Commissioners’ Proceedings

Organizational Meeting

January 2, 2007

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in organizational session on January 2, 2007 in the Commissioners’ Room of the Lake of the Woods County Government Centerwith the following members present: Commissioner Arnesen, Todd Beckel, Patty Beckel , Bredeson and Moorman.  Also present were: John Oren, County Auditor John W. Hoscheid , County Recorder Sue Ney and Deputy Auditor Janet Rudd. County Auditor John W. Hoscheid called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

County Recorder , Susan Ney administered the Oath of Office to Commissioners Todd Beckel and Ken Moorman.

County Auditor John W. Hoscheid called for nominations for Chairman of the County Board for the year 2007.  Commissioner Patty Beckel nominated Commissioner Todd Beckel with Commissioner Moorman seconding the nomination.  Commissioner Bredeson nominated Commissioner Arnesen for Chairman. Motion died for a lack of a second.  County Auditor called for nominations two more times.  County Auditor closed the nominations for Chair and called for a roll call for Commissioner Todd Beckel for Chairman.  Roll called carried as follows: All in favor: Commissioners Bredeson, Patty Beckel, Moorman, Arnesen and Todd Beckel.  Commissioner Todd Beckel assumed the position of the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners for 2007.

Chairman Todd Beckel called for nominations for the position of Vice-Chairman for the year 2007.  Commissioner Arnesen nominated Commissioner Bredeson for Vice-Chairman for the County Board with Commissioner Patty Beckel seconding the nomination. Chairman Todd Beckel called for nominations two more times. Chairman Todd Beckel closed the nominations for Vice-Chairman and called for roll call for Commissioner Bredeson for Vice-Chairman.  Roll call carried as follows:  All in favor:  Commissioners Arnesen, Patty Beckel, Moorman, Bredeson and Todd Beckel.  Commissioner Bredeson assumed the position of Vice-Chairman of the Board of County Commissioner for 2007.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to approve the agenda with the following additions:  Department of Administration, Materials Management Division Surplus Services and Oberstar’s “Bill”.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

County Auditor , John W. Hoscheid requested approval for the 2007 mileage rate, resolution establishing minimum salaries for elective offices and approval for signatures for the Materials Management Division Surplus Services.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to set the 2007 mileage rate at the IRS standard rate currently at .485 cents as of January 1, 2007.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was carried.

A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING MINIMUM

SALARIES FOR ELECTIVE OFFICES

Resolution No. 2007-01-01

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

WHEREAS, M.S. 388.18, Subd. 1, et seq., M.S. 384.151, Subd. 1, et seq., M.S. 386.015, Subd. 1, et seq., M.S. 387.20, Subd. 1, et seq., and M.S. 385.373, Subd. 1, et seq. requires the County Board , at the January meeting prior to the first date on which applicants may file for County elective offices, to establish minimum annual salaries to be paid to the respective office holders at the term next following.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the following statutory minimum annual salaries are hereby established for county elective offices for the term beginning in January of the year 2007:

                                    County Attorney :        $6,000

                                    County Auditor :         $6,000

                                    County Recorder :       $6,000

                                    County Sheriff :           $6,000

                                    County Treasurer :       $6,000

Seconded by Commissioner Bredeson and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to approve the signatures of Chairman Todd Beckel, Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen , County Sheriff , Dallas Block , County Auditor , John W. Hoscheid and Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler to sign the Minnesota Department of Administration Surplus Service signature card.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

County Treasurer , Mark Hall met with the board to approve the Official Depositories of county funds for the year 2007.

Motion by Commissioner Patty Beckel to designate the following institutions as Official Depositories of County funds for the year 2007:

1. Wells Fargo, Baudette Branch
2. First Federal Bank, Baudette Branch
3. Border State Bank, Baudette Branch
4. MAGIC Fund (NEW)

Further moved to designate Wells Fargo, Minneapolis as the official safekeeping Institution for Lake of the Woods County .  Seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the committee appointments for 2007:

2007 Committee Appointments

Airport Commission:  Commissioners Patty Beckel and Bredeson.

AMC Ag Task Force: Commissioner Moorman Alternates: Commissioners Patty Beckel , Todd Beckel, Arnesen and Bredeson.

AMC Environmental and Natural Resources: Commissioner Todd Beckel. Alternates: Commissioners Patty Beckel , Arnesen, Moorman and Bredeson.

AMC General Government: Commissioner Bredeson. Alternates: John W. Hoscheid and Commissioners Todd Beckel, Patty Beckel , Moorman, Arnesen.

AMC Human Service: Commissioner Patty Beckel and Nancy Wendler . Alternates: Commissioners Todd Beckel, Arnesen, Moorman and Bredeson.

AMC Transportation and Area Transportation Advisory Board: Commissioner Moorman and Bruce Hasbargen .  Alternates: Commissioners Todd Beckel, Patty Beckel , Arnesen and Bredeson.

Americans with Disabilities:   Phil Miller , Dallas Block , Matt Mickelson, Bruce Hasbargen , Brent Birkeland and John W. Hoscheid .

