July 14th, 2020

Commissioner Proceedings

July 14, 2020

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at the Angle Outpost Resort, 8206 Dawson Road, Angle Inlet, MN. 

CALL TO ORDER

Chair Jon Waibel called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Joe Grund, Jon Waibel, Buck Nordlof, Cody Hasbargen and Ed Arnesen. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, County Engineer AJ Pirkl, and County Deputy Sheriff Ben Duick.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: County Highway – chloride and street lights; Census; County Auditor – Election Judge Appointment and Bank Signature Cards; and Congressman Collin Peterson. 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of June 23, 2020.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrant’s $11,847.87, Commissioners Warrant’s $2,453.45, Commissioners Warrant’s $3,901.47.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $100,327.09; Road & Bridge $180,775.15; County Development $1025; Joint Ditch $8,442.50; Solid Waste $36,099.16; EDA $13,262.31.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/14/2020 For Payment 7/17/2020

                                 Vendor Name                                               Amount

Bollig Inc 9,048.00

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc. 6,968.79

Counties Providing Technology 13,751.00

Dacotah Paper Company 6,706.29

DLT Solutions, LLC 7,332.56

Farmers Union Oil Co. 2,926.98

Fort Distributors Ltd 27,020.00

Freeberg & Grund, Inc 15,339.05

Gary’s Auto 3,588.47

Hanson Sales Inc 5,123.02

Headwaters Regional Development Commiss 12,500.00

Howard’s Oil Company 3,150.79

KRIS Engineering Inc 6,597.15

Lavalla Sand & Gravel Inc 50,000.00

LOW Highway Dept 11,620.00

LOW Marine, Inc 10,788.61

Mar-Kit Landfill 16,740.50

Marco Technologies LLC 6,000.48

Minnesota Ui 9,187.69

Northwest Angle & Island Freight,Inc 9,237.00

Quadient Finance USA Inc. 2,000.00

Quill Corporation 3,791.56

R & Q Trucking, Inc 3,605.00

SeaChange Print Innovations 5,923.09

Strata Corp, Inc 31,451.62

Stratton Equipment Sales & Service Ltd 2,192.09

Titan Machinery – Roseau 2,419.74

Voyageurs Comtronics, Inc 2,640.00

Wheelers Point Sewer District 5,108.67

Widseth Smith Nolting&Asst Inc 3,303.85

Woody’s Service 4,209.44

Ziegler, Inc 5,733.90

86 Payments less than 2000   33,925.87

Final Total: 339,931.21

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: July 1, 2020 for $418,693.31; July 2, 2020 for $562,003.60; July 8, 2020 for $91,321.90.

Permission to Hire

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve permission to hire for the position of Deputy Auditor/Treasurer- License Clerk/Board Administration at Grade 11, Step 1, $20.33 per hour, Points 253.

Set Budget Dates

The Board set the following dates for 2021 Budget Meetings: August 24, 25 (after the regular scheduled board meeting) and 26, 2020.

Election Judge Appointment

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof to approve Connie Nesmith as an Election Judge and her appointment to the UOCAVA & Absentee Ballot Boards for the 2020 State and General Elections.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Bank Signature Cards

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund to remove signature authority for Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Stacy Novak and authorize signature authority to Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Connie Nesmith effective July 27, 2020 for the following banking and investment accounts: RiverWood Bank, Border Bank account number 2404, Wells Fargo account numbers 3908, 6724, 5716, 6372 and 3100. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and the same being put to vote was unanimously carried.

LAND LEASE AMENDMENT – LUDE TOWER

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen to approve the Land Lease Agreement #98012-amendment 2, Lude Tower to allow New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC (AT&T) use of the tower and authorize Chair Jon Waibel, County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson and County Attorney James Austad to sign.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

BOLLIG INC

NWA Airport

Mike Beard from Bollig Inc. provided a progress report on revisions to the feasibility report for the Northwest Angle airport project.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY – RYAN ZEMEK

Ryan Zemek, Economic Development Director with Headwaters Regional Development Commission, shared information and offered his assistance navigating resources and programs that may offer financial assistance to businesses during COVID-19 and the border closure.  

CENSUS

Commissioner Ed Arnesen gave an update regarding the 2020 Census. A Census representative was assigned to the Northwest Angle to visit with residents.  Census representatives will be in Baudette for training the first week of August.

CONGRESSMAN COLLIN PETERSON

Congressman Collin Peterson called into the meeting to discuss the border closure, its effect on property and business owners in the Northwest Angle and strategies his office is working on to assist with the current situation.  

COUNTY HIGHWAY/LANDFILL

LRIP Grant Agreement

The following Resolution was offered by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following: 

LOCAL ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

Grant Terms and Conditions

SAP-039-594-001

Resolution No. 2020-07-01

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County has applied to the Commissioner of Transportation for a grant from the Minnesota State Transportation Fund for Local Road Improvement; and,

WHEREAS, the Commissioner of Transportation has given notice that funding for this project is available; and,

WHEREAS, the amount of the grant has been determined to be $327,204.44 by reason of the lowest responsible bid; 

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Lake of the Woods County does hereby agree to the terms and conditions of the grant consistent with Minnesota Statutes, section 174.52 and will pay any additional amount by which the cost exceeds the estimate, and will return to the Minnesota State Transportation Fund any amount appropriated for the road but not required.   The proper county officers are authorized to execute a grant agreement and any amendments thereto with the Commissioner of Transportation concerning the above-referenced grant.



Highway Update

County Engineer, AJ Pirkl, provided a highway update.  He reported that culvert cleaning with the rented excavator was going well.  The chloride application to the main land and Northwest Angle roads was completed.  


Landfill Update
County Engineer, AJ Pirkl, provided a landfill update. He reported that he did reach out to the MPCA regarding the demo permit, but has not received an update.


Chloride and Street Lights

Commissioner Ed Arnesen recommended that the chloride application and cost of the street lights for the Northwest Angle be included in the Highway Department’s budget instead of a special assessment to property owners, this process would be more consistent with that of the main land.


COVID-19

Update
Kay M. Schell, CHI LakeWood Health Public Health Manager, provided an update.  Lake of the Woods County is at zero confirmed cases of COVID-19, but the numbers of confirmed cases are going up in neighboring counties.  As of today, July 14, 2020, Roseau County is at 30 confirmed cases, Koochiching County is at 24 confirmed cases and Beltrami County is at 58 confirmed cases.  A meeting was held with the Lake of the Woods County Fair Board regarding the potential COVID-19 risks associated with the event.

Jill Hasbargen Olson, Emergency Management Director for Lake of the Woods County, said that education on community transmission and employee exposure will be offered at the next stake holders meeting on Thursday, July 16, 2020. She reported that things are going well with the Government Center being open and that she will continue to revisit guidelines. Regulations specific to the Courts did start this week.

Other Concerns

The Commissioners discussed COVID-19 related concerns with members of the public who were attending the meeting.  Topics of concern included property taxes and transportation options for getting tourists and property owners to the Northwest Angle during the pandemic and border closure.

RECESS

With no further business before the Board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 12:08 p.m.

Attest: July 28, 2020

______________________________ _________________________________

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

July, 2019

Commissioner Proceedings

July 1, 2019

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in special session on Monday, July 1, 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 8:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Joe Grund, Jon Waibel, Buck Nordlof, and Cody Hasbargen. Also, present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Attorney Jim Austad, Human Resource Director Savanna Slick and Woody Fiala.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the agenda.

Public Works/County Engineer

Chair Cody Hasbargen noted that the proposed engineering contact was unable to attend the meeting until 10:00 a.m., therefore asked the attendees if there were any questions.  Discussion was had regarding the Engineer position and construction and maintenance projects.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 8:20 a.m. and reconvened as follows at 9:40 a.m. with Commissioner Ed Arnesen also in attendance.

Public Works Cont

Commissioners Jon Waibel and Ed Arnesen, and Interim Assistant Engineer Boyd Johnson gave an update on the applicants for the Engineering projects and that Ross Eberle from Interstate Engineering, Inc. would be attending the meeting at 10:00 a.m. to review a proposed contract with the County for Construction and Plant Engineering to help in the interim of the recruiting process for a County Engineer.  They further discussed an additional contract for a Maintenance Engineer.

Amend Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to amend the agenda to add the Clementson Park and purchase of picnic tables.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of 4 picnic tables for the Clementson Park at the price of approximately $670 per table with the funding as follows:  $900 received in contributions by the Baudette Rotary and the remainder up to $2,000 from the County Park account.

Public Works Cont.

Construction Project Engineer/Plant Engineer

Ross Eberle, Senior Project Engineer – Interstate Engineering attended the meeting and reviewed a proposed contract for Construction Project Engineer and Plant Engineer with Lake of the Woods County in the interim of finding a County Engineer.    District Engineer Lou Tasa reviewed the contract and explained what the state would be requiring.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Nordlof and carried unanimously, pending approval of the County Attorney and the State Engineer; to approve the Agreement for Engineering Services with Interstate Engineering, Inc., Ross Eberle, for the Construction Project Engineer/Plant Engineer in the interim of finding a County Engineer.

Maintenance Project Engineer 

District Engineer, Lou Tasa discussed with the County Board the state requirements for the Maintenance Project Engineer.  A Committee meeting of Commissioners: Ed Arnesen and Jon Waibel, Attorney James Austad, Interim County Engineer Boyd Johnson and Human Resources Savanna Slick was going meet with Brian Grund, Freeburg and Grund Engineering.   

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 10:30 a.m. and reconvened at 10:35 a.m. as follows:

CLOSED SESSION- LITIGATION

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting and open the closed session at 10:36 a.m. pursuant to MN Statute 13D.05, subd.3b. (Pending or threatened litigation involving appointment of County Engineer.)  Members present: Commissioners Ed Arnesen, Cody Hasbargen, Buck Nordlof, Jon Waibel and Joe Grund.  Others present were:  County Auditor /Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, County Attorney, James Austad and Human Resources Director Savanna Slick.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to close the closed session and open the regular meeting at 11:00 a.m.

Public Works Cont.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to have Chair Cody Hasbargen to sign a separation agreement with Public Works Director, Tim Erickson.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Cody Hasbargen called the meeting to recess at 11:05 a.m.

Attest:                                                                                      July 9, 2019

__________________________________                            _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson                                Chairman of the Board, Cody Hasbargen

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

Commissioner Proceedings

July 9, 2019

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 9, 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: Joe Grund, Jon Waibel, Buck Nordlof, Ed Arnesen and Cody Hasbargen. Also, present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Attorney Jim Austad and Woody Fiala.

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 Additions:  Census.

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 June 25, 2019, with changes.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of June 20/25, 2019, BOE.

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 July 1, 2019.

Social Services

Social Services Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval for claims and approval of Fraud Prevention/Investigation Plan.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrant’s $13,469.38, Commissioners Warrant’s $2,176.76, Commissioners Warrant’s $16,361.65.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the Fraud Prevention Investigation Plan Application for Lake of the Woods County and to have Commissioner Chair Cody Hasbargen and Social Services Director Amy Ballard sign the same.

Auditor/Treasurer

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

Claims  

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund, and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $27,372.04, Road & Bridge $165,265.15, County Development $17,892.58, Solid Waste $24,257.66 and EDA $798.70.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/09/2019 For Payment 7/12/2019

Vendor Name Amount

Frontier Precision Inc                                                   33,439.54

Howard’s Oil Company                                                  2,002.63

Johnson Construction                                                    4,615.33

LaValla Sand & Gravel Inc                                        114,575.00

Liberty Tire Recycling, LLC                                            6,817.50

LOW School District–390                                            10,000.00

M-R Sign Co, Inc                                                             2,112.58

Mar-Kit Landfill                                                             15,135.00

NOVA Fire Protection, Inc                                             2,418.95

Strata Corp, Inc                                                             2,486.75

Voyageurs Comtronics, Inc                                          2,640.00

Widseth Smith Nolting&Asst Inc                                   11,299.98

Woody’s Service                                                           4,673.40

54 Payments less than 2000  $ 23,369.47

Final Total:    $ 235,586.13

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants:  June 28, 2019 – $22,101.59 and July 3, 2019 – $165,472.26.

Budget Discussion

County Auditor-Treasurer, Lorene Hanson discussed with the County Board the 2020 budget process.  The Board set the following dates for budget review:  August 8 and 9, 2019 at 8:00 a.m. and August 13, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. following the regular county board meeting.

IT Dept

GIS Specialist, Eric Solo met with the County Board to give an update on the Counties Providing Technology (CPT) quotes for accessing the County’s tax data and Census request.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund, and carried unanimously to approve the CPT quotes for the LOW Web Access for Tax and Values of $120.00 per month/$1,440/year, and to have IT Director, Pete Hovland sign the same.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Jon Waibel, and carried unanimously to approve assisting with the CENSUS by sharing the existing address point data.

Attorney

Event Ordinance

County Attorney, Jim Austad met with the County Board to discuss the Event Ordinance.  He reviewed the process of 1) Committee meetings, 2) Notice of Public Hearing (10 day notice), 3) Public Hearing, 4) Planning Commission and 4) Resolution to approve.  Jim would be setting a date for the ordinance committee to be meeting soon.

Land & Water Planning

County Land & Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the County to discuss:  Drainage Committee, Consideration for Conditional Use Permit, LOW One Watershed/One Plan.

Drainage Committee

County Land & Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund reviewed with the County Board the members on the drainage committee and the purpose of the committee.  The members included Commissioners: Ed Arnesen and Joe Grund, Interim Engineer Boyd Johnson, Land & Water Planning Director Josh Stromlund, Dennis Johnson (District 3), Vern Horntvedt (District 4), Byron Tviet (District 5) and a SWCD Representative. The committee was set up not only for public drainage systems, outlets, ditches, but also includes the guidance of the maintenance levels of county roads and ditches – mowing, graveling, ditch maintenance etc.   Josh was going to contact the members and set up a meeting in the near future.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, and carried unanimously to add Bill Rivard, District 2 to the Drainage Committee.

Consideration of Conditional Use Permit – Jamie Gowdy

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board and presented a Conditional Use Permit for Jamie Gowdy to operate short-term vacation rentals on each lot in a Residential District (R-1).   Josh reviewed the Findings of Fact of the Planning Commission and informed the board that they approved this application with the condition the covenants are changed to allow this project.   This was addressed at the June 11, 2019 County Board meeting and the Board had requested to have Jamie Gowdy be present for further questions.  Applicant Jamie Gowdy was now present and after considerable discussion, the County Board gave Mr. Gowdy additional time to resolve questions presented by the Board. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to move the request to the August 27, 2019 board meeting, allowing Mr. Gowdy additional time to address the questions proposed by the Board.

LOW One Watershed/One Plan

County Land & Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund and LOW Soil & Water Resource Technician Mike Hirst reviewed with the County Board the Lake of the Woods One Watershed/One Plan Executive Summary. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the LOW One Watershed/One Plan Executive Summary and approve submitting to the Board of Water and Soil Resources for approval.

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 10:47a.m. and reconvened at 10:55 a.m. as follows:

Public Works Dept

Interim Engineer Boyd Johnson met with the County Board with updates on the Maintenance Project Engineer, NWA Road, Interstate Engineering and Applicants.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel to approve the agreement with Freeberg & Grund, Brian Grund for Maintenance Project Engineer contingent County Attorney approval and insurance amendment, effective July 6, 2019.   Motion carried as follows:  For:  Commissioners Ed Arnesen, Buck Nordlof, Cody Hasbargen, Jon Waibel; Abstain:  Joe Grund.

NWA Road

Interim Engineer Boyd Johnson updated the County Board on the maintenance on the State Aid Road at the NWA.    Boyd was going to contact Interstate Engineering regarding amending their agreement to include this project.

Engineer Applicants

Interim Engineer Boyd Johnson updated the County Board on the applications received for the Engineer position and interviews were set.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Cody Hasbargen called the meeting to recess at 11:25 a.m.

Attest:                                                                                      July 23, 2019

__________________________________                            _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson                                Chairman of the Board, Cody Hasbargen

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

Commissioner Proceedings

July 23, 2019

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 23, 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: Joe Grund, Jon Waibel, Buck Nordlof, Ed Arnesen and Cody Hasbargen. Also, present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Attorney Jim Austad and Woody Fiala.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following Additions:  Calcium Chloride, Freeberg & Grund Amendment and NWA Park.

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 July 9, 2019.

Social Services

Social Services Fiscal Officer, Christine Hultman met with the board requesting approval for claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrant’s $5,685.61, Commissioners Warrant’s $2,658.15, Commissioners Warrant’s $46,363.90.

Auditor/Treasurer

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of Claims, Budgets, Tax Forfeited Land Classifications, Clementson Park and Calcium Chloride.

Claims  

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $68,025.31, Road & Bridge $159,229.70, Co Devlp $200.00, Joint Ditch $3,017.50, Solid Waste $26,792.09 and EDA $3,080.00.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/23/2019 for Payment 7/26/2019

Vendor Name                                        Amount

Arrowhead Library System                                   33,118.00

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                                  10,570.76

Chapman/Mark                                                         3,080.00

Counties Providing Technology                             13,650.00

Envirotech Services Inc                                       100,674.54

Evergreen Implement Company                             12,100.00

Farmers Union Oil Co.                                              3,234.43

Fort Distributors Ltd                                               31,652.00

John Deere Financial                                               3,793.40

Liberty Tire Recycling, LLC                                      2,666.40

LOW Highway Dept                                                 9,010.00

North East Technical Service,Inc                             3,043.50

R & Q Trucking, Inc                                                  5,294.79

Swanston Equipment Corp                                      3,074.52

TOTALFUNDS                                                          2,000.00

Zuercher Technologies, LLC                                   2,190.00

47 Payments less than2000 21,192.26

Final Total: 260,344.60

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants:  July 10, 2019 – $7,124.54, July 11, 2019 – $189,421.57; July 17, 2019 – $16,444.39.

Calcium Chloride

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the Calcium Chloride invoice from the County Highway for the County State Aid Highway 19 in the amount of $6,494.58 out of the County Parks account.

Budget Dates

Budget dates were discussed and due to scheduling conflicts, it was the consensus to change the original dates scheduled for August 8th and 9th to the dates of August 14th and 15th

Tax Forfeited Land Classifications

Resolution

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

TAX FORFEITED LAND SALE

RESOLUTION NO. 19-07-01

WHEREAS; the County Board of Commissioners of the County of Lake of the Woods, State of Minnesota, desires to offer for sale certain parcels of land that have forfeited to the State of Minnesota for non-payment of taxes, and

WHEREAS, said parcels of land have been viewed by the County Board of Commissioners and have been classified as non-conservation lands as provided for in Minnesota Statutes 282.01.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners hereby certify that the parcels of land listed below, have been viewed and comply with the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 85.012; 92.461; 282.01, subd. 8; and 282.018; and other statutes that require the withholding of tax-forfeited lands from the sale.  (Parcels:  17-0744-040, 19-2614-011, 21-1233-030, 21-1312-040, 21-1312-041, 21-1321-010, 22-1732-000, 23-2533-020, 30-3111-000)

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED; that the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners hereby request approval from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for the sale of said lands.

