BLUE EARTH– A shorter than normal agenda resulted in a shorter than normal meeting for the Faribault County Commissioners on Tuesday morning.

And although the county has not had any recent heavy rainfall, the abundance of rain the area received in June is still resulting in a delay on bridge projects within the county.

“The water levels remain high and that is delaying work on the bridges on County Road 1 and County Road 2,” county highway engineer April Wellman told the board. “However, the road construction on County Roads 11, 17, 23 and 51 is complete and all that remains is to complete the paperwork on those projects.”

Wellman also reported she had a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) with the city of Wells that was ready for the County Board’s approval. The JPA is for the CR 60 (Broadway Avenue) reconstruction project from Franklin Avenue to CR 62 (Second Street Northwest).

“Bolton and Menk completed their survey and we received the hydraulics report from the state,” Wellman said. “The JPA breaks down which costs the city is responsible for and what expenses the county is responsible for.”

“Who will be responsible for the cost of maintaining the road once it is complete?” commissioner Greg Young asked.

“That will be the responsibility of the city,” Wellman replied. “They are responsible for the maintenance of the completed water main, sanitary sewer and storm sewer. They are also required to maintain the pavement and perform necessary curb repairs, snow plowing and sweeping. Traffic signs, maintenance of sidewalks, crosswalks and pavers, including snow removal, shall be the sole responsibility of the city.”

The board voted to approve the JPA with the city of Wells.

In other business, the board:

— Approved the training requests of Isabella Nelson of the county assessors office to attend a conference on basic appraisal procedures.

— Approved the request of Lori Mehrof of the county assessors office to attend the Minnesota Association of Assessment Personnel Workshop.

— Voted to approve the request of Extension employee Megan Cook to attend the 2024 All Extension Conference.