COMMISSIONER PROCEEDINGS

August 16, 2022

The Lake of The Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

Call To Order

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

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following changes: Add: NWA Assessing, Lake of the Woods Fair Board, and Phone Stipend for Katy Johnson.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the minutes from July 26, 2022.

Social Services

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $20,827.96; Commissioners Warrants $5,849.35; Commissioners Warrants $16,098.15.

Phone Stipend

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve a phone stipend in the about of $60.00 per month for Katy Johnson effective September 2022.

Auditor/Treasurer

Claims

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $130,111.39; Road & Bridge $228,180.39; County Development $1600.00; Solid Waste $75,295.44; Economic Development $44.56.

Warrants for Publication

Warrants Approved On 8/16/2022 For Payment 8/19/2022

Vendor Name Amount

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc. 20,583.68

CentralSquare Technologies, LLC 2,066.37

Contech Engineered Solutions LLC 39,208.30

Erickson Timber Products 13,600.00

Fort Distributors Ltd 34,500.00

GM Construction Inc 2,217.98

Hometown Hardware 2,182.68

Howard’s Oil Company 7,880.47

Integris DBA 4,419.30

Lake Area Construction Inc 11,400.00

Larkin Hoffman Attorneys 3,132.25

Lavalla Sand & Gravel Inc 57,690.50

LOW Highway Dept 4,002.00

LOW School District–390 3,000.00

M & J Construction Of Holt, Inc. 60,010.00

Mar-Kit Landfill 18,254.00

Meuser Law Office PA 60,000.00

Naylor Heating & Refrigeration LLC 2,115.57

Northern Light Region 2,409.50

Pennington County Sheriff Office 6,448.93

R & Q Trucking, Inc 3,266.28

SeaChange Print Innovations 7,313.81

T-C Lighting 33,182.50

Voice Products 2,402.00

Wex Bank 2,272.04

87 Payments less than 2000 31,673.62

Final Total   $435,231.78

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: July 27, 2022 for $14,582.71; August 3, 2022 for $6,959.45; August 9,2022 for ($56.00); August 9,2022 for $268,447.70; August 10,2022 for $113,379.05.

Appointment of Arrowhead Library Board Member

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to appoint Colleen Stanton to the Arrowhead Library Board through December 31, 2023. This appointment would be eligible for three additional 3-year terms.

Election Recount Agreement

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the Election Recount Agreements for both the primary and general elections and to have the County Auditor/Treasurer sign the same.

Maintenance

Resolution

The Following Resolution was offered by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and moved for adoption:

RECOGNITION OF YEARS OF SERVICE

DENNIS BECKEL

RESOLUTION 2022-08-01

WHEREAS: Dennis Beckel has served Lake of the Woods County since November 28,2005 as Part-time Custodian Maintenance.

WHEREAS: Dennis Beckel has resigned from Lake of the Woods County effective July 23, 2022 with 16 years and 8 months of service.

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

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

Appoint Committee Member

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to appoint County Assessor Alisa Jacobsen to the following committees: Lake of the Woods Affordable Housing/Loan, Solid Waste Committee/Household Waste, Subdivision Controls, Township Road & Trails, Wellness Committee, and Mid-state Co-op. This appointment will replace previous County Assessor Mary Jo Otten.

Northwest Angle Assessing

It was the consensus of the board to approve the County Assessors office to rent a charter boat with a guide, as necessary, to assess the Northwest Angle area.

Emergency Management

2021 EMPG Grant

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the 2021 Emergency Management Performance Grant as presented by Emergency Management Director Jill Hasbargen-Olson.

Large Event Ordinance-Event Permit

Emergency Management Director Jill Hasbargen-Olson explained the need for a large event ordinance that would require a permit for events of 500 or more attendees. The ordinance would ensure that a staff of Emergency Personnel would be available for such events. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to set a date for the Ordinance Committee to meet September 6, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. to discuss and start the process for a large event ordinance.

Water Update

Emergency Management Director Jill Hasbargen-Olson gave an update of the flood efforts that included: Sandbagger Machines and Clean-up.

Public Works

Permission to Hire

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve to hire a Solid Waste employee to fill a recently vacant position.