County Park Funding

Resolution

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

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING COUNTY PARK FUNDING

RESOLUTION NO. 19-07-02

WHEREAS:  Minnesota Statutes 282.08 allows for a County Board to annually set aside up to 20% of the receipts from the sale of rental of county administered tax-forfeited land or from the sale of any products therefrom, after the payment of all allowable expenses, to be used for the acquisition and maintenance of county parks, as defined in Minnesota Statutes 398.31, Et. Seq.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes and directs the County  Auditor/Treasurer to appropriate 20% of the allowable receipts of the forfeited tax fund of Lake of the Woods County for 2019 to be used for acquisition and maintenance of County Parks.

Clementson Park

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to pay for the additional charges of $585.81 on the picnic tables for the Clementson Park from the County Park account.  Original motion approved on July 1, 2019 was to approve up to $2,000 from the County Park account.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Conditional Use Permit – Thomas & Erin Olson

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board and presented a Conditional Use Permit for Thomas and Erin Olson to operate a commercial business consisting of transient short-term rental of an existing structure in a Rural Residential District (R2).  No comments were heard from the Public. Josh reviewed the Findings of Fact of the Planning Commission and informed the board that they approved this application with the following conditions, the specific conditions of approval are as follows:

  1. The Conditional Use Permit expires on sale or transfer of the property.
  2. Meet Minnesota Department of Health requirements.
  3. Lodging tax for Lake of the Woods County must be paid.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following Findings of Fact for Thomas and Erin Olson to operate a commercial business consisting of transient short-term rental of an existing structure in a Rural Residential District (R2) as follows:

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners

Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant:  Thomas and Erin Olson                                                              Date:  July 23, 2019

Location/Legal Description:  A tract of land in Government Lot 3, Section Thirty (30), Township One Hundred Sixty-three (163) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West, Parcel ID# 16.30.32.020.

Project Proposal:  A Conditional Use Permit, as required by Section 401-C of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance, to allow the applicant to operate a commercial business consisting of transient short-term rental of an existing structure in a Rural Residential District (R2).

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

Why or why not? Resort area.

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

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

Why or why not? Upgrade of system (septic).

3. Is the project proposal consistent with the goal of preventing and controlling water pollution, including sedimentation and nutrient loading?                                                                                                YES (  ) NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? ___________________________________________________________________

4. Will the project proposal not adversely affect the site’s existing topography, drainage features, and vegetative cover?                                                                                                              YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? ____________________________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? ___________________________________________________________________

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

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

Why or why not? ____________________________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? To use existing roads and driveway.

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

Why or why not? Residential and agriculture.

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

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

Why or why not? ____________________________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? New system to be designed.

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

Why or why not? _____________________________________________________________________

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

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

Why or why not? To be designed for project.           

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

Why or why not? _____________________________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? _____________________________________________________________________

15. Will there be fencing and/or other screening provided to buffer the project proposal from adjacent properties?  YES (   )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? Not needed.         

16. If signage is associated with the project proposal, has the applicant demonstrated the need for the number and size requested, and minimized the visual appearance as viewed from adjacent properties to the extent possible?             YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? No greater than 4’ x 8’.

17. If the project proposal will generate additional traffic to or from the site, has the applicant adequately demonstrated how the additional traffic and parking is to be addressed?

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

Why or why not? On site.

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

The specific conditions of approval are as follows:

  1. The Conditional Use Permit expires on sale or transfer of the property.
  2. Meet Minnesota Department of Health requirements.
  3. Lodging tax for Lake of the Woods County must be paid.

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

                                                                                    _____________________________________

                                                                                                            Cody Hasbargen

                                                                                                        Chair, County Board

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

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Conditional Use Permit – Elizabeth Carlson

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board and presented a Conditional Use Permit for Elizabeth Carlson to operate a commercial planned unit development consisting of a recreational vehicle camping park located in a Commercial Recreation Zoning District. No comments were heard from the Public. Josh reviewed the Findings of Fact of the Planning Commission and informed the board that they approved this application with the following conditions, the specific conditions of approval are as follows:

  1. Meet Minnesota Department of Health requirements.
  2. Meet Minnesota Department of Natural Resources requirements.
  3. Minimum site size of at least 3,000 square feet

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the following Findings of Fact for Elizabeth Carlson to operate a commercial planned unit development consisting of a recreational vehicle camping park located in a Commercial Recreation Zoning District as follows:

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners

Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant:  Elizabeth Carlson                                                                Date:  July 23, 2019

Location/Legal Description:  The North 620 feet of the NE¼ of the NE¼ of Section Thirty (30), Township One Hundred Sixty-eight (168) North, Range Thirty-four (34) West, Parcel ID# 02.30.11.000.

Project Proposal:  A Conditional Use Permit, as required by Section 401-D of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance, to operate a commercial planned unit development consisting of a recreational vehicle camping park located in a Commercial Recreation Zoning District.

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

Why or why not?  Commercial area.

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

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

Why or why not?  Meet Minnesota Department of Health standards.

3. Is the project proposal consistent with the goal of preventing and controlling water pollution, including sedimentation and nutrient loading?                                                                                                YES ( x ) NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? No change.

4. Will the project proposal not adversely affect the site’s existing topography, drainage features, and vegetative cover?                                                                                                              YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Will not.

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

Why or why not? May or may not be in the floodplain.

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

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

Why or why not? No change.

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

Why or why not?  Use existing road.

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

Why or why not?  Same usage.

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

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

Why or why not?  Resort area.

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

Why or why not?  New system to be installed.

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

Why or why not? No change.

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

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

Why or why not?  New system to be designed and installed. 

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

Why or why not?  Working with Department of Natural Resources for additional spaces for docking.

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

Why or why not? _________________________________________________________________

15. Will there be fencing and/or other screening provided to buffer the project proposal from adjacent properties?  YES (  )  NO ( x )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  ________________________________________________________________      

16. If signage is associated with the project proposal, has the applicant demonstrated the need for the number and size requested, and minimized the visual appearance as viewed from adjacent properties to the extent possible?             YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? _________________________________________________________________

17. If the project proposal will generate additional traffic to or from the site, has the applicant adequately demonstrated how the additional traffic and parking is to be addressed?

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

Why or why not?  On site.

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

The specific conditions of approval are as follows:  Meet Minnesota Department of Health requirements. Meet Minnesota Department of Natural Resources requirements. Minimum site size of at least 3,000 square feet.

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

                                                                                    _____________________________________

                                                                                                            Cody Hasbargen

                                                                                                        Chair, County Board

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

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Conditional Use Permit – Gregg Hennum

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board and presented a Conditional Use Permit for Gregg Hennum to operate a commercial planned unit development consisting of a recreational vehicle camping park located in a Commercial Recreation Zoning District.  No comments were heard from the Public. Josh reviewed the Findings of Fact of the Planning Commission and informed the board that they approved this application with the following conditions, the specific conditions of approval are as follows:

The specific conditions of approval are as follows:

  1. An eight (8) foot high fence extending to the ground on the east, south, and west sides of the property.
  2. Approved to current density standards.
  3. Must meet Minnesota Department of Health regulations.
  4. Must meet at least 3,000 square foot lot size.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the following Findings of Fact for Gregg Hennum to operate a commercial planned unit development consisting of a recreational vehicle camping park located in a Commercial Recreation Zoning District, as follows:

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners

Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant:  Gregg Hennum                                                                   Date:  July 23, 2019

Location/Legal Description:  A tract of land in Government Lot 1, Section Twenty-five (25), Township One Hundred Sixty-two (162) North, Range Thirty-two (32) West, Parcel ID# 19.25.21.010.

Project Proposal:  A Conditional Use Permit, as required by Section 401-D of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance, to operate a commercial planned unit development consisting of a recreational vehicle camping park located in a Commercial Recreation Zoning District.

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

Why or why not?  Growth corridor.

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

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

Why or why not?  To meet Minnesota Department of Health standards.

3. Is the project proposal consistent with the goal of preventing and controlling water pollution, including sedimentation and nutrient loading?                                                                                                YES (  ) NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? _______________________________________________________________

4. Will the project proposal not adversely affect the site’s existing topography, drainage features, and vegetative cover?                                                                                                              YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Will not.

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

Why or why not? _________________________________________________________________

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

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

Why or why not? ________________________________________________________________

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

Why or why not?  Access off Bur Oak Road.

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

Why or why not?  Resort area.

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

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

Why or why not?  ________________________________________________________________

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

Why or why not?  Designed into project.

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

Why or why not? _________________________________________________________________

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

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

Why or why not?  New well, septic or sanitary sewer district.           

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

Why or why not?  _________________________________________________________________

14. If the project proposal includes above ground or below ground storage tanks for petroleum or other hazardous material that is subject to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) requirements, has a permit been sought?    

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

Why or why not? _________________________________________________________________

15. Will there be fencing and/or other screening provided to buffer the project proposal from adjacent properties?              YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Natural on the North side and 8’ fence on 3 other sides.

16. If signage is associated with the project proposal, has the applicant demonstrated the need for the number and size requested, and minimized the visual appearance as viewed from adjacent properties to the extent possible?                                                                                                                                     YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? In application a 3’ x 5’ with lights

17. If the project proposal will generate additional traffic to or from the site, has the applicant adequately demonstrated how the additional traffic and parking is to be addressed?

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

Why or why not?  On site.

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

The specific conditions of approval are as follows:

  1. An eight (8) foot high fence extending to the ground on the east, south, and west sides of the property.
  2. Approved to current density standards.
  3. Must meet Minnesota Department of Health regulations.
  4. Must meet at least 3,000 square foot lot size.

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

                                                                                    _____________________________________

                                                                                                            Cody Hasbargen

                                                                                                        Chair, County Board

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

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 10:00 a.m. and reconvened at 10:05 a.m. as follows:

Highway

Interim Engineer Boyd Johnson met with the County Board to: Update on the progress of projects, Ross Eberle – Amendment to Interstate Agreement, Amendment to Freeberg & Grund agreement and Credit Cards for 3 employees.

Update

Interim Engineer Boyd Johnson and Construction Project Engineer Ross Eberle updated the County Board on the progress of the construction projects going on throughout the county.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the Amendment to Interstate Engineering Services for SAP 39-649-003 CSAH 49 Aggregate Surfacing Project; and SAP 39-603-24 and SAP 39-606-18 CSAH 3 & 6 Milling, Full Depth Reclamation, & Bituminous Surfacing.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the Amendment to Freeberg & Grund, Inc for Bur Oak Reconstruction.

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve a county issued credit card to Boyd Johnson with a limit of $1,500.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve a county issued credit card to Jane Larson with a limit of $1,500.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve a county issued credit card to Robert Peterson with a limit of $1,500.

NWA Northerly Park

Joe Laurin of the NWA Edgeriders met with the County Board to give an update on the NWA Northerly Park.  The park application would have to be revised due to wetland impacts.  Mr. Laurin was looking for assistance in completing the application and it was the consensus to ask for a proposal from Whitt Environmental Services.   Further discussion was had regarding culverts to be installed to enable Terracon to get in for soil boring samples.  Mr. Laurin would report back to the board when he had further updates.

AMEND AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to add to the agenda the following:   District Engineer, Lou Tasa for an update and to add a Closed Session pursuant to MN Statute 13D.05, subd.3b. (Pending or threatened litigation involving appointment of County Engineer.) 

District Engineer, Lou Tasa

District Engineer, Lou Tasa attended the meeting via phone conference.  The County Board had questions regarding applicants for the County Engineer position.  A committee of Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Cody Hasbargen, Human Resource Director Savanna Slick and County Attorney James Austad were going to meet to discuss the applicants and an offer for the position.

CLOSED SESSION- LITIGATION

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting and open the closed session at 11:25 a.m. pursuant to MN Statute 13D.05, subd.3b. (Pending or threatened litigation involving appointment of County Engineer.)  Members present: Commissioners Ed Arnesen, Cody Hasbargen, Buck Nordlof, Jon Waibel and Joe Grund.  Others present were:  County Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson, County Attorney James Austad and Human Resources Director Savanna Slick.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to close the closed session and open the regular meeting at 11:50 a.m.

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 11:50 a.m. and reconvened at 2:00 p.m. as follows:

AMEND AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to add to the agenda the approval of Agreement with Braun Intertec for Geotechnical Services and Widseth, Smith, Nolting for Surveying both for the proposed Law Enforcement Center.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the Agreement with Braun Intertec Corporation for providing geotechnical services for the proposed Law Enforcement Center.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the Agreement with Widseth Smith Nolting & Associates for surveying services for the proposed Law Enforcement Center.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Cody Hasbargen called the meeting to recess at 2:05 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                      August 13, 2019

__________________________________                            _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson                                Chairman of the Board, Cody Hasbargen

July, 2018

Commissioner Proceedings

July 10, 2018

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

Call to Order

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

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: CPUI Agreement, Motor Pool update, and PILT Payments.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the official minutes and summarized minutes of June 26, 2018.

SOCIAL SERVICES

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

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $6,576.92, Commissioners Warrants $1,836.88, Commissioners Warrants $14,853.30.

WIKSTROM TELEPHONE

Brian Wikstrom and Al Lundeen met with the board and gave an update on the Broadband Plans for Lake of the Woods County which includes the following: Fiber to the homes in many locations and buildings in all of the area in the county in the next few years; fiber optic cable at the NW Angle to the Islands; updating microwave service to the NW Angle to gigabit, serves Verizon wireless and its land line customers- to be installed in July and upgrading all of its fixed wireless services,( Baudette is near to completion). The board thanked them for the update on the Broadband Plans.

COUNTY AUDITOR/TREASURER

Claims

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims, appointment of election judges, election judges pay, appointments to UOCAVA and Canvasing board for the Primary and General Election.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows: Revenue-$72,581.97-Road & Bridge-$24,036.69, Co. Devlp. -$21,490.00 -Solid Waste-$6,169.61-EDA-$1,024.72- Taxes-$252.00.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/10/2018 For Payment 7/13/2018

Vendor Name                                        Amount

Computer Professionals Unlimited Inc                      3,432.00

Election Systems & Software, Inc                           3,534.00

Howard’s Oil Company                                            3,264.12

LOW Highway Dept                                                 4,087.50

Ranger GM                                                             36,741.46

Rolyan Buoys                                                          3,253.00

Roseau County Sheriff                                            2,961.45

SeaChange Print Innovations                                   3,650.82

Titan Machinery – Roseau                                      17,738.53

TOTALFUNDS                                                          4,000.00

Williams Youth Recreation Association                 20,000.00

55 Payments less than 2000 22,892.11

Final Total: 125,554.99

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following Auditor warrants: June 27, 2018-$40 ,631.20, July 3, 2018-$383,035.57, July 5, 2018-$164,496.22.

Appointment of 2018 Election Judges, UOCAVA&Absentee Ballot Boards and Hourly Pay

County Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson met with the County Board to approve election judges for the primary and general elections, to set up UOCAVA and Absentee Ballot Boards for the same and to request a pay increase for the election judges. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously  to approve the following election judges for the 2018 primary and general elections:  Christie Russell, Sandy Peterson, Judy Johnson, Shelley Pepera, Aprille Albrecht, Rita Krause, Margie Sporlein, Stacy Novak, Dale Boretski, Dawn Christianson, John Carroll, Dena Pieper, Alisa Jacobsen, Heather Larson, Barb Larson, Lester Boomgaarden, Bob Gubbels, Jill Gubbels, Tabitha Ubel, Beverly Becklund, Cindy McDougall, Jo Aery, Jamie Boretski-LaValla, Janet Rudd, Rita Hasbargen, Erik Tange and Lorene Hanson. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the hourly pay for election judges as follows:  head election judges at $11.00 per hour and election judges at $10.50 per hour, effective with the 2018 elections.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to appoint the following Election Judges to the UOCAVA & Absentee Ballot Boards for the 2018 Primary and General Elections:  Christie Russell, Rita Hasbargen, Stacy Novak, Janet Rudd, Dawn Christianson, Erik Tange and Lorene Hanson.   

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to appoint Commissioners Hasbargen and Waibel to the Canvassing Board for the 2018 Primary and General Election.   

HUMAN RESOURCES

Human Resource Director, Savanna Slick met with the board informing the board that Cooper Mickelson has resigned effective July 12 and requested permission to advertise, interview and hire Inspector I.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize Human Resource Director, Savanna Slick and Public Works Director, Tim Erickson to advertise, interview and hire an Inspector, with the tier option if applicant(s) do not have the requirements of four (4) years of experience at grade 9 and when years of experience are fulfilled move to grade 12.

MOTOR POOL /MOTOR POOL POLICY

Motor Pool Committee members Peder Hovland, MaryJo Otten and Lorene Hanson met with the board to inform the board that they received quotes for a 2018 Dodge Durango and 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The board requested that they trade the 2009 Chevrolet Impala and 2006 Dodge Van Caravan.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the Motor Pool Committee to purchase a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse, in the amount of $26,857.40 and 2018 Dodge Durango, in the amount of $24,560.00 with applicable fees and taxes.

Motor Pool Policy

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson informed the board that the Motor Pool committee reviewed the Policy and discussed the mileage rate for personal vehicles being used for work related reasons.  The mileage rate does not reference the reimbursement rate and it was decided that it should be clarified in the policy as the rate set by the Commissioners at the beginning of the year at the IRS rate (currently .545 cents per mile).  Taking a personal car instead of the motor pool vehicle will be at the discretion of the department head.   Other possible changes to the Policy will be forthcoming.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to add to the Motor Pool Policy the IRS rate that is set by the County Board at the beginning of each year for reimbursement.

PILT PAYMENT/MINNESOTA POLLUTION CONTROL

Chairman Arnesen reviewed the Lake of the Woods County Payment In lieu of Taxes with the board and discussed the MPC meeting that Public Works Director Tim Erickson and himself attended in regards to the expansion of the landfill and other issues.

PUBLIC WORKS

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting approval to advertise for bids for SAP 039-598-066.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize Public Works Director, Tim Erickson to advertise for bids for SAP 039-598-066.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund and SWCD Resource Technician, Mike Hirst met with the board and reviewed the One Watershed One Plan and options of Joint Powers Entity or Joint Powers Collaboration.

GEORGE SWENTIK

George Swentik met with the board to discuss County Road 142 drainage issues and the need for the ditch to be cleaned. Public Works Director, Tim Erickson informed the board that this ditch is on the Five-Year Plan for maintenance.

CPUI CONTRACT

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, County Assessor MaryJo Otten and MIS Director, Peder Hovland met with the board to discuss the CPUI agreement. No action was taken.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to recess at 11:55a.m.

