BROWN COUNTY — By a 4-1 vote Tuesday, Brown County commissioners approved certification for a tract of land the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service recently secured to purchase in Section 34, Sigel Township.

Commissioner Dean Simonsen cast the dissenting vote regarding about 100 acres of land owned by Greg Mikkelson. Approval came on Commissioner Dave Borchert’s motion, seconded by Commissioner Scott Windschitl.

The property would be open to the public and managed as a Waterfowl Production Area as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Commissioners tabled the item Feb. 2 with a stipulation to notify abutting property owners, getting a list of other properties, talking to landowners, and getting a reference from another county regarding noxious weed control.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service District Manager Todd Luke told commissioners Feb. 2 the land purchase could create economic benefits including bird watching, hunting and better downstream water quality.

Nearby landowner Mike Haala said he owned buildings about 150 feet from the property line and asked about a setback to keep hunters from his property, but otherwise, he was all for the project. Haala mentioned adding a wire fence but said he didn’t think he should have to put it up himself.

“First we’ll do a survey, establish (property) corners and build a parking lot,” Luke said.

“I think this is a wonderful project, a great thing to do,” said Windschitl. “I have no problem with a 150 foot boundary.”

“I think we can manage as we go forward,” said Borchert. “I don’t think we can guarantee anything. I don’t favor a wire fence.”

Commissioners unanimously approved:

• The 2020 Brown County Child Support Performance Report. Child Support Supervisor Denise Kuehn said for those unemployed and not paying support, there are 41 entry level jobs posted within 25 miles of New Ulm. Due to the fact driver’s licenses can’t be suspended due to support non-payment at this time, the lack of a driver’s license isn’t an excuse for seeking or accepting work.

It is commendable that despite 2020 child support collection limitations, the unit met all five federal performance measures.

• A City of New Ulm/Heartland Express partnership for a possible new city route, motion by Windschitl, seconded by Simonsen. The City of New Ulm completed a feasibility study, had a work session with Heartland Express Transit Manager Pat LaCourse and included a fixed route bus service proposal in Heartland’s upcoming Minnesota Department of Transportation budget.

• A 2020 Brown County Children’s Service report, motion by Borchert, seconded by Commissioner Jeff Veerkamp. As of Feb. 1, 2021, 12 of 15 family units in out of home placement have chemical use concerns to address.

Through the pandemic, there have been limited family community resources and supports available. If services are operating, most of virtual. Despite challenges, dedicated staff consistently put the needs of families first and found ways to continue services despite lack of time to meet demand, according to the report.

• Approved the issuance of 2021 $6,400,000 in Health Care Facilities Revenue Note, allowing money to be borrowed at a lower rate and tax exempt status, refinancing an original loan, motion by Windschitl, seconded by Borchert.

• In 2020 Brown County Probation Statistics Report, Director Les Schultz said Brown County Teen Court was closed down Dec. 31, 2019 due to low numbers and staff retirement, but a juvenile diversion program for first-time, low level offenders began in 2020. Juveniles who complete the program have their charges dismissed.

“We literally had no court for several months except for individuals arrested and placed in custody in March through May,” said Schultz. “Court slowly resumed through the use of Zoom. You will notice a reduction in out of home probation placements, but its difficult to say if that was directly related to the pandemic.”

Schultz said a probation’s pre-truancy program worked to keep students from going further into the program.

“Sometimes, it was just a transportation issue,” said Schultz. “We had grant money that could be used to buy bicycles for kids to ride to school.”

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