TIME TAB
9:00 a.m. #1 Pledge to the Flag
Approve Agenda
9:05 a.m. #2 County Engineer
9:10 a.m. #3 COVID-19 Update
10:00 a.m. #4 Other Areas of Concern
Below is the information to attend either by the web or by phone
or
Dial in: 1-408-418-9388
Access Code 627433446
TIME TAB
9:00 a.m. #1 Pledge to the Flag
Approve Agenda
Approve Minutes of March 24, 2020
Approve Minutes of March 31, 2020
Approve Minutes of April 3, 2020
Approve Minutes of April 7, 2020
9:05 a.m. #2 Social Services
9:10 a.m. #3 County Auditor/Treasurer
9:25 a.m. #4 County Highway/Landfill
9:35 a.m. #5 Sheriff
9:40 a.m. #6 COVID-19
Correspondence:
Old/New Business
Below is the information to attend either by the web or by phone
or Dial in: 1-408-418-9388 Access Code 627433446
Commissioner Proceedings
The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met for a special meeting on Friday, April 3, 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 1:00 p.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Jon Waibel, Joe Grund, and Cody Hasbargen. Present by phone were: Commissioners: Buck Nordlof and Ed Arnesen. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, County Attorney James Austad, and Mike Hovde.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the agenda. For: Commissioner: Ed Arnesen, Joe Grund, Cody Hasbargen, Buck Nordlof and Jon Waibel; Against: None
COVID-19
Accesses
Resolution
The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried as follows: For: Commissioner: Ed Arnesen, Joe Grund, Cody Hasbargen, Buck Nordlof and Jon Waibel; Against: None.
RESOLUTION
PROTECTING ALL CITIZENS
COVID-19
RESOLUTION NO. 20-04-01
WHEREAS; Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s office has issued a reminder that the exemption to the Stay at Home order allowing outdoor recreation isn’t a blank check to travel; and
WHEREAS; MN State officials say the spirit of the “Stay-at-Home” order is that people not travel outside their communities for recreation, even if the letter of the law doesn’t state that. That means don’t get on the highway and drive across the state or the country to go fishing; and
WHEREAS; Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) officials have started using the term “community” to describe where people should be outdoors during the order, as in “only in your own community”. DNR conservation officers have been using the term and DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen posted it on social media; and
WHEREAS; “The bottom line is this: Folks have to use common sense on what is close to home,’’ said Kim Pleticha, Assistant Communications Director for the DNR. “This is hard on everyone. All Minnesotans have cherished outdoor traditions, but those traditions are going to have to be on hold right now.”; and
WHEREAS; “To save lives, we need as many Minnesotans to stay at home as possible. The exemptions are meant to be narrow and allow for the continuation of critical health and safety functions. Although the executive order doesn’t prohibit traveling for outdoor recreation, the Governor strongly urges all Minnesotans to stay close to their primary residences,” the statement noted. “If people do go out, they are asked to maintain strict social distancing. Staying home helps protect your neighbors from spreading COVID-19 and also avoids crowding rural medical facilities. Avoiding this kind of travel makes us all safer and healthier.”
WHEREAS; Several Minnesota and Wisconsin counties have already taken action urging usually cherished tourists and part-time residents to stay away until COVID-19 passes, saying residents don’t want to be exposed and noting their small-town medical resources are ill-equipped to handle a major outbreak of disease.
WHEREAS; Lake of the Woods County of Commissioners requests all citizens to follow Governor Walz’s “Stay-at Home” order to keep our local citizens and the general public healthy; and
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED; Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners, in following Governor Walz’s order and Minnesota Administrative Rules No. 6110.3700, Subpart 9, are closing surface waters in front of all public accesses to Lake of the Woods and Rainy River including Wheelers Point (150’W x 30’D) and Wabanica (30’W x 20’D), effective Friday, April 3, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. until Tuesday, April 14, 2020, at 11:59 p.m., and will be addressed at weekly COVID-19 meetings.
Commissioners: Ed Arnesen, Joe Grund, Cody Hasbargen, Buck Nordlof, Jon Waibel
RECESS
With no further business before the board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 1:25 p.m.
Attest: April 14, 2020
__________________________________ _________________________________
County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chairman of the Board, Jon Waibel
=============================================================================================================================================================================================================================================
Commissioner Proceedings
April 7, 2020
The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met for a special meeting on Tuesday, April 7, 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: Jon Waibel, Buck Nordlof and Cody Hasbargen. Present by phone were: Commissioners: Ed Arnesen and Joe Grund. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, County Attorney James Austad, County Sheriff Gary Fish, Emergency Management Director Jill Hasbargen-Olson, County Engineer AJ Pirkl, and Mike Hovde.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the agenda. For: Commissioner: Ed Arnesen, Joe Grund, Cody Hasbargen, Buck Nordlof and Jon Waibel; Against: None
COUNTY ENGINEER
Approval of Bids
SAP 039-631-005 CSAH 31 to KGM $613,741.65
Bostic/JD 28 to Wright Construction $226,115.50
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the bids for CSAH 31 to KGM with a bid of $613,741.65 and for Bostic/Judicial Ditch 28 to Wright Construction with a bid of $226,115.50. For: Commissioner: Ed Arnesen, Joe Grund, Cody Hasbargen, Buck Nordlof and Jon Waibel;
Against: None
COVID-19 UPDATE
County:
Emergency Management Update
No new updates. County employees can continue to work on FEMA ICS classes.
Sheriff
No new updates.
Fishing/Guiding/Lodging Services
The Board is in communication with the Governor’s Office about questions from constituents regarding offering services during the stay-at-home order. Lodging facilities are asking if they can rent rooms to fisherman and some fishing guides would like to start their operations.
Property Taxes
The Board discussed property taxes and are waiting to see if the state will be addressing property taxes statewide. Add property taxes to next board meeting agenda.
Motor Vehicle
Motor Vehicle services are now considered essential and the county can assist customers by mail and through the drop box. Renewals will be mailed to the customer. Driver’s License services will remain closed.
Proposed Law Enforcement Center
The Department of Corrections will be reviewing project delays/extensions due to COVID-19 on a case by case basis, no need to submit a letter at this time.
RECESS
With no further business before the board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 9:20 a.m.
Attest: April 14, 2020
__________________________________ _________________________________County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chairman of the Board, Jon Waibel
=============================================================================================================================================================================================================================================
Commissioner Proceedings
April 21, 2020
The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met for a special meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 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: Jon Waibel, Buck Nordlof, Cody Hasbargen, Ed Arnesen and Joe Grund. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, County Attorney James Austad, Emergency Management Director Jill Hasbargen-Olson, and Mike Hovde.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the addition of tourism under the emergency management update.
COUNTY ENGINEER
Approval to Request Quotes
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the County Engineer request to get quotes for gravel in the southern part of the county.
COVID-19 UPDATE
Emergency Management Update
Public Health/CHI LakeWood Health
A COVID-19 update from CHI LakeWood Health was provided by Kay M. Schell, Public Health Manager, and Jenny Loughrey, Infection Control and Employee Health Coordinator, via conference call.
Schell commented on how businesses have ramped up cleaning procedures and some are installing plexiglass at their counters. Schell continues to work on policies for COVID-19 and attends meetings to stay updated on the latest COVID-19 information.
Loughrey shared that a universal masking protocol and screening process is in place at CHI LakeWood Health. She thanked the community for donations of alternative face masks. A survey, by the Minnesota Department of Health, to monitor processes for COVID-19 in long-term care was conducted at CHI LakeWood Health and no deficiencies were received.
County
Tourism
Commissioner Ed Arnesen talked about how to open up tourism safely and the need to have a proactive response. Jill Hasbargen-Olson said that the next emergency management stakeholders meeting will be on Thursday at 4 pm and invited the tourism board to attend via WebEx. Meeting information will be sent to Joe Henry. Schell encouraged the tourism board to reach out to herself, Loughrey and Hasbargen-Olson for resources or training needs.
Accesses
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the opening of all County controlled Right of Ways that provide access along the Rainy River effective Tuesday, April 21, 2020.
Property Taxes
County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson provided the Board with examples of strategies that counties are implementing or considering regarding property taxes. The County does not have the authority to change property tax due dates. It was requested that property taxes be put on the agenda for the next regular board meeting.
OTHER AREAS OF CONCERN
Landfill
Ted Furbish is working on spring organization at the landfill and communicated that the landfill will be closed to the public on Wednesdays until further notice. The landfill is open on Saturday for contractors by appointment only. Other dates and hours of operation will continue as previously listed. The recycle trailer will be removed for a short time. The grinder should be delivered by the middle or end of May.
Northern Light Region
Mike Hovde, from the Northern Light Region, questioned a change made to when the state-owned public accesses would open. Also discussed updates from Hospitality Minnesota, which helped to simplify the executive order by the governor in relation to lodging and tourism.
Courts
County Attorney, James Austad, has been in meetings with district court administrators and they are working on a process to reopen courtrooms. Austad will keep the Board updated on the plan.
Add to Agenda
Commissioner Ed Arnesen would like future county spending and website updates added to the next board meeting agenda.
RECESS
With no further business before the Board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 9:49 a.m.
Attest: April 28, 2020
__________________________________ _________________________________
County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chairman of the Board, Jon Waibel
Commissioner Proceedings
April 28, 2020
The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, April 28 2020 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Jon Waibel called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Joe Grund, Jon Waibel, Buck Nordlof, Cody Hasbargen and Ed Arnesen. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Emergency Management Director Jill Hasbargen-Olson, County Attorney James Austad and Mike Hovde.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the agenda.
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 April 14, 2020 and April 21, 2020.
SOCIAL SERVICES
Claims
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrant’s $6,982.47, Commissioners Warrant’s $3,104.61, Commissioners Warrant’s $21,865.91.
AUDITOR/TREASURER
Claims
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $66,450.46; Road & Bridge $53,670.47; Solid Waste $17,142.03;
WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION
Warrants Approved On 4/28/2020 For Payment 4/30/2020
Vendor Name Amount
Allstates Pavement Recycling & Stab. Inc 10,366.00
Avenu Insights & Analytics 6,311.59
ByteSpeed, LLC 3,844.00
Mar-Kit Landfill 14,595.50
Mike Motors of Minnesota Inc 28,840.00
Minnesota Ui 3,633.90
Northern Light Region 3,586.43
Office Liquidators Inc. 9,881.00
Quadient Finance USA Inc. 3,000.00
Ranger GM 37,045.00
31 Payments less than 2000 16,159.54
Final Total: 137,262.96
Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: April 15, 2020 for 43,754.64; April 22, 2020 for 10,625.47.
