BROWN COUNTY — Brown County Commissioners will review the Wellner Hageman Dam Inspection Report conducted by Area II engineering staff Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Area II Engineer Kerry Netzke and staff conducted the annual dam inspection that includes the dam, reservoir, and outlet on May 15, 2020. It was found that leafy spurge, a noxious weed that aggressively displaces native plants, is abundant on the up and downstream dam slopes.

It was suggested in the report that goats may be tried to control the leafy spurge in the future.

The intake structure had cracks that were caulked. The metal gate on top of the outlet tower is rusted and was partially painted in spring, according to the report.

Reservoir control structure valves were operated on. Piezometer readings, used to measure liquid pressure in the system by measuring the height a column of liquid rises against gravity or groundwater pressure at a specific point, were taken by Andy Meyer and Al Gleisner of the Brown Soil and Water Conservation District. Results were given to Area II.

In addition, slumping continues along the reservoir shore and is being monitored. Trees and vegetation were removed from fencing.

The Conservation Corps cleared trees and brush around the southern part of the park.

Commissioners will also:

• Consider early Brown County License Bureau closure at 3 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 10 to allow time for settlement of all MNLARS and FastDS financial reports by the required 7 p.m. deadline.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services is implementing a new motor vehicle transaction system, the Minnesota Drive (MNDRIVE) system on Monday, Nov. 16. It will cover driver and vehicle services.

To make the transition, all driver and vehicle license centers across the state will be closed Nov. 11 to Nov. 15 for system conversion.

• The county board meeting starts at 9 a.m., Nov. 3 in the Law Enforcement Center Training Room and will continue to meet there until further notice. WebEx access is available by calling Brown County Administration at 507-233-6600.

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