October, 2015

Commissioner Proceedings

October 13, 2015

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 13, 2015, in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.

Call to Order

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

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: PERA resolution, County Road 17, Human Resource Sick/Vacation time, AMC Conference and Mighty Ducks Update.

APPROVAL of Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve the consent agenda as follows: Tim Erickson to Detroit Lakes for Joint District on October 14-15 in Detroit Lakes; Heather Blodgett, Alison Hauger and Jodi Ferrier to Walker on November 4- 5 for Child Maltreatment Intake; Joanna Onstad to Bemidji on October 20-22 for SSIS Intake Basics; Shelly Phillippe and Cassi Brune to Alexandrea on October 20-23 for MFWCAA Conference.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Norldof, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of September 22, 2015.

TIMBER SALES

Commissioner Hanson informed the board that the timber sales at the Landfill have brought in more than $25,000 so far and estimate of $35,000 in November.

SHORT ELLIOTT HENDRICKSON

Benita Crow, Kaci Nowicki, and Shawn McMahon met with the board to review the Airport Layout Plan (ALP), Katie explained that the if the board chooses the Aerial Obstruction Plan, it would have to be approved by MN DOT and then the ALP would only be completed by the end of 2016 with the various steps that would need to be completed.  Cost associated to this phase would run between $60,000 to 100,000, with funding from MN DOT that would be reimbursed 90/10, if applied for by June of 2016. Katie inquired if the board would be interested in Public meetings on the plan. The board would like to hold a public meeting. Katie stated that the tree data would need to be completed first before the public meeting could be held. The consensus of the board was to have S E H  move forward with the plan.

SOCIAL SERVICES

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

Motion

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

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants          $ 16,744.43

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants          $ 15,440.54

Social Workers

Social Services Director, Amy Ballard requested approval to for a county credit card for Social Worker, Joanna Onstad.

Motion  

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve a county credit card for Social Worker, Joanna Onstad.

Credit Card Policy

The board requested that County Auditor/Treasurer send out a reminder on the usage of County Credit Cards.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Emergency Management Director, Jill Olson met with the board informing them the Warning System is in need of replacement. Cost associated with this project is estimated around $125,000. The board requested that Jill get three different quotes and come back to the board. They also requested that County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson look and see if 911 funds could be used for the system.

SHERIFF

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board requesting replacement for his 2012 squad car.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize County Sheriff, Gary Fish to purchase a vehicle up to $30,000.

Search Update

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board and updated them on the search and informed them that they are going to try to fly from this point on. The county board commended the Sheriff staff on their search efforts and the extra efforts that all agencies involved did for the missing men.

Jail Inspection

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board to inform them that the jail inspection went well without any major issues. The inspector did state that the county should be thinking of building a new jail.

Federal Boat and Water

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board requesting approval and authorization to enter into a grant agreement with the State of Minnesota, Federal Boating Safety Supplemental Equipment Grant.

Resolution

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

A Resolution Authorizing the Federal Boating Safety Supplement Grant Agreement

Resolution 15-10-01

WHEREAS, under the provisions of M.S. § 84.026 Subd. 1 the State is empowered to enter into this grant; the Sheriff of each county is required to carry out the provisions for recreational boating safety promulgated by the Commissioner.

WHEREAS, the allocation of funds by the Commissioner to assist in the funding of specific items for recreational boating safety,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Chairman, Auditor and Sheriff are hereby authorized to execute the Federal Boating Safety Supplement Grant Agreement, for the period of September 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015 in the amount of $9,666.00.

PERA

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board requesting that newly hired Part-Time Deputy Sheriff be place on the Police and Fire PERA plan.

Resolution

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

Resolution No. 15-10-02

Public Employees Police and Fire Plan

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

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

BE IT RESOLVED that the Commissioners of Lake of the Woods County hereby declare that the position titled Part Time Deputy Sheriff, currently held by Nathan Hayes 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;
  1. Said position’s primary (over 50%) duty is to enforce the general criminal laws of the state;
  1. Said position charges this employee with the prevention and detection of crime;
  1. Said position gives this employee the full power of arrest, and
  1. 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.

HUMAN RESOURCES/ COUNTY ASSESSOR

Human Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board requesting the board to approve the grade, step and pay for Appraiser Trainee. Karen informed the board that the personnel committee did meet and approved the grade for this position at 9 and also requested permission to have this job description evaluated by Trusight.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve grade 9 for Appraise Trainee.

Trusight

The consensus of the board was to have Human Resource Director, Karen Ose have the Appraiser Trainee job description evaluated by Trusight.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman to authorize Human Resource Director, Karen Ose and County Assessor, Mary Jo Otten to hire Appraiser Trainee at grade 9, step 1, 16.37 per hour, points 220.

Personal Leave

County Assessor, Mary Jo Otten met with the board requesting a twelve (12) week personal leave for an employee within her office.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to allow a twelve (12) week personal leave for an employee within the County Assessor’s office.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Human Resource Director, Karen Ose and County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board to discuss Permanent Part-time vacation/sick leave hours. Lorene informed the board that all Permanent Part-time employees receive prorated vacation and sick leave Lorene informed the board that the accrued hours for Karen from date of employment would be 47.5 hours for vacation and sick leave.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to adjust vacation and sick leave by 47.5 hours accrued from date of employment for Human Resource Director Karen Ose.

auditor/treasurer

Introduction of Newly Hired Staff

County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson introduced Rita Hasbargen and Erik Tange to the board.

Claims

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

Motion

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

                                           Revenue                      $  69,435.17

                                                Road & Bridge           $   24,764.58

                                                Co. Develp                  $    3,300.00

                                                Natl Resc Enhanc        $  18,554.43    

Solid Waste                 $  42,573.74

EDA                            $    2,030.22

                                      161,058.14

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 10/13/2015 For Payment 10/16/2015

Vendor Name                                                     Amount

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                                              7,483.51

Computer Professionals Unlimited Inc                            3,585.00

Cps Technology Solutions                                               3,800.00

Dynamic Imaging Systems, Inc                                         3,085.00

Government Management Group, Inc                              3,500.00

Hoffman, Philipp & Knutson, PLLC                                  5,862.00

Howard’s Oil Company                                                     3,126.47

John Deere Financial                                                        4,631.56

LOW Highway Dept                                                           8,853.54

Mar-Kit Landfill                                                                 25,075.26

Mn Counties Information System                                      2,375.25

Msop-Mn Sex Offender Prgrm-462                                   2,132.80

R & Q Trucking, Inc                                                           5,010.20

Rinke-Noonan                                                                  18,754.43

Rtvision Inc                                                                        6,084.00

University Of Mn                                                                 8,441.25

Voyageurs Comtronics, Inc                                               3,799.60

Widseth Smith Nolting&Asst Inc                                      7,061.34

Woody’s Service                                                                4,225.20

78 Payments less than 2000     34,171.73

Final Total:  161,058.14

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

                                                September    30, 2015             $  9,146.66

                                                October         1, 2015              $  5,664.36

                                                October         7, 2015              $  1,631.60

                                                October         7, 2015              $  9,292.06

                                                October         7, 2015              194,912.16

Exclusive Off-Sale

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board a requested approval for an Exclusive Off-Sale Liquor License for Nels Holte DBA “Wash N Go”.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the Exclusive Off-Sale Liquor License for Nels Holte, DBA Wash N Go effective December 1, 2015 thru June 30, 2016, contingent upon approval of County Attorney, James Austad and County Sheriff, Gary Fish.

On/Off Sale Liquor License

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board a requested approval for a Combination On-Off Sale/ Sunday Liquor License for Riverbend Resort.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the On-Off Sale/Sunday Liquor License for Riverbend Resort effective November 1, 2015 thru June 30, 2016, contingent upon approval of County Attorney, James Austad and County Sheriff, Gary Fish.

Cigarette Licenses

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board a requested approval a Cigarette License for DG Retail, LLC dba Dollar General Store.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the Cigarette License for DG Retail, LLC dba Dollar General Store effective November 1, 2015 thru June 30, 2016.

AMC CONFERENCE/MIGHTY DUCKS

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson discussed the AMC Conference reservations for December 6-8 in St. Cloud; informed the board that the county received notification that they received the application for the Mighty Ducks Ice Arena grant program.

MIS/GIS

MIS/GIS Director, Peder Hovland met with the board requesting authorization to purchase 911 equipment and support.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to authorize MIS/GIS Director, Peder Hovland to approve Independent Emergency Services Quote No. IES388813 with one year support services of $123,135.84 from 911 Funds.

SCHRANDT CARTWAY

Chairman Arnesen discussed the Schrandt Cartway and informed the board that the next recommended step is to have a survey completed on the proposed cartway property.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to request County Surveyor, Donn Rasmussen to conduct a survey on the proposed cartway property.

PUBLIC WORKS

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board upon their request to discuss curve on Co. Road 17 and the pond with concerns of snowmobilers. The department will stake and flag the pond.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 12:03 p.m. and reconvened at 1:03 p.m. as follows:

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund, Rinke Noonan Law Firm Attorneys John Kolb

Kale Van Bruggen, SWCD Board members Frank Sindelir, John Sonstegard, Russ Hanson and Nancy Dunell, and Mike Hirst to discuss an appeal of the Department of Natural Resources of a project specific wetland replacement for Northern Conservation L.L.C. and Cliffs Mining Company (jointly Cliffs). The boards reviewed the partial settlement of appeal in the Matter of Hibbing Taconite Mine and Stockpile Progression and Williams Creek Project Specific Wetland Mitigation.

Resolution

At a joint meeting of the Board of Commissioners and Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Board of Supervisors, Commissioner Ken Moorman, on behalf of the County Board and Supervisor Frank Sindelir, on behalf of the SWCD Board, moved the adoption of the following resolution ratifying the actions of Josh Stromlund, as previously authorized by the Boards:

STATE OF MINNESOTA

LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

RESOLTUION NO. 15-10-03

Resolution ratifying partial settlement of appeal in the Matter of Hibbing Taconite Mine and Stockpile Progression and Williams Creek Project Specific Wetland Mitigation

At a joint meeting of the Board of Commissioners and Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Board of Supervisors, Commissioner Ken Moorman, on behalf of the County Board and Supervisor Frank Sindelir, on behalf of the SWCD Board, moved the adoption of the following resolution ratifying the actions of Josh Stromlund, as previously authorized by the Boards:

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners and the Lake of the Woods County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors authorized and entered into an appeal of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) approval of a project specific wetland replacement plan for Cliffs Natural Resources (Cliffs); and

WHEREAS, the matter was set for a Contested Case Hearing on evidentiary issues before an Administrative Law Judge on October 5, 2015; and

WHEREAS, each of the above Boards directed Josh Stromlund serve as its representative at the Hearing, giving to Josh Stromlund authority to settle issues in the matter on terms found satisfactory to Josh Stromlund; and

WHEREAS, during the Contested Case Hearing, DNR and Cliffs agreed to terms of settlement related to wetland crediting that addressed major concerns of the Boards; and

WHEREAS, exercising the authority given to him, Josh Stromlund accepted the terms of settlement and executed a settlement agreement, attached hereto, on behalf of the Boards.

NOW, THEREFORE, having reviewed the settlement agreement, the terms thereof and the facts and arguments in the case, the Boards, by joint action, ratify the settlement agreement and the actions of Josh Stromlund pursuant to the authority given him by the Boards.

Seconded by Commissioner James “Buck” Nordlof, on behalf of the County Board and Supervisor Russel Hansen, on behalf of the SWCD Board.

After discussion and upon a vote of each Board, the respective Board Chairs declared the Resolution adopted.

Attorneys John Kolb and Kale Van Bruggen recommend to the board to go into closed session to discuss further litigation strategy.

CLOSED SESSION

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by  Commissioner Nordlof to close the regular meeting at 1:40 p.m. pursuant to MN Statute §13D.05, subd. 3 (b), Attorney Client Privilege.

Members present were: Commissioner Arnesen, Moorman, Beckel, Hanson and Nordlof, SWCD Board members Frank Sindelir, John Sonstegard, Russ Hanson and Nancy Dunell, Mike Hirst, Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund and County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson. Attorneys John Kolb and Kale Van Bruggen.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to close the closed session at 2:00 p.m. and open the regular meeting.

CLOSED SESSION

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman to close the regular meeting at 2:20 p.m.  Pursuant to MN Stat. §13D.003, subd. 1 (b) Labor Negotiations. Members present, Commissioner Arnesen, Moorman, Beckel, Hanson and Nordlof. Also present, Human Resource Director, Karen Ose.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof to close the closed session at 2:54 p.m. and open the regular meeting.

CORRESPONDENCE

The board acknowledged a thank you letter from Lake of the Woods Senior boating.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to recess at 3:06 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                                 Approved: October 27, 2015

__________________________________                                        ______________________________

Lorene Hanson, County Auditor/Treasurer                                        Edward Arnesen

Chairman of the Board

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

Commissioner Proceedings

October 27, 2015

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 27, 2015, in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.

Call to Order

Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners Buck Nordlof, Ken Moorman, Tom Hanson, Patty Beckel and Ed Arnesen. Also present were:  County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Janet Rudd, County Attorney, James Austad 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: Proclamation, Water, Health & Life Insurance, Department head meeting update, Human Resources, Final Payment and Thank you letter. APPROVAL of Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the consent agenda as follows:  Joanna Onstad and Alison Hauger to St. Cloud on November 2-3, 16-17 and November 30 thru December 1 for Child Welfare foundation Training;

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 October 13, 2015 with changes.

NWA EDGE RIDERS

Kellie Knight, representing the NWA Edge Riders snowmobile club met with the board to discuss the proposed park with the board. Kellie informed the board that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is considering transferring State Owned land to the County for the potential park with approval and associated cost. Kellie informed the board that the club has not received the letter from the DNR at this time. The consensus of the board was that they were in support of a park, but would need more information before formally agreeing to this project.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Social Service 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          $ 13,203.81

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants          $ 17,158.72

Credit Cards

Social Services Director, Amy Ballard requested approval for a county credit card for Social Worker, Alison Hauger and introduced Social Workers Alison Hauger and Joanna Onstad to the board.

Motion  

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve a county credit card for Social Worker, Alison Hauger.

Proclamation- FINANCIAL worker, case Aides

Chairman Arnesen, on behalf of Lake of the Woods County board of Commissioners recognizes the valuable service that County Financial Workers and Case Aides provide to citizens of Lake of the Woods County and extends appreciation to Angie Eason, Cassie Brune, Shelley Phillippe, Shelley Pepera and Sheri Stebakken for their dedicated work.

County Surveyor

County Surveyor, Donn Rasmussen met with the board to discuss the cost associated with the Schrandt Cartway and informed the board that it would cost around $7,000 to complete the survey. The board requested that County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson contact the Schrandts’ attorney, Nora Crompton to request an additional $4,000 bond before the survey could be completed.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

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

Motion

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

Revenue                      $  60,779.54

                                                Road & Bridge           $   30,653.31

                                                Co. Develp                  $    2,500.00

                                                Solid Waste                 $    7,136.73

EDA                            $       701.57

                                      101,771.15

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 10/27/2015 For Payment 10/30/2015

Vendor Name                                                  Amount

Fundanet/Lee                                                                   2,000.00

LaValla Electric DBA/Ned                                                2,106.79

Liberty Tire Recycling, LLC                                            4,316.20

LOW Soil & Water Cons. Dist.                                     30,873.00

Mn State Dept-Correction                                             16,979.93

Traffic Marking Service, Inc.                                         24,692.67

63 Payments less than 2000 20,802.56

Final Total:   101,771.15

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

                                                October         14, 2015                        $81,034.65

                                                October         14, 2015                        $     199.79

                                                October         20, 2015            $  9,721.39

                                                                                                $90,955.83

MN Department of Transportation

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board to inform them that the MN Department of Transportation (MnDOT), is acquiring an interest for an temporary easement in Lake of the Woods County property for the improvements of Trunk Highway 11, with the acquisition of $500.

Resolution

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

RESOLUTION NO. 15-09-04

State of Minnesota, Department of Transportation, Acquisition of Land

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners, of the County of Lake of the Woods, Minnesota, which in consideration of $500 to be paid by the State of Minnesota, Department of Transportation, the Lake of the Woods County Board allows the acquisition of land by direct purchase to the State of Minnesota the parcel described as follows:

The right to use the westerly 18 feet of the northerly 17 feet of Tract A described below for highway purposes, which right shall cease on December 1, 2017, or on such earlier date upon which the Commissioner of Transportation determines by formal order that it is no  longer needed for highway purposes: Tract A.  Lot 12, Block 1, Third Addition to East Beaudette, according to the plat thereof which is on file and of record in the office of the County Recorder in Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Moorman and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, and Chairman Arnesen to sign the Temporary Easement from the State of MN, Department of Transportation to be used for highway purposes

Revenue/Expenditure/Investment Update

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and reviewed the Revenue/Expenditure and Investments. The board also discussed the Wells Fargo banking charges.

Deputy Registrar Re-Appointment

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and informed the board that the State of Minnesota Department of Public Safety requested re-appointment of Deputy Registrar for Lake of the Woods County.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof to re-appoint Janet Rudd as Lake of the Woods County Deputy Registrar and Driver’s License Agent pursuant to MN Administrative Rules 7404.0350 and 7406.0350.

Health Insurance Rates

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board to inform the board that the Life Insurance carrier is now Sun Life Financial, health insurance premiums High Plan and Value Plan have gone up 7%, but the HSA premium stayed the same and the all single plans still remain under the county cap.

Department Head Meeting/Water Machine

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board to update them on the department head meeting and the discussion they had on the annual “Lake of the Woods Food Drive”. The department heads agreed they would participate and were wondering if the Commissioners would like to participate as a team. The board agreed they would participate in the food drive. Lorene also mentioned that the Wellness Committee had asked about the possibility of having a water machine available for county employees in the break room.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and unanimously carried to authorize water machines in the Courthouse break room and Sheriff’s office.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Job Description

Human Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board to inform them that MRA graded the Appraiser Training at grade 9, points 225 and the Appraiser at grade 13, points 289. Karen informed the board that the job descriptions have been completed and reformatted and that the Department Heads have them to review. The board requested that the Job Descriptions be placed on the December 15 board agenda for approval.

Stipend

Human Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board requesting a stipend for Social Services Financial Officer, Christine Hultman for time spent helping with financials and payroll in the Auditor/Treasurers Office. Stipend would be from January thru September at $175 per pay period with a total stipend of $3,500.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to authorize a stipend payment of $3,500 from the revenue fund to Social Services Financial Officer, Christine Hultman.

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 10:43 p.m. and reconvened at 11:05 a.m. as follows:

COUNTY ASSESSOR

Years of Service Recognition-Resolution

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

Recognition of years of service

Joy Lindquist

Resolution 2015 – 10– 05

Whereas:  Joy Lindquist has served the residents of Lake of the Woods County since November 1, 1982 as Lake of the Woods Assessment Specialist/Office Manager;

Whereas:  Joy Lindquist will retire from Lake of the Woods County service effective October 31, 2015 with thirty–three years of service for Lake of the Woods County Assessor’s Office;

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

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

Introduction of Staff

County Assessor, MaryJo Otten introduced Alisa Jacobsen and Whitnie Reasy to the board.

Effective Date of Hire

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve October 19, 2105 as the effective date of hire for Whitnie Reasy.

PUBLIC WORKS

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting approval for final contract.

Final Contract

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve final contract acceptance for SAP 39-601-28, SAP 39-601-29, and SAP 39-627.04 in the amount of $147,548.57.

Mulching Attachment

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting approval to purchase a mulching attachment for the department.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to authorize Public Works Director, Tim Erickson to purchase a ProMac Mulching attachment in the amount of $28,500.

Cell Phone Stipend

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting a cell phone stipend for Solid Waste Processer, Todd Canfield.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve a smart phone stipend in the amount of $60.00 per month for Todd Canfield. Public Access-Furnace Replacement

The board discussed Twin Rivers Public Access and new Furnace for the NWA Highway shop.

BUFFER DISCUSSION

Chairman Arnesen discussed the recent 2015 buffer legislation that was passed this session. Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund presented a “Buffer Law And Frequently Asked Questions Brochure” to the board. After review, the board requested Josh to send a letter to Board of Water and Soil Resources Chairman, Brian Napstad requesting a meeting to discuss this new legislation.

2016 CON CON FUNDS

The board tabled the Con Con funds request to have time to review and placed this on the November 10, 2015 board agenda.

