DECEMBER 14, 2021

The Lake of The Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

CALL TO ORDER

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

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following changes: Add:2022 Giziibii Membership Contributions, Affidavit of Lost Warrant, Public Works-Credit Card Request, Opioid Memorandum of Agreement, Correspondence-MCIT Excellence Award, and Move Dr. Retention to afternoon.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of November 30, 2021 with changes.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $13,300.41; Commissioners Warrants $2,746.52; Commissioners Warrants $18,015.19.

Approval of Children’s Mental Health Screening Grant

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the Children’s Mental Health Screening Grant and for Chair Joe Grund and Social Services Director Amy Ballard to sign the same.

Contract For Purchase of Services-Minnesota CEP

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the agreement with Rural Minnesota CEP, Inc for Minnesota family investment program-including Diversionary Work Program services and for Chair Joe Grund and Social Services Director Amy Ballard to sign the same.

Appointment of County Auditor/Treasurer

Resolution

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

RESOLUTION FOR APPOINTMENT OF THE OFFICE OF 

AUDITOR-TREASURER

RESOLUTION NO. 2021-12-01

WHEREAS; Minn. Stat. 375A.1205 allows a County Board to appoint certain offices including the County Auditor-Treasurer; and 

WHEREAS; the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners recognizes the benefit to having appointed persons in the position of the County Auditor-Treasurer because it promotes efficiency and consistency of County business with individuals qualified to oversee a broad spectrum of complex issues within the Auditor-Treasurer’s Office; and 

WHEREAS; the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners wants to ensure that the individual holding this position possesses the skills and/or experience necessary to properly carry out the responsibilities of this position; and

WHEREAS; pursuant to Minn. Stat. 375A.1205, Subd. 1, the County Board will appoint a County Auditor-Treasurer under circumstances that there is a signed contract with the County Board and incumbent Auditor-Treasurer and that the incumbent officer will be appointed to the position and retain tenure, pay, and benefits equal to or greater than length of service; and

WHEREAS; in accordance with Minn Statute 375A.1205, Subd. 6, a proposed resolution notifying the public of its intent to appoint the Auditor-Treasurer as described above was published for two consecutive weeks in its official publication; and

WHEREAS; the meeting with the public hearing was held on November 9, 2021, provided an opportunity for public comment.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that pursuant to Minn Statute 375A.1205, the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners hereby adopts this resolution, and the office of the County Auditor-Treasurer shall be an appointed position, and filled by a signed contract with the incumbent Auditor-Treasurer effective January 1, 2022.

Set Work Session

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously, by roll call, to set a work session for the Auditor/Treasurer position contract with Kristi Hastings for December 30^th, 2021.

Meeting Change

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to change the next board meeting date from December 28, 2021 to December 30, 2021.

GIZIIBII Membership Contributions

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to pay the contribution fee in the amount of $300.00 for 2022 GIZIIBII Membership.

Affidavit of Lost Warrant

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the Lost Warrant Application and Affidavit for Vendor# 5735 in the amount of $386.40.

Public Works-Credit Card

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the issuance of a County credit card to Christina Pierce, Public Works Deputy Accountant, in the amount of $1500.00. 

Sheriff 

I-Mobile Contract

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the renewal of the I-Mobile Contract for computer systems and for Chair Joe Grund and Sheriff Gary Fish to sign the same.

AirMed Contract

Tami Evavold, the representative for AirMed Services, joined the meeting by phone and spoke with the board about the benefits of the existing contract between AirMed and Lake of the Woods County.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the renewal of the AirMed Contract Agreement for 2022 and for Chair Joe Grund to sign the same.

Jim Meikle

Jim Meikle came to the board with concerns he has about an Easement on his property. His concerns are mainly with the building and the trees that occupy the area. He would like the board to consider saving certain trees that he has marked. The board will consider his requests and no action will be taken at this time.

Public Works

Highway 

Public Works Director A.J. Pirkl gave an update on the refurbishment of a motor grader. He informed the board that it came with a warranty and looks brand new other than the tires.