Attest:                                                                          July 24, 2018

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

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

Commissioner Proceedings

July 24, 2018

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

Call to Order

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

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Auditors Agreement, Motor Pool Policy, Ditch Authority, Extension Contract, Closed Session and Union Negotiations.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the official minutes and summarized minutes of July 10, 2018.

SOCIAL SERVICES

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

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $8,161.19, Commissioners Warrants $1,981.88, Commissioners Warrants $13,466.97.

COUNTY AUDITOR/TREASURER

Claims

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims, Resolution to approve Hoffman, Philipp, & Knutson for annual financial audit, Motor Pool Policy, Ditch Authority, Extension Contract.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows: Revenue-$11,369.28-Road & Bridge-$261,186.17, Co. Devlp. -$890.00 – Natl Resc Enhanc-$4,026.15, Joint Ditch- $2,430.00-Solid Waste-$22,377.99-EDA-$1,703.58.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/24/2018 For Payment 7/27/2018

Vendor Name                                        Amount

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                                        10,039.66

Earthworks Contracting Inc                                           6,060.00

Envirotech Services Inc                                             105,500.70

Farmers Union Oil Co.                                                    3,017.91

Fish/Kevin                                                                    17,340.00

Fort Distributors Ltd                                                     25,900.00

Hasbargen Farms Inc                                                     6,060.00

Hasbargen Logging Inc                                                  3,690.00

Lavalla Sand & Gravel Inc                                            70,555.00

M-R Sign Co, Inc                                                             4,026.15

Mar-Kit Landfill                                                             13,968.00

R & Q Trucking, Inc                                                        4,120.00

TrueNorth Steel                                                              6,224.88

Walker Pipe & Supply                                                     3,394.75

Woody’s Service                                                            6,189.82

43 Payments less than 2000 17,896.30

Final Total: 303,983.17

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following Auditor warrants: July 12, 2018-$831,853.15, July 18, 2018- $13,270.66.

Resolution

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

A Resolution Declaring Lake of the Woods County’s Intent to Retain

Hoffman, Philipp, & Knutson, PLLC to Perform its Annual Financial Audit

Resolution 18-07-03

WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes, Section §6.481, Subdivision 2, requires counties to have an annual financial audit; and

WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes, Section §6.481, Subdivision 2 permits counties to “choose to have the audit performed by the State Auditor, or may choose to have the audit performed by a CPA firm”;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Lake of the Woods County chooses to retain the services of a CPA firm, that meets the requirements established in Minnesota Statutes, Section §326A.05, for its annual financial audit.

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

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Norldof, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the revised Motor Pool Policy effective July 24, 2018 as presented.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the contract with Regents of the University of Minnesota and Lake of the Woods County for providing Extension programs locally and employing extension staff, effective January 1, 2019 thru December 31, 2021 and authorize Chairman Arnesen to sign.

BUDGET DATES

Chairman Arensen reviewed possible budget dates with the board. The following dates the board set to review the 2019 Budget; August 7 after board meeting, August 28 after board meeting, August 29 and August 30.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Human Resource Director, Savanna Slick met with the board informing the board that Tyler Swanson was hired as the Assessor Trainee position and Brian Carlin was hired for the Custodian Position.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the hiring of Tyler Swanson as the Assessor Trainee position at Grade 9, points 225, Step 1, Salary $17.66 per hour, effective August 6, 2018; after the completion of training this position will be moved to Assessor Appraiser, Grade 13, points 289.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the hiring of Brian Carlin for the Custodian position at Grade 6, points 178, Step 1, Salary 14.97 per hour effective July 25, 2018.

YEARS OF SERVICE RECOGNITION

Resolution

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

Recognition of years of service

Kurt Nuss

Resolution No. 18-07-01

Whereas:  Kurt Nuss has served for Lake of the Woods County Custodian since September 30, 2013;

Whereas:  Kurt will retire from Lake of the Woods County effective July 31, 2018;

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

Resolution

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

Recognition of years of service

Barry Bailey

Resolution No. 18-07-02

Whereas:  Barry Bailey has served for Lake of the Woods County Solid Waste Processor since September 30, 2013;

Whereas: Barry will retire from Lake of the Woods County effective July 31, 2018;

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

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 9:58 a.m. and reconvened at 10:03 a.m. as follows:

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board to discuss the Emergency Management position and pay.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to combine Part-time Emergency Director/Part-time Dispatch/Jailer positions of Jill Olson to full time, 40 hours, effective July 29, 2018. The Emergency Management hours remain at sixty (60) hours and other duties as assigned at twenty (20) hours. The position will continue at Grade 11, points 256, step 8, and in the PERA Coordinated Fund.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board and presented a Consideration of Petition to Amend the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance Application #18-01ZC by Gregg Hennum for a tract in NW corner of Gov. Lot 1, less deeded, Section Twenty-five (25), Township One Hundred Sixty-two (162) North, Range Thirty-two (32) West, Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota-Parcel ID#19.25.21.010. Applicant is requesting a zone change from a Residential District (R1) to a Commercial Recreation District to allow applicant to establish a Commercial Planned Unit Development consisting of an RV Campground/Park. The board reviewed letters of concerns from area residents and heard public comments. The board requested that the developer attend the next board meeting to discuss this further.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to table the Consideration of Petition for Zone Change by Gregg Hennum until August 7 board meeting.

Resignation

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund informed the board that Board of Adjustment member at large, Steve Levasseur has resigned as of August 1, 2018 and the County Board will need to replace him.

DITCH AUTHORITY

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting and open the Ditch Authority meeting at 10:42 a.m. Chairman Arensen reviewed the Petition received from Terry Waibel, Steve Ellis and Joyce Blodgett in regards to Ditch 28 and the concerns of the water not flowing at all due to the ditch being plugged with cattails and sediment. The Ditch Authority’s plan of action was to have the cattails removed and survey the ditch grade and have Public Works Director, Tim Erickson report back to the board with results of the survey to discuss further action. Public Works Director, Tim Erickson also updated the Ditch Authority on the Lester Boomgarden request for Ditch 28 and that a survey was done and that the ditch does drain and function, but they could clean up that portion and have some slope work be done. The consensus of the board was to contract that portion of the ditch out with funds from Ditch 28, Tim also stated that Ditch 26 has a half mile of work to be done and will contract out with funds from Ditch 26. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the Ditch Authority meeting at 10:59 a.m. and open the regular meeting.

CLOSED SESSION-LABOR NEGOTIATIONS

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting at 11:00 a.m. and open the Closed Session for Labor Negotiations pursuant to MN Stat 13D.03. Members present: Commissioners Arnesen, Moorman, Hasbargen, Waibel and Nordlof. Others present, County Auditor /Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, County Attorney, James Austad and Human Resource Director, Savanna Slick.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the closed session at 11:56 a.m. and open the regular meeting.

CLOSED SESSION- LITIGATION

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting and open the closed session at 11:56 a.m. pursuant to MN Stat. 13D.05, subd.3. Members present: Commissioners Arnesen, Moorman, Hasbargen, Waibel and Nordlof. Others present, County Auditor /Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, County Attorney, James Austad and Public Works Director, Tim Erickson.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the closed session and open the regular meeting at 12:56 p.m.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to recess at 12:57p.m.

Attest:                                                                          August 7, 2018

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

July, 2017

Commissioner Proceedings

JULY 11, 2017

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 11, 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, Ken Moorman, Jon Waibel, Ed Arnesen and Cody Hasbargen.  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 Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Special Permit-UPS and Airport update.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of June 27, 2017.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

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

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows: Commissioner Warrants-$13,445.92, Commissioner Warrants-$5,575.59, Commissioner Warrants- $5,634.36.

Fee Policy

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval for the offices Financial Eligibility & Fee Policy which is mandated by Minnesota or Federal laws supersede this policy.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the Financial Eligibility & Fee Policy for Lake of the Woods Social Services Department.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

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

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows: Revenue $46,703.40- Road & Bridge $196,163.01- Joint Ditch-$10,183.29-Solid Waste, $23,940.22- EDA, $1,896.51.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/11/2017 For Payment 7/14/2017

Vendor Name                                        Amount

Code 4 Services LLC                                                     9,165.79

Computer Professionals Unlimited Inc                          13,498.00

Fort Distributors Ltd                                                     18,421.20

Howard’s Oil Company                                                  7,430.09

Lavalla Sand & Gravel Inc                                          168,285.00

LOW Highway Dept                                                     16,542.04

Mar-Kit Landfill                                                             15,241.50

Roger’s Two Way Radio, Inc                                         4,639.50

Voyageurs Comtronics, Inc                                           2,689.90

48 Payments less than 2000 22,973.41

Final Total: 278,886.43

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: June 28, 2017- $28,155.59-July 5, 2017 – $92,721.30- July 6, 2017-$175,592.85.

BUDGET DATES

County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting the board to set budget dates for 2018 Budget. The board set August 14 and 15 to begin the 2018 budget process.

SHERIFF

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board requesting permission to work the stone 2016 Stonegarden Grant.

Resolution

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

AMEND COUNTY SHERIFF SALARY RESOLUTION 17-07-01

WHEREAS, the United States Department of Homeland Security has asked local law enforcement agencies along our Nation’s border to step up border monitoring, pursue joint objectives, and enhance their capabilities for providing border security; and,

WHEREAS, in an effort to assist local governments in fulfilling this request, the Department of Homeland Security through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division, offered “Operation Stonegarden 2016;

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Sheriff’s Office is a successful recipient of an

Operation Stonegarden 2016 grant; and,

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Sheriff has undertaken, as additional duties, the responsibility to avail himself and his officers for additional training, or to provide such training for his officer’s and himself, for border protection and border security, and the additional duties of improving the distinct capability of the sheriffs’ office as a whole with regard to border security and border patrol as part of a joint mission; and in addition, as and for additional duties, the sheriff will necessarily devote more of his own time to border patrol and border enforcement; and,

WHEREAS, the Operation Stonegarden 2016 grant given to assist the Lake of the Woods County Sheriff’s Office  in its efforts to secure the border includes the sum of S 29,410.00 overtime and $3,241.50 fringe benefits; and

WHEREAS, it is estimated that these additional border security duties will necessitate that the

Sheriff expend on average another eight (8) hours per week; and,

WHEREAS, through the Operation Stonegarden 2016 grants, all of the additional overtime worked by officer’s devoted to border security issues is fully reimbursable under the grant, including the cost of officer overtime pay, PERA, Medicare and worker’s compensation, so that the net cost of the additional homeland security duties to Lake of the Woods County is fully reimbursed by the grant.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the resolution setting the sheriff’s salary, as

originally set by this board on December 13, 2016 was $78,748.80 and fringe benefits were

$13,899.17, be amended so that the sheriff’s salary is increased by the sum of $6,526.08 and

fringe benefits are increased by $1,151.85 commencing July 16, 2017 through December 31,

2017, with the increase funding from the Operation Stonegarden 2016 grant contingent upon the following:

  1. That the Operation Stonegarden 2016 grant funding be available; and
  2. That the sheriff works, in addition to his regular duties, eight (8) hours per week of said

Operation Stonegarden 2016 grant.

At such time that the Operation Stonegarden 2016 grant funding is no longer available and/or if the sheriff is unable to complete the additional eight (8) hours per week of Operation Stonegarden 2016 grant work, then the sheriff’s salary shall return to the salary as originally set by this board on December 13, 2016.

PUBLIC WORKS

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board and requested approval for reappointment of members to the Joint Drainage Authority between Lake of the Woods County and Roseau County for Joint Ditch 22 and 62. Tim also updated the board on the current road projects his department is working on.

Resolution

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

STATE OF MINNESOTA

LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

ROSEAU COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

SEATED CONCURRENTLY PURSUANT TO MINNESOTA STATUTES SECTION 103E.235 FOR THE PURPOSE OF REAPPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE JOINT DRAINAGE AUTHORITY BOARD FOR LAKE OF THE WOODS / ROSEAU COUNTIES JOINT/JUDICIAL DITCH 22

RESOLUTION NO. 17-07-02

 The matter of the petition of the Appointment of Members to the Joint Drainage Authority Board

 Appointment Order  

The County Boards of Commissioners of Lake of the Woods and Roseau Counties, meeting concurrently at their regular meetings on July 11, 2017, considered appointments to the Joint Drainage Authority Board of Roseau and Lake of the Woods Counties Joint/Judicial Ditch (JD) 22. After consideration of the matter and upon motion and second duly noted in the minutes of meeting, the Boards adopt the following Findings and Order:

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods and Roseau Counties JD 22 is an existing Joint Ditch between the two Counties and the Joint Drainage Authority for JD 22 was established by previous joint action of the County Boards of Commissioners; and

WHEREAS, the resolution establishing the Joint Drainage Authority did not address the filling of vacancies or re-appointment of membership to the Joint Drainage Authority Board; and

WHEREAS, vacancies exist on the Joint Drainage Authority Board.

THEREFORE, based on the forgoing, the Boards of Commissioners of Lake of the Woods and Roseau Counties, seated concurrently, adopt the following:

ORDER

  1. The Boards acknowledge and reestablish the Joint Drainage Authority pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 103E.235 for Lake of the Woods and Roseau Counties JD 22.
  2. Vacancies on the Joint Drainage Authority Board are filled by following initial members:
    1. Kenneth Moorman         (Lake of the Woods County, District 3)
    2. Edward Arnesen             (Lake of the Woods County, District 5)
    3. Jonathan Waibel            (Lake of the Woods County, District  4)
    4. Russell Walker   (Roseau County, District 4)
    5. Glenda Phillipe_ (Roseau County, District 1)
  3. Future vacancies on the Joint Drainage Authority Board shall be filled by the successor       Commissioner from the district indicated.
  4. In the case of a conflict of interest of one or more Board members making a quorum or majority impossible, the County Boards, by concurrent resolutions, may make temporary appointments to the Joint Drainage Authority Board.
  5. Lake of the Woods County is designated as the “majority” county for JD 22. The Lake of the Woods County Auditor/Treasurer shall coordinate with the Roseau County Auditor and proceed with future management and administration of JD 22 according to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 103E.
  6. The Joint Drainage Authority acknowledged and reestablished herein shall be perpetual until either dissolved or modified by future action of the Lake of the Woods and Roseau County Boards of Commissioners, seated jointly.
  7. This Order may be signed in counterparts and the counter parts together constitute the full Order.

After discussion, the resolution Passed and the Findings and Order were Adopted.

Resolution

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

STATE OF MINNESOTA

LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

ROSEAU COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

SEATED CONCURRENTLY PURSUANT TO MINNESOTA STATUTES SECTION 103E.235 FOR THE PURPOSE OF REAPPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE JOINT DRAINAGE AUTHORITY BOARD FOR LAKE OF THE WOODS / ROSEAU COUNTIES JOINT/JUDICIAL DITCH 62

Resolution NO. 17-07-03

 The matter of the petition of the Appointment of Members to the Joint Drainage Authority Board

 Appointment Order  

The County Boards of Commissioners of Lake of the Woods and Roseau Counties, meeting concurrently at their regular meeting on July 11, 2017, considered appointments to the Joint Drainage Authority Board of Roseau and Lake of the Woods Counties Joint/Judicial Ditch (JD) 62. After consideration of the matter and upon motion and second duly noted in the minutes of meeting, the Boards adopt the following Findings and Order:

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods and Roseau Counties JD 62 is an existing Joint Ditch between the two Counties and the Joint Drainage Authority for JD 62 was established by previous joint action of the County Boards of Commissioners; and

WHEREAS, the resolution establishing the Joint Drainage Authority did not address the filling of vacancies or re-appointment of membership to the Joint Drainage Authority Board; and

WHEREAS, vacancies exist on the Joint Drainage Authority Board.

THEREFORE, based on the forgoing, the Boards of Commissioners of Lake of the Woods and Roseau Counties, seated concurrently, adopt the following:

ORDER

  1. The Boards acknowledge and reestablish the Joint Drainage Authority pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 103E.235 for Lake of the Woods and Roseau Counties JD 62.
  2. Vacancies on the Joint Drainage Authority Board are filled by following initial members:
    • Kenneth Moorman       (Lake of the Woods County, District 3)
    • Edward Arnesen           (Lake of the Woods County, District 5)
    • Cody Hasbargen          (Lake of the Woods County, District 2)
    • Russell Walker (Roseau County, District 4)
    • Roger Falk                   (Roseau County, District 3
  3. Future vacancies on the Joint Drainage Authority Board shall be filled by the successor Commissioner from the district indicated.
  4. In the case of a conflict of interest of one or more Board members making a quorum or majority impossible, the County Boards, by concurrent resolutions, may make temporary appointments to the Joint Drainage Authority Board.
  5. Lake of the Woods County is designated as the “majority” county for JD 62. The Lake of the Woods County Auditor/Treasurer shall coordinate with the Roseau County Auditor and proceed with future management and administration of JD 62 according to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 103E.
  6. The Joint Drainage Authority acknowledged and reestablished herein shall be perpetual until either dissolved or modified by future action of the Lake of the Woods and Roseau County Boards of Commissioners, seated jointly.
  7. This Order may be signed in counterparts and the counter parts together constitute the full Order.

After discussion, the resolution Passed and the Findings and Order were Adopted.

UPS

Mike Reed, representing UPS met with the board requesting a letter of support for UPS to add TH72 and TH71 between Bemidji and Baudette Minnesota to the approved twin trailer route. Mike explained that with ANI Pharmaceuticals growth, UPS needs flexibility to use twin trailers to meet the package distribution and timing required to ship their products. UPS distribution center in Bemidji, Bloomington, and Eagan process the packages from the ANI facility in Baudette.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to support the request from UPS to be approved by MnDOT for twin trailer route from CSAH72 and CSAH71, between Bemidji and Baudette, Minnesota.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 10:58 a.m. and reconvened at 11:05 a.m.

MINNESOTA COUNTIES INTERGOVERNMENTAL TRUST

MCIT Risk Management Consultant, Bob Goede met with the board and presented the 2017 MCT Report to the board.

RECESS

With no further business before the County Board, Chairman Nordlof called the regular County Board meeting to recess at 12:10 a.m.

Attest:                                                                          Approved July 25, 2017

___________________________________              _____________________________________

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

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

Commissioner Proceedings

July 25, 2017

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 25, 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, Ken Moorman, Jon Waibel, Ed Arnesen and Cody Hasbargen.  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 Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the removal of Zach Crompton from the agenda.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of July 11, 2017.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

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

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows: Commissioner Warrants-$4,714.03, Commissioner Warrants-$3,850.09, Commissioner Warrants- $19,313.01.

