Commissioner Proceedings

December 15, 2020

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room. 

CALL TO ORDER

Vice-Chair Ed Arnesen called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Cody Hasbargen, Joe Grund, Buck Nordlof, Ed Arnesen. Absent members: Commissioner Jon Waibel. Also present: 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 additions: Baudette Fire Department/Funding Request.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of November 24, 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 $22,009.54, Commissioners Warrant’s $2,431.52, Commissioners Warrant’s $13,926.03.

Approval of Waiver Management Contract with Meridian Services 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the Purchase of Service Agreement – Host County Contract for Waiver Case Management with Meridian Services, Inc. and for Social Services Director Amy Ballard and County Attorney James Austad to sign the same.

Approval of Northland Counseling Contract for Children’s Mental Health Services 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried, with Commissioner Cody Hasbargen abstaining, to approve the Purchase of Service Agreement with Northland Counseling Center and for Social Services Director Amy Ballard, County Board Chair Jon Waibel and County Attorney James Austad to sign the same.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $456,626.63; Road & Bridge $103,854.93; County Development $435.72; Joint Ditch $360; Solid Waste $24,451.23, Economic Development $89.12.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 12/15/2020 For Payment 12/18/2020

Vendor Name Amount

Agassiz Asphalt LLC 54,000.00

Beltrami County Highway Dept 3,341.41

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc. 3,681.89

Code 4 Services,Inc 14,593.31

Compudyne, Inc 3,907.00

Counties Providing Technology 3,751.00

DSC Communications 3,885.00

Election Systems & Software, Inc 2,768.06

Freeberg & Grund, Inc 24,633.10

Hoffman, Philipp & Knutson, PLLC 6,225.00

LOW Highway Dept 2,014.66

Malwarebytes Inc 3,135.00

Mar-Kit Landfill 10,563.75

Marco Technologies LLC 2,845.88

MN Counties Intergovernmental Trust 6,476.00

Motorola Solutions, Inc 360,005.00

University Of Mn 9,587.01

WIDSETH 8,107.78

Widseth Smith Nolting&Asst Inc 3,583.33

Wood Interiors 16,733.32

70 Payments less than 2000   41,980.13

Final Total: 585,817.63

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: November 30, 2020 for $136,413.06, December 2, 2020 for $621,300.81, December 4, 2020 for $232,120.84, December 4, 2020 for ($90.90) and December 9, 2020 for $33,235.88.

Salaries

2021 Elected Officials & Non-Elected Department Heads Salaries

Motion 

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund to adopt the following County Commissioners salaries schedule and County Board Chair salary schedule for the year 2021; and to adopt a committee meeting per diem of $125.00 for the year 2021.  The motion was seconded by Buck Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Elected Officials – Commissioners:

Commissioners                 $21,500.00                          

Board Chair                      $22,500.00          

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund to adopt a Technology Fee of $50.00 per month for County Commissioners for the year 2021. (Technology fee reimbursement for county related phone, internet, computer and copy expenses.)  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and unanimously carried to adopt the following Elected Officials salary schedule for the year 2021.  

Elected Officials – Department Heads:

County Sheriff                      $91,162.08

County Aud/Treas                $89,470.80

County Recorder                  $75,606.48

County Attorney                   $112,125.60

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund to adopt the following Non-Elected Department Heads salary schedule for the year 2021.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.  

Non-Elected – Department Heads:

Assessor                              Mary Jo Otten            $86,213.52       

MIS Director                       Peder Hovland           $79,991.28

Public Works                      Anthony Pirkl             $101,915.28     

Land/Water                         Josh Stromlund           $86,046.48

Social Service                     Amy Ballard               $86,025.60      

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund to adopt the following Non-Elected Department Heads salary schedule for the year 2021.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.  

Non-Elected – Department Heads:

Veterans Service              Rick Rone                        $25,671.96

Human Resources           Savanna Slick                   $31,278.24          

Salary Adjustment, as agreed upon per Union Contract

Motion- Highway Union

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund to adjust all full time Highway Union employees’ salary by a .60 cents per hour general adjustment and by 1 merit step, if applicable (not maxed), effective January 1, 2021.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Salary Adjustment, as agreed upon per Union Contract

Motion- Solid Waste Union

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund to adjust all full time Solid Waste Union employees’ salary by a .60 cents per hour general adjustment and by 1 merit step, if applicable (not maxed), effective January 1, 2021.  Motion was seconded by Buck Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

All County Employees (Full time/Permanent Part Time/Part Time/Seasonal Employees) Salary Adjustment (Excluding Elected and Non-Elected Department Heads) 

Motion- Non-Union

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund to adjust all non-union employees: full time, permanent part time, part time and seasonal (excluding elected and non-elected department heads) salaries by a .60 cents per hour general adjustment and by 1 merit step, if applicable (not maxed), effective January 1, 2021.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Health Insurance/Health Care Savings Plan

Motion (motion made 10/27/2020)

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to set the 2021 county contribution for family health insurance up to $1,310 per month and single health insurance up to $960 per month.  The Public Employees Insurance Program “Advantage Plan” consists of “High”, “Value” and “HSA” plans.  For the HSA plans only, any excess county contribution will be deposited directly into the employee’s health savings account, up to the IRS caps.  

Motion 

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve that all PERA eligible Lake of the Woods County employees contribute one percent (1%) of their regular pay (no overtime) into their Health Care Savings Plan (HCSP); in addition, Lake of the Woods County, as employer, will contribute one percent (1%) of the employee’s regular pay (no overtime) to the same all PERA eligible Lake of the Woods County employees.

Lake of the Woods County Extension Office Lease

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the Lease Agreement with Independent School District #390 for the Lake of the Woods County Extension Office space and for Board Chair Jon Waibel to sign the same.

Rinke Noonan Legal Services Agreement

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the 2021 Legal Services Agreement, Proposal Option 1, with Rinke Noonan and for Board Chair Jon Waibel and County Attorney James Austad to sign the same.

ATTENDANCE

Commissioner Jon Waibel arrived to the meeting at 9:30 a.m.

2021 Meeting Dates

Motion 

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following 2021 County Board Meeting Dates:

2021 LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY BOARD MEETING DATES

January

Tuesday, January 5 (Organizational Meeting) 9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room 

Tuesday, January 12 9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room 

Tuesday, January 26 9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room                                          

February

Tuesday, February 9 9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, February 23 9:00 a.m.  Lake of the Woods School

March

Tuesday, March 9 9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room 

Tuesday, March 23 9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

April

Tuesday, April 13 9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, April 27 9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

May

Tuesday, May 11 9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room 

Tuesday, May 25 9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room 

June

Tuesday, June 8 9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Monday, June 14 6:00 p.m. Board of Equalization

Tuesday, June 15 10:00 a.m. NWA

Tuesday, June 22 9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

July

Tuesday, July 13 9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room 

Tuesday, July 27 9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

August 

Tuesday, August 10 9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, August 24 9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

September

Tuesday, September 14 9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room 

Tuesday, September 28 9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room 

October

Tuesday, October 12 9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, October 26 9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

November

Tuesday, November 9 9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, November 23 9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

December

Tuesday, December 14 9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, December 14 6:00 p.m. TNT Meeting

Tuesday, December 28 9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MAY BE ATTENDING THE FOLLOWING:

AMC JOINT LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE: February 17-18 in St. Paul

AMC LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE: March 31- April 2 in Nisswa

AMC DISTRICT 2 MEETING: June 16 and October 27

AMC POLICY COMMITTEE: September 16-17 in Alexandria

AMC ANNUAL CONFERENCE: December 6-8 in Bloomington

LAKE OF THE WOODS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETINGS

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners will be attending these meetings on the 3rd Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. in the Commissioners Room at the Government Center

COUNTY ASSESSOR

Appraiser Trainee/Appraiser Pay Schedule

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously by roll call to approve a change in pay scale for Tyler Swanson from Appraiser Trainee to Appraiser effective 10/5/2020 to grade 13, step 1, points 289, $22.72 per hour.

RECESS

The Board took a brief recess at 9:36 a.m. and reconvened the meeting at 9:45 a.m.

COUNTY SHERIFF

PERA Resolution

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

Resolution No. 20-12-01

Public Employees Police and Fire Plan

WHEREAS, the policy of the State of Minnesota as declared in Minnesota Statutes 353.63 is to give special consideration to employees who perform hazardous work and devote their time and skills to protecting the property and personal safety of others; and

WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes Section 353.64 permits governmental subdivisions to request coverage in the Public Employees Police and Fire plan for eligible employees of police departments whose position duties meet the requirements stated therein and listed below.

BE IT RESOLVED that the Commissioners of Lake of the Woods County hereby declare that the position titled Part Time Deputy Sheriff, currently held by Andrew Jespersen meets all of the following Police and Fire membership requirements:                        

1. Said position requires a license by the Minnesota peace officer standards and training board under sections 626.84 to 626.863 and this employee is so licensed;

2. Said position’s primary (over 50%) duty is to enforce the general criminal laws of the state;

3. Said position charges this employee with the prevention and detection of crime;

4. Said position gives this employee the full power of arrest, and 

5. Said position is assigned to a designated police or sheriff’s department.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this governing body hereby requests that the above-named employee be accepted as a member of the Public Employees Police and Fire Plan effective the date of this employee’s initial Police and Fire salary deduction by the governmental subdivision.

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

I-Mobile State Patrol Contract

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the I-Mobile State Patrol Contract and for Chair Jon Waibel and County Sheriff Gary Fish to sign the same. 

CENTRALSQUARE PRESENTATION

Blakelyn Bailey from CentralSquare Technologies provided a presentation on the managed services that they provide for law enforcement organizations.

PUBLIC HEARING

Proposed closure of that portion of Township Road #167 crossing the CN Railroad at US/DOT #312192G located on 34^th Ave NW, Pitt, MN

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing at 10:30 a.m.

County Engineer, AJ Pirkl provided an update on the proposed project and several community members provided information to the Board.

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to close the Public Hearing and open the regular meeting at 11:15 a.m.

After hearing overwhelming opposition from the public, it was the consensus of the Board to take no action on the proposed closure of that portion of Township Road #167 crossing the CN Railroad at US/DOT #312192G located on 34^th Ave NW, Pitt, MN.

RECESS

The Board took a brief recess at 11:20 a.m. and reconvened the meeting at 11:25 a.m.

COUNTY HIGHWAY/LANDFILL

Highway

Smart Phone for Employee

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve a County owned smart phone and email address for employee Keith Grund.

Write off an IRS-US Treasury Fuel Tax Refund

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to write off $2,322.39 from accounts receivable for an IRS-US Treasury Fuel Tax Refund that has not been received.

Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to add to the agenda: Northwest Angle Drifters Request for Donation.

Northwest Angle Edge Riders Request for Donation

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve a donation to the Northwest Angle Edge Riders for two culverts at a cost of $1,200 from the reserve fund.

Final approval of SAP 039-631-005

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the final payment for SAP 039-631-005 for KGM Contractors, Inc. of Angora, MN in the total amount of $672,864.65 and hereby authorize final payment of $74,682.57.

Solid Waste

Solid Waste Assessments and Budget

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the 2021 solid waste assessments and budget as recommended by the solid waste committee.  The solid waste assessments will include a cap of 999 units.

AIRMEDCARE

AirMedCare Membership Agreement

Tami Evavold, from Guardian Flight, provided an update on the services included in the AirMedCare Network Municipal Site Membership.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the AirMedCare Network Municipal Site Membership Agreement for medical necessity within Lake of the Woods County or Roseau County in the amount of $16,803.00 for 2021 from the revenue fund and authorize Chair Jon Waibel to sign the same.

ARROWHEAD LIBRARY

Jim Weikum, Executive Director of the Arrowhead Library System, provided an update to the Board.  Weikum talked about the increased use of the mail book service and online library card application during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also shared information about new services, such as, eMagazines being added to the Libby App and online children’s picture books available through the TumbleBookLibrary. Weikum encourages area residents to go to the Arrowhead Library System’s website and participate in the Minnesota Speed Test Initiative, a project to collect data about broadband speed to help in efforts to improve broadband services in the area.

LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY FAIR BOARD

Lake of the Woods Grandstand Project

Members of the Lake of the Woods County Fair Board met with the County Board to discuss replacing the grandstands at the Lake of the Woods County Fairgrounds.  It was the consensus of the County Board to have the Fair Board continue to get bids for the project.  The County Board will reach out to the Economic Development Authority and request their assistance in researching funding opportunities.  The project will be placed on the County Board meeting agenda for January 12, 2021.

BAUDETTE FIRE DEPARTMENT 

Funding Request

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to contribute $20,000 from the reserve fund to the Baudette Fire Department to be used towards the purchase of 800 mhz radios for the volunteer firefighters.  The Baudette Fire Department will send an invoice to the county.

PUBLIC HEALTH CONTRACT WITH CHI LAKEWOOD HEALTH

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the 2021 Purchase of Service Agreement between Lake of the Woods County and CHI LakeWood Health to coordinate Community Health Services, pending approval by the County Attorney, and for Chair Jon Waibel, County Attorney James Austad and Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson to sign the same.

COVID-19 UPDATE

Kay M. Schell, Public Health Manager at CHI LakeWood Health, provided an update regarding the COVID-19 cases and vaccine.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 1:10 p.m. and reconvened at 6:00 p.m.

TRUTH IN TAXATION MEETING 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously by roll call to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing for Truth In Taxation meeting at 6:00 p.m. Members present, Commissioners Cody Hasbargen, Jon Waibel, Ed Arnesen (by phone), Buck Nordlof and Joe Grund (by phone).  Others present, County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, County Assessor Mary Jo Otten, and Public Works Director Anthony Pirkl. 

County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson reviewed the 2021 Proposed County Levy at the Truth In Taxation Public Hearing.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously by roll call to close the public hearing and open the regular meeting at 6:20 p.m.

Resolution

The following Resolution was proposed and moved for adoption by Commissioner Buck Nordlof:

Resolution Adopting

Certified 2021 Budget and Tax Levy

Resolution   2020-12-02

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

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

Revenue Fund $ 1,768,300

Road & Bridge Fund $    449,580

Social Services Fund $    603,935

Economic Development Authority Fund $      60,000

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

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

Twp Road & Bridge $   451,470* 

Twp Fire – Baudette $     25,000

Twp Fire – Williams $     14,872

Twp Fire – NW Angle $       6,500

Total $   497,842

2021

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

A public meeting to discuss the 2021 Proposed Budget and Tax Levy was held on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. in the Lake of the Woods County Commissioners’ Room. 

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

RECESS

With no further business before the Board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 6:25 p.m. 

Attest: December 29, 2020

______________________________ _________________________________County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chairman Jon Waibel

Commissioner Proceedings

December 17, 2019

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Cody Hasbargen called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present, Commissioners: Cody Hasbargen, Joe Grund, Jon Waibel, Ed Arnesen and Buck Nordlof.  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 Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Stipends, State of Disaster Assistance to the Governor, and 2019 Emergency Operations Plan.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of November 26, 2019.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Social Services Director, Amy Ballard, presented the social services claims, Approval of Rural MN CEP Contract, Approval of Rainy River Recovery Contract.

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 $17,120.87, Commissioners Warrant’s $3,695.36, Commissioners Warrant’s $42,587.69, Commissioners Warrant’s $386.77.

Approval of Rural MN CEP Contract

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the Contract for Purchase of Services with Rural MN CEP and for Commissioner Cody Hasbargen to sign the same.

Approval of Rainy River Recovery Contract

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the Purchase of Service Agreement with Rainy River Recovery and for Commissioner Cody Hasbargen to sign the same.

MIS

Social Services Scanning

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of additional scanning licenses for use in the Social Services Department.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

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

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $106,881.73, Road & Bridge $54,037.16, County Development $141,250, Joint Ditch $400, Solid Waste $19,720.94 and EDA $1,711.72.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 12/17/2019 For Payment 12/20/2019

Vendor Name                                        Amount

American Solutions For Business                                  2,618.88

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                                          9,512.72

Code 4 Services,Inc                                                       5,147.13

Compass Minerals America                                           7,653.78

Compudyne, Inc                                                           10,571.83

Counties Providing Technology                                      3,690.00

Freeberg & Grund, Inc                                                 18,880.00

Hoffman, Philipp & Knutson, PLLC                               14,720.00

Howard’s Oil Company                                                  3,469.32

Johnson Auto & Machine                                               2,497.95

Koochiching Co Treasurer                                             2,500.00

KRIS Engineering Inc                                                      8,305.32

Lake Area Construction Inc                                           9,700.00

Lakewood Health Center                                               2,286.25

LOW EDA                                                                   140,000.00

LOW Highway Dept                                                       2,395.42

Mar-Kit Landfill                                                               9,800.50

Marco Technologies LLC                                               2,011.62

Mn State Dept-Correction                                             23,161.84

R & Q Trucking, Inc                                                        2,575.00

Sjoberg’s Inc                                                                  2,668.00

Voyageurs Comtronics, Inc                                           7,934.00

Woody’s Service                                                            2,442.69

64 Payments less than 2000                                        29,459.30

         Final Total: 324,001.55

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: November 27, 2019 for $477,169.80, December 4, 2019 for $185,678.19, December 4, 2019 for $112,839.64, December 10, 2019 for $11,171.96.

CHI LAKEWOOD PUBLIC HEALTH CONTRACT

Jeffry Stampohar, VP of Operations at CHI LakeWood Health, and Kay Schell, Public Health Manager at CHI LakeWood Health, reviewed the purchase of service agreement with the County Board.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve payment to CHI LakeWood Health in the amount of $14,925 to cover overages from the 2019 Purchase of Service Agreement.

