Commissioner Proceedings

September 14, 2021

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, September 14, 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, Buck Nordlof, Jon Waibel, and Ed Arnesen.  Also present: Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson.

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 changes: Add – Public Works/Highway: Approve Final for SAP 039-633-003 and Designate CRRSAA Funds, Add – Board of Adjustment: Board Appointment.

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 August 24, 2021.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of September 7, 2021.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $9,372.00; Commissioners Warrants $3,109.18; Commissioners Warrants $20,328.73.

AUDITOR/TREASURER
Claims
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $196,540.45; Road & Bridge $112,044.26; County Development $200; Joint Ditch $9,125; Solid Waste $49,647.44; EDA $3,337.86. 

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 9/14/2021 For Payment 9/17/2021

Vendor Name Amount

Allstates Pavement Recycling & Stab. Inc 17,757.07

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc. 10,252.40

CentralSquare Technologies, LLC 138,296.48

Compudyne, Inc 12,924.85

Counties Providing Technology 3,860.00

FleetPride 3,008.96

Freeberg & Grund, Inc 27,471.65

Howard’s Oil Company 3,148.07

LOW Highway Dept 11,603.35

Mar-Kit Landfill 15,475.50

Olson Construction Bdt LLC 15,850.00

Plutko Plumbing & Heating 5,388.09

Powerplan 3,529.90

Titan Machinery – Roseau 3,400.90

Traffic Marking Service, Inc. 23,852.56

Voice Products 2,245.00

Walker Pipe & Supply 3,788.00

Wilkens Industries 27,930.11

Woody’s Service 4,184.81

WSB 6,932.50

57 Payments less than 2000   29,994.81

Final Total:                                                               $370,895.01

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: August 25, 2021 for $312,731.31; August 26, 2021 for $244,626.93; August 27, 2021 for $1,609,810.00; September 1, 2021 for $252,568.37; September 2, 2021 for $1,770,275.37; September 8, 2021 for $352,419.26; September 8, 2021 for ($108.32).

Set Proposed Budget

Resolution

Resolution Adopting

Proposed 2022 Budget and Tax Levy

Resolution   2021-09-01

The following Resolution was proposed and moved for adoption by Commissioner Ed Arnesen:

WHEREAS, the Proposed County Budget for the year 2022 has been reviewed by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners; and 

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following Proposed Budget and Tax Levy is hereby adopted for the Lake of the Woods County for 2022:

Revenue Fund $ 1,912,390

Road & Bridge Fund $    449,580

Social Services Fund $    603,935

Economic Development Authority Fund $      60,000

2022 Proposed Budget and Tax Levy $ 3,025,905   

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following amounts be levied against the unorganized townships of Lake of the Woods County for 2022:

Twp Road & Bridge $   471,470* 

Twp Fire – Baudette $     25,000

Twp Fire – Williams $     16,274

Twp Fire – NW Angle $       6,500

Total $   519,244

2022

* $471,470 for Township Road & Bridge, includes $12,765 Admin of Township Roads (458,705+12,765=471,470)  

A public meeting to discuss the 2022 Proposed Budget and Tax Levy will be held on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. in the Lake of the Woods County Commissioners’ Room. 

The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel, and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried. 

SET DATE FOR ASSESSOR WORK SESSION

A work session with the Assessor’s Office was scheduled for Tuesday, October 12^th, following the Board Meeting, at 1:00 p.m.

EXTENSION COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to appoint Colleen Stanton to the Extension Committee effective September 14, 2021.

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT APPOINTMENT

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to appoint Nancy Dunnell to the Board of Adjustments effective September 14, 2021.

NORTHWEST ANGLE EDGE RIDERS
Gambling Application
Resolution
The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously the following:

RESOLUTION APPROVING A LEASE FOR

LAWFUL GAMBLING ACTIVITY AND PREMISES PERMIT APPLICATION

RESOLUTION NO. 21-09-02

WHEREAS; the Northwest Angle Edge Riders has submitted a lease for lawful gambling activity and a premise permit application for Minnesota Lawful Gambling to be conducted at the following establishments, which are located in Lake of the Woods County:

Sunset Lodge
3179 Oak Island, Oak Island, MN 56741

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge, Inc.

838 Oak Island, Oak Island, MN 56741

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners hereby approves said application for submission to the Minnesota Gambling Control Board.

Northerly Park

Update

Joe Laurin from the Northwest Angle Edge Riders provided an update on the Northerly Park and a recent visit from the Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails Commission.

Resolution

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

Support for the Northwest Angle Edge Riders
Grant Request from
Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission 

2021-09-03

WHEREAS; Northwest Angle Edge Riders met with Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners on September 14, 2021 to discuss grant opportunities to create a Park at Angle Inlet/Northwest Angle;

WHEREAS; The park plans for Northerly Park in Lake of the Woods County is significant and exciting for it would be the most northern park in the lower 48; 

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT; the Lake of the Woods County Commissioners supports the Northwest Angle Edge Riders and their grant request with the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission.  Lake of the Woods County does not have an existing park in Angle Inlet/Northwest Angle.  

PUBLIC WORKS

Highway
Approve Final SAP 039-633-003

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the final payment for SAP 039-633-003 for Wheelers Point Sewer District, Baudette, MN in the total amount of $877,035.44 and hereby authorize final payment of $23,314.89.

Designate CRRSAA Funds

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to designate the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act funds of $134,923 to County Road Construction use by 2024.

Add to Agenda:
Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to add Solid Waste/Garage Door Project to the Agenda under Public Works.

Solid Waste

Garage Door Project
Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve replacement of three garage doors with Borgen Construction, quoted at $38,000.

SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

MOA Rainy-Rapid One Watershed, One Plan
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the Memorandum of Agreement for the Rainy-Rapid One Watershed, One Plan with Lake of the Woods Soil and Water Conservation District and for Chair Joe Grund to sign the same.

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to appoint Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and Commissioner Ed Arnesen to the Rainy-Rapid One Watershed, One Plan Committee.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING
Consideration of Zone Change #21-01ZCV by Crown Holdings, LLC
Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the Board and presented a Consideration of Zone Change #21-01ZCV by Crown Holdings, LLC:  The SW¼NW¼, Section Thirty-six (36), Township One Hundred Sixty-two (162) North, Range Thirty-Two (32) West – Parcel ID# 19.36.23.000. Applicant is requesting a zone change from a Rural Residential (R2) Zoning District to a Residential (R1) Zoning District for the purposes of a subdivision and development of lots.  Stromlund reviewed the Findings of Fact with the Board.

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the Consideration of Zone Change #21-01ZCV by Crown Holdings, LLC from a Rural Residential (R2) Zoning District to a Residential (R1) Zoning District for the purposes of a subdivision and development of lots.

Lake of the Woods County Rezoning

Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant:	Crown Holdings, LLC	Date:	September 14, 2021
Location/Legal Description:	SW¼NW¼ section 36, T. 162N, R. 32W
Current Zoning Classification:	Rural Residential (R2)	Proposed:	Residential (R1)
Parcel Number(s):	19.36.23.000	Application Number:	21-01ZC

The County Board of Commissioners shall consider all facts from all sources prior to rendering a decision relating to a proposed zone change. Its judgment shall be based upon, but not limited to the following factors as applicable.

1. Is the zone change consistent with the Lake of the Woods County Comprehensive Land Use Plan?

X Yes ___No

Comments:

Changing from R2 to R1 for platting is consistent with the “Growth Corridor”.

2. Are the existing surrounding land uses consistent with the proposed zoning classification?

X Yes ___No

Comments:	There is a mixture of Commercial-Recreation, Rural Residential, and Residential zoning
districts in the immediate vicinity of the property.

3. Will the zone change alter the characteristics of the neighborhood?

___Yes X No

Comments:	There is already a mixture of Commercial-Recreation, Rural Residential, and
Residential zoning districts in the immediate vicinity of the property.

4. Is there a potential for public health, safety or traffic generation impacts based on the proposed zone change and how will they be addressed?

X Yes ___No

Comments:	The property is currently served by Highway 172 on the west, 27th Street NW on the
north, and a proposed road to service the proposed lots. Adequate soils exist for septic systems, except in the extreme south end of the property.

5. What additional public services would be necessitated and would existing utilities be sufficient to accommodate the proposal?

X Yes ___No

Comments:	No additional public services are needed. There are existing utilities adjacent to property
and easements for said utilities will be provided.

6. Will the zone change impede the normal or orderly development and improvement of surrounding property for uses permitted in the zoning district?

___Yes X No

Comments:

There will be change.

7. Has there been a change in the development in the general area of the property in questions?

X Yes ___No

Comments:	Increased need for residential dwellings. Also, there has been an increase in long-term
vacation rentals.

8. Will the zone change have a negative effect on property values in the neighborhood?

_Yes X No

Comments:
Conditions:

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners hereby APPROVES the application for a zone change WITHOUT special conditions.