Training Request

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval for out of State training for staff to attend.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve out of state training for Social Service staff to attend.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

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

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows: Revenue $48,080.11- Road & Bridge $29,293.56Co. Development $1,454.50-Solid Waste, $8264.09- EDA, $3,861.27.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/25/2017 For Payment 7/28/2017

Vendor Name                                                    Amount

Arrowhead Library System                                               33,118.00

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                                                 8,739.65

Fort Distributors Ltd                                                              7,224.00

Headwater Regional Development Commiss                        3,307.76

Jake’s Quality Tire Inc                                                           2,212.46

R & Q Trucking, Inc                                                               4,895.00

Widseth Smith Nolting&Asst Inc                                           2,079.83

Woody’s Service                                                                  4,265.34

Ziegler, Inc                                                                            3,540.17

51 Payments less than 2000  21,571.32

Final Total: 90,953.53

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: July 12, 2017- $68,487.41-July 19, 2017 – $31,626.51.

PUBLIC WORKS

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board informing them that he has a candidate for the Highway Maintenance Department at the NWA and that the candidate counter offered salary for a step 4. After discussion the Commissioners counter offered the candidate a Step 3. If the candidate accepts the counter offer, this position will be at a grade 10, Step 3, 19.12, points 233, effective July 31, 2017.

Trap Club

Coach Bob Laine met with the board and thanked the board for all the support that they have given to the Trap Club. Bob also informed the board that the club has grown to 41 kids participating this past year.

DNR FORESTRY

Easement

Area Supervisor Forester, Adam Munstenteiger, and Bob Warzecha met with the board to discuss an existing county easement over state land to provide Bob Warzecha access to his property. In exchange, Mr. Warzecha will donate easement across his property to access the site leased by the Lake of the Woods Sheriff and DNR Conservation.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to provide a county easement over state land to Bob Warzecha, with exchange of the donation of easement across his property for access for Lake of the Woods Sheriff and DNR Conservation.

Timber Harvest

Area Supervisor Forester, Adam Munstenteiger informed the board of the Timber Harvest projects at the NWA. He informed the board that forest management is working with all affected parties, logging, tribal lands and DNR. The consensus of board is that they are in support of the timber harvest at the NWA.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 10:35 a.m. and reconvened at 10:40 a.m.

GRANT FUNDING

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund and SWCD Resource Technician, Corryn Trask met with the board and informed them of a grant that maybe available to assist with Judicial Ditch 28. Josh explained that this would be a two phase project and at this time they do not have an estimated cost but would like to have SWCD continue. The DNR is working on a design for this project. The consensus of the board was that the Ditch Authority will move forward with this project. The board discussed the assessment of Judicial Ditch 28 with possible assessment time of two to three years.  

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stomlund met with the board and presented a Conditional Use Permit for the boards consideration of approval. Adrian’s Resort Inc. is requesting to replace five (5) non-conforming cabins with four (4) cabins within a commercial planned unit development, where the non-conformity is caused by excess density in the shoreland zone of the Rainy River. The Rainy River is an Agricultural River Segment. Josh reviewed the Findings of Fact of the Planning Commissioner and informed the board that they approved this application with no conditions of the project.

Motion

Motion was made Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the following Conditional Use Permit.

Lake of the Woods County Planning Commission

Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant:  Adrian’s Resort Inc.                                                          Date:  July 12, 2017

Location/Legal Description:  A 3.43 acre tract in Govt.  Lot 3, Section 24, Township 162 North, Range 32 West (Wheeler) – Parcel ID #19.24.41.020.

Project Proposal:  Applicant is requesting to replace five (5) non-conforming cabins with four (4) cabins within a commercial planned unit development, where the non-conformity is caused by excess density in the shoreland zone of the Rainy River. The Rainy River is an Agricultural River Segment.

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

Why or why not?  Economic resort area.

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

YES (X) NO (  ) N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Improve fire safety, handicap access.

3. Is the project proposal consistent with the goal of preventing and controlling water pollution, including sedimentation and nutrient loading?                                                                                    YES (  ) NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

4. Will the project proposal not adversely affect the site’s existing topography, drainage features, and vegetative cover?                                                                                                  YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

                                                                                                                        YES (  )  NO (  ) N/A (X)

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

Why or why not?  Not changing.

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

Why or why not?  All resort area.

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

                                                                                                                        YES (X) NO (  ) N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Resort activity.

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

Why or why not?  New system coming.

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

                                                                                                                          YES (X) NO (  ) N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Existing and new sewage system in plans.           

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

Why or why not?  No change.

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

15. Will there be fencing and/or other screening provided to buffer the project proposal from adjacent properties?                                                                                                YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________  

16. If signage is associated with the project proposal, has the applicant demonstrated the need for the number and size requested, and minimized the visual appearance as viewed from adjacent properties to the extent possible?                                                                             YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

17. If the project proposal will generate additional traffic to or from the site, has the applicant adequately demonstrated how the additional traffic and parking is to be addressed?

                                                                                                    YES (  )  NO (  ) N/A (X)

Why or why not?  No change.

The specific conditions of approval are as follows: NONE

The Lake of the Woods County Planning Commission hereby recommends to the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners that this proposal be:

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

            July 12, 2017               _____________________________________

                 Date                                                                                                Tom Mio

                                                                                                        Chair, Planning Commission

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

WILLIAMS CREEK

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board and informed the board that the 2015-2016 yearly monitoring reports have not been received for the Williams Creek Mitigation site. Josh drafted a letter to DNR Commissioner Landwehr on behalf of the County Board requesting the monitory report per agreement.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to authorize Chairman Nordlof to sign the Letter of concern addressed to Commissioner Lanwerhr, on behalf of the County Board.

MAINTENANCE

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to add Maintenance Supervisor to the agenda.

Trane Update

Maintenance Supervisor, Peder Hovland met with the board to discuss issues with the new heating/cooling system. Peder informed the board that they will be running a building performance test and if that passed everything, then the consensus of the board was to pay the bill.

EDA LOAN

The board discussed the loan from the County to the EDA for the purpose of equipment start up for the Lake of the Woods Drifters Club. If loan granted, the Lake of the Woods Drifters would pay back  EDA would pay back over a seven (7) year loan with 0% interest on a semiannual payment as per agreement with the EDA. The EDA would in turn pay back the County accordingly.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to transfer from the Con-Con fund $ 100,000 to the Lake of the Woods  County EDA for  loaning the Lake of the Woods Drifters Club money to purchase start up equipment for grooming snowmobile trails.
The term of loan will be a seven (7) year loan to be paid semiannually with 0% interest to the County.

COMMISSIONER UPDATE

Law Enforcement update on contracting with the City of Baudette for Law Enforcement. Contract is still being worked on.

RECESS

With no further business before the County Board, Chairman Nordlof called the regular County Board meeting to recess at 12:10 a.m.

Attest:                                                                          Approved August 8, 2017

___________________________________              _____________________________________

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

July, 2016

Commissioner Proceedings

July 26, 2016

pursuant to MN. Statute 331A.01, subd. 10

 the published material is only a summary and the full text is available for public inspection

at the lake of the woods county auditor/treasurers’ office

 or by standard mail or electronic mail or lake of the woods county

website –www.lake-of-the-woods.mn.us

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners Room.

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

Approval of Agenda-Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Lost warrant, NWCA and notice of intent to LGUs and work plan.

 Approval of Consent Agenda None 

Approval of Minutes-Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of July 12, 2016.

BORDERLAND SUBSTANCE ABUSE COURT-Christina Husbands, Drug Court Coordinator met with the board to discuss the state shortfall of funding for the drug court. She informed the board that she has been working on receiving other grants, if awarded they would not receive funding until later. The deficit is between Lake of the Woods County and Koochiching County Drug Court. Koochiching County Commissioners have expressed they do not want to contribute money to salaries for the drug court in the future. The board discussed having separate accounts, one for Lake of the Woods County contributions and grant monies received and one for Koochiching County contributions and grant monies. Commissioner Beckel stated that there has not been a steering committee meeting for the Drug Court for some time and requested that Christina check with the Judge to see if he would call a meeting for the two counties to meet and discuss funding issues.Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve payment up to $15,000 to the State of Minnesota for reimbursement for payroll expenses for the Borderland Substance Abuse Court with funding from the Borderland Drug Court account and the Driving Under Influence (DUI) participation fee account.

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to add Social Service Director, Amy Ballard to the DUI steering committee.

SOCIAL SERVICES-Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following claims against the county: Commissioners Warrants: $10,036.43; Commissioners Warrants: $5,996.98.

 AUDITOR/TREASURER-Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows: Revenue $53,041.39, Road & Bridge $211,751.18, Co. Develop $200.00 , Solid Waste $691.80, EDA $4,771.45. Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: July 12, 7,658.34, July 20, $10,706.80, July 20, $5,174.89.    

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/26/2016 For Payment 7/29/2016

Vendor Name                                                    Amount

Arrowhead Library System                                                  33,118.02

Cole Logging & Livestock, Inc                                             8,490.00

Computer Professionals Unlimited Inc                                3,193.00

DLT Solutions, Inc                                                                2,092.74

Earthworks Contracting Inc                                                  9,930.00

Envirotech Services Inc                                                        7,181.24

Esri                                                                                          4,750.00

Ferrier Logging, Inc                                                              9,840.00

Fish/Kevin                                                                            19,440.00

Fort Distributors Ltd                                                              8,759.10

Hasbargen Farms Inc                                                            9,870.00

Hasler                                                                                      4,000.00

John Deere Financial                                                            2,929.12

Lavalla Sand & Gravel Inc                                                 100,000.00

Miovac/Tim                                                                             9,870.00

Mn Dept Of Transp                                                                5,637.95

Norman Johnson Trucking                                                  9,870.00

Northwest Community Action, Inc                                       3,506.00

44 Payments less than 2000  17,978.65

Final Total: 270,455.82

Lost Warrant

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the application and affidavit for lost warrant for Steve Le Claire dated April 15, 2016 for $645.00 without furnishing indemnifying bond

MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR-Maintenance Supervisor, Peder Hovland met with the board to update them on the Government Center North roof and sewer. The board discussed possible options on the roof and requested that Peder to pursue the sewer situation.Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize Maintenance Supervisor, Peder Hovland to hire Tops All Roofing to replace the GCN roof with the cost up to $59,166.80, with funding from the Building fund and reallocate from the general fund.

DITCH AUTHORITY-Chairman Moorman informed the board that the Auditor/Treasures Office have completed the beneficiary spreadsheet for Ditch 7 & 28 and by the end of August to have Ditch 26 completed.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING-Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board and presented two Conditional Use Permits for Michael Gamache requesting to move more than fifty (50) cubic yards of material in the shoreland area of Kelly Creek and for Janice Kabat to conduct a commercial business consisting of a short-term vacation rental in a Residential (R1) District. He informed the board that the Planning Commission recommended to approve both Conditional Use Permits. Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the Conditional Use Permit for Michale Gamache with condition that it is completed by July 1, 2017. Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the Conditional Use Permit for Janice Kabat with no condtions.

RECESS-The meeting was called to recess at 10:50 a.m. and reconvened at 11:00 a.m. as follows:

NORTHWEST COMMUNITY ACTION- Chairman Moorman, on behalf of Lake of the Woods Economic Development Association President Tom Hanson presented a letter notifying Northwest Community Action that the Lake of the Woods EDA will longer need their services, and informed Randy that the EDA and has taken action to terminate the contract with sixty (60) days’ notice and appreciates all the work that Karl Frigaard has done for the EDA. Northwest Community Action Executive Director, Randy Nordin met with the board to inform the board that they did not receive the grant for the Youth Program for the Little Brother, Little Sister. All that funding stayed in the Metro Area; however they did receive a $20,000 grant from the Economics of Opportunities, but not enough funding for the entire program. Randy indicated that the State Association Director came up with a plan on savings on home placements, that if the three counties would contribute $20,000 each, for two to three years to see how it would go.  Randy also informed the board that NWCA did receive a grant from DHS for a “Live Well at Home” which would assist with Respite Care, Home modifications and Personnel Attention.

WHEELER POINT SEWER-Commissioner Beckel informed the board that the sewer project is being held up right now with Wetlands issues.

RECESS-The meeting was called to recess at 11:50 a.m. and reconvened at 1:05 p.m. as follows:

SANDY SHORES/BIRCH BEACH CROSSING

Chairman Moorman welcomed the residents to the meeting on the Sandy Shores/Birch Beach crossing and requested that Public Works Director, Tim Erickson give a summary of the issues of the crossing.

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson informed the residents that the county has a drainage easement from private property owners for the ditch between the two developments. This is the location where the proposed crossing would be located. The drainage easement does not give the county the authority to install a crossing. Permission would be needed from both landowners to secure an easement. As of July 25, 2016 the necessary easements have not been granted to the county. The only other option would be for the county to condemn the property. The Lake of the Woods County board has decided against the condemnation process. The County has tried to assist to help with this issue, but this issue is something that the property owners need to work out. Chairman Moorman opened the floor for comments from the residents. All letter received were acknowledged.  Chairman Moorman thanked the residents for attending the meeting.

Summary-Birch Beach Plat was established in 1926 and Sandy Shores Plat was established in 1975. 

In 2005 the county improved the ditch and also improved the drainage outlet at Sandy Shores/Birch Beach and removed a culvert. In 2012 someone constructed a makeshift bridge on private property and on Lake of the Woods County drainage easement without any permission from the county. Public Works Department removed the bridge for it was unsafe and not permitted. In November 2012 the county received a petition from the residents of Sandy Shores/Birch Beach area expressing support in favor of crossing that they would like to link the two communities together. Then in June 2013 a representative of the Sandy Shore/Birch Beach met with the board to discuss the crossing and at that time the board requested Public Works Director Tim to meet with the property owners about their property to see if they would be interested in an easement so the crossing could be made to connect the two communities. Because the necessary easement have not been granted to the county, the Lake of the Woods County Board is not considering any further action at this time.

Recess-With no further business before the board, Chairman Moorman called the meeting to recess at 2:03 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                     Approved: August 16, 2016

_______________________                                                  _________________________________

Janet E. Rudd                                                                         Chairman of the Board, Ken MoormanDeputy Auditor/Treasurer

July, 2015

Commissioner Proceedings

July 14, 2015

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 14, 2015, in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.

Call to Order

Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners Ed Arnesen, Buck Nordlof, Ken Moorman, Patty Beckel and Tom Hanson.  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 Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Lost warrant, Paul Bunyan Transit Update, and Hoffman, Philipp & Knutson PLLC letter.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the consent agenda as follows: Christine Hultman to Breezy Point on June 24-26 for AMSSA Conference.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of June 23, 2015.

auditor/treasurer

Claims

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

Motion

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

                                           Revenue                      $  42,334.31                             

                                                Road & Bridge            $108,554.86

                                                County Devel              $    2,050.60       

Natl Resc.Enhanc        $       224.90       
Solid Waste                 $  27,816.89        

                                                EDA                             $     3,54.56

                                                Sale/Forf Lands           $        91.98      

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

                                                June 23, 2015              $  21,165.40

                                                July 1,   2015               $408,810.02

                                                July 8,   2015               $  77,626.62

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/14/2015 for Payment 7/17/2015

Vendor Name                                     Amount

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                                                         11,709.12

Computer Professionals Unlimited Inc                                          9,519.00

Contech Engineered Solutions LLC                            40,271.30

Crop Production Services                                             18,652.21

Fort Distributors Ltd                                                       23,026.50

Howard’s Oil Company                                                   2,581.91

LOW Highway Dept                                                         5,021.25

Mar-Kit Landfill                                                               14,421.15

Mn Counties Information System                                   2,561.25

Northwest Community Action, Inc                                  3,460.00

R & Q Trucking, Inc                                                         3,710.20

Rinke-Noonan                                                                  2,264.90

University Of Mn                                                              9,395.85

Voyageurs Comtronics, Inc                                                            2,640.00

Woody’s Service                                                              6,243.96

69 Payments less than  2000                                     29,099.50                                                                        Final Total:                                                     $ 184,578.10

Deputy Auditor/Driver’s License Clerk-Election

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson and Human Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board requesting authorization to hire and to approve grade and step for the Deputy Auditor/Driver’s License Clerk-Election.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the hiring for the Deputy Auditor/Driver’s License Clerk-Election at grade 10 step 1, $17.34 per hour, points 247.

Fiscal Officer

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting authorization to hire and to approve to approve grade and step for the Fiscal Officer. They explained that they would like to have a range, possibility of candidates experience up to step 3.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the hiring for Fiscal Officer at grade 12, up to step 3- points 276.

Lost Warrant

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requoting approval for a lost warrant for Ginger Cargile, dated December 19, 2014 for $14.84.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the lost warrant for Ginger Cargile, dated December 19, 2014 for $14.80, without furnishing of an indemnifying bond.

2014 Audit -Letter Hoffman, Philipp & Knutson PLLC

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and informed the board that they received the engagement letter from Hoffman, Philipp, & Knutson, PLLC informing them that they will be auditing the financial statements of the governmental activities, major funds and the aggregate remaining fund information for the county.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Human Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board requesting authorization to have a DocuShred Container and a mountable mail box for her department.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to authorize Human Resource Director to order a DocuShred container and a mountable mail box for the Human Resources department.

Social Services

Claims

Social Services Director, Amy Ballard and Fiscal Officer, Christine Hultman met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the following claims against the county.

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants          $ 26,268.01

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants          $   5,672.04

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants          $ 32,285.86

Update on Hiring

Social Services Director, Amy Ballard met with the board on the hiring process for the Case Aide position and that just closed; informed the board that in the 2015 Legislative session they mandated and allocated $60,000 per year to hire Child Protection Officer.

PAUL BUNYAN TRANSIT

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard informed the board that she attended the Paul Bunyan Transit meeting which was held on June 24 and stated that the counties are disappointed with the services that they are receiving and that they will be getting together to discuss these issues; service area radius is four (4) miles around Brink Center as defined by Paul Bunyan Transit.

NORTHERN DENTALACCESS CENTER

Northern Dental Access Center Warren Larson, founding member met with the board to seek support for the Northern Dental Access Center for creating a dental home for under service resident of Northern Minnesota. He informed the board that they want to request State Bonding funding to support the construction of a new and larger dental clinic and is requesting a resolution of support.

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously:

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners Resolution of Support

Northern Dental Access Center

RESOLUTION NO. 15-07-01

Resolution to support the expansion of Northern Dental Access Center to serve people in need, who live in and around Lake of the Woods County, with dental care

WHEREAS; lack of access to dental care is a common challenge among people experiencing poverty and other life challenges; and

WHEREAS; the lack of adequate dental care negatively affects the health of individuals and the overall health of the County; and

WHEREAS; lack of access to dental care contributes to challenges in worker productivity, childhood learning, and social success among vulnerable and at risk people; and 

WHEREAS; even though many dentists within the region work to meet the need for dental care by all residents, the growing demand among low income and at-risk people, along with reduced Medicaid payments, there remains a significant gap in dental care access in the region; and

WHEREAS; Northern Dental Access Center has successfully served more than 13,000 people in its first six years of operation, with dental care and the patient support services necessary to address barriers to care; and 

WHEREAS; growing demographic projections indicate that the number of low income people who live in and around Lake of the Woods County will number more than 70,000 in the year 2020; and

WHEREAS; the current Northern Dental Access Center facility is housed in a leased facility that has been expanded multiple times with no more capacity to grow in order to adequately meet the growing demand for care.  Parking challenges, ADA compliance issues, high energy costs, lack of adequate administrative and storage space, and lack of patient privacy—all contribute to the growing need for a new facility; and

WHEREAS; a new clinic with updated features and room for expansion will provide for greater number of patients served, higher efficiency in the use of public funds, allow for multiple community partnerships to better serve low income families with dental care and access to other resources to improve their overall health.

