benton Communications) for $1,060,008 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for the extension of ber broadband service to unserved and underserved areas of Benton County. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Headley requested the County Board consider a Resolution supporting Benton Communications application for a State Border to Border Broadband grant and pledging County ARPA funds as a portion of the local match. Benton Communications has proposed to extend ber broadband service to unserved and underserved areas of the County to the South of Trunk Highway 23. Benton County would commit $2 million of the County’s ARPA funds as a local match for a State of Minnesota Border to Border grant project “Benton County South of Trunk Highway 23”. Motion by Gapinski and seconded by Johnson to approve a Resolution supporting Benton Communications application for State Border to Border Broadband funding and committing $2.0 million of the County’s ARPA funds. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Interim County Engineer Mark Loidolt requested the County Board to consider the MnDOT Detour Agreement. MnDOT is planning a reconstruction project on MNTH 23 and MNTH 10 starting this summer. During construction, MnDOT proposes to detour a portion of traf c onto Benton County CSAH 1 and CSAH 3 from TH 23 to TH 10 or TH 10 to TH 23 depending on the stage. This detour is not a full closure of either TH 10 or TH 23. There are two stages that traf c will be detoured onto CSAH 1 & 3: Stage 1: closing the TH 10 northbound ramp from TH 23 onto TH 10. Stage 2: closing the TH 23 eastbound ramp from US 10 onto TH 23. For the use of our roadway for the duration of the detours, MnDOT will pay Benton County approximately $6,514.57. Motion by Gapinski and seconded by Popp to approve MnDOT Agreement 1052517 and authorize deposit of proceeds of approximately $6,514.57 into the Road and Bridge Fund and approve the Resolution. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Loidolt provided an Engineer’s Update. This was for informational purposes only.

Next, Board members reported on recent meetings they attended on behalf of Benton County. There were no comments made under Comments by Commissioners.

There were no new Committee of the Whole Meetings to be added.

Chair Johnson adjourned the Regular Board Meeting at 10:26 AM.

ATTEST:

Scott Johnson, Chair Benton County Board of Commissioners

Montgomery Headley Benton County Administrator R-12-1B

WATAB TOWNSHIP, BENTON COUNTY, STATE OF MINNESOTA ORDINANCE #6 (Amended October, 2022)

AN ORDINANCE TO MEET WATAB TOWNSHIP’S MS4 GENERAL PERMIT—CONSTRUCTION SITE EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL AND POST-CONSTRUCTION STORMWATER MANAGEMENT REGULATORY

The Board of Supervisors of Watab Township, Benton County, hereby adopts and ordains this Ordinance to Manage and Regulate Township Public Rights-of-Way. (It replaces the previously adopted Ordinance 6.)

1. Authorization, Findings, Purpose, Scope, and Interpretation

2. Applicability

3. Exemptions

4. Permit Review Process

5. Site Design and MIDS Calculator

6. Stormwater Volume Reduction Performance Goals

7. Other Design Standards

8. Inspections and Maintenance

9. Financial Securities

10. Enforcement Actions

11. De nitions

The entire ordinance is available for viewing in the Clerk’s of ce at the Watab Township Hall, 660 75th Street NW, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379, via email by request, and/or on the Watab Township website. The ordinance is also posted at the Great River Regional Library and on le at the Benton County Law Library.

Dated March 20, 2023

Kathy Sauer, Clerk Watab Township R-12-1B

MSHSL from front

Though the Storm have quali ed for state tournaments recently in dance, volleyball and baseball, he said no Storm athletic team has won a CLC title in 13 years.

“Our conference is very tough, and that helps us compete at the highest level,” Klaphake said. “When we win a section game in a sport in the highest class, that’s a massive deal. I’m jealous as heck of the kids who have played at Xcel Energy Center or Target Center. Will it be harder to get there in some cases? Yes, but that’s OK, and that makes the accomplishment even more special.”

Getting to a state tournament, Klaphake said, is the goal of many teams before the season begins. He said getting to state should never be the lone measure of a team’s success.

“It should also be about getting better every day with the ultimate goal of being the best each team and individual can be,” Klaphake said. “High school sports are about way more than just getting to state.”

He said the move will create challenges and put more pressure on him to dig deep to help coaches with any resources possible to help team’s be competitive.

Klaphake’s tone of voice con rms he is ready for it.

“We can decide if we want to be sad about this or if we say, ‘Let’s

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SCOTT TWARDOWSKI-JASON MUELLER go,’ and do this thing,” he said. “I think we have to do that at some point. Needing to get better is good. Being challenged is good. I want my kids to compete at this level and know that it can push us to be the best that we can be against these schools.”

Parents: Brian and Jill Kothman

Accomplishment: Senior with Sauk RapidsRice High School yearbook class.

What do you enjoy most about being involved with yearbook? Encapsulating the many experiences that occurred this school year was fulfilling. We bring each memory to life on the page as well as tell the story of the pictures students have taken. I enjoyed the friends I’ve made during this class.

What has been the highlight of being involved with yearbook? The highlight of being involved with the yearbook would have to be the pictures I’ve captured of different activities.

What other activities are you involved in at school or in the community? I am in my school’s drama program. I am also involved in Great Theatre.

What life lesson has being involved in activities taught you? Being involved in the drama program has helped me get over stage fright; it has helped me talk in front of a crowd and not be as scared.

What SRR teacher has made an impact on your life? Jan Lefebvre has made a large impact in my life. She was very patient and understanding and valued her students learning over anything. Her happiness was so contagious, which made class so much fun to go to each and every day.

What do you do to show your Storm pride? Participate in as many school events as I possibly can or show up to a friend’s activity.

What board or yard game is your favorite to play with friends and family? I love to play beach volleyball with my best friend Anna over the summer. I also enjoy playing card games with my mom whenever I can. What is your dream job? My dream job would have to be something to do with acting. I want to do something new every day, and I feel like the energy of acting would be amazing to work in. If you could travel anywhere for free, where would you book tickets to? Ever since I saw “Mama Mia” when I was younger, I have always wanted to run away to Greece and live a care-free life. The country is beautiful. It would be calming to wake up to an amazing view of the ocean and the sunrise every day.

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