_____________________________________ September 14, 2021

Joe Grund, Chair, County Board of Commissioners

Consideration of Conditional Use Permit #21-11CU by Paul Haugo
Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the Board and presented a Consideration of Conditional Use Permit #21-11CU by Paul Haugo:  Lots 9 and 10, Block 1, Wildwood North Subdivision, Section Nine (9), Township One Hundred Sixty-two (162) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West – Parcel ID#: 18.50.01.090 and 18.50.01.100. Applicant is requesting an After-the-fact Conditional Use Permit as required by Section 902 of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance, to move more than ten (10) yards of material within the shore impact zone and more than fifty (50) yards outside of the shore impact zone of Zippel Bay of Lake of the Woods. Lake of the Woods is a general development lake.  Stromlund reviewed the Findings of Fact with the Board and informed the Board that the Planning Commission recommends approval with conditions.  The specific conditions of approval are as follows:

1. The applicant must apply for a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) after-the-fact public waters permit to authorize riprap installed below the Ordinary High-Water Level (OHWL) of Zippel Bay, or, remove and construct the riprap project to meet the no-permit criteria from the DNR and restore vegetation in its place.
   
2. The applicant must remove the crushed granite walking path from the top of the riprap and install a ten (10) foot wide native plant buffer in its place.

3. The applicant must restore vegetation coverage within the shore impact zone of Lots 9-10, Block 1, Wildwood North subdivision.

4. The applicant must identify the amount of impervious surface installed on Lots 9-10, Block 1, Wildwood North subdivision and remove impervious surface coverage, if necessary, not to exceed 25% of the total lot area.

5. The activities outlined in the above conditions must be completed prior to July 31, 2022.

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the Conditional Use Permit #21-11CU by Paul Haugo with the following conditions:

1. The applicant must apply for a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) after-the-fact public waters permit to authorize riprap installed below the Ordinary High-Water Level (OHWL) of Zippel Bay, or, remove and construct the riprap project to meet the no-permit criteria from the DNR and restore vegetation in its place.
   
2. The applicant must remove the crushed granite walking path from the top of the riprap and install a ten (10) foot wide native plant buffer in its place.

3. The applicant must restore vegetation coverage within the shore impact zone of Lots 9-10, Block 1, Wildwood North subdivision.

4. The applicant must identify the amount of impervious surface installed on Lots 9-10, Block 1, Wildwood North subdivision and remove impervious surface coverage, if necessary, not to exceed 25% of the total lot area.

5. The activities outlined in the above conditions must be completed prior to July 31, 2022.

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners

Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant:  Paul Haugo Date:  September 14, 2021 

Location/Legal Description:  Lots 9 and 10, Block 1, Wildwood North Subdivision, Section 9, T. 162N, R. 33W

Project Proposal: Applicant is requesting an After-the-fact Conditional Use Permit as required by Section 902 of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance, to move more than ten (10) yards of material within the shore impact zone and more than fifty (50) yards outside of the shore impact zone of Zippel Bay of Lake of the Woods. Lake of the Woods is a general development lake.

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? Shoreline protection.

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

YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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? Shoreline protection.

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

Why or why not? Removed trees and changed slope to shore.

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? Shoreline

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 (X)  N/A (  )

Why or why not? To be based on DNR findings.

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? Shoreline protection.

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? Removed vegetative screening.

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

YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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? ______________________________________________________

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? ______________________________________________________

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 applicant must apply for a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) after-the-fact public waters permit to authorize riprap installed below the Ordinary High-Water Level (OHWL) of Zippel Bay, or, remove and construct the riprap project to meet the no-permit criteria from the DNR and restore vegetation in its place.

2. The applicant must remove the crushed granite walking path from the top of the riprap and install a ten (10) foot wide native plant buffer in its place.

3. The applicant must restore vegetation coverage within the shore impact zone of Lots 9-10, Block 1, Wildwood North subdivision.

4. The applicant must identify the amount of impervious surface installed on Lots 9-10, Block 1, Wildwood North subdivision and remove impervious surface coverage, if necessary, not to exceed 25% of the total lot area.

5. The activities outlined in the above conditions must be completed prior to July 31, 2022.

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

_______________ _____________________________________

Date Joseph Grund,  Chair, County Board
This is in accordance with Section 1204 of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance.

Consideration of Conditional Use Permit #21-12CU by Hapka Holdings, LLC
Consideration of Conditional Use Permit #21-12CU by Hapka Holdings, LLC: Government Lot One (1) less deeded the north six hundred sixty feet (660’) of Government Lot Two (2) less the south four hundred fifty feet (450’) of Section Seven (7), Township One Hundred Sixty-one (161) North, Range Thirty-one (31) West – Parcel ID# 24.07.22.000. Applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit as required by Section 902 of Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance, to move more than ten (10) cubic yards of material within the shore impact zone of Rainy River. Rainy River is an agricultural river segment. Stromlund reviewed the Findings of Fact with the Board and informed the Board that the Planning Commission recommends approval with conditions.  The specific conditions of approval are as follows:

1. Follow DNR construction criteria for private boat ramps.
2. Proper erosion control must be implemented and remain until disturbed soil is fully vegetated.
3. The private boat ramp is limited to the area identified in the application.

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the Conditional Use Permit #21-12CU by Hapka Holdings, LLC, with the following conditions:

1. Follow DNR construction criteria for private boat ramps.
2. Proper erosion control must be implemented and remain until disturbed soil is fully vegetated.
3. The private boat ramp is limited to the area identified in the application.

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners

Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant:  Hapka Holdings, LLC Date:  September 14, 2021

Location/Legal Description:  Gov’t Lot 1, Section 7, T. 161N, R. 31W

Project Proposal: Applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit as required by Section 902 of Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance, to move more than ten (10) cubic yards of material within the shore impact zone of Rainy River. 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? River access/recreational.

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

YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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? To follow DNR specs.

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 or little change.

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? Shoreland river access.  

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? To follow DNR specs.

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? Recreational area/residential.

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

YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? Private launch site.

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

Why or why not? _____________________________________________________

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 (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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 (X)  N/A (  )

Why or why not? Private launch.

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. Follow DNR construction criteria for private boat ramps.
2. Proper erosion control must be implemented and remain until disturbed soil is fully vegetated.
3. The private boat ramp is limited to the area identified in the application.

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

_______________ _____________________________________

Date Joseph Grund Chair, County Board

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

Consideration of Conditional Use Permit #21-13CU by Nels Holte
Consideration of Conditional Use Permit #21-13CU by Nels Holte: Government Lot Three (3), Section Seventeen (17), Township One Hundred Sixty-two North (162), Range Thirty-two West (32) with Parcel ID# 19.17.24.010. Applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit as required by Section 902 of Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance, to move more than ten (10) cubic yards of material within the shore impact zone of Lake of the Woods for the purpose of a riprap project. Lake of the Woods is a General Development Lake.  Stromlund reviewed the Findings of Fact with the Board and informed the Board that the Planning Commission recommends approval with conditions.  The specific conditions of approval are as follows:

1. The applicant must follow the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources requirements for installation of riprap and if applicable, obtain the necessary permits from this agency.
   

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the Conditional Use Permit #21-13CU by Nels Holte, with the following conditions:

1. The applicant must follow the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources requirements for installation of riprap and if applicable, obtain the necessary permits from this agency.

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners

Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant:  Nels Holte Date:  September 14, 2021

Location/Legal Description:  Gov’t Lot 3, Section 17, T. 162N, R. 32W

Project Proposal: Applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit as required by Section 902 of Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance, to move more than ten (10) cubic yards of material within the shore impact zone of Lake of the Woods for the purpose of a riprap project. Lake of the Woods is a General Development Lake.

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? Shoreline stabilization.

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

YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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? Shoreline stabilization.

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 (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? DNR requirements. 

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

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

Why or why not? Shoreland stabilization.

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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 (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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? ______________________________________________________

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? ______________________________________________________

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 applicant must follow the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources requirements for installation of riprap and if applicable, obtain the necessary permits from this agency.

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

_______________ _____________________________________

Date Joseph Grund, Chair, County Board

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

RECESS
With no further business before the Board, Chair Joe Grund called the meeting to recess at 10:13 a.m.

Attest: September 28, 2021

_________________________________ _________________________________

Auditor-Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chair of the Board, Joe Grund 

Commissioner Proceedings

September 22, 2020

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room. 

CALL TO ORDER

Vice-Chair Ed Arnesen 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, Buck Nordlof and Ed Arnesen. Absent was Commissioner Jon Waibel. Also present was: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following changes; Add: Approve minutes from September 16, 2020 and Cares Act. Remove: Hoffman, Philipp and Knutson Audit Exit.

KENT HANSON FROM CENEX CO-OP

Kent Hanson presented a resolution and was asking for support from the County Board for the establishment of a natural gas distribution system within certain areas of Lake of the Woods County.  There was no action taken at the time and it was tabled for further discussion later in the meeting.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of September 8, 2020.