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the 2020 Purchase of Service Agreement between Lake of the Woods County and CHI LakeWood Health to coordinate Community Health Services and for Commissioner Cody Hasbargen to sign the same.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 9:47 a.m. and reconvened at 9:56 a.m. as follows.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING/SWCD

Zone Change Request for Scott Wold Property

Motion
Motion from 10/22/2019 made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof was brought forward and carried unanimously to recognize the grandfathering of the property, if it is put back to a conforming state and made whole.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the rezoning of the Scott Wold property to Rural Residential (R-2) and for Commissioner Cody Hasbargen to sign the same:  

Lake of the Woods County

Rezoning

Findings of Fact and Decision
Name of Applicant:	Scott Wold	Date:	December 17, 2019
Location/Legal Description:	Tract of land in the NE¼ of the SE¼ Section Twenty-one (21), Township One Hundred Sixty-two (162) North, Range Thirty-Two (32)
Current Zoning Classification:	Special Protection (SP)	Proposed:	Rural Residential (R-2)
Parcel Number(s):	19.21.13.020 and 19.21.13.021	Application Number:	19-01ZC

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	Comments
Comments:	The Comprehensive Land Use Plan describes land available for expansion as lands most easily developed include all private ownership within one mile of an existing road that is not classified as wetland in the National Wetland Inventory, which this property is considered wetland as per the previous and revised National Wetland Inventory maps. Wetland criteria has been confirmed from onsite analysis.
The Comprehensive Land Use Plan outlines policies to guide future land use and development. One of the policies is to undertake and/or support activities to protect environmentally sensitive areas within the county. This property does not have two sites for a standard septic system, is considered wetland, and is mostly comprised of land below 1064 (NAVD88). An additional policy encourages future growth to occur in areas that are not environmentally sensitive, and that are already served by infrastructure; conversely, discourage growth in areas that would cause environmental problems or be expensive for the county to serve with roads and other facilities. The Future Land Use Map identifies four categories:  rural development activity, agricultural use, forested use, and low impact use areas. The pertinent categories are explained below: Rural Development Activity – Existing and future development areas which are within one-half mile of currently developed lands, but excluding lands that are either in public ownership, classed as wetlands, or more than one mile from an existing road. Future developments may include industrial, commercial, tourism, residential or other uses as appropriate to the site characteristics and neighborhood character. Forested Land – Existing forested land, recently forested but cut-over land, excluding those lands that are identified as appropriate for low density rural activity expansion. Low Impact – Those lands that are in public ownership, classed as wetlands, or more than one mile from an existing public road. The Future Land Use Map is meant to be a guide for future development patterns and a guide for future land use policy and decision-making by Lake of the Woods County. The map represents an accurate reflection of the policies that have been enunciated in the previous narrative. In accordance with the Future Land Use Map:_____     the property would meet the category of Rural Development Activity__X_      the property would not meet the category of Rural Development Activity as it has been determined wetlands are present throughout this property. It more closely coincides with the forested or low impact use area due to the property not being appropriate for low density rural activity and wetlands have been determined to exist throughout the property.

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

 X Yes ___ No

Comments	Comments
Comments:	The surrounding land uses consist of undeveloped land to the east, south and a portion to the north of the property in question. There are two (2) 2.5-acre tracts of land to the north which have been developed.

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

 X­ Yes ___ No

Comments	Comments
Comments:	It will change the characteristics of the neighborhood by allowing growth in an area
classified as wetland and doesn’t have two (2) sites for a standard septic system.

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

 X Yes ___No

Comments	Comments
Comments:	There will be minimal increased traffic generation with the establishment of a dwelling
and parking is proposed to be addressed onsite. However, additional parking availability and traffic generation is a concern with five (5) fish houses currently present on the property.

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

 X Yes ___No

Comments	Comments
Comments:	There are no additional public services required and the existing utilizes appear to be sufficient.

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

__­_ Yes           X No

Comments	Comments
Comments:	Due to the much of the adjacent property currently zoned as Special Protection, limited
uses are allowed in this zoning district. There is no known development and improvement scheduled for the surrounding property as much of the property is classified as wetland and in a Special Protection District.

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

__­_Yes            X No

Comments	Comments
Comments:	Since much of the adjacent property is zoned as Special Protection, there has been no development occurring, as development is not allowed. The adjacent property to the north consists of two (2) 2.5-acre tracts of land zoned as Rural Residential in 2004, while the remaining portion of that property remained as Special Protection. The two (2) 2.5-acre tracts were deemed suitable for development due to finding two sites for standard septic systems. Dwellings were constructed on the 2.5-acre tracts in 2005 and 2006. The property to the east consists of recreational land which has not been developed.

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

__­_Yes            X No

Comments	Comments
Comments:	It is believed there will be no change in property values.
Conditions:

Additional items of consideration:  Applicant applied for an after-the-fact variance to create a non-conforming lot with less than the required 100’ of frontage of Bostic Creek and without having two (2) sites for a standard septic system in an area zoned as Special Protection. This variance was denied by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Adjustment on February 6, 2019.

Also, the Lake of the Woods County Planning Commission recommended approval with the condition of, “Applicant must provide plans to meet state and county septic systems for two sites”, which is an unobtainable condition for this property as the entire property doesn’t contain adequate soils for placement of a standard septic system.

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners hereby:

DENIES / APPROVES the application for a zone change:

WITH / WITHOUT special conditions.

_____________________________________                                              December 17, 2019

                        Cody Hasbargen                                                                                  Date

Chair, County Board of Commissioners

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve that the Land and Water Planning Departments after-the-fact fees will apply to the Scott Wold Property.

NOTE

It was noted that Commissioner Jon Waibel left the meeting at 10:16 a.m.

HIGHWAY

Update

County Engineer, Anthony (A.J.) Pirkl, met with the board to provide an update on projects. 

• CSAH 8 Bridge Replacement RFP will be sent out, the bridge is to be in place by 2021.
• Bostic Creek project plans are almost done, meeting with one more land owner.
• A.J. Pirkl passed the PE exam.

Landfill

• Permit Update: MPCA did respond regarding the landfill with some concerns regarding ground water, moving forward slowly.
• Solid Waste Committee Meeting on 12/18/2019 at 1:30 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Room.
• Purchase of Grinder and Erosion Sock Machine:  If bought together there is a 2% savings.  New pricing will start mid-January.  Funding would be through US Bank, with monthly payments. The erosion sock machine cost is approximately $56,000 and would be beneficial to the life of the landfill. To be put on agenda for 12/27/2019 to make a purchasing decision.

Stipends
Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve an additional $200 per month stipend for Ted Furbish retroactive to June 1^st and an additional $600 per month stipend for Boyd Johnson retroactive to June 1^st. Stipends will end on December 31, 2019.

SHERIFF

Overtime Policy

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof 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) for the Sheriff’s Department effective January 1, 2020.

Approval to Advertise and Hire PT Dispatch Jailer

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the Sheriff’s Department to advertise and hire a part-time dispatch jailer at Grade 10, Step 1, Points 237 at $18.86 per hour.

I-Mobile State Patrol Contract

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the I-Mobile State Patrol Contract and for Commissioner Cody Hasbargen to sign the same.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Resolution for Match Funds for SHSP Grant Application

Resolution

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

RESOLUTION of

MATCH FUNDS FOR 2019 SHSP GRANT APPLICATION

RESOLUTION NO. 19-12-01

WHEREAS, that the Lake of the Woods County Emergency Management enter into a grant agreement with the Homeland Security for the project entitled 2019 SHSP Grant in the amount of $19,814.  Requested allocation of 50% match fund is $9,907.

WHEREAS, the Emergency Management Director of Lake of the Woods County is hereby authorized to execute such agreements and amendments as necessary to implement the project on behalf of the Lake of the Woods County Emergency Management and to be the fiscal agent and the administrator of the grant.

1. Estimates that the total cost of project shall be $ 19,814 and Lake of the Woods County Emergency Management is requesting $19,814 from the 2019 SHSP Grant. Lake of the Woods County Emergency Management will assume responsibility for a match requirement of $9,907.
2. Estimate includes four Motorola APX6000 700/800 AES/DES-XL/DES-OFB encryption portable radios.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners approves the adoption of this resolution and to have Chair Cody Hasbargen and/or Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson sign the grant on behalf of the County of Lake of the Woods.

Resolution for MN Department of Public Safety Emergency Management Grant Agreement

Resolution

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

RESOLUTION FOR

MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY DIVISION

2019 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT GRANT AGREEMENT

RESOLUTION NO. 19-12-02

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Emergency Management; and

WHEREAS, grant dollars are available to offset operating expenses of the Lake of the Woods County Office of Emergency Management through the Emergency Management Performance Grant through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management; and

WHEREAS, this grant money is available to provide salary and benefits, the associated expenses related to Emergency Management training, and expenses with operating the Emergency Operations Center; and

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Emergency Management has successfully participated in this grant for several years in the past.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Lake of the Woods County Emergency Management enter into an agreement with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Division of Homeland Security Emergency Management for the 2019 EMPG Grant Agreement for the period of January 1^st, 2019 through December 31^st, 2019.  County Board Chair Cody Hasbargen and/or County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, are hereby authorized to execute such agreements and amendments thereto, as are necessary to implement the program(s).

State of Disaster Assistance to the Governor

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the letter to Governor Tim Walz requesting disaster assistance and for Commissioner Cody Hasbargen to sign the same.

2019 Emergency Operations Plan

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the 2019 Emergency Operations Plan for Lake of the Woods County and for Commissioner Cody Hasbargen to sign the same.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

Borderland Substance Abuse Court

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried, with Commissioner Cody Hasbargen abstaining, to approve the payment of the state invoice in the amount of $12,413.73 for the Borderland Substance Abuse Court from the related department. 

Liquor License

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve a Liquor License for ETJJP INC. DBA Cyrus Resort effective December 17, 2019.

Tobacco License

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve a Tobacco License for ETJJP INC. DBA Cyrus Resort effective December 17, 2019.

Resolution for Local Sales Tax

A resolution for local sales tax was presented for review, with no action taken.

2020 Organizational Meeting and 2020 County Commissioners Meeting Dates

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the following 2020 County Board Meeting Dates:

2020 LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY BOARD MEETING DATES

January          

Tuesday, January 7 (Organizational Meeting)                  9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, January 14                                                      9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, January 28                                                      9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room                                         

February

Tuesday, February 11                                                    9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, February 25                                                    9:00 a.m.  Lake of the Woods School

March

Tuesday, March 10                                                        9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room,

Tuesday, March 24                                                        9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

April

Tuesday, April 14                                                          9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, April 28                                                          9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

May

Tuesday, May 12                                                           9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, May 26                                                           9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

June

Tuesday, June 9                                                                        9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Monday, June 15                                                           6:00 p.m. Board of Equalization

Tuesday, June 16                                                           10:00 a.m. NWA

Tuesday, June 23                                                           9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

July

Tuesday, July 14                                                            9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, July 28                                                            9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

August

Thursday, August 13                                                      9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, August 25                                                       9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

September

Tuesday, September 8                                                   9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, September 22                                                  9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

October

Tuesday, October 13                                                     9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, October 27                                                     9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

November

Tuesday, November 10                                                  9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, November 24                                                  9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

December

Tuesday, December 15                                                  9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, December 15                                                  6:00 p.m. TNT Meeting

Tuesday, December 29                                                 9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MAY BE ATTENDING THE FOLLOWING:

AMC JOINT LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE: February 26-27 in St. Paul

AMC LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE: April 1-3 in Nisswa

AMC DISTRICT 2 MEETING: June 10 and October 28

AMC POLICY COMMITTEE: September 17-18 in Alexandria

AMC ANNUAL CONFERENCE: December 6-9 in Minneapolis

LAKE OF THE WOODS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETINGS

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners will be attending these meetings on the 3rd Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. in the Commissioners Room at the Government Center.

Year End Motions/Resolutions

Commissioners Salary/Elected Department Heads Salary/Non-Elected Department Heads Salary/Union and Non-Union Employee Salary Adjustment

2020 Elected Officials & Non-Elected Department Heads Salaries

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen to adopt the following County Commissioners salaries schedule and County Board Chair salary schedule for the year 2020; and to adopt a committee meeting per diem of $125.00 for the year 2020.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Elected Officials – Commissioners:

Commissioners                 $21,000.00                          

Board Chair                      $22,000.00          

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund to adopt a Technology Fee of $50.00 per month for County Commissioners for the year 2020. (Technology fee reimbursement for county related phone, internet, computer and copy expenses.)  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and unanimously carried to adopt the following Elected Officials salary schedule for the year 2020. 

Elected Officials – Department Heads:

County Sheriff                      $88,535.04

County Aud/Treas                $86,837.28

County Recorder                  $73,276.16

County Attorney                   $111,297.60

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen to adopt the following Non-Elected Department Heads salary schedule for the year 2020.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried. 

Non-Elected – Department Heads:

Assessor                              Mary Jo Otten            $83,651.36      

MIS Director                       Peder Hovland           $77,510.08

Public Works                      Anthony Pirkl             $90,777.76    

Land/Water                         Josh Stromlund           $83,399.84

Social Service                     Amy Ballard               $83,378.88     

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof to adopt the following Non-Elected Department Heads salary schedule for the year 2020.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried. 

Non-Elected – Department Heads:

Veterans Service              Rick Rone                        $25,141.51

Human Resources           Savanna Slick                   $30,119.52         

Salary Adjustment, as agreed upon per Union Contract

Motion- Highway Union

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund to adjust all full time Highway Union employees’ salary by a 2% general adjustment and by 1 merit step, if applicable (not maxed), effective January 1, 2020.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Salary Adjustment, as agreed upon per Union Contract

Motion- Solid Waste Union

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund to adjust all full time Solid Waste Union employees’ salary by a 2% general adjustment and by 1 merit step, if applicable (not maxed), effective January 1, 2020.  Motion was seconded by Buck Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

All County Employees (Full time/Permanent Part Time/Part Time/Seasonal Employees) Salary Adjustment (Excluding Elected and Non-Elected Department Heads)

Motion- Non-Union

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund to adjust all non-union employees: full time, permanent part time, part time and seasonal (excluding elected and non-elected department heads) salaries by a 2% general adjustment and by 1 merit step, if applicable (not maxed), effective January 1, 2020.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Health Insurance

Motion- Insurance

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to set the 2020 county contribution for family health insurance up to $1,235 per month and single health insurance up to $885 per month.  The Public Employees Insurance Program “Advantage Plan” consists of “High”, “Value” and “HSA” plans.  For the HSA plans only, any excess county contribution will be deposited directly into the employee’s health savings account, up to the IRS caps.  

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve that all PERA eligible Lake of the Woods County employees contribute one percent (1%) of their regular pay (no overtime) into their Health Care Savings Plan (HCSP); in addition, Lake of the Woods County, as employer, will contribute one percent (1%) of the employee’s regular pay (no overtime) to the same all PERA eligible Lake of the Woods County employees.

Set Joint Meeting Date with City of Baudette

The County will suggest the date of January 6, 2020 at 6 p.m. at the Ambulance Garage.

DITCH AUTHORITY

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting and open the Ditch Authority meeting at 11:55 a.m.

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson discussed the ditch assessments with the board and a consensus was reached.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the Ditch Authority meeting and open the regular meeting at 12:09 p.m.

CORRESPONDENCE

The board reviewed correspondence from Friends Against Abuse.

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 12:15 p.m. and reconvened at 2:30 p.m. as follows:

AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to add to the agenda: discussion of land purchase for law enforcement center.

Work Session

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to set a work session for the proposed law enforcement center at 8:00 a.m. prior to the regular board meeting on Friday, December 27, 2019.

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 2:50 p.m. and reconvened at 6:00 p.m. as follows:

TRUTH IN TAXATION MEETING

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing for Truth In Taxation meeting at 6:00 p.m. Members present, Commissioners Jon Waibel, Ed Arnesen, and Buck Nordlof.  Others present, County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, County Assessor, Mary Jo Otten, and Public Works Director, Anthony Pirkl. Public present: Roy Sandstrom, Woody Fiala and Gloriann Fischer.

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson reviewed the 2020 Proposed County Levy at the Truth In Taxation Public Hearing.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the public hearing and open the regular meeting at 6:50 p.m.

The following Resolution was proposed and moved for adoption by Commissioner Buck Nordlof:

Resolution Adopting

Certified 2020 Budget and Tax Levy

Resolution   2019-12-03

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

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

Revenue Fund                                                $ 1,684,365

Road & Bridge Fund                         $    449,580

Social Services Fund                                      $    603,935

Economic Development Authority Fund       $      60,000

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

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

                        Twp Road & Bridge                                       $   463,470*

                        Twp Fire – Baudette                                       $     25,000

                        Twp Fire – Williams                                        $     28,213

                        Twp Fire – NW Angle                         $       6,500

                        Total                                                               $   523,183

2020    

* $463,470 for Township Road & Bridge includes $12,000 which is specifically levied to Northwest Angle residents for Calcium Chloride and $12,765 for Admin of Township Roads (438,705+12,765=451,470+12,000=463,470) 

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

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

DISCUSSION OF LAND PURCHASE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT CENTER

The County Board discussed purchasing land, 13 acres from Devlin Reasy for $295,000, for the new law enforcement center.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to offer $10,000 for an option to purchase parcel number 61.0211.040 from Devlin Reasy for $295,000 until 1/15/2020.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve payment of $10,000 to Devlin Reasy for the option to purchase parcel number 61.0211.040 for $295,000 until 1/15/2020.

AGENDA

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to add to the agenda: construction estimate for the proposed law enforcement center.

CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATE

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to request a second estimate at a cost of up to $9,500 for the construction of the proposed law enforcement center.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Vice-Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 7:45 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                      December 17, 2019

__________________________________                            _________________________________County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson                                Chairman, Cody Hasbargen

Commissioner Proceedings

December 27, 2018

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Thursday,
December 27, 2018 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

Call to Order

Vice-Chairman Hasbargen called the meeting to order at 9:18 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Cody Hasbargen, Ken Moorman, Jon Waibel and Buck Nordlof. Absent, Ed Arnesen.  Also, present were: County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Janet Rudd, Elect Commissioner Grund and Woody Fiala.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the agenda as presented.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the official minutes and summarized minutes of December 11, 2018 with changes.

SOCIAL SERVICES

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

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel seconded by Commissioner Nordlof, and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $ 13,711.72, Commissioners Warrants $3373.75, Commissioners Warrants $40,833.50.