NOW, BE IT RESOLVED; that the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners supports development of a new facility to house Northern Dental Access Center and its community partners to assure the organization’s long term sustainability and for the purposes of serving greater numbers of low income people in the region with dental care and support services to address barriers to care.

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED; that the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners encourages adjacent units of government to resolve similar support of Northern Dental Access Center’s.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 9:50 a.m. and reconvened at 9:59 a.m. as follows:

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Commissioner Nordlof- informed the board on the North Land Use meeting

Commissioner Moorman- informed the board on the Montana Institutes training for Prevention Coalition.

OLD/NEW

Beaver- More trappers on the list

Clementson Property- now transferred to county, near future get parks committee together

NWA- Tribal meeting on July 29

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 10:30 a.m. and reconvened at 11:00 a.m. as follows:

MEDICAL EXAMNIER

Dr. Maryann Sens, Medical Examiner met with the board to give an update on new Legislative changes on Autopsy requirements, which give families religious objectives to autopsy the right to say no, except for traffic fatalities and drug overdoses.

PUBLIC WORKS

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board and informed the board that MPC approved the Solid Waste Plan and now he can move on with the SCORE report and other requirements.

City of Williams –School

The board discussed the Old Williams School and the water flow. Tim informed the board that he has not had time to look at this so far.

Markit Landfill

Manager Dale Nelson, from Markit Landfill met with the board to review the new contract for Solid Waste disposal and informed the board that the contract from 1995 will be expiring and the cost per ton has only increased from $45 a ton, to $50 per ton. The contract was placed on July 28, 2015 board agenda for approval.

County Road 17

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board and informed them that the County Road 17 construction project is moving along.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to recess at 11:45 a.m.

Attest:                                                                                     Approved: July 28, 2015

_______________________                                                  _________________________________

Lorene Hanson,                                                                       Chairman of the Board, Edward Arnesen

County Auditor/Treasurer      

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

Commissioner Proceedings

July 28, 2015

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 28, 2015, in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.

Call to Order

Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to order at 9:04 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners Ed Arnesen, Buck Nordlof, Ken Moorman, Patty Beckel and Tom Hanson.  Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor /Treasurer Janet Rudd and Woody Fiala.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Great Northern Transmission Line, City of Baudette Resolution for housing.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the consent agenda as follows: Leah Larson to Walker on September 9-10 for Adult Protection Services Investigation.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of July 14, 2015.

auditor/treasurer

Claims

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

Motion

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

                                           Revenue                      $  46,815.69                             

                                                Road & Bridge            $116,569.25

                                                Social Services            $      (60.00)

                                                County Devel              $    2,304.00       

Natl Resc.Enhanc        $         16.00       
Solid Waste                 $       675.54    

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

                                                July 14, 2015               $362,248.85

                                                July 17, 2015               $  35,462.60

                                                July 21, 2015               $ 12,135.76

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/28/2015 for Payment 7/31/2015

Vendor Name                                     Amount

Arrowhead Library System                                     33,118.02

Beckel/Todd                                                              4,624.00

DLT Solutions, Inc                                                                    2,092.74

Esri                                                                             3,900.00

Tri-City Paving Inc                                                                104,753.59

Widseth Smith Nolting&Asst Inc                             2,880.00

44 Payments less than  2000                              14,952.13                                                                               Final Total:                                                166,320.48       

Motor Vehicle Checking Account

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting authorization for adding signatures for the Motor Vehicle Checking account.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson and Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Erik Tange to sign the Motor Vehicle checking account effective August 3, 2015.

Health Insurance Quotes

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson informed the board that she will be requesting quotes for the 2016 Health Insurance rates.

County Land Leases/Timber Sales

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board to discuss county land leases and informed the board that the county has a request to rent some land from the county for farm use. The board requested that the Land Leases be placed on the next agenda with the current value of land, and to discuss county timber sales.

Social Services

Claims

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

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following claims against the county.

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants          $ 20,721.27

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants          $ 22,315.21

Paul Bunyan Transit

Social Services Director, Amy Ballard updated the board on the last transit meeting and informed them that it went well and the passes are working fine. They will be meeting this week to discuss expanded service area.

Approval to Advertise and Interview/Hire

Social Services Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting authorization to advertise and interview for two Social Workers and to promote Jodi Ferrier as the Social Worker Supervisor.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to authorize Social Service Director, Amy Ballard and Human Resource Director, Karen Ose to advertise and Interview for two (2) Social Workers.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to hire Jodi Ferrier as the Social Worker Supervisor effective August 3, 2015, at grade 18, step 1, $27.49, points 406.

Case Aid Position

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard informed the board that they will be interviewing for Case Aid Position on July 30, 2015 and asked for approval to hire. The board requested that she place this on the next agenda for approval.

BRINK CENTER

Arvid Jaranson, Ex-Officio board member met with the board requesting funding from the Senior Nutrient Fund for the Lighting and Ceiling Project at the brink center.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to release $1,967.72 to the Brink Center from the Senior Nutrient Fund. (Note, this was the remaining balance of the Senior Nutrient reserve account).

GREAT NORTHERN TRANSMISSION LINE

Chairman Arnesen informed the board that the Great Northern Transmission Line will be holding a Public Hearing on August 6, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in the matter of the application of Minnesota Power for a Route Permit for the Great Northern Transmission Line Project.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof to appoint Commissioner Hanson as the Lake of the Woods County Board representative for the Great Northern Transmission Line.

PUBLIC WORKS

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board and requested authorization to enter into a Solid Waste Agreement with Markit Landfill. Tim informed the board that next week Knife River will be in to tar some roads; Heavy Equipment Operator interviews will be next week; Building Committee to meet on August 4 to look at remodeling the offices for  Social Service and Auditor/Treasurers offices; and to discuss the Buildings budget for  2016.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to enter into the Solid Waste agreement as presented with Markit Landfill effective January 1, 2016 and expiring December 31, 2025, and authorizes Chairman Arnesen, County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson to sign.

Paint Care Contract

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board and informed them that the Paint Care Contract is due and the Household Hazardous Waste Joint Powers decides if they want to enter into this contract.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board requesting continuance funding for the Wetland Mitigation. The board requested that when funding is spent on this project that Josh give them updates on the Mitigation process.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the continuance funding for the Wetland Mitigation process and authorize County Auditor/Treasurer to release those funds as needed.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 10:35 a.m. and reconvened at 10:45 a.m. as follows:

WATER ISSUES

Chairman Arnesen welcomed the area farmers and residents to the meeting. Other staff present: Public Works Director Tim Erickson, Assistant County Engineer, Boyd Johnson, Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund, County Attorney, James Austad and County Sheriff, Gary Fish.

Chairman Arnesen informed the group that all comments are to be directed to him. Chairman of the Board informed the group that since the last meeting they have addressed the issue of Judicial Ditch 28 and met with Contracted Ditch Attorney, Kurt Deter, explained that the ditch has been inactive for years and Judicial Ditches are restricted of non-use of public funds for any maintenance or repairs. Chairman Arnesen informed the group that the County Board is the Ditch Authority and they give direction to other departments of what they need. Requested that County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson and Public Works Director Tim Erickson explained where their office is in the process of Judicial Ditch 28.

County Auditor/Treasurer- Lorene informed the group that her office is working on assessments and setting up the original ditch beneficiaries and updating the parcels in the benefited area. Once that is completed they will be able to apply the agreed upon assessment to the beneficiaries. Public Works Director, Tim Erickson informed them that his department is gather information on outlets, other lateral and natural drainage course. Chairman Arnesen opened the floor for comments and concerns of water issues. Issues that were addressed were: Judicial Ditch 28, outlets blocked;  ditches that need to be cleaned out; cost share program for ditch cleaning; permitting, and concerns of County Road 214. The board discussed long term goals- Judicial Ditch 28 assessment completed; Short term goals- access individual ditches and plan out scheduled weekly ditch cleaning.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 12:10 p.m. and reconvened at 1:00 p.m. as follows:

PUBLIC HEARING-Schrandt Cartway

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing at 1:04 p.m.  Pursuant to MN Statute 164.08 to establish a cartway. County Attorney, James Austad asked Attorney Nora Crumpton for affidavit of mailing for the affected land owners, Attorney Nora Crumpton presented the affidavit of service and return of service from Polk County Sheriff’s office served to Gary Pulkrabeck. County Attorney James Austad asked if the notice was posted. Attorney Nora Crumpton said that it was done by her office but not sure where it was posted and felt that notification was enough.   Gary Pulkrabeck and David and Mary Schrandt were in attendance at the hearing.

County Attorney, James Austad stated that the Petition seeks to establish a cartway pursuant to Minnesota Statute 164.08.  The description of the proposed cartway is:

The West two (2) rods of the Northeast Quarter (NE¼) of Section Two (2), Township One Hundred Sixty (160) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West; and the West two (2) rods of the Northwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter (NW¼ SE¼) of said Section Two (2), Township One Hundred Sixty (160) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West.

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

The Northeast Quarter (NE¼) of Section Two (2), Township One Hundred Sixty (160) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West; and the Northwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter (NW¼ SE¼) of said Section Two (2), Township One Hundred Sixty (160) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West.

Attorney Nora Crumpton acknowledges that the property is at least 5 acres and is land locked. Nora explained that back in October 22, 2013 the petitioners did not want the cartway that was chosen, they wanted the one they chose and only want access by four wheeler ; would only bring in heavy equipment in the winter time, and want a Private cartway and not a public.

The board reviewed the cartway request and viewed Ariel photos. The board reviewed alternate routes. The board did not feel comfortable making a decision at this meeting for they are looking at alternate routes and the route they are looking at would include land owned by Paul Pederson, and since he was not served and not present  they want to continue the Public Hearing on September 8, at 1:00 p.m.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the public hearing at 2:10 p.m. and to set the continuance of Public hearing for September 8, 2015 at 1:00 p.m.

CITY OF BAUDETTE-Housing

Chairman Arnesen presented a resolution of support for the City of Baudette for transfer of ownership of the Coast Guard housing units to the City of Baudette.

Resolution

RESOLUTION NO. 2015-07-02

WHEREAS; it has been determined that there is a housing shortage in the Baudette Community; and

WHEREAS; the Lake of the Woods Economic Development Authority has completed a housing study to identify the needs of the community with regard to housing needs; and

WHEREAS; the housing study identified a significant need for workforce and student housing; and

WHEREAS; it is the goal of the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners to address the housing shortage; and

WHEREAS; there are four vacant housing units located on Hamilton Avenue; and

WHEREAS; the housing units are located in an affordable housing development; and

WHEREAS; the Coast Guard no longer has a use for the housing units; and

WHEREAS; the units are sitting vacant and slowly deteriorating;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED; Lake of the Woods County and surrounding community could utilize the units to address the housing shortage;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED; that the Lake of the Woods Board of Commissioners supports the transfer of ownership of the Coast Guard housing units to the City of Baudette.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to recess at 2:20 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                     Approved: August 11, 2015

_______________________                                                  _________________________________

Lorene Hanson,                                                                       Chairman of the Board, Edward ArnesenCounty Auditor/Treasurer

July, 2014

Commissioner Proceedings

July 8, 2014

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 8, 2014, in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.

Call to Order

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

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the agenda with the following additions: ANI Acquisition Company, Rip-Rap discussion, and Add to Old/New Business- Flood Water Issues. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.  

Approval of Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the consent agenda as follows:  Travel for Stacy Novak, on July 13-14 for MCCC Committee in St. Paul (re-scheduled from July 9-10); Craig Severs on September 28-October 1 for MN Family Support & Recovery Council in St. Cloud. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Approval of Minutes

June 24, 2014 Minutes

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the minutes of June 24, 2014 regular meeting with changes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Auditor/Treasurer

Claims

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

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

                                           Revenue                              $      31,152.26          

                                                Road & Bridge                     $    170,851.78

                                                Solid Waste                          $        6,387.55

                                                EDA                                     $         2,019.99

                                              219,411.58         

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/08/2014 For Payment 7/11/2014

Vendor Name                                                                      Amount

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                                           3,051.56

Hasler                                                                              4,000.00

Jake’s Quality Tire Inc                                                     2,102.24

Lakewood Farms Inc                                                      6,872.53

Nortrax Inc                                                                   161,224.00

SeaChange Printing&MarketingServices LLC              3,432.20

Strata Corp, Inc                                                                3,394.65

University Of Mn                                                              8,316.24

Ziegler, Inc                                                                       2,788.74

61 Payments less than 2000 24,229.42

Final Total:  219,411.58

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

June 11, 2014                  $    80,143.74

June 26, 2014                  $    40,474.96

July 2, 2014                     $      1,193.07

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

Approval of Final Land Sale

County Auditor/Treasurer, Mark Hall and Deputy Auditor, Stacy Novak met with the board requesting approval for the terms of the Land Sale that will be held on August 22, 2014.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the following terms of the Tax Forfeited Land sale that will be held on August 22, 2014 as recommend by County Attorney, James Austad:

TERMS FOR THE PUBLIC SALE OF TAX FORFEITED LAND

IN LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY

PUBLIC SALES: All tax forfeited land is offered at public auction and sold to the highest bidder. The minimum bid acceptable is the basic sale price that is shown on the list of tax forfeited land. The basic sale price is equal to or lesser than the assessed/appraised value and may include additional charges for unpaid special assessments or timber values as appraised by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

PARCELS NOT SOLD AT PUBLIC AUCTION: Parcels not sold at a public sale may be purchased after the public sale by paying the basic sale price of the parcel.  The basic sale price cannot be changed unless the parcel is re-appraised, republished, and again offered at a later public sale.

FEES: The following fees will be collected at the time of sale: State Assurance Surcharge, 3%; State Deed Fee, $25; Deed filing fee, 19.50; Deed Recording Fee, $46.00; Well Disclosure Certificate, $50 (if applicable); and State Deed Tax, equal to the greater of $1.65 or 0.33% of the basic sale price.

PAYMENT TERMS: CASH—FULL PAYMENT AT TIME OF SALE.

Payment includes timber value and certified special assessments to county.

SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS: Any special assessments certified to the county, prior to or after forfeiture, are included and must be paid by the purchaser as part of the basic sale price. It is the responsibility of the prospective buyer to contact the appropriate city to determine any special assessments not certified to the county and that may be subject to further assessment thereof.

CONDITIONS: Sales are subject to the following restrictions on the use of the properties: existing leases, building codes and zoning laws, and easements obtained by any government subdivision or agency thereof for a public purpose. The assessed/appraised value does not represent a basis for future taxes.

All property is sold “as is” and may not conform to current local building and zoning ordinances. Lake of the Woods County makes no warranty that the land is “buildable”. All sales are final, and no refunds or exchanges are permitted. Lake of the Woods County is not responsible for location or determining property lines or boundaries.  Access to the property is the responsibility of the buyer.

*Lake of the Woods County is unaware of any known hazardous substances or petroleum products having been placed, stored, or released from or on the real property by any person in violation of any law, nor of any underground storage tanks having been located on the real property at any time.

Radon Warning Statement: The MN Dept. of Health strongly recommends that ALL homebuyers have an indoor radon test performed prior to purchase or taking occupancy and recommends having the radon levels mitigated if elevated concentrations are found. Elevated radon concentrations can easily be reduced by a qualified, certified, or licensed, if applicable, radon mitigator. Every buyer of an interest in residential real property is notified that the property may present exposure to dangerous levels of indoor radon gas that may place the occupants at risk of developing radon-induced lung cancer. Radon, a Class A human carcinogen, is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers and the second leading cause overall. The seller of any interest in residential real property is required to provide the buyer with any information on radon test results of the dwelling.

*Lake of the Woods County is unaware of any radon testing, records, concentration levels, or mitigation systems on or available for applicable sale properties.

TITLE: PROOF OF OWNERSHIP: The buyer will receive a receipt at the time of the sale. The Department of Revenue will issue a State quitclaim deed after full payment is made. A State deed has the characteristics of a patent from the State of Minnesota.

SETTLEMENT IS FINAL: No warranties as to physical condition of the property have been made by Seller, its Employees or Agents; any warranties of physical condition of the property are void. The Seller, its Employees or Agents, have no further responsibility or liability with respect to the condition or management of the property.

FOR ALL LAND NOT IN A PLATTED SUBDIVISION: There are restrictive covenants required for marginal lands and wetlands including lands in Auditor’s Subdivisions (see Minnesota Statutes Section 103F.535, Subd. 2; and Section 282.018, Subd. 2.)

FORMER OWNERS: Must pay the purchase price or the amount of delinquency, whichever is more, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 282.01, Subd. 7; Section 282.012; and Section 282.241.

IN ORDER TO PROTECT YOUR LEGAL INTERESTS, WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU CONSULT WITH YOUR ATTORNEY ON LEGAL MATTERS.

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

Publication of Land Sale

County Auditor/Treasurer, Mark Hall met with the board requesting approval to set the date and time for the Tax-Forfeited Land Sale.

Resolution

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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE OF TAX-FORFEITED LANDS

Resolution No. 2014-07-01

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the parcels of land described in the List of Tax-Forfeited Land that is contained herein shall be sold to the highest bidder at public sale. The sale will be governed by the provisions of MS 282.01 and by the resolution of the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners authorizing the sale. The resolution reads as follows:

BE IT RESOLVED,  that all parcels of tax-forfeited land listed on the List of Tax-Forfeited Land be classified as non-conservation land; that the basic sale price of each parcel on the List of Tax-Forfeited Land, on file with the Clerk of the County Board, be approved and authorization for a public sale of this land be granted, pursuant to MS 282.01; that the sale will be held at 1:00 p.m. on August 22, 2014 , by the Lake of the Woods County Auditor/Treasurer at the Lake of the Woods County Courthouse, for not less than the basic sale price; and that all sales shall be full payment or on the terms set forth on the List of Tax-Forfeited Land.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the conditions and terms of the public sale shall be as described in the list contained here-in and approved by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners.

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

Publishing of Land Sale

County Auditor/Treasurer, Mark Hall informed the board that he would like to publish the notice of sale for the following weeks: July 14, 21 and 28.  The board concurred of the publishing dates.