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of September 16, 2020.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrant’s $10,889.24 Commissioners Warrant’s $4,234.87, Commissioners Warrant’s $5,257.12.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $97,871.58; Road & Bridge $13,668.15; County Development $1050.00; Joint Ditch $702.50; Solid Waste $31,357.06, EDA $843.24.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 9/22/2020 For Payment 9/25/2020

Vendor Name Amount

Bollig Inc 23,626.00

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc. 14,421.02

Counties Providing Technology 3,751.00

Cps Technology Solutions 3,995.00

Hoffman, Philipp & Knutson, PLLC 12,650.00

John Deere Financial 2,501.44

Lakewood Health Center 14,443.05

LOW Highway Dept 7,033.75

M-R Sign Co, Inc 2,084.95

Motorola Solutions, Inc 15,793.24

Nelson’s Collision Center (Dba) 9,584.13

Premier Biotech, Inc 2,020.54

Quadient Finance USA Inc. 2,000.00

R & Q Trucking, Inc 3,090.00

Royal Tire Inc 3,208.08

SeaChange Print Innovations 3,509.46

U.S. Bank Equipment Finance 6,268.50

34 Payments less than 2000 15,512.37

          Final Total: 145,492.53

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: September 8, 2020 for $101,160.89, September 15, 2020 for ($955.66), September 15, 2020 for $228,152.69, September 16, 2020 for $14,873.14.

Proposed 2021 Tax Levy Resolution

Resolution Adopting

Proposed 2021 Budget and Tax Levy

Resolution   2020-09-01

The following Resolution was proposed and moved for adoption by Commissioner Joe Grund:

WHEREAS, the Proposed County Budget for the year 2021 has been reviewed by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners; and 

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following Proposed Budget and Tax Levy is hereby adopted for the Lake of the Woods County for 2021:

Revenue Fund $ 1,768,300

Road & Bridge Fund $    449,580

Social Services Fund $    603,935

Economic Development Authority Fund $      60,000

2021 Proposed Budget and Tax Levy $ 2,881,815   

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following amounts be levied against the unorganized townships of Lake of the Woods County for 2021:

Twp Road & Bridge $   451,470* 

Twp Fire – Baudette $     25,000

Twp Fire – Williams $     14,872

Twp Fire – NW Angle $       6,500

Total $   497,842

2021

* $451,470 for Township Road & Bridge, includes $12,765 Admin of Township Roads (438,705+12,765=451,470)  

A public meeting to discuss the 2021 Proposed Budget and Tax Levy will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. in the Lake of the Woods County Commissioners’ Room. 

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

COUNTY HIGHWAY/LANDFILL

Highway Update

County Engineer, AJ Pirkl, provided a highway project update.

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

TRANSPORTATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

 PROGRAM APPLICATION

Resolution No. 2020-09-02

BE IT RESOLVED that, Lake of the Woods County will act as the legal sponsor for the Northern Excellence Seed Turn Lane project and requests funding from the Transportation Economic Development (TED) Program of the Minnesota Department of Transportation; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, Lake of the Woods County has the legal authority to apply for financial assistance, and the institutional, managerial and financial capability to ensure matching funds and adequate construction of the proposed project; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, Lake of the Woods County has not violated any Federal State or local laws pertaining to fraud, bribery, graft, kickbacks, collusion, conflict of interest or other unlawful or corrupt practice; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, upon approval of its application by the state, Lake of the Woods County may enter into an agreement with the State of Minnesota for the above-referenced project and that it will comply with all applicable laws and regulations as stated in all contract agreements; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, Lake of the Woods County will commit the required local match; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, Lake of the Woods County confirms if the project cost increases above the amount listed in the Application, Lake of the Woods County will provide or secure all additional funds necessary to complete the project; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, Lake of the Woods County certifies that it will comply with all applicable laws, regulations and rules of the Application; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, the sources and uses, private investors, equity and other financing commitment represented in the attached document are accurate.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Lake of the Woods County Board Chair, Jon Waibel and Lake of the Woods County Engineer, Anthony “AJ” Pirkl, or their successors in office, are hereby authorized to execute such agreements, and amendments thereto, as necessary to implement the project on behalf of the applicant.

Landfill Update

County Engineer, AJ Pirkl, provided a landfill update.

CARES ACT

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the following appropriations of the CARES ACT funds: $300,000 for the Economic Development Authority for small businesses, up to $13,636 for the City of Williams, up to $10,000 for Lake of the Woods County Social Services, $50,000 for Lake of the Woods School, and the remaining funds for other Lake of the Woods County expenses.

KENT HANSON FROM CENEX CO-OP

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

RESOLUTION APPROVING

NORTHERN TIER NATURAL GAS SYSTEM

Resolution No. 2020-09-03

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County Board met on September 22, 2020; and,

WHEREAS, Northern Tier Natural Gas, LLC (an LLC organized and existing through the laws of Minnesota with the sole member being Coop Service, Inc of Baudette) has proposed to build and operate a new natural gas distribution system to serve residential and commercial customers in unincorporated areas within Baudette, Wabanica and Wheeler townships in Lake of the Woods County; and,

WHEREAS, prospective customers within the proposed Northern Tier Natural Gas service area have expressed a desire for natural gas service; and

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Board finds that addition of a natural gas distribution system within the County would enhance overall utility service for prospective customers; and

WHEREAS, Northern Tier Natural Gas has appeared before this Board and has provided assurances that it is obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals for construction and operation of the natural gas distribution system from applicable regulatory agencies including:  1) the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, 2) the Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety, 3) the Minnesota Department of Transportation, 4) the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and 5) the Lake of the Woods County Highway Department; and

WHEREAS, Northern Tier Natural Gas has agreed to provide periodic progress reports to this Board regarding development, construction and operation of the proposed natural gas distribution system; 

BE IT RESOLVED, that Lake of the Woods County Board approves of the establishment of a natural gas distribution system within unincorporated areas of Lake of the Woods County by Northern Tier Natural Gas, LLC as described above.

BUDGET WORK SESSION

It was the consensus of the Board to postpone the Budget Work Session to October 7, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.

RECESS

With no further business before the Board, Vice-Chairman Ed Arnesen called the meeting to recess at 10:10 a.m. 

Attest: October 13, 2020

______________________________ _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Vice-Chairman Ed Arnesen

Commissioner Proceedings

September 16, 2020

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in special session on Wednesday, September 16, 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 5:00 p.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: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the agenda.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ABATEMENT

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve setting a public hearing date of Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at the Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room. The County Board of Commissioners will be reviewing a proposal requesting an abatement for all or a portion of property taxes levied by the Lake of the Woods County on the property in the City of Baudette with the following property identification number 60-5007-080.

DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE – SET HEARING DATE

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve setting a public hearing date of Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at the Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room for notice of a proposed ordinance. The County Board of Commissioners will be reviewing the Administration of Lodging Tax to be conducted by the Minnesota Department of Revenue.   

RECESS

With no further business before the Board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 6:00 p.m.

Attest: September 22, 2020

______________________________ _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Vice-Chair of the Board, Ed Arnesen 

Commissioner Proceedings

September 8, 2020

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, September 8, 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 and Ed Arnesen. Absent was Commissioner Cody Hasbargen. Also present was: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following changes: addition of a closed session for personnel, reschedule the economic tax abatement work session for September 9, 2020 during the 2021 Budget Work Session and move up the time of the Road Tour/Rotochopper Demonstration.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of August 25, 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 $3,262.43, Commissioners Warrant’s $18,157.32, Commissioners Warrant’s $9,461.16.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $29,507.43; Road & Bridge $218,017.63; County Development $11,825.50; Solid Waste $20,027.25, EDA $44.56.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 9/08/2020 For Payment 9/11/2020

Vendor Name Amount

Freeberg & Grund, Inc 2,235.00

KGM Contractors Inc 18,492.00

Mar-Kit Landfill 15,837.75

Plutko Plumbing & Heating 8,132.65

Powerplan 5,402.41

Titan Machinery – Roseau 17,400.00

Tritech Software Systems 2,299.50

True North Equipment Co 154,750.00

Widseth Smith Nolting&Asst Inc 21,741.15

Woody’s Service 4,888.17

   53 Payments less than 2000     28,243.74

Final Total:   279,422.37

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: August 26, 2020 for $53,203.84 and September 2, 2020 for $46,383.48.

Vehicle for the Baudette International Airport

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the transfer of a county owned vehicle, a 2011 Chevrolet Caprice, to the Baudette International Airport.

Letter to Sanford

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve a letter to be sent to Sanford regarding the termination of the lease for space in Government Center North effective January 1, 2021.

LEGISLATORS

Senator Paul Utke and Representative Matt Grossell provided an update to the Board.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Permission to Hire: Full-time Permanent Custodian

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve changing the previous request for permission to advertise, interview and hire for a Temporary COVID-19 Cleaning Specialist, to permission to advertise, interview and hire for a Full-time Permanent Custodian II.

Social Services Income Maintenance/ CS Supervisor

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve a grade increase from grade 13, step 9 to grade 15, step 9 for Financial Assistance Supervisor Angie Eason effective the next full pay period.

Law Enforcement Compensation Requests

It was the consensus of the Board to continue this discussion during the closed personnel session.