Permission to Hire

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to hire Kraig Stokke for the Solid Waste Processor position at Grade 11, Step 1, 21.68 per hour, 265 points effective August 3, 2022. 

Phone Stipend

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve a phone stipend in the amount of $60.00 per month for Solid Waste Processor Kraig Stokke effective September 2022.

Permission to Advertise Interview & Hire

Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the request to Advertise, Interview, & Hire for a Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator at Grade 11, Step 1, at 265 points.

Updates

County Engineer Anthony Pirkl gave an update on various projects and a Public Hearing was set for September 28, 2022 at 6:00p.m. to discuss the road construction projects in the Birch Beach and Sandy Shores area.

Recess

A brief recess took place at 9:50 a.m. and reconvened at 10:00 a.m.

Land & Water

Land and Water Director Josh Stromlund met with the Board of Commissioners and presented the following Findings of Fact/Conditional Use Permits.

Consideration of Zone Change #22-01ZC by Jennice Hayden

Southwest quarter (1/4) of the Northeast quarter (1/4) in Section Seven (7), Township One-hundred sixty-seven (167) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West- Parcel ID#06.07.13.000. Applicant is requesting an amendment to Section 303 of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance as allowed by Section 1206. The amendment would change the classification for the property from a Special Protection (SP) District to a Rural Residential (R2) Zoning District for the purposes of allowing a permanent structure to be located on the property for residential purposes.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to Deny the following Findings of Fact/Conditional Use Permit #22-01ZC for Jennice Hayden as recommended by the Lake of the Woods County Planning Commission.

Lake of the Woods County 

Rezoning

Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant:	Jennice Hayden	Date:	August 16, 2022
Location/Legal Description:	SW¼NE¼ Section 7, T. 167N, R. 33W
Current Zoning Classification:	Special Protection (SP)	Proposed:	Rural Residential (R2)
Parcel Number(s):	06.07.13.000	Application Number:	22-01ZC

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

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

___Yes X  No

Comments:	No plan submitted

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

  X  Yes ___No

Comments:	No change

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

___Yes X  No

Comments:	No change

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

___Yes X  No

Comments:	No change

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

___Yes X  No

Comments:	None

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

___Yes X  No

Comments:	No change

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

___Yes X  No

Comments:	No change

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

___Yes X  No

Comments:	No change

Conditions:

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

August 16, 2022 _____________________________________

         Date James Nordlof

Chairman, Lake of the Woods County Board

Consideration of Zone Change #22-02ZC by Jennice Hayden

Southeast quarter (1/4) of the Northwest quarter (1/4) in Section Seven (7), Township One-hundred sixty-seven (167) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West- Parcel ID#06.07.24.000. Applicant is requesting an amendment to Section 303 of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance as allowed by section 1206. The amendment would change the classification for the property from a Special Protection (SP) District to a Rural Residential (R2) Zoning District for the purposes of allowing a permanent structure to be located on the property for residential purposes.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to Deny the following Findings of Fact/Conditional Use Permit #22-02ZC for Jennice Hayden as recommended by the Lake of the Woods County Planning Commission.

Lake of the Woods County 

Rezoning

Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant:	Jennice Hayden	Date:	August 16, 2022
Location/Legal Description:	SE¼NW¼ Section 7, T. 167N, R. 33W
Current Zoning Classification:	Special Protection (SP)	Proposed:	Rural Residential (R2)
Parcel Number(s):	06.07.24.000	Application Number:	22-02ZC

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

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

___Yes X  No

Comments:	No plan for the property submitted

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

  X  Yes ___No

Comments:	No change

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

___Yes X  No

Comments:	No change

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

___Yes X  No

Comments:	No change

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

___Yes X  No

Comments:	None

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

___Yes X  No

Comments:	No change

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

___Yes X  No

Comments:	No change

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

___Yes X  No

Comments:	No change

Conditions:

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

August 16, 2022 ______ _______________________________

Date James Nordlof

Chairman, Lake of the Woods County Board

Consideration of Zone Change #22-03ZC by Jennice Hayden

Southwest quarter (1/4) of the Northwest quarter (1/4) in Section Seven (7), Township One-hundred sixty-seven (167) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West- Parcel ID#06.07.23.000. Applicant is requesting an amendment to Section 303 of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance as allowed by Section 1206. The amendment would change the classification for the property from a Special Protection (SP) District to a Rural Residential (R2) Zoning District for the purposes of allowing a permanent structure to be located on the property for residential purposes. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the following Findings of Fact/Conditional Use Permit #22-03ZC for Jennice Hayden to approve the request for an amendment to Section 303 of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance as allowed by Section 1206 with conditions. The amendment would change the classification for the property from a Special Protection (SP) District to a Rural Residential (R2) Zoning District for the purposes of allowing a permanent structure to be located on the property for residential purposes. 