Appointment to Canvassing Board

County Auditor/Treasurer, Mark Hall met with the board requesting approval to appoint two Commissioners to the 2014 Canvassing Board.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to appoint Commissioner Hanson and Commissioner Beckel to the Canvassing Board for the 2014 Primary and General Election. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Appointment of 2014 Election Judges and Hourly Pay

County Auditor/Treasurer Mark Hall met with the County Board to approve election judges for the primary and general elections; and request a pay increase for the election judges.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner   Moorman to approve the following election judges for the 2014 primary and general elections: Mary Marhula, Dorothy Chapman, Christie Russell, Sandy Peterson, Judy Johnson, Shelley Pepera, Aprille Levasseur, Rita Krause, Margie Sporlein, Dale Boretski, Steve Sindelir, Dawn Christianson, Darren Olson, Lorene Hanson, Jo Thoreson, Jean Larson, John Carroll, Stacy Novak, Jamie-Boretski-Lavalla, Jodi Ferrier, Dena Pieper and Nancy Olson. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the hourly pay for election judges as follows: head election judges at $10.25 per hour and election judges at $9.75 per hour; effective with the 2014 election. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Peddler’s License

County Auditor/Treasurer, Mark Hall met with the board informing the board there was a request for a Peddler’s License and that the county in the past has not issued a peddler’s license. Mark informed them that he contacted a couple other counties in the area, and they do not require a peddler’s license and wanted to know which direction the county would want to go. The consensus of the board was not to require a peddler’s license within Lake of the Woods County.

Amend Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to amend the agenda and add Cenex Co-op to the agenda. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Cenex –Coop

Kent Hanson, Manager of the Cenex Coop to inform the board that the Canadian National Railroad had decided to discontinue the Coop’s use of the transload site in Baudette that is used for off-loading and distribution of  propane into northern MN & ND as well as southern Ontario and requested County Boards support.  The board will send letters of support to the appropriate people for their help in this matter.

land and water planning

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board and informed them that the Drainage Committee will meet on July 24 at 6:30 p.m.; Wetland appeal is on hold while the Administrative Judge reviews and around August 12 or 13 the hearing will be held on decision of appeal; followed up on the MN Commerce Letter in regards to appointing someone to the task force for the Great Northern Transmission line, Josh confirmed that the county will receive a review letter.

Conditional Use Permits

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board to discuss Emergency Conditional Use Permits and the concerns on how to expedite these permits when emergency situations such as flooding occur. The board requested that he look into this further.

RIP RAP

The board discussed the Rip Rap that private citizens are purchasing to protect their property with the flooding conditions and if they would get reimbursed for their expenses. Public Works Director Tim Erickson stated to document everything that is done on public right-a-way.

ANI ACQUISITION COMPANY

County Assessor, Mary Jo Otten met with the board to present a resolution approving the settlement agreement with ANI Acquisition Company on the assessed values of parcels of land within Lake of the Woods County.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 14-07-02

ANI ACQUISITION SETTLEMENT

WHEREAS, it is the duty of County officials to collect taxes that have been duly assessed against real and personal property; and

WHEREAS, the Board has been involved in a controversy with the ANIP Acquisition Company regarding assessed values of six separate parcels for the purposes of setting property taxes in 2012, 2013 and 2014; and

WHEREAS, the some of disputed parcels were sold by foreign corporation, Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc., to ANIP Acquisition Company, and provided a prime opportunity to benefit ANIP as well as the Lake of the Woods community and the city of Baudette; and

WHEREAS, the unique characteristics and remote location of the parcels, without  similarly  situated  commercial  properties  previously  sold  within  their vicinity making it difficult appropriately evaluate market trends; and

WHEREAS, both ANIP and Lake of the Woods County conducted independent appraisals, and the higher of the two provided values below the previously assessed values; and

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Board has the power to settle by compromise for less than the full amount of the claim for all claims in favor of the County on which no payment has been made or recovered; and

WHEREAS, the parties have agreed to accept the highest values identified in the appraisals as the agreed upon value for property tax purposes; and

WHEREAS, after weighing the prospective evidence and understanding the expense and risks of litigation, the Lake of the Woods County Board wishes to enter into a settlement agreement to resolve this matter:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Lake of the Woods County Board as follows:

  1. The Lake of the Woods County Board hereby approves the settlement agreement which is attached to this resolution.
  2. The Lake of the Woods County Board Chair, County Attorney, and other elected officials and employees of the County, are authorized to take such actions as may be necessary to fully perform this agreement.

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

Social Services

Claims

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

Motion

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

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants          $   16,068.14

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants          $     8,850.75

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

PUBLIC WORKS

Final Payment

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson, met with the board requesting approval for final payment for Lian Construction.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to accept the Public Works Director’s Certificate of Final Contract Acceptance for S.A.P 039-604-007 and S.A.P. 039-598-065, Box Culverts installations, for Lian Construction in the amount of $10,082.60. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Solid Waste

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board to review Solid Waste Department equipment and projects.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to authorize Public Works Director, Tim Erickson to trade in the Scarab Compost Turner in the amount of $10,000. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to authorize Public Works Director, Tim Erickson to put up for sealed bids the following equipment: Dorsy Dry Van Semi Trailer, 1989 Ford and 1986 Ford. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Solid Waste Projects

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the following projects for the Solid Waste Department:

  • Move water pressure tank approximate cost of $1,000
  • Placement of new 500 gallon fuel tank on site 
  • Exhaust fan needs to be rebuilt with a cost of $400 for parts; Electrical cost around $4,000 for the three projects
  • DC70 Dozer repair, cost around $13,000
  • Power unit for packer at the Angle needs replacing with associated cost of $6,000.

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

Mandatory Recycling Items

Solid Waste Update- handout on Mandatory Recycling items.

SAND BAG MACHINE

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board and informed the board that he looked into sandbag machines and it would cost $18,000 to purchase.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize Public Works Director, Tim Erickson to purchase a sand bag machine in the amount of $18,000 from the unallocated account. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

TOWARD ZERO DEATH PRESENTATION

Captain Hanson, District II Engineer Lou Tasa, NW TZD Coordinator, Holly Kostrzewski and Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board and updated them on the progress of the Towards Zero Death Initiative.  

HUMAN RESOURCES

Commissioner Arnesen informed the board that the Personnel Committee did meet and recommends that Human Resource Directors job description to be graded at 12.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to set Human Resources Director Job description at grade 12 as recommend by the Personal Committee. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

 CORRESPONDENCE:

  • Hoffman, Dale, & Swenson
  • UM Extension- Flood Brochure
  • MN DNR- update on NWA Airport Lease with State

With no further business before the board, Chair Beckel called the meeting to recess at 12:26 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                     Approved: July 22, 2014

________________________                                                _________________________________

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

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

Commissioner Proceedings

July 14, 2015

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 14, 2015, in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.

Call to Order

Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners Ed Arnesen, Buck Nordlof, Ken Moorman, Patty Beckel and Tom Hanson.  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 Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Lost warrant, Paul Bunyan Transit Update, and Hoffman, Philipp & Knutson PLLC letter.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the consent agenda as follows: Christine Hultman to Breezy Point on June 24-26 for AMSSA Conference.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of June 23, 2015.

auditor/treasurer

Claims

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

Motion

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

                                           Revenue                      $  42,334.31                             

                                                Road & Bridge            $108,554.86

                                                County Devel              $    2,050.60       

Natl Resc.Enhanc        $       224.90       
Solid Waste                 $  27,816.89        

                                                EDA                             $     3,54.56

                                                Sale/Forf Lands           $        91.98      

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

                                                June 23, 2015              $  21,165.40

                                                July 1,   2015               $408,810.02

                                                July 8,   2015               $  77,626.62

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/14/2015 for Payment 7/17/2015

Vendor Name                                     Amount

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                                                         11,709.12

Computer Professionals Unlimited Inc                                          9,519.00

Contech Engineered Solutions LLC                            40,271.30

Crop Production Services                                             18,652.21

Fort Distributors Ltd                                                       23,026.50

Howard’s Oil Company                                                   2,581.91

LOW Highway Dept                                                         5,021.25

Mar-Kit Landfill                                                               14,421.15

Mn Counties Information System                                   2,561.25

Northwest Community Action, Inc                                  3,460.00

R & Q Trucking, Inc                                                         3,710.20

Rinke-Noonan                                                                  2,264.90

University Of Mn                                                              9,395.85

Voyageurs Comtronics, Inc                                                            2,640.00

Woody’s Service                                                              6,243.96

69 Payments less than  2000                                     29,099.50                                                                        Final Total:                                                     $ 184,578.10

Deputy Auditor/Driver’s License Clerk-Election

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson and Human Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board requesting authorization to hire and to approve grade and step for the Deputy Auditor/Driver’s License Clerk-Election.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the hiring for the Deputy Auditor/Driver’s License Clerk-Election at grade 10 step 1, $17.34 per hour, points 247.

Fiscal Officer

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting authorization to hire and to approve to approve grade and step for the Fiscal Officer. They explained that they would like to have a range, possibility of candidates experience up to step 3.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the hiring for Fiscal Officer at grade 12, up to step 3- points 276.

Lost Warrant

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requoting approval for a lost warrant for Ginger Cargile, dated December 19, 2014 for $14.84.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the lost warrant for Ginger Cargile, dated December 19, 2014 for $14.80, without furnishing of an indemnifying bond.

2014 Audit -Letter Hoffman, Philipp & Knutson PLLC

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and informed the board that they received the engagement letter from Hoffman, Philipp, & Knutson, PLLC informing them that they will be auditing the financial statements of the governmental activities, major funds and the aggregate remaining fund information for the county.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Human Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board requesting authorization to have a DocuShred Container and a mountable mail box for her department.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to authorize Human Resource Director to order a DocuShred container and a mountable mail box for the Human Resources department.

Social Services

Claims

Social Services Director, Amy Ballard and Fiscal Officer, Christine Hultman met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the following claims against the county.

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants          $ 26,268.01

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants          $   5,672.04

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants          $ 32,285.86

Update on Hiring

Social Services Director, Amy Ballard met with the board on the hiring process for the Case Aide position and that just closed; informed the board that in the 2015 Legislative session they mandated and allocated $60,000 per year to hire Child Protection Officer.

PAUL BUNYAN TRANSIT

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard informed the board that she attended the Paul Bunyan Transit meeting which was held on June 24 and stated that the counties are disappointed with the services that they are receiving and that they will be getting together to discuss these issues; service area radius is four (4) miles around Brink Center as defined by Paul Bunyan Transit.

NORTHERN DENTALACCESS CENTER

Northern Dental Access Center Warren Larson, founding member met with the board to seek support for the Northern Dental Access Center for creating a dental home for under service resident of Northern Minnesota. He informed the board that they want to request State Bonding funding to support the construction of a new and larger dental clinic and is requesting a resolution of support.

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously:

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners Resolution of Support

Northern Dental Access Center

RESOLUTION NO. 15-07-01

Resolution to support the expansion of Northern Dental Access Center to serve people in need, who live in and around Lake of the Woods County, with dental care

WHEREAS; lack of access to dental care is a common challenge among people experiencing poverty and other life challenges; and

WHEREAS; the lack of adequate dental care negatively affects the health of individuals and the overall health of the County; and

WHEREAS; lack of access to dental care contributes to challenges in worker productivity, childhood learning, and social success among vulnerable and at risk people; and 

WHEREAS; even though many dentists within the region work to meet the need for dental care by all residents, the growing demand among low income and at-risk people, along with reduced Medicaid payments, there remains a significant gap in dental care access in the region; and

WHEREAS; Northern Dental Access Center has successfully served more than 13,000 people in its first six years of operation, with dental care and the patient support services necessary to address barriers to care; and 

WHEREAS; growing demographic projections indicate that the number of low income people who live in and around Lake of the Woods County will number more than 70,000 in the year 2020; and

WHEREAS; the current Northern Dental Access Center facility is housed in a leased facility that has been expanded multiple times with no more capacity to grow in order to adequately meet the growing demand for care.  Parking challenges, ADA compliance issues, high energy costs, lack of adequate administrative and storage space, and lack of patient privacy—all contribute to the growing need for a new facility; and

WHEREAS; a new clinic with updated features and room for expansion will provide for greater number of patients served, higher efficiency in the use of public funds, allow for multiple community partnerships to better serve low income families with dental care and access to other resources to improve their overall health.

NOW, BE IT RESOLVED; that the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners supports development of a new facility to house Northern Dental Access Center and its community partners to assure the organization’s long term sustainability and for the purposes of serving greater numbers of low income people in the region with dental care and support services to address barriers to care.

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED; that the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners encourages adjacent units of government to resolve similar support of Northern Dental Access Center’s.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 9:50 a.m. and reconvened at 9:59 a.m. as follows:

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Commissioner Nordlof- informed the board on the North Land Use meeting

Commissioner Moorman- informed the board on the Montana Institutes training for Prevention Coalition.

OLD/NEW

Beaver- More trappers on the list

Clementson Property- now transferred to county, near future get parks committee together

NWA- Tribal meeting on July 29

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 10:30 a.m. and reconvened at 11:00 a.m. as follows:

MEDICAL EXAMNIER

Dr. Maryann Sens, Medical Examiner met with the board to give an update on new Legislative changes on Autopsy requirements, which give families religious objectives to autopsy the right to say no, except for traffic fatalities and drug overdoses.

PUBLIC WORKS

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board and informed the board that MPC approved the Solid Waste Plan and now he can move on with the SCORE report and other requirements.

City of Williams –School

The board discussed the Old Williams School and the water flow. Tim informed the board that he has not had time to look at this so far.

Markit Landfill

Manager Dale Nelson, from Markit Landfill met with the board to review the new contract for Solid Waste disposal and informed the board that the contract from 1995 will be expiring and the cost per ton has only increased from $45 a ton, to $50 per ton. The contract was placed on July 28, 2015 board agenda for approval.

County Road 17

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board and informed them that the County Road 17 construction project is moving along.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to recess at 11:45 a.m.

Attest:                                                                                     Approved: July 28, 2015

_______________________                                                  _________________________________

Lorene Hanson,                                                                       Chairman of the Board, Edward ArnesenCounty Auditor/Treasurer      

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

Commissioner Proceedings

July 22, 2014

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 22, 2014, in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.

Call to Order

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

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the agenda with the following additions: PERA resolution, MN Counties newsletter, Jerry Strandberg letter, Emergency Communications Board and Co. Rd 1 and meeting with Bob Lessard. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.  

Approval of Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to approve the consent agenda as follows:  Travel for Dessa to Duluth for Community Mental Health Conference on September 17-19 and Ed Arnesen on July 14, meeting with Bob Lessard.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Approval of Minutes

July 8, 2014 Minutes

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the minutes of June 8, 2014 regular meeting.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Auditor/Treasurer

Claims

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

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

                                           Revenue                              $      87,927.32          

                                                Road & Bridge                     $    333,140.89

                                                Co. Develp                           $            900.00   

                                                Solid Waste                          $       25,166.66

                                                EDA                                     $         4,711.52

                                              451,846.39         

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/22/2014 For Payment 7/25/2014

Vendor Name                                                              Amount

Andy’s Garage, Inc.                                                            2,726.60

Arrowhead Library System                                               33,118.02

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                                              6,334.36

Cole/Kelly C                                                                       2,945.00

Earthworks Contracting Inc                                              5,890.00

Envirotech Services Inc                                                 105,305.43

Ferrier Logging, Inc                                                           9,832.50

Fish/Kevin                                                                         10,948.75

Hasbargen Logging Inc                                                   11,708.75

Hoffman, Dale, & Swenson, Pllc                                        8,342.00

Howard’s Oil Company                                                      2,530.70

Keeprs, Inc –                                                                        2,673.97

LOW Highway Dept                                                            5,013.75

Mar-Kit Landfill                                                                  13,286.25

Miovac/Tim                                                                          6,032.50

Mn Counties Information System                                      4,215.00

Norman Johnson Trucking, Inc.                                     6,032.50

Northwest Community Action, Inc                                    3,006.50

R & Q Trucking, Inc                                                           3,303.15

Sandbagger                                                                      17,718.73

Strata Corp, Inc                                                               153,052.00

Voyageurs Comtronics, Inc                                               3,542.24

Woody’s Service                                                                5,213.10

Zuercher Technologies, LLC                                            2,190.00

67 Payments less than 2000   26,884.59

Final Total:   451,846.39

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

July 10, 2014                   $   120,051.12

July,10  2014                   $     96,588.31

July 15, 2014                   $     97,029.96

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

PERA- Resolution

County Auditor/Treasurer, Mark Hall and Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval for Part Time Deputy Sheriff, Todd Perala that meets the Police and Fire PERA membership requirements.

Motion

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

County Board PERA Resolution

Resolution   2014-07-03

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 declares that the position titled Part Time Deputy Sheriff, currently held by Todd Perala 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 motion was seconded by Commissioner Ken Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

NWA AIRPORT

Chair Beckel discussed the county’s consideration of the development of a general aviation airport at the Northwest Angle. SEH Inc. has completed two feasibility reports related to this initiative and determined the most practical location for a potential airport on land currently owned by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). In order to develop more detailed cost estimates associated with a potential airport at the Northwest Angle, additional information is needed related for the geotechnical properties of the soil, topographical survey information, and wetland areas and that the county board is requesting a temporary easement from the DNR to access the site and obtain additional information. Benita Crow from SEH is requesting an update on the status of the County’s position on their contract proposal with regard to soil borings and preliminary engineering, and would be happy to pull together the information the DNR needs in advance of a contract, and is requesting some type of direction from the board itself. The consensus of the board was to have SEH to move forward with the work elements for each of the three tasks- geotechnical boring, topographic survey and wetland delineations.

WILLIE WALLEYE PARK

Chair Beckel informed the board that a Commissioner needs to be appointed to the Willie Walleye Park committee.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to appoint Commissioner Beckel to the Willie Walleye committee and Commissioner Hanson as the alternate. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

WHEELERS POINT SEWER DISTRICT and AIRPORT UPDATE

Chair Beckel gave an update on  grant funding from Rural Development that has accepted the application for Wheelers Point Sewer District; the possible grant dollars of $6.8 million to put towards this project; Chair Beckel also informed the board that the Airport Commission would like to add an additional hanger, but to receive any funding according to the FAA regulations you are required to do a master plan, which would cost up to $230,000, which is paid for by the Federal Capital Improvement dollars from the FAA.

