COMMISSION TALKS HILLHEAD TOWER

    At the Marshall County Commission’s meeting on Tuesday, Emergency Management Director Logan Roehr and Sheriff Sam Swanson talked to the group about the Hillhead radio tower. The tower already had some anchor cables that were in disrepair and recent ice storms further damaged it. Roehr and Swanson noted that the tower is mended for now but will need to be replaced sooner rather than later. It currently hold six antennas, four of which belong to the state. The county officials noted that the state has been made aware of the problem. A preliminary estimate of $155,000 was noted for the project, which would entail a bigger tower to accommodate all the antennas. 
    The board heard from Highway Superintendent Dustin Hofland. He had recently met with the state about the upcoming work to Highway 10 west of Britton. The project will be bid in March. Hofland noted that the state expects the project to take two years to complete and there are no plans to close the highway at any point during the project. 
    Hofland also discussed the recent auction of county items through Big Iron Auction. After the auction service takes its portion, the county will net around $63,000 for the sold items. 
    During the public comment portion of the meeting, Orrie Jesz and Ray Effling spoke to the board on behalf of Marshall County Youth Archery. They asked the commission to consider a contribution to their group since they allow the BB gun program to use the Community Building free of charge, which otherwise would amount to approximately $1,715. As the request came during public comment, no action was taken. 
    A rural infrastructure grant was approved for bridge work in Sisseton Township. The township will have to pay around $45,000 for the project with the grant contributing around $182,000. 
    In other business, the purchase of a 1,000 gallon diesel fuel tank was approved. Various items from the Emergency Management Department were declared surplus. Two executive sessions were held, one for personnel matters and one for legal matters. 
    In zoning matters, a conditional use permit in Pleasant Valley Township was granted to BDM Rural Water Systems, Inc,  contingent upon a variance and building permit approval at the next scheduled meeting. 
    A plat for Fagerland 1st Addition, Fort Township was approved.
Building permits accepted for the following: Steve Michlitsch, Hamilton Township; John Fisher, Dayton Township; Jason Bender, Hamilton Township; Steven Steiner, Lake Township; Verizon Wireless, Sisseton Township.
    Minor updates to the Zoning Ordinance will begin the process of adoption at the next scheduled meeting set for Feb. 6.
    Zoning Director, Erin Collins-Miles updated the Board about the proposed Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. They are still working with FEMA to keep moving forward with this process. The Zoning Director will provide updates as any developments are made. A drainage matter in White Township was discussed. No action was taken.