NORTHERLY PARK

Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission, (GMRPTC), System Plan Coordinator, Joe Czapiewski, met with the board by conference call to discuss the process of applying for a legacy grant for designation as a regional park and the responsibilities of the county. This grant is a cash only, no “in-kind-services” and is a County Park, which means that the county is responsible for all of the coordinating the construction process, up keep of the park and liability. Joe informed the board that the DNR’s responsibility, once it passes through legislation, is to oversee the construction and funding. The board thanked Joe Czapiewski for meeting with the board. The board requested that County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson contact Joe Laurin and inform him not to send the Master Plan of the proposed Northerly Park until they meet with him to review and approve the plan before submission.

COUNTY BOARD CHAIR

Commissioner Arnesen resumed the position of Chairman at 10:00 a.m.

PUBLIC WORKS

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting approval to purchase a Bobcat-Boom Loader as budgeted for 2019. Tim informed the board that Minnesota Pollution Control approved the minor expansion to the demolition landfill which will allow the county to operate for approximately five more years.

WHEELERS POINT SEWER PROJECT

The board discussed the Wheelers Point sewer project that is behind due to the wet fall. Public Works Director discussed the possibility of rebuild of CR 33 with the board. The board placed the discussion of rebuild of CR 33 on January 22, 2019 board agenda and requested that this be placed under Old/New business.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 10:15 a.m. and reconvened at 10:20 a.m.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board and discussed the density and clarifications of definitions of the Lake of the Woods Zoning Ordinance.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to open up the Lake of the Woods Zoning Ordinance to amend the definition section.

PER DIEMS

Chairman Arensen discussed the county staffs per diems, and non-county staff per diem rates. The board placed this discussion on January 8, 2019 agenda.

COUNTY AUDITOR/TREASURER

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board for approval of Claims, Community Health Fund, lost warrants, Valley Med Flight, Ditch 26 &28 temporary loan.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the following claims against the county: Revenue-$ 99,620.09, Road & Bridge-$38,753.60, County Devlp. $2,647.50, Joint Ditch-$18,569.79, Solid Waste- $14,839.89, EDA. -$2,727.83.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 12/27/2018 For Payment 12/28/2018

Vendor Name                                        Amount

American Solutions For Business                             2,448.00

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                                       5,028.17

Counties Providing Technology                                  3,432.00

Dell Marketing, Lp                                                        4,387.00

Freeberg & Grund, Inc                                                3,876.60

Lakes Gas Co                                                             2,541.00

Lakewood Health Center                                          25,000.00

Lakewood Health Center                                            3,748.56

Little Falls Machine, Inc                                               3,411.55

LOW Highway Dept                                                  18,569.79

Mactek Systems Inc                                                    3,403.00

Mar-Kit Landfill                                                          10,317.00

North Country Food Bank, Inc                                   25,000.00

Powerplan                                                                  5,452.31

Roger’s Two Way Radio, Inc                                      6,082.66

Roseau County Highway Dept                                   5,835.22

Swanston Equipment Corp                                         3,061.72

University Of Mn                                                         9,234.00

Widseth Smith Nolting&Asst Inc                                  3,330.83

59 Payments less than 2000  32,999.29

Final Total: 177,158.70

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following Auditor warrants: December 13, 2018-$27,754.23, December 13, 2018- $16.00, December 13, 2018-($12,108.15), December 13, 2018- $12,108.15, December 19, 2018- $103,720.32, December 26, 2018-$290.20.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously authorize County Auditor/ Treasurer, Lorene Hanson to transfer $14,555.50 for the contribution for the Ambulance from the Community Health fund to the Con-Con fund.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the application and affidavit for lost warrants for Dawn Fish dated, May 11, 2018 for $7.00 without furnishing indemnifying bond. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the application and affidavit for lost warrants for Cynthia McDougall dated, August 31, 2018 for $21.00 without furnishing indemnifying bond. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the Valley Med Flight (or any AirMedCare Network Provider) for medical necessity within Lake of the Woods County or Roseau County in the amount of $16,803.00 for 2019 from the Revenue fund.

Ditch 26&28

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to authorize temporary loans to Ditch Fund 26 and 28; to mitigate temporary negative cash balances.

Chuck Larson Petition for Partial Abandonment of Ditch 36

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson will contact Koochiching and Beltrami Counties to set a Joint meeting date for Chuck Larson Petition for Partial Abandonment of Ditch 36.

YEARS OF SERVICE RECOGNITION

Chairman Arnesen, on behalf of the board thanked Commissioner Moorman for his years of service serving Lake of the Woods County Residents in District 3.

Resolution

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

Recognition of years of service

Kenneth moorman

Resolution No. 18-12-06

Whereas:  Kenneth Moorman has served for Lake of the Woods County as District 3 Commissioner since January 1, 2007;

Whereas:  Kenneth will be retiring from Lake of the Woods County effective January 6, 2019;

Now Therefore, Be it Resolved:  That Lake of the Woods Board of County Commissioners extends its deepest

appreciation to Kenneth for his dedicated service and wishes him well on his retirement.

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

ADJOURNMENT

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to call the meeting adjourned at 11:40 a.m.

Attest:                                                                          January 8, 2019

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

Commissioner Proceedings

December 12, 2017

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

Call to Order

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

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following: AMC Resolution.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes November 28, 2017.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Social Services Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval for the Social Services claims and Rural Minnesota CEP.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows: Commissioner Warrants-$8,355.79, Commissioner Warrants-$3,085.98, Commissioner Warrants-$30,615.28.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the Purchase of Service Contract with Rural Minnesota CEP., Inc. to provide Statement of Work for all program that are part of this agreement, effective January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018. 

AUDITOR/TREASURER

County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval for  Claims, Recognize Newly  Hired ,Cigarette License for Holiday Station Stores LLC #212,Motion to Approve Valley Med Flight Agreement, Resolution in Support of Reallocating Existing State Fee Structure-MnLars, Resolution Establishing Minimum Salaries, Commissioner’s Salaries, Elected Department Heads Salaries-Non-Elected Department Heads Salaries-Highway Union Salary Adjustment-Solid Waste Union Salary Adjustments-Non-Union Salary Adjustments-Full Time/Permanent Part Time/Part Time/Seasonal, Health Insurance, 2018 Commissioners Meeting Dates, Motion to Approve 2018 Organizational Meeting Date, Wheelers Point Sewer Appointments, 2018 Maintenance and Grooming Grant,2018 Election Grant,2018 Election Resolution Funding Grant and Rental Lease Agreement.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows: Revenue $57,641.36- Road & Bridge $26,359.71 – Co. Development-$400.00-Solid Waste- $24,640.17-EDA $9,688.48.                          

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

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

Vendor Name                                                    Amount

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                                                    8,087.54

Compass Minerals America                                                     3,960.49

Computer Professionals Unlimited Inc                                      3,310.00

Cps Technology Solutions                                                       8,060.47

D & T Ventures, LLC                                                                2,375.00

Farmers Union Oil Co.                                                              2,554.95

Headwaters Housing Development Corp                                7,000.00

KRIS Engineering Inc                                                                7,725.50

Liberty Tire Recycling, LLC                                                      2,421.45

LOW Highway Dept                                                                 3,488.11

Mar-Kit Landfill                                                                       10,009.00

MN Counties Intergovernmental Trust                                     2,184.85

Roger’s Two Way Radio, Inc                                                   6,433.01

Sjoberg’s Inc                                                                            2,668.00

Stebakken/Harley                                                                     2,300.00

University Of Mn                                                                    17,607.78

University Of Mn                                                                      2,925.00

Woody’s Service                                                                     3,665.61

49 Payments less than  2000 21,952.96

Final Total: 118,729.72

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: November 28, 2017-$26,880.08, November 28, 2017- $3,000.00, December 6, 2017-111,302.92, December 8, 2017-$467,769.66.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the Cigarette License for Holiday Stationstore #212, effective December 12, 2017 thru June 30, 2018.

Motions

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the hiring of Heavy Equipment Operator, Mike Graves at Grade 10, Step 1, $18.30 per hour, points 223, and effective October 30, 2017.

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the hiring of Assistant Zoning Administrator, Maranda Dahl at Grade 11, Step 1, $19.34 per hour, points 262, and effective November 13, 2017.

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the hiring of Environmental Specialist, Dane Lynch at Grade 9, Step 1, $17.31 per hour, effective November 13, 2017.

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the hiring of Tamara Maurer at Grade 10, Step 5, $19.93 per hour, points 237, and effective November 3, 2017.

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the hiring of Part-Time Deputy Sheriff, Craig Severs at Grade 12, Step 4, $21.84 per hour, points 282, and effective November 28, 2017.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the AirMedCare Network membership, by Valley Med Flight, Inc. to provide air transportation for Lake of the Woods Residents, only when the transport pick up is in Lake of the Woods County,  individual residents within the boundaries of Lake of the Woods County residents may elect to abstain a full household membership, which waives  the Transport and Covered exemptions and will include coverage outside the  listed service area for an additional $35 per year per household.

MNLARS

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the following:

RESOLUTION SUPPORTING

THE MAINTENANCE OF LOCAL LICENSE BUREAUS

Resolution No. 17-12-01

WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota established a deputy registrar network to provide our citizens with motor vehicle titling and registration services, including driver license transactions; and,

WHEREAS, deputy registrars are required to operate as agents on behalf of the State of Minnesota without compensation from the State for the services they offer; and,

WHEREAS, in 1949, the State of Minnesota established in statute a user-based filing fee on motor vehicle and driver license transactions to be retained by the deputy registrar to defray all their costs to provide this localized service to our citizens for the State; and,

WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota now receives over $1 billion annually in state fees and taxes collected through the deputy registrar network; and,

WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota has now shifted substantial clerical and auditing responsibilities onto the deputy registrar network due to the State’s conversion to their new MNLARS (Minnesota Licensing and Registration System) program; and,

WHEREAS, the new MNLARS regimen is now documented to have multiple shortcomings which have severely strained normal deputy registrar operations with longer processing times that greatly limit their typical volume of daily business; and,

WHEREAS, other MNLARS shortcomings have frequently forced deputies to conduct “no-(filing) fee” services for customers which acerbates the deputy business model; and,

WHEREAS, some deputy registrar offices are now forced to invest in additional staff, office equipment, and more space to meet customer demand due to the MNLARS conversion; and,

WHEREAS, the filing fee revenue no longer covers the operational costs to maintain deputy registrar offices such that many local government-based deputies are seeking local property tax subsidies and private operators are applying for lines of credit to stave off complete closure,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners calls upon the State Legislature and our Governor to enact legislation in 2018 to provide deputy registrars with proper compensation by reallocating from existing state fee structures or other appropriate filing fee adjustments to ensure their valued service and continued presence remains in our local community to serve our citizens and the State.

Commissioners Salary/Elected Department Heads Salary/Non-Elected Department Heads Salary/Union and Non Union Employee Salary Adjustment

2018 Elected Officials & Non-Elected Department Heads Salaries

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to adopt the following County Commissioners salaries schedule and County Board Chair salary schedule for the year 2018; and to adopt a committee meeting per diem of $100.00 for the year 2018.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Elected Officials – Commissioners:

Commissioners            $20,000.00                   

Board Chair                $21,000.00        

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel to adopt a Technology Fee of $50.00 per month for County Commissioners for the year 2018. (Technology fee reimbursement for county related phone, internet, computer and copy expenses.)  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman seconded by Commissioners Hasbargen and unanimously carried to adopt the following Elected Officials salary schedule. 

Elected Officials – Department Heads:

County Sheriff                    $  82,308.96                      

County Aud/Treas             $  80,638.56      

County Recorder               $   68,214.96

County Attorney                $105,590.16

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to adopt the following Non-Elected Department Heads salary schedule which includes a 2% general adjustment and 1 merit step, if applicable (not maxed), for the year 2018.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Waibel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried. 

Non-Elected – Department Heads:

Assessor                      MaryJo Otten             $77,736.24      

MIS Director                Peder Hovland              71,994.24      

Public Works               Tim Erickson               103,961.52      

Land/Water                  Josh Stromlund              77,736.24      

Social Service               Amy Ballard                  77,318.40      

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen to adopt the following Non-Elected Department Heads salary schedule which includes a 2%  general adjustment and 1 merit step, if applicable (not maxed), for the year 2018.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Waibel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried. 

Non-Elected – Department Heads:

Veterans Service          Rick Rone                   $23,479.56      

Human Resources         Savanna Slick                27,874.80      

Salary Adjustment, as agreed upon per Union Contract

Motion- Highway Union

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to adjust all full time Highway Union employees’ salary by a 2% general adjustment and by 1 merit step, if applicable (not maxed), effective January 1, 2018.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Waibel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Salary Adjustment, as agreed upon per Union Contract

Motion- Solid Waste Union

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen to adjust all full time Solid Waste Union employees’ salary by a 2% general adjustment and by 1 merit step, if applicable (not maxed; effective January 1, 2018.  Motion was seconded by Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

All County Employees (Full time/Permanent Part Time/Part Time/Seasonal Employees) Salary Adjustment

(Excluding Elected and Non-Elected Department Heads)

Motion- Non-Union

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to adjust all non-union employees: full time, permanent part time, part time and seasonal (excluding elected and non-elected department heads) salaries by 2% general adjustment and by 1 merit step, if applicable (not maxed), effective January 1, 2018.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Waibel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Health Insurance

Motion- Insurance

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to set the 2018 county contribution for family health insurance up to $1,180 per month and single health insurance up to $830 per month.  The Public Employees Insurance Program “Advantage Plan” consists of “High”, “Value” and “HSA” plans.  For the HSA plans only, any excess county contribution will be deposited directly into the employee’s health savings account, up to the IRS caps.  

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the following 2018 Commissioners Meeting Dates as follows:

2018 COMMISSIONERS MEETING DATE

LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

2018 COUNTY BOARD MEETING DATES

January 2018

Tuesday, January 2, 2018                                         9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, January 9, 2018                                         9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, January 23, 2018                                       9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

February 2018

Tuesday, February, 13 2018                                     9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, February 27, 2018                                     9:00 a.m. Lake of the Woods School

March 2018

Tuesday, March   13, 2018                                      9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, March 27, 2018                                        9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

April 2018

Tuesday, April 10,   2018                                        9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, April 24,   2018                                        9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

May 2018

Tuesday, May 8, 2018                                                             9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, May 22, 2018                                           9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

June 2018

Tuesday, June 12, 2018                                            9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, June 12, 2018                                        6:00 p.m.   Board of Equalization Meeting

Tuesday, June 19, 2018                                            10:00 a.m. NWA

Tuesday, June 26, 2018                                            9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

July 2018

Tuesday, July 10, 2018                                            9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, July 24, 2018                                            9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

August 2018

Tuesday, August 7,   2018                                        9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, August 28, 2018                                        9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

September 2018

Tuesday, September11, 2018                                   9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, September 25, 2018                                  9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

October 2018

Tuesday, October 9, 2018                                        9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, October 23, 2018                                      9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

November 2018

Tuesday, November, 13 2018                                  9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room-

Tuesday, November 27, 2018                                  9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

December 2018

Tuesday, December 11, 2018                                   9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, December 11, 2018                                                6:00 p.m. TNT Meeting

Thursday, December 27, 2018                                                 9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

LAKE OF THE WOODS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETINGS

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners will be attending these meetings on the 3^rd Tuesday of each month at

6:00 p.m. in the Commissioners Room at the Government Center

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to set January 2, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. for the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners Organizational Meeting Date. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to appoint Brian Ney and Kent Spears to the Wheeler’s Point Sanitary District Board for a three year term beginning January 2, 2018 thru January 2, 2020.

Resolution

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

Approving Application for a Grant-In-Aid Trail Permit

Resolution No. 17-12-02

BE IT RESOLVED that Lake of the Woods County hereby applies for a grant-in-aid trail permit from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for the Big Traverse, Border Trails and NW Angle Edgeriders, for the period of July 1, 2017 thru June 30, 2018 to provide the maintenance and grooming of the following trail(s) specified in this grant contract agreement: Big Traverse, $20,908.68; Border Trails, $92,610.17; NW Angle Edgeriders $50,486.82;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chairman Nordlof and County Auditor/Treasurer are authorized to sign said permit on behalf of Lake of the Woods County.

Resolution

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

Approving Lake of the Woods County’s application for funding from the Voting Equipment Grant

RESOLUTION NO. 17-12-03

WHEREAS, Minnesota counties are responsible for administering elections, which includes the purchase and maintenance of supplies and election equipment, including accessible voting equipment; and

WHEREAS, Minnesota last updated much of its voting equipment between 2002 and 2006 meaning that the equipment is rapidly approaching the end of its 10 to 15 year lifespan; and

WHEREAS, It’s essential for precincts to have functioning voting equipment so that voters are able to cast their ballot on equipment that is secure, accessible, accurate, and reliable; and

WHEREAS, Minnesota’s 90^th Legislature authorized $7 million for the Voting Equipment Grant Account to assist counties, cities, towns, and school districts with the purchase of voting equipment; and

WHEREAS, to receive funding from the Voting Equipment Grant Account, counties must submit an application to the Minnesota Secretary of State before December 15, 2017; now therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, the Lake of the Woods Board approves submission of application for funding from the Voting Equipment Grant; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, Lake of the Woods County certifies that any funds awarded from the Voting Equipment Grant will be used only to purchase assistive voting technology, an electronic roster system, and electronic voting system, any individual component of an electronic voting system, or any other equipment or technology approved by the Secretary of State.

AMC Resolution

SUPPORT FOR FUNDING FOR LOCAL GOVERMENTS FOR MENTAL HEALTH FUNDS

17-12–04

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

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners hereby supports the Association of MN Counties for the State Legislatures to provide more funding to local counties for Mental Health Issues.

SHERIFF

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board requesting approval for the 2018 -2019 State of Minnesota Snowmobile Safety Enforcement Grant and Sheriff Checking account.

Resolution

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

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ANNUAL

SNOWMOBILE SAFETY ENFORCEMENT GRANT

2018-2019

Resolution No. 2017-12-05

WHEREAS, under the provisions of M.S.84.026, the Commissioner of Natural Resources is authorized to enter into this grant agreement for local government assistants, to assist with the enforcement of off highway vehicle laws, rules and regulations, as well as holding staff training, and providing local youth training classes, in the manner described in the Grantee’s Proposed Budget;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Chairman, Auditor and Sheriff are hereby authorized to execute the 2018-2019 snowmobile grant effective November 15, 2017 through June 30, 2019. Fiscal year 2018 will be paid up to $4,620.00 for expenses incurred between the effective date of the grant and June 30, 2018, and $4,620.00 in fiscal year 2019, for expenses incurred between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019.This grant will not exceed $9,240.00.