SHERIFF

Stonegarden Contracts

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the 2018 Operation Stonegarden Grant Agreement for $120,000, the 2019 Operation Stonegarden Grant Agreement for $128,000 and for Commissioner Jon Waibel to sign the same.  

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Consideration of Zone Change #20-01ZC by S & J Real Estate, LLC
Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board and presented a Consideration of Zone Change #20-01ZC by S & J Real Estate, LLC:  Lot 1, Block 1, Lukes Estates in Section Twenty-four (24), Township One Hundred Sixty-two (162) North, Range Thirty-two (32) West – Parcel ID# 19.58.01.010. Applicant is requesting a Zone Change from Section 303 of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance to change the current zoning from Residential District (R-1) to a Commercial-Recreation District. One letter of correspondence was received from the public.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following Findings of Fact for S & J Real Estate, LLC. to change the current zoning from Residential District (R-1) to a Commercial-Recreation District, without conditions: 

Lake of the Woods County Rezoning Findings of Fact and Decision
Name of Applicant:	S & J Real Estate, LLC	Date:	September 2, 2020
Location/Legal Description:	Lot 1, Block 1, Lukes Estates of Section 24, Township 162N, Range 32W (Wheeler Township)
Current Zoning Classification:	Residential Development (R1)	Proposed:	Commercial-Recreation
Parcel Number(s):	19.58.01.010	Application Number:	20-01ZC

The Planning Commission shall consider all facts from all sources prior to submitting a recommendation to the County Board relating to a proposed zone change. Its judgment shall be based upon, but not limited to the following factors as applicable.

1. Is the zone change consistent with the Lake of the Woods County Comprehensive Land Use Plan?

_x__ Yes___No

Comments	Comments
Comments:	Resort area, previously commercial, also within the growth corridor

2. Are the existing surrounding land uses consistent with the proposed zoning classification?

_x__ Yes___No

Comments	Comments
Comments:	No change from past years, previously residential

3. Will the zone change alter the characteristics of the neighborhood?

___Yes_x__ No

Comments	Comments
Comments:	No change

4. Is there a potential for public health, safety or traffic generation impacts based on the proposed zone change and how will they be addressed?

___Yes_x__ No

Comments	Comments
Comments:	None/no change

5. What additional public services would be necessitated and would existing utilities be sufficient to accommodate the proposal?

___ Yes_x__No

Comments	Comments
Comments:	No change/none

6. Will the zone change impede the normal or orderly development and improvement of surrounding property for uses permitted in the zoning district?

___Yes_x__ No

Comments	Comments
Comments:	No change

7. Has there been a change in the development in the general area of the property in questions?

___ Yes_x__No

Comments	Comments
Comments:	Same use

8.   Will the zone change have a negative effect on property values in the neighborhood?

___Yes_x__ No

Comments	Comments
Comments:	Should improve values – replaced old trailer house with new rental cabin

Comments	Comments
Conditions:	None

The Lake of the Woods County Planning Commission hereby recommends to the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners adopt the above findings and DENY / APPROVE the application for a zone change be WITH / WITHOUT conditions.

_____________________________________     September 2, 2020

Tom Mio Date

Chair, Planning Commission

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners hereby adopt the above findings of fact of the Lake of the Woods Planning Commission WITH / WITHOUT modification(s) and DENY / APPROVE the application for a zone change WITH / WITHOUT special conditions.

_____________________________________ September 8, 2020

Jon Waibel Date

Chair, County Board of Commissioners

Consideration of Conditional Use Permit #20-06CU by Richard Schram

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board and presented a Consideration of Conditional Use Permit #20-06CU by Richard Schram: A tract in Government Lot 2, Section Seven (7), Township One Hundred Sixty-two (162) North, Range Thirty-two (32) West – Parcel ID#19.65.00.080. Applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit as required by Section 902 of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance to allow the applicant to move more than ten (10) cubic yards of material within the shore impact zone of Lake of the Woods for the purpose of repairing shoreline damage. Lake of the Woods is a General Development Lake.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the following Findings of Fact for Richard Schram to allow the applicant to move more than ten (10) cubic yards of material within the shore impact zone of Lake of the Woods for the purpose of repairing shoreline damage, as presented:

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners

Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant:  Richard and Lynn Schram____                      Date:  September 8, 2020

Location/Legal Description:  A tract in Gov. Lot 2, Section 7, Township 162 North, Range 32 West – Parcel ID #19.65.00.080.

Project Proposal:  Place more than 10 cubic yards of material in the shore impact zone of Lake of the Woods for the purpose of rip-rap. Lake of the Woods is a General Development Lake.

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? __Shoreline protection____________________________________

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

YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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? ___Shoreline protection___________________________________

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? ___Shoreline____________________________________________

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? ___Reason for project_____________________________________

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? _______________________________________________________

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

YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? __Reason for project_______________________________________

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

Why or why not? _________________________________________________________

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 (  )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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? ______________________________________________________

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? _____________________________________________________

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:  ____________________________________________

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

September 8, 2020                                

    Date                                                 Jon Waibel

                          Chair, County Board

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

COUNTY HIGHWAY/LANDFILL

Highway Update

County Engineer, AJ Pirkl, provided a highway project update.

Landfill Update

County Engineer, AJ Pirkl, provided a landfill update.  A response was received from the MPCA and a meeting regarding permits has been set for September 24, 2020.

CLOSED SESSION

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen to close the regular meeting at 11:00 a.m. pursuant to MN Stat. § 13D.05, subd 2 Personnel and open the closed session. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried. 

The following members were present: Commissioners: Joe Grund, Jon Waibel, Buck Nordlof, and Ed Arnesen. Others in attendance were: County Attorney Jim Austad, County Sheriff Gary Fish, County Human Resources Director Savanna Slick and County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof to close the closed session and open the regular meeting at 11:45 a.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried. 

AGENDA ADDITION

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve adding to the agenda under Human Resources: Advertise, Interview and Hire: E-911 Dispatcher/Corrections Officer.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Advertise, Interview and Hire: E-911 Dispatcher/Corrections Officer

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the Sheriff’s department to advertise, interview and hire a full-time, nightshift, E-911 Dispatcher/Corrections Officer at points 237, grade 10, step 1, $19.24 per hour.

Law Enforcement Compensation Requests

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve a $500 per month stipend for employees, Sandy Peterson and Tami Maurer.  The stipend will be retroactive to March 2020 through September 2020 and be reviewed monthly thereafter. 

AUDITOR/TREASURER

Letter of Intent to Department of Revenue

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve sending a letter of intent to the Department of Revenue.

RECESS

With no further business before the Board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 12:00 p.m. and the Board continued on with the road tour to the landfill for a Rotochopper demonstration.

Attest: September 22, 2020

______________________________ _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Vice-Chair of the Board, Ed Arnesen

Commissioner Proceedings

September 10, 2019

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, September 10, 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, Ed Arnesen and Cody Hasbargen. Absent: Commissioner Buck Nordlof. Also, present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Attorney Jim Austad, Jaime Boretski-LaValla 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: Resolution to adopt proposed 2020 Budget and Tax Levy, Building lease release for Northwest Community Action Head Start Program, Board of Water and Soil Resources Block Grant Agreement, credit card request for Solid Waste employee, SWCD health insurance and at the request of the property owner, remove petition for public access vacation.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of August 27, 2019.

Social Services

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

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrant’s $11,504.29, Commissioners Warrant’s $3,892.10, Commissioners Warrant’s $25,316.50.

Auditor/Treasurer

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, met with the board requesting approval of claims and lost warrants, a county issued credit card for Solid Waste employee, building lease release for the Northwest Community Action Head Start Program and Resolution to adopt proposed 2020 Budget and Tax Levy.

Claims  

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel, and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $34,390.82, Road & Bridge $42,658.97, Joint Ditch $560.00, Solid Waste $25,543.19 and EDA $44.56.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 9/10/2019 For Payment 9/13/2019

Vendor Name                                        Amount

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                                   2,997.63

Farmers Union Oil Co.                                             2,711.82

Freeberg & Grund, Inc                                            17,890.00

Hiner/Kirk                                                                8,830.00

Hometown Hardware                                             2,062.86

LOW Highway Dept                                                4,111.25

Mar-Kit Landfill                                                        14,799.50

Moren/Law Offices Of Patrick D                            3,375.00

Roger’s Two Way Radio, Inc                                  14,736.19

Woody’s Service                                                    4,249.49

51 Payments less than 2000                                   27,433.80

          Final Total: 103,197.54

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: August 28, 2019 $477,204.13 and September 4, 2019 $60,546.09.

Lost Warrant

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the application and affidavit for lost warrant for Valerie Basher, dated March 29, 2019 for $4.84 without furnishing indemnifying bond.

County Issued Credit Card

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the request for a county issued credit card with a limit of $1,500 for Solid Waste employee, Ted Furbish.

Building Lease Release

Northwest Community Action Head Start Programs requested to conclude their lease for the rental space at County Government Center North, 106 2^nd Street NE in Baudette on October 31, 2019.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the request from Northwest Community Action Headstart Program to be released from their building lease at County Government Center North, 106 2^nd Street NE in Baudette effective October 31, 2019.