Solid Waste

Public Works Director A.J. Pirkl informed the board that various resorts are requesting the use of the Keep It Clean dumpsters during the Winter season. They discussed a cost of $10.00 for rental of these dumpsters.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the use of the Keep It Clean dumpsters by Resorts with a $10.00 rental fee. 

EV Charging Stations

Commissioner Jason Sjoblom of Koochiching County, and Mike Hanson of Koochiching County presented to the board the idea of Electric Vehicle charging stations along Hwy 11. They would like to form a Northern Coalition to lead the change towards becoming more Electric friendly. They believe this is the direction most areas are heading and would like the County to appoint someone to be a representative in the Coalition. The board will add this to their organizational meeting in January. No action was taken at this time. 

Public Hearing

Cartway Peter R. Jones

Motion

Motion was made at 11:17a.m. by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing for the Peter R. Jones Cartway.

Cartway Review

The Board was joined by Timothy Lyon, Terry Brown, Attorney Steve Anderson, County Attorney James Austad, Glenn Borgen, Gloriann Fischer, Jeff Hovde, Anthony Pirkl, Chad Conner, Pat Derosier, Jim Etterman, and Robert Hopwood to discuss the best location for the Cartway and if any damage fees would be needed. Different options for location were presented and the original petition was used for reference. 

Recess

A brief recess took place at 12:14p.m. and reconvened at 12:30p.m. 

Easement Agreement

Mr. Lyon informed the board that he would be willing to sign an Easement document after it is reviewed by an Attorney. If Mr. Lyon signs the Easement, the Cartway will be dismissed. No further action will be taken at this time.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to close the Public Hearing and open the regular meeting with a continuation of the Public Hearing set for January 11^th, 2022 at 11:00a.m.

Louis Taylor

Louis Taylor came to the board with a request to be able to build a sewer system on his lot after his application was denied. Land & Water Director Josh Stromlund informed Mr. Taylor that the land had been split into six lots creating an issue with the ability to approve his application. In order for this to be approved he would need to take the remaining six lots and form one single ownership. At this time Mr. Taylor is unsure if that would be a possibility and would like the board to consider other options to allow him to build a proper sewer system. The board took no action at this time.

Recess

A brief recess took place at 1:15p.m. and returned at 1:25p.m. to continue the meeting.

Lakewood Health

Motion

Dr. Retention

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve, contingent upon legal approval, the Dr. Retention Agreement between Lake of the Woods County and Lakewood Health Center effective October 1, 2021, for three years, unless earlier terminated by written notice by the County, for employed Physicians in the amount of $10,000 per year and $5,000 per year per employed advanced practice clinician, not to exceed $45,000 per year; and to authorize County Board Chair, Joe Grund, County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson and County Attorney, James Austad to sign the same.

Approval of Community Health Services Agreement

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the Purchase of Service Agreement for Community Health Services between Lake of the Woods County and Lakewood Health Center and for County Board Chair Joe Grund and County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson to sign the same.

Opioid Settlement Agreement

Resolution

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

RESOLUTION FOR OPIOID SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

RESOLUTION NO 2021-12-02

Authorizing county staff to execute all necessary documents to ensure County participation in the multistate settlements relating to opioid distributors and manufacturers, and in the Minnesota Opioids State-Subdivision Memorandum of Agreement, and declaring support for an amendment to Minn. Stat. § 256.043, subd. 3(d).

WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota and numerous Minnesota cities and counties are engaged in nationwide civil litigation against manufacturers and distributors of prescription opioids related to the opioid crisis; and

WHEREAS, the Minnesota Attorney General has signed on to multistate settlement agreements with several pharmaceutical distributors, McKesson, Cardinal Health, and AmerisourceBergen, as well as opioid manufacturer Johnson & Johnson, but those settlement agreements are still subject to sign-on by local governments and final agreement by the companies and approval by the courts; and 

WHEREAS, there is a deadline of January 2, 2022, for a sufficient threshold of Minnesota cities and counties to sign on to the above-referenced multistate settlement agreements, and failure to timely sign on may diminish the amount of funds received by not only that city or county but by all Minnesota cities and counties from the settlement funds; and