CORRESPONDENCE

The board acknowledged a thank you letter from Williams Potato Day.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to recess at 12:10 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                                 Approved: November 10, 2015

__________________________________                                        ______________________________

Lorene Hanson, County Auditor/Treasurer                                        Edward Arnesen

Chairman of the Board

October, 2013

Commissioner Proceedings

October 8, 2013

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 8, 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 Buck Nordlof, Ken Moorman, Ed Arnesen and Tom Hanson.  Absent Patty Beckel. Also present were: Deputy Auditor Janet Rudd and Jon Hanson.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the agenda with the following additions: Veterans grant resolution, NWA road maintenance and natural gas line to the Industrial Park.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the consent agenda as follows: Dena Pieper to St. Cloud on October 23-24 for Legal Professional Staff training. 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 Nordlof to approve the minutes of September 24 regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

County Auditor/Treasurer

Claims

County Auditor/Treasurer Mark E. Hall and 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                      $  78,372.26  

Road and Bridge        $  86,581.96

Co. Develp                  $       333.25

Solid Waste                 $  20,207.85

EDA                            $   1,544.56

                                    $187,039.88

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 10/08/2013 For Payment 10/11/2013

Vendor Name                                                        Amount

Cdw Government, Inc                                                  2,135.36

Dynamic Imaging Systems, Inc                                  3,143.92

Earthworks Contracting Inc                                        5,818.75

Ferrier Logging, Inc                                                    5,795.00

Fish/Kevin                                                                   11,661.25

Hasbargen Farms Inc                                                 5,700.00

Hasbargen Logging Inc                                              5,462.50

Hoffman, Dale, & Swenson, Pllc                                 6,450.00

Howard’s Oil Company                                              4,888.20

LOW Highway Dept                                                     5,024.34

Mar-Kit Landfill                                                           10,432.35

Miovac/Tim                                                                   5,890.00

Moren/Law Offices Of Patrick D                                 6,120.37

Norman Johnson Trucking, Inc.                               5,890.00

Olson/George                                                            32,660.00

Traffic Marking Service, Inc.                                     28,995.26

University Of Mn                                                          8,527.00

Uretek Holdings, Inc                                                    5,065.00

Voyageurs Comtronics, Inc                                        2,640.00

Woody’s Service                                                          7,748.71

62 Payments less than 2000   16,991.87

Final Total:   187,039.88

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

                                                September 26, 2013    $     11,020.54

October 3,       2013    $   118,384.37

                                                October 3,       2013    $       2,996.55

                                                October 3,       2013    $   273,668.52

                                                                                    $   406,069.98  

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

MN NW Fraternal Order of Police

County Auditor/Treasurer Mark E. Hall met with the board requesting approval for an exempt gambling permit for the Fraternal Order of Police to conduct a lawful gambling raffle.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the exempt gambling permit for the Fraternal Order of Police NW MN Lodge #8 to conduct a lawful gambling for a raffle on February 24, 2014 at Sportsman’s Lodge and authorize County Auditor/Treasurer to sign. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Tax Forfeited Land

County Auditor/Treasurer Mark E. Hall met with the board to review the Tax Forfeited Land and requested them to review them and classify them as either conservation or non-conservation lands.

Resolution

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

TAX FORFEITED LAND

RESOLUTION NO. 13-10-01

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 all parcels of land 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.

NAMEINFO
McDougaldFreeman’s 1st Addtion E. Graceton;
 Lots 1-9, Block 4
 Parcel. No. 22.51.04.010
McDougaldFreemans’s First Addition E. Graceton;
 Lots 10-13, Block 4
 Parcel No. 22.51.04.100
SpoonerThat part of the SE1/4 SE1/4 of Sec 29
 Twp 160N Range 31West, described as
 follows: commencing at the SE corner of
 the SE1/4SE1/4, thence north along the
 east boundary line a distance of
 577.5 feet; thence west at a right angle
 a distance of 379.5 feet; thence south
 a right angle, a distance of 577.5 feet
 to the south boundary line thereof;
 thence east, along said south boundary
 line a distance of 379.5 feet to the
 point of beginning. Said tract contains
 Parcel No. 30.29.44.010
VictorySec. 14, Twp 158, Range 32,
 W2NE4NW4
 Parcel No. 42.14.21.030
BaudetteA parcel of land lying in the SE1/4SE1/4,
 Section 18, Twp 161N, Range 31 W,
 described as the south 336 feet of the
 following parcel; Startin at the southeast
 corner of said Section 18, thence west along
 the south section line of said Section 18
 a distance of 560 feet to point, and that
 being the point of beginning; thence in a
 northerly direction on a 90 degree angle
 a distance of 1,320 feet to a point on the
 north line of said SE1/4SE1/4, Section 18,
 thence in a westerly direction along the
 north line of said SE1/4SE1/4, Section 18,
 a distance of 760 feet, more or less, to the
 west line of said SE1/4SE1/4, Section 18;
 thence in a Southerly direction along the
 west line of said SE1/4SE1/4, Section 18;
 to the southwest corner of said SE1/4
 SE1/4, Section 18; thence easterly along
 the south line of said Section18 back to
 the point of beginning. Said  parcel 
 contains 5.8 acres, more or less. Subject
 at all times to a driveway easement consisting
 of the east 40 feet of the above described parcel.
 Said driveway easement contains .3 acres,
 more or less.
 Parcel No. 24.18.44.060
MyhreOutlotA&B, Carlson Woods
 Subdivision
 Parcel No. 21.50.50.010
WheelerSee Exhibit A
 Parcel No. 19.28.12.060
McDougaldThe North Sixty (60) feet of
 Lots Ten (10), Eleven (11), and
 Twelve (12)
 Block Two (2), Twp of East Graceton,
 according to the recorded plat
 thereof;
 Parcel No. 22.50.02.100
CitySee Exhibit “A”
of Williams
 Parcel No. 62.51.00.200
City2nd Add to Williams, Subdivision Cd WM
of WilliamsS05 Lot 14 & 15, Block 5
Parcel No. 62.54.05.140
Rapid RiverA parcel of land located in the Southwest
 Quarter of the Southeast Quarter (SW1/4
 SE1/4), Section Twenty-three (23), Twp
 One Hundred fifty-nine (159) North, Range
 Thirty (30) West of the Fifth Principal
 Meridian in Minnesota, Lake of the Wood
 County, described as follows: Commencing
 at the point of intersection of the South
 line of County Road #112, and the West line
 of the SW1/4SE1/4, said Section 23; thence
 Easterly, on and along the South line of
 said County Road #112, 150 feet, and this
 being the POINT OF BEGINNING; thence
 Westerly on and along the last described
 line 150 feet, to the West line of said SW1/4
 SE1/4; thence South, on and along said West
 line, 425 feet; thence Easterly, parallel to
 the south line of SW1/4SE1/4 of said Section
 23, 675 feet; thence Northerly, and parallel
 to the West line of said SW1/4SE1/4, 175
 feet, more or less, to the South line of
 roadway; thence Northwesterly on and along
 the South line of said roadway, back to the
 point of beginning and there terminating.
 Parcel No. 38.23.43.010
CityLots Three (3) and Four (4), Block One
Williams(1), Second Addition to the City of
 Williams, according to the Plat thereof
 on file and of record in the office of the
 County Recorder.
 Parcel No. 62.54.01.030

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.

The following resolution was seconded by Commissioners Nordlof and the question was on the adoption of the resolution, and there were 4 yeas and 0 nays as follows:

County of Lake of the Woods

Board of County Commissioners       YEA                NAY   ABSENT

Thomas Hanson                                  x

Patricia Beckel                                                                                    x                                 

James Nordlof                                     x

Kenneth Moorman                              x

Edward Arnesen                                 x

ATTEST:__________________________________

               Mark E. Hall, County Auditor/Treasurer

Flu Shots

County Auditor/Treasure Mark E. Hall met with the board inquiring if the board wished to sponsor flu shots for 2013.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to offer flu shots to all county employees for the fall of 2013. The county will only pay for vaccinations that are administered at the Government Center on November 12, 2013. The county will not pay for offsite vaccinations at any other locations or time. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Tax Forfeited Buildings

County Auditor/Treasurer Mark E. Hall met with the board to discuss the several properties that have structures and the need for authorization from the board to clean-up and possible secure the tax-forfeited buildings.

Con-Con Funds

County Auditor/Treasure Mark E. Hall and Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval for the distribution of Con-Con funds.

Resolution

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

Tax Forfeited Properties

Authorization to Clean Up and Secure

Resolution No. 13-10-02

WHEREAS; Lake of the Woods County has several properties that have structures on the property that have been forfeited for non-payment of taxes;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED; that Lake of the Woods County Commissioners, hereby authorizes County Auditor/Treasurer, Mark E. Hall to clean-up and or secure the tax-forfeited buildings for the safety and protection of the public.

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

AIRPORT RAILROAD CROSSING

Airport Manger, Emory Vagen and Bud Hansen met with the board to discuss the railroad crossings condition and that it still has not been repaired from the last time of request and that no one seems to answer phone calls when they do try to contact the CN. Public Works Director, Tim Erickson informed the board that he has been trying to contact them to work out a Crossing Management Plan. The board informed Emory and Bud that Representative Roger Erickson has been informed on this issue and that they will follow up with him and others.

County Auditor/Treasurer

Claims

County Auditor/Treasure Mark E. Hall and Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board for approval of claims:

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to approve the claims as follows:

Revenue                      $  74,541.00   

Road and Bridge        $129,507.43

Social Service              $         10.00

Co. Develp                  $       860.66

Solid Waste                 $  22,560.90

EDA                            $  18,452.79

                                    $ 245,932.78

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 9/24/2013 For Payment 9/27/2013

Vendor Name                                                       Amount

Baudette/City Of                                                         60,000.00

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                                     11,284.69

Earthworks Contracting Inc                                        3,918.75

Ferrier Logging, Inc                                                     3,966.25

Fish/Kevin                                                                     7,861.25

Hasbargen Farms Inc                                                  3,633.75

Hasbargen Logging Inc                                              4,512.50

M & J Construction Of Holt, Inc.                              59,366.25

Mar-Kit Landfill                                                           10,900.35

Miovac/Tim                                                                  4,536.25

Norman Johnson Trucking, Inc.                                4,465.00

Northwest Community Action, Inc                              3,411.50

Northwest Mechanical Of Bemidji Inc                        3,138.92

Pro-West & Associates, Inc                                         6,000.00

R & Q Trucking, Inc                                                    3,784.20

Viewpoint Consulting Group, Inc                             12,000.00

WCEC Inc                                                                    9,735.00

Ziegler, Inc                                                                  11,930.50

49 Payments less than 2000     21,487.62

Final Total:   245,932.78

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

                                                September 11, 2013    $     45,905.27

September 16, 2013    $       1,141.89

                                                September 18, 2013    $     43,757.65

                                                September 19, 2013    $     35,130.65

                                                                                    $   125,935.46  

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

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 10:12 a.m. and reconvened at 10:24 a.m. as follows:

Con-con Review

County Auditor/Treasurer, Mark E. Hall and Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board and reviewed the Con-con request.

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to approve the following allocations of Con-Con funds for payable 2014:

                                    Baudette Arena Assoc                              $15,000

                                    Baudette Curling club                             $10,000

                                    Williams Arena Assoc                               $  5,000

                                    Baudette Chamber-Project                     $  2,500                                                                                    Baudette Community Foundation           $  4,000

                                    Anchor Marketing                                     $15,000

                                    Depot Preservation (for rain gutters only) $  5,000(with receipts)                                                                   LOW Historical Society                           $12,500

                                    LOW Humane Society-support                 $  4,000

                                    University of MN Extension                     $  2,000

                                    Williams Public Library                          $      650

                                    JT Powers Natural Resource Board       $  1,000

                                    Keep it Clean                                               $  2,500

                                    LOW Sr. Fishing(LOW Chapter)              $  1,500

                                    Rinke-Noonan-Retainer-Drainage         $  2,400

                                    St. Louis County Aud(NCLUCB)              $  2,000

                                    Take A Kid Fishing                                      $      600

                                    Widseth Smith Nolting                             $16,000

                                    Auditing Fees                                               $      800

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

PUBLIC WORKS

Years of Service Recognition

Chairman Hanson on behalf of the County Board of Commissioners thanked Matt Mickelson for his years of service with the county and presented him the following:

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

Recognition of years of service

Matt Mickelson

Resolution 2013 – 09-03

Whereas:  Matt Mickelson has served the residents of Lake of the Woods County since December 23, 1996 as Maintenance Supervisor;

Whereas:  Matt Mickelson has retired from Lake of the Woods County service effective September 30, 2013;

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

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

2014 Solid Waste Fees

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board and reviewed the 2014 Solid Waste fees and requested approval.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the 2014 Solid Waste assessments as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

1994 Dodge Pickup

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board and requested authorization for sealed bids for the 1994 Dodge Dakota Pickup.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to authorize Public Works Director, Tim Erickson to sell by closed bids the following equipment:

  1. 1994 Dodge Dakota Pickup

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

Cell Phone Stipend

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board and requested a cell phone stipend for Ted Furbish.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to allow Ted Furbish a cell phone stipend of $40.00 per month. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen 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 Moorman to approve the claims against the county as follows:

Commissioner Warrants      $10,747.52

                                                            Commissioner Warrants      $ 2,556.57

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

MN Family Investment Program Agreement

Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler met the board requesting approval to enter into the 2014-2105 MN Family Investment Program service agreement.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to approve the Lake of the Woods County Social Services 2014-2015 MN Family Investment Program (MFIP) Biennial Service Agreement. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried

2013 State of MN Financial Worker of the Year Award

Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler met the board to inform them that Angie Eason was nominated and awarded the 2013 State of MN Financial Worker of the year award at the recent MFW/CAA conference. The board congratulated Angie Eason for her nomination/award and thanked her for her dedicated service for the residents of our county.

CITY OF Williams

City of Williams Mayor, April Stavig and City Clerk, Kathleen Elson met with the board and informed them that the state had to make a bond payment on behalf of the City of Williams sewer. And they were requesting that the county pay of the difference in their bond and amortize the balance as a special assessment to city taxpayers over a longer period of time, in order to ease the burden on the City of Williams taxpayers. No action was taken at this time.

Lake of the Woods Prevention Coalition

Lake of the Woods Prevention Coalition Director, Tammie Doebler , Joyce Washburn and County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board to discuss a possible Ordinance for Synthetic Drug Establishments for Lake of the Woods County. The consensus of the board was to have Chairman Hanson have Contracted County Attorney, Michelle Moren review the sample ordinance.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 12:30 p.m. and reconvened at 12:35 p.m. as follows:

PUBLIC WORKS

Natural Gas Line

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board to discuss the possibility of having Natural Gas for the Industrial Park County Storage Building which is used for storage. The IDC is putting in natural gas line which is located near the county’s building and would cost approximately $2,500 for installation of the line.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize Public Works Director, Tim Erickson to run the natural gas line to the Industrial Park County Storage Building in the amount of installation of $2,500 with the funding from the unallocated account. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Overhead Door

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board to discuss the placing of an overhead door for the cold storage unit for the Law Enforcement at the Industrial Park County Storage Building and informed the board that staff would be able to do this work for approximately $3,500.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to authorize Public Works Director, Tim Erickson to have the overhead door installed for the cold storage unit within the Industrial Park County Storage Building up to $3,500 with funding from the unallocated account. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

NWA ROAD MAINTENACE/SOLID WASTE MANGEMENT PLAN

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board and discussed NWA road maintenance and updated the board on quotes on who may be hired to work on the Solid Waste Management Plan with the surrounding counties.

County Auditor/Treasurer

VA Resolution

County Auditor/Treasure Mark E. Hall met with the board requesting approval for the County Veterans Service Office Operational Enhancement Grant.

Resolution

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

Resolution of Lake of the Woods County

County Veterans Service Office Operational Enhancement Grant Program

Resolution 13-10-04

BE IT RESOLVED by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners that the County enter into the Grant Contract with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) to conduct the following Program:  County Veterans Service Office Enhancement Grant Program.  The grant must be used to provide outreach to the county’s veterans; to assist in the reintegration of combat veterans into society; to collaborate with other social service agencies, educational institutions, and other community organizations for the purposes of enhancing services offered to veterans; to reduce homelessness among veterans; and to enhance the operations of the county veterans service office, as specified in Minnesota Laws 2013 Chapter 142 Article 4.  This Grant should not be used to supplant or replace other funding.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners that the Chairman Hanson is hereby authorized to execute the Grant Contract for the County Veterans Service Office Operational Enhancement Grant Program, on behalf of the Lake of the Woods County.

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

Correspondence

The following correspondence was acknowledged; Thank you letters from the Williams Potato Day and the Williams Arena.

Recess

With no further business before the board, Chairman Hanson called the meeting to recess at 1:22 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                     Approved: October 8, 2013

____________________________                                        _______________________________

Janet E. Rudd, Deputy Auditor                                             Thomas Hanson, Chairman of the Board

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

Commissioner Proceedings

October 22, 2013

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 22, 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 Buck Nordlof, Ken Moorman, Ed Arnesen, Patty Beckel and Tom Hanson.  Also present were: Deputy Auditor Janet Rudd and Jon Hanson.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the agenda with the following additions: City of Williams request for funds, AMC district meeting and Annual Conference. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Consent Agenda

None

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to approve the minutes of October 8, regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel 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 Moorman to approve the claims against the county as follows:

Commissioner Warrants      $12, 845.35

                                                            Commissioner Warrants      $ 30,136.44

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

2014 CSP Grant Plan

Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler met the board requesting approval to enter into the 2014-Community Support Program grant plan..

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to approve the 2014 Community Support Program grant plan and authorize Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler to sign. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried

Wage Increase Request

Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler met the board requesting a step increase for Financial Worker, Angie Eason for recognition of excellence. The board informed Nancy that they are waiting on the HR position vacancies and will discuss a recognition program at a work session.

Cell Phone Stipend

Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler met the board requesting a cell phone stipend for Financial Worker, Shelly Pepera.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to allow Shelley Pepera a cell phone stipend of $60.00 per month. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

County Auditor/Treasurer

Claims

County Auditor/Treasurer Mark E. Hall and 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                      $  47,502.81  

Road and Bridge        $ 129,233.08

Co. Develp                  $        200.00

Solid Waste                 $     7,688.19

EDA                            $     3,873.42

                                    $188,497.50

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 10/22/2013 For Payment 10/25/2013

Vendor Name                                                                      Amount

Bauer Built, Inc                                                               12,818.59

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                                        13,411.97

Holen Electric                                                                  3,075.44

Lake Road Diesel Inc                                                     2,393.42

LaValla Electric DBA/Ned                                                5,000.00

MN State Dept – Correction                                             6,055.08

Northwest Community Action, Inc                                2,714.00

R & Q Trucking, Inc                                                         2,175.10

Ramsey County Medical Examiner                               2,800.00

Roseau County Cooperative Assn                               2,015.38

Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc                                        5,382.00

Strata Corp, Inc                                                              94,593.71

Ziegler, Inc                                                                       2,543.33

75 Payments less than 2000   33,519.48

Final Total:  188,497.50

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

                                                October 9,         2013  $        7,026.41

                                                October 15,       2013  $    314,311.90

                                                October 15        2013  $        3,781.68

                                                                                    $    325,119.99  

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

Third Quarter Financial Update

County Auditor/Treasurer Mark E. Hall and Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board and reviewed the 3rd quarter financial report.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the exempt gambling permit for the Fraternal Order of Police NW MN Lodge #8 to conduct a lawful gambling for a raffle on February 24, 2014 at Sportsman’s Lodge and authorize County Auditor/Treasurer to sign. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Con-Con Funds for Curling Club

The board discussed the request of funds from the Baudette Curling Club and noted that they requested funding to be payable in 2013.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to approve payment in the amount of $10,000 to the Baudette Curling Club form the Con-Con fund. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Health insurance Rates

County Auditor/Treasurer Mark E. Hall and Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board to inform them that there was an increase 7.3% for the 2014 health insurance.

Work Session

The board set November 5, 2013 for a work session starting at 7:00 a.m.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 9:55 a.m. and reconvened at 10:05 a.m. as follows:

NWA AIRPORT UPDATE

Benita Crow, Principal Engineer from Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. meet with the board and reviewed the Feasibility Study-Phase 2. The board requested that Benita complete Phase 3, and concurred that site 3 would be the most suitable site.

SHERIFF

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board requesting approval for installation of security system, installation for fob entry and panic buttons. Gary informed the board that Emergency Management Director, Christiana Husbands secured a safety grant thru the Department of Labor and Industry, Occupational Safety and Health Unit in the amount of $10,000, which requires a match of $10,000.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize County Sheriff, Gary Fish to have Wright Locksmith and Security System install the security system, panic buttons and the fob entry, in the amount of 28,079.51 with the funding from the Building Improvement fund. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried. County

PUBLIC WORKS

Solid Waste Management Plan

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting approval to hire a contractor for the Solid Waste Management Plan. Tim explained that Roseau, Pennington, Kittson and Marshall counties are looking at two companies to complete the study, Wenck Company would cost Lake of the Woods County roughly 8,500 and S E H, would cost approximately $7,500.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the Solid Waste Management Plan cost up to $8,500. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

closed session

Motion was made by Commissioner  Beckel to close the regular meeting at 11:34 a.m. and open the closed session pursuant to MN Statute § 13D.03 Labor Negotiations. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

The following were present at the closed session: Commissioners Arnesen, Nordlof, Moorman, Beckel and Hanson, Human Resource Assistant, Dena Pieper.