Lake of the Woods County 

Rezoning

Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant:	Jennice Hayden	Date:	August 16, 2022
Location/Legal Description:	SW¼NW¼ Section 7, T. 167N, R. 33W
Current Zoning Classification:	Special Protection (SP)	Proposed:	Rural Residential (R2)
Parcel Number(s):	06.07.23.000	Application Number:	22-03ZC

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

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

  X Yes ___No

Comments:	Recreational use

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

X Yes ___No

Comments:	Mostly state land and tribal land

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

___Yes X  No

Comments:	Limited residential use

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

___Yes X  No

Comments:	No change

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

___Yes X  No

Comments:	None

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

___Yes X  No

Comments:	No change

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

___Yes X  No

Comments:	None

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

___Yes X  No

Comments:	No change

Conditions:	All buildings must follow all property setbacks
Any septic system must be approved

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

August 16, 2022 ______ _______________________________

Date James Nordlof

Chairman, Lake of the Woods County Board

Consideration of Zone Change #22-04ZC by Nels Holte

Government Lot Three (3) Section Seventeen (17), Township One-hundred Sixty-two North (162), Range Thirty-two (32) with Parcel ID #19.17.24.010. Applicant is requesting and amendment to Section 303 of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance as allowed by Section 1206. The amendment would change the classification for the property from a Special Protection (SP) District to a Rural Residential (R2) Zoning District for the purposes of continued development of the property.

Motion 

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the following Findings of Fact/Conditional Use Permit #22-04ZC for Nels Holte to approve the amendment to Section 303 of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance as allowed by Section 1206 with conditions. The amendment would change the classification for the property from a Special Protection (SP) District to a Rural Residential (R2) Zoning District for the purposes of continued development of the property.

Lake of the Woods County 

Rezoning

Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant:	Nels Holte	Date:	August 16, 2022
Location/Legal Description:	Government Lot 3 Section 17, T. 162N, R. 32W
Current Zoning Classification:	Special Protection (SP)	Proposed:	Rural Residential (R2)
Parcel Number(s):	19.17.24.010	Application Number:	22-04ZC

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

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

 X  Yes ___No

Comments:	Currently residential

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

 X  Yes ___No

Comments:	Additional residential in area

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

___Yes X  No

Comments:	No change

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

___Yes X  No

Comments:	No change

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

___Yes X  No

Comments:	No change

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

___Yes X  No

Comments:	No change

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

___Yes X  No

Comments:	No change

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

___Yes X  No

Comments:	No change

Conditions:	Homeowner should consider the following items:
A permanent ring dike to encircle structure and septic system. It may be reinforced with rip rap
Repair rip rap along shoreline.
Consider construction of breakwater to reduce wave energy.

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

August 16, 2022 ______ _______________________________

Date James Nordlof

Chairman, Lake of the Woods County Board

Lake of the Woods County Fair Board

Lake of the Woods County Fair Board members J.P. Sweet and Rob Hruby came to the board to formally thank them for their donation to the fair and to give an update on the fairgrounds and plans for the centennial fair next year.

RECESS

With no further business before the Board, Vice-Chair Ed Arnesen called the meeting to recess at 10:36 a.m.

Attest: August 30, 2022

______________________________ _________________________________

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

Commissioner Proceedings

August 10, 2021

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room. 

CALL TO ORDER

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

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following changes: Add – Motion to Approve Grant Contract SPAP-21-0018-P-FY22, Add – COVID-19, Add – SURVEY.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of July 27, 2021.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $14,748.13; Commissioners Warrants $1,513.79; Commissioners Warrants $9,839.44.

AUDITOR/TREASURER
Claims
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $199,589.79; Road & Bridge $240,515.32; Road & Bridge $15,025.56; Joint Ditch $7,708.25; Solid Waste $26,044.05; EDA $44.56. 