Property Tax
Resolution
The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously the following:
RESOLUTION
PROPERTY TAX LATE PAYMENT ABATEMENT
COVID-19
RESOLUTION NO. 20-04-02
WHEREAS; the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners declared Lake of the Woods County in a State of Emergency for the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency effective March 16, 2020, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2019 Chapter 12; and
WHEREAS; the COVID-19 Pandemic Virus is impacting Lake of the Woods County residents and its’ businesses; and
WHEREAS; Lake of the Woods County desires to provide temporary relief to its residents and businesses within the County that have been directly or indirectly impacted by the economic pressures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS; Lake of the Woods County recognizes that due to unemployment, lost or reduced wages and the loss of business income, the timely payment of property taxes will be a major economic pressure for many county property owners and businesses this year; and
WHEREAS; Lake of the Woods County recognizes that not all individual and business property owners may be experiencing financial hardships due to COVID-19, and those who can, are encouraged to pay their property taxes by the due date of May 15, 2020 or as scheduled. This would also include all who utilize escrow payments and Automatic ACH payments (Direct Payment of Property Tax); and
WHEREAS; the Lake of the Woods County Board may, pursuant to Minnesota Statute 279.01, subdivision 2, with the concurrence of the County Treasurer, abate the penalty for late payment of property taxes in the current year; and
WHEREAS; the Lake of the Woods County Board finds that imposing the penalty for late payment of the 2020 current year property taxes that would be imposed between May 16, 2020 and July 15, 2020 would be unjust and unreasonable; and
WHEREAS; the Lake of the Woods County Auditor/Treasurer concurs with the County Board’s findings and its desire to abate the penalty for taxpayers for late payment of the 2020 current year property taxes that would be imposed between May 16, 2020 and July 15, 2020.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners pursuant to Minnesota Statute 279.01, subdivision 2, hereby delegates authority to the County Auditor/Treasurer to abate any penalties for late payments made for the first half of current year 2020 property tax payments due in May 2020, and paid on or before July 15, 2020;
FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners encourages all taxpayers that can pay their property taxes by May 15, 2020 to comply with the due date.
FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners, that this abatement consideration applies only to current year property tax payments originally due in May 2020, but received on or before July 15, 2020, and any taxes paid after July 15, 2020, will revert to the regular penalty schedule.
Snowmobile Trails Assistance Program Resolutions
The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and moved for adoption:
Resolution No. 20-04-04
Sponsorship of Snowmobile Trails Assistance Program
BE IT RESOLVED, that Lake of the Woods County will act as the legal sponsor for an application for funding to the State of Minnesota Department of Natural Resource for NW Angle Islands maintenance of snowmobile trails managed by Northwest Angle Edge Riders Club.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that upon approval of its application by the state, the 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 the agreement.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that County Auditor-Treasurer, Lorene G Hanson is hereby authorized to serve as the fiscal agent for the above referenced project.
The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and moved for adoption:
Resolution No. 20-04-05
Sponsorship of Snowmobile Trails Assistance Program
BE IT RESOLVED, that Lake of the Woods County will act as the legal sponsor for an application for funding to the State of Minnesota Department of Natural Resource for Lake of the Woods Drifters Land and Big Traverse Trails managed by Lake of the Woods Drifters.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that upon approval of its application by the state, the 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 the agreement.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that County Auditor-Treasurer, Lorene G Hanson is hereby authorized to serve as the fiscal agent for the above referenced project
FUTURE COUNTY SPENDING
It was the consensus of the Board that departments visit with the Board before making capital expenditures, even if the item was budgeted for. The Board requested to review Revenue and Expenditure guidelines again.
MIS
Website Update
MIS Director, Peder Hovland, contacted other counties to discuss their websites and vendor recommendations. An updated ADA compliant website could cost $30,000 to $60,000 to build with an additional annual cost of $6,000 to $7,000. A committee with representation from each department will be formed. Commissioners would like MIS to get quotes for the updating of the website.
LAND AND WATER PLANNING
MCIT Sponsoring Entity Resolution
The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and moved for adoption:
RESOLUTION #20-04-03
Sponsorship of Lake of the Woods Watershed Joint Powers Board for Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust Membership
WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County is a member of the Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust; and
WHEREAS, a current member of the Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust must sponsor a new entity for membership; and
WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods Watershed Joint Powers Board desires to become a member for the purposes of obtaining liability, property, and workers compensation coverage.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Lake of the Woods County sponsors Lake of the Woods Watershed Joint Powers Board for membership.
Adopted this 28th day of April, 2020
COUNTY HIGHWAY/LANDFILL
Update County Highway
County Engineer, AJ Pirkl, provided the County Highway update.
An invitation was extended to Lindsay Krause for the U of M student intern position. Krause will start just after Memorial Day.
Pirkl is looking into rental options for a Gradall Excavator. The excavator can travel at highway speed (60 mph) and could increase ditch cleaning capabilities. There are three dealers in Minnesota, the closest being in Virginia. Pirkl will have more information for the next meeting.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to accept and approve the bid for SAP 39-030-003 Bituminous Seal Coat Project to Asphalt Surface Technologies Corporation (ASTECH) for $332,789.35.
Update Landfill
County Engineer, AJ Pirkl, provided the County Landfill Update. The landfill plans to start operating at full-staff after the road restrictions are lifted. Pirkl submitted the landfill expansion and updated ground water monitoring plan to the MCPA last Friday.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Approval of New Radio Console
Jill Hasbargen-Olson, Emergency Management Director, requested approval for the MCC 7500 Dispatch Console. The Emergency Communications Networks (ECN) has agreed to cover 44% of the cost, Hasbargen-Olson is also working with insurance to cover some of the cost due to damage from the lightning strike last summer. The quote was for $380,572 (-$167,451.68 from ECN = $213,120.32). Hasbargen-Olson said that the fire department, ambulance and school buses will be switching to the armor system this summer. County Highway still uses VHF radios. The County Board suggested to move forward but to work with the County Engineer, AJ Pirkl, to get the County Highway onboard at the same time.
Hasbargen-Olson also talked about 911 equipment in dispatch that is nearing end of life, more information on this equipment will be provided at the next meeting. The board requested an update on ongoing expenditures in the 911 budget.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of the MCC 7500 Dispatch Console for Lake of the Woods County at a cost of up to $213,120.00 (after ECN pays 44%).
COVID-19 UPDATE
Jill Hasbargen-Olson, Emergency Management Director, had nothing new to report on the COVID-19 front and no confirmed cases in Lake of the Woods County. ANI Pharmaceuticals was set to present at the next stakeholders meeting on their COVID-19 cleaning procedures and employee protocols. Ryan Zemek from Lake of the Woods Economic Development was also asked to provide information.
Hasbargen-Olson continues to work with public health and reported that the memorandum of understanding has not been received back from the hotels and the arena. She recommended that the County Board review travel and trainings policies for county employees and consider if those will continue, web conferences for future meetings and trainings was encouraged. It was suggested to have the department heads meet to plan for reopening the county buildings. Consider having a masking/screening processes in place for employees and a policy template that each department could complete to plan for social distancing and cleaning. Department heads will be requested to attend the May 5th special COVID-19 meeting.
Hasbargen-Olson will work with the Northern Light Region to include a Thank You to the community for the masks and support during COVID-19.
James Austad, County Attorney, mentioned that Court Administration is having a meeting to continue plans for reopening the courts.
RECESS
With no further business before the Board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 10:48 a.m.
Attest: May 12, 2020
______________________________ _________________________________
County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chairman of the Board, Jon Waibel
TIME TAB
9:00 a.m. #1 Pledge to the Flag
Approve Agenda
Approve Minutes of March 10, 2020
Approve Minutes of March 20, 2020
9:05 a.m. #2 Social Services
9:15 a.m. #3 County Auditor/Treasurer
9:30 a.m. #4 Land and Water Planning
9:40 a.m. #5 County Highway/Landfill
9:55 a.m. #6 Spring Fishing Discussion with Koochiching County
10:20 a.m. #7 COVID-19 Update
Correspondence:
Old/New Business
TIME TAB
9:00 a.m. #1 Pledge to the Flag
Approve Agenda
Approve Minutes of March 16, 2020
9:05 a.m. #2 Declaration of Emergency
9:15 a.m. #3 Courthouse Closure to Public
9:30 a.m. #4 COVID-19 Discussion
10:30 a.m. #5 Other Local Impact
11:00 a.m. #6 Other Areas of Concern
Conference Call on COVID-19 –
Dial-In Number (US): (425) 436-6374
Access Code: 146187#
TIME TAB
9:00 a.m. #1 Pledge to the Flag
Approve Agenda
Approve Minutes of February 25, 2020
9:05 a.m. #2 Social Services
9:15 a.m. #3 County Auditor/Treasurer
9:30 a.m. #4 Land and Water Planning
10:00 a.m. #5 City of Baudette
10:20 a.m. #6 County Highway/Landfill
11:30 a.m. #7 DNR Area Wildlife Managers: Scott Laudenslager & Gretchen Mehmel
12:00 p.m. #8 Landfill Work Session
Correspondence: Lake of the Woods School
Old/New Business
COMMISSIONER PROCEEDINGS
The Lake of the Woods Board of Commissioners met in Special Session on Monday, March 9th, 2020 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioner’s Room.
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. with the following members present: Commissioners: Joe Grund, Cody Hasbargen, Ed Arnesen and Jon Waibel. Also present: Human Resource Director, Savanna Slick and County Attorney, Jim Austad.
NON-ELECTED DEPARTMENT HEAD EVALUATIONS
County Engineer, Anthony Pirkl met with the board to discuss the Public Works Department. No formal evaluation was given as he has been employed less than a year.
County Assessor, Mary Jo Otten met with the board for a performance evaluation. Mary Jo chose to have her review open. County Assessor, Mary Jo Otten, was evaluated and received a favorable review.
Land & Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board for a performance evaluation. Josh chose to have his review open. Land & Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund, was evaluated and received a favorable review.
MIS Director, Peder Hovland met with the board for a performance evaluation. Peder chose to have his review open. MIS Director, Peder Hovland, was evaluated and received a favorable review.
Social Services Director, Amy Ballard met with the board for a performance evaluation. Amy chose to have her review open. Amy Ballard, Social Services Director, was evaluated and received a favorable review.
ELECTED DEPARTMENT HEAD UPDATES
County Sheriff, Gary Fish presented the board with updates from the Lake of the Woods County Sheriff’s Office.
RECESS
With no further business before the board, Chairman Waibel called the meeting to recess at 1:35 p.m.
Attest: March 10, 2020
_________________________________ ____________________________County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chairman of the Board, Jon Waibel
===============================================================================================================================================================================================================================================
Commissioner Proceedings
March 10, 2020
The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, March 10 2020 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Jon Waibel called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Joe Grund, Jon Waibel, Buck Nordlof, Cody Hasbargen and Ed Arnesen. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, County Attorney James Austad, Jaime Boretski-LaValla and Woody Fiala.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Approval of Minutes from 3/09/2020, Sheriff Department – permanent part-time position, Auditor/Treasurer Department – approve new hire, and correspondence from the United States Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service.
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 February 25, 2020.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the official minutes of March 9, 2020.
SOCIAL SERVICES
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 $18,227.54, Commissioners Warrant’s $1,656.81, Commissioners Warrant’s $21,644.98.
Fraud Investigation
Angie Eason, Financial Assistance Supervisor for the Social Services Department, provided an update on the fraud investigation resources available to the County. The County now has access to an official fraud investigator through a collaboration with Beltrami and Clearwater Counties.
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 $36,777.33, Road & Bridge $31,363.06, Social Service $1.99; County Development $200.00; Joint Ditch $360.00, Solid Waste $13,586.15, EDA $409.49, Sales/Forfeited Lands $225.00.
WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION
Warrants Approved On 3/10/2020 For Payment 3/13/2020
Vendor Name Amount
Compudyne, Inc 2,150.00
Howard’s Oil Company 3,160.39
Interstate Engineering Inc 16,112.86
LOW Highway Dept 6,866.25
Mn State Dept-Correction 20,333.17
Powerplan 6,655.16
R & Q Trucking, Inc 3,605.00
63 Payments less than 2000 24,040.19
Final Total: 82,923.02
Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: February 26, 2020 for $233,417.47, February 27, 2020 for $1,000, March 3, 2020 for $162,963.86, March 4, 2020 for $19,104.37.
