BROWN COUNTY — Brown County commissioners will consider sponsoring local road improvement program (LRIP) projects in Stark and Stately Townships Feb. 9.

Stark Township requested Brown County sponsor a realignment project on 220th Street to move a road away from eroding Cottonwood River banks. The street currently runs along the south side of the river for about 2,000 feet. The river turns north in the area, creating erosion along its south bank.

Over the years, bank sloughs have resulted in the river nearing the right of way of 220th Street in several locations. The next big bank slump will get into the right of way to take part of the road. The Cottonwood River is nearly 50 feet below the road.

The LRIP funds will be used for construction realignment. They can’t be used on right-of-way, engineering or inspection costs.

Commissioners will also consider:

• Sponsoring Stately Township for three LRIP project submittals.

1. On 150th Street, 3/4 mile east of CSAH 2. The township wants to replace an 8′ by 8′ culvert. The culvert is not 10 feet wide so it is not eligible for town bridge funds.

2. On 420th Avenue, 1/4 mile north of CSAH 3. The area has been overtopped several times during major rain events causing significant road damage. The township wants to pave the overflow area with concrete or bituminous and riprap the in-slope of the road.

3. On 430th Avenue, 3/4 mile south of CSAH 23. The area has been overtopped during major rain events, causing significant road damage. The township wants to pave the overflow area with concrete or bituminous and riprap the in-slope of the road.

• A county highway department request to temporarily hire snow plow operators during the 2021 winter season if not enough staff is able to operate a snow plow due to leave of absences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The highway department would also like the ability to call others and add names to the call list in the future if necessary.

The proposed wage is Grade 12, Step 13, Highway Maintenance Worker III, $29.65/hr. There would be no benefits for temporary positions.

• A COVID-19 update from Brown County Public Health Director Karen Moritz. Brown County continues to see case reduction, which is consistent across the state. It will continue to work to prevent the spread to limit the illness so businesses can stay open and children can stay in school.

The presentation will include case investigation and contract tracing, school models and COVID-19 vaccination information.

• The continuation of free fares for Brown County Heartland Express as has been done since early April 2020. CARES Act funding ends Feb. 28, 2021. The State of Minnesota stepped up and will cover 100% of free fare funding from March 1, 2021 through Dec. 31, 2021.

• Commissioners meet at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 9 in the Law Enforcement Center Training Room. Zoom access is available by calling Brown County Administraiton at 507-233-6600.

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