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 8/10/2021 For Payment 8/13/2021

CentralSquare Technologies, LLC     138,296.48

Contech Engineered Solutions LLC       14,245.00

Counties Providing Technology         3,860.00

Extreme Duty Ironworks         5,200.00

Fort Distributors Ltd       34,020.00

H & R Const.Co                       11,787.50

Howard’s Oil Company       13,891.08

Knife River Corporation     117,028.44

Lavalla Sand & Gravel Inc       45,067.00

LHB Inc         2,495.00

LOW Highway Dept                       11,840.75

Mar-Kit Landfill       16,746.50

Motorola Solutions, Inc       42,612.50

Northwest Tire Inc         3,350.00

Woody’s Service                           2,626.94

49 Payments less than 2,000                                       25,860.34

Final Total:     488,927.53

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: July 28, 2021 for $12,271.74; August 5, 2021 for $64,965.64.

Lost Warrant Affidavit
Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the application and affidavit for lost warrant number 93782 for vendor number 4662 dated June 2, 2021 for $1,250.00 without furnishing indemnifying bond. 

Williams Potato Day Donation Request
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve a $500 donation to Potato Day from levied funds and an additional $750 donation to Potato Day from American Rescue Plan funds, if applicable, or Con Con funds.

Motion to Approve Grant Contract SPAP-21-0018-P-FY22
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve Grant Contract SPAP-21-0018-P-FY22 with the State of Minnesota, acting through the Department of Employment and Economic Development, for a forgivable loan program for eligible remote recreational businesses in Lake of the Woods County that experienced loss in revenue due to the closure of the United States and Canadian border; and for Chair Joe Grund and Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson to sign the same.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Law Enforcement Resignation

Deputy Sheriff Brad Abbey submitted his resignation effective July 28, 2021.

Permission to Advertise, Interview and Hire

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve permission to advertise, interview and hire for Deputy Sheriff at grade 12, points 282 or grade 13, points 288, if the candidate is coroner certified.

PUBLIC WORKS
Highway Update
County Engineer AJ Pirkl provided an update on the status of current projects, including: ditch cleaning, paving and bridge work.

Solid Waste Update
County Engineer AJ Pirkl provided an update.  The process needed to get approval to haul garbage from the Northwest Angle to Steinbach, Manitoba is almost complete.

SURVEY
The County Surveyor will report back to the Board regarding a property marker and related property survey.

MN GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
Update on Lake of the Woods County Geologic Atlas
Barbara Lusardi and Jordan Mayer from the Minnesota Geological Survey provided an update to the Board on their progress with the Lake of the Woods County Geological Atlas.

COVID-19
Commissioner Ed Arnesen is communicating with CHI LakeWood Health’s Public Health Manager, Kay M. Schell, regarding COVID-19 testing equipment for the Northwest Angle.

RECESS
With no further business before the Board, Chair Joe Grund called the meeting to recess at 10:18 a.m.

Attest: August 24, 2021

_________________________________ _________________________________

Deputy Auditor/Treasurer, Jaime Boretski-LaValla Chair of the Board, Joe Grund 

Commissioner Proceedings

August 24, 2021

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room. 

CALL TO ORDER

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

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the agenda with the following changes: Add – Closed Session, Pursuant to MN Statute 13D.03 Closed Meetings for Labor Negotiations, Add – Postage Machine Lease

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the official and summarized minutes of August 10, 2021.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $6,917.03; Commissioners Warrants $1,499.83; Commissioners Warrants $52,388.96.

AUDITOR/TREASURER
Claims
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $39,694.22; Road & Bridge $90,355.61; County Development $8,899.90; Joint Ditch $24,652.50; Solid Waste $15,944.89; EDA $812.73. 

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 8/24/2021 For Payment 8/27/2021

Vendor Name Amount

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc. 20,271.23

Compudyne, Inc 2,055.50

Farmers Union Oil Co. 3,128.26

Freeberg & Grund, Inc 61,068.48

Gamache/Mike 24,652.50

M-R Sign Co, Inc 9,890.36

Outdoors Again 5,090.10

Quadient Finance USA Inc. 2,000.00

R & Q Trucking, Inc 2,575.00

Titan Machinery – Roseau 3,123.28

U.S. Bank Equipment Finance 6,268.50

Vesta Solutions Inc 15,000.00

WSB 5,554.25

                                                 43 Payments less than 2000                                     19,682.39

                                                 Final Total: 180,359.85

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: August 11, 2021 for $55,223.42; August 19, 2021 for $397,408.25.