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to close the closed session and open the regular meeting at 11:45 a.m.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 11:45 a.m. and reconvened at 1:04 p.m. as follows:

David and Mary Schrandt Cartway Hearing

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to open the Public Hearing for David and Mary Schrandt Cartway Hearing at 1:05 p.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

David and Mary Schrandt Attorney, Nora Crumpton and Contracted County Attorney, Michelle Moren met with the board to present the proposed cartway. Contracted County Attorney, Michelle Moren went over the criteria with the County Board and Attorney Crumpton asking if this parcel is at least 5 acres and is land locked. Attorney Crumpton acknowledge that the property was. Contracted County Attorney, Michelle Moren noted that the order setting the public hearing upon petition was posted on October 11, 2013, and the county had received the affidavit of service and posting.

The County board reviewed the petition requesting the establishment of the cartway. Chairman Hanson requested the Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund review the routes in order and what impact it may have on wetlands and the approximate wetland impact would cost. Josh reviewed the four routes and the cost associated if a road was to be constructed to standards, or not built to standards, or just by access such as walking/ATV, and or to construct a trail no more than approximately five (5) feet.

Chairman Hanson opened the floor for comments. The following comments were heard:

  • Jon Meikle stated that Route 1 was the most logical route to use; the proposed route that would be on his property would ruin his pond and would be close to his house.
  • Gary Pulkrabeck stated that if it was on his property it would wreck his hunting and also would lose his shooting range and trails.
  • Paul Pederson stated that if it was on his and his sister’s it would run right through his farm land and the half mile road would end right where a swamp is. Paul stated that he would prefer Route 1, between his and Gary Pulkrabeck land.

Chairman Hanson discussed the routes for the cartway. The board reviewed the concerns from the effected land owners. The board determined that Route 1, with 16.5 feet from Gary Pulkrabercks land and 16.5 feet from Paul Pederson land would be less disruptive, less damaging, and possible in the public’s best interest. The board also discussed the damages that this cartway will initiate.

Resolution

Resolution

  1. Establishing Cartway for Petitioner David and Mary Schrandt
  2. Bifurcating Cartway Hearing to Determine Award of Damages
  3. Requiring Petitioners to Post Bond or other Security

Resolution No. 13-10-05

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners has received a cartway petition pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 164.08, from David and Mary Schrandt  “petitioners” in which the petitioner asks the county board to establish a cartway to petitioners’ property across the lands of others; and

WHEREAS, Petitioners have been represented by Nora Crumpton, Attorney at Law; and

WHEREAS, the petitioners’ property is described as follows:  SW¼, Sec. 2, Twp. 160 N., Range 33 W. and

WHEREAS, the petitioners ask that a cartway be established over one of the following routes:

ROUTE 1:  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.

OR

ROUTE 2: The West one (1) rod of the Northwest Quarter (NW¼) of Section Two (2), Township One Hundred Sixty (160) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West; and the East one (1) rod of the Northeast Quarter (NE¼) of Section Three (3), Township One Hundred Sixty (160) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West.

OR

ROUTE 3:  The south one (1) rod of the Southeast Quarter (SE ¼) of Section Two (2), Township One Hundred Sixty (160) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West; and the north one (1) rod of the Northeast Quarter of Section Eleven (11), Township One Hundred Sixty (160) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West.

OR

ROUTE 4: The West one (1) rod of the Northeast Quarter (NE¼) of Section Eleven (11), Township One Hundred Sixty (160) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West; and the East one (1) rod of the Northwest Quarter (NW¼) of Section Eleven (11), Township One Hundred Sixty (160) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West.

WHEREAS, it was determined that dependent upon the route so selected, the requested cartway could pass over the lands of the following persons: Gary G. Pulkrabek, Paul Pederson, Patricia Davidson, Vivian Lloyd, Jon Meikle, James Stanton, Terry Gamache, and John Stanton Jr.; whose property is described as follows: 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; OR, the Northwest Quarter (NW¼) of Section Two (2), Township One Hundred Sixty (160) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West and the Northeast Quarter (NE¼) of Section Three (3), Township One Hundred Sixty (160) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West; OR the

the Southeast Quarter (SE ¼) of Section Two (2), Township One Hundred Sixty (160) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West and the Northeast Quarter (NE¼) of Section Eleven (11), Township One Hundred Sixty (160) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West; OR the Northeast Quarter (NE¼) of Section Eleven (11), Township One Hundred Sixty (160) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West and the Northwest Quarter (NW¼) of Section Eleven (11), Township One Hundred Sixty (160) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West. and

WHEREAS; on October 22, 2013, after proper posting and notice, a hearing on the cartway petition was heard by the Lake of the Woods County board; and

WHEREAS; the following public were in attendance: Jon Meikle, Gary Pulkrabek, Paul Pederson, Patricia Davidson, Ron Davidson, Ben Murphy, Terry Gamache and Dwain Duckwork.

WHEREAS; the County Board finds that, pursuant to Minn. Stat. §164.08, subd. 2 (a), the petitioner owns a tract of land containing at least five acres and has no access from it to a public road except over the lands of others; and

WHEREAS; the petitioner is therefore entitled to the establishment of a cartway pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 164.08. subd. 2 (a);

WHEREAS, the County Board heard evidence and arguments from the petitioner, the affected landowners and members of the public regarding the question of what damages, if any, should be paid to the owners and occupants across whose land(s) the cartway will be established, and regarding what damages the county has incurred as costs and expenses related to these proceedings;

WHEREAS, the petitioner is responsible for any and all cost of wetland mitigation; and

WHEREAS; by and through counsel, petitioners agreed to that the cartway hearing should be bifurcated so that the issue of award of damages could be heard at a later date

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED AND ORDERED;

  1. A cartway pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 164.08, subd. 2 (a) is established, subject to the terms and conditions that follow, the terms and conditions in the award of damages, and the payment of all damages.
  2. The Lake of the Woods County Board finds that the following location and width of the cartway is the least disruptive and least damaging for neighboring landowners and in the public’s best interest; The East 16.5 feet of the NW1/4 Sec 2, Twp 160 Range 33 and the West 16.5 feet of the NE1/4 of Sec. 2, Twp 160, Range 33, Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota
  3. That the cartway hearing is hereby bifurcated and the hearing to determine damages shall be held at a date to be determined by the County Board.  Prior to said hearing, the proposed cartway shall be surveyed; an appraisal shall be conducted to determine damages and a wetland study shall be conducted.  Petitioner shall be responsible for all associated costs.  No action shall be taken in regard to the survey, appraisal, and wetland study shall occur unless and until Petitioners pay a bond to the County to cover the cost of said items in the sum of $13,500.00 as more fully set forth in paragraph 4 of this resolution.
  4. Following the completion of the items set forth in paragraph 3 above and prior to opening or constructing the cartway, the petitioner shall pay to the county all items described below as damages for the establishment of the cartway, together with any other costs or disbursements to the County or affected landowners. If the damages exceed the amount of estimated costs, the board can amend this resolution to require additional security.

Survey                                      $7,000

Wetland Delineation                $6,000

Appraisal of cartway route      $   500  

5. The issue regarding award of damages to the affected landowner and further damages to the County (if any) shall be reserved and determined at the continued cartway hearing at a time and date to be determined.

6. The County Board shall set the next hearing date following the completion of the requirements set forth in paragraph 3 above. Petitioner shall be required to give notice of said hearing by mailed notice to all affected landowners and posted notice per statute.

7. Town road and bridge funds shall not be expended for this cartway.

The resolution was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the vote carried as follows:

Voting For: Commissioners Moorman, Arnesen, Hanson and Beckel

Voting Against:    None

Abstaining: Commissioner Nordlof

The David and Mary Schrandt cartway petition is stayed until the security is deposited with Lake of the Woods County Auditor/Treasurer.

Lake of the Woods County

_________________________________

                                                                        Thomas Hanson, Chairman of the Board

Dated: ________________________

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to close the Public Hearing at 2:25 p.m. and open the regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

CITY OF WILLIAMS REQUEST

Chairman Hanson informed the board that Williams City Clerk, Kathleen Elson called and inquired what the County Commissioners’ decision was for the requests of funding from the October 8, 2013 meeting. The consensus of the board was that the City of Williams needs to address the issues that the State is asking for before the board will make any consideration or take any action on the City of Williams request of funds.

AMC MEETINGS

Chairman Hanson informed the board that the AMC district meeting will be held on October 30, in Bemidji and that the Annual Conference will be held on December 8-11 at the Hyatt Regency, in Minneapolis.

Recess

With no further business before the board, Chairman Hanson called the meeting to recess at 2:38 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                     Approved: November 12, 2013

____________________________                                        _______________________________

Janet E. Rudd, Deputy Auditor                                             Thomas Hanson, Chairman of the Board

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

Commissioner Proceedings

Special County Board Meeting

October 29, 2013

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in special session on Tuesday, October 29, 2013, in the Commissioners’ Room of the Lake of the Woods County Government Center.

Call to Order

Chair Tom Hanson called the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present:  Commissioners Ed Arnesen, Patty Beckel, Tom Hanson, Ken Moorman and Buck Nordlof.  Also present were: Interim County Attorney Michelle Moren, Para-Legal/Human Resource Assistant Dena Pieper, County Sheriff Gary Fish, County Recorder Sue Ney, Social Services Director Nancy Wendler, Child Support Officer Craig Severs, Public Works Director Tim Erickson and Chief Deputy Auditor Lorene Hanson.

Approval of Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Ken Moorman to approve the agenda for the special meeting today.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Review of Interviews

Interim County Attorney Michelle Moren reviewed the interviewing process with the County Board and the Interviewing Committee.  The Committee will meet on another date, to review the applicants’ scores and attain a recommendation to bring to the County Board on Tuesday, November 26, 2013.  The Interviewing Committee would consist of the following:  County Sheriff, Social Services Director, Public Works Director, Interim County Attorney, County Recorder and two (2) County Commissioners.

Interviews:

1st Applicant:

Para-Legal/Human Resource Assistant Dena Pieper introduced Steven R Ott to the County Board.  Interim County Attorney Michelle Moren introduced herself to Mr. Ott and reviewed the interviewing process with him.  Introductions were made by all of those in attendance.   Michelle proceeded with the interviewing questions. 

Recess

The County Board recessed at 12:00 p.m. and reconvened at 1:00 p.m. as follows:

Interviews:

2nd Applicant:

Para-Legal/Human Resource Assistant Dena Pieper introduced Michael P Plante to the County Board.  Interim County Attorney Michelle Moren introduced herself to Mr. Plante and reviewed the interviewing process with him.  Introductions were made by all of those in attendance.   Michelle proceeded with the interviewing questions. 

Recess

The County Board recessed at 3:00 p.m. and reconvened at 3:30 p.m. as follows:

Interviews:

3rd Applicant:

Para-Legal/Human Resource Assistant Dena Pieper introduced Patrick A Oman to the County Board.  Interim County Attorney Michelle Moren introduced herself to Mr. Oman and reviewed the interviewing process with him.  Introductions were made by all of those in attendance.   Michelle proceeded with the interviewing questions. 

Recess

There being no further business before the County Board, Chair Tom Hanson called the meeting to recess at 5:20 p.m.

Attest:                                                             Approved:  November 12, 2013

______________________________            ___________________________________

Lorene G Hanson                                          Thomas Hanson

Chief Deputy Auditor                                   County Board Chair

October, 2012

Commissioner Proceedings

October 9, 2012

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 9, 2012. Chairman Todd Beckel called the meeting to order at 9:07 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners Todd Beckel, Arnesen, Tom Hanson, and Ken Moorman. Commissioner Patty Beckel was absent due to a Compensation Meeting and will join the meeting later. Also present were: County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid, Deputy Auditor Janet Rudd, John Oren and Brian Peterson.

Approval of Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the agenda as presented. 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 Hanson to approve the consent agenda as follows: Consent requested for Boyd Johnson to attend 2012 Bridge Construction Courses at MnDOT Training & Conference Center in Shoreview, MN on the following dates:  January 29 through February 1, 2013;  February 4 through February 8, 2013; and February 11 through February 15, 2013.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Minutes

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve September 25, 2012 regular board minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

SHERIFF

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board requesting approval to purchase ARMER Radio’s and the installation cost.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to approve the purchase for MHZ ARMER Radio Band, Antenna, and Labor for the Sherriff’s Office in the amount of $6,758.19 with the funds from the Radio Grant. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

AUDITOR

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid met with the board requesting approval of claims.

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

                                      Revenue                   $           57,312.62       

                                      Road & Bridge        $           28,573.47

                                      County Develp.       $                200.00

                                      Solid Waste             $            16,720.37

                                      EDA                        $              1,589.89       

                      104,396.35       

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 10/09/2012 For Payment 10/12/2012

Vendor Name                                      Amount

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                  12,645.27

Howard’s Oil Company                            4,020.05

LOW County Treasurer                            2,286.66

LOW Highway Dept                                 2,962.50

Mn State Dept-Correction                      12,765.55

R & Q Trucking, Inc                                  3,145.10

Roseau County Cooperative Assn         2,150.18

Sanford Medical Center                           5,023.00

Sawyer Training, Inc                                8,800.00

T-C Lighting                                              5,227.08

University Of Mn                                       8,112.51

Voyageurs Communications, Inc           2,744.42

Voyageurs Comtronics, Inc                     3,602.40

Woody’s Service                                       6,848.19

66  Payments less than 2000    24,063.44

Final Total:   104,396.35

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

                                                September 26, 2012           $         1,220.32

                                                September 26, 2012           $            181.78

                                                September 26, 2012           $   1,451,998.13        

                                                October 3, 2012                 $         3,969.01

                                                October 3, 2012                 $       94,475.37

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

Exempt Gambling Permit-NW MN Fraternal Order of Police

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid requested approval for an Exempt Gambling Permit for the NW MN Fraternal Order of Police to hold a raffle on February 25, 2013.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the exempt gabling permit for the Fraternal Order of Police NW MN Lodge #8 to conduct a lawful gambling for a raffle on February 25, 2013 at Sportsman’s Lodge and authorize County Auditor to sign. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

County Health Insurance

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid met with the board to discuss the County Health Insurance increase in rates for 2013. The Commissioners requested that he create a spreadsheet that would show the cost of increasing the counties share by $10.00 and $25.00 and what the yearly cost would be.

Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. (SEH)

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid presented the SEH agreement to the board for approval.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the agreement between Lake of the Woods County and Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. to perform Architectural, Engineering and/or other Professional Services for the project at the proposed Northwest Angle Airport, for an Initial Feasibility Study and authorize Chairman Todd Beckel and County Attorney to sign. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

County Land

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid met with the board and informed them that the Land Committee met and looked at all county lands that would be available to sell. The committee will bring back a packet of information on all lands the county owns.

Commissioner Patty Beckel joined the meeting at 10:00 a.m.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 10:07 a.m. and reconvened at 10:18 a.m. as follows:

Phone Consultations Findings

MIS Director, Brent Birkeland and Pat Daniels via teleconference from Elert Associates met with the board and reviewed the needs assessment. The major findings were the existing Lucent/Avaya telephone and voice mail system has reached its end of life and no longer has guaranteed manufacturers support.

The board requested that MIS Director to move forward with a Request for Proposal for a new system.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Social Service Financial Officer, Christine Hultman met with the board requesting approval of claims:

Motion

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

                                                Commissioner Warrants        $   11,312.64                                                                                                     Commissioner Warrants        $     5,664.11

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

Land and Water Planning Director

Block Grant

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board requesting approval for the 2013 Natural Resource Block Grant.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize the Land and Water Planning Director Josh Stromlund and Chairman Todd Beckel to sign the 2013 State of Minnesota Board of Water & Soil Resources NRBG agreement and program allocation and contribution plan. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

SWCD

SWCD Resource Technician, Mike Hirst met with the board to discuss the bags of garbage that were  left on the ice this past season. Mike informed the board that the Lake of the Woods County Water Plan committee met and developed strategies to address this issue. The committee’s objectives over the next two (2) years are:

  • Convene a task force
  • Develop education  efforts
  • Two billboards
  • Signs at four lake access points
  • Publicity; newspaper article, web, social media, etc
  • Place dumpster at 4 heavy use lake access locations
  • Partner with Friends of Zippel Bay State Park/MN Conservation    Corps and other organizations to clean up the State Park, Pine and Curry Island and Natural Area’s Shoreline
  • Work with local officials to develop and implement a strategy to    minimize littering on the lake

Commissioner Arnesen will represent the county on the Task Force committee.

LAKE O F THE WOODS SUSTAINABILITY FOUNDATION

Lake of the Woods Sustainability Foundation Executive Director, Todd Sellers met with the board and gave an update on the international coordination of research and management of water quality on  Lake of the Woods and future plans.

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 11:58 a.m. and reconvened at 11:57 a.m. as follows:

Closed Session- MN Statute §13D.03-Union Negotiations

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to close the regular meeting at 11:58 a.m. and open the Closed Session pursuant to MN Statute § 13D.03, Union negotiations. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Members present: Commissioners Moorman, Arnesen, Todd Beckel, Hanson and Patty Beckel. Others present, Human Resource Director, Wade Johannesen.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to close the closed session at 12:20 p.m. and reconvene the regular meeting. 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 12:21 p.m. and reconvened at 1:15 p.m. as follows:

Vets Service Officer

Veterans Service Officer, Rick Rone met with the board to discuss the Veterans Service Office and the Veterans Service Policy. The policy will be placed on the January 2013 agenda.

Human Resources

Human Resource Director, Wade Johannesen met with the board to discuss his contract as Human Resource Director.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to enter into a Professional Services Contract between Lake of the Woods County and Wade Johannesen for Human Resource Service effective October 19, 2012 and terminating October 18, 2013. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel. The vote carried as follows: Voting for: Commissioners Patty Beckel, Arnesen, Moorman and Hanson. Voting against: Commissioner Todd Beckel.

Compensation Plan

Commissioner Patty Beckel informed the board that the Compensation Committee met this morning and went over the appeal process that will be in place for the next couple weeks for those who feel that their job description should be reviewed or changed.

Con-Con Funds Appropriations

Chairman Todd Beckel discussed the ConCon request from the local organizations. The board reviewed the individual request.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to contribute $55,000 to the Historical Society for land acquisition and expansion with the funding from the ConCon funds. 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 make allocations to the above organizations from the ConCon funds, payable 2013:

LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY DEVELOPMENT 2013COST
  Baudette Arena Assoc-          15,000.00
  Williams Arena Assoc-            5,000.00
  Anchor Marketing          15,000.00
  LOW Historical Society          12,500.00
  Baudette Community Foundation – Grand Theater-(for five years)            4,000.00
  University of MN Extension- (summer staffing)            2,000.00
  Baudette Chamber – Chamber Projects            2,500.00
  LOW Humane Society – Support            1,000.00
  Joint Powers Natural Resources Board            1,000.00
  LOW Sr Fishing (LOW Chapter)            1,500.00
  Rinke-Noonan-Retainer-Drainage            2,400.00
  St Louis County Aud-  (NCLUCB)            2,000.00
  Take A Kid Fishing                600.00
  Widseth Smith Nolting- (re-monumentation)          16,000.00
  Auditing Fees                800.00
          81,300.00

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

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 2:58 p.m. and reconvened at 7:00 p.m. as follows:

Public Hearing- ATV Ordinance

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to close the regular meeting at 7:01 and open the Public Hearing as advertised for consideration of adoption of ATV Ordinance. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Chairman Todd Beckel welcomed the public to the hearing. Public Works Director, Tim Erickson and Commissioner Moorman reviewed the ATV ordinance with the board and public.

Chairman Todd Beckel opened the floor for comments. The main concern of the public was the speed limit of 20 mile per hour.

One letter was received from MNDNR Parks & Trails staff and that they did not have any issues with the proposed ordinance.

Chairman Todd Beckel thanked the public for attending the Public Hearing.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to close the Public Hearing and open the regular meeting at 7:56 p.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Recess

With no further business before the County Board, Chairman Todd Beckel called the meeting to recess at 7:57 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                     Approved: October 23, 2012

_______________________________                                  _______________________________

John W. Hoscheid, County Auditor                                       Todd Beckel, Chairman of the Board

Commissioner Proceedings

October 23, 2012

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 23, 2012. Vice-Chairman Tom Hanson called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners, Arnesen, Tom Hanson, Ken Moorman and Patty Beckel. Commissioner Todd Beckel was absent due to a Wetland Meeting. Also present were: County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid, Deputy Auditor Janet Rudd, John Oren and Brian Peterson.