Social Services

Claims

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

Motion

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

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants          $   10,428.84                        Commissioners’ Warrants          $    26,710.76

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

ASSESSOR

County Assessor, Mary Jo Otten met with the board requesting Part Time help with the reassessment at the NWA which would start August thru September for approximately three (3) weeks.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to authorize County Assessor, Mary Jo Otten to hire Jason Goulet as part time help with the reassessment at the NWA at an hour rate of $17.79 per hour and place him on the PERA Coordinated Plan. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

GOVERNEMNT CENTER RENOVATION PROJECT

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson and MIS Director, Peder Hovland met with the board to discuss the consideration of a small renovation project in the MIS/ GIS Computer Room area which includes removing a portion of the wall in the Auditor’s Office to open the space up to the adjacent MIS/GIS area. The computer room will be expanded into the work bench area leaving space for a corridor and the new computer room will have a new door and windows. According to Widseth Smith Nolting, they do not think it is necessary to hire an architect, mechanical or electrical engineer for this project. Their recommendation was to request quotes from two or three experienced contractors for this project.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize Public Works Director, Tim Erickson and MIS/GIS Director, Peder Hovland to request quotes for General Contractor for the renovation project in the MIS/GIS Computer Room area. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 9:53 a.m. and reconvened at 10:01 a.m. as follows:

SANDY SHORES RESIDENTS

Clayton & Jackie Moen and Clayton & Barbara Carlson met with the board to discuss the Sandy Shores Road and the issues and damages that occurred this spring to their properties. Public Works Director, Tim Erickson presented a map for the department’s plan for a temporary fix for the water issues, at this time it would be to ditch and direct the runoff away from the homes and go south and east to the lake for better drainage and run off with a 2% grade.  Clayton Carlson gave an overview of the history of overland flooding in the area.  Jackie Moen stated that the plan on the ditch is not going to resolve the issue of flooding. Public Works Director informed her that this is only a temporary fix at this time,  and that the aggressive plan is still work in progress; that this is a major project; the estimated cost of this project for ½  mile is $300,000 and it may be possible to have this done at the end of 2016.

PUBLIC WORKS

Advertise for Bids

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson, met with the board requesting approval to advertise for bids for construction of S.P. 039-617-008, S.P. 068-617-006, S.P. 039-070-005 and S.P. 068-617-007, Grading, Bituminous Surfacing, rumble Stripes; Aggregate Shoulder; Bituminous Shoulder & Box Culvert Installation. Bid opening for the above will be on August 25, 2014 at 2:00 p.m.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize Public Works Director, Tim Erickson to advertise for bids for construction of S.P. 039-617-008, S.P. 068-617-006, S.P. 039-070-005 and S.P. 068-617-007, Grading, Bituminous Surfacing, rumble Stripes; Aggregate Shoulder; Bituminous Shoulder & Box Culvert Installation. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

HWY # 72

Tom Dinndorf , Rotary member met with the board to discuss the possibility of re-routing Hwy 72 to go down main street, past the depot  and then to the border and was asking for the Commissioners support. The board requested that Tom meet with the City of Baudette council members; and have the City come to the county for their help and or ideas.

County Road 1

The board discussed the dips on County Road 1 and was wondering what the plan is to fix the dips on the road. Tim has been looking at options to fix the dips.

SHERIFF

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board and informed the board that he met with Hospital President, Jason Breuer about Coroner Services and he would be willing to have a Doctor be the County’s Coroner; requested approval for a resolution for Regional Radio Communications Board and  approval for the 2013 Stonegarden grant.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the 2013 Stonegarden Grant, Grant Number A-OSGP-2013-:OTW-CO-00005 in the amount of $100,338.00 effective July 1, 2014 thru August 31, 2015 and authorize Chair Beckel and County Sheriff, Gary Fish to sign. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

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

Joint Powers Agreement; February 12, 2014 Amendments

Northwest Minnesota

Regional Emergency Communications Board

Resolution No. 14-07-04

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County is a participating member in the Northwest Minnesota Regional Radio Board formed pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 471.59 and 403.39, and

WHEREAS, this Joint Powers Agreement amendment creates the Northwest Minnesota Regional Emergency Communications Board pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 403.392, and

WHEREAS, these amendments were approved by the Board on February 12, 2014 to facilitate the incorporation of NG911 technology, public safety wireless broadband technologies, and other emerging public safety communication technologies.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners approves the modifications to the Joint Powers Agreement recommended by the Northwest Regional Radio Board and attached hereto; and be it further

RESOLVED the Board Chair is hereby authorized to execute the Joint Powers Agreement.

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

Let’s Go Fishing

Arvid Jaranson, Bill Mouw and Tom Mio met with Lake of the Woods County Commissioners to discuss some problems that the Senior Boating program has been facing with Let’s Go Fishing of Minnesota. Arvid informed the board that in March they received an e-mail from the Let’s Go Fishing, of Minnesota’s attorney that stated the LGF will have at least part ownership and control of all assets of bank accounts, investments, pontoon, motor and trailer and from that point, Lake of the Woods Chapter determined that they would not be a member of the Let’s Go Fishing of Minnesota on May 7, and submitted resignation from the organization.  On April 11,  Let’s Go Fishing of Minnesota  froze their bank account, stating to please understand that the home office is not taking any assets, but rather freezing them a the bank so they are not used by anyone for any improper purposes. The members requested support from the Lake of the Woods County Commissioners to help get their local funds back. The board supported their request and will send a letter out to help get their account un-froze.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Land and Water Planning Director Josh Stromlund met with the board and informed them that there is a Wetland meeting on July 23, 2014 in St. Paul and that he was just informed about the meeting.

Zone Change

Josh presented a an application for Zone Change Request- Danny Basher, owner; AI Thompson, applicant to Amend the Zoning Ordinance, for a zone change from a Natural Environment District to a Commercial-Recreation District for the purpose of expanding the storage building business and informed the board that the Planning Commission reviewed the application and recommends for approval.

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the following:

Lake of the Woods County Planning Commission

Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant:  Danny Basher – Owner (Al Thompson – Applicant)    Date:  July 22, 2014

Location/Legal Description:  The N 214’ of the S 874’ of the E 495’ of the SE ¼ SE ¼ of Section 26, T-162N,   R-32W (Wheeler) Parcel 19.26.44.010

Project Proposal:  Amend the Zoning Ordinance, for a zone change from a Natural Environment District to a Commercial- Recreation District for the purpose of expanding the storage building business.

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

Why or why not?  Fits into County Plan for residential and commercial use.

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

YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Within expansion corridor on TH 172 and adjacent to commercial property.

3. Is the project proposal consistent with the goal of preventing and controlling water pollution, including sedimentation and nutrient loading?                                                  YES (  ) NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

4. Will the project proposal not adversely affect the site’s existing topography, drainage features, and vegetative cover?                                                                                YES X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Consistent with current storage buildings.

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

Why or why not?  Not in floodplain.

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

                                                                                                                        YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Consistent.

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

Why or why not?  County Road #70 and TH 172.

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

Why or why not?  Adjacent storage buildings.

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

                                                                                                                        YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

                                                                                                                             YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

15. Will there be fencing and/or other screening provided to buffer the project proposal from adjacent properties?                                                                                                      YES (  )  NO (X)  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Existing adjacent building were not required.           

16. If signage is associated with the project proposal, has the applicant demonstrated the need for the number and size requested, and minimized the visual appearance as viewed from adjacent properties to the extent possible?                                                                                   YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

17. If the project proposal will generate additional traffic to or from the site, has the applicant adequately demonstrated how the additional traffic and parking is to be addressed?

                                                                                                           YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Access of County Road #70.

The specific conditions of approval are as follows:  __________________________________

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioner’s herby affirms this request be:

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

                                                                                    _____________________________________

                                                                                                            Patricia Beckel

                                                                                                        Chair, County Board

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

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

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund reviewed Zoning Ordinance Amendments of the following: Zoning Ordinance Amendment Definitions to address Residential District (R1) and Rural Residential District (R2), Zoning District Tables, Residential District (Rl), Rural Residential District (R2),Article X – General Provisions for Subdivisions and PUD’s, Article XI- Procedures for Approval of Subdivisions and PUD’s -Article XII – Enforcement and Penalties. Josh informed the board that the Planning Commissions recommends approval.

Amendments to Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the following:

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners

Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant:  Lake of the Woods County                                          Date:  July 22, 2014

Location/Legal Description:  All unincorporated land in Lake of the Woods County including the shorelands of classified public water bodies.

Project Proposal:  Amendments to Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance

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

Why or why not? The Lake of the Woods County land use planning process has been designated to provide overall long term guidance to the county in its land use decision-making process through the development of land use goals and policies. The following are the applicable goals that this Ordinance will achieve:

  1. Enhance the economic opportunities available for individuals and businesses in the county in ways that are compatible with long term environmental quality.
  2. Maintain the tax base of the county so quality services can be provided.
  3. Maintain and, where, necessary, improve water quality.

The following are the applicable policies that this Ordinance will achieve:

  1.  Maintain the county government’s economic health through the maintenance of its tax base, and the promotion of compatible economic activity.
  2. Undertake and/or support activities to protect environmentally sensitive areas with the county.
  3. Continue to effectively enforce existing ordinances; reassess the effectiveness of the county’s regulatory tools on an ongoing basis.
  4. As a first response to new land use management issues, emphasize educational and technical assistance activities over new regulations when possible.
  5. Continue to develop county capability to manage its land use issues through the updating of technology, training of staff, and acquisition of priority land use-related information.
  6. Encourage 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 Lake of the Woods County Board is clear about the type of values important to the county as it develops an approach to managing its land base. While those values include a respect for the environment and a desire to maintain the environmental quality that now exists, they also include a desire for local control over the issues that affect the county’s land, and individual choice when it comes to issues of work and leisure. The following is a summary of the applicable values important to Lake of the Woods County:

  1. Individual Choice:  In the types of work and leisure to pursue, and in where to live and in the lifestyle to pursue.
  2. Local Influence:  Over policy that affects the lives of county citizens.
  3. Conservation:  Of the resources in the county. Those resources would be used in a way that they remain healthy for future generations.
  4. Balance:  Between individual rights and the public’s welfare and between competing economic development and environmental protection objectives.

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

YES (X) NO (  ) N/A (  )

Why or why not? Establishment of required setbacks, impervious surface limitations, wetland restrictions, subdivision requirements and water quality improvements will maintain the public health, safety, and welfare.

3. Is the project proposal consistent with the goal of preventing and controlling water pollution, including sedimentation and nutrient loading?                                                  YES (X) NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? Adequate provisions are included to prevent and control water pollution, including sedimentation and nutrient loading.

4. Will the project proposal not adversely affect the site’s existing topography, drainage features, and vegetative cover?                                                                                                  YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (   )

Why or why not? Adequate provisions are included for altering a site’s topography, drainage features, and vegetative cover.

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

Why or why not? Adequate provisions are included to address floodplain and/or floodway issues.

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

                                                                                                                          YES (X) NO (  ) N/A (  )

Why or why not? Adequate provisions are included to prevent and control erosion.

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

Why or why not? Adequate provisions are included regarding minimum setbacks from roads.

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

Why or why not? Adequate provisions are included that address what is allowed, not allowed, or require the issuance of a conditional use permit.

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

                                                                                                                          YES (X) NO (  ) N/A (  )

Why or why not? Adequate provisions are included that address shoreland areas of the county.

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

Why or why not? Adequate provisions are included that address septic system setbacks and the Lake of the Woods Subsurface Sewage Treatment System Ordinance is incorporated by reference.

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

Why or why not? Adequate provisions are included that address visibility of structure as viewed from public waters.

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

                                                                                                                          YES (X) NO (  ) N/A (  )

Why or why not? Adequate provisions are included that address site suitability for development purposes.

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

Why or why not? Adequate provisions are included that address watercraft accesses and Lake of the Woods is approximately 300,000 acres in size.

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

Why or why not? Adequate provisions are included that address above ground and below ground storage tanks through the conditional use permit or variance process.

15. Will there be fencing and/or other screening provided to buffer the project proposal from adjacent properties?                                                                                                 YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? Adequate provisions are included that address fencing and/or other screening to provide a buffer through the conditional use permit or variance process.

16. If signage is associated with the project proposal, has the applicant demonstrated the need for the number and size requested, and minimized the visual appearance as viewed from adjacent properties to the extent possible?                                                                              YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? Adequate provisions are included that address signage.

17. If the project proposal will generate additional traffic to or from the site, has the applicant adequately demonstrated how the additional traffic and parking is to be addressed?

                                                                                                       YES (  )  NO (  ) N/A (X)

Why or why not? Adequate provisions are included that address traffic and parking concerns through the conditional use permit or variance process.

The specific conditions of approval are as follows:  __________________________________

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioner’s hereby confirms this request be:

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

                                                                                    _____________________________________

                                                                                                            Patricia Beckel

                                                                                                        Chair, County Board

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

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

Permit Fees

Land and Water Planning Director requested approval for his Permit Fees.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the following Land and Water Permit Fee Schedule as follows:

TYPE OF PERMIT:CURRENT FEE
Land Use Permit: 
          Combined Permit (Includes house and sewage system)-    Dwellings unit at or under 2,000 square feet footprint including attached garage-    Dwellings unit over 2,000 square feet footprint including attached garage  This is for undeveloped lots only or complete redevelopment of a lot  $150.00$250.00
          Dwelling Unit with or without attached garage-    At or under 2,000 square feet footprint-    Over 2,000 square feet footprint          Commercial building $100.00$200.00$125.00
          Garage, storage sheds, or separate structure over 12’ x 20’ $75.00
          Storage sheds, or structures smaller than 12’ x 20’ (No pre-site) $50.00
          Legal addition(s) on a single structure $75.00
          Deck (over 3 feet above the natural ground) $50.00
Sewage Treatment Permit: 
          Residential sewage system per dwelling unit (new or alteration)$100.00
          Drain field Extension $50.00
          Commercial design with flow over 1,000 gallons per day$150.00
Subdivisions: 
          Platting/Subdivision Application (Non-refundable) – base fee                – plus $50.00/Lot – payable at submission of Final platCounty Surveyor’s Final Plat Check – base fee-  plus $20.00/Lot with minimum fee of $500.00Administrative Subdivision Application (Non-refundable)Minor Subdivision Application (Non-refundable) – base fee-  Plus $50.00/LotCounty Surveyor’s Review – base fee-  plus $10.00/Lot with minimum fee of $200.00$400.00 $400.00 $200.00$200.00 $150.00
Special Use Request Permits: 
          Conditional Use Application (Non-refundable) – plus $46.00 Recording Fee$200.00
          Variance Application (Non-refundable)- plus $46.00 Recording Fee$200.00
          Zoning Amendment Application (Non-refundable)- plus $46.00 Recording Fee$200.00
          Wetland Appeal Application Fee$500.00

AFTER-THE-FACT LAND USE PERMIT – Five (5) times the permit fee or $10.00/square foot of the structure footprint, whichever is greater.

AFTER-THE-FACT VARIANCE OR CONDITIONAL USE REQUEST – Five times normal fee.

Issuing of permits initiates a review of your septic system. Nonconforming systems are required to be upgraded.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: IT IS THE PROPERTY OWNERS RESPONSIBILITY TO OBTAIN ALL NECESSARY PERMITS PRIOR TO ANY WORK BEING DONE.

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

The meeting was called to recess at 12:50 p.m. and reconvened at 1:00 p.m. as follows:

HOFFMAN, DALE AND SWENSON, PLLC

Colleen Hoffman, Manager of Hoffman, Dale & Swenson, PPLC met with the board and reviewed the 2013 Year End Audit.  Colleen commented that the Public Works Department worked on the close-out and release of state funding for the 2002 flood disaster project in the amount of $609,876.00.   The Road and Bridge Special Fund balance increased and is primarily the result of the close-out.  Chair Beckel thanked all the were involved in the preparation of preparing the year end audit.

CORRESPONDENCE:

  • Mr. Strandberg Letter- Chair Beckel will contact him
  • MN Counties News Letter

With no further business before the board, Chair Beckel called the meeting to recess at 12:26 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                     Approved: August 5, 2014

________________________                                                _________________________________

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

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

Commissioner Proceedings

July 31, 2014

Emergency Meeting

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in emergency session on Thursday, July 31, 2014, in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.

Call to Order

Chair Beckel called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners, Buck Nordlof, Ken Moorman, Ed Arnesen, Patty Beckel and Tom Hanson.  Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer, Mark Hall, and Deputy Auditor, Janet Rudd.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

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

EMERGENCY WATERSHED PROTECTION PLAN

Natural Resources Conservation Service Engineer (NRCS), Dave Jones,  NRCS District Conservationist, Kelly Voigt, Emergency Management Director, Christina Husbands, Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board to discuss Emergency Watershed Protection Plan

Kelly and Dave informed the board that the purpose of the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) was established by Congress to respond to emergencies created by natural disasters.   The EWP Program is designed to help people and conserve natural resources by relieving imminent hazards to life and property caused by floods, fires, drought, windstorms, and other natural occurrences. Public and private landowners are eligible for assistance, but must be represented by a project sponsor that must be a legal subdivision of the State, such as a city, county, township or conservation district, and Native American Tribes or Tribal governments. NRCS may pay up to 75 percent of the construction cost of emergency measures. The remaining 25 percent must come from local sources and can be in the form of cash or in-kind services

Dave Jones explained that once the application is approved and the money received then the work can start and only have twenty (20) days to complete all projects.

Kelly informed the board that they have already received sixty-three-(63) individual damage reports due to the flooding.

Emergency Management Director, Christina Husbands requested that the County Board of Commissioners send a letter to the USDA requesting assistance under the Emergency Watershed Protection Program and pass a resolution declaring Lake of the Woods in a State of Emergency

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to authorize Chair Beckel to sign the letter to USDA requesting assistance under the Watershed Protection Program. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

RESOLUTION

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

LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY DECLARING

A STATE OF EMERGENCY

                                                            Resolution No. 14-06-02

WHEREAS; the flood impacted the population of Lake of the Woods County and its cities; and

WHEREAS; the flood event has caused a significant amount of public property damage; and

WHEREAS; the Lake of the Woods County Department of Emergency Management requests the Lake of the Wood County Board of Commissioners to declare Lake of the Woods County in a STATE OF EMERGENCY for the flood event of 2014;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners declares Lake of the Woods County in a State of Emergency for conditions leading up to and resulting in the flooding that has occurred and continues to impact the county, this resolution will expire thirty (30) days from the adoption of this resolution

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

With no further business before the board, Chair Beckel called the meeting to recess at 9:47 a.m.

Attest:                                                                                     Approved: August 26, 2014

________________________                                                _________________________________

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

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

July, 2013

Commissioner Proceedings

July 9, 2013

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 9, 2013 in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.

Call to Order

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

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the agenda with the following additions: Birch Beach/Sandy Shores, Human Resource Vacant Office, DOT Increased Surveillance at port of entry and Perspective Easement Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to approve the minutes of June 18, NWA meeting, June 18, regular meeting, June 19, Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting and June 25 regular meeting with changes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Social Services

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

Motion

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

Commissioner Warrants      $  5,344.08

                                                            Commissioner Warrants      $10,301.52

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

Human Resources Vacant Office

Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler met the board to discuss the Human Resources Vacant Office and the need for office space for the Child Support Officer. The board referred this request to the Building Committee.

