July 13, 2021

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room. 

CALL TO ORDER

Chair Joe Grund called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Joe Grund, Cody Hasbargen, Ed Arnesen, Buck Nordlof, and Jon Waibel.  Also present: County Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson. 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: EDA NWA Funds, Add Item to Old/New Business.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of June 14, 2021.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of June 22, 2021.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $12,448.55; Commissioners Warrants $2,934.02; Commissioners Warrants $12,705.19.

AUDITOR/TREASURER
Claims
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $50,311.63; Road & Bridge $508,788.89; County Development $21,435.50; Joint Ditch $4,133; Solid Waste $38,328.99; EDA $6,294.56. 

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/13/2021 For Payment 7/16/2021

Vendor Name Amount

Baudette/City Of 21,000.00

Bert’s Truck Equipment Of Moorhead, Inc 5,595.00

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc. 9,462.25

Clark Equipment Co Dba Bobcat 73,304.40

Counties Providing Technology 3,940.00

Deputy Registrar No.75 5,512.00

Earthworks Contracting Inc 2,500.00

Election Systems & Software, Inc 3,675.00

Element Materials Technology 30,160.00

First State Tire Recycling 3,376.96

Headwaters Regional Development Commiss 6,250.00

Howard’s Oil Company 5,568.66

Hudson Electric LLC 4,100.00

LOW Highway Dept 9,065.50

Mar-Kit Landfill 17,759.25

Mark Sand & Gravel Co. 96,250.00

McCoy Construction & Forestry Inc 268,254.00

North East Technical Service,Inc 3,989.13

Pennington County Sheriff Office 3,104.11

Powerplan 2,044.68

R & Q Trucking, Inc 3,090.00

Titan Machinery – Roseau 2,361.97

Voyageurs Comtronics, Inc 2,904.99

WIDSETH 4,085.50

Woody’s Service 2,909.97

75 Payments less than 2000   39,029.20

                                                 Final Total: 629,292.57

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: June 23, 2021 for $14,901.58; June 30, 2021 for $999,052.53; July 7, 2021 for $206,739.88.

County Owned Land Sale Resolution 2021-07-01

The following Resolution was offered by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the following: 

County Owned Land Sale
Resolution No. 2021-07-01

WHEREAS, pursuant to MS. 373.01, Lake of the Woods County offered unimproved nonconforming County-owned land for sale, parcel number 19-2531-119, described as follows: Commencing at the West 1/16^th corner on the East and West quarter line, 1312.6 feet South,  89°59’ 30” East of the quarter corner common to Section 25 and 26, Township 162 North, Range 32 West; thence South,  0°13’ East, along 1/16^th line 400 feet; thence at right angles to said 1/16^th line, North 89°47’ East, a distance of 600 feet to the point of beginning; thence South, 0°13’ East, parallel with 1/16^th line, 687.48 feet; thence South, 89°59’30” East, parallel with above quarter line, 180 feet; thence Northerly and parallel to the West line of said described tract, a distance of 522.92 feet; thence Westerly and parallel to the South line of said described tract, a distance of  110.22 feet; thence North, 0°00’30” East, a distance of 164.56 feet; thence Westerly, parallel with quarter line, 69.78 feet, more or less, to the point of beginning; said described tract lying all within Gov. Lot 3, Section 25, Township 162 North,  Range 32 West, and containing 2.42 acres, more or less. (Note: Not to be used on legal documents).

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Auditor/Treasurer notified adjoining landowners of said sale; 

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners authorized the land sale, which took place on June 21, 2021 at 1:00 p.m., in the Lake of the Woods County Government Center Commissioners’ Room.

WHEREAS, the terms of the sale were cash/check, including applicable fees;

WHEREAS, all minerals and mineral rights were reserved by Lake of the Woods County;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the highest bid was received and accepted from John Gustafson at $29,000.00

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Lake of the Woods County will issue a deed for the property to Harold J. Gustafson, a/k/a John Gustafson, and Kari Gustafson.

EDA NWA Funds
Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the Economic Development Authority Director to administer funds approved by legislature for Northwest Angle businesses affected by COVID-19.  

HUMAN RESOURCES
MIS Director/Maintenance Salary
It was the consensus of the Board to set a work session at the next board meeting to discuss the MIS Director/Maintenance Salary.

Environmental Specialist
Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve employee Megan Thompson to Grade 9, Step 9, Points 232, $22.05 per hour effective 7/25/2021.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve a counter-offer to a prospective employee of Grade 9, Step 9, Points 232, $22.05 per hour and an additional four days of vacation after the six-month probationary period.

SHERIFF
Coronavirus Emergency Response 2021 Grant Contract
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the 2021 Coronavirus Emergency Response Grant Agreement in the amount of $323,348.00 and for Sheriff Gary Fish and Board Chair Joe Grund to sign the same.

Update on Roseau Contract
Sheriff Gary Fish provided an update to the Board.  The arrangement with the Roseau County Sheriff’s Department will continue as is for now, there is no contract at this time.

PUBLIC WORKS
Highway
Refurbishing of Motor Grader
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve refurbishing of the Northwest Angle motor grader through the CAT Certified Rebuild Program at a cost of $260,880.34, to be paid out of the 2022 budget.

Amend Agenda
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the amendment of the agenda to add Approval of Gravel Contract.

Approval of Gravel Contract
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve a contract for gravel with LaValla Sand and Gravel at $10.50 per cubic yard, up to 8,000 yards a year for three years.

Update
Public Works Director, AJ Pirkl, provided an update to the Board on current road projects.

Solid Waste
Public Works Director, AJ Pirkl, is meeting with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) at the landfill at 11:00 a.m.  The MPCA will return to the Government Center to discuss the demolition landfill today at 1:00 p.m.

PUBLIC HEARING

Exclusive Off Sale Intoxicating Liquor License – Border Bait LLC

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting at 10:05 a.m. and open the Public Hearing as advertised pursuant to MN Statue §340A.405, Intoxicating Liquor; Off-Sale Licenses, subd. (d).

Present were: Commissioners: Joe Grund, Cody Hasbargen, Ed Arnesen, Buck Nordlof, and Jon Waibel Also present County Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson.  Other public in attendance were: Travis Barclay, David Bathel and Brandy Christian.

The Public Notice of Hearing was advertised for consideration of an Exclusive Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License to hear testimony by all parties present,  that this potential exclusive off sale premises will not be within the three mile boundary of any statutory or home rule city that has established a municipal liquor store before August 1, 1991 and is not located within the one mile of any boundary of a statutory or home rule city that had established a municipal liquor store before August 1, 1991. The location of the property 3372 State Hwy 172 NW, Baudette, MN, is zoned commercial and that it is where the potential exclusive off sale building is proposed to be located.  No correspondence was received for this public hearing.  David Bathel questioned how many liquor licenses were available in the County and proximity requirements of off-sale licenses.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to close the Public Hearing at 10:15 a.m. and open the regular session.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to allow and approve an exclusive off sale intoxicating liquor license to Ashley Ann Barclay, Border Bait Company LLC, effective July 13, 2021 thru June 30, 2022, contingent upon all requirements being met for the approval of the license application and approval of County Attorney James Austad and County Sheriff Gary Fish.

LAKE OF THE WOODS DRIFTERS
Funding Requests
Snow Trails
Randy Orton and Todd Barnes from the Lake of the Woods Drifters updated the Board on some infrastructure needs on the snowmobile trails.  Public Works Director, AJ Pirkl, will review options for repairs and this item will be brought back to the Board.

ATV Trails
Randy Orton and Todd Barnes from Lake of the Woods Drifters updated the Board on the Roseau/Lake of the Woods Sportsmans Club ATV/UTV Trails.  The trails currently go to the Faunce area and there is interest to continue trails through Lake of the Woods County and connect with trails in Koochiching County.  Public Works Director, AJ Pirkl, will review and this item will be brought back to the Board.

PUBLIC HEARING
Peter Jones Cartway 

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting at 11:07 a.m. and open the Public Hearing for the Cartway-Public Hearing. (Pursuant to MN Statute 164.08 to establish a Cartway.)

The following were present:  Commissioners:  Ed Arnesen, Cody Hasbargen, Buck Nordlof, Joe Grund and Jon Waibel.  Other County Employees were:  Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, and Surveyor Chad Conner.  In addition, attending the Public Hearing were: Attorney Steven Anderson, Terry Brown, David Bathel and Brandy Christian.

Attorney Steven Anderson representing Peter R. Jones, explained the procedures of establishing a cartway.  A petition was received from Petitioners:  Peter R. Jones (PID 19-2521-040) for a cartway to access landlocked property.  Attorney Steven Anderson acknowledged that the property is at least 5 acres and is landlocked. The County received the Certificate of Service for the affected land owners and the Affidavit of Service by U.S. Mail for neighbors of the proposed cartway. The County did post the public hearing as required.  

Attorney Steven Anderson stated that the petition seeks to establish a cartway pursuant to Minnesota Statute 164.08.  The description of the proposed cartway is: 

The West two (2) rods of the East 44 feet of the SW¼ NW¼, Section 25, Township 162 North, Range 32 West; and 

Commencing at the southeast corner of the S½ SE¼ NW¼ NW¼ of Section 25, Township 162 North, Range 32 West, thence westerly two (2) rods along the south boundary thereof to a point; thence in a north and easterly direction, along a 90 degree arc, to a point on the east boundary thereof, which point is two (2) rods north of said southeast corner; thence south along said east boundary line a distance of two (2) rods to the point of beginning;
The County Board reviewed the cartway request and heard comments from parties involved.  With further research needed including; a survey, figuring of damages and exploration of alternative routes for the cartway, the County Board decided to meet on the site of the proposed cartway on August 24, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. and then continue the Public Hearing on September 7, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the Public Hearing at 11:30 a.m. and reconvene the regular county board meeting.

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to meet on the site of the proposed cartway on August 24, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. and then continue the Public Hearing on September 7, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

ADD ITEM TO OLD/NEW BUSINESS
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to add Tourism/Lodging Tax to the OLD/NEW Business section of the agenda.

RECESS
With no further business before the Board, Chair Joe Grund called the meeting to recess at 11:35 a.m.

Attest: July 27, 2021

_________________________________ _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chair of the Board, Joe Grund 

Commissioner Proceedings

July 28, 2020

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room. 

CALL TO ORDER

Chair Jon Waibel called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Joe Grund, Jon Waibel, Buck Nordlof, Cody Hasbargen and Ed Arnesen. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson and County Attorney James Austad.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: DNR Snowmobile Trail Improvement Grant Letter, Recognition of Years of Service, and Property at intersection of County Road 6 and County Road 3. 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of July 14, 2020.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrant’s $62,482.98, Commissioners Warrant’s $3,039.78, Commissioners Warrant’s $17,335.17.