Approval of Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the agenda with the following additions: Travel for Dale Boretski, Mary Jo Otten and Lorene Hanson, Veteran Services Grant, Joe Morisch and Ben Duick- off of probation and Towers. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.  

Approval of Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the consent agenda as follows: Travel for Cooper Mickelson to Bemidji on April 15-16 for Construction Site Management Training; Dan Crompton to Bemidji on April 17 for Construction Site Management Recertification Training; Holly House to Bemidji on November 6-7 for THIRA training; Dale Boretski to Thief River Falls on October 30-31 for Property Valuation Course; Mary Jo Otten to St. Paul on October 23-24 for Gas and Electric Forum and Lorene Hanson to St. Paul on November 14-15 for State Auditor Annual Training.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Minutes

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve October 9, 2012 regular board minutes with changes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

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

Motion

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

                                                Commissioner Warrants        $   23,999.45                                                                                                     Commissioner Warrants        $     5,701.69

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

County Financial Worker and Case Aide Day

Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler informed the board that Governor Dayton Proclaimed October 17, 2012 as County Financial Workers and Case Aides day for all their dedicated work providing outstanding services to the people of Minnesota through their administration of public assistance programs.

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners congratulated the Social Services Financial Workers and Case Aides for their dedicated service for Lake of the Woods County clients.

Lakewood health Center Contract- LTCC, Skilled Nursing PHN Case Mgt Service

Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler met with the board requesting approval to enter into a contract with Lakewood Health Center and lake of the Woods County Social Services department for home and community based services.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the contract between LakeWood Health Center and Lake of the Woods County Social Services for July 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013, for the provision of home and community based services including long term care consultation, skilled nursing services, and public health nurse case management services, and to authorize Vice -Chairman Tom Hanson and Lake of the Woods County Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler, to sign same. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Out of State Travel

Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler met with the board and informed the board that Social Worker, Jodi Ferrier wrote a grant scholarship to the Department of Human Services for funding to attend a National Conference for “The Differential Response Conference” that will be held in Henderson, NV.   Minnesota Department of Human Services only granted twelve (12) grants in the amount of $1,000 each and Jodi’s grant was one of the recipients of this grant.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to authorize Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler to allow Social Worker, Jodi Ferrier to attend the National Conference for “The Differential Response Conference in Henderson NV November 11-14, 2012. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put t a vote, was unanimously carried.

AUDITOR

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the claims against the county with the exception of vendor no. 90 for further clarification:

                                      Revenue                   $           35,353.41       

                                      Road & Bridge        $           23,001.35

                                      Solid Waste             $           12,573.44

                                      EDA                        $              5,167.27       

                        76,095.47       

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 10/23/2012 For Payment 10/26/2012

Vendor Name                                                       Amount

Anchor Marketing, Inc                                                           2,200.70

Dynamic Imaging Systems, Inc                                           3,020.14

Emergency Communications Network, LLC                        5,000.00

Government Management Group, Inc                                 3,500.00

Johannesen/Wade                                                               2,762.00

LOW Marine, Inc                                                                    3,608.73

Mar-Kit Landfill                                                                     10,964.50

Mn Assn Of Counties                                                           2,175.00

Northwest Community Action, Inc                                        2,935.76

Ps Doors                                                                                3,574.94

Traffic Marking Service, Inc.                                              18,606.10

46 Payments less than 2000       21,356.33

Final Total:   79,704.20

This is the final payment; Vendor No. 90 was approved later in the meeting

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

                                                October 8, 2012                 $           (72.00)

                                                October 8, 2012                 $       71,642.85

                                                October 11, 2012               $       21,226.22

                                                October 17, 2012               $     197,841.93               

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

Small Cities Grant

John Wynne, from Wynne Consulting met with the board requesting approval to apply for the Small Cities pre-application grant. John explained that last year when they applied there was a change in policy; so therefore, they will apply again this year with no cost to the county.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve Wynne Consulting proposal to prepare and submit the required material for the Small Cities Development Grant for the pre-application. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

AIRPORT COMMISSION

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid and Commissioner Patty Beckel informed the board that the Baudette/Lake of the Woods Airport has completed the runway and payment of $32,149 is due.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to disburse $32,149.00 to the City of Baudette, Airport Commission for the Parallel Taxiway Reconstruction Project (FAA Project No. 3-27-0009-10-11, State Project 3901-45) with the funding from the ConCon fund. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Department of Revenue- Tax Calculation Course

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid informed the board that Minnesota Department of Revenue requires that at least one person in the county needs to attain certification for tax calculation to fulfill the statutory requirements under M.S. 273.0755. John explained that it provides the necessary training to certify county officials in tax calculation and that this training ensures that taxpayers will have someone at the county level to turn to who can manually work through a tax calculation and explain how their tax amounts are determined. Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson took the exam and passed the tax calculation course and is now certified for four years.

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners congratulated Lorene Hanson on her Certification of Compliance.

Prevention coalition

Prevention Coalition Director, Tammie Doebler met with the board and presented the Lake of the Woods Prevention Coalition 1st quarter report.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the 1st Quarter Financial Report and authorize Vice-Chairman, Tom Hanson and Social Service Financial Officer, Christine Hultman to sign. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER

Grant

Vice-Chairman, Tom Hanson presented a resolution for support for a Grant Contract with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs for funding in the amount of $2,298.

Resolution

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

County Veterans Service Office Community Outreach Grant

Resolution No. 2012-10-01

BE IT RESOLVED; by Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners that the County enter into the attached Grant Contract with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) to conduct the following Program: County Veterans Service Office Community Outreach Grant Program. The grant must be used for community outreach as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 197.608, to all eligible veterans regarding the availability of benefits the have earned and especially those relating to posttraumatic stress disorder for all veterans, including World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War era veterans, and should not be used to supplant or replace other funding.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED; by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners that Commissioner Tom Hanson, the Vice-Chairman, be authorized to execute the attached Grant Contract for the above- mentioned Program on behalf of the County.

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

WHEREUPON, the above resolution was adopted by Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners this 23rd day of October, 2012.

AMC DISTRICT 2 MEETING

Vice-Chairman, Tom Hanson reminded the Commissioners of the District 2 Meeting in Bemidji on October 24, 2012 at 8:00 a.m.

COUNTY RECORDER

I Doc Market

County Recorder, Sue Ney met with the board and requested approval to set fees for the I Doc Market, which will enable customers to view their index and to print documents online. The system is hosted by Tyler Technologies, as well as the payment process.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to set the pricing for access to the Lake of the Woods County Recorder’s database, as hosted by Tyler Technologies as follows:

Monthly Limited                   Monthly Unlimited

Day Pass                                 Plan                                        Plan

Unlimited searching                Unlimited searching                Unlimited searching

$1/view (3 free)                       $0.50/view (100 free)              Unlimited views         

$0.50/print                               $0.50/print                               $0.50/print (500 free)

$8                                            $50                                          $150

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

e-Recordings

County Recorder, Sue Ney met with the board and requested approval to accept e-recordings, which submitters send documents electronically, and then the office will process and return the same day. First plan is to accept satisfactions and assignments of mortgages and then progress into deeds and mortgages by January 2013.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to allow the County Recorder’s Office to accept e-Recordings from trusted submitters as defined by the ERER Commission. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

COUNTY ASSESSOR

Electronic Certificate of Real Estate Value(eCRV)

County Assessor, Mary Jo Otten met with the board and requested approval to allow the County Assessors office to accept Certificate of Real Estate Value (CRV) electronically. CRV’s are required to document a sale of property in Minnesota, which is reviewed by the County and the Department of Revenue to verify sale terms and ensure fair and equitable property tax  assessments statewide. The cost of the eCRV program is $625 and a Public Terminal is required.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to allow the County Assessor’s Office to process eCRVs on-line with the cost of $625 and the funding from the Enhancement Fund. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Lessard –Sams Outdoor Heritage Council/Outdoor Heritage Fund- none

Land Trade- working on County Owned Lands

Red Lake Tribe/NWA Issues- meeting was cancelled

Township Road Inventory/ATV Ordinance-remove ATV from Old/New

Inventory-none

Beaver –management policy update

Clementson Bridge Property/Water Accesses- conditional use permit

2012 Goals and Projects-appeals in process on Compensation plan

Grant Policy and Expenditures- Human Resources

L/W Area Park & Trails-rural money for parks and trails

L/W Broadband/Communications- moving forward

Towers- precision agriculture technology

CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF ATV ORDIANCE

Vice-Chairman, Tom Hanson inquired if the board had any concerns or reservation on the proposed ATV Ordinance for Lake of the Woods County. Commissioner Moorman informed the board that

the committee changed the Ordinance to read “at a rate of speed greater than reasonable or proper under the surrounding circumstances”, instead of the 20 mile speed limit that was in the Ordinance, for that was the main concern the constituents had that attended the public hearing.

Resolution

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

Lake of the Woods County ATV Ordinance

Resolution No. 12-10-03

WHEREAS; Minnesota Statutes §84.92-84.928 generally regulates the use of all terrain vehicles within the right of way for trunk highways, county state aid highways, and county roads;

WHEREAS; Minnesota Statutes § 84.928, subd. 6 (c) (2) authorizes counties to enact an ordinance which provides for the operation of all-terrain vehicles;

WHEREAS; Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on October 9, 2012 to hear public comments on the proposed Lake of the Woods ATV Ordinance;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT; Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners hereby approves the Lake of the Woods ATV Ordinance.

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

ORDINANCE-ATV

LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY ORDINANCE

FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF ALL TERRAIN VEHICLES

IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY ON ROADS

WITHIN THE COUNTY’S JURISDICTION

THE COUNTY BOARD OF LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY DOES ORDAIN:

Subdivision 1.  Purpose and intent.

WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes §84.92-84.928 generally regulate the use of all terrain vehicles within the right of way for trunk highways, county state aid highways, and county roads. Pursuant to Minnesota Statute §84.928, subd. 6 (c)(2) and, consistent with this ordinance, and to provide for the health, safety and welfare of its citizens, and to ensure the integrity of roads falling under the jurisdiction of Lake of the Woods County, this Ordinance is enacted to regulate the use of all-terrain vehicles on county state aid highways, county roads, and unorganized township roads within Lake of the Woods County. 

WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes § 84.928, subd. 6 (c)(2) authorizes counties to enact an ordinance which provide for the operation of all-terrain vehicle on a road right of way shoulder, or inside bank or slope of a county highway or county state-aid highway if safe operation in the ditch or outside slope is impossible and the county posts the appropriate notice, notwithstanding any law to the contrary.

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County recognizes that county residents are also interested in using their ATV’s on county maintained roads to access other areas without having to trailer their ATV’s.

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners, the Lake of the Woods County Sheriff, and the Lake of the Woods County Public Works Director will re-evaluate this Ordinance permitting operation of all-terrain vehicles on the extreme right shoulder of all roads under county jurisdiction in the manner set forth in this ordinance after a period of one (1) year from the enactment of this Ordinance.  At this re-evaluation, this Ordinance, along with all Incident Case Reports, shall be reviewed.  At that time, this Ordinance may be modified or renewed for another one (1) year period or completely terminated.

Subdivision 2. Definitions.

            The following definitions apply to this Ordinance:

  • ATV or All Terrain Vehicle shall mean a Class 1 All-Terrain Vehicle, as defined in Minn. Stat. §84.92, subd. 9.
  • County means the County of Lake of the Woods, Minnesota.
  • County Maintained Roads means all County State-Aid Highways, County Roads, and Unorganized Township Roads outside of an incorporated municipality located in Lake of the Woods County.  State highways and city streets are not included in this ordinance.

Subdivision 3. Findings

WHEREAS, Pursuant to Minnesota Statute §84.928, subd. 6(c), the County makes the following findings:

  • That most of the county maintained roads are in an area of the County that is generally flat and contains numerous and extensive lowlands.
  • That a portion of the terrain adjacent to these roads is such that travel by ATV’s in the ditch or outside slopes of such roads is not possible.
  • That a portion of County maintained roads do not have ditches and that brush, trees and other vegetation exist immediately adjacent to the edge of the roadway.
  • That reconstructed roads have well vegetated slopes and ditch bottoms costing several thousand dollars per mile to establish and should not be damaged or destroyed.

Subdivision 4.  Regulations for Operation on County Maintained Roads

  • Persons operating all terrain vehicles on any County maintained roadways, outside incorporated municipalities, must operate the all terrain vehicle on the extreme right hand side of the road, making left turns across the road only if it is safe to do so under prevailing conditions.
  • Persons operating all terrain vehicles within the right of way of any of the county maintained roadways shall not operate their ATV on the inside slope, ditch bottom or outside slope of the right of way.
  • Except as otherwise provided in this Ordinance, operation of all terrain vehicles shall be in compliance with Minnesota Statutes §84.92 – 84.928, as well as any other federal, state, or local rule or regulation as it applies to sections in this ordinance.
  • No person shall operate an ATV, or other motorized vehicle, on the bike trail between Baudette and the Lake of the Woods School or any other trail where motorized vehicles are prohibited.
  • No person shall operate an ATV on Lake of the Woods County maintained roads at a rate of speed greater than reasonable or proper under the surrounding circumstances.

Subdivision 5.  Information gathering for program

The Lake of the Woods Sheriff’s Office shall collect and compile Incident Case Report data reported to the Sheriff’s Office from the public regarding ATV use on county maintained roads. In addition, complaints received by County Board members will be received and recorded.

Subdivision 6.  Penalties

Any person who violates any provision of this ordinance is guilty of a misdemeanor as defined in Minn. Stat. §609.02, subd. 3.

Subdivision 7.  Effectuation

This Ordinance, as amended, shall take effect and be in full force October 23, 2012 upon its adoption by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners, and its publication in the official newspaper of Lake of the Woods County as provided by Minnesota Statutes; unless otherwise terminated by further resolution of the Lake of the Woods County Board.

Dated this 23rd, day of October, 2012

LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

By                                                                                 

Tom Hanson

Vice-Chairman, Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners

ATTEST:

By                                                                               

John W. Hoscheid

Lake of the Woods County Auditor  

SHERIFF

Utility Trailer

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board requesting authorization to purchase a utility trailer.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to authorize County Sheriff, Gary Fish to purchase a 2012 Bear Track tandem Utility Trailer in the amount of $2,795 with the fund from the 2012 ATV Grant. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Part-Time Deputy Sheriff-PERA Police and Fire

County Sheriff, Gary Fish requested that Part-time Deputy Sheriff, Jason Goulet be placed on the Police and Fire PERA Plan. No action was taken. The board decided to set a policy on Sheriff’s PERA Plans.

Completion of Probationary Period

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board informing the board that Deputy Sheriffs Benjamin Duick and Joseph Morisch have completed their probationary period with a satisfactory review and is requesting a step increase for both Deputies.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioners Moorman to approve a one step merit adjustment (grade 11 step 2) for completion of a satisfactory probation period for Deputy Sheriffs Benjamin Duick and Joseph Morisch effective October 28, 2012. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Probationary Period

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board informing the board that Deputy Sheriff, Arlen Block probationary period will be completed on November 13, 2012 and requested a merit adjustment for a satisfactory review.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve a one step merit adjustment (grade 11 step 2) for completion of a satisfactory probation period for Deputy Sheriff Arlen Block effective November 11, 2012. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Claim No. 90

Vice-Chairman Tom Hanson discussed Claim No. 90 that was not approved this morning with County Sheriff, Gary Fish.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to pay claim No. 90. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimsly carried.

PUBLIC WORKS

NW Angel Split Job Duties

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson and County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board to discuss the Split duties for the part-time NW Angle Solid Waste Processor and part-time Deputy Sheriff and what salary and hours that would apply to this split job.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to set the hours of 20 hours per week for the part-time Deputy Sheriff at grade 11 step 1 and the part-time Solid Waste Processor at 10 hour per week at grade 10 step 1 effective October 14, 2012. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

COUNTY EXTENSION

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid and Commissioner Patty Beckel discussed the Extension meeting that was held on October 22, 2012 and informed the board that University of Minnesota Regional Director, Deb Zak  received from Dean of Extension, Bev Durgan the “Dean’s Distinguished Award for Outstanding Leadership” , which is one of the highest awards and Extension employee can receive.

The board congratulated Deb Zak on her outstanding award.

Committee Reports

Commissioner Patty Beckel

  • Extension
  • GIZZIBBI

Commissioner Moorman

  • Ø  Area Aging Committee
  • Local Advisory-Mental Health

Commissioner Arnesen

  • MRCC
  • NWCA

Commissioner Hanson

  • Arrowhead Library Board

Recess

With no further business before the County Board, Vice Chairman Tom Hanson called the meeting to recess at 12:50 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                     Approved: November 13, 2012

_______________________________                                  __________________________________

John W. Hoscheid, County Auditor                                       Tom Hanson, Vice- Chairman of the Board

October, 2011

Commissioner Proceedings

October 11, 2011

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 11, 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, Moorman, Arnesen and Hanson. Also present were: County Auditor John W Hoscheid, Deputy Auditor Janet Rudd, Jon Oren and Penny Mio Hirst.

Approval of Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the agenda with the following additions: “In Car Camera” policy. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Todd Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.  

Approval of Consent Agenda

None

Approval of Minutes

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the minutes of September 27, 2011 regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Amendment to agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to amend the agenda for today and add: Non-elected department heads job evaluation minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Todd Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Lake of the Woods Prevention Coalition

Prevention Coalition Director, Tammy Doebler and Prevention Coalition Assistant Joyce Washburn met with the board and requested approval for the first quarter fiscal report.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to authorize Chairman Moorman and Financial Director Christine Hultman to sign the first quarter fiscal report. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Todd Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Social services

Claims

Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler met with the Board requesting approval of claims.

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

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants       $   9,261.79

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants       $   9,405.74

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

MN Care Contract

Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler met with the board requesting approval for the MinnestoatCare Contract renewal.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to approve the contract between the State of Minnesota and Lake of the Woods County Social Services effective 07/01/11 through 06/30/13, for Lake of the Woods County Social Services to process MinnesotaCare applications at $30.00/eligibility determination, and to authorize Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler, and Chairman Kenneth Moorman to sign same. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

2012-2013 MFIP/VCA Biennial Service Agreement

Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler met with the board requesting approval for the Biennial Service Agreement for 2012-2013 for the Minnesota Family Investment Program and Vulnerable Children and Adults Service Plans (MFIP/VCA).

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to approve the Lake of the Woods County Social Services Minnesota Family Investment Program and Vulnerable Children and Adults Service Plans (MFIP/VCA) Biennial Service Agreement for 2012/2013. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

2012 Adult Mental Health Grant

Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler met with the board requesting approval to the 2012 Adult Mental Health Grant.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to approve the Lake of the Woods County Social Services Adult Mental Health Grant for CY2012. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson, and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Internal Lice Protocol

Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler informed the board that she has adopted an internal Lice Protocol for her departments use.

Sheriff’s Office

City of Baudette Patrol Coverage

County Sheriff, Dallas Block, Deputy Sheriff, Gary Fish, City of Police Chief, Brad Abbey, City of Baudette Mayor, Rick Rone and Council Member, Joel Hanson met with the board to discuss the Lake of the Woods County Sheriff’s office to assist with City Patrolling hours. The board set a Joint meeting with the City of Baudette Council and Lake of the Woods County Board on October 14, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Room.

JT Powers Agreement with BCA

County Sheriff, Dallas Block, met with the board and requested approval for a Joint Powers Agreement with the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) for a term of five years for access to the Minnesota Criminal Justice Data Communications network.

Resolution

APPROVING STATE OF MINNESOTA JOINT POWERS AGREEMENTS WITH THE COUNTY OF Lake of the Woods ON BEHALF OF ITS COUNTY ATTORNEY AND SHERIFF

RESOLUTION NO. 11-10-01

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

WHEREAS, the County of Lake of the Woods on behalf of its County Attorney and Sheriff desires to enter into Joint Powers Agreements with the State of Minnesota, Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to use systems and tools available over the State’s criminal justice data communications network for which the County is eligible.  The Joint Powers Agreements further provide the County with the ability to add, modify and delete connectivity, systems and tools over the five year life of the agreement and obligates the County to pay the costs for the network connection.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the County Board of Lake of the Woods, Minnesota as follows:

  1. That the State of Minnesota Joint Powers Agreements by and between the State of Minnesota acting through its Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the County of Lake of the Woods on behalf of its County Attorney and Sheriff are hereby approved.  Copies of the two Joint Powers Agreements are attached to this Resolution and made a part of it.
  2. That the Chief Deputy Sheriff, Terry Bandemer, or his or her successor, is designated the Authorized Representative for the Sheriff.  The Authorized Representative is also authorized to sign any subsequent amendment or agreement that may be required by the State of Minnesota to maintain the County’s connection to the systems and tools offered by the State. To assist the Authorized Representative with the administration of the agreement, Julie Berggren, Administrative Assistant is appointed as the Authorized Representative’s designee.
  3. That Lake of the Woods County Legal Secretary, Dena Pieper, or his or her successor, is designated the Authorized Representative for the County Attorney.  The Authorized Representative is also authorized to sign any subsequent amendment or agreement that may be required by the State of Minnesota to maintain the County’s connection to the systems and tools offered by the State.
  4. That Kenneth Moorman the Chair of the County, County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid and Dallas Block, County Sheriff are authorized to sign the State of Minnesota Joint Powers Agreements.