WHEREAS, representatives of Minnesota’s local governments, the Office of the Attorney General, and the State of Minnesota have reached agreement on the intrastate allocation of these settlement funds between the State, and the counties and cities, as well as the permissible uses of these funds, which will be memorialized in the Minnesota Opioids State-Subdivision Memorandum of Agreement (the “State-Subdivision Agreement”); and 

WHEREAS, during negotiations of the State-Subdivision Agreement, representatives of Minnesota’s counties prioritized flexibility in how local governments may use settlement funds for opioids abatement and remediation and advocated for counties to receive settlement allocations directly rather than using the distribution mechanism detailed in Minn. Stat. § 256.043, subd. 3(d); and  

WHEREAS, in order to achieve the goals of flexibility and direct allocation, Minn. Stat. § 256.043, subd. 3(d), must be amended to remove a provision which would otherwise appropriate approximately 50 percent of the state’s settlement allocation to county social service agencies for statutorily-prescribed use(s); and

WHEREAS, the State-Subdivision Agreement creates an opportunity for local governments and the State to work collaboratively on a unified vision to deliver a robust abatement and remediation plan to address the opioid crisis in Minnesota; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, Lake of the Woods County supports and agrees to the State-Subdivision Agreement; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, Lake of the Woods County supports and opts in to the multistate settlements with McKesson, Cardinal Health, and AmerisourceBergen, and with Johnson & Johnson; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, Lake of the Woods County authorizes county staff to execute all necessary documents to ensure County participation in the multistate settlements, including the Participation Agreement and accompanying Release, and in the State-Subdivision Agreement; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, Lake of the Woods County, supports the amending of Minn. Stat. § 256.043, subd. 3(d), to remove a provision which would appropriate approximately 50 percent of the state’s settlement allocation to county social service agencies via the existing Opiate Epidemic Response Fund distribution mechanism for statutorily-prescribed use(s).

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the Opioid Memorandum Agreement.

MCIT

Correspondence

Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson informed the board that Lake of the Woods County received the Excellence award for Outstanding Experience In Workers’ Compensation from Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust presented December 6, 2021.

Auditor/Treasurer

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously, by roll call, to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $66,453.80; Road & Bridge $87,627.93; County Development $200.00; Joint Ditch $600.00; Solid Waste $57,234.99; EDA $2,798.36.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 12/14/2021 For Payment 12/17/2021

Vendor Name   Amount 

Baudette/City Of 5,000.00 

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc. 13,762.58 

GM Construction Inc 18,000.00 

Government Management Group, Inc 3,750.00 

Hoffman, Philipp & Martell, PLLC 12,800.00 

Howard’s Oil Company 4,079.49 

Integris DBA 2,813.79 

Koochiching Co Treasurer 2,500.00 

Mar-Kit Landfill 11,154.25 

Marco Technologies LLC 2,311.48 

Mark Sand & Gravel Co. 37,047.50 

MN Counties Intergovernmental Trust 3,077.00 

Naylor Heating & Refrigeration LLC 14,093.01 

Pirkl/John 25,500.00 

Safety-Kleen Systems, Inc 4,151.50 

Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc 9,352.53 

University Of Mn 10,192.00 

WSB 3,075.50 

55 Payments less than 2000 32,254.45

Final Total: 214,915.08

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: December 1,2021 for $57,835.99; December 1,2021 for $523,090.94 and December 7, 2021 for $43,000.22.

