FAIRMONT– On Tuesday the Martin County Board of Commissioners considered a proposal for architect and engineering services for a building facility assessment of the Security Building/ Law Enforcement Center (LEC).

The County Building Committee had previously met to review an architect/engineering proposal from Olsen and Hobbie Architects to prepare a facility assessment of the building. This includes an analysis of the existing building and its condition, such as general construction, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, accessibility and code compliance.

The report would also include recommendations and a preliminary estimate of the probable cost for replacement or upgrades to the systems and their components.

County Coordinator Scott Higgins added that the assessment would help the board to determine prioritizing needed improvements for the building that have been deferred over the last few years due to a proposed project.

The proposed project refers to the new Justice Center that the board had been actively pursuing for several years before the project was put on hold earlier in 2025.

Commissioner Richard Koons, who sits on the Building Committee, shared that that board had recommended approval of the assessment. The commissioners approved of the assessment at a cost of $16,500 plus reimbursements estimated not to exceed $1,000. The estimated timeframe for completion of the assessment is six to eight weeks.

Moving to other matters, County Engineer Kevin Peyman asked for approval on a resolution for state transportation bond funds for township bridge projects.

“I do think there’s a good chance… to get funding for a few bridges this year which would be really nice,” Peyman said. “I think there’s a good chance to get three of them.”

Commissioner Billeye Rabbe said, “They’re all in my district. I support all of them but I’ve been on the Rutland (Township) bandwagon for a lot of years.”

Bridge number L7218 on 230th Avenue in Rutland Township has an estimated cost of $1 million alone to repair.

Rabbe made a motion to approve the resolution and the motion passed.

Also on Tuesday, Steve Chase, an advisor to the Bravo Zulu House, gave a brief update on the all military sober house which recently opened after several years of fundraising for and constructing the building in northern Martin County.

Chase also spoke about the deadly attack in Da Nang, Vietnam, and how Congressman Brad Finstad had earlier this year presented a Declaration of Congress recognizing the attack.

Finally, Chase gave a review of the annual AH-1 Cobra inspection report. The helicopter is on display at the Martin County Veterans Memorial in Fairmont.

In other business:

— The board approved the proclamation declaring Nov. 4 to Nov. 11 as Operation Green Light for veterans and encouraged citizens in patriotic tradition to recognize the importance of honoring all those who made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom by displaying green lights in a window of their place of business or residence during that timeframe.

— A representative of Apex Clean Energy gave presentation of Big Bend Transmission Line Extension Project, a 4.5 mile kV transmission line, in Cedar Township. The project is currently under review and there will be a public meeting at a later date.

— Ann Orren, Regional Director of University of Minnesota Extension, presented a 4H/extension year end report of the Martin County program.

— The board approved the second round of opioid settlement grant applications for the year 2025 in the amount of $24,000 each. The board also designated a review committee to include one County Commissioner, County Auditor/Treasurer and community members.

— The board approved a request to dispose of surplus computer equipment in the IT Department.

— Joe Pavelko, Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC) Assistant Director, presented an overview of LSOHC and included the process for submitting eligible projects and local projects. The funds can only be used to protect, restore and enhance wetlands, prairies, forests and habitats for fish, game and wildlife. Pavelko also spoke about some of the funds for projects Martin County has received, which totals over $33 million.