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

In Car Camera Policy

The board asked County Sheriff, Dallas Block if his office had an “In Car Camera” policy. County Sheriff, Dallas Block said that he would look into this, but he thought that policy was covered under the Lexi Pool Policy.

RECESS

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

Public Works Department

The board requested that Public Works Director, Tim Erickson meet with the board to discuss Claim No. 89 that was pulled for payment from the last board meeting. The board requested that he submit a new claim for payment.

Wynne Consulting

John Wynne, from Wynne Consulting met with the board to discuss a Small Cities Development Grant program which is awarded through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). This grant is available for use outside the city limits in the county. John informed the board that Wynne Consulting would proved all of the necessary services to prepare and submit the required application material for the grant in the amount of $2,000 for the pre-application and $1,500 for the final application if accepted.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to approve Wynne Consulting proposal to prepare and submit the required material for the Small Cities Development Grant in the amount of $2,000 for the pre-application with the funds from the Economic Development Fund. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

City of Williams

The board reviewed the request for funds for the City of Williams to purchase new playground equipment for the City Park in the amount of $20,000. The board felt that this request was late as they are approving the Con-Con funding today and would recommend the City of Williams pursue grant funds for this project, with matching funding options if needed. The board filed this requested in the 2012 Con- Con funds file for next year’s consideration.

County Auditor

Claims

County Auditor John W Hoscheid met with the board for approval of claims.

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

                                                Revenue                       $      48,381.59          

                                                Road & Bridge             $      81,119.14

                                                County Develop           $        3,649.77          

                                                Solid Waste                  $      8,398.087

                                                EDA                             $        3,370.70

                                                                                     $    144,919.27

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 10/11/2011 For Payment 10/14/2011

Vendor Name                                                   Amount

Arnesen/Ed                                                   6,312.78

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                      6,527.37

Dynamic Imaging Systems, Inc                  3,287.33

Frohreich & Mollberg Const Inc                 3,118.68

Howard’s Oil Company                               5,430.16

LOW Highway Dept                                     3,044.39

Mn Municipal Utilities Assoc                       3,725.00

Northwest Mn Multi-County Hra                  5,000.00

Pro-West & Associates, Inc                         2,671.88

R & Q Trucking, Inc                                     2,316.95

Strata Corp, Inc                                            5,337.68

Titan Machinery                                           3,531.21

Traffic Marking Service, Inc.                     38,302.27

University Of Mn                                          8,983.04

Voyageurs Comtronics, Inc                        2,736.06

Watch Guard Video                                    3,020.00

Widseth Smith Nolting&Asst Inc                3,412.57

Woody’s Service                                        11,441.65

70 Payments less than 2000 $26,720.25

Final Total: $144,919.27

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

                                                September 28, 2011     $        26,343.61

                                                October 6, 2011            $          1,120.00

                                                October 6, 2011            $              770.01

                                                October 6, 2011           $           8,354.11

                                                October 6, 2011           $       436,129.42       

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

Con- Con Funding Request

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid met with the board and presented and requested approval for the 2012 County Development allocation that the board discussed and appropriated at the September 27, 2011 board meeting.                 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to make the following allocations to the organizations listed from the Con-Con funds, payable 2012.

Lake of the Woods County

County Development

Year 2012

Anchor Marketing                                           15,000.00

Auditing Fees                                                      800.00

Baudette Arena Assoc                                                15,000.00

JP Natural Resources Board                             1,000.00

LOW Historical Society                                 12,500.00

LOW Humane Society                                     1,000.00

LOW Sr. Fishing (LOW Chapter)                    1,500.00

NWA-Chamber                                                    500.00

Pequana Playhouse                                              500.00

Rinke-Noonan-Retainer-Drainage                    2,400.00

St. Louis County Aud-(NCLUCB)                  2,000.00

Take A Kid Fishing                                             600.00

University of MN Extension                            2,000.00

Widseth Smith Nolting                                   16,000.00

Williams Arena Association                              5,000.00

    Williams Public Library                                       500.00                                                                                                                                76,300.00   

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

Proposed 2012 Budget and Tax Levy

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid presented the Proposed 2012 Budget and Tax Levy to the board. John informed the board they need to approve line item fund balances on the Proposed Budget and Tax Levy as those totals are needed for the Truth N Taxation statements.

Resolution Adopting

Proposed 2012 Budget and Tax Levy

Resolution   2011-10-02

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

WHEREAS, the Proposed County Budget for the year 2012 has been reviewed by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following Proposed Budget and Tax Levy is hereby adopted for the Lake of the Woods County for 2012:

Revenue Fund                                               $ 1,275,088

Road & Bridge Fund                                    $    449,580

Social Services Fund                                     $    603,935

Economic Development Authority Fund    $      60,000

2012 Proposed Budget and Tax Levy         $ 2,388,603             

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following amounts be levied against the unorganized townships of Lake of the Woods County for 2012:

                        Twp Road & Bridge                                     $   425,175*

                        Twp Fire – Baudette                                      $     21,000

                        Twp Fire – Williams                                      $     27,282

                        Twp Fire – NW Angle                                   $       6,500

                        Total                                                               $   479,957

2012                

* $425,175 for Township Road & Bridge includes $10,000 which is specifically levied to Northwest Angle residents for Calcium Chloride.  (415,175+10,000=425,175)

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

Affordable Housing/Loan Committee

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid met with the board and informed the board of the vacant position on the Affordable Housing/Loan Committee due to the retirement of former County Assessor, Wayne Bendickson, and requested that the board appoint MaryJo Otten to the Affordable Housing/Loan Committee.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to appoint MaryJo Otten to the Lake of the Woods Affordable Housing/Loan Committee. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried

Northwest Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid requested approval from the board for a gambling permit for Northwest MN Fraternal Order of Police, which will be held at Sportsman’s Lodge on February 27, 2012.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the exempt gambling permit for the Fraternal Order of Police NW MN Lodge #8 to conduct a lawful gambling for a raffle on February 27, 2012 at Sportsman’s Lodge and authorize County Auditor to sign. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Affordable Housing Fund

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid met with the board and presented a Summary of Accounts for the Affordable Housing Funds (Community Seconds) for 2011.

Tax Levy information- proposed market value exclusion

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid met with the board and reviewed the proposed county tax levy numbers for Truth N Taxation, which includes the proposed market value exclusion.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 11:40 a.m. and reconvened at 11:55 a.m. as follows:

CORRESPONDENCE:

Inventory of Investments was reviewed.

DEPARTMENT HEAD EVALUATION- 2011

On the below listed dates, Lake of the Woods County Department Heads received their annual Employee Performance Appraisal by the County Board.

September 22, 2011

Roderick (Rick) Rone, Veteran’s Service Officer, was evaluated and received a favorable rating.  Rick will look to improving services for County Veterans while he endeavors to holding down costs for transportation.  Rick will apply for grants available to his office and will provide a quarterly activity report to the Commissioners.  Rick will finalize his office policy which is currently in draft.  Improved attendance at Department Head meetings is also a goal.  Rick must maintain his annual certification.

Timothy (Tim) Erickson, Public Works Director, was evaluated and received a favorable rating.  Tim will stay abreast of ever-changing state requirements while maintaining county compliance.  Tim will write an ATV ordinance and will pay close attention to his budget looking for ways to reduce spending.  Tim will pursue the status of the Clementson park property and will look to realigning staff and reviewing compensatory time policy.  He will renew his license in June 2012. 

Brent Birkeland, Manager of Information Systems, was evaluated and received a favorable rating.  Brent will continue to stay abreast of required and optional programs that will ensure county compliance and provide the optimum operational capabilities at a reasonable cost.  Brent will pursue a new phone system for the county and will stay abreast of technologies to increase band width to the county.

Nancy Wendler, Social Services Director, was evaluated and received a favorable rating.  Nancy will continue to manage her department budget to adjust for reductions in revenue.  She will seek out cost effective and innovative options to reduce out of home placement costs and continue delivery of the full range of services despite reductions in funding.  Nancy will work with outside providers to ensure quality delivery of services and will work with her staff to maintain the cohesive team currently in place.  She will attend training, webinars and ITV sessions to keep current on legislative changes and DHS requirements.

September 27, 2011

Joshus (Josh) Stromlund, Land and Water Planning Director, was evaluated and received a favorable rating.  Josh will endeavor to receive final DNR approval for the Bernard property wetland credits.    Josh will also keep abreast of all changing regulations pertaining to county land use and the economic/environmental implications of the changes.

Hollace (Holly) House Emergency Management Director was evaluated and received a favorable rating.  Holly will strive to hold monthly meetings with local emergency response groups and will provide guidance as to regulatory changes as well as for use of ARMER system (800 MHz) by coordinating training provided by regional partners.  Holly will also maintain her certification by completing a minimum of eight hours of continuing education.

MaryJo Otten, the recently hired County Assessor will receive her evaluation on the end of her six month probation (January 2012).  

Old/New Business

  • Lessard –Sams Outdoor Heritage Council/Outdoor Heritage Fund- Northern MN to receive more funding
  • Land Acquisition- working on
  • Red Lake Tribe-waiting for meeting date
  • Township Road Inventory/ATV Ordinance- none
  • Line Workers School -remove
  • Inventory- needs to get done
  • Beaver -none
  • Clementson Bridge Property- Tim is working on
  • CAMA-none
  • 2011 Goals and Objectives-none
  • 2012 Budget- Budget meeting date of October 18, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.

Committee Reports

Commissioner Todd Beckel handed out packets on the following:

  • MN Rural Counties Caucus
    • Rural County Leaders- letter to Legislature to reinstate property tax credit
    • MN State budget Presentation
  • February 2011 State Revenues above projection

Recess

With no further business before the County Board, Chair Ken Moorman called the meeting to recess at 12:20 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                     Approved: October 25, 2011

_____________________________                                      _______________________________

John W Hoscheid, County Auditor                                        Ken Moorman, Board Chair

Commissioner Proceedings

Special County Board Meeting

October 18, 2011

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in special session on Tuesday, October 18, 2011, in the Commissioners’ Room of the Lake of the Woods County Government Center.

Call to Order

Chair Ken Moorman called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present:  Commissioners Ed Arnesen, Patty Beckel, Todd Beckel, Tom Hanson and Ken Moorman.  Also present was County Auditor John W Hoscheid. 

Approval of Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to approve the agenda for the special meeting today with an addition of the LineWorkers Facility.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Tom Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

2012 Salaries

The County Board discussed salary options for 2012.  

2012 Levy

The County Board discussed the levy for 2012 and it was the consensus to leave the levy at 5%.

Efficiencies

The County Board discussed efficiencies within the county and various departments.

Union

The County Board discussed various options for union negotiations for the year 2012.  A union negotiation committee meeting was scheduled for Thursday, October 20, 2011.

LineWorkers Facility

The County Board discussed the grading of the parking lot at the LineWorkers Facility.  It was the consensus of the County Board to have the Public Works Department grade the parking lot at the LineWorkers Facility and to bill the Economic Development Authority (EDA) accordingly.

Recess

There being no further business before the County Board, Chair Ken Moorman called the meeting to recess at 12:05 p.m.

Attest:                                                             Approved:  10-25-11

______________________________            ___________________________________

John W Hoscheid                                          Ken Moorman

County Auditor                                             County Board Chair

October, 2010

Commissioner Proceedings

October 12, 2010

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 12, 2010, in the Commissioners’ Room of the Lake of the Woods County Government Center.

Call to Order

Chair Arnesen called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present:  Commissioners:  Arnesen, Patty Beckel, Todd Beckel, Hanson and Moorman.  Also present were: County Auditor John W Hoscheid, Deputy Auditor Lorene Hanson, John Oren and Penny Mio Hirst.

Approval of Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to approve the agenda for the meeting today with the following additions:  EDA Appointments, EDA Setting a Committee Date and Correspondence from Baudette Arena. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.  

Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the consent agenda for travel for Lorene Hanson to St. Cloud on October 19-20, 2010 for a MCIT meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.  

Approval of Minutes

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the minutes of September 9, 2010 Special Meeting, September 13, 2010 Special Meeting and September 28, 2010 Regular Board Meeting with changes.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson, and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Social Services Department

Claims

Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler, met with the County Board requesting approval of claims.

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to approve the following claims against the County:

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants  $ 11,305.07

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants  $ 15,278.35

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

Land & Water Planning Director

Land & Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund updated the County Board on the Zoning/Conditional Use Parameters.  Dave Marhula and Mike Reed attended the meeting with questions and input regarding the ordinance. It was the consensus of the County Board to have a work session to review the ordinance updates and discuss in detail.  Josh will contact the County Board with some available dates.

Hoffman, Dale, & Swenson, PLLC

Hoffman, Dale, & Swenson, PLLC Manager, Colleen Hoffman met with the County Board to review the 2009 Audit Report for Lake of the Woods County.   She reported that Lake of the Woods County was in compliance in all material respects and met with all requirements for 2009.

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 10:50 a.m. and reconvened at 10:55 a.m. as follows:

Arrowhead Library System

Arrowhead Library System Executive Director, Jim Weikum met with the County Board for an annual review and update of the activities over the last year and also new resources they have added.

DNR Fisheries

DNR Fisheries Area Supervisor, Phil Talmage met with the County Board.  Phil presented a power point on the surveys that were done this past year and previous years. 

Baudette Curling Club

Baudette Curling Club Officer, Roger Erickson met with the County Board and presented a proposed budget for the Baudette Curling Club and gave an update on their current status.  The County Board reviewed the correspondence received from the Baudette Arena Association.  It is still the consensus of the County Board to support the Curling Rink, however they would like the Curling Club to address this correspondence and report back to them.

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 12:15 p.m. and reconvened at 1:20 p.m. as follows:

Rural Economic Development Loan/Grant

North Star Electric Cooperative Manager, Dan Hoskins and Northwest Community Action Representative Karl Frigaard met with the County Board to discuss the USDA REDLG.  They informed the County Board that the loan had been approved and reviewed the steps needed to continue.

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

USDA Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant (REDLG)

Potential Conflict of Interest

Resolution Number   10-10-01

WHEREAS;  MN Statutes§ 469.098, (Conflict of Interest) requires that an organization with which a Commissioner is associated with financial interests of the organization shall prepare a written statement describing  the matter requiring action or decision and the nature of the potential conflict of interest;

WHEREAS;  Lake of the Woods County Board Chairman, Ed Arnesen may have a potential conflict of interest which relates with the USDA Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant (REDLG) program;

WHEREAS; Chairman Ed Arnesens affiliation with North Star President, Steve Arnesen may become a potential conflict of interest;

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County Board, Vice-Chairman, Ken Moorman, will have authority to sign any documents related to the USDA REDLG program, as long as the signer has no conflict of interest with the borrower.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Commissioner Arnesen abstains from voting on this resolution.

The resolution was seconded by Commissioner Hanson, and the same being put to a vote, carried as follows:  For:  Commissioners:  Patty Beckel, Todd Beckel, Hanson and Moorman;  Against:  None; Abstaining:  Commissioner Arnesen.

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to authorize Commissioner Moorman to sign required documents for the REDLG loan.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, carried as follows:  For:  Commissioners:  Patty Beckel, Todd Beckel, Hanson and Moorman;  Against:  None;  Abstaining:  Commissioner Arnesen.

County Auditor

Claims

County Auditor, John W Hoscheid met with the County Board and requested approval of claims. 

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to pay claim number 3203, which was pulled from the claims on the September 28, 2010 County Board Meeting.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to approve the following claims against the County as presented:

                                                Revenue                                  $    86,897.52

                                                Road & Bridge                      $    50,680.62

                                                County Development             $  203,200.00

                                                Solid Waste                             $    27,986.32

                                                                                                $  368,764.46

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 10/12/2010 For Payment 10/15/2010

Vendor Name                                  Amount                  Vendor Name                                  Amount

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                       2,547.06

Dynamic Imaging Systems, Inc                  3,020.14

Government Management Group, Inc       3,400.00

Hoffman, Dale, & Swenson, Pllc                 9,648.00

Insight Public Sector                                  23,690.17

Insight Technologies, Inc                           5,347.16

Jake’s Quality Tire Inc                                 6,735.78

Low Highway Dept                                       3,477.50

Mar-Kit Landfill                                           11,163.60

Mn State Dept-Correction                          12,475.90

Monitor Tire Disposal, Inc                         3,899.75

Moren/Law Offices of Patrick D                   5,427.00

Norling Construction, Inc/Adam             202,500.00

R & Q Trucking, Inc                                     3,012.32

Reserve Account                                          2,000.00

Solarwinds                                                    4,994.00

Traffic Marking Service, Inc.                      5,058.91

Trane Us Inc                                                 2,295.00

Winkler of Wisconsin                                  9,000.00

Woody’s Service                                          4,665.10

Ziegler, Inc                                                  16,010.71

66 Payments less than 2000 $28,396.36

Final Total: $368,764.46

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

                                                September 30, 2010                 $     5,117.44

                                                October 7, 2010                       $   62,119.41

                                                October 7, 2010                       $   59,619.75

                                                October 7, 2010                       $   12,500.00

                                                October 7, 2010                       $  (25,000.00)

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

NW MN Fraternal Order of Police

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the exempt gambling permit for the NW MN Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #8 to conduct a lawful gambling for a raffle on February 28, 2011 at Sportsman’s Lodge and to authorize the County Auditor to sign the same. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Chamber of Commerce Frost Fest 2010

County Auditor, John W Hoscheid met with County Board and presented a letter requesting funds for the Chamber of Commerce Frost Fest 2010.

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to contribute $400 to the Chamber of Commerce Frost Fest 2010 with the funding from the Revenue Fund.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.                                                 

RFP Life, Disability & Dental Insurance

County Auditor, John W Hoscheid updated the County Board on the request for proposals for Life Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability Insurance and Dental Insurance.

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the following insurance proposals:

                                                Life Insurance                         Prudential

                                                Short Term Disability             Assurant

                                                Long Term Disability             Hartford

                                                Dental Insurance                      United Health Care

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

Health Insurance

County Auditor, John W Hoscheid informed the County Board that we had received notice from Public Employees Insurance Program (PEIP) that our 2011 renewal rates for health insurance will be an increase of 1.8% over 2010’s rates. 

Revenue & Expenditure Guidelines

County Auditor, John W Hoscheid reviewed the September 2010, Revenue & Expenditure Guidelines with the County Board.

County Engineer

Summarization of Closed Session from 9/28/10 Board Meeting

Human Resources Director, Wade Johannesen met with the County Board and gave a summarization of the closed session on the September 28, 2010 regular County Board meeting.  The County Board discussed the Public Works Director/County Engineer position and salary; and further authorized the Human Resource Director, Wade Johannesen to present a letter to Tim Erickson offering him the position. 

Motion to Hire

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to hire Tim Erickson as the Lake of the Woods County Public Works Director/County Engineer beginning November 8, 2010, with a starting salary of $81,766.08, job grade 24, step 5; and after satisfactory completion of probationary period, a one (1) step increase.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen.   During discussion, Commissioner Todd Beckel commented that being no one was willing to have a discussion about sharing an engineer, hiring an engineer was the only other alternative.  However, going forward, the County Board should maybe consider sharing an assistant engineer.  The motion was put to a vote and was unanimously carried. 

Economic Development Authority (EDA)

EDA Participation, Appointments, Meeting Date

County Auditor, John Hoscheid presented to the County Board a “Resolution of Participation in the Lake of the Woods County EDA” he had received from the City of Baudette and it will be on file in the County Auditor’s office.   He mentioned that nominations were received for the additional four members to be appointed to the EDA Board.

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to appoint Chamber of Commerce Representative Mike Hovde as a member on the EDA Board.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote carried as follows:  For:  Commissioners:  Todd Beckel, Arnesen, Hanson and Moorman;  Against:  None;  Abstaining:  Commissioner Patty Beckel.

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to appoint the following             Representatives as members to the EDA Board:  LOW Tourism – Greg Hennum; City of Baudette – Rick Rone; Industrial Development Corporation – Chuck Tischart.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

EDA meeting dates were discussed and the County Board directed the County Auditor to contact Traci Ryan with David Drown Associates and schedule a meeting.