WELLNESS COMMITTEE

SHIP Update

Cassondra Brune provided an update from the Lake of the Woods County Employee Wellness Committee and on the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) program.  The Lake of the Woods County Wellness Committee plans to purchase bikes, bike helmets, walking poles and traction cleats for employee use through a SHIP mini-grant.  The Commissioners reviewed a physical activity policy, bike procedures and an acknowledgement and release of liability form.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to move forward with the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership Grant Program pending review and approval of the acknowledgement and release of liability form.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $20,127.86; Road & Bridge $313,666.13; County Development $400.00; Solid Waste $9,807.30.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/28/2020 For Payment 7/31/2020

Vendor Name Amount

Code 4 Services,Inc 3,115.01

Dentons Dirt Worx, LLC 10,290.00

Earthworks Contracting Inc 10,350.00

Envirotech Services Inc 121,805.00

Fish/Kevin 29,190.00

Hasbargen Logging Inc 10,350.00

Lavalla Sand & Gravel Inc 40,950.00

NOVA Fire Protection, Inc 2,150.00

Regions Hospital 2,144.40

Royal Tire Inc 2,010.92

Strata Corp, Inc 84,879.08

U.S. Bank Equipment Finance 6,268.50

Wright Locksmith and Security Systems 3,997.57

39 2000 Payments less than     16,500.81

    Final Total: 344,001.29

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: July 15, 2020 for $275,758.98; July 22, 2020 for $981.75.

DNR Snowmobile Trail Improvement Grant Letter

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried, with Commissioner Joe Grund abstaining, to approve a letter to be sent to the DNR for the Lake of the Woods Drifters FY20 Snowmobile Trail Improvement Grant Bridge Repair Project.

Recognition of Years of Service

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Jon Waibel and moved for adoption: 

Recognition of Years of Service

Stacy Novak

Resolution 2020-07-02

WHEREAS: Stacy Novak has served the residents of Lake of the Woods County since September 23, 2013 as Lake of the Woods County Deputy Auditor/Treasurer;

WHEREAS: Stacy has resigned from Lake of the Woods County service effective July 24, 2020 with seven years of service;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners extends its deepest appreciation to Stacy for her dedicated service and best wishes to her;

The resolution was seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and the same begin put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

PARKING LOT/DELIVERIES

In an effort to keep the building entrance more accessible to the public, it was the consensus of the Board to have delivery trucks park on the southeast side of the parking lot, along the sidewalk. A delivery sign will be displayed for guidance.  It was also decided that food trucks that are delivering to employees should deliver after 4:00 p.m. and business should be conducted outside.    

VETERANS MEMORIAL

Steve Levasseur and Glen Lawrence provided an update on the Veterans Memorial. They asked the County for assistance with paving the parking lot.  County Engineer AJ Pirkl will talk with the paving companies that are in the area working on other projects.

REQUEST TO PURCHASE COUNTY LAND

A land owner with property adjoining county owned land is looking to buy the county property to build a shed.  The land in question will be reviewed by the Land and Water Planning Department and the County Highway Department.  County owned land has to be put out for bid or auction.

LEASES

Leases of county owned land are for agriculture purposes only. Byron Tveit has been leasing the three parcels in question and has an easement to access the property.  Greg Kraemer would like the opportunity to bid on the use of the land when it comes up for lease again in December of 2021. No Board action taken at this time.

LAND AND WATER

Consideration of excluding certain structures for Land Use Permits/Consideration of Amending Permit Fee Schedule

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to amend the Permit Fee Schedule and exclude certain structures from Land Use Permits, as presented.

HUMAN RESOURCES

New Hire – Jeffrey Hovde
Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson to hire Jeffrey Hovde at grade 11, step 1, $20.33 per hour, points 253, effective July 20, 2020.

Updated job descriptions for Public Works Technicians/Inspectors

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to update the job descriptions, as presented, for Public Works Technicians/Inspectors effective immediately.

COUNTY HIGHWAY/LANDFILL

Grade/Step review of Technicians/Inspectors
Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to change Wyatt Erickson to Technician Inspector 1, grade 10, step 3, $20.10 per hour, effective the next full payroll.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to change Edward Spires to Technician Inspector 2, grade 12, step 1, $21.49 per hour, effective the next full payroll.

Widening HWY 11 in the City of Williams

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve County Engineer AJ Pirkl to submit an expression of interest to the MnDOT Transportation Economic Development Grant for the widening of Hwy 11 in the City of Williams for safety and economic improvements.

Railroad Crossing Grant agreement with MnDOT 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to support the MnDOT Rail Grade Crossing Safety Project Program for the rail crossings on Co Rd 190 and Co Rd 66, these crossings would be eligible fiscal year 2023 and 2024.

Freeburg and Grund Contract for SAP 039-594-001

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the Freeburg and Grund Contract SAP 039-594-001. The $50,065.50 contract will be split with the City of Baudette, the county’s portion is $25,032.75.

Paving of CR 280

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve a mill and overlay for Co Rd 280 at a cost to the county cost of $52,812.  The total surface of Co Rd 280 is 5,925 sq. yards and 834 sq. yards of that will be funded by the Wheelers Point Sanitary District Project. 

Update on JD-28 Project Bostic Creek NRCS

This project called for reusing sod mats, but there was not enough top soil to do so.  This will be changed out with double erosion control blanket and seeding.

Update on Seal Coat Project

This project will be starting soon.

Awarding of SAP 039-631-006

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to award SAP 039-631-006 to Gladen Construction at $125,617 for culvert replacement by hole four of the Oak Harbor Golf Course.

Gravel Contract for Reclaimed Class 5 Aggregate at the Airport

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to purchase approximately 10,000-13,000 cubic yards of salvaged class 5 gravel at $1.50 per cubic yard delivered, pending inspection of the material.  The salvaged class 5 gravel is from the runway project at the Baudette International Airport and will be purchased from KGM Contractors.

Monarch Butterfly NCCA Agreement

County Engineer AJ Pirkl talked with the Board about the Nationwide Candidate Conservation Agreement for the Monarch Butterfly through US Fish and Wildlife Services.

Highway Update

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to add verbiage to the Permit for Use of a County Park regarding liability for alcohol use.

Landfill Update
County Engineer AJ Pirkl has not received an update from the MPCA.

Property at the intersection of County Road 6 and County Road 3

The Board discussed county property at the intersection of Co Rd 6 and Co Rd 3.  An adjoining property owner is interested in buying some of the county owned land in that area.  If the county was to sell the land it would have to be put out for bid or auction. No Board action was taken at this time.

WILLIE WALLEYE FUND

The Board would like an update from the City of Baudette on the status of the project and project budget.

COVID-19

Update

CHI LakeWood Public Health Manager, Kay M. Schell, provided an update.  COVID-19 cases continue to go up in the counties around us; Beltrami is at 157, Hubbard is at 21, Koochiching is at 60, Roseau is at 41, and Lake of the Woods County does have one confirmed case. The quick test machine is up and running again at CHI LakeWood Health.  LakeWood is using the quick test machine as the primary testing machine for COVID-19 tests because of the long turnaround time for tests that are being sent out.

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve updates to the Lake of the Woods County Employee Quarantine and Isolation Policy and the Lake of the Woods County COVID-19 Preparedness Plan and for Commissioner Jon Waibel to sign the same.

Emergency Executive Order 20-81 – Requiring Minnesotans to Wear a Face Covering in Certain Settings to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 

There is a form available if an employee needs a face covering exemption. 

Use of Commissioners’ Room 

It was the consensus of the Board that AA meetings can resume in the Commissioners’ Room,

Set Workshop Session for CARES Act

It was the consensus of the Board to set a workshop session to review the CARES Act on Thursday, August 13, 2020 after the regular scheduled board meeting. 

Other Concerns
None

RECESS

With no further business before the Board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 12:07 p.m.

Attest: August 13, 2020

______________________________ _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chairman of the Board, Jon Waibel 

Commissioner Proceedings

July 14, 2020

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at the Angle Outpost Resort, 8206 Dawson Road, Angle Inlet, MN. 

CALL TO ORDER

Chair Jon Waibel called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Joe Grund, Jon Waibel, Buck Nordlof, Cody Hasbargen and Ed Arnesen. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, County Engineer AJ Pirkl, and County Deputy Sheriff Ben Duick.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: County Highway – chloride and street lights; Census; County Auditor – Election Judge Appointment and Bank Signature Cards; and Congressman Collin Peterson. 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of June 23, 2020.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrant’s $11,847.87, Commissioners Warrant’s $2,453.45, Commissioners Warrant’s $3,901.47.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $100,327.09; Road & Bridge $180,775.15; County Development $1025; Joint Ditch $8,442.50; Solid Waste $36,099.16; EDA $13,262.31.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/14/2020 For Payment 7/17/2020

                                 Vendor Name                                               Amount

Bollig Inc 9,048.00

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc. 6,968.79

Counties Providing Technology 13,751.00

Dacotah Paper Company 6,706.29

DLT Solutions, LLC 7,332.56

Farmers Union Oil Co. 2,926.98

Fort Distributors Ltd 27,020.00

Freeberg & Grund, Inc 15,339.05

Gary’s Auto 3,588.47

Hanson Sales Inc 5,123.02

Headwaters Regional Development Commiss 12,500.00

Howard’s Oil Company 3,150.79

KRIS Engineering Inc 6,597.15

Lavalla Sand & Gravel Inc 50,000.00

LOW Highway Dept 11,620.00

LOW Marine, Inc 10,788.61

Mar-Kit Landfill 16,740.50

Marco Technologies LLC 6,000.48

Minnesota Ui 9,187.69

Northwest Angle & Island Freight,Inc 9,237.00

Quadient Finance USA Inc. 2,000.00

Quill Corporation 3,791.56

R & Q Trucking, Inc 3,605.00

SeaChange Print Innovations 5,923.09

Strata Corp, Inc 31,451.62

Stratton Equipment Sales & Service Ltd 2,192.09

Titan Machinery – Roseau 2,419.74

Voyageurs Comtronics, Inc 2,640.00

Wheelers Point Sewer District 5,108.67

Widseth Smith Nolting&Asst Inc 3,303.85

Woody’s Service 4,209.44

Ziegler, Inc 5,733.90

86 Payments less than 2000   33,925.87

Final Total: 339,931.21

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: July 1, 2020 for $418,693.31; July 2, 2020 for $562,003.60; July 8, 2020 for $91,321.90.

Permission to Hire

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve permission to hire for the position of Deputy Auditor/Treasurer- License Clerk/Board Administration at Grade 11, Step 1, $20.33 per hour, Points 253.

Set Budget Dates

The Board set the following dates for 2021 Budget Meetings: August 24, 25 (after the regular scheduled board meeting) and 26, 2020.

Election Judge Appointment

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof to approve Connie Nesmith as an Election Judge and her appointment to the UOCAVA & Absentee Ballot Boards for the 2020 State and General Elections.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Bank Signature Cards

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund to remove signature authority for Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Stacy Novak and authorize signature authority to Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Connie Nesmith effective July 27, 2020 for the following banking and investment accounts: RiverWood Bank, Border Bank account number 2404, Wells Fargo account numbers 3908, 6724, 5716, 6372 and 3100. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and the same being put to vote was unanimously carried.