Beltrami Island Management Trail: Commissioners Moorman and Todd Beckel.

Board of Adjustment: District 1 Buck Webb, District 2-Greg Johnson, District 3-Gerald LeVasseur, District 4 Tom Mio, District 5-Jamie McEnelly.

Border Coalition/ Passport: Commissioners Arnesen and Patty Beckel, Sue Ney and Holly House.

Building Committee:  Commissioners Todd Beckel and Arnesen, Matt Mickelson, Bruce Hasbargen , Brent Birkeland , John W. Hoscheid and Phil Johnson .

Children’s Justice Initiative: Commissioner Todd Beckel.

Community Education Advisory Board: Commissioner Moorman. Alternate Patty Beckel.

Compensation Plan: Commissioners Arnesen and Bredeson, Sue Ney, Bill Sindelir , Robyn Sonstegard and Leslie Pullar .

Comprehensive Land Use Planning Board: Commissioners Arnesen and Bredeson, Wayne Bendickson , Josh Stromlund and John W. Hoscheid .

Continuity of Operation Plan (COOP): Holly House and Commissioners.

Cormorant Committee: Commissioners Todd Beckel and Patty Beckel , Mike Trueman, Paul Arnesen.

County Extension Committee: Commissioners Arnesen and Patty Beckel , John W. Hoscheid, Karen Hanson and Leon Grove.

Department Head Liaison: Commissioners Bredeson and Patty Beckel.

Department Liaisons:  Assessor, Bredeson; Land and Water Planning Office, Arnesen; Attorney, Arnesen; MIS, Patty Beckel; Sheriff, Todd Beckel; Social Services, Todd Beckel;  Recorder, Bredeson; Highway, Moorman; Treasurer, Moorman; Auditor, Moorman; Emergency Management, Patty Beckel; H/R, Bredeson.                        .

Economic Development Committee:  Commissioners Patty Beckel and Bredeson.

Enhanced 911 Committee: Commissioners Todd Beckel and Arnesen, Brent Birkeland , Dallas Block , Holly House and other local appointees.

GIZIIBII-RC&D: Commissioner Patty Beckel, Marshall Nelson and member at large George Swentik .

Grievance Committee: Commissioners Moorman and Bredeson, Sue Ney and Dale Boretski .

Headwaters Housing Development Commission: Commissioners Moorman and Bredeson.

Headwaters Regional Development Commission: Commissioners Moorman and Bredeson.

Headwaters Regional Finance Corporation: Commissioners Moorman and Bredeson.

Information Systems/Technology Committee: Brent Birkeland , Commissioners Todd and Patty Beckel , Josh Stromlund , Bruce Hasbargen and John W. Hoscheid .

Insurance Committee: Commissioner Bredeson and Arnesen, John W. Hoscheid , Nancy Wendler , Lorene Hanson , Brent Birkeland and Jim Walton.

Joint Powers Natural Resources Board:  Commissioners Todd Beckel and Moorman, Wayne Bendickson .

Labor/Management Committee: Commissioners Arnesen and Todd Beckel. Alternate Commissioner Patty Beckel .           

Lake of the Woods County Children and Families Collaborative: Commissioner Todd Beckel.

Law Library:  Commissioner Todd Beckel, Phil Miller and Brent Birkeland .

Lutheran Social Service Board: Commissioner Bredeson and Nancy Wendler . Alternate Commissioner Patty Beckel .

Minnesota Counties Computer Co-op: Brent Birkeland , Delegate #1-John W. Hoscheid, Delegate #2- Dale Boretski .

Minnesota Counties Insurance Trust: John W. Hoscheid . Alternate Commissioner Patty Beckel .

Minnesota Rural Counties Caucus: Commissioner Todd Beckel. Alternates: Commissioners Patty Beckel, Moorman, Arnesen, and Bredeson.

Motor Pool Committee: Commissioners Patty Beckel and Bredeson,  John W. Hoscheid , Nancy Wendler , Wayne Bendickson , Josh Stromlund and Bruce Hasbargen . 

North Country Board of Health:  Commissioner Bredeson (term expires 12/31/09) and Jan Olson (term expires 12/31/09) these are three-year terms (appointed in 2007).

North Country Community Health Services Advisory Committee:  Commissioner Bredeson (term expires 12/31/08- appointed 2007) and Jan Olson (term expires 12/31/07- appointed 2006).  These are two-year terms.

Northern Counties Land Use Coordinating Board: Commissioners Todd Beckel, Bredeson and Josh Stromlund .

Northwest Board of Aging: Commissioner Moorman and Nancy Wendler .  Alternate Commissioner Bredeson.

Northwest Community Action:  Commissioner Arnesen. Alternate Ken Moorman.

Northwest Minnesota Juvenile Center Board:  Commissioner Patty Beckel (term expires 12/31/09- re-appointed in 2007).  This is a four-year term.

Nuisance Ordinance Committee: Commissioner Bredeson and Patty Beckel , Dallas Block , Michelle Brown, Rick Rone , Nancy Jewell and Josh Stromlund .

Nursing Service Advisory Board: Commissioner Bredeson.