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

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to remove Dallas Block from Checking account ending with 8132 and add Gary Fish on as a signer.

AMEND AGENDA

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to amend the agenda and add Jail Inspection update to the agenda at 1:00 p.m.

COUNTY RECORDER

County Recorder, Susan Ney met with the board requesting approval for the cooperative with MCIS that handles the maintenance agreement and vendor relations for the Recorders recoding index database.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to authorize the County Recorder, Susan Ney and Chairman Nordlof to sign the MCIS-County Recorders Software Support Agreement relating to the support of the Tyler Technologies Document Pro and I-Doc Market products and authorize the payment of such expenses for the Tyler product to be paid from the Recorder’s Technology fund.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Non-Elected Department Head Review Forms

Human Resource Director, Savanna Slick met with the board and presented information for Department Head Reviews. The board discussed the Department Head Self-Assessment form, and the 360° forms.   After review the consensus of the board was to use these forms for reviews.

Child Support

Human Resource Director, Savanna Slick met with the board requesting approval to hire a Child Support Officer.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the hiring of Child Support Officer One at Grade 11, Step 1, points 261, and hourly rate of $19.73 per hour.

PUBLIC WORKS

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting approval for final value of work certified on projects with Minn-Dak Asphalt, Inc.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to authorize Public Works Director, Tim Erickson to approve final value of work certified on projects with Minn-Dak Asphalt, Inc. for SAP 039-602-020, and authorize payment of $ 722,897.17

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to authorize Public Works Director, Tim Erickson to approve final value of work certified on projects with Minn-Dak Asphalt, Inc. and authorize payment as follows: SAP 039-603-023, $1,177,194.64, SAP 039-639-003, $176,338.19, SAP 039-090-004, $127,024.44.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 10:25 a.m. and reconvened at 10:35 a.m. as follows:

DITCH AUTHORITY

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting at 10:26 a.m. and open the Ditch Authority Meeting. Chairman Nordlof discussed the letters the Ditch Authority received and the responses from Ditch 1 Beneficiary Mike Pepera. The board reviewed and composed questions to send to Ditch Attorney, Kurt Deter. The board also requested a response letter to be sent to Mike Pepera. Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to close the Ditch Authority meeting at 11:24 a.m. and open the regular session.

COUNTY ATTORNEY

County Attorney, James Austad met with the board requesting approval for the Minnesota Counties Computer Cooperative and Strategic Technologies Incorporated for professional services and expertise to obtain computer programming and technical assistance for the maintenance and support of MnCCC computer software.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the Minnesota Counties Computer Cooperative and Strategic Technologies Incorporated for professional services and expertise to obtain computer programming and technical assistance for the maintenance and support of MnCCC computer software and authorize Chairman Nordlof to sign

JAIL INSPECTION

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board and reviewed the Jail Report with the board. Gary informed the board since his level of prisoners average over 5, that he will need to hire two (2) part-time, Dispatch/Jailers to comply with State Mandates.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize Human Resources, Savanna Slick and County Sheriff, Gary Fish to advertise, interview and hire two part-time Dispatchers/Jailers.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 12:25 p.m. and reconvened at 6:00 p.m. as follows:

TRUTH IN TAXATION  MEETING

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing for Truth In Taxation meeting at 6:01 p.m.

Members present, Commissioners Waibel, Arnesen, Nordlof and Moorman. Others present, County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson.

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson reviewed the 2018 Proposed County Levy at the Truth In Taxation Public Hearing.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to close the Public Hearing and open the regular meeting at 6:55 p.m.

2018 BUDGET AND LEVY

Resolution Adopting

Certified 2018 Budget and Tax Levy

Resolution   2017-12-06

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

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

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

Revenue Fund                                                $ 1,549,613  

Road & Bridge Fund                         $    449,580

Social Services Fund                                      $    603,935

Economic Development Authority Fund       $      60,000

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

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

                        Twp Road & Bridge                                       $   450,320*

                        Twp Fire – Baudette                                       $     30,000

                        Twp Fire – Williams                                        $     25,795

                        Twp Fire – NW Angle                         $       6,500

                        Total                                                               $   512,615

2018    

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

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

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

RECESS

With no further business before the County Board, Chairman Nordlof called the regular County Board meeting to recess at 7:00 p.m.

Attest:                                                                          Approved December 28, 2017

___________________________________              _____________________________________

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

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

Commissioner Proceedings

December 28, 2017

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, December 28, 2017 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

Call to Order

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

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with removing Exit Interview from agenda.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes December of 12, 2017.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Social Services Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval for the Social Services claims and Employee of the Year.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows: Commissioner Warrants-$5,758.81, Commissioner Warrants-$3,373.88, Commissioner Warrants-$26,836.42.

Employee of the Year

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard informed the board that this year’s recipient for the “2017 Steve R Sindelir Memorial Award for Excellence” was awarded to Shelley Pepera. The board congratulated Shelley on her award. 

AUDITOR/TREASURER

County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval to pay bills that come in after the board meeting to be paid on Auditor warrants, approval of claims, approval to set 2018 mileage rate, approval for a cigarette license, designation of polling places, discuss leases, and to set the 2018 Organization meeting date.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson to pay all year end claims against the county by Auditor Warrants.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows: Revenue $68,496.96- Road & Bridge $7,463.52 – Natl Resc Enhance -$2,400.00-EDA $2,572.92-Solid Waste-@4,150.51.                         

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 12/28/2017 For Payment 12/29/2017

Vendor Name                                                    Amount

Applied Concepts, Inc                                                          2,467.50

DataWorks Plus LLC                                                             2,008.86

Hoffman, Philipp & Knutson, PLLC                                        8,975.00

Koochiching Co Treasurer                                                   2,500.00

North East Technical Service,Inc                                         2,047.50

TRANE                                                                                29,600.00

WatchGuard Video                                                               4,695.00

Widseth Smith Nolting&Asst Inc                                           4,566.66

54 Payments less than 2000 28,223.39

Final Total: 85,083.91

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: December 13, 2017- $47,318.10, December 14, 2017- $310,993.27, December 20, 2017-$11,880.41.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to set the 2018 organizational meeting for January 2 at 9:00 a.m.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the Cigarette License for Wilderness Bar and Grill, effective January 1, 2018 thru June 30, 2018.

Resolution

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

A Resolution Establishing County Precincts and Polling Places

Resolution 17-12-07

WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes, Section §204B16, Subdivision 1 requires that by December 31^st of each year, the County must designate by resolution a polling place for each election precinct; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners, State of Minnesota hereby establishes polling places of the following County precincts: Baudette City Hall – Precincts 1B and 2B; Lake of the Woods County Government Center – All Mail Precincts including: 1A, 2A, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 4A, 4B, 4C, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D. 

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

Leases

County Auditor/Treasurer discussed the Leases that are or are coming due this year. The board placed the leases on the January 9^th board agenda.

PUBLIC WORKS

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting approval for final payment for SAP 039-608-23 and approval to enter into an agreement with the Commissioners of transportation agency agreement No. 1030039.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to authorize Public Works Director, Tim Erickson to accept certificate of performance for SAP 039-608-23 and approve final payment of $68,679.73 to Knife River Materials.

Resolution

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

RESOLUTION FOR AGENCY AGREEMENT

Resolution 17-12-08

BE IT RESOLVED, that pursuant to Minnesota Stat. Sec. 161.36, the Commissioner of Transportation be appointed as Agent of the County of Lake of the Woods, Minnesota to accept as its agent, federal aid funds which may be made available for eligible transportation related projects.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the County Board Chairman and the County Auditor are hereby authorized and directed for and on behalf of the County to execute and enter into an agreement with the Commissioner of Transportation prescribing the terms and conditions of said federal aid participation as set forth and contained in “Minnesota Department of Transportation Agency Agreement No. 1030039“, a copy of which said agreement was before the County Board and which is made a part hereof by reference.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Human Resources Director, Savanna Slick met with the board and informed the board that Alison Hauger has resigned from her position effective January 2, 2018 and Walt Scribner will retire on  April 30, 2018 and requesting permission to advertise, interview and hire. Savanna also informed the board that they have not received any applicants for the E911 Dispatch position. Sheriff Fish stated that he would like to run the ad for a couple more weeks.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to authorize Human Resource Director, Savanna Slick to advertise, interview and hire for a Child Protection Social Worker (reliant upon continuance of funding from the State of Minnesota, which was passed by the 2015 Minnesota Legislature for child protection staffing and services.) and Maintenance position.

COMMITTEE MEETING DATES

The board discussed County Parks and the need to check into where the State is at on the transfer of lands and the plan of what the development/use will be.

VALLEY MED FLIGHT

Tami Evavold, Business Development Specialist for Valley Med Flight met with the board via conference call to discuss the change of the membership of the location of where you can be transported from, which now reads that you must be transported out from  Lake of the Woods County only. 

The past agreement was that any individual whom resides within the boundaries of Lake of the Woods County when in need of transport via air for medical necessity by Valley Med Flight would be covered outside of Lake of the Woods County as well as other States that Valley Med Flight operates in.  The board placed this on January 9, 2018 meeting to discuss with the full board.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to call the meeting adjourned at 10:15 a.m.

Attest:                                                                          Approved January 9, 2018

___________________________________              _____________________________________

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

Commissioner Proceedings

December 13, 2016

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

Call to Order

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

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Proclamation Day for Human Services Worker Day, Human Resources, and Line Workers School.   

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of November 29, 2016.

SOCIAL SERVICES

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

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrant’s $14,051.07, Commissioners Warrant’s $3,043.41, Commissioners Warrant’s $5,492.23.

Sanford Medical Center

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval to enter into a Purchase of Services Agreement with Sanford Medical Center, dba Sanford Behavioral Health Center for mental health personnel.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to enter into a Purchase of Service Agreement with Sanford Medical Center, dba Sanford Behavioral Health Center for mental health personnel effective January 1, 2017, through December 31, 2017, in the amount of $9,442 per month, and authorize Chairman Moorman and Social Services Director, Amy Ballard to sign.

Proclamation

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard met with the board and presented a Proclamation from Governor Dayton proclaiming Wednesday, December 14, 2016 as County Tribal and State Health and Human Services Worker Day. The board thanked the Social Service Department for their hard work and appreciates what they do.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

Claims

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

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $43,418.71, Road & Bridge $39,035.27, County Devel.$4,414.50 Nat Resc.Enhanc $650.50, Solid Waste, $33,172.63, EDA, $7,453.67.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 11/28/2016 For Payment 11/30/2016

Vendor Name                                                    Amount

Hoffman, Philipp & Knutson, PLLC                                    15,300.00

Lakewood Health Center                                                       4,139.84

Marco Technologies LLC                                                    4,691.81

Midwest SteepleJacks Inc                                                    9,430.00

33  Payments less than 2000  13,408.63

Final Total: 46,970.28

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: November 30,2016 – $18,944.12, December 5, 2016 – $424,250.75, December 6, 2016 – $103,075.07.

Mighty Duck Grant Program

County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson met with the board and presented the Mighty Ducks Grant letter and Affidavit of Project Completion to receive funding in the amount of $400.000.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, as appointed Fiscal Officer for the Mighty Ducks Grant Program and to sign the Affidavit of Project Completion form.

Land Donation

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and informed them that the Land Donation closing is set for December 19, and the total cost of closing is $2,122.00.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to authorize Chairman Moorman and County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson to sign the closing papers and approve the closing cost of $2,122.00  from the revenue fund.

2017 Salaries

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and presented the following for approval:

Resolution

The following resolution was proposed by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Tom Hanson and carried unanimously to approve the following resolution:

A Resolution Establishing Minimum Salaries

for Elective Offices

Resolution No. 16-12-01

WHEREAS, M.S. 388.18, Subd. 1(a), M.S. 384.151, Subd. 1(b), M.S. 386.015, Subd. 2(b), M.S. 387.20, Subd. 2(b) and M.S. 385.373, Subd. 1(b) requires the County Board, at the January meeting prior to the first date on which applicants may file for County elective offices, to establish minimum annual salaries to be paid to the respective office holders at the term next following.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the following statutory minimum annual salaries are hereby established for county elective offices for the term beginning in January of the year 2017. 

County Attorney                                 $4,000.00                    

County Auditor/Treasurer                   $4,000.00                    

County Recorder                                $4,000.00                    

County Sheriff                                    $4,000.00

Commissioners Salary/Elected Department Heads Salary/Non-Elected Department Heads Salary/Union and Non Union Employee Salary Adjustment

2017 Elected Officials & Non-Elected Department Heads Salaries

Motion was made by Commissioner Tom Hanson to adopt the following County Commissioners salary schedule and County Board Chair salary schedule, which all include a general adjustment of $300.00 for the year 2017; and to adopt a committee meeting per diem of $100.00 for the year 2017.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Elected Officials – Commissioners:

Ed Arnesen                $17,700.00                   

Cody Hasbargen          17,700.00                   

Kenneth Moorman       17,700.00                   

Buck Nordlof               17,700.00      

Jon Waibel                   17,700.00

Board Chair                 18,700.00        

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof to adopt a Technology Fee of $50.00 per month for County Commissioners for the year 2017. (Technology fee reimbursement for county related phone, internet, computer and copy expenses.)  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Tom Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof to adopt the following Elected Officials salary schedule which includes a 2% general adjustment and 1 merit step, if applicable (not maxed), for the year 2017.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried. 

Elected Officials – Department Heads:

County Sheriff            Gary Fish                   $78,748.80      

County Aud/Treas      Lorene Hanson             77,126.40       

County Recorder        Susan Ney                    65,332.80

County Attorney         James Austad             101,192.00

Motion was made by Commissioner Tom Hanson to adopt the following Non-Elected Department Heads salary schedule which includes a 2% general adjustment and 1 merit step, if applicable (not maxed), for the year 2017.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried. 

Non-Elected – Department Heads:

Assessor                      MaryJo Otten             $74,380.80      

MIS Director               Peder Hovland             68,868.80      

Public Works               Tim Erickson                99,590.40      

Land/Water                 Josh Stromlund            74,380.80      

Social Service              Amy Ballard                73,881.60      

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to adopt the following Non-Elected Department Heads salary schedule which includes a 2%  general adjustment and 1 merit step, if applicable (not maxed), for the year 2017.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried. 

Non-Elected – Department Heads:

Veterans Service         Rick Rone                  $22,505.60      

Human Resources       Karen Ose                    39,973.44      

Salary Adjustment, as agreed upon per Union Contract

Motion- Highway Union

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof to adjust all full time Highway Union employees’ salary by a 2% general adjustment and by 1 merit step, if applicable (not maxed), effective January 1, 2017.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Tom Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Salary Adjustment, as agreed upon per Union Contract

Motion- Solid Waste Union

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to adjust all full time Solid Waste Union employees’ salary by a 2% general adjustment and by 1 merit step, if applicable (not maxed, effective January 1, 2017.  Motion was seconded by Buck Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

All County Employees (Full time/Permanent Part Time/Part Time/Seasonal Employees) Salary Adjustment

(Excluding Elected and Non-Elected Department Heads)

Motion- Non-Union

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof to adjust all non-union employees: full time, permanent part time, part time and seasonal (excluding elected and non-elected department heads) salaries by 2% general adjustment and by 1 merit step, if applicable (not maxed), effective January 1, 2017.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Tom Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Health Insurance

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to set the 2017 county contribution for family health insurance up to $1,165 per month and single health insurance up to $815.00 per month. The public Employees Insurance Program “Advantage Plan” consists of “High”, “Value” and “HSA” plans. For the HSA plans only, any excess county contribution will be deposited directly into the employee’s health savings account up to IRS Caps.

2017 Board Meeting Dates

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve the 2017 Board meeting dates as follows:

January 2017

Tuesday, January,   3                                                    9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room Tuesday, January, 10                                                       9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room Tuesday, January, 24                                                       9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room February 2017

Tuesday, February, 14                                                                 9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, February, 28                                                 9:00 a.m.  Lake of the Woods School

March 2017

Tuesday, March, 14                                                         9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room Tuesday, March, 28                                                             9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room April 2017

Tuesday, April 11,                                                           9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, April 25,                                                           9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

May 2017

Tuesday, May, 9                                                               9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room Tuesday, May, 23                                                                  9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room June 2017

Tuesday, June, 13                                                                        9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, June, 13                                                        6:00 p.m.   Board of Equalization Meeting

Tuesday, June, 20                                                        10:00 a.m. NWA

Tuesday, June, 27                                                             9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

July 2017

Tuesday, July, 11                                                             9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room Tuesday, July, 25                                                              9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room August 2017

Tuesday, August, 8                                                          9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, August, 22                                                        9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

September

Tuesday, September, 12                                                   9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room Tuesday, September, 26                                                   9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room October 2017

Tuesday, October, 10                                                       9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, October, 24                                                       9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

November 2017

Tuesday, November, 14                                                   9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room Tuesday, November, 28                                                   9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room December 2017

Tuesday, December, 12                                                    9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, December, 12                                                6:00 p.m. TNT Meeting

Thursday, December, 28                                                  9:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MAY BE ATTENDING THE FOLLOWING:

AMC LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE- Nisswa April 6& 7

JOINT LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE- St. Paul- February 16-17

AMC DISTRICT 2 MEETINGS- Bemidji- June 14 & October 25-

AMC POLICY COMMITTEE- Breezy Point -September 14-15

AMC ANNUAL CONFERENCE-St. Cloud- December 3-5

LAKE OF THE WOODS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETINGS

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners will be attending these meetings on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at

6:00 p.m. in the Commissioners Room at the Government Center

Organizational Meeting

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to set January 3, 2017 as Lake of the Woods County Board Organizational Meeting.

GREAT NORTHERN TRANSMISISON LINE

Jim Atkinson, Project Manager from Minnesota Power met with the board and updated them on the progress of the line. The project is set to begin on January 2, 2017.