Approval to Hire
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, to hire Connie Nesmith at grade 11, step 1, $20.33 per hour, points 253, and effective March, 23, 2020.
LAND AND WATER PLANNING
Conditional Use Permit
AT&T; Powder River Development Services LLC
Consideration of Conditional Use Permit #20-02CU by Powder River Development Services, LLC: the NE4NE4 Less Deeded; NW4NE4, Section Nine (9), Range One Hundred Fifty-eight (158) North, Range Thirty-one (31) West – Parcel ID#: 43.09.11.000. Applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit as required by Section 401-C of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance, to operate a commercial communications tower in a Rural Residential District (R2).
No additional comments were heard from the public at this meeting. Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund, reviewed the Findings of Fact with the board and informed the board that the Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions. The specific conditions of approval are as follows: comply with FCC guidelines and rules governing communication towers, comply with FAA guidelines and rules governing communication towers.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried, as follows: In Favor: Commissioners: Ed Arnesen, Cody Hasbargen, Jon Waibel and Buck Nordlof; Against: Commissioner Joe Grund; to approve the Conditional Use Permit, with conditions as noted in the Findings of Fact, Powder River Development Services, LLC to operate a commercial communications tower in a Rural Residential District (R2).
Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners
Findings of Fact and Decision
Name of Applicant: __AT&T; Powder River Development Services LLC Date: _March 10, 2020
Location/Legal Description: The NE ¼ NE ¼ Less Deeded; NW ¼ NE ¼, Section Nine (9), Range One Hundred Fifty-eight (158) North, Range Thirty-one (31) West – Parcel ID#: 43.09.11.000_____
Project Proposal: A Conditional Use Permit, as required by Section 401-C of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance operate a communications tower in a Rural-Residential District (R2). ____
Why or why not? The Lake of the Woods County Board is clear about the type of values important to the county as it develops an approach to managing its land base over the next decade. While those values include a respect for the environment and a desire to maintain the environmental quality that now exists, they also include a desire for local control over the issues that affect the county’s land, and individual choice when it comes to issues of work and leisure. Technological capabilities are ever evolving and a communication tower in this location will expand the individual choice of where to work and recreate.
Future Land Use Plan Goals
The construction of the communication tower will maintain the tax base of the county so quality services can be provided while providing for improved recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
Future Land Use Policies
The construction of the communication tower will maintain the county government’s economic health through the maintenance of its tax base, and the promotion of compatible economic activity. It will enhance the tourism industry in Lake of the Woods County through recreational enhancement and promotion activities.
The goals and policies are focused on the county’s core values: individual choice in the areas of work and leisure, local influence over land use polity that affects the county, balance between individual rights and the public’s welfare and between competing economic development and environmental interests.
2. Is the project proposal consistent with maintaining the public health, safety, and welfare?
YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Why or why not? A communication tower in this location will enhance public safety by allowing for better cell phone reception. This tower will be tied in the FirstNet network which is an initiative to deploy, operate, maintain, and improve the first high-speed nationwide wireless broadband network dedicated to public safety.
3. Is the project proposal consistent with the goal of preventing and controlling water pollution, including sedimentation and nutrient loading? YES ( ) NO ( ) N/A (X)
Why or why not? ______________________________________________________
4. Will the project proposal not adversely affect the site’s existing topography, drainage features, and vegetative cover? YES ( ) NO ( ) N/A (X)
Why or why not? ______________________________________________________
5. Is the project proposal’s site location reasonable in relation to any floodplain and/or floodway of rivers or tributaries? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Why or why not? The site is not location in the floodplain and/or floodway of the Rapid River.
6. Has the erosion potential of the site based upon the degree and direction of slope, soil type and existing vegetative cover been adequately addressed for the project proposal?
YES ( ) NO ( ) N/A (X)
Why or why not? ______________________________________________________
7. Is the site in harmony with existing and proposed access roads? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Why or why not? Access to the site is off of County Road 84 (55th Street SW).
8. Is the project proposal compatible with adjacent land uses? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Why or why not? No change.
9. Does the project proposal have a reasonable need to be in a shoreland location?
YES ( ) NO ( ) N/A (X)
Why or why not? The location is not within the shoreland area of the Rapid River.
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? There will be no liquid waste generated and no sewage disposal system proposed.
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? The tower is not located within the shoreland area of the Rapid River.
12. Is the site adequate for water supply and on-site sewage treatment systems?
YES ( ) NO ( ) N/A (X)
Why or why not? Water supply and on-site sewage treatment system is not proposed.
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? This project has no bearing on public waters.
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? This project has no above or below ground storage tanks proposed.
15. Will there be fencing and/or other screening provided to buffer the project proposal from adjacent properties? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Why or why not? It is required under FCC regulations.
16. If signage is associated with the project proposal, has the applicant demonstrated the need for the number and size requested, and minimized the visual appearance as viewed from adjacent properties to the extent possible? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Why or why not? It is required under FCC regulations.
17. If the project proposal will generate additional traffic to or from the site, has the applicant adequately demonstrated how the additional traffic and parking is to be addressed?
YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Why or why not? Traffic and/or parking will occur on-site. After construction is completed,
the additional traffic is considered minimal for routine maintenance.
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:
2. Comply with FAA guidelines and rules governing communication towers.
Approved as Presented ( ) Approved with Conditions (X) Denied ( )
March 10, 2020 _____________________________________
Date Jon Waibel
Chair, County Board
This is in accordance with Section 1204 of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance.
Conditional Use Permit
An additional conditional use permit to be presented today was tabled by the applicant until next month.
Preliminary Plat
Consideration of Preliminary Plat Common Interest Community #4 A Planned Community Eagle Ridge First Supplement: a 2.26-acre tract in the SE corner of Government Lot Eight (8), Section One (1), Township One Hundred Sixty-seven (167) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West (Oak Island). Applicant is requesting to create six tracts to accompany the existing Sportsman’s Eagle Ridge Common Interest Community #4 as lots for storage purposes only. No comments were heard from the public. Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund, informed the board that the Planning Commission recommended approval. Final plat will be ready in May or June
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the Consideration of Preliminary Plat Common Interest Community #4 A Planned Community Eagle Ridge First Supplement to create six tracts to accompany the existing Sportsman’s Eagle Ridge Common Interest Community #4 as lots for storage purposes only.
CITY OF BAUDETTE
Land Trade
Resolution
The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously the following:
RESOLUTION APPROVING
LAND TRADE with CITY OF BAUDETTE
RESOLUTION NO. 20-03-01
WHEREAS; the Lake of the Woods County Board met on March 10, 2020;
WHEREAS; on said date it was unanimously approved by said board, to approve and authorize the sale of the real estate described below to the City of Baudette, a municipal corporation under the laws of the State of Minnesota;
NOW, THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously approved,
IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, as follows:
Lot Six (6), Block Six (6), in Cathcart’s Addition, Village of Baudette, excepting the West 5 feet of said Lot:
2. That the Lake of the Woods County Board Chair and Lake of the Woods County Auditor are authorized to sign the Warranty Deed on behalf of the County of Lake of the Woods.
Dated this 10th day of March, 2020.
AMEND AGENDA
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the addition of an emergency closed session, per MN Statue 13D.05 Subd. 3B, Attorney/Client Privilege, to the agenda.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting at 10:02 a.m. and open the closed session at 10:02 a.m., pursuant to MN Statute 13D.05 Subd 3B, pending or threatened litigation involving Lake of the Woods County Jail. Members present were: Commissioners: Ed Arnesen, Cody Hasbargen, Joe Grund, Buck Nordlof and Jon Waibel, also present: County Attorney James Austad and County Sheriff Gary Fish.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the closed session at 10:10 a.m. and open the regular meeting.
SHERIFF
Permanent Part-Time Position
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve a permanent part-time Deputy Sheriff position for the Sheriff Department at grade 12, points 282.
COUNTY HIGHWAY/LANDFILL
Part-Time Summer Workers
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the County Highway Department to advertise, interview and hire part-time summer workers – seasonal equipment operators, temp engineer technician and/or light equip operators.
Summer Rental of Mini-Excavator
County Engineer, AJ Pirkl, discussed the possibility of renting a mini-excavator for four months to clean culverts.
Highway Update
AJ Pirkl, County Engineer, provided the County Highway Update. Road restrictions will go on Friday, 3/13/2020. Working on cleaning JD24 and then will go to JD16. Getting quotes on sprayers. Bids went out for JD28/Golf Course, bid opening will be April 1st. Bids going out for sealcoating on Co Rd 3, 14, the school road and school parking lot.
Landfill Update
AJ Pirkl, County Engineer, provided the County Landfill Update. A down payment was made on a 2012 Freightliner, looking into warranty options. The cost will be closer to $35,000, if the warranty is included. It was the consensus of the board to purchase the warranty as well.
Landfill Work Session
A new agreement with MPCA would allow the landfill to expand to the North, providing an additional 21,000 cubic yards of waste space, getting the landfill to the year 2027. New wells and test probes will bring the ground water evaluation cost to about $76,000.
The County is currently hauling 325 tons of solid waste per year from the North West Angle, with an all-in-cost of about $320 per ton to haul. If the hauling destination could change to Steinbach, Manitoba, it could result in 10% savings to the budget.
Tons of solid waste per year at the Graceton landfill is at 3,200, with an all-in cost of about $230 a ton to haul.
A University of Minnesota student will be researching the effects of tourism to communities’ solid waste, emergency management and public safety resources. Lake of the Woods County will be included in this project.
Due to the amount of garbage that came in this January and February, the Landfill is currently over budget.
The County will do a comparison on landfill solid waste costs with Koochiching County.
DNR AREA WILDLIFE MANAGERS UPDATE
DNR Area Wildlife Managers, Scott Laudenslager and Gretchen Mehmel, provided an update on the deer harvest, bear harvest and recent habitat accomplishments.
CORRESPONDENCE
The board reviewed correspondence from the United States Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service.
RECESS
With no further business before the board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 12:04 p.m.
Attest: March 24, 2020
_____________________________ _________________________________County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chairman of the Board, Jon Waibel
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Commissioner Proceedings
March 16, 2020
The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met for an emergency meeting on Monday, March 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 10:30 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Joe Grund, Jon Waibel, Buck Nordlof, Cody Hasbargen, Ed Arnesen. Also present were: County Personnel: Lorene Hanson, Susan Ney, Gary Fish, Mary Jo Otten, James Austad, Amy Ballard, AJ Pirkl, Josh Stromlund, Peder Hovland, Savanna Slick, Jill Hasbargen-Olson, Ted Furbish, Sandy Peterson, Craig Severs, Jodi Ferrier and Angie Eason; and Mike Hovde.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the agenda.
COVID-19 Lake of the Woods County Emergency Plan
Jill Hasbargen-Olson, Lake of the Woods County Emergency Manager, provided a pandemic response plan and asked the board to review, update and identify indicators of when certain services would close.
The County will continue to monitor the Governor’s recommendations.
Peder Hovland, MIS Director, shared that there are computers with VPN access available for staff who would need to work remotely.
Increased cleaning procedures and the availability of cleaning supplies for County facilities was discussed.
The board and department heads discussed functions/procedures that could continue with limited or no physical contact. Possible limitations to be set by the court system were also discussed. The Commissioners’ Room is now closed to outside groups until further notice.
The board asked each department to submit a reduced staffing plan by Wednesday.