2022 Meeting Dates

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously, by roll call, to approve the following 2022 County Board Meeting Dates:

2022 LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY BOARD MEETING DATES

January

Tuesday, January 4  (Organizational Meeting)             9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

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

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

February

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

Tuesday, February 22 8:15 a.m. Lake Of The Woods School

March

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

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

April

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

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

May

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

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

June

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

Monday, June 13   6:00 p.m. Board Of Equalization

Tuesday, June 14 10:00 a.m. NWA

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

July

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

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

August

Tuesday, August 16 9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, August 30 9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

September

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

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

October

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

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

November

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

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

December

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

Tuesday, December 13 6:00 p.m. TNT MEETING

Thursday, 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: March 2-3 in St. Paul

AMC LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE: March 30-April 1 in Nisswa

AMC DISTRICT 2 MEETING: UNKNOWN DATE May or June

AMC POLICY COMMITTEE: September 15-16 in Alexandria

AMC ANNUAL CONFERENCE: December 5-7 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 2^nd 

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

Snowmobile Grant-In-Aid Program

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize the FY 2022 Maintenance and Grooming Grants with the State of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Snowmobile Grant-In-Aid Program for Northwest Angle Edgeriders in the amount of $54,727.54 and authorize Chair Joe Grund and County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson to sign the same. 

Subrecipient Policy

County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson presented the Subrecipient Procedures and Policy that is to be adopted by all counties for the use of federal funds received by the County. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the Lake of the Woods County Subrecipient Policy for the use of federal funds.

Rehabilitation Housing Satisfaction

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve County Board Chair Joe Grund to sign the Satisfaction of Repayment Agreement for Robert A. Peterson and Sandra J. Peterson.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve County Board Chair Joe Grund to sign the Satisfaction of Mortgage Agreement for Robert A. Peterson and Sandra J. Peterson.

Minnesota Counties Computer Cooperative

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve County Board Chair Joe Grund to sign the Professional Services Agreement between TriMin Systems Inc. and the Minnesota Counties Computer Cooperative for the maintenance and support of IFS.

Permission to Advertise for Legal Publishing Bids

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve permission to advertise for Legal Publishing Bids for 2022.

Permission to Advertise RFP for New Banking Bids

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve permission to advertise for RFP for New Banking Bids.

Human Resources

EDA Director Job Description

Human Resources Director Savanna Slick presented to the board the job description for the new EDA Director position for approval. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the job description for the new EDA Director position at Grade 13 points 305.

Permission to Advertise/Interview/Hire

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously by roll call to approve permission to advertise, interview and hire for the EDA Director position.

Con-Con Fund Application Review

Lake of the Woods County Development Year 2022

Baudette Arena Assoc- $10,000; Baudette Arena Assoc New- $40,000; Williams Arena Assoc- $7,000; Baudette Community Foundation-$10,000; Economic Dev-$10,000; Friends Against Abuse- $2,500; LOW Historical Society-$5,500; LOW Humane Society- $7,500; University of MN Extension- $2,000; Williams Sr Center- $7,500; Williams Public Library- $1,000; Joint Powers Natural Resources Board- $1,000; LOW School Trap Team- $3,000; LOW Sr Fishing-$1500, Rinke-Noonan-Retainer-Drainage- $2,400; St Louis County Aud- $2,000; Take A Kid Fishing- $1,000; Widseth Smith Nolting- $16,000; Auditing Fees- $1,000; Williams Potato Day-$1,000; Zippel Bay Friends-$2,500.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, Seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to make allocations to the above organizations from the Con-Con funds, Payable 2022.

Union Negotiations

Motion 

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting at 3:45p.m. and open the closed session pursuant to MN Statute 13D.03 Union Negotiations. 

The following were present: Commissioners:Joe Grund, Buck Nordlof, Cody Hasbargen, Jon Waibel, Ed Arnesen and County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson and Human Resources Director Savanna Slick.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the closed session at 4:00p.m. and open the regular meeting. 

Add To Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to add the Pending Union Contract for Highway and Solid Waste to the agenda.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the Labor Agreement between Lake of the Woods County and International Union of Operating Engineers Local No 49 AFL-CIO / Highway Department effective January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the Labor Agreement between Lake of the Woods County and International Union of Operating Engineers Local No 49 AFL-CIO / Solid Waste Department effective January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 4:00p.m. and reconvened at 6:00p.m.

Truth In Taxation Meeting

Motion

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

County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson reviewed the 2022 Proposed County Levy at the Truth In Taxation Public Hearing. 

