The Murray County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, April 16th. One of the items on the agenda was the potential for a land donation from the Gilbertson family of Chandler. The proposed donation involves the land around the Chandler Dam to create a public access for fishing. The original structure was built to hold water for cattle and the public to fish on. However, due to possible liability issues for the Gilbertson family, the area has been closed to public. Jean Christoffels shared she and Justin Hoffmann had met with the parks board which felt additional education was needed regarding legalities involved in the situation including the stipulation of the area the Gilbertson family wished to retain. Hoffmann also was going to research was maintenance costs my be. A meeting for May 8th was scheduled at which time the parks board will meet on the site before possibly entertaining the idea of accepting the donation.
Chief Deputy, Heath Landsman, presented the board with schedules for deputies and investigators. Commissioner Thiner brought forward information from the recent Buffalo Ridge Task Force meeting he had attended. He explained the previous joint powers agreement was signed in 2012. The group is attempting to revise the by-laws regarding the force. Landsman spoke on behalf of the Murray County Commissioners stating the board felt they were paying more than the fair share since they currently have two deputies assigned to the task force along with a full time commander. The board stance was to divide the commander’s salary between the three counties it serves. Thiner stated between the two officers salary translates into approximately $177,000 along with providing vehicles for each. According to Heath approximately $90,000 would be coming back to the county as a result of the grant for the task force. Thiner said everyone is in agreement the task force does an excellent job. Thiner liked the idea of the three county boards meeting to discuss the situation. County Attorney explained the drug task force board is in essence it’s only entity. However, in his opinion, the amendments should be approved by each of the county boards as well as the city councils of those cities involved.
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