In recent weeks, officials in Grant County have been trying to determine how to go about resolving an ongoing lake drainage issue which has impacted some private landowners who reside within the affected area. At today’s (Tuesday’s) meeting, the Grant County Commissioners revisited the ongoing drainage issue involving Lake Albert located south of U.S. Highway 12 between Milbank and Big Stone City. The lake’s water level is currently a foot above normal and the main outlet along the south end of the lake has not been draining properly due to an excessive buildup of debris in front of the main drainage culvert. Upon further review, it was noted that drainage is actually occurring within the lake, but the water level remains high due to excessive rainfall received last fall. Grant County Auditor Karen Layher informed the board that, in all likelihood, it would take a cooperative effort between the county, the Game, Fish and Parks Department and private landowners to determine how to go about clearing debris from the affected area so that normal drainage can occur and the lake’s water level can return to normal.
In a related matter, the commissioners received a request on behalf of Charles Russman for the installation of a new drainage culvert on his property located along County Road 21 in Grant Center township between Milbank and Twin Brooks. In making the request, it was noted that the property has been prone to flooding on numerous occasions over the past several years due in part to excessive heavy rainfall. Grant County Highway Superintendent Kerwin Schultz and County Commissioner Doug Stengel later informed the board that they would like to go out to further inspect the area in an effort to better determine what course of action is deemed appropriate based on the situation at hand.
In other business, the commissioners approved the appointment of Jeff McCullough (Mc-cul-luck)
to serve as an alternate member on the Grant County Planning and Zoning Board. As a follow-up,
the commission also voted to pay alternate board members a fee of $125 per meeting providing they attend the meeting.
In another matter, the commissioners authorized the transfer of $10,000 from the County General Fund Account to the County Emergency Management Fund Account.
They also approved a sales order with ES & S Corporation for new election equipment as per the 2018 fiscal budget.
The board also adopted a resolution formally outlining new campaign finance requirements for candidates running for county office positions. The new requirements will officially take effect for all county elections in 2018.