County Auditor

Claims

Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board for approval of claims:

Motion

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

Revenue                      $ 34,249.30   

Road and Bridge        $357,725.08

Co. Devlp.                   $    1,966.13

Solid Waste                 $  26,420.13

EDA                            $       493.48

                                    $420,854.12

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/09/2013 For Payment 7/12/2013

Vendor Name                                           Amount

Burg Electronic Recovery                     7,980.00

Farmers Union Oil Co.                         5,304.28

Fort Distributors Ltd                             24,749.55

Hancock/Lee                                         2,050.00

Howard’s Oil Company                        6,341.83

LOW Highway Dep                               5,173.75

Mar-Kit Landfill                                     10,782.45

Mn Dept Of Natural Resources            8,282.81

Strata Corp, Inc                                    13,261.61

Titan Machinery – Roseau                     5,878.13

University Of Mn                                   8,193.75

Voyageurs Comtronics, Inc                 4,102.99

Widseth Smith Nolting&Asst Inc          2,682.80

Woody’s Service                                    5,930.14

Ziegler, Inc                                         286,208.04

66 Payments less than 2000   23,931.99

Final Total: 420,854.12

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

                                                June 25, 2013              $     29,873.18

                                                June 27, 2013              $       3,433.18

                                                July 3,   2013               $     90,110.46

                                                July 3, 2013                 $          565.15

                                                July 3, 2013                 $     12,585.42

                                                July 3, 2013                 $     11,617.97

                                                July 5, 2013                 $   (11,617.97)

                                                                                    $   136,567.39

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

DAVID FADNESS

Chairman Hanson informed David that he would be allowed to speak to the board in regards to his issue with his septic system failure, but no action would be taken. David explained his situation to the board.

PUBLIC WORKS

Maintenance Supervisor

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board to inform them that Maintenance Supervisor, Matt Mickelson is resigning effective September 30, 2013.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to accept the letter of resignation from Maintenance Supervisor, Matt Mickelson effective September 30, 2013. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously

Advertise for Program Solid Waste Manager

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting authorization to advertise and interview for Solid Waste Program Manager.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize Public Works Director, Tim Erickson and Human Resource Director, Philip Miller to advertise and interview for Solid Waste Program Manager following the union contract. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Bridge Bonding

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting approval to accept grant terms and conditions from the Commissioner of Transportation for a grant from the Minnesota State Transportation Fund for construction of a bridge.

Resolution

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

For Agreement to State Transportation Fund (Bridge Bonds)

Grant Terms and Conditions

Resolution No. 13-07-01

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County has applied to the Commissioner of Transportation for a grant from the Minnesota State Transportation Fund for construction of Bridge No.39J35; and

WHEREAS, the Commissioner of Transportation has given notice that funding for this bridge is available; and

WHEREAS, the amount of the grant has been determined to be $45,000.00 by reason of the lowest responsible bid;

NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved that Lake of the Woods County does hereby agree to the terms and conditions of the grant consistent with Minnesota Statutes, section 174.50, subdivision 5, clause (3), and will pay any additional amount by which the cost exceeds the estimate, and will return to the Minnesota State Transportation Fund any amount appropriated for the bridge but not required.

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Commissioner Arnesen discussed a concern from a constituent about the increase of surveillance at the port of entry at the NWA with the Department of Transportation. Public Works Director, Tim Erickson said that he would look into the matter, but new that there are new regulations that have or may have come into effect from the Federal Government on truck regulations.

Terry Waible-Ditch and Beaver Issues

Commissioner Beckel informed the board that Terry was not able to make the meeting and he had concerns with drainage and beaver issues that are accruing around his property. The board discussed the draining issue. The board requested the Lee Hancock get permission from the land owner to look over the dam and access the situation. Public Works Director, Tim Ericson recommended that they follow the Beaver Policy.

Cartway Petition

County Attorney, Philip Miller and Attorney Nora Crompton met with the board to discuss the cartway petition from David and Mary Schrant that are landlocked and are petitioning Lake of the Woods County to establish a cartwaty pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 164.08, subd. 2. County Attorney, Philip Miller reviewed the necessary steps to be completed before a public hearing can be held. Attorney Nora Crompton waived the 30 day requirement for the hearing to be held on a different date. The board original set the cartway hearing for July 23. County Attorney, Philip Miller informed the board that he along with Public Works Director, Tim Erickson and Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund will take care of all the requirements for the cartway hearing.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to rescind the motion made on June 25, 2013 for a Public Hearing for a Cartway for David and Mary Schrant that was set for July 23, 2013. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to set the Public Hearing for Cartway for David and Mary Schrant for August 13, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Land and Water Planning

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board requesting approval for the Final Program Allocation and Contribution Statement for FY12 for the Natural Resources Block Grant (NRBG).

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to authorize Chairman Hanson and Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund to sign the NRBG final program allocation and contribution statement for FY12. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

INTERIM EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR

Interim Emergency Management Director, Christina Husbands met with the board and updated the board on the Hazard Mitigation Plan, Emergency Management Performance Grant Program and Emergency Planning Committee. Christina also informed the board that OSAH would come up and access the Government Center for security issue. Grant money would be available for cost of security measures.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to authorize Interim Emergency Management Director, Christina Husbands to make an appointment for an OSAH Representative to come up and perform a security inspection for the Government Center. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 11:32 a.m. and reconvened at 11:40 a.m. as follows:

COUNTY AUDITOR

Tax Forfeited Property

Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board to discuss the County’s Tax-Forfeited property. The consensus of the board was to move forward with the process for a future Tax-Forfeited sale.

Northwest Regional Radio Board

Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board to discuss the NW Regional Radio Board membership contribution in the amount of $3,000 for 2014.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve as stipulated in the Joint Powers Agreement with the NW Regional Radio Board the proposed 2014 budget and Lake of the Woods County Financial contribution of $3,000 with the funding from the Emergency Management Department. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

BIRCH BEACH/SANDYSHORES

Commissioner Arnesen addressed the board about the group of citizens from Birch Beach, Sandy Shores division that met with the board on July 9, 2013 meeting about an access for walkers, four wheelers or golf carts to connect the two communities.  Commissioner Arnesen reviewed the history of the Birch Beach, Sandy Shores division and the reasons why there is no road connecting the two communities, history of the flooding and wetland issues that happened in the past.

COORESPONDENCE

The board reviewed the Prescriptive Easements from the MN Department of Natural Resources that they will be holding a Public Hearing on August 7, at 6:00 p.m. in the Commissioners Room at the Government Center.

WORK SESSION

The board set a work session for July 15, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. for the Auditor/Treasurers Office and Maintenance Department.

OLD/NEW BUSINESS

The following Old/New Business was discussed with no action:

  • Clementson Property
  • Towers- Grain

Recess

With no further business before the board, Chairman Hanson called the meeting to recess at 12:29 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                     Approved: July 23, 2013

____________________________                                        _______________________________

Janet E. Rudd, Deputy Auditor                                             Thomas Hanson, Chairman of the Board

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

Commissioner Proceedings

July 23, 2013

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 23, 2013 in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.

Call to Order

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

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the agenda with the following additions: Historical Society and Wetlands Proposal Steering Committee. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to approve the minutes of July 9, regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Committee Reports

Commissioner Moorman reported the following:

June 20-HRDC

  • Retirement of Executive Director, Cliff Tweedale after 38 years with HRDC, 13 as Executive Director.
  • Public hearing for approval of 2014 budget.
  • New program for acquisition- demolition aimed to remove deteriorated dwellings.

June 26- Lutheran Social Services Board

  • Annual report highlights.
  • Effects of sequestration on plans for 2013 and 2014.

July 17-Prevention Coalition

  • Review of recent activities: Parade Float, County Fair, Positive Community Norms training.
  • Media update
  • Progress of compliance checks.
  • Upcoming strengths training and strategic planning.

Social Services

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

Motion

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

Commissioner Warrants      $11,420.92

                                                            Commissioner Warrants      $24,559.47

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

Poverty Guidelines

Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler met the board to inform them that she received the new 2013 Federal Department of Health and Human Services poverty guidelines.

Historical Society

Curator and Executive Director, Marlys Hirst met with the board requesting funds that were set aside for the addition to the Historical Society building in the amount of $50,000.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to authorize payment of $50,000 to the Historical Society for the addition with the funding from the Con-Con fund. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

County Auditor

Claims

Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board for approval of claims:

Motion

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

Revenue                      $ 53,457.88   

Road and Bridge        $ 55,327.95

Solid Waste                 $   8,635.09

EDA                            $    7,508.54

                                    $124,929.46

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/23/2013 For Payment 7/26/2013

Vendor Name                                                                         Amount

Anchor Marketing, Inc                                                       3,452.04

Arnesen/Ed                                                                        2,009.42

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                                              5,729.93

Envirotech Services Inc                                                  27,141.13

Government Management Group, Inc                              3,500.00

Hasler                                                                                  4,000.00

Headwater Regional Development Commiss                  8,500.00

Hitesman & Wold, PA                                                         3,500.00

North East Technical Service,Inc                                    2,336.65

Northwest Community Action, Inc                                    2,556.50

R & Q Trucking, Inc                                                            2,765.65

Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc                                         11,960.00

Strata Corp, Inc                                                                 12,617.83

58 Payments less than  2000   34,860.31

Final Total:   124,929.46

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

                                                July 10, 2013               $       1,728.34

                                                June 11, 2013              $      71,079.90

                                                July 19, 2013               $        3,558.64

                                                                                    $      76,366.88

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

Representative Erickson

Chairman Hanson informed the board that he received a letter from Representative Erickson in regards to wetland issues and looking for appointees to be on a steering committee. The board discussed who within the county should be on this committee.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to appoint the following to the Wetland Steering Committee, Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund, Commissioner’s Arnesen and Moorman with Commissioners Beckel, Nordlof and Hanson as alternates. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

SHERIFF

NW Regional Advisory Committee Appointment

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board requesting approval to appoint Christina Husbands to the Regional Advisory Committee pursuant to the NW Minnesota Radio Board Joint Powers Agreement.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to appoint Christina Husbands to the Regional Advisory Committee and Chairman Hanson as the Alternate. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 9:45 a.m. and reconvened at 9:55 a.m. as follows:

OLD/NEW BUSINESS

International Bridge- Replacement/Repairs

Clementson Park- DNR to research title

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Steve Sindelir, Assistant Zoning Administrator and Cindy Snobeck met with the board and presented a Conditional Use Permit request from Darren and Cindy Snobeck to allow a commercial business consisting of transient short-term rental of an existing structure in a Residential District. The board reviewed the conditional use request, no comments were heard from the floor and the board reviewed the correspondence on the conditional use request. Assistant Zoning Administrator, Steve Sindelir informed the board that the Lake of the Wood County Planning Commissioner recommends approval for the Conditional Use Permit with conditions.

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners

Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant:  Darren and Cynthia Snobeck                                        Date:  July 10, 2013

Location/Legal Description:   Lot 1, Block 1 of Rainy River Retreat Subdivision in section 24, Township 162N, Range 32 (Wheeler), Parcel 19.62.01.010

Project Proposal:  Applicant is requesting to allow a commercial business consisting of transient short-term rental of an existing structure in a Residential District.

Application #:  13-01CU

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

Why or why not?  Resort area and residential area.

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

                                                                                                                   YES (X) NO (  ) N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Should have no effect.

3. Is the project proposal consistent with the goal of preventing and controlling water pollution, including sedimentation and nutrient loading?                              YES (  ) NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

4. Will the project proposal not adversely affect the site’s existing topography, drainage features, and vegetative cover?                                                                          YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

                                                                                                                 YES (  )  NO (  ) N/A (X)

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

Why or why not?  No changes needed.

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

Why or why not? Commercial on one side and residential on other.

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

                                                                                                                   YES (  )  NO (  ) N/A (X)

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

Why or why not?  Condition to upgrade of structure.

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

                                                                                                       YES (X) NO (  ) N/A (  )

Why or why not?  To be addressed with upgrades.

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

15. Will there be fencing and/or other screening provided to buffer the project proposal from adjacent properties?                                                                                          YES (  )  NO (X)  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Fencing not common in area.

16. If signage is associated with the project proposal, has the applicant demonstrated the need for the number and size requested, and minimized the visual appearance as viewed from adjacent properties to the extent possible?                                                                            YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

17. If the project proposal will generate additional traffic to or from the site, has the applicant adequately demonstrated how the additional traffic and parking is to be addressed?

                                                                                                              YES (X) NO (  ) N/A (  )

Why or why not?  To make condition of permit.

The specific conditions of approval are as follows: 

  1. Changes to structure (interior) must be approved by Land & Water Planning Office.
  2. Off street parking for unit(s) must be addressed.

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

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

                                                            ______            _____________________________________

                                                            Thomas Hanson Chair, County Board of Commissioners

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

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to approve the Conditional Use Permit for Darren and Cindy Snobeck as recommended by the Lake of the Wood County Planning Commission to allow a commercial business consisting of transient short-term rental of an existing structure in a Residential District with the specific conditions of approval are as follows:

  1. Changes to structure (interior) must be approved by Land & Water Planning Office.
  2. Off street parking for unit(s) must be addressed.

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

OLD WILLIAMS SCHOOL-PHASE II STUDY

The board reviewed the Old Williams School –Phase II Study. Shanna Schmitt from the MN Pollution Control Division will be sending a letter summarizing the Phase II Study.

PUBLIC WORKS

Wheelage Tax

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board to discuss the option of imposing Wheelage Tax in Lake of the Woods County. The board discussed the administrative expenses that the State of Minnesota charges for the cost associated with the collection process and other unknowns.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen was not to partake in the 2014 Wheelage Tax collection at this time. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Voluntary Early Retirement Agreement to Solid Waste Program Manager

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting approval to offer the voluntary early retirement agreement to Solid Waste Program Manager Ed Spires.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to offer voluntary early retirement agreement to Solid Waste Program Manager Ed Spires until he reaches Medicare age with full premium rate for Union Insurance. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Work Session

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board to discuss the possible realignment of the Building and Grounds Department. The board set a Work Session for July 29, at 10:00 a.m.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 10:58 a.m. and reconvened at 11:05 a.m. as follows:

COUNTY AUDITOR

Auditor/Treasurer

County Treasurer, Mark E. Hall met with the board to discuss the combining of the two offices.

Resolution

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

Combining of Lake of the Woods County Auditor’s Office and County Treasurers Office

Pursuant to MN Statute §375A.11 Consolidation of Duties of County Offices

2013-07-01-02

WHEREAS, the elected Office of Lake of the Woods County Auditor was recently held by John W. Hoscheid; and

WHEREAS, John W. Hoscheid resigned effective on May 15, 2013, with the current term ending January 5, 2015;

WHEREAS,  as permitted by  Minnesota Statute §375A.11, the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners hereby assigns all of the County Auditor’s duties to Mark E. Hall, Lake of the Woods County Treasurer;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners, as provided in Minnesota Statutes § 375A.11, does hereby assign to Mark E. Hall, Lake of the Woods County Treasurer, all of the duties of the Office of Lake of the Woods County Auditor effective July 23, 2013, with a annual salary of $68,467.83 through the end of the term on January 5, 2015.

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

Auditor/Treasure Property Tax Administrator

Auditor/Treasurer Mark E. Hall met with the board requesting authorization to advertise, interview and hire a Property Tax Administrator for the office.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer, Mark E. Hall and Human Resource Director, Philip Miller to advertise, interview and hire a Property Tax Administrator. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 10:58 a.m. and reconvened at 11:25a.m. as follows:

LAKE OF THE WOODS TOURISM BUREAU  

Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau Director, Joe Henry met with the board to review the 2012 Tourism Activities and Revenues.

COORESPONDENCE

The board reviewed Birch Beach/Sandy Shores Letter.

Recess

With no further business before the board, Chairman Hanson called the meeting to recess at 12:48 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                     Approved: August 13, 2013

____________________________                                        _______________________________

Janet E. Rudd, Deputy Auditor                                             Thomas Hanson, Chairman of the Board

July, 2011

Commissioner Proceedings

July 12, 2011

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 12, 2011, in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.

Chairman Moorman called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners:  Patty Beckel, Todd Beckel, Hanson, Moorman and Arnesen.  Also present were: County Auditor John W Hoscheid, Deputy Auditor Janet Rudd, Penny Mio Hirst and John Oren.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to approve the agenda with the following additions: Affidavit of lost warrant, Credit Card Policy, Nuisance Beaver, PILT, Closed Session, re-schedule Joint Meeting with City of Baudette and County Health Insurance. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.  

Approval of Consent Agenda

None

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the minutes of June 28, 2011 regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Todd Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Social services

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

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

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants       $13,009.11

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants       $20,557.45

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

County Auditor

Claims

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid met with the County Board for approval of claims.

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

                                                Revenue                       $ 58,100.72   

                                                Road & Bridge            $205,804.34

                                                County Development   $      303.77

                                                Solid Waste                  $ 26,304.85

                                                                                     $ 290,513.68             

 WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/15/2011 For Payment 7/15/2011

Vendor Name                                                                  Amount

Anchor Marketing, Inc                                                 2,201.16

Bauer Built, Inc                                                              5,399.00

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                                       6,678.43

Earthworks Contracting Inc                                        6,341.25

Farmers Union Oil Co.                                              12,678.00

Ferrier Logging, Inc                                                     6,103.75

Fish/Kevin                                                                   12,207.50

Hancock Concrete Products LLC                               5,817.21

Hasbargen Farms Inc                                                  4,607.50

Howard’s Oil Company                                               5,830.45

Lake Area Construction Inc                                       13,625.00

Lavalla Sand & Gravel Inc                                           6,483.75

LOW Highway Dept                                                     4,516.25

Mar-Kit Landfill                                                           11,504.70

Miovac/Tim                                                                   6,198.75

Norling Construction, Inc/Adam                               32,878.80

Norman Johnson Trucking, Inc.                                6,032.50

Nuss Truck & Equipment                                           73,557.00

Polar Chevrolet                                                          28,196.70

R & Q Trucking, Inc                                                     4,493.98

Woody’s Service                                                        11,507.50

44 Payments less than 2000 $23,654.50

Final Total: $290513.68

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

                                                June 29, 2011        $        13,590.93     

                                                June 30, 2011        $        44,644.15

                                                July 5,    2011        $          (500.00)

                                                July 5,    2011        $     370,233.29

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

Prosper Township Cemetery

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid met with the board and presented a follow up letter from Widseth Smith & Nolting in regards to the surveying of the Prosper Township Cemetery. County Surveyor, Donn Rasmussen stated in his letter that the cost of the survey work would be approximately $4,000 as they have to locate and establish the boundaries of Section 30 and the section corners may need to be re-established.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize County Surveyor, Donn Rasmussen to survey the Prosper Township Cemetery with the funds from the re-monumentation account in the amount not to exceed $4,000. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried with Commissioner Patty Beckel abstaining from voting.&nb