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 3:00 p.m. and reconvened at 3:05 p.m. as follows:

Old/New Business

The County Board discussed the following old and new business: 

  • Lessard – Sams Outdoor Heritage Council/Outdoor Heritage Fund – Commissioner Todd Beckel mentioned that they are looking for appointments to the committee/board
  • County TV – Commissioner Hanson has spoke with Sjobergs and waiting for an updated contract
  • Land Acquisition – Commissioner Todd Beckel gave an update
  • Red Lake Tribe – Commissioner Arnesen mentioned they are having another meeting
  • Township Road Inventory – Waiting for the new engineer to start
  • Line Workers School – The construction is in progress and moving forward
  • Inventory – Reviewing the lists and making sure all items are included
  • Zoning/Conditional Use Parameters – Previously discussed in the meeting and scheduling a Work Session
  • Veterans Service Policy – Commissioner Hanson is meeting with the Veterans Service Officer                           

Committee Reports:

The following committee reports were heard and discussed: 

  • Commissioner Todd Beckel
    • MRCC  
    • NCLUB  
    • MN Public Radio
    • Corp of Engineers  
  • Commissioner Moorman
    • Rainy Rapid River  
  • Commissioner Hanson
    • MN DOT
  • Commissioner Patty Beckel
    • Economic Development Committee
  • Commissioner Arnesen
    • North Star Annual Meeting

Correspondence

Correspondence was read and acknowledged earlier in the meeting from the Baudette Area Arena. 

Recess

With no further business before the County Board, Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to recess at 3:50 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                     Approved:       October 26, 2010

____________________________                                        ____________________________

John W Hoscheid, County Auditor                                        Ed Arnesen, County Board Chair

Commissioner Proceedings

October 26, 2010

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 26, 2010, in the Commissioners’ Room of the Lake of the Woods County Government Center.

Call to Order

Chair Arnesen called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present:  Commissioners:  Arnesen, Patty Beckel, Todd Beckel, Hanson and Moorman.  Also present were: County Auditor John W Hoscheid, Deputy Auditor Lorene Hanson, John Oren and Penny Mio Hirst.

Approval of Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to approve the agenda for the meeting today with the following additions:  Bernard Property, LOW Historical Society, Clementson Property, Bike Paths, University of MN – MOA, Airport Joint Powers Agreement and Economic Development Authority. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman, and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.  

Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the consent agenda for travel for:   Dan Crompton and Boyd Johnson to Plymouth for Trimble VRS/CORS training on October 27-28, 2010, and Boyd Johnson to Maplewood for Aggregate Production Training on November 29, 2010 through December 2, 2010.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson, and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.  

Approval of Minutes

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the minutes of October 12, 2010 regular County Board meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman, and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Social Services Department

Claims

Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler, met with the County Board requesting approval of claims.

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to approve the following claims against the County:

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants  $ 26,794.46

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants  $   8,418.08

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

Prevention & Intervention Grant/Collaborative Partners

Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler discussed with the County Board a potential Prevention and Intervention Grant available through DHS with the Lake of the Woods County Children’s and Families Collaborative as the grant partners.  If the grant is awarded, the County would be the Fiscal Agent for the pass through funding.  It was the consensus of the County Board to proceed with the grant application.

County Auditor

Claims

County Auditor, John W Hoscheid met with the County Board and requested approval of claims. 

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to pull claim number 922 and not pay. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel, and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

The County Board discussed a similar claim paid on October 14, 2010, to the same vendor, number 922. It was the consensus of the County Board that this claim was paid in error and to invoice for reimbursement.

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the following claims against the County as presented:

                                                Revenue                                  $    32,949.58

                                                Road & Bridge                      $      9,569.29

                                                Solid Waste                             $      3,371.53

                                                                                                $    45,890.40

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 10/26/2010 For Payment 10/29/2010

Vendor Name                                         Amount

Achen/Brian                                           2,576.00

Black Box Corporation                         5,028.44

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                                2,824.23

                                                                Election Systems & Software, Inc            3,058.60

Gcr Tire Center                                      2,662.03

Reserve Account                                   2,000.00

SECURE ITnet                                       2,500.00

55 Payments less than 2000 $25,241.10

Final Total: $45890.40

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

                                                October 14, 2010                     $   15,706.19

                                                October 19, 2010                     $   87,264.23

                                                October 25, 2010                     $ 502,754.63

                                                October 25, 2010                     $   13,793.32

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

University of MN/MOA

Commissioner Patty Beckel discussed the Memorandum of Agreement between the University of Minnesota Extension and Lake of the Woods County beginning January 1, 2011 and ending on December 31, 2013.  It was the consensus to place this on the next regular board agenda.

Emergency Management Director

Emergency Management Director, Holly House updated the County Board on recent computer purchases through a grant and further requested authorization to purchase an air card to use the lap top when out of the office. 

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the purchase of a Verizon air card. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel, and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Holly presented the County Board with a CD reviewing the Emergency Operation Plan.  It was the consensus to place this on the next regular board agenda.

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 9:55 a.m. and reconvened at 10:00 a.m. as follows:

Land & Water Planning Director

Natural Resource Block Grant

Land & Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the County Board to review the 2011 Board of Water and Soil Resources Natural Resources Block Grant Agreement. 

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to authorize Chair Ed Arnesen and Land and Water Planning Director Josh Stromlund to sign the 2011 Natural Resources Block Grant Agreement.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel, and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Work Session Dates

Land & Water Planning Director Josh Stromlund reviewed available dates for an Ordinance Work Session.  The County Board will have a Work Session to review ordinance updates on Friday, October 29, 2010 at 8:00 a.m.

County Sheriff

County Sheriff Dallas Block presented an estimate for a new generator at the sheriff’s tower south of Williams. 

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to obtain another bid and to finish the project with funding from the 911 funds and not to exceed $7,900.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson, and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Acting Public Works Director

Baudette Depot Project

Acting Public Works Director Bill Sindelir met with the County Board to discuss the Baudette Depot Project.

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to waive the requirement of submitting the entire proposal for SP 39-595-03, Minnesota Project No MUSM (014), Historic Baudette Depot Rehabilitation.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Todd Beckel, and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to award the bid for SP 39-595-03, Minnesota Project No MUSM (014), Historic Baudette Depot Rehabilitation, to the lowest responsible bidder, Anderson & Hammack Construction Company, in the amount of $428,350.16.  The motion was second by Commissioner Patty Beckel, and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Technician/Administrative Assistant

Acting Public Works Director Bill Sindelir presented the County Board with a letter of recommendation of a salary adjustment, upon completion of probation, for the Engineering Technician/Office Assistant. 

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to certify the completion of probation for Engineering Technician/Office Assistant, Boyd Johnson effective October 29, 2010; and to approve the salary adjustment to $16.35, Grade 9, Step 4. Motion died for lack of a second.

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to certify the completion of probation for Engineering Technician/Office Assistant, Boyd Johnson effective October 29, 2010; and to approve the salary adjustment to $16.00, Grade 9, Step 3.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman, and the vote carried as follows:  For:  Commissioners:  Arnesen, Patty Beckel, Hanson and Moorman; Against:  Commissioner Todd Beckel.

Snow Removal Equipment

Acting Public Works Director Bill Sindelir and Maintenance Supervisor Jeff Pelland met with the County Board to discuss snow removal equipment.

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to approve the purchase of a snow pusher up to $5,000.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson, and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Nuisance Beaver Policy

Acting Public Works Director Bill Sindelir, Maintenance Supervisor Jeff Pelland and Office Manager Marti Carlson met with the County Board to discuss the Nuisance Beaver Policy.   Area representatives from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) also attended the meeting.  It was the consensus of the County Board to research this further with the DNR and to place this item on the Old/New Business for future meetings.

Clementson Property:

Acting Public Works Director Bill Sindelir and Maintenance Supervisor Jeff Pelland updated the County Board on the Clementson Property.  It was the consensus of the County Board to place this item on the Old/New Business for future meetings.

Bike Paths:

Acting Public Works Director Bill Sindelir updated the County Board on the bike path project.

LOW Historical Society

LOW Historical Society Executive Director Marlys Hirst met with the County Board to review the expansion and renovation project for the Lake of the Woods County Museum. The County Board confirmed they have encumbered $12,500 for the year 2010 and 2011; for a total of $25,000; for this project.

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 11:45 a.m. and reconvened at 1:05 p.m. as follows:

Bernard Property

The County Board discussed the Bernard Property acquisition.

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to allow Commissioner Todd Beckel the ability to negotiate up to $10,000 to settle the contract on the Bernard Property and to have that come from the revenue fund.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen, and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 1:33 p.m. and reconvened at 1:36 p.m. as follows:

EDA

The County Board discussed the recent Economic Development Authority (EDA) meeting. The County Board requested assistance from the County Auditor to be the Treasurer and Secretary for the EDA.   The County Auditor accepted the request as the EDA Treasurer.  It was the consensus of the County Board to research other options for the EDA Secretary.

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to set meeting dates for Tax Increment Financing Informational Meetings and a Public Hearing; November 22, 2010, January 10, 2011 and tentatively January 25, 2011 respectively.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman, and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Old/New Business

The County Board discussed the following old and new business: 

  • Lessard – Sams Outdoor Heritage Council/Outdoor Heritage Fund – no new updates
  • County TV – No new updates
  • Land Acquisition – Previously discussed during the meeting
  • Red Lake Tribe – Commissioner Arnesen updated the County Board on the recent meeting with the Red Lake Tribe
  • Township Road Inventory – Waiting for the new engineer to start
  • Line Workers School – The construction is in progress and moving forward
  • Inventory – Reviewing the lists and making sure all items are included and will discuss further during the Work Session on October 29, 2010
  • Zoning/Conditional Use Parameters – Previously discussed in the meeting and scheduling a Work Session
  • Veterans Service Policy – Commissioner Hanson updated the County Board on the meeting with the Veterans Service Officer and policies in progress  
  • Airport Joint Powers Agreement – Commissioner Patty Beckel updated the County Board on the progress                       

Committee Reports:

The following committee reports were heard and discussed: 

  • Commissioner Todd Beckel
    • Radio Board  
    • Collaborative
    • Joint Powers – PILT
  • Commissioner Moorman
    • North Country Public Health Board
  • Commissioner Arnesen
    • Extension
    • NW Community Action
  • Commissioner Patty Beckel
    • Solid Waste
    • GIZIIBII
    • Airport
  • Commissioner Hanson
    • HRDC

Correspondence

Correspondence was read and acknowledged from Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation. 

Recess

With no further business before the County Board, Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to recess at 2:40 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                     Approved:       November 9, 2010

____________________________                                        ____________________________

John W Hoscheid, County Auditor                                        Ed Arnesen, County Board Chair

October, 2009

Commissioner Proceedings

Special County Board Meeting

October 9, 2009

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in special session on Friday, October 9, 2009, in the Commissioners’ room of the Lake of the Woods County Government Center.

Call to Order

Chair Patty Beckel called the meeting to order at 8:08 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present:  Commissioners Arnesen, Todd Beckel, Patty Beckel, Hanson and Moorman. 

Approval of Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the agenda for the special meeting today. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

2010 Budget Review

The County Board reviewed the budget for 2010.  They discussed a fifty cent ($.50) per hour raise for employees which would be approximately $87,000 and the actual levy increase of only $20,000; and ideas of how to make this work.

Health Insurance

The County Board discussed the employees’ health insurance plans for 2010.  They reviewed the 2010 renewal and plans offered; and reviewed the results from the employees’ survey.  It was the consensus of the County Board to stay with PEIP for 2010, and to survey the employees the option of converting the county’s current plan to the new advantage plan offered by PEIP. 

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 10:05 a.m. and reconvened at 10:35 a.m. as follows:

Union Negotiations Meeting

Commissioners Todd Beckel and Arnesen left the special meeting at 10:05 a.m. for a union negotiations meeting and returned at 10:35 a.m.

Review of Cost Savings

The County Board reviewed cost savings suggestions from the Department Heads.  It was the consensus to research the position of Auditor/Treasurer and how to put it on the ballot for the next election.

Marketing Plan

The County Board discussed the marketing plan that was presented on Thursday, October 1, at the ambulance garage and the possibility of funding a portion from the county development fund.  No action was taken.

Other Budget Issues

The County Board discussed the windows for Government Center North.  The consensus was to paint the windows next year.

Strategic Planning

The County Board discussed the AMC Cohort Program and what we could do to find a facilitator for a meeting of the whole, with commissioners and department heads, to start the process again.

Recess

There being no further business before the County Board, Chair Patty Beckel called the meeting to recess at 12:15 p.m.

Attest:                                                             Approved:  October 13, 2009

______________________________            ___________________________________

John W Hoscheid                                          Patty Beckel

County Auditor                                             County Board Chair

COMMISSIONER PROCEEDINGS

OCTOBER 13, 2009

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 13, 2009, in the Commissioners’ Room of the Lake of the Woods County Government Center.

CALL TO ORDER

Chair Patty Beckel called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present:  Commissioners:  Arnesen, Patty Beckel, Todd Beckel, Hanson and Moorman.  Also present were: County Auditor John W Hoscheid, Deputy Auditor Janet Rudd, Penny Mio Hirst, and John Oren.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to approve the agenda for the meeting today with additions. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.  

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the consent agenda, for travel:  Travel for Nancy Wendler, Amy Ballard, Michelle Moren and Wade Johannesen to St. Paul on October 28-29 for a Minnesota Merit System Appeal Hearing; Rita Krause to St. Paul on October 26-28 for State Committee Meeting for Child Support; Brent Birkeland to Bagley on October 19-20 for Microsoft SRS Training.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the minutes of September 22, 2009 regular meeting with changes. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the special meeting of October 9, 2009 with changes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

SOCIAL SERVICES DIRECTOR, NANCY WENDLER

Claims

Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler met with the County Board requesting approval of claims.

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

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants           $  9,114.09 

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants         $ 13,153.52

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

Service Agreement

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the Lake of the Woods County Social Services Minnesota Family Investment Program and Children and Community Services Act (MFIP/CCSA) Biennial Service Agreement for 2010/2011, and authorize the Chair to sign.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Early Retirement Incentive Payment

Human Resource Director, Wade Johannesen met with the Board to discuss deferring the payment for the early retirement incentive to 2010. The consensus of the board was that the payment would not be deferred and payable at retirement.

SCHOOL FOREST COMMITTEE

SWCD Resource Technician, Corryn Trask, met with the board requesting a letter of support for the School Forest Agassiz LowLands Environmental Learning Area.

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to authorize the Chair to sign the letter of support for the School Forest.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried. 

LAKE OF THE WOODS SCHOOL

School Forest Trails

School Forest Coordinator Reed McFarlane and Superintendent, Steve Wymore met with the board to discuss the School Forest trail maintenance. They requested in kind services from the county for one time use of their equipment to establish/ prepare trails. The consensus of the board was that they would offer the in-kind service to help with the trail maintenance and would talk with Public Works Director to get an estimate of cost associated with the project.

Crossing Issue

Transportation/Grounds Supervisor Reed McFarlane and Superintendent, Steve Wymore met with the board and requested that the county install a crossing on the south 40 acres at the school. The consensus of the board was that they would talk with Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen and get back to them.

EXCUSED FROM MEETING

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid and Commissioner Todd Beckel excused themselves from the meeting to attend the Legislative PILT Audit meeting.

RECESS

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

COUNTY AUDITOR

Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board and requested approval of claims.

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

                                                Revenue                                    $  90,047.83        

                                                Road & Bridge                          $107,443.75

                                                Co. Develp.                               $    3,067.10

                                                Solid Waste                               $ 29,284.57

                                                                                                   $229,843.25

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

WARRANTS APPROVED ON 10/13/2009 FOR PAYMENT 10/16/2009

       AMOUNT   VENDOR NAME                                                                     AMOUNT   VENDOR NAME

        1505.57 ANDY’S GARAGE, INC.                                                           1158.59 ANIXTER INC

        1600.00 ANOKA COUNTY                                                                     1051.81 AUTO VALUE BAUDETTE

          899.81 DALLAS BLOCK                                                                       1460.00 BORDUN TRUCKING, LTD

        1080.00 SHIRLEY BOSSHART                                                            48301.00 BOWMAN CONSTRUCTION CO. INC

        1158.75 BRAD’S PLUMBING & HEATING, INC                                      540.00 BREEZY POINT RESORT

          342.99 CANON FINANCIAL SERVICES INC                                      2595.33 CENEX CO-OP SERVICES, INC.

        4960.00 D & S SALES                                                                              381.40 DEPUTY REGISTRAR NO.75

      13958.19 DERKSEN TRUCKING LTD                                                    3020.19 DYNAMIC IMAGING SYSTEMS, INC

          341.12 EMBASSY SUITES                                                                   2668.02 EMERGENCY AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOG

        1445.74 RICHARD GOODERUM                                                            800.00 LEE HANCOCK

          301.85 HOLEN ELECTRIC                                                                    372.00 JOHN HOSCHEID

        2954.76 HOWARD’S OIL COMPANY                                                    4917.56 KNIFE RIVER MATERIALS

          360.00 ROBERT LAPOS                                                                      7667.50 LAVALLA SAND & GRAVEL INC

        1000.00 LOW DRIFTERS – BIG TRAVERSE TR                                    555.60 LOW FOODS

        5559.56 LOW HIGHWAY DEPT                                                              752.40 M-R SIGN CO, INC

      10246.50 MAR-KIT LANDFILL                                                                   650.00 MN ASSN OF COUNTIES

        2703.72 MN COUNTIES COMPUTER CO-OP                                     1162.25 MN COUNTIES INFORMATION SYSTEM

      14000.00 MN MUNICIPAL UTILITIES ASSOC                                          375.00 MN OFFICE OF ENTERPRISE TECHNO

          365.00 MN STATE DEPT OF PUBLIC SAFETY                                15842.36 MN STATE DEPT-CORRECTION

          402.00 JEROME MOLINE                                                                    5830.50 LAW MOREN

          315.28 NORTHERN FARMERS CO-OP                                               425.00 DAVID OLSON

        1297.00 OUTDOORS AGAIN                                                                  326.00 PITNEY BOWES INC.

        1954.34 POWERPLAN                                                                           2533.02 R & Q TRUCKING, INC

        1309.95 RODERICK RONE JR                                                             1605.41 ROSEAU COUNTY COOPERATIVE ASSN

          538.68 RUTTGER’S BAY LAKE LODGE                                             1750.00 SJOBERG’S INC

        1333.80 STOSKOPF REDI-MIX OF ROSEAU IN                                   315.00 TAMMY’S SIGNS

          886.06 TRI-STAR RECYCLING, INC                                                    340.77 TRUE VALUE

          450.97 TWIN CITIES MACK & VOLVO TRUCK                                    373.79 ULINE

        1079.60 UNIVERSITY OF MN                                                               3075.97 VOYAGEURS COMTRONICS, INC

          908.44 WALLEYE CAPITAL SANITATION                                            415.70 WARROAD MOTORS INC

          579.92 WEST GROUP                                                                       27234.58 WHERLEY MOTORS

        2260.83 WIDSETH SMITH NOLTING&ASST INC                                4650.95 WOODY’S SERVICE

        1500.00 WYNNE CONSULTING, INC

56 PAYMENTS LESS THAN  $300       7,095.12

FINAL TOTAL   $229,843.25

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

                                                   September 22, 2009               $      18,630.34

                                                   September 25, 2009               $           918.00

                                                   September 30, 2009               $      15,041.78

                                                   October       6, 2009               $      49,243.59

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

Gambling Permit

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the exempt gambling permit for the Northwest Angle Edge Riders to conduct a lawful gambling for a raffle on February 27, 2010 at Jerry’s Restaurant and Lounge and authorize County Auditor to sign.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

AMC CONFERENCE

County Commissioners will be attending the AMC District meeting on October 28, 2009 in Bemidji and the AMC Annual Conference on December 6-9, 2009 in Minneapolis.

OLD/NEW BUSINESS

The County Board discussed the following old and new business: 

New:

None

Old:

The board discussed the following old business:

  • Assessing Agreement-  Commissioner Patty Beckel gave to the City of Baudette for approval
  • County TV- Press release to go out that testing will begin starting  October 20th with the transition from analog to digital
  • Capital & General Expenditure Policy- Wade is working on
  • Oak Island Petition- place on October 27, 2009 agenda
  • County Coroner- remove from old/new business
  • Land Acquisition- Attorney requested abstracts

There were no new updates on:

  • ANI,  Red Lake Tribe Meeting,  Township Road Inventory , Community Support Program (CSP)

COUNTY SHERIFF

Jail Inspection

County Sheriff, Dallas Block met with the board and reviewed the Facility Inspection Report from the MN Department of Corrections. Dallas informed the board that they are now on a Biennial inspection compared to the Annual inspection they were on in the past.

