FAIRMONT– The Martin County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday considered approving an amendment to the declaration of covenants and restrictions for Center Creek Park Business in Fairmont.

The request came from EDA staff, which were contacted by The Retail Strategy, a development firm working for Les Schwab Tires Stores. Les Schwab would like to build a store facility on a parcel of land in Fairmont. However, the land has a conditions, covenant and restriction attached to it which requires 70 percent of adjacent property owners to sign off on construction that takes place on the lot.

County Attorney Taylor McGowan said that the parcel of land on the north side of town was originally considered a site for the proposed justice center.

“It’s still in our county’s name. There’s a restricted covenant that covers that parcel as well as adjoining parcels and basically restricts the kind of businesses that can be at those locations,” said McGowan.

He said the business is asking for an amendment to the restricted covenant to allow it to operate and the county needs to sign off, along with nearby land owners.

McGowan added that he believed the other land owners would sign off on it as it will bring in jobs and business. The city of Fairmont has some properties in the area, including the liquor store.

The board asked Joshua Shuetz, a consultant for the EDA, what his thoughts were.

“It’s 15 to 20 jobs. It’s a national retailer and they do a good amount of sales in each of their locations every year. It’s a good win for the county,” said Shuetz.

He noted that the EDA board had recommended approval. He said unless the county elects to move forward, the project is dead.

The board approved to authorize the board chair to sign the amendment.

The board also heard from Tim Penny, President and CEO of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), who was present to give an annual update on the organization, which serves 20 counties.

“We do three things with about $5 to $6 million of our annual budget. We invest in early childhood… we invest in entrepreneurship, business start-ups and business trainings and we have a small town grant program,” said Penny.

He highlighted some of the work SMIF has done which has affected this area.

When it comes to early childhood, Penny said in the last year SMIF put on 29 provider trainings and over 700 early childhood providers took the training at no cost to them.

“For a long time Fairmont has been one of our early childhood initiative communities,” Penny said.

On the business side, Penny said they do some lending and one of its clients has been Fairmont Brewing Company, along with China House Cafe in Truman.

He also said SMIF’s small town grant program has partnered with Project 1590 for a downtown mural and it’s also provided a few grants to the Fairmont Opera House.

“Keep us in mind as you go forward if there are economic development needs,” Penny told the board.

In other news, the board:

— Voted to make a contribution of $1,000 to AMC (Association of Minnesota Counties) for the establishment of the National Center for Public Lands Counties.

— Authorized execution of the annual county boat and water safety grant agreement in the amount of $2,292.

— Approved the retirement resignation of Denise Jorgenson, administrative assistant in the Planning and Zoning Department, and authorize recruitment of the position.

— Approved the hire of Annette Pevestorf as a part-time communications officer in the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.

— Approved the resignation of Rebecca Bentele, victim witness coordinator, and authorize recruitment to fill the position.

— Approved a quote from MEI in the amount of $59,449 for elevator repairs in the Human Resources building.