Plans for upcoming meetings will need to be made with some commissioners attending physically and others remotely with the use of phone or web conferencing.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to limit all non-essential travel and meetings for County Employees until further notice.
If County Employees are sick, they should stay home.
A listing of contact information and services available from County Departments will be provided to the newspaper and posted on the Government Center’s Public Entrances to encourage customers to conduct business by phone or online when possible.
A COVID-19 Emergency Planning Meeting will be held in the Commissioners’ Room at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, March 20, 2020.
RECESS
With no further business before the board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 11:30 a.m.
Attest: March 20, 2020
__________________________________ _________________________________County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chairman of the Board, Jon Waibel
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Commissioner Proceedings
March 20, 2020
The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met for a special meeting on Friday, March 20, 2020 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Jon Waibel called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Joe Grund, Jon Waibel, Buck Nordlof, Cody Hasbargen, Ed Arnesen (by conference call). Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, County Attorney James Austad and Mike Hovde.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously by those present and by Commissioner Ed Arnesen by phone to approve the agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously by those present and by Commissioner Ed Arnesen by phone to approve the minutes from the March 16, 2020 Emergency Meeting.
CHI LAKEWOOD HEALTH
Kay M. Schell, CHI LakeWood Health Public Health Manager, and Jenny Loughery, CHI LakeWood Health Infection Control and Employee Health Coordinator, met with the board, while Jeff Stamophar, CHI LakeWood Health Vice-President of Hospital Operations, attended via conference call. Schell gave an update pertaining to public health, Loughery and Stampohar provided information regarding hospital preparedness.
DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY
Resolution
The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously by those present and by Commissioner Ed Arnesen by phone the following:
RESOLUTION
DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY
COVID-19
RESOLUTION NO. 20-03-02
WHEREAS; the World Health Organization has declared a global pandemic is occurring as the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) has spread across the United States and Minnesota; and
WHEREAS; additional resources may need to be requested and/or reassigned to meet community needs; and
WHEREAS; the daily operations of county government are anticipated to be impacted to comply with Minnesota Department of Health and Center for Disease Control recommendation to minimize the spread of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS; the President of the United States has declared a National Emergency enacting the Stafford Act and the Governor of Minnesota has declared a Peacetime State of Emergency; and
WHEREAS; Lake of the Woods County 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 response to the COVID-19 crisis.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners hereby declares Lake of the Woods County in a State of Emergency for the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency effective March 16, 2020.
COURTHOUSE CLOSURE TO PUBLIC
Resolution
The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously by those present and by Commissioner Ed Arnesen by phone the following:
RESOLUTION
TEMPORARY CLOSING DOORS TO PUBLIC
COVID-19
RESOLUTION NO. 20-03-03
WHEREAS; the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) Pandemic Virus will impact the population of Lake of the Woods County and its Cities due to the significant disruption of public services to include School Closures, Day Cares, Public Health Services and other services essential to the health and wellbeing of the citizens of Lake of the Woods County; and
WHEREAS; the World Health Organization has declared a global pandemic is occurring as the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) has spread across the United States and Minnesota; and
WHEREAS; the daily operations of county government are anticipated to be impacted to comply with Minnesota Department of Health and Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendation to minimize the spread of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS; the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners have deemed it to be in the best interest of the County of Lake of the Woods and its residents that action be taken to protect the general public as well as County Employees.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners hereby declares all Lake of the Woods County buildings and facilities temporarily closed to the public effective Monday, March 23, 2020 until further notice, except for the Graceton Landfill, which will have controlled, limited access for household garbage only.
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED, that although the buildings and facilities will be closed to the public, the Lake of the Woods County services and operations will continue to be provided to the community through phone, email and on-line services.
DMV/Driver’s License
It was noted the required documentation would be sent to the state regarding the availability of motor vehicle and driver’s license services.
COVID-19 DISCUSSION
Employees-Staggered Time
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously by those present and by Commissioner Ed Arnesen by phone that during the COVID-19 temporary close of County Buildings and Facilities and on behalf of the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners; all County Employees will be directed/scheduled by their respectful Department Heads, to follow the Minnesota Department of Health and Center for Disease Control (CDC) and stagger their schedules accordingly to limit their contact with the public and fellow employees; retro-active to Monday, March 16, 2020 until further notice.
Employees Sick/Stay Home
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously by those present and by Commissioner Ed Arnesen by phone that employees following the COVID-19 temporary closure of County Buildings and Facilities and the staggering of schedules, will be paid at their regular rate of pay.
OTHER LOCAL IMPACT
There is a concern with tourism. Commissioner Ed Arnesen will speak with Lake of the Woods Tourism Director, Joe Henry. Commissioner Skoe from Koochiching County would like to have a discussion regarding spring fishing during the next board meeting. The board requested this to be added to the next regular board meeting Tuesday, March 24, 2020.
RECESS
With no further business before the board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 11:05 a.m.
Attest: March 24, 2020
__________________________________ _________________________________County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chairman of the Board, Jon Waibel
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Commissioner Proceedings
March 24, 2020
The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, March 24 2020 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Jon Waibel called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Joe Grund, Jon Waibel, Buck Nordlof, Cody Hasbargen and Ed Arnesen. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, County Attorney James Austad, Jaime Boretski-LaValla and Mike Hovde.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Legislation pertaining to the Law Enforcement Center, MIS to provide update on computers and additional call-in numbers for today’s meeting.
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 March 10, 2020.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the official minutes of March 20, 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 $4,187.68, Commissioners Warrant’s $1,940.26, Commissioners Warrant’s $37,042.54.
Sanford Thief River Falls Contract
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of service contract with Sanford Health Network North dba Sanford Behavioral Health Center and for Commissioner Jon Waibel to sign the same.
AUDITOR/TREASURER
Claims
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $58,930.30; Road & Bridge $10,145.61; County Development $500.00; Natural Resource Enhancement $2,400.00; Solid Waste $20,647.58; EDA $765.33.
WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION
Warrants Approved On 3/24/2020 For Payment 3/27/2020
Vendor Name Amount
Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc. 8,593.81
Code 4 Services,Inc 10,942.25
Compudyne, Inc 12,500.00
Counties Providing Technology 3,751.00
Election Systems & Software, Inc 2,344.90
Grant’s Mechanical 2,247.73
Holen Electric 7,200.00
Mar-Kit Landfill 13,237.00
Minnesota Secretary Of State 3,942.50
Northland Business Systems 3,164.77
Widseth Smith Nolting&Asst Inc 2,400.00
Woody’s Service 2,435.67
9 Payments less than 2000 20,629.19
Final Total: 93,388.82
Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: March 11, 2020 for $149,684.40, March 11, 2020 for $27,674.
Bank Signature Cards
Wells Fargo Signature Cards
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Stacy Novak, and Chair Jon Waibel to sign the Wells Fargo signature card for account numbers 3908, 6724, 5716, 6372 and 3100 and to remove Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Dawn Christianson from the accounts effective 4/01/2020.
River Wood Bank Signature Cards
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Stacy Novak, and Chair Jon Waibel to sign the River Wood Bank signature card and to remove Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Dawn Christianson from the account effective 4/01/2020.
Border State Bank Signature Cards
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Stacy Novak, and Chair Jon Waibel to sign the Border State Bank signature card for account number 2404 and to remove Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Dawn Christianson from the account effective 4/01/2020.
Wells Fargo Motor Vehicle Checking Account
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Erik Tange, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Jaime Boretski-LaValla and Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Connie Nesmith for account number 5502 effective 04/01/2020.
Dawn Christianson Retirement – Years of Service Resolution
Resolution
Year of Service Recognition
The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Jon Waibel and moved for adoption:
RECOGNITION OF YEARS OF SERVICE
Dawn Christianson
RESOLUTION 2020-03-04
Whereas: Dawn Christianson has served the residents of Lake of the Woods County since March 31, 1986 as Lake of the Woods County Deputy Auditor/Treasurer;
Whereas: Dawn has resigned from Lake of the Woods County service effective March 31, 2020 with thirty-four years of service;
Now Therefore, Be it Resolved: That Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners extends its deepest appreciation to Dawn for her dedicated service and best wishes to her;
The resolution was seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
LAND AND WATER PLANNING
Approval of Feedlot Annual Report
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the 2019 County Feedlot Officer Annual Report.
COUNTY HIGHWAY/LANDFILL
RFP for Soil Borings
AJ Pirkl, County Engineer, requested permission to send out an RFP for soil borings on upcoming projects, looking at approximately 120 soil borings, most at 5 to 6 feet deep. It was the consensus of the Board to proceed with the RFP for soil borings.
SEH Contract for Landfill Permit
AJ Pirkl, County Engineer, informed the Board that the cost for the new landfill permit will be $37,000. It was the consensus of the Board to proceed.
MNDOT Detour Agreement
Resolution
The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously the following:
RESOLUTION APPROVING
MnDOT DETOUR AGREEMENT No 1036553
RESOLUTION NO. 20-03-05
IT IS RESOLVED, that Lake of the Woods County enter into MnDOT Agreement No. 1036553 with the State of Minnesota, Department of Transportation (MnDOT) for the following purposes:
To provide for payment by the State to the County for the use of County State Aid Highway No. 6, County State Aid Highway No. 8, and County State Aid Highway No. 2 as a detour route during the construction to be performed upon, along and adjacent to Trunk Highway No. 172 from the junction with Trunk Highway No 11 to Wheelers Point under State Project No. 3904-24 (Trunk Highway 172=140).
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Board Chair Jon Waibel and the County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson are authorized to execute the Agreement and any amendments to the Agreement.
Highway Update
AJ Pirkl, County Engineer, discussed options to invest state aid and construction budget dollars. It was determined that dollars from the construction budget may be the better option to invest. It was the consensus of the board to invest construction budget dollars with interest earned to be kept in the County Highway Budget. Plans were submitted for the 1st Ave project. A concern was brought to the Board regarding Ditch 1, the area in question is a private culvert and is not County owned.
RECESS
The Board took a brief recess and reconvened the meeting at 9:55 a.m.
SPRING FISHING DISCUSSION WITH KOOCHICHING COUNTY
Commissioners from Koochiching and Lake of the Woods Counties met, by conference call, to discuss concerns raised by constituents regarding COVID-19 and spring fishing.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to close all County controlled Right of Ways that provide access along the Rainy River effective Tuesday, March 24, 2020 until further notice.
COVID-19 UPDATE
Jill Hasbargen-Olson, Emergency Management Director, provided an update.
UPDATE ON COUNTY COMPUTERS
Peder Hovland, MIS Director, provided an update on computers for employees, who are needing to work from home due to COVID-19. New, already imaged, computers are being shipped and should be here tomorrow. Also discussed using WebEx for future board meetings.
LEGISLATION PERTAINING TO PROPOSED LAW ENFORCEMENT CENTER
The Board discussed the timeliness of the proposed local sales tax given the current situation with COVID-19. The local sales tax request for the proposed Law Enforcement Center is expected to be on the legislative docket for April 14th.
RECESS
With no further business before the board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 11:50 a.m.
Attest: April 14, 2020
_____________________________ _________________________________County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chairman of the Board, Jon Waibel
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Commissioner Proceedings
March 31, 2020
The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met for a special meeting on Tuesday, March 31, 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: Jon Waibel, Buck Nordlof, and Cody Hasbargen. Present by phone were: Commissioners: Joe Grund and Ed Arnesen. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, County Attorney James Austad, County Emergency Management Director Jill Hasbargen-Olson, County Sheriff Gary Fish and Mike Hovde.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the agenda. For: Commissioner: Ed Arnesen, Joe Grund, Cody Hasbargen, Buck Nordlof and Jon Waibel; Against: None
COVID-19 UPDATE
County Emergency Management Update
Jill Hasbargen-Olson, Emergency Management Director, provided an update.