Postage Machine Lease
Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the 60-month postage meter lease agreement with Quadient Leasing USA Inc. at $204.70 per month for the first 12 months and then $312.70 per month, which includes maintenance, for the remaining 48 months.

VOYAGEURS COMTRONICS CORPORATION

Update

Lee Hervey from Voyageurs Comtronics Corporation provided the Board with an update.  Hervey requested that the TV Committee, which consists of representatives from Roseau County and Lake of the Woods County, schedule a work session to plan for Hervey’s successor.

Equipment Request

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously by roll call to approve up to $12,000 from American Rescue Plan funds to purchase a TV translator.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the purchase and install of monitoring sensors, internet and phone lines at $882 for the Williams TV Tower and $758 for the Baudette TV Tower.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Permission to Advertise, Interview and Hire

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously by roll call to approve permission to advertise, interview and hire a part-time dispatcher at grade 10, points 237 and a part-time deputy sheriff at grade 12, points 282.

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MEMBER APPOINTMENT
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously by roll call to appoint Monica Dohmen to the Board of Adjustments effective August 24, 2021. 

CLOSED SESSION
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof to close the regular meeting at 9:53 a.m. and open the closed session pursuant to MN Statute § 13D.03- Labor Negotiations. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried by roll call. 

Members present: Commissioners: Joe Grund, Cody Hasbargen, Buck Nordlof, and Jon Waibel.  Commissioner Ed Arnesen attend by phone conference.  Also present: Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson and Human Resources Director Savanna Slick.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen to close the closed session and open the regular meeting at 11:15 a.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried by roll call.

RECESS
With no further business before the Board, Chair Joe Grund called the meeting to recess at 11:16 a.m.  

RECONVENE
The meeting reconvened at 1:00 p.m. at the location of the proposed Peter R. Jones Cartway.

JONES CARTWAY PROPERTY VIEWING
Members present: Commissioners: Joe Grund, Cody Hasbargen, Buck Nordlof, and Jon Waibel. Absent Commissioner Ed Arnesen.  Also present: Lorene Hanson, Josh Stromlund, Chad Connor, James Austad, Steven Anderson and Terry Brown.

The Board explored the proposed Peter R. Jones Cartway and alternate routes.

RECESS
With no further business before the Board, Chair Joe Grund called the meeting to recess at 2:00 p.m.

Attest: September 14, 2021

_________________________________ _________________________________

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

Commissioner Proceedings

August 25, 2020

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, August 25, 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 was: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following addition: SandPieper Design Inc. Website Contract.

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 August 13, 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 Warrant’s $14,669.46, Commissioners Warrant’s $3,506.16, Commissioners Warrant’s $2,534.80.

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 $32,637.25; Road & Bridge $23,675.43; Solid Waste $23,508.64; EDA $829.87.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 8/25/2020 For Payment 8/28/2020

Vendor Name Amount

Contech Engineered Solutions LLC 17,019.00

Counties Providing Technology 3,831.00

Lakewood Health Center 2,176.25

Mar-Kit Landfill 16,538.50

Outdoors Again 3,363.29

SeaChange Print Innovations 3,942.92

U.S. Bank Equipment Finance 6,268.50

Voice Products 6,350.00

50 Payments less than 2000                             21,161.73

                                                Final Total: 80,651.19

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: August 12, 2020 for $478,063.29.

SandPieper Design Inc. Website Contract

It was the consensus of the Board to move forward and sign the contract with SandPieper Design Inc. for the Lake of the Woods County website design and development.

COUNTY HIGHWAY/LANDFILL

U of M Policy Research Presentation

University of Minnesota Graduate Student presented research on solid waste policy.

Highway Update

County Engineer, AJ Pirkl, provided a highway update.  Ditching along County Road 4 to the offtake is complete and the County will be looking at purchasing right of way to continue that work.

