FAIRMONT– On Tuesday the Martin County Commissioners had to ponder another decision regarding the courthouse roof project.

Commissioner Elliot Belgard explained that the downspouts originally drained both to the front and back of the building and inside the building.

“They sometimes do that on flat roofs but that was 116 years ago and now we have some issues,” Belgard said.

The commissioners have been told it’s not certain where the drains lead to in the basement or where they go out in the back, though it’s assumed it ends up in Lake Sisseton behind the courthouse.

Belgard said that ISG has proposed that the drains are redone and the water comes out a downspout on the outside of the building.

Belgard said he and commissioner Kathy Smith have reservations about the aesthetics of putting the downspouts on the front of the building.

“The back we don’t have any problem with,” he said.

Commissioners Steve Flohrs said he thought a camera was going to be sent down the drains, as it was previously talked about at a meeting.

County Coordinator Scott Higgins said he thinks it would be a wise thing to have a camera go down to see where the water goes, since it’s unknown.

“I’m concerned about where the water goes when it gets to the ground,” said Smith.

“It’s another issue that we have to deal with,” said Belgard.

He said the board didn’t need to decide anything yet, but was something it needed to think about.

Smith said it wouldn’t be a hue increase in cost because there’s already money in the budget for drains and gutters.

In other news, the board considered four proposals for a commissioning agent for the proposed Public Safety and Justice Center.

Matt Etfeland of Wold Architect and Engineers was present virtually and said, “for 3B

projects it’s strongly recommended to hire a commissioning agent to assist with design and planning as opposed to just testing and balancing.”

He said this was to ensure that 3B requirements are met. B3 guidelines can be applied to the design of a new building to meet sustainability goals for site, water, energy, indoor environment, materials and waste. The guidelines must be met when state funding is being used.

Etfeland said they recommend Martin County to go with the low bidder, Center for Energy Environment (CEE), for $39,900.

He said the cost will be included in the overall project budget, which will be covered by county and state bonding money.

The board approved in engaging with CEE as the commissioning agent for the justice center project.

In other news, the board:

— Approved the 2022 budget of $29,979,92 and a 3.85 percent levy increase.

— Recognized employee Roger Thayer for 37 years with the highway department.