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 9:56 a.m. and reconvened at 10:02 p.m.

Assessor

County Assessor, Mary Jo Otten met with the board requesting approval to advance Appraiser Trainee, Whitnie Reasy from Appraiser Training to Appraiser for she has passed all requirements for an Appraiser. She would like her to advance to the Appraiser position, effective October 19, 2016.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve Whitnie Reasy advancement from Appraiser Training to Appraiser effective October 19, 2016 at grade 13, step 1, 289 points, $21.20 per hour.

SHERIFF

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board requesting authorization to purchase an Intake Record Book for prisoner’s records. The cost of the book is $600.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the purchase a book for” Intake Record” for prisoners in the amount of $600.00 from the Sheriff’s budget.

Tower Lease

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board and informed them that nothing has been settled on the tower lease cost from Wikstorm, the State Planner stated that there should be no cost associated with the lease and he will look into.

LineWorkers School

Commissioner Hanson informed the board that the EDA is placing a bid in the paper for Snow Removal at the School for 2016-2017.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Human Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board to inform the board that an offer was accepted by Savanna Slick for the Human Resources Director position. The positon is graded at 16, points 369, step1, at $25.09 per hour. Savanna will work December 21 and 22 and official take over on January 4, 2017.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to hire Savanna Slick as Human Resource Director, effective January 4, 2017, at grade 16, step 1, $25.09, points 369.

OLD/NEW BUSINESS

The board requested that the File of Life and Government Center Remodeling be removed from Old/New Business.

CARTWAY HEARING

Byron Tviet met with the board to discuss his Petition for a Cartway that he filed with the County Auditor/Treasurers Office on December 6, 2016.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to set a Cartway Hearing as follows:

COUNTY OF LAKE OF THE WOODS

ORDER SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING UPON PETITION

 REQUESTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CARTWAY

            The County of Lake of the Woods has received a Petition for the Establishment of a Cartway.  A copy of the Petition is attached to and made part of this Order.

            The Petitioner seeks to establish a cartway pursuant to Minnesota Statute 164.08.  The description of the proposed cartway is:

Government Lots Two (2) and Three (3); and Southeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter (SE1/4NW1/4), all located in Section Thirty (30); Township One Hundred Sixty-Three (163) North, Range Thirty Four (34) West of the 5^th Principal Meridian, Minnesota.

            The description of the individual tracts of land over which the proposed cartway would pass is:

Half (1/2) mile West of Co. Rd 17 on North side of Section 30 of Lakewood Township.

            Minnesota Statute 164.08, subd. 2(a), requires a town board, or a county board acting in lieu of a town board, to establish a cartway at least two rods wide connecting a petitioner’s land to a public road if a petition is presented by the owner of a tract of land containing at least five acres who has no access thereto except over lands of others.

            Minnesota Statute 164.08, subd. 2(a), says that the town board may select an alternate route other than that petitioned for if the alternate route is deemed by the town board to be less disruptive and less damaging to the affected landowners and in the public’s best interest.

            The same statute says that the town board shall assess damages to landowners affected by the establishment of the cartway pursuant to Minnesota Statute 164.07, subd. 5, which directs the town board to (1) determine the money value of any detriment that the cartway’s establishment might cause to an affected landowner, (2) determine the money value of any benefit that the cartway’s establishment might cause to an affected landowner, and (3) award the affected landowner the difference (if any).

            Minnesota Statute 164.07, subd. 4, allows the town board to direct that a survey be made if necessary.

            Minnesota Statute 164.08, subd. 2(c), says that the cartway petitioner shall pay all damages before the cartway is opened, and that those damages include (1) compensation (if any) awarded to affected landowners and (2) any costs the town incurs for professional and other services, hearing costs, administrative costs, recording costs, and other costs and expenses incurred by the town in connection with the proceedings.

            IT IS ORDERED pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 164.08 and 164.07 that:

1. A hearing upon the attached Cartway Petition shall be held at the Lake of the Woods County Government Center in Baudette, Minnesota on January 10, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.
2. The purpose of the hearing shall include, but is not limited to, determining:
   1. Whether the Petitioner is entitled to a cartway under Section 164.08, subd. 2;
   2. If so, whether the cartway should be located where requested and to the width requested, or whether it should be located at an alternate route or if at a different width (but at least two rods wide);
   3. What damages, if any, must the Petitioner pay to affected landowners for the establishment of the cartway;
   4. What other damages have been incurred or likely will be incurred by the County in connection with the establishment of the cartway; and
   5. Any other issue or matter that might relate to the cartway petition.
3. The petitioner shall:
   1. Cause personal service of this Order and the Cartway Petition to be made upon each owner and occupant of land over which or adjacent to which the proposed cartway would pass, and upon each person whose land would be reasonably expected to be affected by the establishment of the proposed cartway;
   2. Post a copy of this Order and the Cartway Petition at the County’s posting places;
   3. Accomplish items 3(a) and 3(b) at least ten days before the cartway hearing; and
   4. Submit to the Town an affidavit, prior to the hearing, showing that items 3(a)-(c) have been accomplished.

All persons who wish to be heard on any of the issues identified above, or on any other issue or matter relating to the Cartway Petition, should appear at the hearing and be prepared to offer or present any testimony, evidence, opinions, or views that they may have.

Affected landowners are hereby notified, pursuant to Minnesota Statute 164.07, subd. 2, that they are entitled to judicial review if the cartway is established, but that to do so they must follow all of the procedures set forth in Minnesota Statute Section 164.07, subd. 7, including but not limited to serving and filing a notice of appeal within 40 days after the filing of the award of damages, and within ten days after the filing of the award of damages if they wish to delay the opening or construction of the cartway, together with an approved bond of not less than $250.

                                                                        COUNTY OF LAKE OF THE WOODS

                                                                        _________________________________

                                                                        By: Kenneth Moorman

                                                                        Its:  Chairman of the Board

Land and Water Planning Office

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board and presented the proposed Fish House Provisions Ordinance to the board. Josh in formed the board that the Planning Commission held a public hearing to review the proposed ordinance and recommends approval.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to adopt the Fish House Ordinance as follows:

Fish House Provisions

Section 108

Definitions to be added

Fish House –  A portable structure, constructed and maintained for the purpose of providing shelter during ice fishing that must be placed on the ice at least once during the winter season.

Fish House, Dead Storage – Fish houses which are not used as temporary residences during the off season.

Fish House, Live In – Fish houses which are used as temporary residences during the off season.

Fish House Park – A lot or parcel used for the storage of more than five (5) Live-in fish houses.

Section 402.1 (new)

Fish House Regulations

Lake of the Woods County has established the following regulations governing the dead storage and live-in status of fish houses in the County. All fish house activities must conform to the provisions as outlined below:

Requirements

The provisions of this Section must be adhered to unless a variance is granted as per Section 1203 of this Ordinance.

1. Dead Storage Fish Houses
   1. Must be setback in accordance with Section 503 of this Ordinance.
   2. Must be accessible to emergency vehicles.
   3. A Conditional Use Permit is not required for the outdoor storage of up to five (5) fish houses provided that only two (2) are visible and they must be treated to reduce visibility as viewed from public waters, public roads, and adjacent properties by vegetation assuming summer leaf-on conditions, increased setbacks or be of earth tone colors.
2. A Conditional Use Permit is limited to and required for parcels zoned as a Residential (R1), Rural Residential (R2), or General Use Zoning District, unless previously approved, providing for the outdoor storage of more than five (5) fish houses.
3. Live-in Fish House
   1. A Land Use Permit may be required if not a temporary structure, as defined in Section 108 of this Ordinance.
4. Fish House Park
   1. Shall be processed as a Planned Unit Development (PUD) and be platted in accordance with Section 1105. In addition to the requirements outlined in Article X, of this Ordinance, the follow shall apply:

General

1. Fish houses and other structures in a fish house park (FHP) must be setback in accordance with Section 503 of this Ordinance.
2. In a FHP, an adequate number of fly-tight, watertight and rodent-proof containers must be provided for all garbage and refuse. Garbage must be collected for disposal as often as necessary to prevent nuisance conditions and at least once each week.
3. FHPs must be maintained free of accumulations of debris or material which may provide rodent harborage or breeding places for insect pests. Areas in FHPs must be maintained free of growths of noxious weeds.
4. All walkways, drives, and commonly used areas in FHPs must be provided with adequate night lighting.
5. In a FHP, bottled gas cylinders must be firmly mounted in an upright position and must not be located within 5 feet of any fish house door, unless the mounting brackets are part of manufacture’s design.
6. In a FHP, fuel oil storage tanks must be securely fastened in place and fuel oil tank stands must be constructed of a noncombustible material. Fuel oil tanks must be located at least 5 feet from any fish house exit.
7. Domestic animals or pets must not be allowed to run at large or cause any nuisances within a FHP. Any kennels, pens or other facilities provided for animals must be maintained in a sanitary condition.
8. A maximum speed limit of 10 miles per hour must be clearly posted throughout the FHP.
9. Vehicle parking on a public highway, street, or alley is prohibited in a FHP.

Spacing

1. Each fish house site must face or be next to a driveway or clear unoccupied space at least sixteen (16) feet wide. That space must have unobstructed access to a public highway, street, or alley.
2. Space between the fish houses may be used for parking vehicles and other property not attached to the fish house.
3. Minimum site size of 2,000 square feet for each fish house with a minimum width of fifty (50) feet.

Water Supply

1. The water supply system, in a FHP, must meet all applicable Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) requirements for public water supplies (Minnesota Rules, Chapter 4720) and water wells (Minnesota Rules, Chapter 4725).
2. Water must be available within 400 feet of every fish house.
3. A minimum supply of seventy-five (75) gallons per day for each fish house shall be provided.
4. Minimum water riser pipe size is 3/4 inch; water riser and sewer riser must be constructed of approved materials and separated by at least ten (10) feet.
5. All plumbing must be installed in accordance with the Minnesota Plumbing Code, Chapter 4715.

Sewage Disposal

1. All sewage and waste water, in a FHP, must be discharged into an approved municipal sewage system if one is available or an individual on-site sewage treatment system that meets the requirements of the Lake of the Woods County Subsurface Sewage Treatment System Ordinance.
2. Each fish house site shall have a 4 inch minimum diameter sewer riser pipe. The sewer riser must be capped when a site is not occupied by a fish house. Surface drainage must be directed away from the riser, the riser pipe must extend at least four (4) inches above ground elevation.
3. Toilet and shower facilities must be provided in all FHPs which harbor any fish house which is not equipped with toilet and bathing facilities. Toilet and shower facilities shall be adequately heated, ventilated and lighted and have durable, washable, floors, walls, and ceilings and meet ADA requirements. Toilet facilities must be provided within four-hundred (400) feet of any fish house and as follows:
   1. Two (2) toilets are required for up to fifteen (15) fish houses
   2. Three (3) toilets are require for more than fifteen (15) fish houses
4. FHP areas harboring fish houses with self-contained waste water tanks must provide a sanitary dumping station in the ratio of one (1) sanitary station for each one-hundred (100) sites. Sanitary stations must be adequately screened and located at least fifty (50) feet from any FHP site.

Storm Shelters

1. A FHP with less than ten (10) fish houses must provide a plan for the evacuation and sheltering of the residents of the park in times of severe weather such as tornadoes, high winds, or floods. The shelter or evacuation plan must be conspicuously posted in the park and the park owner must provide each resident with a copy of the approved shelter or evacuation plan.
2. A FHP with ten (10) or more fish houses must provide an approved shelter or an approved evacuation plan for the residents of the park in times of severe weather such as tornadoes, high winds, or floods. The shelter location or evacuation plan must be conspicuously posted in the park and the park owner must provide each resident with a copy of the approved shelter location or evacuation plan.
3. The storm shelter shall be constructed to meet the Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) standards, see Minnesota Rules Chapter 1370 for requirements.

4-HORSE CLUB HORSE CLUB

Jen Strohl, from the 4-Horse Club met with the board requesting assistants with the Horse Arena. Jen explained that the Arena is part of the Fair Grounds and the Fair board allows the 4-H Horse Club to use the arena in return that the club maintains it. The board reviewed the handout from Jen on the issues and the drainage plan and requested that Public Works Director, Tim Erickson look at it and give his recommendation on what could be done to help with the drainage issues.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 11:20 a.m. and reconvened at 11:32 a.m. as follows.

JEFF POOLMAN

Jeff Poolman met with the board requesting that a parcel of land that he owns be removed from Judicial Ditch 28. Chairman Moorman explained the process that he would have to take to get his parcel removed and the cost associated with this request that he would have to pay. After hearing the process and cost to proceed, Jeff asked the board to disregard his request.

CONTRACTS

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson and County Attorney, James Austad met with the board to discuss the renewal of North Country Joint Powers Agreement with Hubbard and Clearwater Counties and Purchase of Service Agreement with LakeWood Health Center.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the North Country Joint Powers Agreement with Hubbard and Clearwater Counties effective January 1, 2017 thru December 31, 2020 and Purchase of Service Agreement with LakeWood Health Center, for Community Health Services effective January 1, 2017 and authorize Chairman Moorman and County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson to sign.

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 12:55 a.m. and reconvened at 6:04 p.m. as follows:

TRUTH-N-TAXATION

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting at 6:05 p.m. and open the Public Hearing for Truth-N-Taxation. Present were: Commissioner’s Beckel, Moorman, Hanson and Nordlof. Absent: Arnesen. Also present were, County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, County Assessor, MaryJo Otten and Woody Fiala.

Public Hearing

The board reviewed the New Construction for 2016, reviewed the Proposed 2017 County Budget and Tax Levy.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the Public Hearing at 6:32 p.m. and open the regular meeting as follows:

Resolution

Resolution Adopting

Certified 2017 Budget and Tax Levy

Resolution   2016-12-02

The following Resolution was proposed and moved for adoption by Commissioner Patty Beckel:

WHEREAS, the Proposed County Budget for the year 2017 has been reviewed by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following Proposed Budget and Tax Levy is hereby adopted for the Lake of the Woods County for 2017:

Revenue Fund                                               $ 1,607,395

Road & Bridge Fund                                    $    339,580

Social Services Fund                                     $    603,935

Economic Development Authority Fund    $      60,000

2017 Proposed Budget and Tax Levy         $ 2,610,910

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following amounts be levied against the unorganized townships of Lake of the Woods County for 2017:

                        Twp Road & Bridge                                     $   437,555*

                        Twp Fire – Baudette                                      $     30,000  

                        Twp Fire – Williams                                      $     30,159  

                        Twp Fire – NW Angle                                   $       6,500

                        Total                                                               $   504,214  

2017                

* $437,555 for Township Road & Bridge includes $12,000 which is specifically levied to Northwest Angle residents for Calcium Chloride.  (425,555+12,000=437,555)

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

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Moorman called the meeting to recess at 6:35 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                     December 29, 2016

__________________________________                            _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson                            Chairman of the Board, Ken Moorman

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

Commissioner Proceedings

December 29, 2016

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, December 29, 2016 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

Call to Order

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

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: December 7, 2016 Special Session and GIZIIBII.   

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of December 7 and 13, 2016.

SOCIAL SERVICES

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

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrant’s $28,736.79, Commissioners Warrant’s $3,822.66, Commissioners Warrant’s $16,218.62, Commissioners Warrant’s $9,884.61.

MCIT

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and informed the board that MCIT will be holding a webinar on January 19, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

Claims

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

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows:

Revenue                       $144,568.71

Road & Bridge $143,335.38

Natl Resc Enhanc         $   4,800.00

Solid Waste                  $ 18,903.44

EDA                            $      320.00

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 12/29/2016 For Payment 12/30/2016

Vendor Name                                                    Amount

Compass Minerals America                                                     4,108.06

Federal Signal Corporation                                                    12,016.00

Gooderum/Richard                                                                   2,239.17

Lakewood Health Center                                                       30,241.60

Liberty Tire Recycling, LLC                                                      4,572.18

LOW Highway Dept                                                              40,602.52

LOW Soil & Water Cons. Dist.                                                20,035.50

Msop-Mn Sex Offender Prgrm-462                                         2,257.00

Olson/George                                                                          8,600.00

Roseau County Highway Dept                                             96,560.38

STATE OF MINNESOTA                                                           2,000.00

Titan Machinery – Roseau                                                      26,500.00

University Of Mn                                                                      8,610.12

University of North Dakota                                                       2,110.00

Widseth Smith Nolting&Asst Inc                                               9,487.63

Ziegler, Inc                                                                               7,302.44

65 Payments less than 2000   34,684.93

Final Total: 311,927.53

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: December 14, 2016, $259,104.39- December 16, 2016 $363,189.66- December 21, 2016 $12,477.32.

IRS Mileage Rate

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to set the 2017 mileage rate at the IRS Standard Rate. (It was noted that the Internal Revenue Service issued a .53.5 cents per mile for business miles beginning January 1, 2017 for the standard rate.)

Gambling Permit

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval for Northwest Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police to conduct an off site raffle at Sportsman’s Lodge.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the off-site raffle which will be held on February 27, 2017 at Sportsman’s Lodge, for the Northwest Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #8.

Wheelers Point Sewer District Appointments

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and requested approval for re-appointment for the Wheelers Point Sewer District for Brian Ney and Kent Spears.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to appoint Brian Ney to the Wheelers Point Sewer District Board for a three year term beginning January 3, 2017 thru January 2, 2020 and to appoint Kent Spears to the Wheelers Point Sewer District Board beginning January 3, 2017 thru January 2, 2020.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to remove School Choice Week from the agenda item and place in Correspondence.

CORRESPONDENCE

The board acknowledged the following correspondence: MN Department of Health and School Choice Week Proclamation.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board to inform them that SWCD was awarded a grant to undertake the One Watershed One Plan planning process which is anticipated to last approximately 18-24 months. As part of the planning process, a planning work group has been established which is comprised of staff from SWCD, Lake of the Woods County, the Districts Watershed. A policy committee will be established which will be comprised of county board members, SWCD Supervisors and Watershed District Managers.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the One Watershed One Plan Memorandum of Agreement and authorize Chairman Moorman and Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund to sign.

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 9:55 a.m. and reconvened at 10:03 a.m.