LAND LEASE AMENDMENT – LUDE TOWER

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen to approve the Land Lease Agreement #98012-amendment 2, Lude Tower to allow New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC (AT&T) use of the tower and authorize Chair Jon Waibel, County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson and County Attorney James Austad to sign.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

BOLLIG INC

NWA Airport

Mike Beard from Bollig Inc. provided a progress report on revisions to the feasibility report for the Northwest Angle airport project.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY – RYAN ZEMEK

Ryan Zemek, Economic Development Director with Headwaters Regional Development Commission, shared information and offered his assistance navigating resources and programs that may offer financial assistance to businesses during COVID-19 and the border closure.  

CENSUS

Commissioner Ed Arnesen gave an update regarding the 2020 Census. A Census representative was assigned to the Northwest Angle to visit with residents.  Census representatives will be in Baudette for training the first week of August.

CONGRESSMAN COLLIN PETERSON

Congressman Collin Peterson called into the meeting to discuss the border closure, its effect on property and business owners in the Northwest Angle and strategies his office is working on to assist with the current situation.  

COUNTY HIGHWAY/LANDFILL

LRIP Grant Agreement

The following Resolution was offered by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following: 

LOCAL ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

Grant Terms and Conditions

SAP-039-594-001

Resolution No. 2020-07-01

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County has applied to the Commissioner of Transportation for a grant from the Minnesota State Transportation Fund for Local Road Improvement; and,

WHEREAS, the Commissioner of Transportation has given notice that funding for this project is available; and,

WHEREAS, the amount of the grant has been determined to be $327,204.44 by reason of the lowest responsible bid; 

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Lake of the Woods County does hereby agree to the terms and conditions of the grant consistent with Minnesota Statutes, section 174.52 and will pay any additional amount by which the cost exceeds the estimate, and will return to the Minnesota State Transportation Fund any amount appropriated for the road but not required.   The proper county officers are authorized to execute a grant agreement and any amendments thereto with the Commissioner of Transportation concerning the above-referenced grant.

Highway Update

County Engineer, AJ Pirkl, provided a highway update.  He reported that culvert cleaning with the rented excavator was going well.  The chloride application to the main land and Northwest Angle roads was completed.  

Landfill Update
County Engineer, AJ Pirkl, provided a landfill update. He reported that he did reach out to the MPCA regarding the demo permit, but has not received an update.

Chloride and Street Lights

Commissioner Ed Arnesen recommended that the chloride application and cost of the street lights for the Northwest Angle be included in the Highway Department’s budget instead of a special assessment to property owners, this process would be more consistent with that of the main land.

COVID-19

Update
Kay M. Schell, CHI LakeWood Health Public Health Manager, provided an update.  Lake of the Woods County is at zero confirmed cases of COVID-19, but the numbers of confirmed cases are going up in neighboring counties.  As of today, July 14, 2020, Roseau County is at 30 confirmed cases, Koochiching County is at 24 confirmed cases and Beltrami County is at 58 confirmed cases.  A meeting was held with the Lake of the Woods County Fair Board regarding the potential COVID-19 risks associated with the event.

Jill Hasbargen Olson, Emergency Management Director for Lake of the Woods County, said that education on community transmission and employee exposure will be offered at the next stake holders meeting on Thursday, July 16, 2020. She reported that things are going well with the Government Center being open and that she will continue to revisit guidelines. Regulations specific to the Courts did start this week.

Other Concerns

The Commissioners discussed COVID-19 related concerns with members of the public who were attending the meeting.  Topics of concern included property taxes and transportation options for getting tourists and property owners to the Northwest Angle during the pandemic and border closure.

RECESS

With no further business before the Board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 12:08 p.m.

Attest: July 28, 2020

______________________________ _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chairman of the Board, Jon Waibel 

Commissioner Proceedings

July 1, 2019

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in special session on Monday, July 1, 2019 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

Call to Order

Chairman Cody Hasbargen called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Joe Grund, Jon Waibel, Buck Nordlof, and Cody Hasbargen. Also, present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Attorney Jim Austad, Human Resource Director Savanna Slick and Woody Fiala.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the agenda.

Public Works/County Engineer

Chair Cody Hasbargen noted that the proposed engineering contact was unable to attend the meeting until 10:00 a.m., therefore asked the attendees if there were any questions.  Discussion was had regarding the Engineer position and construction and maintenance projects.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 8:20 a.m. and reconvened as follows at 9:40 a.m. with Commissioner Ed Arnesen also in attendance.

Public Works Cont

Commissioners Jon Waibel and Ed Arnesen, and Interim Assistant Engineer Boyd Johnson gave an update on the applicants for the Engineering projects and that Ross Eberle from Interstate Engineering, Inc. would be attending the meeting at 10:00 a.m. to review a proposed contract with the County for Construction and Plant Engineering to help in the interim of the recruiting process for a County Engineer.  They further discussed an additional contract for a Maintenance Engineer.

Amend Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to amend the agenda to add the Clementson Park and purchase of picnic tables.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of 4 picnic tables for the Clementson Park at the price of approximately $670 per table with the funding as follows:  $900 received in contributions by the Baudette Rotary and the remainder up to $2,000 from the County Park account.

Public Works Cont.

Construction Project Engineer/Plant Engineer

Ross Eberle, Senior Project Engineer – Interstate Engineering attended the meeting and reviewed a proposed contract for Construction Project Engineer and Plant Engineer with Lake of the Woods County in the interim of finding a County Engineer.    District Engineer Lou Tasa reviewed the contract and explained what the state would be requiring.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Nordlof and carried unanimously, pending approval of the County Attorney and the State Engineer; to approve the Agreement for Engineering Services with Interstate Engineering, Inc., Ross Eberle, for the Construction Project Engineer/Plant Engineer in the interim of finding a County Engineer.

Maintenance Project Engineer 

District Engineer, Lou Tasa discussed with the County Board the state requirements for the Maintenance Project Engineer.  A Committee meeting of Commissioners: Ed Arnesen and Jon Waibel, Attorney James Austad, Interim County Engineer Boyd Johnson and Human Resources Savanna Slick was going meet with Brian Grund, Freeburg and Grund Engineering.   

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 10:30 a.m. and reconvened at 10:35 a.m. as follows:

CLOSED SESSION- LITIGATION

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting and open the closed session at 10:36 a.m. pursuant to MN Statute 13D.05, subd.3b. (Pending or threatened litigation involving appointment of County Engineer.)  Members present: Commissioners Ed Arnesen, Cody Hasbargen, Buck Nordlof, Jon Waibel and Joe Grund.  Others present were:  County Auditor /Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, County Attorney, James Austad and Human Resources Director Savanna Slick.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to close the closed session and open the regular meeting at 11:00 a.m.

Public Works Cont.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to have Chair Cody Hasbargen to sign a separation agreement with Public Works Director, Tim Erickson.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Cody Hasbargen called the meeting to recess at 11:05 a.m.

Attest:                                                                                      July 9, 2019

__________________________________                            _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson                                Chairman of the Board, Cody Hasbargen

==========================================================================================================================================================================

Commissioner Proceedings

July 9, 2019

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

Call to Order

Chairman Cody Hasbargen called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Joe Grund, Jon Waibel, Buck Nordlof, Ed Arnesen and Cody Hasbargen. Also, present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Attorney Jim Austad and Woody Fiala.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following Additions:  Census.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of June 25, 2019, with changes.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of June 20/25, 2019, BOE.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of July 1, 2019.

Social Services

Social Services Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval for claims and approval of Fraud Prevention/Investigation Plan.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrant’s $13,469.38, Commissioners Warrant’s $2,176.76, Commissioners Warrant’s $16,361.65.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the Fraud Prevention Investigation Plan Application for Lake of the Woods County and to have Commissioner Chair Cody Hasbargen and Social Services Director Amy Ballard sign the same.

Auditor/Treasurer

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims and budget discussion.

Claims  

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund, and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $27,372.04, Road & Bridge $165,265.15, County Development $17,892.58, Solid Waste $24,257.66 and EDA $798.70.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/09/2019 For Payment 7/12/2019

Vendor Name Amount

Frontier Precision Inc                                                   33,439.54

Howard’s Oil Company                                                  2,002.63

Johnson Construction                                                    4,615.33

LaValla Sand & Gravel Inc                                        114,575.00

Liberty Tire Recycling, LLC                                            6,817.50

LOW School District–390                                            10,000.00

M-R Sign Co, Inc                                                             2,112.58

Mar-Kit Landfill                                                             15,135.00

NOVA Fire Protection, Inc                                             2,418.95

Strata Corp, Inc                                                             2,486.75

Voyageurs Comtronics, Inc                                          2,640.00

Widseth Smith Nolting&Asst Inc                                   11,299.98

Woody’s Service                                                           4,673.40

54 Payments less than 2000  $ 23,369.47

Final Total:    $ 235,586.13

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants:  June 28, 2019 – $22,101.59 and July 3, 2019 – $165,472.26.

Budget Discussion

County Auditor-Treasurer, Lorene Hanson discussed with the County Board the 2020 budget process.  The Board set the following dates for budget review:  August 8 and 9, 2019 at 8:00 a.m. and August 13, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. following the regular county board meeting.

IT Dept

GIS Specialist, Eric Solo met with the County Board to give an update on the Counties Providing Technology (CPT) quotes for accessing the County’s tax data and Census request.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund, and carried unanimously to approve the CPT quotes for the LOW Web Access for Tax and Values of $120.00 per month/$1,440/year, and to have IT Director, Pete Hovland sign the same.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Jon Waibel, and carried unanimously to approve assisting with the CENSUS by sharing the existing address point data.

Attorney

Event Ordinance

County Attorney, Jim Austad met with the County Board to discuss the Event Ordinance.  He reviewed the process of 1) Committee meetings, 2) Notice of Public Hearing (10 day notice), 3) Public Hearing, 4) Planning Commission and 4) Resolution to approve.  Jim would be setting a date for the ordinance committee to be meeting soon.

Land & Water Planning

County Land & Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the County to discuss:  Drainage Committee, Consideration for Conditional Use Permit, LOW One Watershed/One Plan.

Drainage Committee

County Land & Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund reviewed with the County Board the members on the drainage committee and the purpose of the committee.  The members included Commissioners: Ed Arnesen and Joe Grund, Interim Engineer Boyd Johnson, Land & Water Planning Director Josh Stromlund, Dennis Johnson (District 3), Vern Horntvedt (District 4), Byron Tviet (District 5) and a SWCD Representative. The committee was set up not only for public drainage systems, outlets, ditches, but also includes the guidance of the maintenance levels of county roads and ditches – mowing, graveling, ditch maintenance etc.   Josh was going to contact the members and set up a meeting in the near future.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, and carried unanimously to add Bill Rivard, District 2 to the Drainage Committee.

Consideration of Conditional Use Permit – Jamie Gowdy

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board and presented a Conditional Use Permit for Jamie Gowdy to operate short-term vacation rentals on each lot in a Residential District (R-1).   Josh reviewed the Findings of Fact of the Planning Commission and informed the board that they approved this application with the condition the covenants are changed to allow this project.   This was addressed at the June 11, 2019 County Board meeting and the Board had requested to have Jamie Gowdy be present for further questions.  Applicant Jamie Gowdy was now present and after considerable discussion, the County Board gave Mr. Gowdy additional time to resolve questions presented by the Board. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to move the request to the August 27, 2019 board meeting, allowing Mr. Gowdy additional time to address the questions proposed by the Board.