Motion

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

Resolution

Resolution Adopting

Certified 2022 Budget and Tax Levy

Resolution   2021-12-03

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

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

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

Revenue Fund $ 1,912,390

Road & Bridge Fund $    449,580

Social Services Fund $    603,935

Economic Development Authority Fund $60,000

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

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

Twp Road & Bridge $   471,470* 

Twp Fire – Baudette $     25,000

Twp Fire – Williams $     16,274

Twp Fire – NW Angle $       6,500

Total $   519,244

2022

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

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

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

RECESS

With no further business before the Board, Chairman Joe Grund called the meeting to recess at 6:55 p.m. 

Attest: December 30, 2021

______________________________ _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chairman Joe Grund

Commissioner Proceedings

December 29, 2020

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room. 

CALL TO ORDER

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

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the agenda with the following additions: Auditor-Treasurer/Motion to Pay off Ditch 28 Loan; EDA/Update on lineworkers school building.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the official and summarized minutes of December 15, 2020.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrant’s $15,470.01, Commissioners Warrant’s $1,942.61, Commissioners Warrant’s $7,011.61.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $12,358.76; Road & Bridge $7,510.72; County Development $6,496.00; Natural Resources Enhancement $5,050.00; Solid Waste $6,745.36; EDA $1,720.46.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 12/29/2020 For Payment 12/31/2020

Vendor Name Amount

American Solutions For Business 2,385.29

First State Tire Recycling 4,628.89

KRIS Engineering Inc 4,765.00

WIDSETH 11,624.33

32 Payments less than 2000 16,477.79

Final Total: 39,881.30

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: December 16, 2020 for $374,168.39, December 23, 2020 for $90,085.21.

IRS Mileage Rate

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the 2021 Standard IRS Mileage rate for business miles at 56 cents per mile. 

Motion to Pay Year End Bills

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the payment of year end bills on the Auditors list on December 31, 2020.

Resolution for Year End Commitment of Funds

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously by roll call:

RESOLUTION

YEAR END COMMITMENT OF FUNDS

RESOLUTION NO. 20-12-03

WHEREAS, per Lake of the Woods County Fund Balance Policy, the County Board will annually or as deemed necessary commit specific revenue sources for specified purposed by resolution;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Lake of the Woods County hereby commits the following reserves with the amounts to be determined at a later date: Building; Community Health; Elections; Health/Medical; Housing Rehabilitation; Land & Building Acquisitions; Sheriff’s Posse; Sheriff’s Vending Commission; Technology; Transit; Drainage Maintenance; Future Equipment, and Future Budget Expenditures. 

Transfer of Funds to Ditch Funds

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously by roll call to authorize a temporary loan to Ditch Fund 26; to mitigate a temporary negative cash balance.

Ditch Loan

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the transfer of funds from Ditch 28 Fund to the Revenue Fund for payoff of Loan 2 at $10,000 and applicable interest. 

HUMAN RESOURCES

Employee Recognition

The 2020 Steven R. Sindelir Memorial Award for Excellence was awarded to Erik Tange. The Award for Excellence honorable mentions and years of service awards were also recognized.

WHEELERS SANITATION BOARD APPOINTMENTS

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously by roll call to appoint Alan Thompson and Marshall Monk to the Wheeler’s Point Sanitary District Board for a three-year term beginning January 2, 2021 thru January 2, 2024.

COUNTY HIGHWAY/LANDFILL

Highway Update – County Engineer AJ Pirkl provided a highway update.

Permission to Hire Heavy Equipment Operator

Motion 

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously by roll call to hire the heavy equipment operator as a seasonal employee until their college program is completed in May and then as a full-time employee.  The employee will be hired at grade 11, step 1, $20.33 per hour.  Also approved Chair Jon Waibel to sign the memorandum of understanding.

Landfill Update – County Engineer AJ Pirkl provided a landfill update.  A response was received from the MPCA and there is a new representative on the account.  Pirkl will be meeting with the MPCA the second week of January.