County Human Resources Update
Savanna Slick, Human Resources Director, presented a Lake of the Woods County Public Health Emergency-COVID-19 Employee Quarantine Policy for approval. Slick also talked about the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and benefits it offers to employees impacted by COVID-19. Slick will provide a tracking resource to the various department timekeepers to share with staff. Employees should be tracking activities affected by the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the Lake of the Woods County Public Health Emergency- COVID-19 Employee Quarantine Policy. For: Commissioner: Ed Arnesen, Joe Grund, Cody Hasbargen, Buck Nordlof and Jon Waibel; Against: None
Other
Motor Vehicle Services offered at the County will be unavailable starting on Monday, March 30, due to the shelter-in-place order.
County Attorney James Austad said that court cases will continue with safety precautions in place. A public line will be available to call into the hearings.
Board members are hearing concerns and questions from constituents about the Wheelers Point access. Community based recreation is allowed during the shelter-in-place order, but not all people define “local” the same way.
OTHER AREAS OF CONCERN
Proposed Law Enforcement Center
In discussions with Representative Matt Grossell regarding the local sales tax for the proposed Law Enforcement Center. With the current public health emergency, there is concern among the Board that it may not be a good time for the local sales tax to be on the ballot. Representative Grossell suggested that the Board write a letter to the legislators, governor and the Department of Corrections to see if there are options to extend the timeline for the proposed Law Enforcement Center.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously by roll call to approve writing a letter to the legislators, governor and the Department of Corrections to see if there are options to extend the timeline for the proposed Law Enforcement Center. For: Commissioner: Ed Arnesen, Joe Grund, Cody Hasbargen, Buck Nordlof and Jon Waibel; Against: None
RECESS
With no further business before the board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 10:05 a.m.
Attest: April 14, 2020
__________________________________ _________________________________
County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chairman of the Board, Jon Waibel
TIME TAB
9:00 a.m. #1 Pledge to the Flag
Approve Agenda
9:05 a.m. #2 COVID-19 Update
10:00 a.m. #3 Other Areas of Concern
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Commissioner Proceedings
The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Jon Waibel called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Joe Grund, Jon Waibel, Buck Nordlof, Cody Hasbargen. Absent: Commissioner Ed Arnesen. Also present were: Jaime Boretski-LaValla and Woody Fiala.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following addition: Gambling Application for the Northwest Angle Edge Riders.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of January 28, 2020.
SOCIAL SERVICES
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 $16,906.38, Commissioners Warrant’s $3,399.95, Commissioners Warrant’s $9,357.02.
AUDITOR/TREASURER
Claims
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $79,533.00, Road & Bridge $32,014.77, Joint Ditch $9,238.68, Solid Waste $47,424.72, EDA $38,948.83.
WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION
Warrants Approved On 2/11/2020 For Payment 2/14/2020
Vendor Name Amount
Beckel/Joyce & Thomas 3,600.00
ByteSpeed, LLC 7,179.00
Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc. 6,263.38
Counties Providing Technology 3,751.00
Crompton/Daniel & Judith 3,480.00
Esri 25,000.00
Headwaters Regional Development Commiss 37,500.00
Howard’s Oil Company 5,324.13
Information Systems Corporation 9,124.00
LOW Highway Dept 10,352.50
Mar-Kit Landfill 18,780.50
Nw Mn Household Hazardous 5,508.00
Pb Distributing Inc 5,775.10
Plutko Plumbing & Heating 7,438.72
R & Q Trucking, Inc 3,605.00
SeaChange Print Innovations 5,458.21
Shi Corp 3,016.00
University of North Dakota 9,202.71
Widseth Smith Nolting&Asst Inc 7,456.50
Woody’s Service 2,813.47
60 2000 Payments less than 26,531.78
Final Total: 207,160.00
Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: January 29, 2020 for $13,353.82, February 4, 2020 for ($849.00), February 4, 2020 for ($533.20), February 4, 2020 for $169,922.86, February 5, 2020 for $13,825.10.
GAMBLING APPLICATION
Resolution
The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously the following:
RESOLUTION APPROVING
LAWFUL GAMBLING ACTIVITY APPLICATION
TO CONDUCT OFF-SITE GAMBLING
RESOLUTION NO. 20-02-01
WHEREAS; the Northwest Angle Edge Riders has submitted a Minnesota Lawful Gambling LG230 Application to Conduct Off-Site Gambling to be conducted at the following establishment, which is located in Lake of the Woods County: Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge on 2/29/2020.
Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge 836 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.
SHERIFF
City Law Enforcement Contract
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the Law Enforcement Contract with the City of Baudette.
COUNTY HIGHWAY/LANDFILL
Selection of Bridge Consultant for CSAH 8
The County is working with Widseth Smith Nolting on the CSAH 8/Zippel Bridge Project, preliminary work will start this year with replacement next year.
Highway Update
Boyd Johnson provided the update for the Highway Department.
Landfill Update
Boyd Johnson provided the Landfill Update and reported that progress continues to be made regarding the permit extension with the MPCA.
MIS
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve security upgrades totaling $7,341.00 for the court room and court administration, including: audio/video/pc cables, key fobs, and security glass for the court administration counter.
PROPOSED LAW ENFORCEMENT CENTER
Discussion continued on exploring location options for the proposed law enforcement center.
RECESS
With no further business before the board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 9:50 a.m.
Attest: February 25, 2020
__________________________________ _________________________________
County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chairman of the Board, Jon Waibel
=============================================================================================================================================================================================================================================
Commissioner Proceedings
February 25, 2020
The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 in the ITV room at the Lake of the Woods School.
High School Social Studies teacher, Mr. Don Krause
Mr. Don Krause thanked the Commissioners for meeting at the School so his students could attend and participate in the meeting.
Call to Order
Chairman Waibel called the meeting to order at 8:15 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Joe Grund, Cody Hasbargen, Ed Arnesen, Jon Waibel and Buck Nordlof. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, County Attorney James Austad and Woody Fiala.
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 additions: NWA Airport Resolution, Post Prom, Sheriff Boat and Water Grant, Selection of Committee Members for Joint Committee with City of Baudette, Set-up work session for Landfill, and Law Enforcement Center Discussion.
Approval of Minutes
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of February 11, 2020.
SOCIAL SERVICES
Claims
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $8,326.17, Commissioners Warrants $2,282.24, Commissioners Warrants $18,459.86.
COUNTY 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 $94,741.04; Road & Bridge $17,872.27; County Development $2,200; Solid Waste $3221.52; EDA $385.00.
Warrants For Publication
Warrants Approved on 2/25/2020 for Payment 2/28/2020
Vendor Name Amount
Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc. 2,656.94
Klein McCarthy & Co, Ltd, Architects 7,248.53
McCoy Construction & Forestry Inc 11,143.66
Minnesota State Auditor 63,766.10
SeaChange Print Innovations 2,292.51
Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc 2,910.87
St. Louis County Auditor 2,000.00
TOTALFUNDS 3,000.00
51 Payments less than 2000 23,401.22
Final Total: 118,419.83
Further moved to authorize the payment of the following Auditor warrants: February 11, 2020 for $151,703.39; February 21, 2020 for $734.48.
HUMAN RESOURCES
Non-Elected Department Head Reviews
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to set the date for non-elected department head reviews on March 9, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. in the County Commissioners Room.
BOLLIG NWA AIRPORT RESOLUTION
Resolution
The following Resolution was offered by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
GRANT AGREEMENT FOR AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT
EXCLUDING LAND ACQUISITION
Resolution No. 2020-02-03
It is resolved by the County of Lake of the Woods as follows:
2. That the County Board Chair and County Auditor are authorized to execute this Agreement and any amendments on behalf of the County of Lake of the Woods.
POST-PROM
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to donate $100 to the Post-Prom Party to be held at Lake of the Woods School.
CITY/COUNTY JOINT COMMITTEE
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to appoint Commissioner Jon Waibel and Commissioner Ed Arnesen to the joint committee with the City of Baudette regarding Lake of the Woods Tourism.
EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT APPROVAL
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve Tony Kalk’s Eagle Scout Project, which is to secure a life ring at Clementson Rapids.
SHERIFF
Boat and Water Grant
The following Resolution was offered by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and moved for adoption:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A FEDERAL:
BOAT & WATER SAFETY GRANT
Resolution No. 2020-02-02
WHEREAS, under the provisions of M.S. 84.026, M.S.86B.101, the Sheriff of each county is required to carry out the provisions of Chapter 86B, and the boat and water safety rules promulgated by the Commissioner of Natural Resources; and,
WHEREAS, M.S. Section 86b.701 and the MN Rules provided for the allocation of funds by the Commissioner to assist in the funding of the Sheriff’s duties.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Chairman, Auditor and Sheriff are hereby authorized to execute the federal county boat and water safety agreement, for the period of March 2, 2020 through August 14, 2020. Fiscal year 2020 will be paid up to $10,277.00 for expenses incurred between the effective date of the grant.
The resolution was seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Proposed Law Enforcement Center
Discussion about the proposed Law Enforcement Center and costs involved.
PINE TO PRAIRIE TASK FORCE
Carl Hultman and Craig Severs provided an update on the Pine to Prairie Drug Task Force. The Pine to Prairie Drug Task Force works with eight different counties, local law enforcement, conservation officers, the Paul Bunyan Task Force and others.
JUVENILE DETENTION ALTERNATIVES
Katrinna Dexter, JDAI Assistant State Coordinator/MN Association of Minnesota Counties, provided information about the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative. The Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative is a nationwide effort of local and state juvenile justice systems to eliminate unnecessary and inappropriate use of secure detention for juveniles.
COUNTY HIGHWAY/LANDFILL
Purchase of Major Equipment for the Highway Dept.
Motion
Motion was made Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of capital equipment, including: Motor Grader, Road Maintainer, Two Mowers, Dozer, and a Tractor.
Motion to Finalize Project: SAP 39-592-001; SAP 39-601-032; SAP 39-603-024; SAP 39-606-018
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Joe Grund and carried unanimously to accept the Public Works Director’s Certificate of Performance for SAP 39-592-001, SAP 39-601-032, SAP 39-603-024 and SAP 39-606-018 for Agassiz Asphalt, LLC of Newfolden, MN in the total amount of $2,790,038.62, and hereby authorize final payment in the amount of $225,644.67.
Highway Update
County Engineer, AJ Pirkl, provided the Highway Update.
Approval of Funds for Landfill Equipment
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of a Semi Truck at up to $40,000.
Landfill Update
County Engineer, AJ Pirkl, provided the Landfill Update and a work session was set for March 10th after the board meeting.
TOWARD ZERO DEATH
Toward Zero Deaths Coordinator for District 2, Susan Johnson and Lieutenant Brad Norland presented on the Towards Zero Death Task Force.
RECESS
The meeting was called to recess at 11:15 a.m. and reconvened at 12:36 p.m. as follows:
DWI COURT
BORDERLAND SUBSTANCE ABUSE COURT
Amanda Zortman and Bryan Hasbargen presented on the process and the purpose of the Borderland Substance Abuse Court.
PROBATION PROGRAM
Marc Bloomquist presented on the MN Department of Corrections Probation/Supervised Release Program.
