Staff photo by Fritz Busch Brown County Commissioners unanimously approved placing 24” by 24” “Vehicle Noise Laws Enforced” signs on CSAH 29, east and west of the TH 4 intersection north of Sleepy Eye Tuesday. Commissioners agreed to pay $200 for each sign requested by a nearby landowner.

NEW ULM — After discussion Tuesday, Brown County Commissioners unanimously approved the purchase of two “Vehicle Noise Laws Enforced” signs on Highway 29, near the roundabout with TH 4, several miles north of Sleepy Eye.

Action came on a motion by Commissioner Dean Simonsen, seconded by Scott Windschitl to purchase signs estimated to cost $200 each to deter semi traffic from using engine brakes. Commissioners tabled the issue on March 16 to receive input from Brown County Sheriff Jason Seidl on sign enforcement and how it would affect the sheriff’s office.

“I have no objection. At times, we may be there for enforcement,” Seidl said.

Commissioners agreed to buy the signs at county expense but said more sign purchases would only be considered after a need assessment at each location.

“County Road 29 is our most heavily traveled road, modern technology is putting people on it and its a very nice road,” said Commissioner Tony Berg. “This (sign installation) will serve as a test case.”

Brown County Highway Engineer Wayne Stephens said he plans to put up two signs on Highway 29, one in each direction.

Commissioners unanimously approved:

• A $6,500 Level 1 mussel survey and $4,000 Level 2 survey if needed, for Bridge 2110, aka the Peterson or Hale Bridge on Highway 8 over the Minnesota river, motion by Windschitl, seconded by Simonsen.

It was been determined by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that a mussel survey is needed to determine if any endangered mussel species are present at the proposed bridge replacement site.

County Highway Engineer Wayne Stevens said an email he received from Renville County Commissioners stated they would help pay for the surveys. Windschitl said his motion includes Renville County paying for half of the survey costs.

The bridge is the last truss bridge owned by Brown County. It is structurally deficient with serious structural issues, but being an historical bridge, it is difficult to replace.

The 17 feet wide, 250 feet long bridge was closed in August, 2017 after the discovery of a structural deficiency. It was opened in the fall of 2020 after the critical deficiency was repaired. It has been load posted at five tons for several years due to other structural problems.

In February 2018, Brown County Commissioners decided to accept federal off-system funds to pay 80% of eligible bridge replacement costs. An historical alternatives analysis has been completed and concluded there is no practical replacement alternative. No artifacts were found.

• Learned in Brown County Human Service Director Barb Dietz’ report that Brown County Public Health and Human Services doors in the Community Services Building, 1117 Center, will un-lock on Thursday, April 1.

Dietz reported that county staff will continue to follow masking, social distancing, and other precautions as directed by the Minnesota Department of Health, until they are lifted.

The change comes on the heels of declining positive COVID-19 cases and the rising number of vaccinations. Human services has received many temporary waivers to allow staff to continue programming while keeping clients and staff safe, Dietz wrote.

In addition, Dietz reported that the Brown County Human Services accounting department was acknowledged by Minnesota Department of Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpestead for submitting 32 major reports on time and in perfect order in calendar year 2020.

“This is of particular note due to the additional responsibilities they had in 2020 with reporting CARES expenses and other challenges COVID-19 brought,” Dietz said. “They are an incredibly dedicated and skilled unit and help make Brown County look good at the State level.”

Dietz said recognition events by the supervisory and support staff for social workers and transit operators took place in her office to recognize March as Social Worker Appreciation Month and March 18 as Transit Appreciation Day.

• Minnesota Association of County Social Service Directors 2021 legislative priorities including concern over potential funding decreases and the impact it would have on regional clients.

• Authorizing two quotes from MEI Total Elevator Solutions to add cameras to two Brown County Law Enforcement Center elevators, motion by Simonsen, seconded by Jeff Veerkamp. Commissioner Dave Borchert abstained.

One quote is $11,887.13 to install a new travel from mid hoist-way to car top, add elevator relays to enable fire service and hook up a card reader, install wiring and a camera.

A $5,996.64 quote to add two cameras to a jail elevator car, install a small traveler with additional shielded wire pairs and install new camera conduit from the car top.

Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.