LOW One Watershed/One Plan

County Land & Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund and LOW Soil & Water Resource Technician Mike Hirst reviewed with the County Board the Lake of the Woods One Watershed/One Plan Executive Summary. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the LOW One Watershed/One Plan Executive Summary and approve submitting to the Board of Water and Soil Resources for approval.

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 10:47a.m. and reconvened at 10:55 a.m. as follows:

Public Works Dept

Interim Engineer Boyd Johnson met with the County Board with updates on the Maintenance Project Engineer, NWA Road, Interstate Engineering and Applicants.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel to approve the agreement with Freeberg & Grund, Brian Grund for Maintenance Project Engineer contingent County Attorney approval and insurance amendment, effective July 6, 2019.   Motion carried as follows:  For:  Commissioners Ed Arnesen, Buck Nordlof, Cody Hasbargen, Jon Waibel; Abstain:  Joe Grund.

NWA Road

Interim Engineer Boyd Johnson updated the County Board on the maintenance on the State Aid Road at the NWA.    Boyd was going to contact Interstate Engineering regarding amending their agreement to include this project.

Engineer Applicants

Interim Engineer Boyd Johnson updated the County Board on the applications received for the Engineer position and interviews were set.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Cody Hasbargen called the meeting to recess at 11:25 a.m.

Attest:                                                                                      July 23, 2019

__________________________________                            _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson                                Chairman of the Board, Cody Hasbargen

========================================================================================================================================================================

Commissioner Proceedings

July 23, 2019

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

Call to Order

Chairman Cody Hasbargen called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Joe Grund, Jon Waibel, Buck Nordlof, Ed Arnesen and Cody Hasbargen. Also, present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Attorney Jim Austad and Woody Fiala.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following Additions:  Calcium Chloride, Freeberg & Grund Amendment and NWA Park.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of July 9, 2019.

Social Services

Social Services Fiscal Officer, Christine Hultman met with the board requesting approval for claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrant’s $5,685.61, Commissioners Warrant’s $2,658.15, Commissioners Warrant’s $46,363.90.

Auditor/Treasurer

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of Claims, Budgets, Tax Forfeited Land Classifications, Clementson Park and Calcium Chloride.

Claims  

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $68,025.31, Road & Bridge $159,229.70, Co Devlp $200.00, Joint Ditch $3,017.50, Solid Waste $26,792.09 and EDA $3,080.00.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/23/2019 for Payment 7/26/2019

Vendor Name                                        Amount

Arrowhead Library System                                   33,118.00

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                                  10,570.76

Chapman/Mark                                                         3,080.00

Counties Providing Technology                             13,650.00

Envirotech Services Inc                                       100,674.54

Evergreen Implement Company                             12,100.00

Farmers Union Oil Co.                                              3,234.43

Fort Distributors Ltd                                               31,652.00

John Deere Financial                                               3,793.40

Liberty Tire Recycling, LLC                                      2,666.40

LOW Highway Dept                                                 9,010.00

North East Technical Service,Inc                             3,043.50

R & Q Trucking, Inc                                                  5,294.79

Swanston Equipment Corp                                      3,074.52

TOTALFUNDS                                                          2,000.00

Zuercher Technologies, LLC                                   2,190.00

47 Payments less than2000 21,192.26

Final Total: 260,344.60

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants:  July 10, 2019 – $7,124.54, July 11, 2019 – $189,421.57; July 17, 2019 – $16,444.39.

Calcium Chloride

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the Calcium Chloride invoice from the County Highway for the County State Aid Highway 19 in the amount of $6,494.58 out of the County Parks account.

Budget Dates

Budget dates were discussed and due to scheduling conflicts, it was the consensus to change the original dates scheduled for August 8^th and 9^th to the dates of August 14^th and 15^th. 

Tax Forfeited Land Classifications

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Commissioners Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously the following:

TAX FORFEITED LAND SALE

RESOLUTION NO. 19-07-01

WHEREAS; the County Board of Commissioners of the County of Lake of the Woods, State of Minnesota, desires to offer for sale certain parcels of land that have forfeited to the State of Minnesota for non-payment of taxes, and

WHEREAS, said parcels of land have been viewed by the County Board of Commissioners and have been classified as non-conservation lands as provided for in Minnesota Statutes 282.01.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners hereby certify that the parcels of land listed below, have been viewed and comply with the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 85.012; 92.461; 282.01, subd. 8; and 282.018; and other statutes that require the withholding of tax-forfeited lands from the sale.  (Parcels:  17-0744-040, 19-2614-011, 21-1233-030, 21-1312-040, 21-1312-041, 21-1321-010, 22-1732-000, 23-2533-020, 30-3111-000)

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED; that the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners hereby request approval from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for the sale of said lands.

County Park Funding

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Commissioners Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously the following:

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING COUNTY PARK FUNDING

RESOLUTION NO. 19-07-02

WHEREAS:  Minnesota Statutes 282.08 allows for a County Board to annually set aside up to 20% of the receipts from the sale of rental of county administered tax-forfeited land or from the sale of any products therefrom, after the payment of all allowable expenses, to be used for the acquisition and maintenance of county parks, as defined in Minnesota Statutes 398.31, Et. Seq.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes and directs the County  Auditor/Treasurer to appropriate 20% of the allowable receipts of the forfeited tax fund of Lake of the Woods County for 2019 to be used for acquisition and maintenance of County Parks.

Clementson Park

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to pay for the additional charges of $585.81 on the picnic tables for the Clementson Park from the County Park account.  Original motion approved on July 1, 2019 was to approve up to $2,000 from the County Park account.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Conditional Use Permit – Thomas & Erin Olson

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board and presented a Conditional Use Permit for Thomas and Erin Olson to operate a commercial business consisting of transient short-term rental of an existing structure in a Rural Residential District (R2).  No comments were heard from the Public. Josh reviewed the Findings of Fact of the Planning Commission and informed the board that they approved this application with the following conditions, the specific conditions of approval are as follows:

1. The Conditional Use Permit expires on sale or transfer of the property.
2. Meet Minnesota Department of Health requirements.
3. Lodging tax for Lake of the Woods County must be paid.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following Findings of Fact for Thomas and Erin Olson to operate a commercial business consisting of transient short-term rental of an existing structure in a Rural Residential District (R2) as follows:

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners

Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant:  Thomas and Erin Olson                                                              Date:  July 23, 2019

Location/Legal Description:  A tract of land in Government Lot 3, Section Thirty (30), Township One Hundred Sixty-three (163) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West, Parcel ID# 16.30.32.020.

Project Proposal:  A Conditional Use Permit, as required by Section 401-C of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance, to allow the applicant to operate a commercial business consisting of transient short-term rental of an existing structure in a Rural Residential District (R2).

1. Is the project proposal consistent with the Lake of the Woods County Comprehensive Land Use Plan?                                                                                                                         YES ( x ) NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? Resort area.

2. Is the project proposal consistent with maintaining the public health, safety, and welfare?

            YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? Upgrade of system (septic).

3. Is the project proposal consistent with the goal of preventing and controlling water pollution, including sedimentation and nutrient loading?                                                                                                YES (  ) NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? ___________________________________________________________________

4. Will the project proposal not adversely affect the site’s existing topography, drainage features, and vegetative cover?                                                                                                              YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? ____________________________________________________________________

5. Is the project proposal’s site location reasonable in relation to any floodplain and/or floodway of rivers or tributaries?                                                                                                                YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? ___________________________________________________________________

6. Has the erosion potential of the site based upon the degree and direction of slope, soil type and existing vegetative cover been adequately addressed for the project proposal?

                                                                                                                                    YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? ____________________________________________________________________

7. Is the site in harmony with existing and proposed access roads?                                 YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? To use existing roads and driveway.

8. Is the project proposal compatible with adjacent land uses?                            YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? Residential and agriculture.

9. Does the project proposal have a reasonable need to be in a shoreland location?

                                                                                                                                    YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? ____________________________________________________________________

10. Is the amount of liquid waste to be generated reasonable and the proposed sewage disposal system adequate to accommodate the project proposal?                                                                    YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? New system to be designed.

11. Will the visibility of structures and other facilities as viewed from public waters comply with Section 901 of the Zoning Ordinance?                                                                                                       YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? _____________________________________________________________________

12. Is the site adequate for water supply and on-site sewage treatment systems?

                                                                                                                                      YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? To be designed for project.           

13. Are the affected public waters suited to and able to safely accommodate the types, uses, and numbers of watercraft that the project proposal will generate?                                                                      YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? _____________________________________________________________________

14. If the project proposal includes above ground or below ground storage tanks for petroleum or other hazardous material that is subject to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) requirements, has a permit been sought?     YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? _____________________________________________________________________

15. Will there be fencing and/or other screening provided to buffer the project proposal from adjacent properties?  YES (   )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? Not needed.         

16. If signage is associated with the project proposal, has the applicant demonstrated the need for the number and size requested, and minimized the visual appearance as viewed from adjacent properties to the extent possible?             YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? No greater than 4’ x 8’.

17. If the project proposal will generate additional traffic to or from the site, has the applicant adequately demonstrated how the additional traffic and parking is to be addressed?

                                                                                                            YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? On site.

If all answers to the Findings of Fact-Criteria are either “Yes” or are “Not Applicable” to the request, the criteria for granting the conditional use permit have been met. The conditional use permit will maintain the goals of safety, health, and general welfare of the public. 

The specific conditions of approval are as follows:

1. The Conditional Use Permit expires on sale or transfer of the property.
2. Meet Minnesota Department of Health requirements.
3. Lodging tax for Lake of the Woods County must be paid.

Approved  as Presented  (  )                          Approved with Conditions  (X)                      Denied  (  )

                                                                                    _____________________________________

                                                                                                            Cody Hasbargen

                                                                                                        Chair, County Board

This is in accordance with Section 1204 of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Conditional Use Permit – Elizabeth Carlson

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board and presented a Conditional Use Permit for Elizabeth Carlson to operate a commercial planned unit development consisting of a recreational vehicle camping park located in a Commercial Recreation Zoning District. No comments were heard from the Public. Josh reviewed the Findings of Fact of the Planning Commission and informed the board that they approved this application with the following conditions, the specific conditions of approval are as follows:

1. Meet Minnesota Department of Health requirements.
2. Meet Minnesota Department of Natural Resources requirements.
3. Minimum site size of at least 3,000 square feet

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the following Findings of Fact for Elizabeth Carlson to operate a commercial planned unit development consisting of a recreational vehicle camping park located in a Commercial Recreation Zoning District as follows:

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners

Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant:  Elizabeth Carlson                                                                Date:  July 23, 2019

Location/Legal Description:  The North 620 feet of the NE¼ of the NE¼ of Section Thirty (30), Township One Hundred Sixty-eight (168) North, Range Thirty-four (34) West, Parcel ID# 02.30.11.000.

Project Proposal:  A Conditional Use Permit, as required by Section 401-D of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance, to operate a commercial planned unit development consisting of a recreational vehicle camping park located in a Commercial Recreation Zoning District.

1. Is the project proposal consistent with the Lake of the Woods County Comprehensive Land Use Plan?                                                                                                                         YES ( x ) NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Commercial area.