CSAH 9 Gravel Stabilization

It was the consensus of the Board to complete a gravel stabilization project on CSAH 9 at a total cost of approximately $70,000.

Landfill Update
County Engineer, AJ Pirkl, provided a landfill update.  Erosion sock is ready to sell.  The Board will take a road tour to the landfill after the Board meeting on September 8^th at 2 p.m. for a Rotochopper demonstration.

COVID-19

Update

CHI LakeWood Public Health Manager, Kay M. Schell, provided an update on COVID-19 testing. No new positives were reported.  The total number of tests completed for Lake of the Woods County was at 341 with 186 of those tests done at CHI LakeWood Health.

CARES ACT

The Board will coordinate another meeting with Economic Development Director, Ryan Zemek.

RECESS

With no further business before the Board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 10:07 a.m. and the Board continued on with the 2021 Budget Work Session.

Attest: September 8, 2020

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

Commissioner Proceedings

August 13, 2020

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Thursday, August 13, 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 was: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Extension of Lease Agreement.

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 July 28, 2020.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrant’s $13,469.99, Commissioners Warrant’s $2,289.88, Commissioners Warrant’s $19,983.30.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $90,757.30; Road & Bridge $40,413.59; County Development $200; Joint Ditch $1,952.50; Solid Waste $14,435.01; EDA $44.56.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 8/13/2020 For Payment 8/14/2020

Vendor Name Amount

Arrowhead Library System 33,118.00

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc. 6,406.57

Freeberg & Grund, Inc 2,270.00

Hoffman, Philipp & Knutson, PLLC 4,375.00

Holen Electric 5,582.50

Howard’s Oil Company 7,442.44

LOW Highway Dept 7,740.92

LOW School District–390 3,850.00

LOW Soil & Water Cons. Dist. 28,623.00

R & Q Trucking, Inc 3,090.00

Royal Tire Inc 3,200.40

Terry’s Tree Service 2,000.00

Walker Pipe & Supply 11,341.00

Woody’s Service 3,606.94

62 Payments less than 2000                                            25,156.19

                                             Final Total: 147,802.96

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: July 29, 2020 for $40,931.42; July 29, 2020 for $1,877.80; August 4, 2020 for $302,611.25; August 4, 2020 for ($2,201.80), August 5, 2020 for $12,008.60.

Wells Fargo Signature Card for MV 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, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Connie Nesmith and Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Jeffrey Hovde for account number 5502 effective 08/13/2020.

Motion to Hire for Training

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson to hire Dawn Christianson to a temporary part-time (an average of five days per month) training position through June 2021 at $30.00 per hour.

Extension of Lease Agreement

It was the consensus of the Board for the Extension/4-H office to move to a smaller room within Lake of the Woods School at a monthly rental rate of $250.00.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board and presented a Conditional Use Permit Application #20-05CU for JRF Properties, LLC:  Lots 1-6, Block 2, Marina Drive Estates, Section Thirty-six (36), Township One Hundred Sixty-two (162) North, Range Thirty-two (32) West, Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota – Parcel IDs# 19.70.02.010 through 19.70.02.060. Applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit as required by Section 401-D of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance, to allow the operation of a commercial business consisting of a seasonal camping area/RV Park in a Commercial-Recreation District. The proposed project area is non-shoreland. Stromlund reviewed the findings of facts with the board and informed the board that the Planning Commission recommends approval with the following conditions: minimum lot size of 3,000 square feet per unit site, must meet density requirements, must meet Department of Health standards and if required, must obtain a stormwater permit from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). No correspondence was received from the public.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the Conditional Use Permit for JRF Properties, LLC with the following conditions:

1. Minimum lot size of 3,000 square feet per unit site.
2. Must meet density requirements.
3. Must meet Department of Health standards.
4. If required, must obtain a stormwater permit from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners

Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant:  JRF Properties, LLC Date:  August 13, 2020

Location/Legal Description:  Lots 1-6, Block 2, Marina Drive Estates, Section Thirty-six (36), Township One Hundred Sixty-two (162) North, Range Thirty-two (32) West, Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota – Parcel IDs 19.70.02.010 through 19.70.02.060.

Project Proposal:  To allow the operation of a commercial business consisting of a seasonal camping area/RV Park in a Commercial-Recreation District.