HEADWATERS  REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

HRDC Economic Development Director, Ryan Zemek met with the board and reviewed the 2016 Comprehensive Development Strategy with the board.

Resolution

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following resolution and authorize Chairman Moorman and County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson to sign:

Resolution

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

Headwaters Regional Development Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

Resolution No. 2016-12-04

WHEREAS; Lake of the Woods county is recognized by the Economic Development Administration as a redevelopment area with special needs for economic development assistance; and

WHEREAS, the Headwaters Regional Development Commission is an Economic Development District by the Economic Development Administration to provide planning and economic development assistance; and

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners actively supports and currently participates in the economic development district activities of the Headwaters Regional Development Commission; and

WHEREAS, the Headwaters Regional Development Commission has prepared a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy in cooperation with businesses, communities, and economic development organizations in lieu of a separate county Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners approves of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy as submitted on this date.

YEARS OF SERVICE RECOGNITION

Resolutions

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

Recognition of years of service

Thomas Hanson

Resolution 2016- 12-05

Whereas:  Tom Hanson has served the constituents of District 2 since 2008;

Whereas:  Tom Hanson  devoted many hours for Lake of the Woods County residents on serving as County Commissioner and other appointed committees;

Now Therefore, Be it Resolved:  That Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners extends its deepest appreciation to Tom Hanson for his dedicated service and best wishes to him;

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

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

Recognition of years of service

Patty Beckel

Resolution 2016 – 12-06

Whereas:  Patty Beckel has served the constituents of District 4 since 2005;

Whereas:  Patty Beckel  devoted many hours for Lake of the Woods County residents on serving as County Commissioner and other appointed committees;

Now Therefore, Be it Resolved:  That Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners extends its deepest appreciation to Patty Beckel for her dedicated service and best wishes to her;

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

Adjournment

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to call the meeting adjourned at 10:48 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                      January 10, 2017

__________________________________                            _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson                                Chairman of the Board, Ken Moorman

Commissioner Proceedings

December 30, 2015

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Wednesday, December 30, 2015, in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.

Call to Order

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

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions:  Lost Warrant, Ditch 28 Invoice, Paul Bunyan Transit and Government Center North Lease.

APPROVAL of Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the consent agenda as follows: Cooper Mickelson to Detroit Lakes for 2016 Bridge Safety Inspection on February 23, Whitnie Reasy to Plymouth for MN Assessment Laws and Procedures Class, January 25-29.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of December 15, 2015.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

Claims

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

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows:

Revenue                      $  66,433.47

Road & Bridge           $  33,005.90

                                                Solid Waste                $    2,259.72

EDA                            $   4,735.07

                                     106,434.16

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 12/30/2015 For Payment 12/31/2015

Vendor Name                                                    Amount

Border Ridge Trucking Inc                                                       19,185.60

Compass Minerals America                                                        6,485.21

Koochiching Co Treasurer                                                        2,500.00

Lakewood Health Center                                                           35,000.00

Northwest Community Action, Inc                                              3,434.00

Pb Distributing Inc                                                                        2,242.45

Powerplan                                                                                    2,498.03

Rone Jr/Roderick W                                                                    2,179.27

University Of Mn                                                                          8,441.25

                                           73  Payments less than 2000  24,468.35

Final Total: 106,434.16

    Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants:

                                                December 17, 2015                $  30,911.85

                                                December 22, 2015                $  48,212.50

$ 79,124.35

2016 Mileage Rate

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to set the 2016 mileage rate at the IRS Standard Rate. (It was noted that the Internal Revenue Service issued a .54 cents per mile for business miles beginning January 1, 2016 for the standard rate.)

Hoffman, Philipp, & Knutson, PLLC

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and presented the Engagement Letter from Hoffman, Philipp, & Knutson, PLLC for the 2015 Audit.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to authorize Chairman Arnesen and County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson to sign the 2015 Engagement Letter for Hoffman, Philipp & Knutson PLLC to audit Lake of the Woods County’s financial for 2015.

Board of Equalization Certificate

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and informed the board that Commissioner Beckel and she are certified for the Board of Equalization, and that if anyone is interested they now have the on-line training that can be done prior to February 1, 2016 to be certified for the 2016. The county is required to have at least one County Board member to be certified.

Lost Warrant

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval for a lost warrant.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the application and affidavit of a lost warrant for Debra Foldoe in the amount of $104.90 without furnishing and indemnifying bond.

Ditch 28

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and presented an invoice for payment for Ditch 28.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson to pay the Ditch 28 invoice in the amount of $11,389.11 from the Revenue account as a loan to Ditch 28 with interest in the amount of 6%.

Paul Bunyan Transit

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and informed the board that Paul Bunyan Transit never signed the 2015 contract with Lake of the Woods and inquired about a 2016 contract. The consensus of the board was that Lake of the Woods County are just consumers and a contract is not needed.

Government Center North Contract- Sanford

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board to discuss the Government Center North Contract and informed them board that they added an amendment to the original agreement that the Lessee may assign or sublease the premises to its parent, subsidiary or corporate affiliate without the prior written consent of Lessor.  In addition, in the event Lessee merges or consolidates with its parent, subsidiary or corporate affiliate, or Lessee undergoes a corporate reorganization with its parent, subsidiary or corporate affiliate, Lessee may do so without the prior written consent of Lessor. Lorene informed the board that she is having County Attorney, James Austad review this new amendment.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the Government Center North contract with Sanford contingent approval of County Attorney, James Austad.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

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

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the following claims:

                                                            Commissioners’ Warrants $ 17,773.59

                                                            Commissioners’ Warrants $ 34,526.95

Contract

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

Motions

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the Lake of the Woods County Social Services contract with Rural Minnesota CEP for Diversionary Work Program and MFIP services for 2016-2017. 

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the Lake of the Woods County Social Services contract with MIS for IT/Computer services for the Child Support, Social Services and Income Maintenance departments for the years 2016-17. 

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve the Lake of the Woods County Social Services contract with Tri-Valley Opportunity Council for caring companion program services for the elderly and alternative care clients for the years 2016-17. 

WHEELERS POINT SEWER DISTRICT

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

RESOLUTION FOR ELECTION OF WHEELERS POINT

SANITARY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS

RESOLUTION

15-12-03

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners adopted the creation of a sanitary district for Wheelers Point District on September 27, 2005;

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners is the central related governing body of the Wheelers Point Sanitary District;

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners has the authority to elect members to the Wheelers Point Sanitary District Board by resolution to fill expired terms;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners elects Marshal Monk to fill the term of office for the late Ron Strauss, which will expire the first business day of, 2018, and reappoint Mike Mayer for a three year term ending the first business day, 2019.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 8:40 a.m. and reconvened at 8:45 a.m. as follows:

ASSESSOR

County Assessor, MaryJo Otten met with the board requesting a cell phone stipend.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve a smart phone cell stipend for County Assessor, MaryJo Otten in the amount of $60.00 per month.

YEARS OF SERVICE

Chairman Arnesen congratulated Assistant Assessor, Dale Boretski on behalf of the County Board on his retirement.

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

Recognition of years of service

Dale Boretski

Resolution 2015 – 12– 04

Whereas:  Dale Boretski  has served the residents of Lake of the Woods County since December 4, 2002 as  Lake of the Woods County Deputy Auditor; and then on December 15, 2008 as Assistant County Assessor;

Whereas:  Dale will retire from Lake of the Woods County service effective December 31, 2015 with thirteen years of service;

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

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

SHERIFF

County Sheriff, Gary Fish and Human Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board for clarification on “On Call Status Pay” for Deputy Sheriffs when they are on call. Karen explained that the board needs to decide if this falls under the Affordable Care Act that requires thirty (30) hours per week for full-time or under the Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act, which compensation is forty (40) hours per week.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to amend the following motion dated May 13, 2014:

“Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize payment of $20.00 per pay period for all full time Deputy Sheriff’s for on call time, effective May 25, 2014. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.”

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve all Deputy Sheriffs for “On Call Status Pay” under the Affordable Care Act that work 30 hours per week or more will receive the on call status pay of $20.00 per pay period.

Human Resources

Human Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board requesting approval for all County Job Descriptions. Commissioner Beckel informed the board that she reviewed the job descriptions.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve all County Job Descriptions a presented.

Scott Kerns Letter

The board reviewed the Scott Kerns Letter and placed it on the January 12, 2016 meeting for more discussion.

Adjournment

Chairman Arnesen thanked the board for a progressive year and accomplishments that the board completed in 2015.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to adjourn the 2015 County Board meeting at 9:30 a.m.

Attest:                                                                                                 Approved: January 12, 2016

__________________________________                                        ______________________________

Lorene Hanson, County Auditor/Treasurer                                        Edward Arnesen

                                                                                                        Chairman of the Board

Commissioner Proceedings

December 16, 2014

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.

Call to Order

Chair Beckel called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners, Ken Moorman, Patty Beckel, Ed Arnesen, Tom Hanson and Buck Nordlof.  Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer, Mark Hall, Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson and Deputy Auditor, Janet Rudd.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the agenda with the following additions: December 30 time change, SWCD- Keep it Clean, NWA update and request for information on NWA Phase I and II, 2015 mileage rate, Wheelers Point Sewer District appointment, December 26^th work day. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the consent agenda as follows: – Tim Erickson to Duluth on March 9 for Design of Construction of Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans-recertification. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Approval of Minutes

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve November 25, 2014 minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the correction minutes of August 5, 2014 and to add the following; gambling permit, cost allocation and investment policy, which  were inadvertently missed in the minutes. The motion was seconded by commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

REPRESENTATIVE ELECT-HANCOCK

Chair Beckel welcomed Representative- Elect Hancock to the meeting. He shared the following items that are on his agenda for the upcoming session:

Ø  Test Relief for Schools

Ø  Alternate Certificates for Vo-Tech

Ø  Bringing Vets Home Forward –Bemidji

Ø  Local control

Ø  Wetland Issues

Hancock inquired what the board would like to see brought into session. The following topics were discussed:

Ø  Wetlands

Ø  Small Business Owners Tax relief

Ø  Aquatic Invasive Species funding formula

Ø  MN Dot Transmitter

Chair Beckel thanked Hancock for meeting with the board.

Auditor/Treasurer

Claims

County Auditor/Treasurer, Mark Hall and Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims:

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the claims against the county as follows:

                                                Revenue                      $ 73,662.13

                                                Road & Bridge           $ 26,674.18

                                                Co. Devel.                   $   1,818.00

                                                Natl Resc Enhanc       $   4,069.00

                                                Solid Waste                 $ 34,764.04

                                                EDA                            $   4,544.56

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 12/16/2014 For Payment 12/19/2014

Vendor Name                                                                            Amount

Abm Equip & Supply, Inc.                                                     8,508.50

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                                                9,298.03

Compass Minerals America                                                  4,156.15

Computer Professionals Unlimited Inc                              13,005.41

Cps Technology Solutions                                               16,446.69

Election Systems & Software, Inc                                        5,003.10

Farmers Union Oil Co.                                                          3,489.94

Howard’s Oil Company                                                         2,537.57

Insight Technologies, Inc                                                   3,849.00

John Deere Financial                                                           6,548.59

LOW Highway Dept                                                              7,536.18

LOW Soil & Water Cons. Dist.                                           18,106.00

Mar-Kit Landfill                                                                       7,089.30

Rinke-Noonan                                                                       4,269.00

Sandpieper Design LLC                                                        3,000.00

Swanston Equipment Corp                                                  2,120.65

Woody’s Service                                                                    2,659.72

Ziegler, Inc                                                                            2,032.34

64 Payments less than 2000   25,875.74

Final Total:  145,531.91

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants:

November 26, 2014        $ 103,532.11

December    2, 2014        $ 368,231.68

                                                December 10, 2014         $   77,481.51

                                                December 10, 2014         $     2,741.76

                                                December 11, 2014         $     (371.50)

                                                December 11, 2014         $ 122,284.83                                                          

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

Phone Stipend

County Auditor/Treasurer, Mark Hall met with the board requesting approval for a Phone Stipend for Human Resource Director, Karen Ose.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve a Phone Stipend for Human Resource Director, Karen Ose for a smart phone in the amount of $60.00 per month. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

INVESTMENT POLICY

County Auditor/Treasurer, Mark Hall met with the board requesting approval for the Investment Policy and appointment of Investment Officer. The board placed this on the January 6, 2015 organizational meeting and requested Human Resources to review and advise.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler met with the board requesting approval of claims for the Social Services department.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the claims against the county as follows:

Commissioners Warrants        $17,698.77

                                                  Commissioners Warrants        $12,929.82

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

Contracts

Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler met with the board requesting contract approvals for Friends against Abuse and Alternative Care, Elderly Waiver and Community Alternative for Disabled Individuals with LakeWood Health Center.

Motions

Friends Against Abuse

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the contract between Friends Against Abuse and Lake of the Woods County Social Services for 2015 for the provision of supervised visitations and to authorize Chairman Patty Beckel and Lake of the Woods County Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler, to sign. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Norldof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried. 

LakeWood Health

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the contract between LakeWood Health Center and Lake of the Woods County Social Services for January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016, for the provision of housing with services for Alternative Care, Elderly Waiver, and Community Alternatives for Disabled Individuals programs, and to authorize Chairperson Patty Beckel and Lake of the Woods County Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler to sign. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

APPLICATIONXTENDER

Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler and MIS Director, Peder Hovland met with the board requesting approval to purchase the ApplicationXtender, for use by the Income Maintenance and Child Support units.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the purchase of the ApplicationXtender, in the amount of $18,681, from the technology fund, with payment in 2015. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Vacant Social Worker

Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler met with the board requesting authorization to hire for a vacant Social Worker position and requested to fill the position by calling for the Merit System Register, as well as, pursuing the option of appointing a “Social Worker Trainee” to allow for a broader group of eligible candidates to fill the position. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to authorize Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler to fill the vacant Social Worker position by calling for the Merit System Register and  also pursuing the option of appointing a “Social Worker Trainee” from the qualified candidates.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 10:25 a.m. and reconvened at 10:30 a.m. as follows:

EMPOLYEE OF THE YEAR RECOGNITION

Chair Beckel on behalf of the board congratulated Dawn Christianson as the recipient for the Employee of the Year Award for 2014.

One-Day Vacation for Employee of the Year

The board discussed the compensation of One-day vacation that the “Employee of the Year” would receive for being chosen as the recipient for that year with Human Resource Director, Karen Ose. Karen stated that this would go under the “Reward System”, which is allowed.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve one day vacation for the chosen recipient for the “Employee of the Year”, effective 2014; the vacation day has to be used within the year the recipient was recognized as the employee of the year. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

2015 ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

County Auditor/Treasurer, Mark Hall met with the board requesting them to set the 2015 Organizational Meeting Date.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to set January 6, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. for the organization meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

MINIMUM SALARIES FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS

A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING MINIMUM

SALARIES FOR ELECTIVE OFFICES

Resolution No. 14-01-01

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

WHEREAS, M.S. 388.18, Subd. 1,(a), M.S. 384.151, Subd. 1,(b)., M.S. 386.015, Subd. 2(b)., M.S. 387.20, Subd. 2(b), and M.S. 385.373, Subd. 1, (b) requires the County Board, at the January meeting prior to the first date on which applicants may file for County elective offices, to establish minimum annual salaries to be paid to the respective office holders at the term next following.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the following statutory minimum annual salaries are hereby established for county elective offices for the term beginning in January of the year 2015:

                                    County Attorney:                    $4,000

                                    County Auditor/Treasurer:      $4,000

                                    County Recorder:                   $4,000

                                    County Sheriff:                       $4,000

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

2015 COMMISSIONERS MEETING DATE

The board reviewed the 2015 meeting dates.

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the 2015 Commissioners meetings as follows:

LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

2015 COUNTY BOARD MEETING DATES

January 2015

Tuesday, January   6, 2015                                      9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, January 13, 2015                                      9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, January 27, 2015                                      9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

February 2015

Tuesday, February 10, 2015                                    9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, February 24, 2015                                    9:00 a.m. Lake of the Woods School

March 2015

Tuesday, March 10, 2015                                        9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, March 24, 2015                                        9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

April 2015

Tuesday, April 14,   2015                                        9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, April 28, 2015                                          9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

May 2015

Tuesday, May 12, 2015                                           9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, May 26, 2015                                           9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

June 2015

Tuesday, June 9, 2015                                                             9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, June 16, 2015                                           10:00 a.m. NWA

Tuesday, June 23, 2015                                           9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

July 2015

Tuesday, July 14, 2015                                           9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, July 28, 2015                                           9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

August 2015

Tuesday, August 11, 2015                                       9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, August 25, 2015                                       9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

September 2015

Tuesday, September 08, 2015                                 9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, September 22, 2015                                 9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

October 2015

Tuesday, October 13, 2015                                     9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, October 27, 2015                                     9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

November 2015

Tuesday, November 10, 2015                                 9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, November 24, 2015                                 9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

December 2015

Tuesday, December 15, 2015                                  9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, December 15, 2015                                  6:00 p.m. TNT Meeting

Wednesday, December 30, 2015                                             8:00 a.m.  Government Center, Commissioners Room

LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MAY BE ATTENDING THE FOLLOWING:

AMC LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE- TBA

JOINT LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE- March 4-5, St. Paul

AMC DISTRICT 2 MEETING- June 3, Bemidji

 AMC POLICY COMMITTEE- September 17-18, Brainerd

 AMC DISTRICT 2 MEETING- October 28, Bemidji

AMC ANNUAL CONFERENCE- December 7-8, St. Cloud

LAKE OF THE WOODS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETINGS

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners will be attending these meetings on the 3^rd Tuesday of each month at

6:00 p.m. in the Commissioners Room at the Government Center

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

Commissioners Salary/Elected Department Heads Salary/Non-Elected Department Heads Salary/Union and Non Union Employee Salary Adjustment

2015 Elected Officials & Non-Elected Department Heads Salaries

Motion was made by Commissioner Tom Hanson to adopt the following County Commissioners salary schedule and County Board Chair salary schedule, which all include a general adjustment of $300.00 for the year 2015; and to adopt a committee meeting per diem of $100.00 for the year 2015.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Elected Officials – Commissioners:

Ed Arnesen                $17,100.00      

Patricia Beckel             17,100.00      

Tom Hanson                 17,100.00      

Kenneth Moorman       17,100.00      

Buck Nordlof               17,100.00      

Board Chair                 18,100.00      

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen to adopt a Technology Fee of $50.00 per month for County Commissioners for the year 2015. (Technology fee reimbursement for county related phone, internet, computer and copy expenses.)  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ken Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Ken Moorman to adopt the following Elected Officials salary schedule which includes a 2% general adjustment and a merit step, if applicable (not maxed), for the year 2015.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried. 