County Coroner

County Sheriff, Dallas Block informed the board that all Deputy Sheriffs with the exception of one part-time deputy will be attending the Coroner Training class today to become certified as Deputy Coroners.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Energy Exchanger Contractual Agreement

Assistant Zoning Director, Steve Sindelir met with the board requesting authorization for the Chair to sign the contractual agreement with J& L Hennum Inc.

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize the Chair to sign the Contractual Agreement between Lake of the Woods County and J&L Hennum Inc. d.b.a Sportsman’s Lodge, according to MN rule 6115 to accept the responsibility for future maintenance and removal of an energy exchanger, in the event that the private owner fails to maintain or abandons the facility.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.  Commissioner Patty Beckel abstained from voting.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Commissioner Hanson informed the board that there was a change in plans of the location for the Veterans to meet with the Veteran’s Service Officer.  The location will be at the VFW club due to the handicapped accessibility issue with the Legion Club.  A press release will be out shortly to let the community know what days the Veteran Service Officer will be available at the VFW club.

Commissioner Moorman informed the board that the booth at the Potato Day event was successful.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 10:55 am. and reconvened at 11:05 a.m. as follows:

COUNTY TREASURER

Investments

County Treasurer, Mark Hall met with the board to discuss the Inventory of Investments with the board. The board discussed the “Sweep Account” and requested that Mark come back to the board at the next meeting to discuss the pledge collateral status of the account.

RETURNED FROM PILT MEETING

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid and Commissioner Todd Beckel returned from the Legislative PILT Audit meeting at 11:23 am.

BUDGET

The Commissioners set a budget meeting for October 29, 2009 at 2:30 p.m.

DITCH AUTHORITY

DNR Benefits Evaluation for Ditch 1

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to close the regular meeting at 11:35 a.m. and open the Ditch Authority meeting.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen reviewed the summary of Ditch Benefit evaluation from the Department of Natural Resources, with the determination from the Commissioner that there are no net positive impacts, and there are no benefits to state owned lands by the ditch system, which means no assessment payments from the State.

Ditch 1 Repair Projects

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen presented the estimated cost of Ditch 1 repairs. Bruce recommended removing sediments at culvert ends and back filling wing walls.

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen to remove sediments at culvert ends and back fill wing walls as funding allows.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to close the Ditch Authority meeting and open the regular meeting at 11:55 a.m. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

Final Payment

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen requested authorization for final payment to Knife River Materials.

Motion by Commissioner Hanson to accept the County Public Works Director’s Certificate of Performance for S.A.P. 39-606-17, S.A.P. 39-620-03, S.A.P. 39-631-04, S.A.P. 39-632-04, S.A.P. 39-634-03, S.A.M. 30-08, S.A.P. 39-040-01and C.P. 368-08 for Knife River Materials of Bemidji, MN in the total amount of $1,146,824.55 and hereby authorize final payment of $55,988.54. Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.                                  

Quotes for Fuel

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen met with the board and informed them of quotes they received from the following businesses for the period of November 1, 2009 through April 30, 2010:

LocationRegular Unleaded#1 Diesel on Road Undyed Fuel#1 Diesel off Road Dyed Fuel#2 Diesel on Road Undyed Fuel#2 Diesel Off Road Dyed Fuel
Co-op0.050.050.050.050.05
Holiday Station0.05        
Howard’s Oil0.050.05  0.050.05
Woody’s Service0.10N/A0.10N/A0.10

He informed the board that they will be purchasing from Co-op Services #1 and #2 Diesel On Road Undyed Fuel, Howard’s Oil they will purchase #1 and #2 On Road Undyed Fuel and from Woody’s Services they will purchase Regular Unleaded and #1 and #2 Off Road Dyed Fuel.

Solid Waste

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen requested approval for the adoption for the Special Assessment fee schedule as proposed.

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to adopt the Solid Waste Special Assessment fee schedule as proposed. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen requested approval for the changes to the Solid Waste Service Fee Policy as proposed.

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the changes to the Solid Waste Service Fee Policy as proposed.  Motion was seconded by Commissioners Patty Beckel.  Voting for: Commissioners Patty Beckel and Arnesen.  Voting against: Commissioners Todd Beckel, Hanson and Moorman. Motion died.

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to approve the Solid Waste Service Fee Policy with the rate fee as last year (1 unit= $100.00 and Seasonal rate = $68.00).  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

School Crossing/School Trail Maintenance

Chair Patty Beckel informed Bruce about the School Crossing issue that was discussed earlier in the meeting and what his recommendation would be. Bruce recommended that the School pay for the culvert and the county could take care of the field work.  The consensus of the board was to go forward with Bruce’s recommendation.

Chair Patty Beckel requested that Bruce figure the cost associated with the School Trail Maintenance for the use of county equipment and staff.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 12:45 p.m. and reconvened at 1:25 p.m. as follows:

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Communication Assessment Report

Jim Freging, from Federal Engineering Inc. presented results of the Interoperable Communications Assessment for Lake of the Woods County

All-Hazard Mitigation

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize the Chair to sign the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program for Lake of the Woods County.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

COUNTY AUDITOR/MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT

Air Conditioning Quote

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid and Maintenance Supervisor Matt Mickelson met with the board and presented the quote they received from Trane.  The board discussed various options and  requested more information on the air conditioner for the computer room.

CORRESPONDENCE

Correspondence was acknowledged from: 

  • Rural Minnesota CEP, Inc.
  • Letter from landowner- water diversion issues

RECESS

With no further business before the County Board, Chair Patty Beckel called the meeting to recess at 3:45 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                                 Approved:       October 27, 2009

____________________________                                                    ____________________________

John W Hoscheid, County Auditor                                                    Patty Beckel, County Board Chair

Commissioner Proceedings

October 27, 2009

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, in the Commissioners’ Room of the Lake of the Woods County Government Center.

Call to Order

Chair Patty Beckel called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present:  Commissioners:  Arnesen, Patty Beckel, Todd Beckel, Hanson and Moorman.  Also present were: County Auditor John W Hoscheid, Deputy Auditor Janet Rudd, Penny Mio Hirst, and John Oren.

Approval of Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to approve the agenda for the meeting today with additions. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.  

Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the consent agenda for travel: Bruce Hasbargen to Minneapolis on December 7-9, 2009 for AMC Annual Conference.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Todd Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Approval of Minutes

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the minutes of October 13, 2009 regular meeting with changes. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler

Claims

Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler met with the County Board requesting approval of claims.

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

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants          $ 18,183.65

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants           $  6,192.28

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

Emergency Management

Radio Interoperable Communications

Emergency Management Director, Holly House met with the Board and reviewed the options presented by the Federal Engineering. At this point maintaining the current analog VHF system is the most viable option. Holly informed them that the county has to convert to narrowband at some point before 2013, but the costs of doing that are minimal. Holly explained that by not migrating to the state ARMER system, the county will be eligible for radio control units that will be placed in dispatch. These control units will allow them to communicate with those entities that are on the 800 MhzARMER systems. Holly requested approval to send a letter to the State Division of Emergency Communications Networks that commits to taking these units. The consensus of the board was to have Holly send a letter to the Division of Emergency Communications Networks (DECN) to commit to the radio control units.

Holly requested approval for County Sheriff, Dallas Block to sign a commitment agreement with Rogers Two Way Radio, a requirement of the State DECN to ensure they are installed by a qualified installer.

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to authorize County Sheriff, Dallas Block to enter into an agreement with Rogers Two Way Radio to install the radio control units if needed, contingent upon the approval of Interim County Attorney, Michelle Moren.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Tower Sites

Holly informed the board that the 800 MHz frequency on the Department of Transportation (DOT) tower in Roosevelt will be active late this year or early next year. There are four (4) additional towers scheduled to be built in Lake of the Woods County near Baudette, Carp, Lude and Faunce.  A representative from DOT will be here on Thursday to discuss tower placement and also look at the options of placing these towers on county owned land.

Land and Water Planning meeting

Board of Water & Soil Resource Block Grant

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board requesting approval for the Chair to sign the Board of Water & Soil Resources Natural Resources Block Grant for 2008.

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to authorize the Chair to sign the Board of Water & Soil Resources Natural Resources Block Grant for 2008.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Clean Water Grants Opportunity

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board and informed them of the available grants that are made possible through the Clean Water fund.

Pine and Curry Island Grant Proposal

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund updated the board on the Pine & Curry Island Restoration project that SWCD and Land and Water Planning Office is compiling to summit to the Conservation Partners Legacy Grant.

Ditch Committee

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund informed the board that the SWCD members would like to participate when the Ditch Committee meets again.  The board requested that Josh contact Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen with his request.

NE Wetland Mitigation Strategy

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board and informed them that the NE Wetland Mitigation for Phase II is completed and will be out for comments and recommendations.  The board requested that Josh request Mr. Jasky to meet with them to review the NE Wetland Mitigation Strategy.

Proposed State Budget Deficit

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund discussed the states revenue shortfall and the possible effects that it will have with the SWCD offices.

Recess

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

Oak Island Landowners Association Petition

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund discussed the Oak Island Landowners Association Petition that was submitted to the County.  Josh’s view was that it was unclear as to where the proposed zoning district would apply, as the petitions references Oak Island, the NW Angle Islands,  and the NW Angle and Islands. The board requested that Josh send a letter requesting clarification of the Oak Island Landowners Association Petition so they can take the next necessary action and to let the petitioners know that this topic will be discussed at the annual spring meeting conducted at the NW Angle.  The exact date of the meeting will be set at the County Board organizational meeting held in January 2010.

Strandberg Letter

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund discussed the Strandberg’s letter of concern of water diversion onto their lot.  Based upon the information gathered, it is the opinion of his office that the cause of the water issue on the property is not directly related to the neighbor’s activities rather, it is cause of multiple natural conditions (precipitation events, landscape position, and other natural features). The board requested Josh to send a letter to the Strandberg’s on behalf of the board that after reviewing the information presented to them, they concurred with the findings of his office and authorized the Chair to sign the letter.

Dnr Fisheries Department

Area Fisheries Supervisor, Phil Talmage met with the board and presented the 2009 Fall Gill Netting Summary.

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 11:45 a.m. and reconvened at 1:00 p.m. as follows:

County Attorney

Closed Session Pursuant Minn. Stat. § 13D.05, Subd.3 (b)

The following were present in closed session: Commissioner’s Patty Beckel, Todd Beckel, Moorman, Hanson and Arnesen, Interim County Attorney, Michelle Moren, County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid, Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler and Human Resource Director, Wade Johannesen.

Resolution was offered by Commissioner Todd Beckel to close the regular meeting at 1:02 p.m. and the following resolution was moved for adoption:

RESOLUTION CLOSING BOARD MEETING

Resolution No. 09-10-01

WHEREAS, the Minnesota Open Meeting Law, Minn. Stat. § 13D.05, subd. 3(b) states that “meetings may be closed if the closure is expressly authorized by statute or permitted by the attorney-client privilege”; and

WHEREAS, the County Board has been threatened with litigation involving Mary Beth Dornheim; and

WHEREAS, Counsel for Mary Beth Dornheim has requested that the County enter into settlement discussions regarding the threatened litigation; and

WHEREAS, the County Board seeks to meet with its attorney, to obtain advice regarding the threatened litigation and settlement proposals set forth by legal counsel for Mary Beth Dornheim pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 388.051; and

WHEREAS, it would be detrimental to the interests of the County for the Board to hold a public discussion with its attorney regarding the strengths and weaknesses of its legal position(s), strategy, and potential settlement position where an opposing party or opposing attorney could listen to or be made aware of the County’s positions; and

WHEREAS, there is an absolute need for the Board to obtain confidential legal advice regarding the litigation and potential settlement in order to maintain the attorney-client privilege.

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

  1. The County Board hereby closes this meeting based upon the attorney-client privilege pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 13D.05, subd. 3(b); 
  2. The specific subjects to be discussed, pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 13D.01, subd. 3, are the legal strategy in responding to the particularized litigation against the County, and any settlement proposals which may be made by or responded to by the County.    

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

Open Closed Session

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to close the closed session at 2:08 p.m. and reconvene the regular meeting at 2:16 p.m.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Public Works Director

Letter to Governor Pawlenty- Maintenance of Public Drainage Ditches

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen presented a letter that was drafted by Kittson County Engineer, Kelly Bengtson requesting support from Lake of the Woods County Commissioners regarding maintenance of Public Drainage Ditches. 

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to support the Maintenance of Public Drainage Ditch letter to Governor Pawlenty.  Motion   was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Red Lake Tribal Council- meeting date

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen discussed the possible meeting dates with Red Lake Tribal Council to discuss the road construction at the Northwest Angle and other issues.  The following dates were January 12, 2009, February 9, 2010 and March 9, 2010.  The board requested that Bruce set the meeting date before the 2010 Organizational meeting.

Letter from District 2 County Engineers

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen discussed the letter from the District 2 County Engineers regarding the revenue and appropriations within the County State Aid Highway Fund and feel that these concerns should be discussed and addressed by the MCEA Board and legislative action should be taken if needed.

LaValla Demo Landfill

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen met with the board to discuss the removal of the LaValla Demo Landfill.  A concern previously mentioned by the board was to have the removal completed before the New Year.  Bruce requested authorization to proceed with the most cost-effective manner.

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize Public Works Director to move ahead with the  LaValla Demo Landfill up to $20,000 for the removal of the debris. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Budget Meeting

Chair Patty Beckel discussed the 2010 Highway budget with Bruce.  After discussion the board cancelled the October 29, 2009 meeting and rescheduled it for November 3, 2009 at 8:00 a.m.

Closed Road

The County Board discussed, with the Public Works Director, a concern regarding a gate across County Road 290.  Bruce will send a letter to the landowner to help address the concerns.

Law Enforcement Storage

County Sheriff, Dallas Block and Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen met with the board and discussed the Law Enforcement storage at the Highway Department. Dallas informed the board that he is looking into storage off the premises and will report back to them when he has all the information on the cost.

Airport Commission

LakeWood Health Center CEO, SharRay Feickert and CEO Affiliate, Jason Breuer met with the board to express their support of renewing the airport manager contract with Emory Vaagen and to keep the same level of service available that life flight service requires.

County Auditor

Air Conditioning

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid and Maintenance Supervisor, Matt Mickelson met with the board to discuss the Air Conditioning quote for the computer room.

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to authorize County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid to purchase the 2 ton Air Conditioning Unit for the computer room and other essential repairs needed with the funding from the unallocated account up to $19,000.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Todd Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried. 

Airport Commission

Airport Manager Emory Vaagen met with the board at their request.  The Commissioners thanked Emory for a great job that he has done at the Airport and discussed the renewal of his contract.

County Auditor

Claims

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

                                                Revenue                                    $  53,259.25        

                                                Road & Bridge                          $217,529.27

                                                Solid Waste                               $    4,552.95

                                                                                                  $275,341.47

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

WARRANTS APPROVED ON 10/27/2009 FOR PAYMENT 10/30/2009

      AMOUNT   VENDOR NAME                                                                  AMOUNT   VENDOR NAME

          750.64 AIR SYSTEMS                                                                            463.70 AMERI PRIDE LINEN & APPAREL SE

      41558.00 ARROWHEAD LIBRARY SYSTEM                                          3375.46 CENEX CO-OP SERVICES, INC.

        5005.69 DEPUTY REGISTRAR NO.75                                                   400.00 DEVON BUNKER EXCAVATING INC

      48182.80 ELK RIVER FORD INC                                                              669.00 GRAND VIEW LODGE

      20112.81 HARDRIVES, INC                                                                       300.30 RON HILDEBRANDT

          445.35 INDIANHEAD SPECIALTY                                                     72932.78 JOHNSTON FARGO CULVERT INC

          833.63 KNIFE RIVER MATERIALS                                                      4440.00 LAVALLA SAND & GRAVEL INC

          325.00 PAT LECLAIRE ELECTRIC (DBA)                                             441.30 M-R SIGN CO, INC

          362.23 MN COUNTIES COMPUTER CO-OP                                     4995.11 MN DEPT OF TRANSP

      11400.00 MN MUNICIPAL UTILITIES ASSOC                                          351.00 MN UC FUND DEPT ECONOMIC SECUR

          858.00 MSOP-MN SEX OFFENDER PRGRM-462                             1475.00 NATIONAL BUSINESS SYSTEMS

          512.15 NELSON’S COLLISION CENTER                                           6122.23 NORTH AMERICAN SALT CO

          423.66 NORTHERN SAFETY CO INC                                                  453.73 NW MN HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS

        4272.54 EMIL OLSON                                                                              759.76 RAMADA MALL OF AMERICA

          811.81 RODERICK RONE JR                                                             1381.33 SIMPLEX

          744.36 STRATA CORP, INC                                                              37401.90 TRAFFIC MARKING SERVICE, INC.

          333.24 WEST CENTRAL MN COMMUNITIES AC

22 PAYMENTS LESS THAN  $300       2,446.96

FINAL TOTAL   $275,341.47

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

                                                   October 13, 2009                   $      98,602.38

                                                   October 21, 2009                    $        1,532.73

                                                   October 22, 2009                   $    519,442.21

                                                   October 23, 2009                   $    (15,000.00)

                                                   October 24, 2009                   $      62,156.40                                                                                                                                                                                     

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

Completion of Probation Period-Step Increase

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid met with the board and informed the board of the completion and satisfactory review of Executive Administrative Assistance, Stacy Novak and requested a two (2) step merit adjustment. 

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve a two (2) step merit adjustment for completion of probation for Executive Administrative Assistance, Stacy Novak effective October 23, 2009.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the vote carried as follows:  Voting for:  Commissioners Arnesen, Hanson, Patty Beckel and Moorman.  Voting against:  Commissioner Todd Beckel.

Gambling Permit

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid met with the board and requested approval for a gambling permit for the Fraternal Order of Police NW MN Lodge #8 to conduct a lawful gambling for a raffle on February 22, 2010 at Sportsman’s Lodge and authorize County Auditor to sign. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Health Insurance

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid and Human Resource Director, Wade Johannesen met with the board to discuss the Health Insurance Survey that was conducted with the county employees.  Wade informed the board that 28 employees responded and the survey favored the “Advantage Plan” by eighteen (18).

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to move to the Public Employees Insurance Program “Advantage Plan” for Lake of the Woods County employees for 2010.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the vote carried as follows:  Voting for:  Commissioners Arnesen, Hanson, Patty Beckel and Moorman.  Voting against:  Commissioner Todd Beckel.

Assessing Agreement

Chair Patty Beckel presented the 2009 City of Baudette Assessment Agreement to the board for approval.

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to authorize  County Auditor John W Hoscheid, Interim County Attorney Michelle E Moren  and Chair Patty Beckel to sign the 2009 City of Baudette Assessment Agreement; contingent upon both City and County Attorneys’ approval.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Committee Reports

Commissioner Todd Beckel reported that the Association of Minnesota Counties would do the same work that the Minnesota Rural Caucus does for half the cost.

Chair Patty Beckel discussed the AMC District meeting report.

Commissioner Moorman informed the board of the HRDC long range plan for outreach regions for rehab purchases.

Chair Patty Beckel informed the board that the Economic Development committee is pursuing a 6 (six) month contract for an Economic Development Assistant.

Old/New Business

The County Board discussed the following old and new business: 

New:

None

Old:

The board discussed the following old business:

  • County TV- converted to digital today
  • Capital & General Expenditure Policy- in process
  • Land Acquisition- will be a couple weeks until completed

There were no new updates on:

  • ANI, Community Support Program (CSP)

Recess

With no further business before the County Board, Chair Patty Beckel called the meeting to recess at 4:44 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                                 Approved:       November 10, 2009   

____________________________                                                    ____________________________

John W Hoscheid, County Auditor                                                    Patty Beckel, County Board Chair

October, 2008

Commissioner Proceedings

October 14, 2008

The Lake of the Woods County Board met in regular session on Tuesday, October 14, 2008, in the Commissioners’ Room in the Lake of the Woods County Government Center.

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Bredeson called the meeting to order at 8:45 a.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance with the following members present:  Commissioners Todd Beckel, Patty Beckel, Arnesen, Bredeson and Moorman. Also present were: County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid, Deputy Auditor, Janet Rudd, Tom Hanson, George Swentik, John Oren and Penny Mio Hirst.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to approve the agenda with the following additions:  Request to sell squad cars, Potato Day and DNR Peatlands Committee and remove approval of minutes from August 18, 2008. Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

COUNTY TREASURER, MARK HALL AND WELLS FARGO COMMUNITY BANKING PRESIDENT, TIM HENDRICKSON

County Treasurer Mark Hall and Community Banking President, Tim Hendrickson met with the board to discuss the security of the counties “Sweep Account”. Tim stated that the funds are invested with Ginnie Mae and the funds are collateralized at 100% at all times. The Board requested that an agreement between Wells Fargo and Lake of the Woods County be drafted and to include Minnesota statutory language in regards to investments be included in the agreement.