LAKE OF THE WOODS COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Prairie Fire Children’s Theater Production of “Alladin”
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to donate $500 from County Development Funds to Lake of the Woods Community Education for the Prairie Fire Children’s Theater Production of “Alladin”, which will have two performances- one on August 21, 2020 and one on August 22, 2020.
RECESS
With no further business before the board, Chairman Waibel called the meeting to recess at 3:05 p.m.
Attest: March 10, 2020
__________________________________ _____________________________________
County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chairman of the Board, Jon Waibel
Organizational Meeting
The Lake of the Woods County Board met on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, in the Commissioners’ Room in the Lake of the Woods County Government Center for their 2020 Organizational Meeting.
Call to Order
County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance with the following members present: Commissioners Ed Arnesen, Jon Waibel, Cody Hasbargen, and Joe Grund. Commissioner James “Buck” Nordlof was absent. Also, present: County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, Linwood “Woody” Fiala, and Jaime Boretski-LaValla.
Election of Chair and Vice Chair
County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson called for nominations for Chair for Lake of the Woods County Board for the year 2020. Commissioner Cody Hasbargen nominated Commissioner Jon Waibel for Chair with Commissioner Joe Grund seconding the nomination. County Auditor/Treasurer called for nominations two more times.
Chair
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to close the nominations for Chair.
County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson called for a roll call for Commissioner Jon Waibel for Chair. Roll call carried as follows: All in favor: Commissioners: Jon Waibel, Cody Hasbargen, Ed Arnesen, Joe Grund. Absent: Commissioner Buck Nordlof. Against: None. Commissioner Jon Waibel assumed the position of Chair of the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners for 2020.
Vice – Chair
Chair Jon Waibel called for nominations for the position of Vice-Chair for the year 2020. Commissioner Cody Hasbargen nominated Commissioner Ed Arnesen for Vice-Chair for Lake of the Woods County Board with Commissioner Joe Grund seconding the nomination. Chair Jon Waibel called for nominations two more times.
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to close the nominations for Vice-Chair.
Chair Jon Waibel called for a roll call for Commissioner Ed Arnesen for Vice- Chair. Roll call carried as follows: All in favor: Commissioners: Jon Waibel, Cody Hasbargen, Ed Arnesen, Joe Grund. Absent: Commissioner Buck Nordlof. Against: None. Commissioner Ed Arnesen assumed the position of Vice-Chair of the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners for 2020.
Approval of Agenda
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following addition: Update on the City and County Joint Meeting held on Monday, January 6, 2020.
CITY AND COUNTY JOINT MEETING
The Board discussed the City and County Joint Meeting that was held on Monday, January 6, 2020 at the Ambulance Garage.
ATTENDANCE
Commissioner Buck Nordlof arrived to the meeting.
OFFICIAL COUNTY NEWSPAPER BID-OPENING
County Auditor/treasurer
Wells Fargo Signature Cards
Chair Jon Waibel called for the bid opening at 9:20 a.m. for the Official Legal Newspaper for the year 2020. The following Resolution was offered by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and moved for adoption:RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING
OFFICIAL LEGAL NEWSPAPER for YEAR 2020Resolution No. 2020-01-01WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners per Minnesota Statutes 279.08 called for legal bids for the official newspaper for the year 2020WHEREAS, upon opening all bids, Lake of the Woods County designates the Northern Light Region as the official legal newspaper for the year 2020;WHEREAS, the Northern Light Region, as the official legal newspaper for the year 2020, is awarded the first publication of the annual financial statement at $6.50 per standard advertising unit, (no other bids received, therefore no second publication required)WHEREAS, the Northern Light Region, as the official legal newspaper for the year 2020, is awarded the first publication of the notice and list of the real estate remaining delinquent taxes on the first Monday of January, at $6.50 per standard advertising unit, and;WHEREAS, the Northern Light Region, as the official legal newspaper for the year 2020, is awarded the second publication of the notice and list of the real estate remaining delinquent taxes, at $6.50 per standard advertising unit, and;BE IT RESOLVED, Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners further designates the Northern Light Region for all other legal publishing, not specified above, for the year 202
Lake of the Woods County Bid Tabulation Legal Publishing Year 2020 January 7, 2020 Per Standard Advertising Unit Financial StatementDelinquent Tax ListAll Other Publications 1st Publ.2nd Publ1st Publ2nd Publ Northern Light Region PO Box 1134 6.506.506.506.506.506.50 Baudette, MN 56623 218-634-2700 Award To: Official Legal Newspaper Northern Light Region 1st Publ/Financial Stmnt 6.50 2nd Publ/Financial Stmnt If applicable 6.50N/A 1st Delinq Tax List 6.50 2nd Delinq Tax List 6.50 All Other 6.50
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer, Dawn Christianson and Chair Jon Waibel to sign the Wells Fargo signature card for account number 3908.
Official Depositories
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to designate the following institutions as Official Depositories of county funds for the year 2020:
It was further moved to designate Wells Fargo Minneapolis, as the official safekeeping Institution for Lake of the Woods County.
IRS 2020 Mileage Rate
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the 2020 Standard IRS Mileage rate for business miles at 57.5 cents per mile.
IDC
Tom Hanson, Howard Mord, and Chuck Tishcart, representatives from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), met with the County Board to discuss a 10-acre piece of land in the Industrial Park on the corner of Highway 1 and Highway 35. The land was offered as an option for the site of the new law enforcement center, at the cost of $100,000. The land has city water, city sewer, and natural gas. Fiber optic lines are available in the vicinity. Roger Schotl, from the City of Baudette, said upgrades to the city water infrastructure would be needed. County Assessor, Mary Jo Otten, was going to prepare sales information within the area. Further discussion on the land options for the new law enforcement center will be added to the agenda on 01/14/2020.
COMMISSIONERS
Sales Tax Revenue
The County Board discussed the proposed local sales tax for Lake of the Woods County for the purpose of paying for the cost of the construction for the new Law Enforcement/Jail facility that the State of MN is mandating.
Set Date for County Road Tour
The County Road Tour will be on October 14, 2020 beginning at 8 a.m.
OVERTIME POLICY
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve overtime and comp time at time and one half on total hours, not hours worked, over the full-time employees regular scheduled pay period (40 hours per week or 80 hours per pay period or 84 hours per pay period), excluding union employees, exempt employees and department heads, effective January 1, 2020.
APPROVAL OF 2020 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the following Committee Appointments for 2020:
2020 ASSOCIATION OF MINNESOTA COUNTIES (AMC)
Ag Task Force: Commissioner Jon Waibel; Alternates: Commissioners
Environmental and Natural Resources: Commissioner Ed Arnesen; Alternates: Commissioners;
General Government: Commissioner Buck Nordlof: Alternates: Lorene Hanson and Commissioners;
Health and Human Service: Commissioner Joe Grund and Amy Ballard; Alternates: Commissioners;
PILT Advisory: Commissioners, Josh Stromlund;
Public Safety: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen;
Transportation and Area Transportation Alliance: Commissioner Jon Waibel and Anthony Pirkl; Alternates: Commissioners;
2020 COUNTY RELATED COMMITTEES
Airport Commission: Commissioners Cody Hasbargen and Jon Waibel;
Beaver Committee: Commissioners Joe Grund and Buck Nordlof, Lee Hancock, Anthony Pirkl and Steve Levassuer;
Border Coalition/Passports: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Jon Waibel, Sue Ney and Jill Olson;
Building and Safety Committee: Commissioner Jon Waibel and Buck Nordlof, Anthony Pirkl, Peder Hovland, Lorene Hanson and Amy Ballard, one from Law Enforcement, and Safety Director;
Comprehensive Land Use Planning Board: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Cody Hasbargen, Sue Ney, Josh Stromlund and Lorene Hanson;
Continuity of Operation Plan (COOP): Jill Olson and Commissioners;
County Extension Committee: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Cody Hasbargen, Lorene Hanson, Additional members: Tabitha Ubel, Kenneth Horntvedt, Nicole Olson, Jean Schotl and Sandy Peterson. Extension Members: Aprille Albrecht, Lisa Loegering and Karen Santl.
County TV: Commissioners Jon Waibel and Ed Arnesen, Lee Hervey, Lorene Hanson, Peder Hovland and Jill Olson;
Data Privacy Administrator: Savanna Slick;
Department Head Liaison: Chair- Commissioner Jon Waibel; Alternates: Commissioners;
Department Liaisons: Assessor – Buck Nordlof; Land and Water Planning Office – Cody Hasbargen; Attorney – Cody Hasbargen; MIS – Joe Grund; Sheriff – Jon Waibel; Social Services – Joe Grund; Recorder – Cody Hasbargen; Highway – Ed Arnesen; Auditor/Treasurer – Chair-Commissioner Jon Waibel; H/R – Buck Nordlof; County Surveyor- Ed Arnesen; Veterans Service Officer – Joe Grund; Tourism Bureau- Ed Arnesen; Wheelers Point Sewer- Jon Waibel;
Department of Natural Resources: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Jon Waibel;
Drainage Committee: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Joe Grund, Byron Tviet, Anthony Pirkl, Josh Stromlund, Dennis Johnson, Vern Horntvedt and SWCD Representative;
Enhanced 911 Committee: Commissioners Buck Nordlof and Jon Waibel, Peder Hovland, Gary Fish, Jill Olson and other local appointees;
GIZIIBII: SWCD Representative, Corryn Trask;
Grievance Committee: Chair- Commissioner Jon Waibel, James Austad, Savanna Slick, Daryl Fish, Josh Stromlund and Angie Eason; Alternate: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen.;
Information Systems/Technology Committee: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Cody Hasbargen, Peder Hovland, Josh Stromlund, Boyd Johnson, Lorene Hanson and James Austad;
Insurance Committee: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Jon Waibel, Amy Ballard, Lorene Hanson, Sue Ney, Daryl Fish and Savanna Slick;
Jail Committee: Commissioners; Gary Fish, Anthony Pirkl, James Austad, Sandy Peterson, Peder Hovland and Lorene Hanson.