Elected Officials – Department Heads:

County Sheriff            Gary Fish                   $73,038.24      

County Aud/Treas      Lorene Hanson             71,451.36      

County Recorder        Susan Ney                    60,510.24     

County Attorney         James Austad               94,523.76      

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen to adopt the following Non-Elected Department Heads salary schedule which includes a 2% general adjustment and a merit step, if applicable (not maxed), for the year 2015.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Tom Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried. 

Non-Elected – Department Heads:

Assessor                      MaryJo Otten             $68,924.88

MIS Director               Peder Hovland             60,050.88      

Public Works               Tim Erickson                92,957.76      

Land/Water                 Josh Stromlund            68,924.88      

Social Service              Nancy Wendler            73,038.24      

Motion was made by Commissioner Ken Moorman to adopt the following Non-Elected Department Heads salary schedule which includes a 2% general adjustment and a merit step, if applicable (not maxed), for the year 2015.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Tom Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried. 

Non-Elected – Department Heads:

Veterans Service         Rick Rone                  $20,681.64     

Salary Adjustment, AS agreed upon per Union Contract

Motion- Highway Union

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof to adjust all full time Highway Union employees’ salary by a 2% general adjustment and by 1 merit step, if applicable (not maxed), effective January 1, 2015.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Ken Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Salary Adjustment, AS agreed upon per Union Contract

Motion- Solid Waste Union

Motion was made by Commissioner Tom Hanson to adjust all full time Solid Waste Union employees’ salary by a 2% general adjustment and by 1 merit step, if applicable (not maxed)  effective January 1, 2015.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

All County Employees (Full time/Permanent Part Time/Part Time/Seasonal Employees) Salary Adjustment

(Excluding Elected and Non-Elected Department Heads)

Motion- Non-Union

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof to adjust all non-union employees: full time, permanent part time, part time and seasonal (excluding elected and non-elected department heads) salaries by a 2% general adjustment and by 1 merit step, if applicable (not maxed), effective January 1, 2015.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

ARROWHEAD LIBRARY BOARD MEETING

Commissioner Hanson informed the board that he could not attend the Arrowhead Library Board meeting on December 11 and that Ron Rudd attended the meeting on his behalf. Commissioner Hanson requested that the county pay the per diem. The board stated that they do consider him an alternate.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize per diem payment to Ron Rudd for attending the Arrowhead Library meeting on December 11, 2014. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

DECEMBER 26, 2014

Commissioner Hanson requested that the Commissioners to consider closing the Government Offices on December 26, 2014.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to close Lake of the Woods County Government Offices on December 26, 2014, with pay. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Curator and Executive Director Marlys Hirst met with the board to discuss the Museum Renovation Project, Phase II-HVAC. Marlys informed the board that they do not need to go to Phase III electrical which will save around $20,000, but the project is still short $23,000; Phase III is still in the process which will include all finishing’s of the interior of the building.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to allocate $23,000 from the Con-con funds payable by Auditor’s warrant in April of 2015 for the shortfall of Phase II-HVAC project. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

2015 Mileage Rate

County Auditor/Treasurer, Mark E. Hall met with the board requesting the board to set the 2015 mileage rate.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to set the 2015 mileage rate at the IRS Standard Rate. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried. (It was noted that the Internal Revenue Service issued a 57.5 cents per mile for business miles beginning January 1, 2015 for the standard rate.)

WHEELERS POINT SEWER DISTRICT

Chair Beckel informed the board that they need to re- appoint Wheelers Point Sewer District members.

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

RESOLUTION FOR ELECTION OF WHEELERS POINT

SANITARY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS

RESOLUTION

14-12-02

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners adopted the creation of a sanitary district for Wheelers Point District on September 27, 2005;

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners is the central related governing body of the Wheelers Point Sanitary District;

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners has the authority to elect members to the Wheelers Point Sanitary District Board by resolution to fill expired terms;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners elects Al Thompson and Ron Stauss for at term of three years expiring January 2, 2018.

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

NWA AIRPORT STUDY REQUEST

Chair Beckel informed the board that Bryan Budds, regional manager for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association requested Phase I and Phase II Study from S E H. S E H cannot release this information for it belongs to the county. The consensus of the board was it was okay to release both Phases.

PUBLIC WORKS

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board to discuss the request of an easement from Mark LaValla so North Star Electric can place Over Head Power lines on county land for county gravel crushing.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to grant an easement to North Star Electric to place overhead power on county owned land and requested that Public Works Director, Tim Erickson to write up the easement. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

TIMBER SALES

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson discussed Timber removal on the county owned land by the landfill; Commissioner Hanson discussed that the trees by the airport need to be cut also. Commissioner Hanson informed the Board that Steve Levasseur does this type of work. The board requested that Public Works Director, Tim Erickson to contact Steve in regard to the timber sales process.

KEEP-IT-CLEAN COMMITTEE

Mike Hirst,Keep-It-Clean committee member met with the board and updated them on the Keep-It-Clean campaign. The board informed him that the committee will be receiving the counties $2,500 allocation shortly.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Land and Water Planning Director Josh Stromlund presented an application from Jamie Negus for Conditional Use Permit to allow the applicant to conduct a commercial business consisting of winter ice fishing business. Josh informed the board that restrictions were put on this development, by the developers that commercial   business only apply to Lots One (1) and Two (2)  Block Two (2) and Lots One (1) and Two (2) of Block Five (5) of Lake of the Woods Estates and that the Planning Commission recommends denial of the Conditional Use Permit.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanon to support the Planning Commissioner recommendation for denial for the Conditional Use Permit for Jami Negus. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chair Beckel called the meeting to recess at 12:22 p.m. and reconvened at 6:00 p.m. as follows:

PUBLIC HEARING TNT

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to close the regular meeting and open the public hearing at 6:00 p.m. for the TNT hearing. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Chair Beckel welcomed everyone to the hearing and introductions were made.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the agenda as presented. The motion was seconded Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Chief Deputy Auditor Lorene Hanson reviewed the proposed 2015 budget along with the levy and comparison information provided by Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Stacy Novak. All comments and questions were addressed by the board and staff present.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to close the public hearing at 6:26 p.m. and opened the regular meeting. The motion was seconded Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Chairman Beckel called for the resolution for adoption of the 2015 Budget and Tax Levy. She stated that the 2015 Levy will remain with a 2% increase to the Revenue fund as proposed.

Resolution

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

Resolution Adopting

2015 Certified Budget and Tax Levy

Resolution   2014-12-03

WHEREAS, the Certified County Budget for the year 2015 has been reviewed by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following Certified Budget and Tax Levy is hereby adopted for the Lake of the Woods County for 2015:

Revenue Fund                                               $ 1,383,769

Road & Bridge Fund                                    $    449,580

Social Services Fund                                     $    603,935

Economic Development Authority Fund    $      60,000

2015 Proposed Budget and Tax Levy         $ 2,497,284

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following amounts be levied against the unorganized townships of Lake of the Woods County for 2015:

                        Twp Road & Bridge                                     $   437,555*

                        Twp Fire – Baudette                                     $     21,000

                        Twp Fire – Williams                                      $     30,253

                        Twp Fire – NW Angle                                   $       6,500

                        Total                                                               $   495,308

2015                

* $437,555 for Township Road & Bridge includes $12,000 which is specifically levied to Northwest Angle residents for Calcium Chloride (increased 2,000).  (425,555+12,000=437,555)

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

Recess

With no further business before the board, Chairman Beckel called the meeting to recess at 6:32 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                     Approved: December 16, 2014

________________________                                                _________________________________

Janet E. Rudd Deputy Auditor                                              Patty Beckel, Chair of the Board

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

Commissioner Proceedings

December 30, 2014

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.

Call to Order

Vice- Chair Arnesen called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners, Ken Moorman, Ed Arnesen, Tom Hanson, and Buck Nordlof.  Absent Commissioner Beckel. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer, Mark Hall, Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson and Deputy Auditor, Janet Rudd.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the agenda with the following additions: DNR correspondence and remove Public Works for the agenda. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Approval of Consent Agenda

None

Approval of Minutes

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to approve December 16, 2014 minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

RECOGNITION OF YEAR OF SERVICE

Mark Hall, County Auditor/Treasurer

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

Recognition of years of service

Mark E. Hall

Resolution 2014 – 12– 04

Whereas:  Mark Hall has served the residents of Lake of the Woods County since January 2, 1979 as

Lake of the Woods County Treasurer;

Whereas:  Mark Hall assumed the duties of the County Auditor on July 23, 2013, and since has served as the Auditor/Treasurer;

Whereas:  Mark Hall will retire from Lake of the Woods County service effective January 4, 2015 with thirty-six years of service;

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

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

Appointment of Veterans Service Officer

Veterans Service Officer, Rick Rone met with the board and to discuss the Veterans Service program in Lake of the Woods County and for his re-appointment as the Veterans Service Officer.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to appoint Rick Rone as Lake of the Woods County Veterans Services Officer from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2018 pursuant to MN Statutes 197.60, Subd.2. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Auditor/Treasurer

Claims

County Auditor/Treasurer, Mark Hall and Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims:

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the claims against the county as follows:

                                                Revenue                      $  111,877.37

                                                Road & Bridge           $   29,467.07

                                                Co. Devel.                   $     1,754.37

                                                Solid Waste                 $   10,276.64

                                                EDA                            $     1,634.66

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 12/30/2014 For Payment 12/31/2014

Vendor Name                                                     Amount

Arnesen/Steven J & Margo W                                           2,417.42

Baja Marine                                                                       62,187.00

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                                              3,156.98

Compass Minerals America                                              4,793.19

Gustafson/Brian C & Jessica J                                        10,156.40

Koochiching Co Treasurer                                                2,500.00

LOW Highway Dept                                                           3,692.30

Mn Office Of Enterprise Technology                               2,934.00

Msop-Mn Sex Offender Prgrm-462                                  2,080.10

Nelson’s Agri Structures                                                    6,990.00

Und Forensic Pathology                                                   7,858.00

University Of Mn                                                                 8,316.24

Wayne’s Body Shop-Dba                                                  3,863.86

Widseth Smith Nolting&Asst Inc                                       3,247.84

Ziegler, Inc                                                                         2,193.18

62 Payments less than 2000    28,623.60

Final Total:   155,010.11

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants:

                                                December 18, 2014     $365,980.62

                                                December 24, 2014     $  15,177.55   

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

PAUL BUNYAN TRANSIT

Vice Chairman Arnesen discussed the Paul Bunyan Transit Vehicle Lease Agreement and Public Transit Agreement and their policies. After discussion the board renewed both the leases month to month until Gregory O. Negard Executive Director from Paul Bunyan transit can meet with the board to discuss their passenger assistant’s policy.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the Paul Bunyan Transit Vehicle Lease Agreement with curb to curb assistants on a month to month renewal contingent on approval from County Attorney, James Austad. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the Paul Bunyan Public Transit Service Agreement with Paul Bunyan Transit to lease one vehicle and to administer the Mn/DOT grant for operation of public transit system on a month to month renewal until all questions are answered, contingent upon the approval of County Attorney, James Austad. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler met with the board requesting approval of claims for the Social Services department.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the claims against the county as follows:

Commissioners Warrants        $14,329.56

                                                   Commissioners Warrants       $25,706.07

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

MN Department of Human Services

Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler met with the board and informed the board that the Economic Assistance and Employment Supports Division congratulated them for the excellent work  they have done serving the MFIP recipients in Lake of The Woods County. The board congratulated Nancy and her staff for their great work.

 RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 10:04 a.m. and reconvened at 10:10 a.m. as follows:

ASSESSOR

County Assessor, Mary Jo Otten met with the board requesting them to set the Board of Equalization meeting for 2015.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to set the Board of Equalization meeting for June 23, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

CORRESPONDENCE

MN Department of Natural Resources -Aquatic Invasive Species

adjourned

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to adjourn the meeting at 10:55 a.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Attest:                                                                                     Approved: January 13, 2015

________________________                                                _________________________________

Janet E. Rudd Deputy Auditor                                              Edward Arnesen, Vice-Chairman of the Board

Commissioner Proceedings

December 11, 2012

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, December 11, 2012. Chairman Todd Beckel called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners, Ed Arnesen, Tom Hanson, Ken Moorman Todd Beckel and Patty Beckel. Also present were: Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor Janet Rudd, John Oren and Brian Peterson.

Approval of Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the agenda with the following additions: Hoffman, Dale and Swenson agreement, Emergency Management Director, letter of resignation and Integrated Emergency Management Course and Telephone purchase. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.  

Approval of Consent Agenda

None

Minutes

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve November 27, 2012 regular board minutes with changes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

CLOSED SESSION- Pending Litigation-MN Stat § 13D.05, sub 3(b)WCD

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to close the regular meeting at 9:05 a.m. and open the closed session for Pending Litigation of Lake of the Woods County vs. Becky Dornheim pursuant to MN Stat. §13D.05. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

The following were present: Commissioners Patty Beckel, Hanson, Todd Beckel, Arnesen, Moorman, County Attorney, Philip Miller, and Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson, Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler and Human Resource Director, Wade Johannesen.

 Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to close the closed session at 9:20 a.m. and open the regular meeting. The motion was seconded Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

ATTORNEY

County Attorney, Philip Miller met with the board requesting the board to pass a resolution for proposed settlement between Mary Beth Dornheim and Lake of the Woods County and Nancy Wendler.

Resolution

Commissioner Arnesen introduced the flowing resolution:

Resolution No. 12-12-01

Resolution for Proposed Settlement between Mary Beth Dornheim and Lake of the Woods County and Nancy Wendler

BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED; by the Board of Commissioners, Lake of the Woods County, that a settlement of the litigation in Lake of the Woods County, Court File No. 39-CV-11-257, which is memorialized in a Mediated Settlement Agreement and a Release between Mary Beth Dornheim, and Lake of the Woods County and Nancy Wendler, is herby made. A copy of the Mediated Settlement Agreement and the Release are attached to this Resolution.

The resolution for the adoption of the foregoing Resolution was duly seconded by Commissioner Patricia Beckel and, upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Commissioners Ed Arnesen, Patricia Beckel, Thomas Hanson, Kenneth Moorman the Todd Beckel, and the following voted against the same: None; whereupon said Resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.

County Attorney Budget

County Attorney, Philip Miller met with the board and requested funding for a non-criminal investigation that will be conducted through his office, with the assistance of outside counsel.  He informed the board that the County Attorney budget has no funds allocated to cover the estimated costs of this investigation. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to allocate $10,000 from the unallocated account per the request from County Attorney, Philip Miller for the investigation. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.  

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler met with the board requesting approval of claims:

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the claims against the county as follows:

                                                Commissioner Warrants        $   10,784.99                                                                                                     Commissioner Warrants        $     4,611.19

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

National Convention

Social Worker, Jodi Ferrier met with the board and updated them on the National Convention that she attended in Henderson, NV for “The Differential Response in Child Welfare Conference”. This is an approach that allows child protective services to respond differently to accepted reports of child abuse and neglect.  Jodi wrote a grant application and was awarded a scholarship to cover the costs associated with the conference.  The Board recognized Jodi for her initiative, the work she does in our community, and the honor it was for a small county like Lake of the Woods to be represented at the National Convention. 

Cell Phone Stipend

Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler met with the board requesting Cell Phone Stipend for herself and Leah-Stephani-Miller.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to allow Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler a Cell Phone stipend in the amount of $40.00 for a regular cell phone per month and Leah-Stephani-Miller a Cell Phone stipend in the amount of $60.00 for a smart cell phone per month effective January 1, 2013. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

AUDITOR

Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the claims against the county as follows:

                                      Revenue                    $        39,925.15         

                                      Road & Bridge         $         18,955.49

                                      Co. Develop              $              400.00   

                                      Solid Waste               $           7,017.50 

                                      EDA                          $           1,660.79        

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 11/27/2012 For Payment 11/30/2012

Vendor Name                                                                Amount

Anchor Marketing, Inc                                                          2,272.62

Brown/Terry                                                                           2,610.37

North East Technical Service,Inc                                         2,567.00

Widseth Smith Nolting&Asst Inc                                          7,354.67

52  Payments less than  2000     21,161.02

Final Total:     35,965.68

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants:

                                    November 30, 2012                $ 408,126.63

                                    November 30, 2012                $     8,908.44

                                    December   5, 2012                 $ 122,862.84

                                    December   7, 2012                 $      5,042.35

                                    December   7, 2012                 $     3,420.69

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

Lost Warrant

Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval to issue a lost warrant to Jeri’s Sweat Shop.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the application and affidavit for lost warrant for Jeri’s Sweat Shop dated July 29, 2012 for $6.64 without furnishing indemnifying bond. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

2013 Organizational Meeting

Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting the board set the 2013 Organizational Meeting.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to set January 8, 2013 for Lake of the Woods County Commissioners Organizational Meeting at 9:00 a.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

2013 IRS Mileage Rate

Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting that they set the 2013 Mileage Rate.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to set the 2013 mileage rate at the IRS Standard Rate. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried. (It was noted that the Internal Revenue Service issued a 56.5 cents per mile beginning January 1, 2013 for the standard rate.)