Park Commission: Commissioners Moorman and Patty Beckel , Bruce Hasbargen . Alternate Commissioner Bredeson.

Personnel Committee: Commissioners Patty Beckel and Bredeson, Dallas Block , Sue Ney, Ron Norquist, Amy Ballard and Bill Sindelir .

Rainy Rapid River Board: Commissioners Moorman and Bredeson, Josh Stromlund and Steve Sindelir .

Red River Valley Development Association:  Commissioner Moorman and Ken Horntvedt.

Solid Waste Committee/Household Waste:   Commissioners Patty Beckel (as the (NWMNHHW representative for the Joint Powers Agreement) and Arnesen, Bruce Hasbargen , John W. Hoscheid , Wayne Bendickson and Tina Rennemo.

Subdivision Controls Committee: Commissioners Patty Beckel and Bredeson, Josh Stromlund , Wayne Bendickson , Sue Ney and Brent Birkeland .

System for Accountable Time Keeping:  Commissioners Patty Beckel and Bredeson, Lorene Hanson , Robyn Sonstegard , Joel Hanson and Jim Walton.

Township Road and Trails: Commissioners Todd Beckel and Bredeson, Bruce Hasbargen , Ron Norquist, Josh Stromlund , Brent Birkeland and Dan Crompton.

Tribal Lands:  Commissioner Arnesen and Beckel.

Vets Service:   Commissioners Arnesen and Bredeson, Legion Commander or Delegate, VFW Commander or Delegate.

Wetlands, Soil, and Water Committee: Commissioners Todd Beckel, Bredeson, and Josh Stromlund .

Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

The meeting was called to recess at 10:22 a.m. and reconvened at 10:25 a.m. as follows:

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to approve the 2007 County Board meeting dates as follows:

County Board meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 9:00 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Room of the County Government Center in Baudette, Minnesota unless otherwise noted below:

Below are the dates and times of the regular County Board meetings for 2007:

DATE                         TIME                                     DATE                         TIME

January 9, 2007             9:00 a.m.                               July 10, 2007               9:00 a.m.

January 23, 2007           9:00 a.m.                               July 24, 2007               9:00 a.m.

February 13, 2007         9:00 a.m.                              

February 27, 2007         9:00 a.m.                               August 14, 2007         9:00 a.m.

(Lake of the Woods School)                                                                          

                                                                                    August 21, 2007         10:00 a.m.

                                                                                    (NWA)

                                                                                    August 28, 2007         9:00 a.m.

March  13,   2007        9:00 a.m.                                September 11, 2007    6:00 p.m.

March  20,   2007        10:00 a.m.                               September 25, 2007    9:00 a.m.

(NWA)

March 27,    2007        9:00 a.m.

April 10,      2007        9:00 a.m.                                October  9, 2007         9:00 a.m.

April 24,     2007         9:00 a.m.                                October 23, 2007        9:00 a.m.

May 8,       2007          9:00 a.m.                                November 13, 2007    9:00 a.m.

May 22, 2007              9:00 a.m.                                November 27, 2007    9:00 a.m.

June 12, 2007              9:00 a.m.                                December 11, 2007     9:00 a.m.

June 26, 2007              9:00 a.m.                                December 18  2007     9:00 a.m.

                                                                                    December 31, 2007     9:00 a.m. 

Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

The Commissioners decided to have an informal union discussion in January or February.

Chairman Todd Beckel called for the bid opening of the Official Legal Newspaper for the year 2007.

Motion by Commissioner Arnesen to designate the Northern Light as the Official Legal Newspaper of the County for 2007 and award the bid for the first publication of the annual financial statement to the Northern Light and the second publication of the annual financial statement to the Baudette Region. The delinquent tax list and all other legal publishing to the Northern Light.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

With no further business before the board, Chairman Todd Beckel called the meeting to recess at 11:14 a.m.

Attest:                                                             Approved:       January 9, 2007

____________________________                ___________________________

John W. Hoscheid , County Auditor                Todd Beckel, Chairman

Commissioner Proceedings

January 9, 2007

The Lake of the Woods County Board met in regular session on Tuesday, January 9, 2007, in the Commissioners’ Room in the Lake of the Woods County Government Center with the following members present:  Commissioners Patty Beckel, Todd Beckel, Moorman, Arnesen and Bredeson.  Also present was, Deputy Auditor Janet Rudd, Penny Mio Hirst, John Oren, Carlie Waibel and Jennifer Blodgett. Chairman Todd Beckel called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to approve the agenda with the following addition:  Strategic Planning.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the minutes of January 2, 2007.  Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Lake of the Woods High School Senior representative Carlie Waibel and Jennifer Blodgett met with the board requesting funding for the “Senior Trip to the State Capital”.  The class has been studying the United States government and now wants to see it in action, as they will observe the legislative session.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to contribute $1,500 toward the Lake of the Woods 2007 Senior Class to visit the state Capitol with the funding from the Economic Development fund.  Seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Commissioner Arnesen suggested appointing Nick Painovich to the Cormorant Committee.  The board agreed and added Nick to the committee.

Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler met with the board and requested approval  to take the Mental Health Case Aid  and Social Worker off probation and give them a step increase, approval to purchase a vehicle for the Social Services Department that has been  budgeted for 2007 and approve claims.

Motion by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the claims against the county as follows:

Commissioner warrants           $10,660.88

Seconded by Commissioner Bredeson and the same being put to  a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to certify the completion of the probation period for the Mental Health Case Aid; approve the satisfactory performance review as recommended by the Department Head, and move this position from Step 1 to Step 2 according to the Compensation Plan effective January 5, 2007. Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

The board requested that Nancy bring back the Social Worker request on the January 23, 2007 meeting after the probationary period ends.

Motion by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler to purchase a vehicle for the Social Services Department as budgeted for 2007. Seconded by Commissioner Bredeson and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen met with the board to request approval to attend the National Association of County Engineers’ Annual meeting, approve to advertise for bids for construction projects, purchase of pressure washer and Versahandler, Resolution of support for CSAH 10- ton routes, approval of final payment for S.A.P 39-622-05, request for updating Solid Waste Ordinances and discuss the policy of bidding process.

Motion by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize the Public Works Director to attend the National Association of County Engineers’ Annual Meeting and Management & Technical Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin , April 22-26, 2007.  Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to authorize the Public Works Director to advertise for bids for the construction of SAP 39-601-26, Bituminous Overlay; SAP 39-639-02, Bituminous Overlay; SAP 39-623-03, Bituminous Overlay;  SAP 39-626-04, Bituminous Overlay; SP 39-598-35, Replacement of Bridge L8948 on Township Road 177; SP 39-598-52, Replacement of Bridge L9254 on Township Road 57; Replacement of Bridge 93740 on Township Road 56; Replacement of Bridge R0182 on Township Road 58; and Replacement of Bridge L2571 on Township Road 105, and to allow the bid opening dates to be set as needed.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize the Public Works Director to purchase a pressure washer for the Solid Waste Department at an approximate cost of $4,000.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to authorize the Public Works Director to advertise for bids for the purchase of a versahandler for the Solid Waste Department as budgeted.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

The following resolution was proposed by Commissioner Bredeson and moved for adoption:

Resolution No. 07-01-01

Designation of Ten-Ton Routes

WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute 169.832 provides for weight limitations on designated routes; and

WHEREAS, Subdivision 11 provides that any designation of a route, other than a trunk highway route, is subject to the approval of the local authority; and

WHEREAS, Per Subdivision 11a, Lake of the Woods County is the local government authority having jurisdiction over county roads;

THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED, That Lake of the Woods County hereby designates the following routes as 10-ton routes, except when posted for spring road restrictions or otherwise:

            CSAH 1, from CR 86 to TH 72;

            CSAH 1, from CR 86 to CSAH 3;

            CSAH 3, from CSAH 1 to TH 11;

            CSAH 2, from CSAH 3 to TH 11;

            CSAH 3, from CSAH 2 to CSAH 6;

            CSAH 6, from CSAH 3 to TH 11;

            CSAH 6, from TH 11 to TH 172;

            CSAH 2, from TH 11 to CR 292;

            CSAH 8, from CSAH 17 to TH 172;

            CSAH 17; from TH 11 to CR 356;

            CSAH 11; from CSAH 17 to CSAH 2;

            CSAH 16; from CSAH 1 to TH 72.

            CSAH 35; from CSAH 1 to TH 11.

Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Patty Beckel to accept the County Public Works Director’s Certificate of Performance for S.A.P. 39-622-05 for Christiansen Industrial Developers, Inc. of Bemidji, MN in the total amount of $738,687.37 and hereby authorize final payment of $14,773.75. Seconded by Commissioner Bredeson and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried. 

The board requested that Bruce bring in the Solid Waste Ordinance and highlight the changes he would like to see. The board discussed the policy for bidding process for excavation projects with Bruce Hasbargen, Wayne Carlson and Rex Block.  The board requested that Commissioner Bredeson, Moorman and Bruce get together to discuss the policy of bidding for excavation and bring back a recommendation on how this could improve.

Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board and requested approval for claims, Maximus Contract and lost warrant.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to approve the claims against the county as follows with the exception of claim number 2829:

                                                Revenue                      $131,424.62

                                                Road & Bridge           $  87,742.18

                                                Solid Waste                 $  21,371.63

                                                                                    $243,238.43

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

WARRANTS APPROVED ON  1/09/2007 FOR PAYMENT  1/12/2007

       AMOUNT   VENDOR NAME                                                   AMOUNT   VENDOR NAME

        4168.34 A C S GOVERNMENT                                             3736.00 ASSN OF MN COUNTIES

          686.87 AUTO VALUE                                                           2478.45 CO-OP SERVICES, INC.

          372.75 DODDS LUMBER                                                     2500.00 HEADWATER REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