2. Is the project proposal consistent with maintaining the public health, safety, and welfare?

            YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Meet Minnesota Department of Health standards.

3. Is the project proposal consistent with the goal of preventing and controlling water pollution, including sedimentation and nutrient loading?                                                                                                YES ( x ) NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? No change.

4. Will the project proposal not adversely affect the site’s existing topography, drainage features, and vegetative cover?                                                                                                              YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Will not.

5. Is the project proposal’s site location reasonable in relation to any floodplain and/or floodway of rivers or tributaries?                                                                                                                YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? May or may not be in the floodplain.

6. Has the erosion potential of the site based upon the degree and direction of slope, soil type and existing vegetative cover been adequately addressed for the project proposal?

                                                                                                                                    YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? No change.

7. Is the site in harmony with existing and proposed access roads?                                 YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Use existing road.

8. Is the project proposal compatible with adjacent land uses?                            YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Same usage.

9. Does the project proposal have a reasonable need to be in a shoreland location?

                                                                                                                                    YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Resort area.

10.  Is the amount of liquid waste to be generated reasonable and the proposed sewage disposal system adequate to accommodate the project proposal?                                                                    YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  New system to be installed.

11. Will the visibility of structures and other facilities as viewed from public waters comply with Section 901 of the Zoning Ordinance?                                                                                                       YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? No change.

12. Is the site adequate for water supply and on-site sewage treatment systems?

                                                                                                                                      YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  New system to be designed and installed. 

13. Are the affected public waters suited to and able to safely accommodate the types, uses, and numbers of watercraft that the project proposal will generate?                                                                      YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Working with Department of Natural Resources for additional spaces for docking.

14. If the project proposal includes above ground or below ground storage tanks for petroleum or other hazardous material that is subject to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) requirements, has a permit been sought?     YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? _________________________________________________________________

15. Will there be fencing and/or other screening provided to buffer the project proposal from adjacent properties?  YES (  )  NO ( x )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  ________________________________________________________________      

16. If signage is associated with the project proposal, has the applicant demonstrated the need for the number and size requested, and minimized the visual appearance as viewed from adjacent properties to the extent possible?             YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? _________________________________________________________________

17. If the project proposal will generate additional traffic to or from the site, has the applicant adequately demonstrated how the additional traffic and parking is to be addressed?

                                                                                                            YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  On site.

If all answers to the Findings of Fact-Criteria are either “Yes” or are “Not Applicable” to the request, the criteria for granting the conditional use permit have been met. The conditional use permit will maintain the goals of safety, health, and general welfare of the public. 

The specific conditions of approval are as follows:  Meet Minnesota Department of Health requirements. Meet Minnesota Department of Natural Resources requirements. Minimum site size of at least 3,000 square feet.

Approved  as Presented  (  )                          Approved with Conditions  (X)                      Denied  (  )

                                                                                    _____________________________________

                                                                                                            Cody Hasbargen

                                                                                                        Chair, County Board

This is in accordance with Section 1204 of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Conditional Use Permit – Gregg Hennum

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board and presented a Conditional Use Permit for Gregg Hennum to operate a commercial planned unit development consisting of a recreational vehicle camping park located in a Commercial Recreation Zoning District.  No comments were heard from the Public. Josh reviewed the Findings of Fact of the Planning Commission and informed the board that they approved this application with the following conditions, the specific conditions of approval are as follows:

The specific conditions of approval are as follows:

1. An eight (8) foot high fence extending to the ground on the east, south, and west sides of the property.
2. Approved to current density standards.
3. Must meet Minnesota Department of Health regulations.
4. Must meet at least 3,000 square foot lot size.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the following Findings of Fact for Gregg Hennum to operate a commercial planned unit development consisting of a recreational vehicle camping park located in a Commercial Recreation Zoning District, as follows:

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners

Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant:  Gregg Hennum                                                                   Date:  July 23, 2019

Location/Legal Description:  A tract of land in Government Lot 1, Section Twenty-five (25), Township One Hundred Sixty-two (162) North, Range Thirty-two (32) West, Parcel ID# 19.25.21.010.

Project Proposal:  A Conditional Use Permit, as required by Section 401-D of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance, to operate a commercial planned unit development consisting of a recreational vehicle camping park located in a Commercial Recreation Zoning District.

1. Is the project proposal consistent with the Lake of the Woods County Comprehensive Land Use Plan?                                                                                                                                     YES ( x ) NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Growth corridor.

2. Is the project proposal consistent with maintaining the public health, safety, and welfare?

            YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  To meet Minnesota Department of Health standards.

3. Is the project proposal consistent with the goal of preventing and controlling water pollution, including sedimentation and nutrient loading?                                                                                                YES (  ) NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? _______________________________________________________________

4. Will the project proposal not adversely affect the site’s existing topography, drainage features, and vegetative cover?                                                                                                              YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Will not.

5. Is the project proposal’s site location reasonable in relation to any floodplain and/or floodway of rivers or tributaries?                                                                                                                            YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? _________________________________________________________________

6. Has the erosion potential of the site based upon the degree and direction of slope, soil type and existing vegetative cover been adequately addressed for the project proposal?

                                                                                                                                    YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? ________________________________________________________________

7. Is the site in harmony with existing and proposed access roads?                                 YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Access off Bur Oak Road.

8. Is the project proposal compatible with adjacent land uses?                                        YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Resort area.

9. Does the project proposal have a reasonable need to be in a shoreland location?

                                                                                                                                    YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not?  ________________________________________________________________

10. Is the amount of liquid waste to be generated reasonable and the proposed sewage disposal system adequate to accommodate the project proposal?                                                                    YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Designed into project.

11. Will the visibility of structures and other facilities as viewed from public waters comply with Section 901 of the Zoning Ordinance?                                                                                                       YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? _________________________________________________________________

12. Is the site adequate for water supply and on-site sewage treatment systems?

                                                                                                                                      YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  New well, septic or sanitary sewer district.           

13. Are the affected public waters suited to and able to safely accommodate the types, uses, and numbers of watercraft that the project proposal will generate?                                                                      YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not?  _________________________________________________________________

14. If the project proposal includes above ground or below ground storage tanks for petroleum or other hazardous material that is subject to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) requirements, has a permit been sought?    

                                                                                                                        YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? _________________________________________________________________

15. Will there be fencing and/or other screening provided to buffer the project proposal from adjacent properties?              YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Natural on the North side and 8’ fence on 3 other sides.

16. If signage is associated with the project proposal, has the applicant demonstrated the need for the number and size requested, and minimized the visual appearance as viewed from adjacent properties to the extent possible?                                                                                                                                     YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? In application a 3’ x 5’ with lights

17. If the project proposal will generate additional traffic to or from the site, has the applicant adequately demonstrated how the additional traffic and parking is to be addressed?

                                                                                                            YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  On site.

If all answers to the Findings of Fact-Criteria are either “Yes” or are “Not Applicable” to the request, the criteria for granting the conditional use permit have been met. The conditional use permit will maintain the goals of safety, health, and general welfare of the public. 

The specific conditions of approval are as follows:

1. An eight (8) foot high fence extending to the ground on the east, south, and west sides of the property.
2. Approved to current density standards.
3. Must meet Minnesota Department of Health regulations.
4. Must meet at least 3,000 square foot lot size.

Approved  as Presented  (  )                          Approved with Conditions  (X)                      Denied  (  )

                                                                                    _____________________________________

                                                                                                            Cody Hasbargen

                                                                                                        Chair, County Board

This is in accordance with Section 1204 of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance.

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 10:00 a.m. and reconvened at 10:05 a.m. as follows:

Highway

Interim Engineer Boyd Johnson met with the County Board to: Update on the progress of projects, Ross Eberle – Amendment to Interstate Agreement, Amendment to Freeberg & Grund agreement and Credit Cards for 3 employees.

Update

Interim Engineer Boyd Johnson and Construction Project Engineer Ross Eberle updated the County Board on the progress of the construction projects going on throughout the county.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the Amendment to Interstate Engineering Services for SAP 39-649-003 CSAH 49 Aggregate Surfacing Project; and SAP 39-603-24 and SAP 39-606-18 CSAH 3 & 6 Milling, Full Depth Reclamation, & Bituminous Surfacing.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the Amendment to Freeberg & Grund, Inc for Bur Oak Reconstruction.

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve a county issued credit card to Boyd Johnson with a limit of $1,500.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve a county issued credit card to Jane Larson with a limit of $1,500.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve a county issued credit card to Robert Peterson with a limit of $1,500.

NWA Northerly Park

Joe Laurin of the NWA Edgeriders met with the County Board to give an update on the NWA Northerly Park.  The park application would have to be revised due to wetland impacts.  Mr. Laurin was looking for assistance in completing the application and it was the consensus to ask for a proposal from Whitt Environmental Services.   Further discussion was had regarding culverts to be installed to enable Terracon to get in for soil boring samples.  Mr. Laurin would report back to the board when he had further updates.

AMEND AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to add to the agenda the following:   District Engineer, Lou Tasa for an update and to add a Closed Session pursuant to MN Statute 13D.05, subd.3b. (Pending or threatened litigation involving appointment of County Engineer.) 

District Engineer, Lou Tasa

District Engineer, Lou Tasa attended the meeting via phone conference.  The County Board had questions regarding applicants for the County Engineer position.  A committee of Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Cody Hasbargen, Human Resource Director Savanna Slick and County Attorney James Austad were going to meet to discuss the applicants and an offer for the position.

CLOSED SESSION- LITIGATION

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting and open the closed session at 11:25 a.m. pursuant to MN Statute 13D.05, subd.3b. (Pending or threatened litigation involving appointment of County Engineer.)  Members present: Commissioners Ed Arnesen, Cody Hasbargen, Buck Nordlof, Jon Waibel and Joe Grund.  Others present were:  County Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson, County Attorney James Austad and Human Resources Director Savanna Slick.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to close the closed session and open the regular meeting at 11:50 a.m.

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 11:50 a.m. and reconvened at 2:00 p.m. as follows:

AMEND AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to add to the agenda the approval of Agreement with Braun Intertec for Geotechnical Services and Widseth, Smith, Nolting for Surveying both for the proposed Law Enforcement Center.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the Agreement with Braun Intertec Corporation for providing geotechnical services for the proposed Law Enforcement Center.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the Agreement with Widseth Smith Nolting & Associates for surveying services for the proposed Law Enforcement Center.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Cody Hasbargen called the meeting to recess at 2:05 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                      August 13, 2019

__________________________________                            _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson                                Chairman of the Board, Cody Hasbargen

Commissioner Proceedings

July 10, 2018

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

Call to Order

Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Cody Hasbargen, Ed Arnesen, Buck Nordlof, Jon Waibel and Ken Moorman. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Janet Rudd.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: CPUI Agreement, Motor Pool update, and PILT Payments.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the official minutes and summarized minutes of June 26, 2018.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Social Services Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $6,576.92, Commissioners Warrants $1,836.88, Commissioners Warrants $14,853.30.