Proposed 2020 Budget and Tax Levy Resolution

Motion

The following Resolution was proposed and moved for adoption by Commissioner Jon Waibel:

Resolution Adopting

Proposed 2020 Budget and Tax Levy

Resolution   2019-09-01

WHEREAS, the Proposed County Budget for the year 2020 has been reviewed by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following Proposed Budget and Tax Levy is hereby adopted for the Lake of the Woods County for 2020:

Revenue Fund                                                $ 1,684,365

Road & Bridge Fund                         $    449,580

Social Services Fund                                      $    603,935

Economic Development Authority Fund       $      60,000

2020 Proposed Budget and Tax Levy           $ 2,797,880   

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following amounts be levied against the unorganized townships of Lake of the Woods County for 2020:

                        Twp Road & Bridge                                       $   463,470*

                        Twp Fire – Baudette                                       $     25,000

                        Twp Fire – Williams                                        $     28,213

                        Twp Fire – NW Angle                         $       6,500

                        Total                                                               $   523,183

2020    

* $463,470 for Township Road & Bridge includes $12,000 which is specifically levied to Northwest Angle residents for Calcium Chloride. (451,470+12,000=463,470) 

A public meeting to discuss the 2020 Proposed Budget and Tax Levy will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. in the Lake of the Woods County Commissioners’ Room.

The motion was seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund, and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Human Resources

Human Resource Director, Savanna Slick, met with the board requesting step increases for the following Public Works employees: Bruce Erickson, Marti Carlson and Jane Larson.  It was also discussed that a work session is to be scheduled towards the end of the month for discussion on Public Works stipends and a step increase request for the emergency management position.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to authorize the following step increases effective the next full payroll 9/22/19: Bruce Erickson to Grade 11, Step 9 at $23.52; Marti Carlson to Grade 13, Step 12 at $27.85; Jane Larson to Grade 10 Step 6 at $20.98.

Voyageur Comtronics

Lee Hervey from Voyageur Comtronics gave an update on the television networks and channels available to Lake of the Woods County residents through the Williams and Baudette Translator sites.  Hervey provided information on installing UHF TV antenna systems and briefly discussed television technology currently in development called ATSC3. 

Lee discussed maintenance of the Williams and Baudette translator towers.  He has painting of the towers on his list for next summer and recommended that the county consider roof and facia replacement on the Williams and Baudette translator buildings to ensure the equipment is protected.

Lee discussed the sheriff’s paging tower located by County Government Center North in regards to intended plans for the new law enforcement center at that location.  He suggested to consult with the County Sheriff and City Fire Chief to fully understand how the tower is used for emergency communications.

A recent lightning storm caused damage to area TV equipment, a brief update on those items was also discussed.

DITCH AUTHORITY

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting at 9:52 a.m. and open the Ditch Authority.

Petition for Repair of a Drainage System

Interim Engineer Boyd Johnson gave an update regarding the Ditch 28 petition.  Johnson discussed the current plan for the surveyed area which includes: ditch cleaning, tree removal and increased culvert size.  Johnson confirmed that the project is on the list. The Ditch Authority asked for an update at the next County Board meeting on 9/24/19.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to close the Ditch Authority meeting at 10:15 a.m. and reconvene the regular meeting.

Highway

Interim Engineer Boyd Johnson met with the County Board to provide an update on current projects.

Update

Interim Engineer Boyd Johnson updated the County Board on the progress of the construction projects going on throughout the county.   Some of the paving projects were delayed due to weather, but paving on the school road is finishing up.  The paving for County Road 3 was discussed and is delayed due to some grading issues.

Wheeler’s Point Sewer District

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve partial payment #9 to Wheeler’s Point Sewer District in the amount of $94,919.48.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Block Grant Agreement

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund, met with the board for approval of the FY 2020 and 2021 State of Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources Natural Resources Block Grant Agreement.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried to unanimously approve the FY 2020 and 2021 State of Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources Natural Resources Block Grant Agreement, for Chairman Cody Hasbargen to sign the FY 2020 and 2021 State of Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources Natural Resources Block Grant Agreement and to designate Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund, as the authorized representative for the grant.

Correspondence

Correspondence was acknowledged from:  North Star Electric

Arrowhead library

Jim Weikum, Executive Director of the Arrowhead Library System, gave an update on library services, including the mail-a-book service that was started in 1970.  Recently they have been focusing on electronic and digital services and are seeing a 20 percent increase in subscribers to their e-book and audio book service each year.  Jim noted that the current levy for the Library System will stay the same.  Through the Clean Water, Land and Legacy fund, they have been able to continue to bring art and musical events into local libraries as well. 

Jim mentioned that residents of the Northwest Angle looking to get a library card with the Arrowhead Library system can now get applications and cards at the libraries in Warroad and Roseau.  He provided the board with some of the marketing materials recently used in the area and said that their services are marketed to schools with back-to-school resource packets.  Commissioner Ed Arnesen requested to add to the County Board meeting on 9/24/19 a review of the Lake of the Woods County website, to see if information could be added regarding library services.

SWCD

County Geologic Atlas Program

Mike Hirst from SWCD brought representatives from the University of Minnesota’s Minnesota Geological Survey and the MN Department of Natural Resources to meet with the County Board regarding the County Geological Atlas program.  This program produces maps and databases that describe the geology and water and mineral resources of a county in forms useful for land use planning and resource management.  The program is currently planning future work and is interested in partnering with our area.  The process takes several years and requires no cash from the county, but does require that the county assist with data collection. To start the process the program requires a letter of intent from the county.  The County Board requested this be added to the next County Board meeting on 9/24/19.

SWCD Health Insurance

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund and Mike Hirst from the SWCD met with the board regarding health insurance options for SWCD employees.  Prior to 2007, SWCD was on the county’s health insurance plan.  The SWCD is looking into health insurance options and would like to research if being on the county plan would again be a cost-effective choice for its employees. The board, by consensus, agreed it could be an option and asked the SWCD to keep them updated on their findings.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Cody Hasbargen called the meeting to recess at 12:05 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                      September 10, 2019

__________________________________                            _________________________________

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

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

Commissioner Proceedings

September 24, 2019

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

CALL TO ORDER

Vice-Chairman 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, Ed Arnesen and Buck Nordlof. Absent: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen. Also, present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Attorney Jim Austad, Jaime Boretski-LaValla 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: Add Gary Grove property to the County Highway Update, resolution to declare emergency, and Bollig Inc. Engineering and Environmental to add task order needing action.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of September 10, 2019.

SOCIAL SERVICES

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

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrant’s $15,881.23, Commissioners Warrant’s $1,583.18, Commissioners Warrant’s $20,471.85.

BOLLIG INC. ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL

Representatives from Bollig Inc. provided an Angle Inlet Airport feasibility and site selection update.  They visited the proposed sites from the previous study, which was completed in 2014.  Bollig representatives also met with local residents and looked at two new site options.  Bollig requested approval of Amended Task Order No. 1.  The amended task order includes services to be completed in one year such as; update the feasibility study and incorporate the two new potential airport development sites, conduct additional surveys as needed to support the recommendation of a specific site to the Airport Commission and MnDOT, and assist with the planning grant application. The fee requested is $60,000, which includes the previously approved $12,000; 95% is to be reimbursed to Lake of the Woods County upon acceptance of the planning grant from MnDOT Aeronautics. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve Task Order No. 1 – Amended with Bollig Inc. at the requested fee of $60,000 (95% is to be reimbursed to the County upon acceptance of the planning grant from MnDOT Aeronautics) and to have Vice-Chairman Jon Waibel sign the same.

NORTHWEST COMMUNITY ACTION

Tim Anacabe and Madeline Waage from Northwest Community Action presented information on the Little Brother/Little Sister Youth Intervention Program.  Madeline is the coordinator of the program in Lake of the Woods, Kittson and Roseau Counties.  The program is requesting a $20,000 donation to help fund services in the area for the next two years.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve a $10,000 donation to the Little Brother/Little Sister program from county development funds.  The County Board requested that the program coordinator return in May to provide an update and comparison of cost for the program in the two other counties.

COUNTY WEBSITE

The County Board asked Peder Hovland, MIS Director, about adding a link to the Arrowhead Library System on the County’s website.  The link will be added to the “area links” page.

DITCH AUTHORITY

Motion

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

Update on Ditch 28 and 23

Boyd Johnson, Interim County Engineer, provided an update on Ditch 23.  The recent rain event caused water to overflow onto the road south of Williams off of Co Rd 60.  The survey of the area is about 75% complete.  It is too late in the year for construction.  The Ditch Authority will make a decision on the petition for Ditch 23 after the survey is completed, Johnson will communicate with the petitioner.

Johnson had nothing new to report on Ditch 28, but hopes to be able to start work on Co Rd 6 as weather permits.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to close the Ditch Authority meeting at 10:20 a.m. and reconvene the regular meeting.

HIGHWAY

Interim County Engineer, Boyd Johnson, met with the County Board to discuss the Grove property and provided an update on current projects.