Joint Drainage Authority: JD22: Commissioner Joe Grund-District 3, Commissioner Ed Arnesen-District 5, Commissioner Jon Waibel-District 4, JD 62- Commissioner Joe Grund- District 3, Commissioner Ed Arnesen- District 5, Commissioner Cody Hasbargen-District 2;
Labor/Management Committees: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Cody Hasbargen, Savanna Slick; Alternate: Commissioner Buck Nordlof;
Lake of the Woods Affordable Housing/Loan Committee: Commissioner Buck Nordlof, Sue Ney, Mary Jo Otten and Lorene Hanson; Alternate: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen;
Law Library: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, James Austad to appoint and Chief Judge to appoint;
Motor Pool Committee: Commissioner Jon Waibel, Lorene Hanson, Jodi Ferrier, Mary Jo Otten, Josh Stromlund, Peder Hovland; Alternate: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen;
Ordinance Committee: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Jon Waibel, James Austad, Gary Fish, Josh Stromlund;
Park Commission: Commissioners Cody Hasbargen and Ed Arnesen, Anthony Pirkl and Joe Laurin; Alternate: Commissioner Jon Waibel;
Personnel Committee (combined Compensation Plan and Personnel): Commissioners Buck Nordlof and Ed Arnesen, Savanna Slick, Sue Ney, Anthony Pirkl, Christine Hultman, Lorene Hanson and Daryl Fish;
Public Information Officer: Lorene Hanson, Alternate; Savanna Slick and James Austad;
SHIP Committee: Commissioner Buck Nordlof, Alternate: Commissioner Jon Waibel;
Snowmobile Trails Committee: Commissioner Joe Grund and Buck Nordlof;
Solid Waste Committee/Household Waste: Commissioner Ed Arnesen (as the (NWMNHHW representative for the Joint Powers Agreement), Commissioner Joe Grund, Anthony Pirkl, Tina Rennemo, Lorene Hanson and Mary Jo Otten;
Subdivision Controls Committee: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Josh Stromlund, Mary Jo Otten, Sue Ney, Peder Hovland and Commissioner of the District involved;
Township Road and Trails: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Buck Nordlof, Anthony Pirkl,
Josh Stromlund, Peder Hovland, Boyd Johnson and Mary Jo Otten;
Northwest Angle Development: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Cody Hasbargen; Alternates: Commissioners;
Vets Service: Commissioners Buck Nordlof and Joe Grund, Legion Commander or Delegate, VFW Commander or Delegate and Rick Rone;
Wellness Committee: Angie Eason, Julie Berggren, Savanna Slick, Mary Jo Otten, Cassondra Brune and Commissioner Buck Nordlof;
2020 BOARDS/COLLABORATIVE/COALITION
Arrowhead Library System: Ronald Rudd (01-01-19 to 12-31-22) appointed 01-08-19; Alternate: Commissioner Buck Nordlof (01-01-19-12-31-22);
Board of Adjustment-/Planning Commission: District 1- David Marhula, District 2-Reed McFarlane, District 3- Marshall Nelson, District 4- Tom Mio, District 5-Anthony Head; at large; Ken Horntvedt and Weston Johnson; non-voting Commissioner Ed Arnesen;
Border Substance Abuse Court and Steering Committee: Commissioner Jon Waibel, Amy Ballard;
Community Education Advisory Board: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen; Alternate: Commissioner Buck Nordlof;
Humane Society: Commissioner Joe Grund and Gary Fish;
Headwaters Regional Development Commission: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Buck Nordlof, Alternate: Commissioner Joe Grund;
International Bridge: Commissioners Joe Grund and Buck Nordlof;
Joint Powers Natural Resources Board: Commissioners Joe Grund and Buck Nordlof;
Keep It Clean Committee/Aquatic Invasive Species: Commissioner Ed Arnesen;
Lake of the Woods County Children and Families Collaborative and Prevention Coalition Committee: Commissioner Joe Grund;
Lake of the Woods Criminal Justice Coalition and Children’s Justice Initiative: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen;
Lutheran Social Service Board: Commissioner Buck Nordlof and Amy Ballard; Alternate: Commissioner Jon Waibel;
Mid-State Co-op: Peder Hovland as delegate #1, and Mary Jo Otten, as delegate #2 ;
Minnesota Counties Computer Co-op: Delegate #1 – Peder Hovland, Delegate #2 – Lorene Hanson; Alternate: James Austad
Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust: Commissioner Jon Waibel; Alternates: Commissioner Buck Nordlof and Lorene Hanson;
Minnesota Rural Counties Caucus: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen; Alternates: Commissioners;
North Country Community Health Board: Commissioner Joe Grund(term expires 12/31/21) and Tom Mio (term expires 12/31/21) these are three-year terms;
North Country Community Health Services Advisory Committee: Commissioner Joe Grund (term expires 12/31/20) and re-appoint Tom Mio (term expires 12/31/21) these are two-year terms;
Northern Counties Land Use Coordinating Board: Commissioner Ed Arnesen and Josh Stromlund; Alternate: Commissioner Buck Nordlof;
Northwest Board of Aging/Area Agency: Commissioner Buck Nordlof, Amy Ballard and Alternate: Commissioner Jon Waibel;
Northwest Community Action: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Alternates: Commissioners;
Northwest Minnesota Juvenile Center Board: Commissioner Jon Waibel (term expires 12/31/2021, re-appointed in 2018) and Amy Ballard (term expires 12/31/2022, appointed in 2019). This is a four-year term;
One Watershed/One Plan: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Alternate: Buck Nordlof;
Rainy Rapid River Board: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, Josh Stromlund; Alternate: Commissioner Joe Grund;
Recreation Committee: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Jon Waibel, Anthony Pirkl;
Red River Valley Development Association: Commissioner Ed Arnesen and Ken Horntvedt;
Regional Advisory: Jill Olson;
NW Emergency Communications Board: Commissioner Ed Arnesen: Alternates: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and Jill Olson;
SWCD District Committee: Commissioner Joe Grund and Josh Stromlund; Alternate: Commissioner Jon Waibel;
LAND AND WATER PLANNING
Work Session
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to set a work session for ordinance revisions on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at 1:00 p.m., after the regular County Board Meeting.
RECESS
With no further business before the board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 10:57 a.m.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
______________________ ____________________________
County Auditor/Treasurer Chairman of the Board,
Lorene Hanson Jon Waibel
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Commissioner Proceedings
January 14, 2020
The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, January 14, 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: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen. Also, present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, County Attorney Jim Austad, Jaime Boretski-LaValla, and Woody Fiala.
Approval of Agenda
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions and deletions: add – HR: Department Reviews and delete – Sanford Health Lease.
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 December 27, 2019.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of the Organizational Meeting on January 7, 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 $29,292.91 Commissioners Warrant’s $2,069.22, Commissioners Warrant’s $11,193.43.
Meridian Contract
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of service agreement with Meridian Services, Inc. and for Commissioner Jon Waibel to sign the same.
LifeCare Contract
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the Purchase of Service Agreement with LifeCare Behavioral Health and for Commissioner Jon Waibel to sign the same.
AUDITOR/TREASURER
Claims
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $252,125.62 Road & Bridge $23,531.68, Solid Waste, $25,042.38, EDA, $159,059.22.
WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION
Warrants Approved On 1/14/2020 For Payment 1/17/2020
Vendor Name Amount
Air Med Care Network 16,803.00
Beltrami County Highway Dept 3,408.70
Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc. 13,554.64
Compudyne, Inc 56,279.59
Counties Providing Technology 3,717.00
Farmers Union Oil Co. 2,321.63
Happy Tree Productions 8,890.00
Headwaters Regional Development Commiss 2,500.00
Howard’s Oil Company 4,515.51
LOW IDC 150,000.00
LOW Soil & Water Cons. Dist. 101,188.00
Mar-Kit Landfill 13,137.00
Mn Assn Of Counties 5,288.00
Mn Counties Computer Co-Op 23,583.00
Mn Counties Computer Co-Op 10,021.90
OnSolve,LLC 7,500.00
Voyageurs Comtronics, Inc 2,640.00
Woody’s Service 3,600.86
62 Payments less than $2,000 30,810.07
Final Total: 459,758.90
Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: December 31, 2019 for $14,181.49, December 31, 2019 for $121,416.98, January 10, 2020 for $307,084.21.
Resolution for Local Sales Tax
The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously the following:
LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY, MINNESOTA
SUPPORTING A LOCAL SALES TAX TO BE IMPLEMENTED
RESOLUTION 2020-01-02
Supporting the County’s authority to impose a local sales tax to fund specific capital improvements providing regional benefit, to establish the maximum duration of and revenue to be raised by the tax, and to issue bonds to be repaid with tax revenues.
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Corrections has found the existing Lake of the Woods County Jail to be structurally deficient and in need of major renovations or replacement, and has required the County to have a new County Jail in operation as of July 1, 2021 or transport County inmates to alternative facilities; and,
WHEREAS, the County Board has considered the practicality and future costs of all alternatives; factoring in the County’s considerable distances to alternative facilities and the uncertain availability and cost of such arrangements; and has determined that building a new County Jail and Law Enforcement Center is the most viable response to the Department of Corrections’ mandate; and,
WHEREAS, the aforementioned project is the most fiscally responsible option and will result in near-term and long-term economic and public safety benefits to County residents and businesses, as well as non-resident visitors and businesses, and,
WHEREAS, as compared to all other Minnesota counties, Lake of the Woods County has the second-lowest taxable property value, as measured by net tax capacity (after Mahnomen County) and the second-smallest estimated permanent population (after Traverse County); and,
WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County is an internationally-recognized center for recreation and tourism, as evidenced in part by the state sales taxes generated annually by local businesses (third-highest per capita among all Minnesota counties, after Hennepin and Cook Counties); and,
WHEREAS, Minn. Stat. § 297A.99 authorizes the imposition of a general sales tax if permitted by special law of the Minnesota Legislature and then approved by local voters; and,
WHEREAS, Minn. Stat. § 297A.99 requires the County to pass a resolution authorizing such a local tax and to obtain Legislative approval prior to seeking voter approval to enact the local tax; and,
WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County intends to seek special legislation to allow for a local referendum in November 2020 to institute up to a one- and one-half percent (1.50%) local option sales tax to fund a portion of the following project:
WHEREAS, the County estimates that a general local sales tax of one- and one-half percent (1.50%) would generate approximately $20,000,000 over 25 years; and,
WHEREAS, the County’s objective is that the tax would commence April 1, 2021 and expire March 31, 2046, or whenever a sum sufficient to fund the authorized project (including bond financing-related costs) is raised, whichever comes first; and
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the following:
Adopted by the Board of Commissioners of Lake of the Woods County this 14th day of January, 2020.
Appointment of 2020 Election Judges, UOCAVA & Absentee Ballot Boards and Hourly Pay
County Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson met with the County Board to approve election judges for the primary and general elections, to set up UOCAVA and Absentee Ballot Boards for the same and to request a pay increase for the election judges.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the following election judges for the 2020 Presidential Primary (March 3, 2020), State Primary (August 11, 2020) and the General (November 3, 2020) Elections: Christie Russell, Sandy Peterson, Judy Johnson, Shelley Pepera, Rita Krause, Margie Sporlein, Stacy Novak, Dale Boretski, Dawn Christianson, John Carroll, Dena Pieper, Alisa Jacobsen, Heather Larson, Barb Larson, Bob Gubbels, Beverly Becklund, Jo Aery, Dani Koshak, Jennifer Hovde, Jeff Hovde, Mary Jo Otten, Jaime Boretski-LaValla, Janet Rudd, Rita Hasbargen, Erik Tange and Lorene Hanson.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the hourly pay for election judges as follows: head election judges at $12.00 per hour and election judges at $11.50 per hour, effective with the 2020 elections.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to appoint the following Election Judges to the UOCAVA & Absentee Ballot Boards for the 2020 Presidential Primary, State Primary and General Elections: Christie Russell, Rita Hasbargen, Stacy Novak, Dawn Christianson, Jaime Boretski-LaValla, Erik Tange and Lorene Hanson.
Appointment to Canvassing Board
County Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson met with the County Board to request approval to appoint two Commissioners to the 2020 Canvassing Board.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to appoint Commissioners Buck Nordlof and Joe Grund to the Canvassing Board for the 2020 Presidential Primary, State Primary and General Elections.
Permission to advertise, interview and hire
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously for Lake of the Woods Auditor/Treasurer to advertise, interview and hire for the position of Deputy Auditor/Treasurer – License Clerk-Board Administration, Grade 10, Step 1, $20.33 per hour, pts 253.
MIS
Sheriff Deputy Recording System
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of a recording program for the Sheriff’s Department out of data processing funds.
Plow for Maintenance Truck
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of a plow for the maintenance truck from the maintenance budget.
COUNTY SURVEYOR
County Surveyor, Chad Conner, met with the Board to provide a year-end summary of projects that were completed and work that will carry over to 2020 from 2019. Connor mentioned the cost sharing money still available that can benefit land owners.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the transfer of $7,500 from cost sharing to remonumentation.