        1537.03 HOWARD’S OIL COMPANY                                      500.00 MN ASSN OF CO LAND COMM

      66994.01 MN COUNTIES COMPUTER CO-OP                     1472.50 MN COUNTIES INFORMATION SYSTEM

    146108.00 MN COUNTIES INSURANCE TRUST                       702.00 MN STATE SHERIFF’S ASS’N

        1400.00 MN TRANSPORTATION ALLIANCE                          400.00 NATIONAL ASSN-COUNTIES

          484.51 QUILL CORPORATION                                             566.13 RODERICK RONE JR

          315.00 UNIVERSITY MN EXTENSION                                2640.00 VOYAGEURS COMTRONICS, INC

        3093.75 WIDSETH SMITH NOLTING&ASST INC

24 PAYMENTS LESS THAN  $300       3,083.09

FINAL TOTAL    $243,238.43

Further moved to authorize the payment of auditor’s warrants as follows:

                                                December 29, 2006     $  77,199.10

                                                December 30, 2006     $104,219.65

                                                January 4, 2007           $132,689.63

Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to approve the application and affidavit for lost warrant for Larry Gulseth for $8.00 dated March 24, 2005 without furnishing an indemnifying bond.  Seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Patty Beckel to authorize Chairman Todd Beckel to sign the agreement to provide professional consulting service between MAXIMUS, Inc. and Lake of the Woods County for cost allocation plan services.  Seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Chairman Todd Beckel informed the board that Association of Minnesota Counties Executive Director, Jim Mulder will be hear on February 28, 2007 to give training for Strategic Planning.  This will be held at the Ambulance Garage in Baudette.

Motion by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the training session for Strategic Planning.  Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

University of Minnesota Regional Director, Nathan Johnson met with the board to discuss the purchase of a computer for the Extension Program Coordinator. 

Motion by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the purchase of a computer and software for the Extension Program Coordinator up to $1,300 out of the 2007 budget.  Seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Emergency Management, Holly House met with the board to discuss the Avian and Pandemic Influenza Regional Business Symposium, which will be held on January 31, 2007 at the City Center Meeting Room in Roseau, MN .  Holly also informed the board that they will need to work on the Pandemic Priority Service Continuation form.  The board requested that Holly set a time at a regular scheduled board meeting to get this completed with all board members.

Motion by Commissioner Patty Beckel to authorize Emergency Management Director, Holly House to purchase an ID maker with the funding from the Pandemic Flu Grant.  Seconded by Commissioner Bredeson and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

The meeting was called to recess at 10:55 a.m. and moved to the Brink Center to discuss the Senior Nutrition money.  The meeting reconvened at 11:12 a.m. as follows:

Chairman Todd Beckel informed the seniors that the money was placed in a designated account at the county for the “Brink Center’s Use”.  Comments were heard from the floor.

The meeting reconvened at 1:00 p.m. as follows:

Oak Island Landowners Association Chairman Dick Gross met with the board and discussed the following topics:  Property tax control, Zoning, Trails and Fire and Safety.  Dick Gross also informed the board that they would have until May 1, 2007 to inform the association if they would be able, capable or have a desire to meet the needs that he has addressed.  And if not, the association would then support an attempt by local registered voters to reactivate the Angle township and/or apply to Roseau County to accept them if they would secede from Lake of the Woods County .  Other comments were heard from the floor and no board action was taken.

Chairman Todd Beckel discussed the issue of having two plat books.  He mentioned that most counties have only one, and does not feel that Lake of the Woods County needs two. 

Motion by Commissioner Arnesen to form a “Plat Book” Committee consisting of Commissioner Patty Beckel and Bredeson, County Assessor ,Wayne Bendickson and MIS Director, Brent Birkeland to come up with a written  recommendation of what to do with the plat books and also  look into possible advertising in the plat books to defer the cost of the printing.  Seconded by Commissioner Todd Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

The board removed the closed session from the agenda.

Other topics that were discussed with no action were:  Dean Bernard Property, E1/2 of Sec. 1 E1/2 of Sec. 12, T161, R33 to be sold to the DNR; board requesting that US Representative Collin Peterson  meet with the board, requested  a letter be sent to Senator Amy Klobucher addressing the concerns of the OARS phone system and Passport issues that faces Lake of the Woods County and a letter to be sent to DNR Commissioner Mark Holsten addressing the concerns that are arising in the area.

With no further business before the board, Chairman Todd Beckel called the meeting to recess at 2:36 p.m.

Attest:                                                                         Approved:       January 23, 2007

_________________________                                  ___________________________

Janet E. Rudd, Deputy Auditor                                 Todd Beckel, Chairman