Gary Grove Property

Gary Grove contacted the County Board regarding his property.  The property flooded years ago and at that time, a dike was built around the house.  With the recent rain, the property flooded again, making it necessary to revisit the property and look at remedy options. 

Update

Interim County Engineer, Boyd Johnson, mentioned that paving could be done as early as next week.  The rain has brought attention to a few problem areas, but a lot of things did work well.  There were some issues with a couple of culverts on Co Rd 65 and on Co Rd 8 north of the curves. One area to address is Co Rd 80, it is well surveyed and could be a future grant project to work on in partnership with the Soil and Water Conservation District.  The County Board requested an update on these items the end of October.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Declare State of Emergency

Emergency Manager, Jill Hasbargen-Olson, met with the County Board to discuss the option to Declare a State of Emergency due to the damages caused by the recent rain.  The State of MN has disaster relief funds if damages from an event total more than $7,645, the county would still be responsible for 25% of the total claim.   

Motion

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

RESOLUTION OF LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY

Declaring a State of Emergency

Resolution No 19-09-04

WHEREAS the flood event impacted the population of Lake of the Woods County and its cities; and

WHEREAS the flood event has caused a significant amount of public property damage; and

WHEREAS the Lake of the Woods County Department of Emergency Management requests the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners to declare Lake of the Woods County in a STATE OF EMERGENCY for the rain event of 2019;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners declares Lake of the Woods County in a State of Emergency for conditions resulting from the rain event of September 20th, 2019.

ADOPTED by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners this 24^th day of September 2019.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund, met with the board regarding a letter of intent for the County Geologic Atlas Program.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve participation in the County Geologic Atlas Program and for Vice-Chairman Jon Waibel to sign the letter of intent from the University of Minnesota, Minnesota Geological Survey.

SHERIFF

County Sheriff, Gary Fish, met with the board regarding the 2020/2021 ATV Grant Agreement and for permission to advertise and hire part-time dispatch jailers.

2020/2021 ATV Grant Agreement

The 2020/2021 OHV/ATV Grant through the State of MN Department of Natural Resources provides up to $9,375 per fiscal year for OHV/ATV enforcement activities, equipment, labor, maintenance, training of local staff and holding ATV safety classes.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the 2020/2021 OHV/ATV Grant Agreement with the State of MN Department of Natural Resources, for Vice-Chairman Jon Waibel to sign the grant agreement and for Lake of the Woods County Sgt. Ben Duick to act as the grantee’s authorized representative.

Permission to advertise and hire part-time dispatch jailers

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the request to advertise and hire two part-time dispatch jailers at Grade 10, Step 1, Points 237 at $18.86 per hour.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, met with the board requesting approval of claims, gambling permit, tobacco license, and operational enhancement grant program resolution.

Claims  

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund, and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $36,021.22, Road & Bridge $61,583.55, County Development $87,150.00, Solid Waste $6,523.20 and EDA $25,800.32.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 9/24/2019 For Payment 9/27/2019

Vendor Name                                        Amount

Baudette Area Arena Inc                                          20,000.00

Blue Steel Targets LLC                                               4,737.43

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                                       9,321.72

Counties Providing Technology                                  3,690.00

Depot Preservation Alliance                                      6,000.00

Friends Against Abuse                                               2,500.00

Headwaters Regional Development Commiss          25,000.00

Hoffman, Philipp & Knutson, PLLC                              8,530.00

Howard’s Oil Company                                               2,871.61

John Deere Financial                                                  3,768.74

LOW Historical Society                                             12,500.00

LOW Humane Society                                                 7,500.00

LOW Rod & Gun Club                                                 2,000.00

LOW Soil & Water Cons. Dist.                                     2,500.00

Midway Ford Company                                             28,857.84

R & Q Trucking, Inc                                                     3,605.00

TOTALFUNDS                                                             2,000.00

Widseth Smith Nolting&Asst Inc                                12,123.37

Williams Arena Association                                        7,000.00

Williams Senior Citizens                                              4,000.00

Williams Youth Recreation Association                      8,000.00

Willie Walleye Fund                                                   10,000.00

60 Payments less than 2000:                                  30,572.58

Final Total: 217,078.29

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: September 11, 2019 for $129,703.78, September 16, 2019 for $202,287.56, September 16, 2019 for ($404.05), September 18, 2019 for $753,669.22.

Gambling Permit

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, presented a request for a lease for lawful gambling activity and premises permit for Lake of the Woods Drifters at Wheeler’s Point Resort.

Motion

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following:

RESOLUTION APPROVING A LEASE FOR

LAWFUL GAMBLING ACTIVITY AND PREMISES PERMIT APPLICATION

RESOLUTION NO. 19-09-02

WHEREAS; the Lake of the Woods Drifters has submitted a lease for lawful gambling activity and a premises permit application for Minnesota Lawful Gambling to be conducted at the following establishment, which is located in Lake of the Woods County:

Wheeler’s Point Resort, 2605 River Ln NW, Baudette, MN  56623

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners hereby approves said application for submission to the Minnesota Gambling Control Board.

Tobacco License

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, presented a license application to sell cigarettes at retail at Dick’s Headshop in the City of Williams.  The board postponed a decision on the license until the next meeting, pending more information.

Operational Enhancement Grant Program Resolution

Motion

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

RESOLUTION OF LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY

Operational Enhancement Grant Program

Resolution No 19-09-03

BE IT RESOLVED; by Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners that the County enter into the attached Grant Contract with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) to conduct the following Program: County Veterans Service Office Operational Enhancement Grant Program.  The grant must be used to provide outreach to the county’s veterans; to assist in the reintegration of combat veterans into society; to collaborate with other social service agencies, educational institutions, and other community organizations for the purposes of enhancing services offered to veterans; to reduce homelessness among veterans; and to enhance the operations of the county veterans service office, as specified in Minnesota Statutes 197.608 and Minnesota Laws 2019 Chapter 10, Article 1, Section 37, Subdivision 2.  This Grant should not be used to supplant or replace other funding.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED; by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners that Rick Rone, the Veterans Service Officer, be authorized to execute the attached Grant Contract for the above-mentioned Program on behalf of the County. 

WHEREUPON; the above resolution was adopted at the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners Board meeting this 24^th day of September, 2019.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Vice-Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 12:01 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                      September 24, 2019

__________________________________                            _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson                                Vice-Chairman, Jon Waibel

Commissioner Proceedings

September 11, 2018

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday,
September 11, 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: Sheriff- Jail Supplies, Williams Potatoes Day, CPUI Contract, Land and Water- Small Community Watershed.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the official minutes and summarized minutes of August 28, 2018.

SOCIAL SERVICES

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

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $17,731.70, Commissioners Warrants $ 1,188.07, Commissioners Warrants $13,979.01.

COUNTY AUDITOR/TREASURER

Claims

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims, approval of Dr. Retention, CHI Public Health Contract, Proposed 2019 Budget and Tax Levy, Tviet Land Lease, Forfeited Land and Williams Potatoes Day.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows: Revenue-$22,053.68; Road & Bridge-$302,830.80- Co Development- $870.00-Joint Ditch-$2,717.50-Solid Waste-$41,163.06-EDA-$44.56.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 9/11/2018 For Payment 9/14/2018

Vendor Name                                        Amount

Farmers Union Oil Co.                                              2,128.55

Government Management Group, Inc                      3,600.00

Howard’s Oil Company                                            8,646.08

Liberty Tire Recycling, LLC                                      5,861.70

LOW Highway Dept                                                 7,641.25

Mar-Kit Landfill                                                       15,758.00

Mn Dept Of Transp                                                  4,028.21

Pro-West & Associates, Inc                                    2,685.00

R & Q Trucking, Inc                                                  5,665.00

Swanston Equipment Corp                                      4,271.24

Woody’s Service                                                     4,455.01

Ziegler, Inc                                                           281,560.00

63 Payments less than 2000 23,379.56

Final Total: 369,679.60

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following Auditor warrants: August 29, 2018-$12,565.46, September 5, 2018- $336,525.47.

Lakewood Health-Dr. Retention

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson presented the proposed Dr. Retention Contract with LakeWood Health Center. County Attorney, James Austad recommended that a statement in the contract needs to be added stating that the money was paid to individual Physician/Advanced Practice Clinician. The board requested that this be brought back to the board when the language was added for approval.

Lakewood Health Center-Community Health Services Contract

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson presented the Purchase of Service Agreement between Lake of the Woods County and LakeWood Health Center for the Community Health Services.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the Purchase of Service Agreement between Lake of the Woods County and LakeWood Health Center for the Community Health Service effective January 1, 2019 thru December 31, 2019 and authorize County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson and Chairman Arnesen to sign.

Proposed 2019 Budget and Tax Levy

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and presented the Proposed 2019 Budget and Tax Levy for Lake of the Woods County.

Resolution

Resolution Adopting

Proposed 2019 Budget and Tax Levy

Resolution   2018-09-01

The following Resolution was proposed and moved for adoption by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously.

