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County buildings begin to reopen

BROWN COUNTY — Commissioners learned how Brown County resumed public-facing services in the courthouse and license bureau Tuesday.

In-person services resumed by appointment only. The Community Service Building-Human Services department and the Probation/Attorney resumed open doors.

Public Health in the Community Service Building, 1117 Center St. is providing services by appointment only.

The Law Enforcement Center lobby remains open for limited contact to the Sheriff’s Office and New Ulm Police Department.

The public is asked to wear masks in county buildings, use available hand sanitizer upon entering and leaving buildings, and practice social distancing by maintaining at least six feet distance from others.

“We still want to encourage as much as possible, to continue to utilize contacting staff via email, phone calls, and virtual visits as we have recently,” read a Brown County press release.

For more information, visit www.co.brown.mn.us, including updates and County department contact information.

Commissioners unanimously approved:

* A Brown County Public Health COVID-19 update in which Public Health Director Karen Moritz urged people to maintain six feet social distances, wash their hands well, stay at home if sick, call ahead, get tested and wear cloth masks in public settings.

“Gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited,” Moritz said. “The safest option is staying home. A Centers of Disease Control case study on how COVID-19 spreads is on YouTube.”

“Many people can get infected at a gathering. It’s eye-opening,” said Commissioner Dave Borchert.

* Purchasing up to $3,000 worth of personal protective equipment (Personal Protection Equipment) for county public service agencies, motion by Commissioner Scott Windschitl, seconded by Commissioner Jeff Veerkamp.

Since the pandemic began, Brown County Emergency Management sourced many items through various organizations and businesses, but the items are becoming depleted with needs still identified, Brown County Emergency Manager Shawn Stoermann said in his request.

Costs will be submitted to FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) for reimbursement.

* A license bureau staffing request to post a full-time technician, motion by Commissioner Tony Berg, seconded by Commissioner Dean Simonsen.

The request was made due to the current health crisis causing driver’s license renewal demands and current staff considerations.

* By a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Berg dissenting, lighting the State Highway 22/Highway 4 intersection, motion by Commissioner Scott Windschitl, seconded by Commissioner Veerkamp.

Commissioner Berg wanted the County Road 24 intersection lighted too.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) would pay for lighting installation. Brown County would pay about $500 a year for electricity.

* Cooperating with MnDOT and Springfield to reconstruct Central Street from Highway 14 to O’Connell Avenue, motion by Commissioner Berg, seconded by Commissioner Veerkamp.

Brown County is funding work on State Highway 3 (O’Connell) and State Highway 4 (Range Road) rights of way and sponsoring Springfield for LRIP funds.

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

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