Commissioner Proceedings

January 23, 2007

The Lake of the Woods County Board met in regular session on Tuesday, January 23, 2007, in the Commissioners’ Room in the Lake of the Woods County Government Center with the following members present:  Commissioners Patty Beckel, Todd Beckel, Moorman, Arnesen and Bredeson.  Also present was County Auditor , John W. Hoscheid, Deputy Auditor Janet Rudd, Penny Mio Hirst and John Oren.. Chairman Todd Beckel called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to approve the agenda with the following addition:  Closed session at 1:00 p.m., Grant and Aid Trail Permit, Leadership Training, Year end report, Doctor retention, Thank you letter, Plat book, Congratulations of appointment, authorize to advertise and hire Permanent Part-time Office Assistant for the Public Works Department, Oberstar bill, Coast guard, travel for Emergency Management, Holly House and report on course of newly elected officials.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the consent agenda as follows: Travel for Dan Crompton, Joel Hanson and Bill Sindelir to attend the Bituminous Plant Monitor Technical Training on February 8 in Detroit Lakes: Dale Boretski to attend the Department of Revenue Training from February 4-9 in St. Paul: John W. Hoscheid for MCIT meeting on February 8 & 9; Wayne Bendickson to attend Legislative in S. Paul on January 25 and Holly House on January 24-25 for Emergency Management Quarterly meeting in Park Rapids.  Seconded by Commissioner Bredeson and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the December 29, 2006 minutes.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to approve the January 9, 2007 minutes.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler met with the board to request approval of claims, certify Social Worker off probation and request increase, and purchase a SSIS computer rack and to review the 2006 cash balance history.

Motion by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the claims against the county as follows:

Commissioner warrants           $38,231.75

Seconded by Commissioner Bredeson and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize the MIS Director, Brent Birkeland and Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler to purchase a SSIS Computer rack for $2,800.00.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Moorman to certify the completion of the probation period for the Social Worker; approve the satisfactory performance review as recommended by the Department Head, and move this position from Step 1 to Step 2 according to the Compensation Plan, effective January 21, 2007. Seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

The Board congratulated the team in the Social Services Department for the excellent job on the 2006 cash balance increase.

The board acknowledged the letter of thanks from Santa Anonymous Coordinator, Cindy Kroeger and a letter from Vice Chairperson, Kathleen Pochailo from Lake of the Woods Mental Health Local Advisory Council.

Commissioner’s Bredeson and Arnesen informed the board of the tabletop discussion they attended with Congressman Oberstar and others.  Issues of importance were Highway 11, Wetlands and Exotic Species.

Chairman Todd Beckel called the meeting to recess at 9:30 a.m. and opened the Public Hearing as advertised for the citizens input into the development of the Small Cities Grant Application to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.  With no comments from the Public the hearing was closed at the regular meeting was opened at 9:40 a.m. as follows:

County Auditor , John W. Hoscheid met with the board to and requested approval for claims, lost warrant, rescind motion of December 29 2006 meeting, and a motion for a signature on the Grant and Aid Permit.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to approve the claims against the county as follows:

                                                Revenue                      $ 96,847.20

                                                Road & Bridge           $ 14,755.22

                                                Solid Waste                 $ 24,574.63

                                                                                    $136,177.05

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

WARRANTS APPROVED ON  1/23/2007 FOR PAYMENT  1/26/2007

        AMOUNT   VENDOR NAME                                                   AMOUNT   VENDOR NAME

        1940.00 ALPHA CARD SYSTEMS                                         2183.93 CO-OP SERVICES, INC.

        7246.81 CUTLER-MAGNER COMPANY                               3500.00 HOFFMAN, DALE, & SWENSON, PLLC

        1790.00 KOOCHICHING CO. HIGHWAY DEPT                    747.96 LAKE OF THE WOODS FOODS

          313.06 LAKE ROAD DIESEL INC                                          460.00 LAKEWOOD NURSING SERVICE

        1300.00 PAT LECLAIRE ELECTRIC (DBA)                         79346.00 LOW SOIL & WATER CONS. DIST.

        8894.25 MAR-KIT LANDFILL                                                   307.68 MN COUNTIES COMPUTER CO-OP

        2500.00 MN MUNICIPAL UTILITIES ASSOC                          800.00 MN RED RIVER VALLEY DEV. ASS’N

          592.81 JEROME MOLINE                                                       425.00 NAT’L ASSN COUNTY ENGINEERS

        2045.00 NORTH EAST TECHNICAL SERVICE,I                  3844.00 NW MN HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS

          657.26 PITNEY BOWES INC.                                              1391.60 LESLIE PULLAR

        6696.70 R & Q TRUCKING, INC                                             341.37 RODERICK RONE JR

          531.11 TRUE VALUE                                                             567.08 WEST GROUP

        2117.89 WOODY’S SERVICE

47 PAYMENTS LESS THAN  $300       5,637.54

FINAL TOTAL   $136,177.05

Further moved to authorize the payment of auditor’s warrants as follows:

                                                December 30, 2006     $  13,259.87

                                                January 9, 2007           $116,605.41   

                                                January 17, 2007         $  13,144.93

Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the application and affidavit for lost warrant for OSI Education Services, Inc for $91.50 dated July 18, 2006 without furnishing an indemnifying bond.  Seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Todd to rescind the following motion dated December 29, 2006 as follow:

“Motion by Commissioner Todd Beckel to authorize a transfer of funds to the Revenue Fund from the Capital Equipment Debt Service fund; to close out the fund.  Seconded by Commissioner Bredeson and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.”

Seconded by Commissioner Bredeson and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize a transfer of funds from the Equipment Special Revenue Fund to the Capital Equipment Debt Service Fund to close out the Debt Service fund; and to the Revenue Fund to close out the Equipment Special Revenue Fund.  Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

County Auditor , John W. Hoscheid reported the following: Lake of the Woods Aggregate Tax Report for 2006; Ditch 1 financial report.