WHEREAS, the Proposed County Budget for the year 2019 has been reviewed by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following Proposed Budget and Tax Levy is hereby adopted for the Lake of the Woods County for 2019:

Revenue Fund                                                $ 1,602,875  

Road & Bridge Fund                         $    449,580

Social Services Fund                                      $    603,935

Economic Development Authority Fund       $      60,000

2019 Proposed Budget and Tax Levy           $ 2,716,390  

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following amounts be levied against the unorganized townships of Lake of the Woods County for 2019:

                        Twp Road & Bridge                                       $   450,320*

                        Twp Fire – Baudette                                       $     25,000

                        Twp Fire – Williams                                        $     25,795

                        Twp Fire – NW Angle                         $       6,500

                        Total                                                               $   507,615

2019    

* $450,320 for Township Road & Bridge includes $12,000 which is specifically levied to Northwest Angle residents for Calcium Chloride. (438,320+12,000=450,320) 

A public meeting to discuss the 2019 Proposed Budget and Tax Levy will be held on Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. in the Lake of the Woods County Commissioners’ Room.

AMEND AGENDA

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to add August 28 thru the 30 budget meeting minutes for approval.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the budget minutes for August 28 thru August 30.

Land Leases

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson presented the Land Leases for Byron Tviet for approval for renewing these for another three years.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Norldof and carried unanimously to approve the leases with Byron Tviet effective January 1, 2019 for three (3) years at the cost of nine dollars (9.00) per acre payable annually and authorize County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson and Chairman Arnesen to sign. The following legal description of the three parcels are as follows:  The Northeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter (NE1/4 of SE1/4), Section Twenty-eight (28), Township One Hundred Sixty-three (163N), Range Thirty-four (34W), containing 40 acres agricultural land, more or less. (tillable land); The Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter (NW1/4 of NW1/4), Section Twenty-seven (27), Township One Hundred Sixty-three (163N), Range Thirty-four (34W), containing 40 acres. (tillable); The Southwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter (SW1/4 of SW1/4), Section Twenty-two (22), Township One Hundred Sixty-three (163N), Range Thirty-four (34W), containing 38 acres. (tillable land).

Forfeited Land

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson informed the board that a forfeited property of Lake of the Woods County has a tree down in the City of Williams and that needs to be removed. The board requested the MIS/Maintenance Supervisor, Peder Hovland overlook forfeited property maintenance concerns and contact a business that does such removal. The board requested that County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson set aside $3,000 for Forfeited land maintenance.

Potato Day

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and informed the board that the Potato Day Committee requested funding in the amount of $500.00.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to contribute $500.00 to the Potato Day Committee from the Revenue Fund.

MAINTENANCE DIRECTOR

Maintenance Director, Peder Hovland met with the board and requested approval to replace light fixtures in the Government Center and also the Water Softener.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to authorize Maintenance Supervisor, Peder Hovland to replace the light fixtures in the Government Center in the amount of $24,822 after rebates and with installation and authorize Holen Electric to do the installation, with the funding from the Maintenance account.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the replacement of the water softener in the Government Center in the amount of $6,800 with installation and authorize Plutko Plumbing to do the installation with the funding from the Maintenance account.

HUMAN RESOURCE/MIS DIRECTOR

Human Resource Director, Savanna Slick and MIS Director, Peder Hovland met with the board requesting approval for IT Technician, John Butenhoff to be moved grade 11, step 5, effective August 26, 2018 and grade 12, step 6, effective January 1, 2019

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve grade and step for IT Technician, John Butenhoff at grade 11, step 5, $21.51 per hour, effective August 26, 2018 and grade 12, step 6, $23.45 per hour effective January 1, 2019.

CPUI CONTRACT

MIS Director, Peder Hovland and County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board to discuss the contract from CPUI. County Attorney, James Austad had approved the signing of the current contract. Peder also discussed the new contract. The board directed MIS Director, Peder Hovland to get the financial information for them to review at September 25 board meeting. The County Board requested to set a work session after the next board meeting on September 25, to discuss the tax system.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson and Chairman Arensen to sign the 2015-2018 CPUI contract for services rendered for the tax system.

VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER

County Veterans Service Officer, Rick Rone met with the board via conference call in the regards to the Veteran’s Home which will be built in Bemidji for local area resident veterans.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to contribute $35,100 to the Veterans Home, which will be built in Bemidji MN with funding from the Community Health fund and with Federal money matching this contribution. 

DITCH AUTHORITY

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board and updated them on the progress of Ditch 28 and reviewed the plans on State Hwy 172. The Board also received and update on the progress on Ditch 26.

YEARS OF SERVICE RECOGNITION

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

Recognition of years of service

Michele Paradise

Resolution No. 18-09-02

Whereas:  Michele Paradise has served Lake of the Woods County as Deputy Accountant/Office Specialist since August 5, 1981 (37 years, 37 days);

Whereas:  Michele will retire from Lake of the Woods County effective September 11, 2018;

Now Therefore, Be it Resolved:  That Lake of the Woods Board of County Commissioners extends its deepest appreciation to Michele Paradise for her dedicated service and wishes her well on her 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 10:53 a.m. and reconvened at 11:03 a.m. as follows.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board to discuss the Small Community Wastewater Treatment Program, which could assist with grants up to $60,000. The consensus of the board was to have Josh move forward with the Small Wastewater Program.

GUN CLUB UPDATE

Commissioner Nordlof informed the board the Gun Club is requesting 40 acres out of the 80 acres. He informed the board that there are over 41 youth in the gun club. They currently are leasing the land from the State, but they would really like to own the land and be able to gate the property of land that is being purchased by Lake of the Woods County. The board discussed the options and the best option is for Public purpose. The board discussed a long-term lease. County Attorney, James Austad will review the long-term lease procedure.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to purchase State Land Sale number 13912, – South Half of the Southeast Quarter (S1/2SE1/4) Section 14, Township 160 N, Range 31 W, containing 80 acres, more or less in the amount of $51,674.81 from the con-con fund.

PAUL BUNYAN TRANSIT

Executive Director, Lezlie Grubich, and Luann Bloom, Operator Manager and Safety Coordinator met with the board and reviewed the Operating Costs and Revenue with the board and discussed the purchase of a second bus for Lake of the Woods County. Lezlie informed the board that the local match is $15,839, and the next time a bus is up for purchase for Lake of the Woods County will be in 2025.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of a new bus with county the share of $15,839 coming from the transportation account.

SHERIFF

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of supplies for the Sheriff Office in the amount of $2,077.49.

Correspondence

Lake of the Woods Senior Citizens Council invited the Commissioner to a Grand Opening for the Newly renovated Brink Community Senior Center on September 13, 2018.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to recess at 11:50 a.m.

Attest:                                                                          September 25, 2018

__________________________________                _____________________________________

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

Commissioner Proceedings

September 12, 2017

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, September 12, 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, Cody Hasbargen, JonWaibel and Ken Moorman. Absent: Commissioner Ed Arnesen was absent due to other county business. 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 following additions: Hazardous Materials, Permission to advertise and interview, DNR easement, Off Road Vehicle Grant.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes August 22, 2017.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board for Social Service Director, Amy Ballard requesting approval for the Social Services 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-$10,991.10, Commissioner Warrants-$8,001.26, Commissioner Warrants- $32,901.82

Cell Phone Stipend

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board for Social Service Director, Amy Ballard requesting approval for a cell phone stipend for Office Support Specialist Jo Aery.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve a cell phone stipend for Office Support Specialist, Jo Aery for a cell phone stipend in the amount of $60.00 per month effective October 1, 2017.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Human Resource Director, Savanna Slick met with the board requesting approval to advertise and interview for an Assistant Zoning Inspector.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to authorize Human Resource Director, Savanna Slick and Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund to advertise interview and hire for Assistant Zoning Inspector.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Mike Hovde, representing the Baudette Chamber of Commerce met with the board requesting funding for the Fourth of July fireworks. Mike explained that they purchase the fireworks in November for coming celebration. Due to a shortage of donations they have a shortfall of $5,000. City of Baudette agreed to donate $2,500 if the County would match the funding.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to contribute $2,500 for fireworks for the upcoming Fourth of July celebration in 2018.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson 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: Revenue $31,134.33- Road & Bridge $61,050.66 –Joint Ditch- $4,230.00- Solid Waste- 27,094.12-EDA-2004.44, Co. Development-$276.00.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 9/12/2017 For Payment 9/15/2017

Vendor Name                                        Amount

Computer Professionals Unlimited Inc                            3,310.00

Erickson/Wyatt D                                                            5,000.00

Howard’s Oil Company                                                  5,501.32

Knife River Materials Inc                                              22,417.07

LOW Highway Dept                                                       7,785.00

LOW School District–390                                              6,000.00

M-R Sign Co, Inc                                                             4,030.30

Mar-Kit Landfill                                                             15,939.50

Titan Energy Systems, Inc                                             2,083.00

Titan Machinery – Roseau                                              4,015.62

Widseth Smith Nolting&Asst Inc                                   13,849.42

Woody’s Service                                                            6,572.65

63 Payments less than 2000 29,285.67

Final Total: 125,789.55

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: August 23, 2017- $30,249.49, August 24, 2017 – $2,185.00, August 30, 2017-$474,247.66, -September 06, 2017-$508,823.19, September 8, 2017-$212,991.08, September 8, 2017-(455.56).