WIKSTROM TELEPHONE

Brian Wikstrom and Al Lundeen met with the board and gave an update on the Broadband Plans for Lake of the Woods County which includes the following: Fiber to the homes in many locations and buildings in all of the area in the county in the next few years; fiber optic cable at the NW Angle to the Islands; updating microwave service to the NW Angle to gigabit, serves Verizon wireless and its land line customers- to be installed in July and upgrading all of its fixed wireless services,( Baudette is near to completion). The board thanked them for the update on the Broadband Plans.

COUNTY AUDITOR/TREASURER

Claims

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims, appointment of election judges, election judges pay, appointments to UOCAVA and Canvasing board for the Primary and General Election.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows: Revenue-$72,581.97-Road & Bridge-$24,036.69, Co. Devlp. -$21,490.00 -Solid Waste-$6,169.61-EDA-$1,024.72- Taxes-$252.00.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/10/2018 For Payment 7/13/2018

Vendor Name                                        Amount

Computer Professionals Unlimited Inc                      3,432.00

Election Systems & Software, Inc                           3,534.00

Howard’s Oil Company                                            3,264.12

LOW Highway Dept                                                 4,087.50

Ranger GM                                                             36,741.46

Rolyan Buoys                                                          3,253.00

Roseau County Sheriff                                            2,961.45

SeaChange Print Innovations                                   3,650.82

Titan Machinery – Roseau                                      17,738.53

TOTALFUNDS                                                          4,000.00

Williams Youth Recreation Association                 20,000.00

55 Payments less than 2000 22,892.11

Final Total: 125,554.99

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following Auditor warrants: June 27, 2018-$40 ,631.20, July 3, 2018-$383,035.57, July 5, 2018-$164,496.22.

Appointment of 2018 Election Judges, UOCAVA&Absentee Ballot Boards and Hourly Pay

County Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson met with the County Board to approve election judges for the primary and general elections, to set up UOCAVA and Absentee Ballot Boards for the same and to request a pay increase for the election judges. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously  to approve the following election judges for the 2018 primary and general elections:  Christie Russell, Sandy Peterson, Judy Johnson, Shelley Pepera, Aprille Albrecht, Rita Krause, Margie Sporlein, Stacy Novak, Dale Boretski, Dawn Christianson, John Carroll, Dena Pieper, Alisa Jacobsen, Heather Larson, Barb Larson, Lester Boomgaarden, Bob Gubbels, Jill Gubbels, Tabitha Ubel, Beverly Becklund, Cindy McDougall, Jo Aery, Jamie Boretski-LaValla, Janet Rudd, Rita Hasbargen, Erik Tange and Lorene Hanson. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the hourly pay for election judges as follows:  head election judges at $11.00 per hour and election judges at $10.50 per hour, effective with the 2018 elections.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to appoint the following Election Judges to the UOCAVA & Absentee Ballot Boards for the 2018 Primary and General Elections:  Christie Russell, Rita Hasbargen, Stacy Novak, Janet Rudd, Dawn Christianson, Erik Tange and Lorene Hanson.   

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to appoint Commissioners Hasbargen and Waibel to the Canvassing Board for the 2018 Primary and General Election.   

HUMAN RESOURCES

Human Resource Director, Savanna Slick met with the board informing the board that Cooper Mickelson has resigned effective July 12 and requested permission to advertise, interview and hire Inspector I.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize Human Resource Director, Savanna Slick and Public Works Director, Tim Erickson to advertise, interview and hire an Inspector, with the tier option if applicant(s) do not have the requirements of four (4) years of experience at grade 9 and when years of experience are fulfilled move to grade 12.

MOTOR POOL /MOTOR POOL POLICY

Motor Pool Committee members Peder Hovland, MaryJo Otten and Lorene Hanson met with the board to inform the board that they received quotes for a 2018 Dodge Durango and 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The board requested that they trade the 2009 Chevrolet Impala and 2006 Dodge Van Caravan.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the Motor Pool Committee to purchase a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse, in the amount of $26,857.40 and 2018 Dodge Durango, in the amount of $24,560.00 with applicable fees and taxes.

Motor Pool Policy

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson informed the board that the Motor Pool committee reviewed the Policy and discussed the mileage rate for personal vehicles being used for work related reasons.  The mileage rate does not reference the reimbursement rate and it was decided that it should be clarified in the policy as the rate set by the Commissioners at the beginning of the year at the IRS rate (currently .545 cents per mile).  Taking a personal car instead of the motor pool vehicle will be at the discretion of the department head.   Other possible changes to the Policy will be forthcoming.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to add to the Motor Pool Policy the IRS rate that is set by the County Board at the beginning of each year for reimbursement.

PILT PAYMENT/MINNESOTA POLLUTION CONTROL

Chairman Arnesen reviewed the Lake of the Woods County Payment In lieu of Taxes with the board and discussed the MPC meeting that Public Works Director Tim Erickson and himself attended in regards to the expansion of the landfill and other issues.

PUBLIC WORKS

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting approval to advertise for bids for SAP 039-598-066.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize Public Works Director, Tim Erickson to advertise for bids for SAP 039-598-066.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund and SWCD Resource Technician, Mike Hirst met with the board and reviewed the One Watershed One Plan and options of Joint Powers Entity or Joint Powers Collaboration.

GEORGE SWENTIK

George Swentik met with the board to discuss County Road 142 drainage issues and the need for the ditch to be cleaned. Public Works Director, Tim Erickson informed the board that this ditch is on the Five-Year Plan for maintenance.

CPUI CONTRACT

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, County Assessor MaryJo Otten and MIS Director, Peder Hovland met with the board to discuss the CPUI agreement. No action was taken.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to recess at 11:55a.m.

Attest:                                                                          July 24, 2018

__________________________________                _____________________________________County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson                    Chairman of the Board, Edward Arnesen

=========================================================================================================================================================================

Commissioner Proceedings

July 24, 2018

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

Call to Order

Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Cody Hasbargen, Ed Arnesen, Buck Nordlof, Jon Waibel and Ken Moorman. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson and Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Janet Rudd.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Auditors Agreement, Motor Pool Policy, Ditch Authority, Extension Contract, Closed Session and Union Negotiations.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the official minutes and summarized minutes of July 10, 2018.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Social Services Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $8,161.19, Commissioners Warrants $1,981.88, Commissioners Warrants $13,466.97.

COUNTY AUDITOR/TREASURER

Claims

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims, Resolution to approve Hoffman, Philipp, & Knutson for annual financial audit, Motor Pool Policy, Ditch Authority, Extension Contract.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows: Revenue-$11,369.28-Road & Bridge-$261,186.17, Co. Devlp. -$890.00 – Natl Resc Enhanc-$4,026.15, Joint Ditch- $2,430.00-Solid Waste-$22,377.99-EDA-$1,703.58.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/24/2018 For Payment 7/27/2018

Vendor Name                                        Amount

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                                        10,039.66

Earthworks Contracting Inc                                           6,060.00

Envirotech Services Inc                                             105,500.70

Farmers Union Oil Co.                                                    3,017.91

Fish/Kevin                                                                    17,340.00

Fort Distributors Ltd                                                     25,900.00

Hasbargen Farms Inc                                                     6,060.00

Hasbargen Logging Inc                                                  3,690.00

Lavalla Sand & Gravel Inc                                            70,555.00

M-R Sign Co, Inc                                                             4,026.15

Mar-Kit Landfill                                                             13,968.00

R & Q Trucking, Inc                                                        4,120.00

TrueNorth Steel                                                              6,224.88

Walker Pipe & Supply                                                     3,394.75

Woody’s Service                                                            6,189.82

43 Payments less than 2000 17,896.30

Final Total: 303,983.17

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following Auditor warrants: July 12, 2018-$831,853.15, July 18, 2018- $13,270.66.

Resolution

  The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Moorman and moved for adoption:

A Resolution Declaring Lake of the Woods County’s Intent to Retain

Hoffman, Philipp, & Knutson, PLLC to Perform its Annual Financial Audit

Resolution 18-07-03

WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes, Section §6.481, Subdivision 2, requires counties to have an annual financial audit; and

WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes, Section §6.481, Subdivision 2 permits counties to “choose to have the audit performed by the State Auditor, or may choose to have the audit performed by a CPA firm”;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Lake of the Woods County chooses to retain the services of a CPA firm, that meets the requirements established in Minnesota Statutes, Section §326A.05, for its annual financial audit.

The resolution was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Norldof, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the revised Motor Pool Policy effective July 24, 2018 as presented.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the contract with Regents of the University of Minnesota and Lake of the Woods County for providing Extension programs locally and employing extension staff, effective January 1, 2019 thru December 31, 2021 and authorize Chairman Arnesen to sign.

BUDGET DATES

Chairman Arensen reviewed possible budget dates with the board. The following dates the board set to review the 2019 Budget; August 7 after board meeting, August 28 after board meeting, August 29 and August 30.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Human Resource Director, Savanna Slick met with the board informing the board that Tyler Swanson was hired as the Assessor Trainee position and Brian Carlin was hired for the Custodian Position.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the hiring of Tyler Swanson as the Assessor Trainee position at Grade 9, points 225, Step 1, Salary $17.66 per hour, effective August 6, 2018; after the completion of training this position will be moved to Assessor Appraiser, Grade 13, points 289.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the hiring of Brian Carlin for the Custodian position at Grade 6, points 178, Step 1, Salary 14.97 per hour effective July 25, 2018.

YEARS OF SERVICE RECOGNITION

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Chairman Arnesen and moved for adoption:

Recognition of years of service

Kurt Nuss

Resolution No. 18-07-01

Whereas:  Kurt Nuss has served for Lake of the Woods County Custodian since September 30, 2013;

Whereas:  Kurt will retire from Lake of the Woods County effective July 31, 2018;

Now Therefore, Be it Resolved:  That Lake of the Woods Board of County Commissioners extends its deepest appreciation to Kurt for his dedicated service and wishes him well on his retirement.

The resolution was seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Chairman Arnesen and moved for adoption:

Recognition of years of service

Barry Bailey

Resolution No. 18-07-02

Whereas:  Barry Bailey has served for Lake of the Woods County Solid Waste Processor since September 30, 2013;

Whereas: Barry will retire from Lake of the Woods County effective July 31, 2018;

Now Therefore, Be it Resolved:  That Lake of the Woods Board of County Commissioners extends its deepest appreciation to Barry for his dedicated service and wishes him well on his retirement.

The resolution was seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 9:58 a.m. and reconvened at 10:03 a.m. as follows:

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board to discuss the Emergency Management position and pay.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to combine Part-time Emergency Director/Part-time Dispatch/Jailer positions of Jill Olson to full time, 40 hours, effective July 29, 2018. The Emergency Management hours remain at sixty (60) hours and other duties as assigned at twenty (20) hours. The position will continue at Grade 11, points 256, step 8, and in the PERA Coordinated Fund.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board and presented a Consideration of Petition to Amend the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance Application #18-01ZC by Gregg Hennum for a tract in NW corner of Gov. Lot 1, less deeded, Section Twenty-five (25), Township One Hundred Sixty-two (162) North, Range Thirty-two (32) West, Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota-Parcel ID#19.25.21.010. Applicant is requesting a zone change from a Residential District (R1) to a Commercial Recreation District to allow applicant to establish a Commercial Planned Unit Development consisting of an RV Campground/Park. The board reviewed letters of concerns from area residents and heard public comments. The board requested that the developer attend the next board meeting to discuss this further.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to table the Consideration of Petition for Zone Change by Gregg Hennum until August 7 board meeting.