Bruce Hasbargen recommended that the county create a ditch committee made up of beneficiaries of county Ditch 1 to prioritize projects  they need done.  The board requested that Bruce form a Ditch Committee.

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board along with Attorney Alan Fish, representing Bruce Westman’s for the board’s consideration of his request for a  conditional use permit in Outlot A, Brooks Farm Section 1, T-161N, R32W      as required by the Rainy/Rapid Rivers Shoreland  Management Ordinance and the County Zoning Ordinance to allow the applicant to move in excess of 10 cubic yards of material within the shore impact zone and move in excess of 50 cubic yards of material outside of the shore impact zone of the Rainy River.

Chairman Todd Beckel went through the Findings of Fact and Decision for Bruce Westman’s request for a conditional use permit. Below is the result of The Findings of Fact’s:

(Findings, Fact, and Decision is in accordance with Section 1104 of the Lake of the Woods Zoning Ordinance and Section 3.4 of the Rainy/Rapid Rivers Shoreland Ordinance.)

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners

Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant Bruce Westman represented by Alan Fish     Date January 23, 2007

Project Proposal Applicant is requesting to place in excess of 10 yards of soil in a dry gully to fill the swale to both comply with the DNR Restoration order and to bring it to a level of the surrounding area.  It was ordered restored by the DNR.  A photo of the Court ordering work is enclosed.  The swale makes the lots less useful for development.

1. Is the requested use consistent with maintaining the public health, safety, and welfare?

                                                                                                       YES (  )  NO (X)

Why or why not? Project may create possible drainage problem to applicant’s land and the landowners to the west of proposed project.  There are public accesses available near applicant’s land.

2. Is the requested use consistent with the goal of preventing and controlling water pollution, including sedimentation and nutrient loading?        YES (  ) NO (X)

Why or why not? No erosion control currently established except for a bio log and rip-rap.  Vegetative establishment will decrease sedimentation and nutrient loading to the Rainy River .  As to date no vegetation has been established.

3. Will the requested use not adversely affect the site’s existing topography, drainage features, and vegetative cover?                                                 YES (  )  NO (X)

Why or why not? It will affect existing topography and drainage features on this and adjacent properties.  Vegetative cover has been removed.       

4. Is the requested use’s site location reasonable in relation to any floodplain and/or floodway of rivers or tributaries?                                              YES (  )  NO (X)

Why or why not? The proposed project is adjacent to the Rainy River and this natural drainage way is directly connected.          

5. 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 requested use?

                                                                                                                       YES (X)  NO (  )

Why or why not? Applicant has proposed erosion control measures but has not implemented them as to date.  It is now a fragile site that it has been disturbed.  

6. Is the site in harmony with existing and proposed access roads?      YES (  )  NO (  )

Why or why not? Not applicable.

7. Is the requested use compatible with adjacent land uses?

                   YES (  )  NO (X)

Why or why not? The proposed project will impact adjacent land uses by altering the existing drainage.  Additional drainage will have to be provided if allowed to fill in natural drainage area.           

8. Does the requested use have a reasonable need to be in a shoreland location?

                                                                                                                        YES (X)  NO (  )

Why or why not? Only a small portion of the proposed activity will fall outside the 100’ setback.  The natural drainage area already exists.        

9. Is the amount of liquid waste to be generated reasonable and the proposed sewage disposal system adequate to accommodate such?                          YES (  )  NO (  )

Why or why not? Not applicable.

10. Will the visibility of structures and other facilities as viewed from public waters comply with Section 901 of the Zoning Ordinance or Section 5.3 of the Rainy/Rapid Rivers Shoreland Ordinance?                                 

Why or why not? Not applicable.                                              YES (  ) NO (  )

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

                                                                                                                    YES (  ) NO (  )         

Why or why not? Not applicable.

12. Are the affected public waters suited to and able to safely accommodate the types, uses, and numbers of watercraft that the use will generate?

                                                                                                                                              YES (  ) NO (  )              

Why or why not? Not applicable.

If all answers to the Findings of Fact-Criteria are “Yes” by a majority vote, 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/denial are as follows:  Applicant is allowed to re-submit a new plan after discussion with neighbors on an agreeable solution within one (1) year with no fee.

Approved  (  )       Denied  (X)

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to deny the request of the Conditional Use Permit for Bruce Westman in Outlot A, Brooks Farm Section 1, T-161N, R32W as required by the Rainy/Rapid Rivers Shoreland  Management Ordinance and the County Zoning Ordinance to allow the applicant to move in excess of 10 cubic yards of material within the shore impact zone and move in excess of 50 cubic yards of material outside of the shore impact zone of the Rainy River and to waive any fees of a Conditional Use Permit( CUP). The applicant will be  allowed to submit a new plan after discussion with neighbors on an agreeable solution within one (1) year with no fee. Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried. 

The meeting was called to recess at 11:00 a.m. and reconvened at 11:05 a.m. as follows:

Bill Haggerty and Tom Pueringer met with the board and informed them that they have a purchase agreement with  Lake of Woods Campground and of their intent to turn it into a Co-op ownership under Minn. Stat. § 515.b.

