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County will fight Mn/DOT over speed limit increases in Black Hammer and Sheldon villages
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By Charlie Warner
Argus News Editor
Houston County is bucking the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT). Several speed limit increases on county roads were recommended by the state. The county disagrees with them and has decided to look into the possibilities of filing an appeal.
The issue surfaced during the Oct. 13 county board meeting when Highway Engineer Brian Pogodzinski reported Mn/DOT had recommended increasing the speed limit on CSAH 4 through the unincorporated village of Black Hammer from 40 to 55 miles per hour and on CSAH 10 through Sheldon from 30 to 45 mph.
“Mn/DOT conducted a number of speed studies and came up with these recommendations,” Pogodzinski told the board. “These were the first speed studies done on our county roads since the 1960s.”
Commissioner Tom Bjerke said he was totally against increasing the speed limit through Black Hammer. He noted that the church is located on one side of the county road and the parsonage on the other. There are still a number of homes in the tiny village and a township road intersects with CSAH 4 in Black Hammer.
“Do we have to go along with this or is this just a recommendation,” Bjerke asked?
“Although they refer to these as recommendations, what Mn/DOT says, we must follow,” Pogodzinski replied.
Sheriff Doug Ely said he was against both speed limit increase recommendations. He said quite a few motorists use CSAH 10 through Sheldon Valley instead of State Highway 76 because the curves are so sharp and the deep drop-offs along Badger Hill.
“We’ve had complaints and set up radar patrols in Sheldon,” Ely noted.
Pogodzinski suggested speed advisory signs could be used in both locations. The speed limits would still be increased, but the signs could advise motorists to slow down.
“I think we need to appeal Mn/DOT’s decision,” Bjerke said. “In these situations we need to stand up and let them know we do not agree with their recommendations.”
Pogodzinski will look into what the procedures, if any, the county can take to appeal Mn/DOT’s decision.
New copier for Hwy. Department
Pogodzinski asked the board to consider the purchase of a new color copying system that would be linked to all of the computers in the highway department. His department currently has an older color copier that uses the old color cartridges and cannot handle 11 by 17 inch copies. His department is currently spending about $250 per month on color cartridges.
The new system would be able to scan documents, drawings and maps onto computer hard drives, send faxes and also print out computer-generated images.
The old color copier could be utilized by the GIS Department, which currently does not have a color copier.
The cost of the new system would cost $9,817.17, according to Pogodzinski. He suggested the county also take the maintenance agreement, which would cost $100 per month. The agreement would include all the toner needed as well as regular maintenance work.
Pogodzinski said he budgeted $5,200 for a new copier and held off purchasing several other budgeted items to cover the purchase price.
The board unanimously approved a motion to purchase the new system from Tri-State Business Machines.
EDA loan for graphics business
The board approved an economic development loan for a new graphic arts business locating in La Crescent. The Houston County EDA Board recommended a $15,750 low interest loan for Thorson Graphics, which will be located on the east side of La Crescent.
The loan will have a seven-year term with a 2.5 percent interest rate.
County EDA Director Jordan Wilms reported the new business would generate three new jobs in the first three years. He added that at the present time, there is no business in Houston County that would be offering all of the services Thorson Graphics would.
Contract with Excel approved
The county board approved a three-year contract with Excel Energy for the collection of fluorescent light bulbs. Environmental Services Director Rick Frank brought the contract to the board.
Frank said the county attorney reviewed the agreement and did not have any issues with it.
You can contact Charlie Warner at
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