Resignation

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund informed the board that Board of Adjustment member at large, Steve Levasseur has resigned as of August 1, 2018 and the County Board will need to replace him.

DITCH AUTHORITY

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting and open the Ditch Authority meeting at 10:42 a.m. Chairman Arensen reviewed the Petition received from Terry Waibel, Steve Ellis and Joyce Blodgett in regards to Ditch 28 and the concerns of the water not flowing at all due to the ditch being plugged with cattails and sediment. The Ditch Authority’s plan of action was to have the cattails removed and survey the ditch grade and have Public Works Director, Tim Erickson report back to the board with results of the survey to discuss further action. Public Works Director, Tim Erickson also updated the Ditch Authority on the Lester Boomgarden request for Ditch 28 and that a survey was done and that the ditch does drain and function, but they could clean up that portion and have some slope work be done. The consensus of the board was to contract that portion of the ditch out with funds from Ditch 28, Tim also stated that Ditch 26 has a half mile of work to be done and will contract out with funds from Ditch 26. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the Ditch Authority meeting at 10:59 a.m. and open the regular meeting.

CLOSED SESSION-LABOR NEGOTIATIONS

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting at 11:00 a.m. and open the Closed Session for Labor Negotiations pursuant to MN Stat 13D.03. Members present: Commissioners Arnesen, Moorman, Hasbargen, Waibel and Nordlof. Others present, County Auditor /Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, County Attorney, James Austad and Human Resource Director, Savanna Slick.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the closed session at 11:56 a.m. and open the regular meeting.

CLOSED SESSION- LITIGATION

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting and open the closed session at 11:56 a.m. pursuant to MN Stat. 13D.05, subd.3. Members present: Commissioners Arnesen, Moorman, Hasbargen, Waibel and Nordlof. Others present, County Auditor /Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, County Attorney, James Austad and Public Works Director, Tim Erickson.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the closed session and open the regular meeting at 12:56 p.m.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to recess at 12:57p.m.

Attest:                                                                          August 7, 2018

__________________________________                _____________________________________County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson                    Chairman of the Board, Edward Arnesen

Commissioner Proceedings

JULY 11, 2017

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

Call to Order

Chairman Nordlof called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: James Nordlof, Ken Moorman, Jon Waibel, Ed Arnesen and Cody Hasbargen.  Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Janet Rudd, and Woody Fiala.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Special Permit-UPS and Airport update.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of June 27, 2017.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows: Commissioner Warrants-$13,445.92, Commissioner Warrants-$5,575.59, Commissioner Warrants- $5,634.36.

Fee Policy

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval for the offices Financial Eligibility & Fee Policy which is mandated by Minnesota or Federal laws supersede this policy.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the Financial Eligibility & Fee Policy for Lake of the Woods Social Services Department.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims:

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows: Revenue $46,703.40- Road & Bridge $196,163.01- Joint Ditch-$10,183.29-Solid Waste, $23,940.22- EDA, $1,896.51.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/11/2017 For Payment 7/14/2017

Vendor Name                                        Amount

Code 4 Services LLC                                                     9,165.79

Computer Professionals Unlimited Inc                          13,498.00

Fort Distributors Ltd                                                     18,421.20

Howard’s Oil Company                                                  7,430.09

Lavalla Sand & Gravel Inc                                          168,285.00

LOW Highway Dept                                                     16,542.04

Mar-Kit Landfill                                                             15,241.50

Roger’s Two Way Radio, Inc                                         4,639.50

Voyageurs Comtronics, Inc                                           2,689.90

48 Payments less than 2000 22,973.41

Final Total: 278,886.43

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: June 28, 2017- $28,155.59-July 5, 2017 – $92,721.30- July 6, 2017-$175,592.85.

BUDGET DATES

County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting the board to set budget dates for 2018 Budget. The board set August 14 and 15 to begin the 2018 budget process.

SHERIFF

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board requesting permission to work the stone 2016 Stonegarden Grant.

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Arnesen and seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to adopt the following resolution:

AMEND COUNTY SHERIFF SALARY RESOLUTION 17-07-01

WHEREAS, the United States Department of Homeland Security has asked local law enforcement agencies along our Nation’s border to step up border monitoring, pursue joint objectives, and enhance their capabilities for providing border security; and,

WHEREAS, in an effort to assist local governments in fulfilling this request, the Department of Homeland Security through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division, offered “Operation Stonegarden 2016;

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Sheriff’s Office is a successful recipient of an

Operation Stonegarden 2016 grant; and,

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Sheriff has undertaken, as additional duties, the responsibility to avail himself and his officers for additional training, or to provide such training for his officer’s and himself, for border protection and border security, and the additional duties of improving the distinct capability of the sheriffs’ office as a whole with regard to border security and border patrol as part of a joint mission; and in addition, as and for additional duties, the sheriff will necessarily devote more of his own time to border patrol and border enforcement; and,

WHEREAS, the Operation Stonegarden 2016 grant given to assist the Lake of the Woods County Sheriff’s Office  in its efforts to secure the border includes the sum of S 29,410.00 overtime and $3,241.50 fringe benefits; and

WHEREAS, it is estimated that these additional border security duties will necessitate that the

Sheriff expend on average another eight (8) hours per week; and,

WHEREAS, through the Operation Stonegarden 2016 grants, all of the additional overtime worked by officer’s devoted to border security issues is fully reimbursable under the grant, including the cost of officer overtime pay, PERA, Medicare and worker’s compensation, so that the net cost of the additional homeland security duties to Lake of the Woods County is fully reimbursed by the grant.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the resolution setting the sheriff’s salary, as

originally set by this board on December 13, 2016 was $78,748.80 and fringe benefits were

$13,899.17, be amended so that the sheriff’s salary is increased by the sum of $6,526.08 and

fringe benefits are increased by $1,151.85 commencing July 16, 2017 through December 31,

2017, with the increase funding from the Operation Stonegarden 2016 grant contingent upon the following:

1. That the Operation Stonegarden 2016 grant funding be available; and
2. That the sheriff works, in addition to his regular duties, eight (8) hours per week of said

Operation Stonegarden 2016 grant.

At such time that the Operation Stonegarden 2016 grant funding is no longer available and/or if the sheriff is unable to complete the additional eight (8) hours per week of Operation Stonegarden 2016 grant work, then the sheriff’s salary shall return to the salary as originally set by this board on December 13, 2016.

PUBLIC WORKS

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board and requested approval for reappointment of members to the Joint Drainage Authority between Lake of the Woods County and Roseau County for Joint Ditch 22 and 62. Tim also updated the board on the current road projects his department is working on.

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously the following resolution:

STATE OF MINNESOTA

LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

ROSEAU COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

SEATED CONCURRENTLY PURSUANT TO MINNESOTA STATUTES SECTION 103E.235 FOR THE PURPOSE OF REAPPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE JOINT DRAINAGE AUTHORITY BOARD FOR LAKE OF THE WOODS / ROSEAU COUNTIES JOINT/JUDICIAL DITCH 22

RESOLUTION NO. 17-07-02

 The matter of the petition of the Appointment of Members to the Joint Drainage Authority Board

 Appointment Order  

The County Boards of Commissioners of Lake of the Woods and Roseau Counties, meeting concurrently at their regular meetings on July 11, 2017, considered appointments to the Joint Drainage Authority Board of Roseau and Lake of the Woods Counties Joint/Judicial Ditch (JD) 22. After consideration of the matter and upon motion and second duly noted in the minutes of meeting, the Boards adopt the following Findings and Order:

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods and Roseau Counties JD 22 is an existing Joint Ditch between the two Counties and the Joint Drainage Authority for JD 22 was established by previous joint action of the County Boards of Commissioners; and

WHEREAS, the resolution establishing the Joint Drainage Authority did not address the filling of vacancies or re-appointment of membership to the Joint Drainage Authority Board; and

WHEREAS, vacancies exist on the Joint Drainage Authority Board.

THEREFORE, based on the forgoing, the Boards of Commissioners of Lake of the Woods and Roseau Counties, seated concurrently, adopt the following:

ORDER

1. The Boards acknowledge and reestablish the Joint Drainage Authority pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 103E.235 for Lake of the Woods and Roseau Counties JD 22.
2. Vacancies on the Joint Drainage Authority Board are filled by following initial members:
   1. Kenneth Moorman         (Lake of the Woods County, District 3)
   2. Edward Arnesen             (Lake of the Woods County, District 5)
   3. Jonathan Waibel            (Lake of the Woods County, District  4)
   4. Russell Walker   (Roseau County, District 4)
   5. Glenda Phillipe_ (Roseau County, District 1)
3. Future vacancies on the Joint Drainage Authority Board shall be filled by the successor       Commissioner from the district indicated.
4. In the case of a conflict of interest of one or more Board members making a quorum or majority impossible, the County Boards, by concurrent resolutions, may make temporary appointments to the Joint Drainage Authority Board.
5. Lake of the Woods County is designated as the “majority” county for JD 22. The Lake of the Woods County Auditor/Treasurer shall coordinate with the Roseau County Auditor and proceed with future management and administration of JD 22 according to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 103E.
6. The Joint Drainage Authority acknowledged and reestablished herein shall be perpetual until either dissolved or modified by future action of the Lake of the Woods and Roseau County Boards of Commissioners, seated jointly.
7. This Order may be signed in counterparts and the counter parts together constitute the full Order.

After discussion, the resolution Passed and the Findings and Order were Adopted.

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously the following resolution:

STATE OF MINNESOTA

LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

ROSEAU COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

SEATED CONCURRENTLY PURSUANT TO MINNESOTA STATUTES SECTION 103E.235 FOR THE PURPOSE OF REAPPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE JOINT DRAINAGE AUTHORITY BOARD FOR LAKE OF THE WOODS / ROSEAU COUNTIES JOINT/JUDICIAL DITCH 62

Resolution NO. 17-07-03

 The matter of the petition of the Appointment of Members to the Joint Drainage Authority Board

 Appointment Order  

The County Boards of Commissioners of Lake of the Woods and Roseau Counties, meeting concurrently at their regular meeting on July 11, 2017, considered appointments to the Joint Drainage Authority Board of Roseau and Lake of the Woods Counties Joint/Judicial Ditch (JD) 62. After consideration of the matter and upon motion and second duly noted in the minutes of meeting, the Boards adopt the following Findings and Order:

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods and Roseau Counties JD 62 is an existing Joint Ditch between the two Counties and the Joint Drainage Authority for JD 62 was established by previous joint action of the County Boards of Commissioners; and

WHEREAS, the resolution establishing the Joint Drainage Authority did not address the filling of vacancies or re-appointment of membership to the Joint Drainage Authority Board; and

WHEREAS, vacancies exist on the Joint Drainage Authority Board.