LAND AND WATER PLANNING
Consideration of CUP
Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stomlund met with the board and presented a Conditional Use Permit for S & J Real Estate, LLC to allow the applicant to operate a short-term transient rental in a Rural Residential Zoning District (R2). No comments were heard from the Public. Stromlund reviewed the Findings of Fact of the Planning Commission and informed the board that the Planning Commission approved this application with the following conditions, the specific conditions of approval are as follows:
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following Conditional Use Permit with conditions:
Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners
Findings of Fact and Decision
Name of Applicant: S & J Real Estate, LLC Date: January 14, 2020
Location/Legal Description: Government Lot six (6), Section Thirty-six (36), Range One Hundred Sixty-seven (167) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West – Parcel ID# 06.36.44.000.
Project Proposal: A Conditional Use Permit, as required by Section 401-C of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance, to allow the applicant to operate a short-term transient rental in a Rural Residential Zoning District (R2).
Why or why not? ___Resort/recreation area_______________________________________________
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? _____With conditions_________________________________________________
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 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? ____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 ( ) N/A ( x )
Why or why not? ____________________________________________________________________
7. Is the site in harmony with existing and proposed access roads? YES ( ) NO ( ) N/A ( x )
Why or why not? ____________________________________________________________________
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? ___Resort rental______________________________________________________
10. Is the amount of liquid waste to be generated reasonable and the proposed sewage disposal system adequate to accommodate the project proposal? YES ( x ) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Why or why not? ___With conditions___________________________________________________
11. Will the visibility of structures and other facilities as viewed from public waters comply with Section 901 of the Zoning Ordinance? YES ( x ) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Why or why not? ___No change________________________________________________________
12. Is the site adequate for water supply and on-site sewage treatment systems?
YES ( x ) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Why or why not? ___With conditions____________________________________________________
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? __In place/no change__________________________________________________
14. If the project proposal includes above ground or below ground storage tanks for petroleum or other hazardous material that is subject to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) requirements, has a permit been sought?
YES ( ) NO ( ) N/A ( x )
Why or why not? ____________________________________________________________________
15. Will there be fencing and/or other screening provided to buffer the project proposal from adjacent properties?
YES ( ) NO ( ) N/A ( x )
Why or why not? ____________________________________________________________________
16. If signage is associated with the project proposal, has the applicant demonstrated the need for the number and size requested, and minimized the visual appearance as viewed from adjacent properties to the extent possible?
YES ( ) NO ( ) N/A ( x )
Why or why not? ____________________________________________________________________
17. If the project proposal will generate additional traffic to or from the site, has the applicant adequately demonstrated how the additional traffic and parking is to be addressed? YES ( ) NO ( ) N/A ( x )
Why or why not? ____________________________________________________________________
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:
5. A septic system inspection is required and if found to be Non-Compliant, the system must be upgraded.
6. Meet all MDH requirements as applicable.
7. CUP terminates upon sale or transfer of property.
8. Lodging tax for LOW County must be paid.
Approved as Presented ( ) Approved with Conditions (X) Denied ( )
_______________ _____________________________________
Date Jon Waibel
Chair, County Board
This is in accordance with Section 1204 of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance.
AIS Letter
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve letters to Representative Matt Grossell and Senator Paul Utke regarding Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Aid and the funding metric used.
RECESS
Meeting was recessed at 10:11 am and reconvened at 10:20 am as follows:
COUNTY HIGHWAY/LANDFILL
Project Final Approval
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen to accept the Public Works Director’s Certificate of Performance of SAP 039-649-003 for Lake of the Woods County (Force Account) in the total amount of $178,002.99 and hereby authorize final payment. Seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and the same being put to vote was duly carried.
Highway Update
Landfill Update
DITCH AUTHORITY
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting at 10:25 a.m. and open Ditch Authority.
JD 28 Project
Waiting for final decision on JD 28. The County did not receive any bids for the cleaning of JD 16, the County will clean and bill the time to JD 16. All work for JD 28 will be through a grant.
Ditch Assessments
Commissioner Jon Waibel reviewed the following Ditch Assessments presented to the County Board for 2020:
CD 1: $22,800.00
CD 2: $882.40
JD 16: $8,500.00
JD 24: $16,000.00
JD 26: $24,000.00
JD 28: $40,000.00
JD 22: $4,800.00 (Joint Ditch with Roseau County)
JD 62: $16,900.00 (Joint Ditch with Roseau County)
The Ditch Authority recommended the following Ditch Assessments: County Ditch 1-$22,800; County Ditch 2-$882.40, Judicial Ditch 16 Outlet Fee- $8,500; Judicial Ditch 24- $16,000; Judicial Ditch 26- $24,000; Judicial Ditch 28-$40,000; Judicial Ditch 22-Joint Ditch with Roseau-$4,800; Joint Ditch 62 with Roseau-$16,900.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to close the Ditch Authority meeting at 10:35 a.m. and reconvene the regular meeting.
DITCH ASSESSMENTS
Chair Jon Waibel discussed the 2020 Ditch Assessments and the recommendations from County Engineer, AJ Pirkl and the Ditch Authority.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the recommendations of the Ditch Authority to set the 2020 Ditch Assessments as follows: County Ditch 1-$22,800; County Ditch 2-$882.40, Judicial Ditch 16 Outlet Fee- $8,500; Judicial Ditch 24- $16,000; Judicial Ditch 26- $24,000; Judicial Ditch 28-$40,000; Judicial Ditch 22-Joint Ditch with Roseau-$4,800; Joint Ditch 62 with Roseau-$16,900.
JOSEPH LAURIN
Northerly Park
Laurin presented an updated plan for the Northerly Park at the Northwest Angle. The plan was simplified with the help of Whitt Environmental Services and includes a visitor center, board walk, observation tower and cross-country ski trail.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve payment of current invoice from Whitt Environmental Services including additional time, not to exceed a total of $1,000, for completion of the joint notification to the U.S. Corp of Engineers.
Edge Riders Request
Polaris is allowing the club to use a ranger with the option to purchase it. The club is looking for funding to purchase the ranger. The County Board suggested to contact the EDA for loan options.
HUMAN RESOURCES
Department Reviews
Savanna Slick met with the board to find a date to create non-elected department head evaluations. The Board will plan to meet after the regular meeting on 2/11/2020 for this work session.
RECESS
Meeting was recessed at 11:03 am and reconvened at 11:15 am as follows:
PROPOSED LAW ENFORCEMENT CENTER
Land Purchase
Chair Jon Waibel opened up the meeting for discussion on the land purchase options for the proposed Law Enforcement Center. Several community members were in attendance and voiced concern about the possible location on the north side of Highway 11. Chair Jon Waibel explained that right now that property is off of the table.
A question was asked regarding the timeline for the purposed Law Enforcement Center, Chair Jon Waibel explained that the requirement was to have progress towards completion by July of 2021.
A community member shared that he was pleased that the County is looking at an alternate location, and that community use of the facility should be taken into consideration, such as meeting rooms.
Further discussion on the land purchase for the proposed Law Enforcement Center will be added to the next Board meeting agenda.
RECESS
With no further business before the board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 11:41 a.m.
Attest: January 14, 2020
__________________________________ _________________________________
County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chairman of the Board, Jon Waibel
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Commissioner Proceedings
January 28, 2020
The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.
Call to Order
Chair Jon Waibel called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Joe Grund, Jon Waibel, Buck Nordlof, Cody Hasbargen and Ed Arnesen. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, County Attorney Jim Austad, Jaime Boretski-LaValla, and Woody Fiala.
Approval of Agenda
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda.
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 January 14, 2020.
SOCIAL SERVICES
Claims
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrant’s $13,880.48, Commissioners Warrant’s $1,421.51, Commissioners Warrant’s $18,935.12.
ODC Contract
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the Purchase of Service Agreement with Occupational Development Center, Inc. and for Commissioner Jon Waibel to sign the same.
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 $172,686.33, Road & Bridge $71,953.73.
WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION
Warrants Approved On 1/28/2020 For Payment 1/31/2020
Vendor Name Amount
ByteSpeed, LLC 11,733.00
Compudyne, Inc 20,793.10
KRIS Engineering Inc 4,221.40
LOW Fair Association 25,000.00
Mn Assn Of Counties 2,200.00
MN Counties Intergovernmental Trust 148,848.00
Northern Light Region 2,579.14
Thompson Reuters-West Publishing Corp. 2,958.50
Woody’s Service 5,415.25
54 Payments less than 2000 20,891.67
Final Total: 244,640.06
Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: January 15, 2020 for $99,575.42, January 15, 2020 for $295,490.84, January 23, 2020 for $13,391.43.
Hoffman, Philipp, & Knutson Understanding of Services Letter
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to authorize Chair Jon Waibel and County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson to sign the engagement letter for year-end Audit services with Hoffman, Philipp and Knutson for 2019 year-end audit.
Ditch Loan
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the transfer of funds from Ditch 28 Fund to the Revenue Fund for payoff of Loan 1, partial payment of Loan 2 and applicable interest to both, effective December 31, 2019, as follows:
Loan Principal Interest Total
1 $11,389.11 $462.44 $11,851.55
2 $9,415.00 $588.29 $10,003.29
Change Board Meeting Start Time
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the start time of the County Board Meeting on 2/25/2020 at 8:15 a.m. This meeting will be held at Lake of the Woods School.
Pay Equity
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the 2020 Pay Equity Report as presented.
Local Sales Tax
A supplement for the local sales tax resolution was reviewed and all Commissioners were in favor of submitting it to the state representatives.
Motion for Year End Adjustments
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize the closure of Special Revenue Forfeited Tax Fund (27) and transfer its balance to Agency Forfeited Land Tax Fund (86) effective December 31, 2019.
HRDC
A representative from Headwaters Regional Development Commission presented to the Board on the Region Transportation Coordination Council (RTCC). The goals of the Headwaters RTCC are to:
LAKE OF THE WOODS PREVENTION COALITION
HIDTA Application
Tammie Doebler, with the Lake of the Woods Prevention Coalition, meet with the Board and requested their consideration and support to apply to the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve supporting the application to HIDTA.
COUNTY HIGHWAY/LANDFILL
Highway Update
Boyd Johnson provided the Highway Update. Planning of projects, snow plowing and other activities are going well. Bids will go out soon for CSAH 31 and the chip sealing of County Roads 14 and 3. Johnson is currently working on the classification of County Roads and talked with the Board about consideration of a snow removal arrangement with the school.
Vehicle Purchase
The Highway Department is looking to replace a Chevrolet Tahoe, which will be transferred over to the County Assessor.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize the County Highway Department to purchase a Jeep at a cost of up to $31,000.
Landfill Update
County Engineer, AJ Pirkl, is currently attending a meeting with the MPCA.
US Bank Lease Agreement/ROTOCHOPPER INC
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the US Bank Lease Agreement for Equipment from ROTOCHOPPER INC with payment and terms of 84 monthly payments of $6,268.50, plus applicable taxes.
WIKSTROM RIGHT-OF-WAY-EASEMENT
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the Right-Of-Way-Easements as requested by Wikstrom Telephone Company, Incorporated.
PROPOSED LAW ENFORCEMENT CENTER
The Board continues to look at locations for the proposed Law Enforcement Center and research the options.
RECESS
With no further business before the board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 11:13 a.m.
Attest: January 28, 2020
__________________________________ _________________________________
County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chairman of the Board, Jon Waibel