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

Why or why not? _Resort/Recreational Area and is within the Rainy River Growth Corridor. 

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

YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? _Must meet state and local requirements.

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? __No change.

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? __State Hwy 172 plus one private and County Road.

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

Why or why not? __Adjacent to other recreational campground.

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

YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? _Will be constructed to standards.

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? __Either sewer system or septic and will provide an additional well.

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

15. Will there be fencing and/or other screening provided to buffer the project proposal from adjacent properties?

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

Why or why not? _Planting trees on North and East side of Lots 1-6, Block 2.

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? _Small sign on County Road between Block 1 and 2.

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? _Adequate parking exists on the property.

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

The specific conditions of approval are as follows:

1. Minimum lot size of 3,000 square feet per unit site.
2. Must meet density requirements.
3. Must meet Department of Health standards.
4. If required, must obtain a stormwater permit from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).

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

August 13, 2020 _____________________________________

Date Jon Waibel

        Chair, County Board

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

COUNTY HIGHWAY/LANDFILL

Railroad Crossing Agreement Update
County Engineer, AJ Pirkl, provided an update regarding railroad crossings after having talked through options with MnDOT and the Canadian National Railway.

Highway Update

County Engineer, AJ Pirkl, provided a highway update.  Pirkl talked with the new District 2 State Aid Engineer regarding the drainage issues on County Road 80 and he will continue to try and move that project forward.

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

WILLIE WALLEYE FUND

City of Baudette Mayor, Rick Rone, provided an update on the Willie Walleye Fund Budget.  The final payment of $10,000 from the County is to be used for landscaping.  It was the consensus of the Board to continue with the last payment of $10,000 to complete the total donation of $30,000.

DEPOT PRESERVATION ALLIANCE

Vince Ojard and Darcy Hansen provided an update regarding the Depot Preservation Alliance (DPA).  Due to COVID-19 many events were cancelled and the DPA’s budget is short by $10,155.  They had received $6,000 from the County for an outbuilding project, which they will not be completing this year.  It was the consensus of the Board that the DPA could use the $6,000 donated by the County for the outbuilding project towards general budget needs. The Board will review the DPA’s budget information further during the CARES Act work sessions.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Request to Advertise, Interview and Hire: Infectious Control/Custodian II

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve Human Resources to advertise, interview and hire a temporary (not more than 6 months) Infection Control/Custodian II.

RECESS

The board went into recess at 9:53 a.m. and reconvened the meeting at 10:00 a.m.

SHERIFF

Jail Administrator/E911 Corrections Officer Duties 

It was the consensus of the Board to review the compensation request for two employees, who have taken on additional duties, at the budget meetings.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – RYAN ZEMEK

Tax Abatement

Economic Development Director, Ryan Zemek, met with the Board regarding a tax abatement for Lake of the Woods Foods. Lake of the Woods Foods is planning an expansion and is looking for an economic development tax abatement.  The Board will have a work session on the tax abatement for Lake of the Woods Foods on September 8, 2020 after the regular scheduled board meeting.

RECESS

The board went into recess at 10:55 a.m. and reconvened the meeting at 11:00 a.m.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve Emergency Management Director, Jill Hasbargen Olson, to purchase two APX600 radios from Motorola Solutions Inc. at a total cost of $9,191.50.

COVID-19

Update

Jill Hasbargen Olson, Emergency Management Director, said that she has been working with Kay M. Schell form CHI Lake Wood Health to provide COVID-19 information to First Responders.  Hasbargen Olson also reminded the Board about Lake of the Woods School’s virtual town hall meeting scheduled for Thursday, August 13, 2020.

CHI LakeWood Public Health Manager, Kay M. Schell, provided an update. Lake of the Woods County has four positive cases confirmed, a total of seven cases are possible.  Last week 267 COVID-19 tests were completed in Lake of the Woods County.  CHI LakeWood Health is doing COVID-19 testing on Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays and providing same day results.  Criteria for a COVID-19 test at CHI LakeWood Health is a known exposure to a positive case with contact for 15 minutes at closer than six feet and a doctor’s order is required.

RECESS

With no further business before the Board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 11:22 a.m.

Attest: August 25, 2020

______________________________ _________________________________

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