THEREFORE, based on the forgoing, the Boards of Commissioners of Lake of the Woods and Roseau Counties, seated concurrently, adopt the following:

ORDER

1. The Boards acknowledge and reestablish the Joint Drainage Authority pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 103E.235 for Lake of the Woods and Roseau Counties JD 62.
2. Vacancies on the Joint Drainage Authority Board are filled by following initial members:
   • Kenneth Moorman       (Lake of the Woods County, District 3)
   • Edward Arnesen           (Lake of the Woods County, District 5)
   • Cody Hasbargen          (Lake of the Woods County, District 2)
   • Russell Walker (Roseau County, District 4)
   • Roger Falk                   (Roseau County, District 3
3. Future vacancies on the Joint Drainage Authority Board shall be filled by the successor Commissioner from the district indicated.
4. In the case of a conflict of interest of one or more Board members making a quorum or majority impossible, the County Boards, by concurrent resolutions, may make temporary appointments to the Joint Drainage Authority Board.
5. Lake of the Woods County is designated as the “majority” county for JD 62. The Lake of the Woods County Auditor/Treasurer shall coordinate with the Roseau County Auditor and proceed with future management and administration of JD 62 according to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 103E.
6. The Joint Drainage Authority acknowledged and reestablished herein shall be perpetual until either dissolved or modified by future action of the Lake of the Woods and Roseau County Boards of Commissioners, seated jointly.
7. This Order may be signed in counterparts and the counter parts together constitute the full Order.

After discussion, the resolution Passed and the Findings and Order were Adopted.

UPS

Mike Reed, representing UPS met with the board requesting a letter of support for UPS to add TH72 and TH71 between Bemidji and Baudette Minnesota to the approved twin trailer route. Mike explained that with ANI Pharmaceuticals growth, UPS needs flexibility to use twin trailers to meet the package distribution and timing required to ship their products. UPS distribution center in Bemidji, Bloomington, and Eagan process the packages from the ANI facility in Baudette.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to support the request from UPS to be approved by MnDOT for twin trailer route from CSAH72 and CSAH71, between Bemidji and Baudette, Minnesota.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 10:58 a.m. and reconvened at 11:05 a.m.

MINNESOTA COUNTIES INTERGOVERNMENTAL TRUST

MCIT Risk Management Consultant, Bob Goede met with the board and presented the 2017 MCT Report to the board.

RECESS

With no further business before the County Board, Chairman Nordlof called the regular County Board meeting to recess at 12:10 a.m.

Attest:                                                                          Approved July 25, 2017

___________________________________              _____________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson                    Chairman of the Board, James Nordlof

=========================================================================================================================================================================

Commissioner Proceedings

July 25, 2017

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

Call to Order

Chairman Nordlof called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: James Nordlof, Ken Moorman, Jon Waibel, Ed Arnesen and Cody Hasbargen.  Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Janet Rudd, and Woody Fiala.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the removal of Zach Crompton from the agenda.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of July 11, 2017.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows: Commissioner Warrants-$4,714.03, Commissioner Warrants-$3,850.09, Commissioner Warrants- $19,313.01.

Training Request

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval for out of State training for staff to attend.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve out of state training for Social Service staff to attend.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims:

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows: Revenue $48,080.11- Road & Bridge $29,293.56Co. Development $1,454.50-Solid Waste, $8264.09- EDA, $3,861.27.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/25/2017 For Payment 7/28/2017

Vendor Name                                                    Amount

Arrowhead Library System                                               33,118.00

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                                                 8,739.65

Fort Distributors Ltd                                                              7,224.00

Headwater Regional Development Commiss                        3,307.76

Jake’s Quality Tire Inc                                                           2,212.46

R & Q Trucking, Inc                                                               4,895.00

Widseth Smith Nolting&Asst Inc                                           2,079.83

Woody’s Service                                                                  4,265.34

Ziegler, Inc                                                                            3,540.17

51 Payments less than 2000  21,571.32

Final Total: 90,953.53

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: July 12, 2017- $68,487.41-July 19, 2017 – $31,626.51.

PUBLIC WORKS

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board informing them that he has a candidate for the Highway Maintenance Department at the NWA and that the candidate counter offered salary for a step 4. After discussion the Commissioners counter offered the candidate a Step 3. If the candidate accepts the counter offer, this position will be at a grade 10, Step 3, 19.12, points 233, effective July 31, 2017.

Trap Club

Coach Bob Laine met with the board and thanked the board for all the support that they have given to the Trap Club. Bob also informed the board that the club has grown to 41 kids participating this past year.

DNR FORESTRY

Easement

Area Supervisor Forester, Adam Munstenteiger, and Bob Warzecha met with the board to discuss an existing county easement over state land to provide Bob Warzecha access to his property. In exchange, Mr. Warzecha will donate easement across his property to access the site leased by the Lake of the Woods Sheriff and DNR Conservation.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to provide a county easement over state land to Bob Warzecha, with exchange of the donation of easement across his property for access for Lake of the Woods Sheriff and DNR Conservation.

Timber Harvest

Area Supervisor Forester, Adam Munstenteiger informed the board of the Timber Harvest projects at the NWA. He informed the board that forest management is working with all affected parties, logging, tribal lands and DNR. The consensus of board is that they are in support of the timber harvest at the NWA.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 10:35 a.m. and reconvened at 10:40 a.m.

GRANT FUNDING

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund and SWCD Resource Technician, Corryn Trask met with the board and informed them of a grant that maybe available to assist with Judicial Ditch 28. Josh explained that this would be a two phase project and at this time they do not have an estimated cost but would like to have SWCD continue. The DNR is working on a design for this project. The consensus of the board was that the Ditch Authority will move forward with this project. The board discussed the assessment of Judicial Ditch 28 with possible assessment time of two to three years.  

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stomlund met with the board and presented a Conditional Use Permit for the boards consideration of approval. Adrian’s Resort Inc. is requesting to replace five (5) non-conforming cabins with four (4) cabins within a commercial planned unit development, where the non-conformity is caused by excess density in the shoreland zone of the Rainy River. The Rainy River is an Agricultural River Segment. Josh reviewed the Findings of Fact of the Planning Commissioner and informed the board that they approved this application with no conditions of the project.

Motion

Motion was made Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the following Conditional Use Permit.

Lake of the Woods County Planning Commission

Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant:  Adrian’s Resort Inc.                                                          Date:  July 12, 2017

Location/Legal Description:  A 3.43 acre tract in Govt.  Lot 3, Section 24, Township 162 North, Range 32 West (Wheeler) – Parcel ID #19.24.41.020.

Project Proposal:  Applicant is requesting to replace five (5) non-conforming cabins with four (4) cabins within a commercial planned unit development, where the non-conformity is caused by excess density in the shoreland zone of the Rainy River. The Rainy River is an Agricultural River Segment.

1. Is the project proposal consistent with the Lake of the Woods County Comprehensive Land Use Plan?                                                                                                        YES (X) NO (  ) N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Economic resort area.

2. Is the project proposal consistent with maintaining the public health, safety, and welfare?

YES (X) NO (  ) N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Improve fire safety, handicap access.

3. Is the project proposal consistent with the goal of preventing and controlling water pollution, including sedimentation and nutrient loading?                                                                                    YES (  ) NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

4. Will the project proposal not adversely affect the site’s existing topography, drainage features, and vegetative cover?                                                                                                  YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

5. Is the project proposal’s site location reasonable in relation to any floodplain and/or floodway of rivers or tributaries?                                                                                                            YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

6. Has the erosion potential of the site based upon the degree and direction of slope, soil type and existing vegetative cover been adequately addressed for the project proposal?

                                                                                                                        YES (  )  NO (  ) N/A (X)

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

7. Is the site in harmony with existing and proposed access roads?                   YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not?  Not changing.

8. Is the project proposal compatible with adjacent land uses?             YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  All resort area.

9. Does the project proposal have a reasonable need to be in a shoreland location?

                                                                                                                        YES (X) NO (  ) N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Resort activity.

10. Is the amount of liquid waste to be generated reasonable and the proposed sewage disposal system adequate to accommodate the project proposal?                                                      YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  New system coming.

11. Will the visibility of structures and other facilities as viewed from public waters comply with Section 901 of the Zoning Ordinance?                                                                                           YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

12. Is the site adequate for water supply and on-site sewage treatment systems?

                                                                                                                          YES (X) NO (  ) N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Existing and new sewage system in plans.           

13. Are the affected public waters suited to and able to safely accommodate the types, uses, and numbers of watercraft that the project proposal will generate?                                                        YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  No change.

14. If the project proposal includes above ground or below ground storage tanks for petroleum or other hazardous material that is subject to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) requirements, has a permit been sought?                                                YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

15. Will there be fencing and/or other screening provided to buffer the project proposal from adjacent properties?                                                                                                YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________  

16. If signage is associated with the project proposal, has the applicant demonstrated the need for the number and size requested, and minimized the visual appearance as viewed from adjacent properties to the extent possible?                                                                             YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

17. If the project proposal will generate additional traffic to or from the site, has the applicant adequately demonstrated how the additional traffic and parking is to be addressed?

                                                                                                    YES (  )  NO (  ) N/A (X)

Why or why not?  No change.

The specific conditions of approval are as follows: NONE

The Lake of the Woods County Planning Commission hereby recommends to the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners that this proposal be:

Approved  as Presented  (X)       Approved with Conditions  (  )                 Denied  (  )

            July 12, 2017               _____________________________________

                 Date                                                                                                Tom Mio

                                                                                                        Chair, Planning Commission

This is in accordance with Section 1204 of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance.

WILLIAMS CREEK

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board and informed the board that the 2015-2016 yearly monitoring reports have not been received for the Williams Creek Mitigation site. Josh drafted a letter to DNR Commissioner Landwehr on behalf of the County Board requesting the monitory report per agreement.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to authorize Chairman Nordlof to sign the Letter of concern addressed to Commissioner Lanwerhr, on behalf of the County Board.

MAINTENANCE

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to add Maintenance Supervisor to the agenda.

Trane Update

Maintenance Supervisor, Peder Hovland met with the board to discuss issues with the new heating/cooling system. Peder informed the board that they will be running a building performance test and if that passed everything, then the consensus of the board was to pay the bill.

EDA LOAN

The board discussed the loan from the County to the EDA for the purpose of equipment start up for the Lake of the Woods Drifters Club. If loan granted, the Lake of the Woods Drifters would pay back  EDA would pay back over a seven (7) year loan with 0% interest on a semiannual payment as per agreement with the EDA. The EDA would in turn pay back the County accordingly.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to transfer from the Con-Con fund $ 100,000 to the Lake of the Woods  County EDA for  loaning the Lake of the Woods Drifters Club money to purchase start up equipment for grooming snowmobile trails.
The term of loan will be a seven (7) year loan to be paid semiannually with 0% interest to the County.

COMMISSIONER UPDATE

Law Enforcement update on contracting with the City of Baudette for Law Enforcement. Contract is still being worked on.

RECESS

With no further business before the County Board, Chairman Nordlof called the regular County Board meeting to recess at 12:10 a.m.

Attest:                                                                          Approved August 8, 2017

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County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson                    Chairman of the Board, James Nordlof