Arbitrator and Mediator Bill

Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval to pay the invoice from Paul S. Jacobsen, Attorney at Law for services rendered and the MCIT deductible.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to authorize County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid to pay Paul S. Jacobsen, Attorney at Law, Arbitrator and Mediator for services rendered in the amount of $1,250 with the funding from the MCIT dividend, from the general reserve account. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid to pay the MCIT deductible in the amount of $2,500 for the Dornheim settlement with the funding from the MCIT dividend, from the general reserve account. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

HALLSTROM CONSULTING SERVICES

Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval to enter into a consulting service contract with Hallstrom Consulting effective January 1, 2013 thru December 31, 2013.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to enter into an agreement with Hallstrom Consulting to provide assistance to Lake of the Woods County Staff in preparation and execution of processes surrounding 2013 tax bills of an hourly rate of $120.00 per hour, plus expenses per on site visit, effective January 1, 2013 and ending December 31, 2013 and authorize County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid to sign. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

The board discussed the Manatron problems that have occurred vs the ACS program. The consensus of the board was to address this issue in 2013.

HOFFMAN DALE & SWENSON CONTRACT

Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval to enter into an understanding of services for Hoffman, Dale, & Swenson, PLLC to provide for Lake of the Woods County 2012 year-end audit services.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid and Chairman Todd Beckel to sign the understanding of services from Hoffman, Dale, & Swenson, PLLC to provide 2012 year-end audit services for Lake of the Woods County. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Human Resource Director, Wade Johannesen met with the board to discuss the Interim MIS/GIS Director.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to appoint Peder Hovland as Interim MIS Director, with an increase of $500 per month, beginning December 1, 2012, until further notice.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Telephone System Recommendation

Interim MIS/GIS Director, Peder Hovland met with the board to discuss and review the replacement of the Telephone System.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to enter into contract with NCC, for the purchase of its proposed solution (including the telephone system, voice mail with email integration, mobility, back-up PRI module and unified communications) with the funding from the unallocated account up to $ 65,810 plus tax. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

HRDC

HRDC Development Specialist, Ryan Zemek met with the board and presented the 2012-2015 Comprehensive Economic Develop Strategy. The plan sets forth a framework that will create strategies for a new dynamic innovation economy that links all the assets of the region to generate new knowledge, start and grow a business, utilize infrastructure and transform existing businesses into thriving 21^st century companies.

Resolution

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

Resolution No. 12-12-02

Comprehensive Economic Develop Strategy

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County is recognized by the Economic Development Administration as a redevelopment area with special needs for economic development assistance; and

WHEREAS, the Headwaters Regional Development Commission is an Economic Development District designated by the Economic Development Administration to provide planning and economic development assistance; and

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners actively supports and currently participates in the economic development district activities of the Headwaters Regional Development Commission; and

WHEREAS, the Headwaters Regional Development Commission has prepared a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy in cooperation with businesses, communities, and economic development organizations in lieu of a separate county Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners approves of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy as submitted on this date.

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

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 10:10 a.m. and reconvened at 10:16 a.m.as follows:

EMERGENY MANAGEMENT

Emergency Management Director, Holly House met with the board and informed them of the Integrated Emergency Management Course that will be held at Camp Ripley’s Training Center on February 25-18. Holly informed the board that it is recommended to have as many city and county officials and management personnel attend as is possible, this includes around sixty-seven (67) individuals within the community.  The board requested that Holly organize and contact the appropriate personnel to have Lake of the Woods County attend the course.

Resignation

Emergency Management Director, Holly House met with the board and presented her letter of resignation effective January 31, 2013.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to accept the resignation of Emergency Management Director, Holly House effective January 31, 2013. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING DIRECTOR

Cell Phone Stipend

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board requesting a cell phone stipend for Assistant Zoning Administrator.

Motion

Motion was made by Moorman to allow Assistant Zoning Administrator, Steve Sindelir, a cell phone stipend of $40.00 per month effective January 1, 2013. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Health Insurance

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board to discuss Health Insurance Options to allow the Land and Water Planning Office join into the Health Insurance that the SWCD employees have, and since we have a Joint Powers Agreement with the SWCD, the office does qualify to be under their plan.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to approve the Land and Water Planning Office Employees the option of joining the health insurance through the Lake of the Woods Soil and Water Conservation Distrcit for a trial bases effective January 1, 2013 and re-visit the option on October 22, 2013. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the vote carried as follows: Voting for: Commissioners Hanson, Todd Beckel, Moorman and Arnesen. Voting against: Commissioner Patty Beckel.

COMPENSATION PLAN

Human Resource Director, Wade Johannesen met with the board and presented the final Compensation Plan to the board for approval. The board discussed the compensation plan and some changes that are still in process, and discussed longevity that the county employees receive.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the Compensation Plan structure and any changes that are in process be completed by December 31, 2012. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to combine the Longevity Pay into the Compensation Plan of $480.00 for each employee. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Vice-Chairman, Hanson announced and presented a plaque to Lorene Hanson as the recipient for the 2012 Employee of the Year Award. The County Board of Commissioners congratulated Lorene as the “Employee of the Year” and as an outstanding employee in every regard.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 11:54 a.m. and reconvened at 12:38 p.m.

CORRESPONDENCE

The following correspondence was acknowledged: AMC Updates; Birch Beach and Sandy Shores Petition and NW Angle Justification Report.

Committee Appointments

The board discussed the 2013 Committee Appointments and requested the list of Committee Appointments in advance to look at all committees that they have.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 12:58 p.m. 

TRUTH N TAXATION PUBLIC HEARING

Recess

The meeting reconvened at 6:00 p.m.  Chairman Todd Beckel led the Pledge of Allegiance. The following members present: Commissioners Arnesen, Patty Beckel, Todd Beckel, Hanson and Moorman. Also present were: County Auditor John W Hoscheid, Deputy Auditor Janet Rudd and Chief Deputy Auditor Lorene Hanson, County Treasurer, Mark Hall, and County Assessor, MaryJo Otten.

Public Hearing-2013 Proposed Budget and Levy

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to close the regular meeting at 6:05 p.m. and open the Public Hearing, pursuant MN Statute §275.065 Subd. 3(c), for the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners to hear all interested parties comments on the 2013 Proposed Budget and Tax Levy. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Chairman Todd Beckel welcomed the public to the hearing.

County Auditor John W. Hoscheid reviewed the 2013 Proposed Budget.  He reviewed how the budget and other taxing entities (State of Minnesota; School Districts 390 and 690; Cities of Baudette and Williams and Unorganized Townships) affect the tax levy and statements. 

Chairman Todd Beckel opened the floor for comments from the public in attendance.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to close the Public Hearing at 7:08 p.m. and reconvene the regular meeting.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Resolution

The following Resolution was proposed and moved for adoption by Commissioner Todd Beckel:

Resolution Adopting

2013 Certified Budget and Tax Levy

Resolution   2012-12-03

WHEREAS, the Certified County Budget for the year 2013 has been reviewed by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following Certified Budget and Tax Levy is hereby adopted for the Lake of the Woods County for 2013:

Revenue Fund                                               $ 1,334,803

Road & Bridge Fund                                    $    449,580

Social Services Fund                                     $    603,935

Economic Development Authority Fund    $      60,000

2013 Proposed Budget and Tax Levy         $ 2,448,318             

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following amounts be levied against the unorganized townships of Lake of the Woods County for 2013:

                        Twp Road & Bridge                                     $   437,555*

                        Twp Fire – Baudette                                      $     21,000

                        Twp Fire – Williams                                      $     32,738

                        Twp Fire – NW Angle                                   $       6,500

                        Total                                                               $   497,793

2013                

$437,555 for Township Road & Bridge includes $12,000 which is specifically levied to Northwest Angle residents for Calcium Chloride (inc2,000).  ($415,175 + $10,380(2.5%inc) = $425,555)(425,555+12,000=437,555)

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

Recess

With no further business before the County Board, Chairman Todd Beckel called the meeting to recess at 7:09 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                     Approved: December 31, 2012

_______________________________                                  __________________________________

Lorene Hanson, Chief Deputy Auditor                                  Todd Beckel Chairman of the Board

Commissioner Proceedings

Special County Board Meeting

December 18, 2012

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in a Special County Board meeting on Tuesday, December 18, 2012, in the Commissioners’ Room of the Lake of the Woods County Government Center.

Call to Order

Chair Todd Beckel called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. with the following members present:  Commissioners Ed Arnesen, Todd Beckel, Patty Beckel, Tom Hanson and Ken Moorman.  Also present were: Chief Deputy Auditor Lorene Hanson, Human Resource Director Wade Johannesen, Interim MIS/GIS Director Peder Hovland, County Sheriff Gary Fish and Emergency Manager Holly House.

Approval of Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Tom Hanson to approve the agenda for the special meeting today with the following addition of:  Motion to have Permission to Advertise for an Information Systems/GIS Specialist Position.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Closed Session – Labor Negotiations – MN Statute § 13D.03

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to close the special meeting at 5:05 p.m. and open the closed session for Labor Negotiations pursuant to MN Statute § 13D.03.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ken Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

The following were present:  Commissioners Ed Arnesen, Todd Beckel, Patty Beckel, Tom Hanson, Ken Moorman and Human Resource Director Wade Johannesen.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to close the closed session at 5:20 p.m. and open the special meeting.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ken Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Vacant Positions

MIS/GIS Position

Human Resource Director Wade Johannesen met with the County Board to discuss the open MIS/GIS position.  It was the consensus of the County Board to discuss this position further at the next regular County Board meeting on December 31, 2012.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Tom Hanson to advertise for the Information Systems/GIS Specialist position.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ken Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Emergency Management Position

Human Resource Director Wade Johannesen met with the County Board to discuss the position of Emergency Management Director.  It was the consensus of the County Board to discuss this position further at the next regular County Board meeting on December 31, 2012.

Recess

There being no further business before the County Board, Chair Todd Beckel called the meeting to recess at 5:45             p.m.

Attest:                                                                          Approved:  December 31, 2012

______________________________                        ___________________________________

Lorene G Hanson                                                      Todd Beckel

Chief Deputy Auditor                                               County Board Chair

Commissioner Proceedings

December 31, 2012

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, December 31, 2012. Chairman Todd Beckel called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners, Ed Arnesen, Ken Moorman Todd Beckel and Patty Beckel. Absent: Commissioner Tom Hanson. Also present were: County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid, Deputy Auditor Janet Rudd, James Nordlof, John Oren and Brian Peterson.

Approval of Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the agenda with the following additions: Lost Warrant, Wheelers Sewer District Appointments, Borderland Substance Abuse letter of support, Wetland letter and Commissioner Recognition. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.  

Approval of Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the consent agenda as follows: travel for Boyd Johnson & Cooper Mickelson – March 11 – 14, 2013 – 2013 MnDOT Survey Technical Workshop at Breezy Point. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Minutes

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel  to approve December 11, 2012 regular board minutes with changes and December 18, Special meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler met with the board requesting approval of claims:

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the claims against the county as follows:

                                                Commissioner Warrants        $   13,026.52                                                                                                     Commissioner Warrants        $    32,357.81

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

NW MN HOUSING-SEC. 8

Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler met with the board to discuss the funding that Lee Meier requested at the November 27, 2012 meeting for assistance for the Sec. 8 housing.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to allot $3,000 from the Social Services account for assistance for the Sec. 8 housing in Lake of the Woods County. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Contracts

Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler met with the board requesting approval of contracts.

Motions

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel moved to approve the contract between Friends Against Abuse and Lake of the Woods County Social Services for 2013 for the provision of supervised visitations and to authorize Chairman Todd Beckel and Lake of the Woods County Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler, to sign same.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Todd Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to approve the contract between LakeWood Health Center and Lake of the Woods County Social Services for 2013, for the provision of housing with services for Alternative Care, Elderly Waiver, and Community Alternatives for Disabled Individuals programs, and to authorize Chairperson Todd Beckel and Lake of the Woods County Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler, to sign same. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the contract between Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota and Lake of the Woods County Social Services for 2013 for the provision of intensive in-home family based services and CADI /TBI family counseling and training services and to authorize Chairperson Todd Beckel and Lake of the Woods County Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler, to sign same.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the contract between Lutheran Social Services and Lake of the Woods County Social Services for 2013 for the provision of home delivered meals, and to authorize Chairperson Todd Beckel and Lake of the Woods County Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler, to sign same.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the contract between Lutheran Social Services and Lake of the Woods County Social Services for 2013 for the provision of waivered services caregiver training & education, respite care and companion services, and to authorize Chairperson Todd Beckel and Lake of the Woods County Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler, to sign same. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Todd Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to approve the contract for 2013 for MFIP/DWP employment services between Rural Minnesota CEP, Inc. and Lake of the Woods County Social Services, and to authorize Chairman Todd Beckel, and Lake of the Woods County Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler, to sign same.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the contract between Sanford Medical Center, Thief River Falls, and Lake of the Woods County Social Services for the provision of Mental Health Community Support Program Services and ARMHS Services for January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2017, and to authorize Chairman Todd Beckel and Lake of the Woods County Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler, to sign same. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the contract for 2013 for toll-free telephone emergency services between Sanford Medical Center, Thief River Falls, and Lake of the Woods County Social Services, and to authorize Chairman Todd Beckel, and Lake of the Woods County Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler, to sign same.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the contract between Sanford Medical Center, Thief River Falls, and Lake of the Woods County Social Services for 2013 for the provision of onsite mental health physician’s assistant services and to authorize Chairman Todd Beckel and Lake of the Woods County Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler, to sign same.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Todd Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

AUDITOR

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the claims against the county as follows:

                                      Revenue                               $38,693.46

                                      Road & Bridge                     $14,403.97

                                      Co. Develop                          $16,881.83     

                                      Solid Waste                          $17,553.84

                                      EDA                                      $ 8,336.45      

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 12/31/2012 For Payment 12/31/2012

Vendor Name                                                              Amount

Anchor Marketing, Inc                                             2,220.38

Arnesen/Ed                                                               3,266.73

Cargill Incorporated                                               6,784.66

Koochiching Co Treasurer                                    2,500.00

KRIS Engineering Inc                                              2,574.00

Lakewood Energy LLC                                           2,500.00

LOW County Treasurer                                            3,255.34

LOW Highway Dept                                                 2,893.45

Mar-Kit Landfill                                                        8,173.80

Northwest Community Action, Inc                          2,521.04

Roseau County Cooperative Assn                        2,587.47

Sanitation Products Inc                                         10,443.83

University Of Mn                                                      8,112.51

Widseth Smith Nolting&Asst Inc                           7,354.67

79 Payments less than 2000     30,681.67

Final Total:    95,869.55

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants:

                                    December 13,201                  $72,892.31

                                    December 27, 2012               $18,333.48       

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

Gambling Permit

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid met with the board requesting approval to approve an exempt gambling permit for University of Minnesota Crookston for a raffle.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the exempt gambling permit for University of Minnesota Crookston to conduct a lawful gambling for a raffle on February 3, 2013 at Zippel Bay Resort and authorize County Auditor to sign. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.  

Commissioners Salary – Minimum Salaries for Elective Offices- Elected Department Heads Salary – Non-Elected Department Heads Salary – and Non-Union Employees Salary

County Auditor, John W Hoscheid met with the County Board and presented the following salaries to the County Board for their approval:

2013 Elected Officials & Non-Elected Department Heads Salaries

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to adopt the following County Commissioners salary schedule and County Board Chair salary schedule for the year 2013 with an increase of $300.00 for Commissioners and Board Chair ; and to adopt a committee meeting per diem of $100.00 for the year 2013. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Elected Officials – Commissioners:

Ed Arnesen                             $ 16,500.00

Patty Beckel                            $ 16,500.00

James “Buck” Nordlof            $ 16,500.00

Tom Hanson                            $ 16,500.00

Ken Moorman                         $ 16,500.00

Board Chair                            $ 17,500.00

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to adopt a Technology Fee of $50.00 per month for County Commissioners for the year 2013. (Technology fee reimbursement for county related phone, internet, computer and copy expenses.) The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

ESTABLISHING MINIMUM SALARIES FOR ELECTIVE OFFICES

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

RESOLUTION FOR ESTABLISHING MINIMUM SALARIES FOR ELECTIVE OFFICES

RESOLUTION 12 – 12- 04

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

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: that the following statutory minimum annual salaries are hereby established for county elective offices for the term beginning in January of the year 2013:

County Attorney:        $6,000

County Auditor:         $6,000

County Recorder:       $6,000

County Sheriff:           $6,000

County Treasurer:       $6,000

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

Elected Department Heads Salary

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to adopt the following County Elected Officials salary schedule for the year 2013. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Elected Officials – Department Heads:

County Attorney Philip Miller            $ 65,283.41

County Auditor John W Hoscheid     $ 64,619.89

County Recorder Susan Ney              $ 54,334.30

County Gary Fish                               $ 68,467.83

County Treasurer Mark Hall               $ 54,334.30

Non-Elected Department Heads Salary

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to adopt the following County Non-Elected Department Heads salary schedule for the year 2013. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Non-Elected – Department Heads:

County Assessor Mary Jo Otten                    $ 64,619.89

County Land/Water Josh Stromlund              $ 64,619.89

County MIS Director Peder Hovland                        $ 56,250.72

County Public Works Tim Erickson                $ 87,373.31

County Social Service Nancy Wendler          $ 68,467.83

Non-Elected – Department Head-Veterans Service Officer:

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to adopt the following County Non-Elected Department Heads salary schedule for the year 2013. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Non-Elected – Department Head-Veterans Service Officer:

County Veterans Rick Rone $ 19,445.66

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to adopt the following County Non-Elected Department Heads salary schedule for the year 2013. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Non-Elected – Department Head Emergency Manager:

County Emergency Management Holly House $ 26,346.22

It was the consensus of the County Board to not address any further adjustments for the County Solid Waste Union employees or Highway Union employees until contract have been approved.

All Non-Union County Employees (Full-Time, Permanent Part-Time, Part-Time, Seasonal Employees) Salary Adjustment (Excluding Elected Commissioners, Elected Department Heads and Non-Elected Department Heads)

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to adjust all non-union employees: full-time, permanent part-time, part-time and seasonal according to the adopted compensation plan that was approved on December 11, 2012 (excluding elected commissioners, elected department heads and non-elected department heads). The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried

MRCC 2013 Issues

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid presented MRCC 2013 Issues to the board and requested they board to rank the top five issues of importance to our county. Below are the Priorities the board feels is of importance for Lake of the Woods:

1. Changing the VCAA formula to the one currently supported by MACSSA and AMC should be an MRCC priority in 2013.

2. Land Use: Many members feel the state has too much land (about 8.4