DITCH AUTHORITY

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and unanimously carried by roll call to close the regular meeting and open Ditch Authority.

The Ditch Authority discussed a ditch petition from Daniel Pieper.  The petition was submitted just as the county was brushing JD 22.  The area in question has been surveyed and Lake of the Woods County will work with Roseau County to look for grant availability for erosion control. Also discussed running a bulldozer on the bottom of the ditch to flatten out any possible high areas.  

The Ditch Authority also discussed a JD 28 project and billing for work done on JD 22.  Ditch assessments for 2021 were also reviewed.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and unanimously carried by roll call to close the Ditch Authority meeting and open the regular meeting.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

MN Counties Business Assistance

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and unanimously carried by roll call for County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson to sign the County Relief Grants Certification form on behalf of the County for Business COVID Relief Funds in the amount of $256,250.  It was also the consensus of the Board for the Economic Development Authority to coordinate the administration of the funds. Economic Development Director, Ryan Zemek, will create an application, policy and a press release regarding how businesses can apply. 

EDA Board Appointment

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously by roll call to adopt the following resolution:

Re-Appointment of Terms of the economic development authority

Resolution Number 20-12-04

Whereas Lake of the Woods County Board, pursuant to MN Statute §469.093, Subd.1 has provided a public notice and conducted a public hearing on September 14, 2010 to consider the creation of an Economic Development Authority and adopted the Enabling Resolution creating the same; and

Whereas the County Board of Commissioners of the County of Lake of the Woods adopted the following:

The EDA shall consist of a governing body of nine (9) members, as per the adopted Enabling Resolution, of which: Five (5) Sitting Commissioners, Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners

Four (4) Members shall be nominated by the following organizations and appointed by the County Board:

Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to recommend appointment

Chamber of Commerce to recommend appointment

Lake of the Woods Tourism to recommend appointment

City of Baudette to recommend appointment

The Board Members and 6-year terms are established as follows:

Board Member Term Expires Representing

Brock Stebackken 12/31/2023 City of Baudette

James “Buck” Nordlof 12/31/2023 County Board District 1

Jeff Bauers 12/31/2024 IDC

Mike Kinsella 12/31/2024 Tourism Board

Ed Arnesen 12/31/2025 County Board District 5

Jon Waibel 12/31/2025 County Board District 4

Brad Nylander 12/31/2020 Chamber of Commerce

Cody Hasbargen 12/31/2021 County Board District 2 

Joe Grund 12/31/2022 County Board District 3

Whereas one board members term expiring on December 31, 2020;

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the County Board of Commissioners of the County of Lake of the Woods hereby appoints the following board member for a 6-year term;

Board Member Term Expires Representing

Brad Nylander 12/31/2026 Chamber of Commerce

Lineworker School Building

The Board discussed the building formerly used for the lineworker school.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Chamber Building

Erica Anderson, representing the Baudette-Lake of the Woods Chamber of Commerce, met with the Board regarding the chamber building.  The tourism bureau is in the final stages of moving out of the building. The Chamber is unable to keep the building, due to the cost. They are looking to the city and the county, who originally contributed the money for the building, on what to do next.  It was the consensus of the Board to take no action until after the City of Baudette has had an opportunity to discuss the topic. The county will add the Chamber Building to the 1/12/2021 meeting agenda.

AGENDA

Remove Old/New Business

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the removal of the following old/new business agenda items: CR 33.

COVID-19 UPDATE 

CHI LakeWood Health Public Health Manager, Kay M. Schell, said that the Moderna vaccine has started to arrive.  CHI LakeWood Health is focusing on vaccinating long-term care residents and staff right now.  More than 70 CHI LakeWood Health employees have received their first round of vaccine.

Savanna Slick, Human Resources Director for Lake of the Woods County, explained that The Families First Coronavirus Response Act expires as of December 31^st, 2020.  With this expiring, county employees, who must be out due to COVID related issues, must use sick time.  Employees can reach out to their department head if a unique situation occurs.

ADJOURNMENT
Motion

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

Attest: January 5, 2021

______________________________ _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chair Joe Grund

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