County Sheriff, Dallas Block met with the board requesting approval to purchase a vehicle from Elk River Ford for a 2007 Dodge Charger Police Vehicle in the amount of $20,748.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to authorize County Sheriff , Dallas Block to purchase a 2007 Dodge Charger from Elk River Ford for $20,748.  Seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Compensation Committee Chair, Sue Ney met with the board to discuss the recommendation for the placing of the position of the Permanent Part-time Office Assistant for the Public Works Department on the Compensation Plan.

Motion by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the recommendation from the Compensation Plan Committee to place the position of Permanent Part-time Office Assistant for the Public Works Department on the compensation plan structure as a grade six (6).  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen met with the board requesting approval to advertise and hire for the Permanent Part-time Office Assistant for his department.  The board requested that he come back later with a new motion to include a limit amount of hours.

County Auditor , John W. Hoscheid met with the board and requested a motion for signatures for the Grant-In-Aid Trail Permit.

Motion by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize Chairman Todd Beckel and County Auditor , John W. Hoscheid to sign the Grant-In-Aid Trail Permit No. 144-17-1301. Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

The board discussed and requested that John send out a letter to the School Board and City Council members inviting them to join in the Leadership Training that will be held on February 28, and also requested a letter to be sent to all Department Heads that this is a  mandatory training. The board also requested that John send a thank-you letter to people that were involved in the “Baudette Bay Hockey Classic” which, was held on January 20, 2007.

The board discussed the 2006-year end budget. The board will set a date in the future to meet with the individual departments.

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen and Human Resource Director, Leslie Puller met with the board and requested approval of the Permanent Part-time Office Assistant for the Public Works Department.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to authorize the Public Works Director to fill the vacant Permanent Part-time Office Assistant position and to advertise the same with a limit of 1,400 hours as budgeted. Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

The meeting was called to recess at 11:58 a.m. and reconvened at 1:00 p.m. as follows:

County Attorney Philip Miller and Human Resource Director, Leslie Pullar met with the board.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to go into a closed session at 1:05 p.m. pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 13D.05, subd. 2 (b) “preliminary consideration of allegations or charges against an individual subject to its authority”.  Seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

The meeting was called to open session at 1:45 p.m. as follows:

The determination of the county board, during the closed session, was that no further investigation was necessary.

Emergency Management Director, Holly House met with the board to help plan the County Commissioners ’ Service Continuation Plan in the event of an Influenza Pandemic.

At 2:05 p.m., Commissioner Arnesen excused himself from the meeting due to other obligations.

Deputy Auditor, Dale Boretski, Land, and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board to discuss the imaging of the Ditch 1 & 2 files with the possibility of a challenge grant.  The consensus of the board was for Dale and Josh to look into the options that are available for the imaging process of these documents.

County Attorney , Philip Miller met with the board to discuss the request from Chairman Todd Beckel for the “Recruitment Bonus Contract”.  The consensus of the board was that the intent of the motion dated September 13, 2005 was that the Doctor’s and Nurse Practitioners were to full-fill the full four years or they would have to pay back the principal amount that they received.

Commissioner Bredeson informed the board that the Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Transportation is considering the need to continue to operate or invest in the North American Long Range Aids to Navigation system beyond fiscal year 2007. Future investments decisions might include:  Decommissioning the LORAN-C system, maintaining the LORAN-C system as currently configured, or developing a fully deployed Enhanced LORAN (eLORAN) system.  Contributing factors to these decisions are  (1) whether the Global Position System (GPS) and their available back-up systems are adequate for the public’s navigation, thus making the  LORAN-C system redundant, and (2) whether the eLORAN investments made to date provide enhancements that now merit consideration as a complementary capability to GPS, and not merely as a GPS back-up They are seeking public input on the various decisions until February 7, 2007.

Motion by Commissioner Patty Beckel to authorize Commissioner Bredeson to send a letter of support on line for the eLORAN system.  Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Commissioner Moorman reported that he attended the Association of Minnesota Counties Conference for newly elected officials, which he felt, was very rewarding and educational.

Commissioner Bredeson informed the board that maybe there may be some funding for purchasing new fuel trucks for the Baudette Airport with funding from the State Capital Improvement Fund.

Commissioner’s Patty Beckel and Bredeson informed the board on the Plat Committee meeting they held with County Assessor , Wayne Bendickson and MIS Director, Brent Birkeland . The committee’s recommendation at this time was to sell the plat books that were just ordered. They also informed the board that the System for Accountability Time Keeping Committee met and the consensus of the committee was that there is no need for an electronic time clock. Time sheets are in place and are approved by each Department Head.

The board congratulated County Auditor , John W. Hoscheid on his appointment to the Minnesota Counties Insurance Trust Board of Directors.

With no further business before the board, Chairman Todd Beckel called the meeting to recess at 3:15 p.m.

Attest:                                                                         Approved:   February 13, 2007

_____________________________                          ___________________________

John W. Hoscheid, County Auditor                            Todd Beckel, Chairman