Reserve Account

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval to set up a Reserve Account for County Attorney Office for Sexual Assault Nurses Exam (SANE)

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson to set up a Reserve Account for SANE in the amount of $10,000.

PROPOSED 2018 BUDGET AND LEVY

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and presented the Proposed 2018 Budget and Levy.

Resolution

Resolution Adopting

Proposed 2018 Budget and Tax Levy

Resolution   2017-09-12

The following Resolution was proposed and moved for adoption by Commissioner Jon Waibel:

WHEREAS, the Proposed County Budget for the year 2018 has been reviewed by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following Proposed Budget and Tax Levy is hereby adopted for the Lake of the Woods County for 2018:

Revenue Fund                                                $ 1,549,613  

Road & Bridge Fund                         $    449,580

Social Services Fund                                      $    603,935

Economic Development Authority Fund       $      60,000

2015 Proposed Budget and Tax Levy           $ 2,663,128  

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following amounts be levied against the unorganized townships of Lake of the Woods County for 2018:

                        Twp Road & Bridge                                       $   450,320*  

                        Twp Fire – Baudette                                       $     30,000

                        Twp Fire – Williams                                        $     25,795

                        Twp Fire – NW Angle                         $       6,500

                        Total                                                               $   512,615

2018    

* $450,320 for Township Road & Bridge includes $12,000 which is specifically levied to Northwest Angle residents for Calcium Chloride.  (438,320+12,000=450,320) 

A public meeting to discuss the 2018 Proposed Budget and Tax Levy will be held on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. in the Lake of the Woods County Commissioners’ Room.

The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ken Moorman, and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

LakeWood Health Contract

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and presented LakeWood Health Centers Contract to the board for approval.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of service agreement, between Lake of the Woods County and LakeWood Health Center for Community Health Services in the amount of $93,220 effective January 1, 2018 thru December 31, 2018.

Lost Warrant

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and presented a lost warrant application for Lindsay Tillery.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the application and affidavit for lost warrants for Lindsay Tillery, dated May 12, 2017 for $218.22 without furnishing indemnifying bond.

MN Power Amendment to Tower Space Lease

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and presented Amendment of the Tower Space Lease Agreement at the Williams Tower Site and Baudette Tower Site with Minnesota Power, a division of ALLETE, Inc.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the Amendment Tower Space Lease and authorize Chairman Nordlof to sign.

DNR Easement- Robert and Debra Warzecha

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and requested authorization for signatures for the Easement Agreement with Robert and Debra Warzecha for the perpetual easement that was approves on July 25, 2017 meeting.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to authorize Chairman Nordlof and County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson to sign the  Warzecha Easement Agreement.

State Auditor’s Letter

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and presented a letter to the State Auditor in regards to the Annual Audits to resolve the concerns that the State Auditors have raised and requested authorization for signatures.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to authorize Chairman Nordlof to sign the letter to the State Auditor.

DITCH AUTHORITY

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting at 9:52 a.m. and open the Ditch Authority Meeting.

Discussion

Discussed a letter received from a Ditch Beneficiary in regards to ditches that have been filled in to convert the land into natural wetlands. With this being done, the water has prevented the drainage of this property to Ditch 1. The board requested that Public Works Director to look into this issue.

The board also discussed work to be done on Ditch 24.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to close the Ditch Authority meeting at 10:09 a.m. and open the regular meeting.

PUBLIC WORKS

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board and updated them on County Road 8 and informed the board that weather permitting, the shoulder will be completed shortly. Tim informed the board that the newly hired Maintenance worker at the NWA has resigned and now are re-advertising for this position.

AMEND AGENDA

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to amend the Agenda and add Non Bargaining Union Health Insurance.

Union Health Insurance

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and informed the board that there was an inquiry about possible non-union employees going with the Unions non-bargaining Health Insurance. Lorene informed the board that after research with the Union 49er’s representative, all eligible employees would have to be on the insurance and they would all be considered a family policy. After discussion, the board felt that this was not cost effective.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

Commissioner Waibel discussed concerns of Hazardous Materials and what kind of action plan is available at the county level in case of a spill. Commissioner Waibel will discuss this with Emergency Management Director, Jill Olson.

SHERIFF

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board requesting approval to fix the plumbing issues in the holding cell and salaries for Deputy Sheriffs that have been recently hired with the merging of Law Enforcement with the City of Baudette. The consensus of the board was to get the plumbing issues fixed with cost up to $3,000.

Salaries

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve Deputy Sheriff, Nate Hayes job grade at 13, step 5, $23.59 per hour, points 288, effective September 1, 2017.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve Part-time Deputy Sheriff, Jeff Poolman job grade at 12, step 4, at $21.84 per hour, points 282, effective September 1, 2017.

DNR GRANT

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board requesting approval to enter into a Grant Contract for Off-Highway Vehicle Safety Enforcement Grant with the State of Minnesota.

Resolution

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

Resolution 17-09-01

WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota, acting through its Commissioner of Natural Resource (“STATE”) and Lake of the Woods County (Grantee), under MN Stat. § 84.024 the State is empowered to enter into this grant;

WHEREAS, the State, under Laws of Minnesota 2017 Chapter 93, Section 3, Subdivision 6, is authorized to provide reimbursement grants to counties to cover cost related to labor and equipment in the enforcement of off highway vehicle laws, rules and regulations, as well as holding staff training in the same, and providing local youth training classes, in the manner described in the Grantee’s proposed Budget;

WHEREAS, the Grantee represents that it is duly qualified and agrees to perform all services described in this grant agreement to the satisfaction of the State; pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 16B.98, Subdivision 1, the Grantee agrees to minimize administrative costs as a condition of the grant;

WHEREAS, the term of grant agreement is effective August 14, 2017, or the date the state obtains all required signatures under Minnesota Statute § 16B.98, subdivision 5, whichever is later. Per, Minn.Stat.§16B.98, Subdivision 7, no payments will be made to the Grantee until this grant contract is fully executed. The Grantee must no begin work under this grant contact until this contract is fully executed and the Grantee has been notified by the State’s Authorized Representative to begin the work, and this grant expires June 30, 2019, or until all obligations have been satisfactorily fulfilled, whichever occurs first;

WHEREAS, Grantee will be reimbursed once annually for eligible OHV Safety Enforcement Grants, including one or more of the following:

• Grantee staff time to participate in OHV/ATV activities, including attendance at training classes, also holding local safety training education programs for local riders. Training for  grantee staff working to enforce any OHV related law, rule or regulation is MANDATORY
• Purchase of ATV’s for use In patrolling;
• ATV maintenance, fuel and enforcement related costs;
• Trailers, trailer maintenance and repair (no cost related to towing vehicle repair);
• Helmets and other related protective gear (no standard uniforms or equipment);
• Other equipment dedicated solely to Off Highway Vehicle Enforcement Work;
• Submit Annul Performance Reports and Reimbursement Request for each year;
• Post on the Grantee’s website, a copy of the two page performance report, in accordance with the 2009 Laws of Minnesota, Chapter 37, Article 1, Section 4, and Subdivision 1.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Grantee will be reimbursed up to $9,900.00 in state fiscal year 2018 for expenses incurred between the effective date of the grant and June 30, 2018, and $9,900.00 in fiscal year 2019, for expenses incurred between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019, as determined by the grant funding formula, total obligation of the State for all compensation and reimbursements to the Grantee under this grant agreement will not exceed $19,980.00;

SMALL CITIES DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Rusty Madoll met with the board to discuss the Small Cities Development grant that his Uncle had on his property, which Rusty purchased. The board discussed the grant agreement of re-payment which the previous owner had entered in. County Attorney will review and make recommendation to the board.

LAKE OF THE WOODS TOURISM UPDATE

Executive Director for Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau, Joe Henry met with the board and updated the board on the past tourism year. He also informed the board that the Tourism Bureau would like to apply to host the International Plowing Competition that will be coming to the USA in 2019. The board stated that they would be willing to sign the letter of intent for hosting this competition.

GREAT NORTHERN TRANSMISSION LINE

Matthew Hagelin, Kyle Larson and Terri Bagwell met with the board and updated them on the Great Northern Transmission Line Project.

TRANE

Maintenance Supervisor, Peder Hovland and Trane Manager Scott Rietsema met with the board to discuss the heating issues within the Social Services Department. Scott informed the board that Trane will sell to the county a boiler for $94,000. County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson requested an itemized bill for the previous work and for the current quote. The County Board requested this itemization be received before payment is made.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to purchase the boiler from Trane in the amount of $94,000, which includes installation, from the Building Fund.

RECESS

With no further business before the County Board, Chairman Nordlof called the regular County Board meeting to recess at 1:00 p.m.

Attest:                                                                          Approved September 26, 2017

___________________________________              _____________________________________

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