SOCIAL SERVICES DIRECTOR, NANCY WENDLER

Social Services Director Nancy Wendler met with the board requesting approval of claims.

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

Commissioners’ Warrants       $ 40,323.62

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

COUNTY AUDITOR, JOHN W. HOSCHEID

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid met with the board and requested approval of claims.

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

                                                Revenue              $120,738.55

                                                Road & Bridge   $  77,103.13

                                                Co. Develop.       $    3,827.43

                                                Solid Waste         $   31,980.40

                                                                            $ 233,649.51

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

WARRANTS APPROVED ON 10/14/2008 FOR PAYMENT 10/17/2008

     AMOUNT   VENDOR NAME                                                     AMOUNT   VENDOR NAME

        5460.00 BRIAN ACHEN                                                           454.41 AMERI PRIDE LINEN & APPAREL SE

        1300.00 AMERICAN SOLUTIONS FOR BUSINES                1394.13 ANDERSON POWER AND EQUIPMENT

          314.00 JERRY ANDERSON                                                  1279.82 ANDY’S GARAGE, INC.

        5378.03 ED ARNESEN                                                         33390.00 ARROWHEAD LIBRARY SYSTEM

          365.54 AUTO VALUE BAUDETTE                                       380.31 BAUDETTE REGION

        1896.77 BAUERS COMMUNICATIONS & SECURI                724.85 TODD BECKEL

          441.59 WAYNE BENDICKSON                                              470.40 BEST WESTERN KELLY INN STCLOUD

          341.78 CANON FINANCIAL SERVICES                            10398.22 CENEX CO-OP SERVICES, INC.

        4245.62 CPS TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS                              425.90 CRAGUN’S CONFERENCE & GOLF RES

          389.64 DIRECT SAFETY COMPANY                                    323.31 DODDS LUMBER

        3018.82 DYNAMIC IMAGING SYSTEMS, INC                     6900.00 EARTHWORKS CONTRACTING INC

        2277.55 ELECTION SYSTEMS & SOFTWARE, I                    859.26 FARMERS UNION OIL CO.

        1045.00 HELGESON FUNERAL CHAPEL                             1993.51 HERC-U-LIFT, INC

        4019.48 HOWARD’S OIL COMPANY                                      351.44 INSIGHT PUBLIC SECTOR

      17366.32 JOHNSTON FARGO CULVERT INC                          474.50 KNIFE RIVER MATERIALS

          579.13 LAKE ROAD DIESEL INC                                         300.00 LAVALLA SAND & GRAVEL INC

          832.07 LOW FOODS                                                             7530.04 LOW HIGHWAY DEPT

          600.00 LOW MASTER GARDENER                                   10227.15 MAR-KIT LANDFILL

          380.00 MIDWEST MONITORING & SURVEILLA                650.00 MN ASSN OF COUNTIES

        4956.42 MN COUNTIES COMPUTER CO-OP                      11150.00 MN MUNICIPAL UTILITIES ASSOC

      19540.13 MN STATE DEPT-CORRECTION                              442.45 JEROME MOLINE

          764.50 KENNETH MOORMAN                                            5428.22 LAW MOREN

      10788.00 MSOP-MN SEX OFFENDER PRGRM-462                  995.56 NOBLE THRIFTY WHITE

        2405.34 THE NORTHERN LIGHT                                         1917.66 NORTHERN OVERHEAD DOOR CO

        3452.54 NORTHWEST ANGLE&ISLAND FREIGHT              415.45 OFFICE DEPOT

          423.91 OLSEN CHAIN AND CABLE INC                              304.79 ELIZABETH PETERSON

          405.39 DENA PIEPER                                                            401.59 QUILL CORPORATION

        2533.02 R & Q TRUCKING, INC                                            1528.00 RINKE-NOONAN

          438.75 RODERICK RONE JR                                                  520.80 RUTTGER’S BAY LAKE LODGE

        1277.00 SIMPLEX                                                                  1411.08 STRATA CORP, INC

        2751.39 SYNERGY GRAPHICS, INC                                   10664.25 TRAFFIC MARKING SERVICE, INC.

          643.82 TRUE VALUE                                                           1789.43 UNIVERSITY OF MN

          691.52 US FOOD SERVICE                                                  2640.00 VOYAGEURS COMTRONICS, INC

          994.30 WEST GROUP                                                           1343.33 WIDSETH SMITH NOLTING&ASST INC

        5061.89 WOODY’S SERVICE

58 PAYMENTS LESS THAN  $300       6,790.39

FINAL TOTAL    $233,649.51

Further moved to authorize the payment of auditor warrants as follows:

                                                September 24, 2008    $  21,113.99

                                                September 29, 2008    $111,443.82

                                                September 30, 2008    $    (957.34)

                                                September 30, 2008    $  12,598.59

                                                October 8, 2008          $  68,828.71

                                                October 9, 2008          $  50,678.69

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

John W. Hoscheid requested approval for lawful gambling for the Northwest Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #8 and for the Northwest Angle Edgeriders.

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the application for lawful gambling for Northwest Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #8 for a raffle, which will be held at Sportsman’s Lodge on February 23, 2009.  Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the lawful gambling permit for the Northwest Angle Edge Riders to conduct a raffle on March 14, 2009 at Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge and authorize County Auditor to sign.  Seconded by Commissioner Todd Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

John W. Hoscheid presented a schedule for County Board members to attend a training course for County Board of Appeal and Equalization that is required by law.  The Commissioners’ stated that they will attend one of the courses.

COUNTY SHERIFF, DALLAS BLOCK

County Sheriff, Dallas Block met with the board and updated them on the Lake of the Woods Reverse Phone System.  Dallas stated that the company will be coming next week to set the system up at no additional cost and if it still does not function correctly that they will refund the county.

Dallas Block requested approval to sell two squad cars and one county owned car.

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to authorize County Sheriff, Dallas Block to sell the following county owned vehicles:

  1. 1996 Pontiac VIN NO. 1G2NE12T9TM531641
  2. 2003 Ford VIN NO. 2FAHP71W33X167992
  3. 1997 FORD VIN NO. 2FALP71W9VX109415

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

Dallas presented several pictures of the Williams Community Center showing the poor condition of the building.

WATERS OF THE DANCING SKY SCENIC BYWAY, TOURISM BUREAU DIRECTOR DENELLE CAUBLE

Tourism Bureau Director, Denelle Cauble met with the board to discuss the Waters of the Dancing Sky Scenic Byway.  She informed the board that the “Waters of the Dancing Sky Scenic Byway” is the third (3rd) largest Byway in the State.  The board discussed Mark Anderson (MN/DOT) recommendations for “GAPS”.  The board concurred that they will keep the original “GAPS” that were designated back in 1997.

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

Resolution No. 08-10-01

Supporting the Designation of State Highway 11 as a Minnesota Scenic Byway and Minnesota Department of Transportation  (MN/DOT) Enforcement of Laws Pertaining to State Scenic Byways on Federal Aid Primary Routes

WHEREAS, the State Highway 11 “Waters of the Dancing Sky” within Lake of the Woods County is designated as a state scenic byway; and

WHEREAS, MN/DOT is required by federal law to not allow new off-premises advertising signs along Federal Aid Primary routes on designated scenic byways; and

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County receives benefits from tourism and is eligible for federal funding for projects along designated scenic byways;

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County supports the designation of the State Highway 11 “Waters of the Dancing Sky,” within Lake of the Woods County, as a Minnesota Scenic Byway, with the following exceptions (GAPS):

  1. ½ mile west of Roosevelt to ½ mile east of Roosevelt.
  2. ½ mile west of Williams to ½ mile east of Williams.
  3. 1 mile west of Baudette to CR 35 east of Baudette.
  4. 300 feet E of intersection of Hwy 11 and 50th Ave NW to 54th Ave NW in Graceton.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Lake of the Woods County also supports MN/DOT enforcement of federal and state laws pertaining to the designation, including the prohibition of new off-premises advertising signs along state scenic byways on Federal Aid Primary routes.

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

COUNTY AUDITOR, JOHN W. HOSCHEID

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid met with the board requesting approval for a Veterans Service Office Operational Improvement Grant.

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to authorize County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid to sign the Lake of the Woods County Veterans Service Office Operational Improvement Grant in the amount of $1,400.00 for the state fiscal year 2009.  Seconded by Commissioner Todd Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

John W. Hoscheid presented proposal for lease from Tony Dorn Inc. for a copy machine for the Lake of the Woods Extension Office.  The consensus of the board was that they could use the main copier in the workroom.

John W. Hoscheid requested approval to enter into a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) with Minnesota Secretary of State, which is required by the Department of Administration for reimbursement for the 2008 primary election recount.

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to authorize County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid to sign the Minnesota Secretary of State’s JPA effective September 16, 2008 and expiring October 30, 2008. Seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

The meeting was called to recess at 10:20 a.m. and reconvened at 10:26 a.m. as follows:

MOTOR POOL

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid presented the Minnesota State Contract for a 2009 Chevrolet Impala Model 1 LS in the amount of $16,507.00.

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to purchase the 2009 Chevrolet Impala Model 1 LS from Car/Truck City in the amount of $16,507.00 not including registration or taxes.  Seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

DEPOT PRESERVATION ALLIANCE, REPRESENTATIVE JOANNE KELLNER

Representative, Joanne Kellner met with the board requesting a letter of support from the County Board for the preservation and adaptive reuse of the Baudette Depot.

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to authorize the Chairman to sign the letter (s) of support for the MHS grant for the preservation and adaptive reuse of the Baudette Depot.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

WILLIAMS YOUTH RECREATION ASSOCIATION, REPRESENTATIVE APRIL STAVIG

April Stavig met with the board requesting funding for the Potato Day Celebration.  The board informed April that the county levies money for this celebration already.

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to re-designate the $500.00 levied money that was designated to the City of Williams to the Williams Youth Recreation Association, a 501.3c non-profit organization for the use of the Potato Day Celebration. Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

PEATLAND COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT

Commissioner Todd Beckel shared a letter from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources requesting Commissioner Todd Beckel to participate as a planner for a pilot project which will create plans for two Peatland Scientific and Natural Areas.  The board discussed the date of the Peatland forum, which falls on the same day of a regular board meeting.

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to appoint Commissioner Todd Beckel to the Peatland Committee meeting, Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

BUSINESS SUBSIDY POLICY CRITERIA, PUBLIC HEARING

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to close the regular meeting at 11:00 a.m. as advertised and open the Public Hearing for comments on the Business Subsidy Policy Criteria.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Chairman Bredeson read out loud the two changes that were made in the policy and read out loud a letter from Ronald Zimney.  Commissioner Arnesen stated that he is in support of the policy but would have liked to see a limit of $75,000.00.

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to close the Public Hearing for Business Subsidy Policy Criteria and open the regular meeting at 11:05 .am.  Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to accept the revised Business Subsidy Policy Criteria as presented at the Public Hearing and authorize Chairman Bredeson and County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid to sign the revised policy.  Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR, BRUCE HASBARGEN

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen met with the board and presented two quotes for a Utility Tractor as follows:

  1. Holte Implement:        John Deere 6330 Tractor         $41,296.27
  2. Titan Machinery :        Case III JX80 Tractor             $24,150.00

Bruce recommended purchasing the John Deere 6330 Tractor.

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize the Public Works Director to purchase a John Deere 6330 Tractor for the Public Works Department from Holte Implement in the amount of $41,296.27.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the vote carried as follows:  Voting for:  Commissioner Arnesen, Patty Beckel and Moorman.  Voting against: Commissioners Todd Beckel and Bredeson.

CLOSED SESSION- PURSUANT TO MN § 13D.03 LABOR NEGOTIATIONS

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to close the regular meeting at 11:36 a.m. per MN Stat. §13D.03.  Seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

The following were present in closed session:  Commissioners Arnesen, Bredeson, Todd Beckel, Patty Beckel and Moorman.  Also present was Human Resource Director, Wade Johannesen.

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to close the closed session and open the regular session at 12:50 p.m.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

The meeting was called to recess at 12:50 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 1:05 p.m. as follows:

CON-CON BUDGET

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to contribute the following Con-Con funds to the following organizations, payable 2009:

Lake of the Woods County Development Year 2009
  Baudette Arena Assoc-                    15,000.00
  Williams Arena Assoc-                      5,000.00
  City of Baudette-Timbermill Park                    20,000.00
  Crises Resource Center                      2,500.00
  Depot Preservation-Historic Depot/Bldg                      1,000.00
  LOW Humane Society-                      1,000.00
  MN Small Business Development  Center                         500.00
  Pequana Playhouse                                   500.00
  School District-390-Enrichment Program                      2,500.00
  University of MN Extension-                      2,000.00
  Williams Public Library                         500.00
  Joint Powers Natural Resources Board                      2,000.00
  LOW Sr Fishing (LOW Chapter)                      1,500.00
  Rinke-Noonan-Retainer-                      2,400.00
  St Louis County Aud-   (NCLUCB)                      5,000.00
  Take A Kid Fishing                         600.00
  Widseth Smith Nolting-                    16,000.00

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

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR, BRUCE HASBARGEN

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen met with the board requesting authorization to move to the next phase for the Township Road Inventory.

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to authorize Public Works Director to move to the next phase of the Township Road Inventory and to set Public Informational Meetings regarding the Township Road Inventory for November 18, 2008 and January 8, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  The informational meeting will be held at the Government Center in Baudette in the Commissioners’ Room. Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Bruce Hasbargen met with the board requesting approval for the Solid Waste Special Assessment fee.

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to adopt the Solid Waste Special Assessment Schedules as presented by the Solid Waste Committee with the following changes:

  1. Eliminate farmers that own less than 400 acres.
  2. Eliminate assessment on seasonal recreational properties owned by county residents.

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

HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR, WADE JOHANNESEN AND COUNTY ASSESSOR, WAYNE BENDICKSON

Human Resources Director, Wade Johannesen discussed the contracting position of an Assistant Assessor.  He explained that the contractor would only be able to do the assessing of properties and nothing else in the office. County Assessor, Wayne Bendickson informed the board that the Mobile Home assessing will be done at the same time as other assessing.  Wade informed the board that the personnel committee recommends to go with the hiring of an Assistant Assessor versus having a contractor. The personnel committee made no changes in the grade of this position and updated the job description as presented.  The board requested that ATV usage be added to the job description.

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to approve the Assistant Assessor’s job description with the change of adding ATV usage.  Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to authorize Human Resources Director, Wade Johannesen and County Assessor, Wayne Bendickson to advertise for a RFP for a part-time Assistant Assessor and advertise for a full-time Assistant Assessor position.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

INTERIM COUNTY ATTORNEY, MICHELLE MOREN AND COUNTY ASSESSOR WAYNE BENDICKSON

Interim County Attorney, Michelle Moren and County Assessor Wayne Bendickson met with the board to discuss the assessment agreement for providing assessment services for the City of Baudette. 

The Commissioners requested that Michelle proceed with the 2008 Assessment Agreement with the City of Baudette.

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize Chairman Bredeson, County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid and Interim County Attorney, Michelle Moren to sign the 2008 Assessment Agreement with the City of Baudette.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

The board discussed the Williams Community Center with Interim County Attorney, Michelle Moren and City of Williams Mayor, Nancy Jewell. The board requested that Nancy get an abstract to find out the legal ownership, the value of the lot and get a quote on how much an Attorney would cost to start the process of condemnation.  Michelle will be the contact person for the board on the Williams Community Center.

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR, BRUCE HASBARGEN

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen met with the board to discuss the certification training for Construction Inspections.  He requested that four staff members should be trained for this certification. He estimates the cost would be around $400.00 per person for training and the cost of mileage and hotels.  The consensus of the board was to train up to four staff members with only two attending at one time.

Bruce reported the Ditch 1 Committee findings.  He stated that the committee will be reviewing this list and will prioritize the projects.

Bruce presented the only quote that was received for the removal or demolition of the small garage.

David and Bruce Erickson was the only bid received in the amount of $100.00.

The board discussed the Capital Outlay for the Road and Bridge fund and also discussed the consent agenda item from the highway department.  Bruce explained the travel was with the Minnesota Local Road Research Board (LRRB) that he was appointed to and all cost of travel, room and meals were covered by the LRRB.

Bruce informed the board that he may purchase a used snowplow instead of the new snowplow that was approved at the September 23, 2008 meeting. Bruce also informed the board that he is looking into some possibilities of utilizing the fuel farm at the school and the possibility of setting one up for the county.

OTHER TOPICS DISCUSSED WITH NO ACTION; CORRESPONDENCE

The board discussed the transfer of the Maxi Van and correspondence was acknowledged.

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the consent agenda as follows: Josh Stromlund to Minneapolis for Mediation Meeting on October 7, 2008; Bruce Hasbargen to Washington, D.C. for Transportation Research Board’s 88th Annual Meeting on January 11-15, 2009.

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

COUNTY AUDITOR, JOHN W. HOSCHEID

Due to the time of day, the 3rd quarter financial report was tabled to the October 28, 2008 board meeting.

CLOSED SESSION-PURSUANT TO MN § 13D.03 LABOR NEGOTIATIONS

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to close the regular session at 4:43 p.m. pursuant MN § 13d.03 for union negotiations.  Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

The following were present in the closed session:  Commissioners Arnesen, Bredeson, Todd Beckel, Patty Beckel and Moorman. 

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to close the closed session at 5:12 p.m. and open the regular session.  Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

With no further business before the board, Chairman Bredeson called the meeting to recess at 5:12 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                                 Approved:       October 28, 2008

_____________________________                                                  ____________________________

John W. Hoscheid, County Auditor                                                   Kim Bredeson, Chairman

Commissioner Proceedings

October 28, 2008

The Lake of the Woods County Board met in regular session on Tuesday, October 28, 2008, in the Commissioners’ Room in the Lake of the Woods County Government Center.

Call to Order

Chairman Bredeson called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance with the following members present:  Commissioners Patty Beckel, Arnesen, Bredeson and Moorman. Absent was Commissioner Todd Beckel who was away on county business.  Also present were: County Auditor, John W Hoscheid; Human Resources Director, Wade Johannesen; Tom Hanson and Gloriann Fischer.

Approval of Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the agenda.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.  

Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the consent agenda as follows: Travel for Shelley Pepera to St. Paul on October 21-23 for Case Management and Financial Basics and travel on November 6th to St. Paul for Interstate Basics and John W Hoscheid to St. Paul on October 26-27 for Manatron User Group. Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Approval of Minutes

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the commissioner minutes of October 14, 2008.  Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler

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

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

Commissioners’ Warrants       $ 15,108.02

Commissioners’ Warrants      $ 12,308.32

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

Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler reviewed the Riverview Health / Glenmore 2009 Contract –CD Outpatient Services and the Riverview Health / Glenmore 2009 Contract — Host County Contract.

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the contract between Riverview Health / Glenmore Recovery Center and Lake of the Woods County Social Services for 2009, for the provision of chemical dependency outpatient treatment, aftercare, public education, and training for agency staff; and to authorize Chairman Bredesen and Lake of the Woods County Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler, to sign the same. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried. 

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the Host County Contract between Riverview Health / Glenmore Recovery Center and Lake of the Woods County Social Services for 2009, for the provision of chemical dependency outpatient treatment services to residents from other counties; and to authorize Chairman Bredesen and Lake of the Woods County Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler, to sign the same. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried. 

County Treasurer, Mark E Hall

County Treasurer, Mark E Hall met with the board to discuss the Lake of the Woods County Investment Policy, which is currently under review by the Interim County Attorney, Michelle Moren.  Mark updated the board on the third quarter revenue interest and the projected fourth quarter interest.

County Auditor, John W Hoscheid

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid met with the board and requested approval of claims.

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

                                                Revenue              $ 22,661.16

                                                Road & Bridge   $ 14,288.41

                                                Solid Waste         $      558.02

                                                                            $ 37,507.59

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

WARRANTS APPROVED ON 10/28/2008 FOR PAYMENT 10/31/2008

    AMOUNT   VENDOR NAME                                                             AMOUNT  VENDOR NAME

          345.06 DELL MARKETING, LP                                             368.75 GRAINGER, INC

          306.00 ROBERT LAPOS                                                       2110.83 M-R SIGN CO, INC

        6320.78 MACTEK SYSTEMS INC                                           927.35 MN ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE

          393.27 MN OFFICE OF ENTERPRISE TECHNO                10440.00 MSOP-MN SEX OFFENDER PRGRM-462

        8895.36 NORTH AMERICAN SALT CO                                  331.25 NORTH EAST TECHNICAL SERVICE,I

        2063.63 NORTHWEST ANGLE&ISLAND FREIGHT              490.71 REED’S SPORTING GOODS

          543.88 GEORGE SWENTIK                                                   406.68 T R JOBBING

          500.00 WILLIAMS YOUTH RECREATION ASSO

27 PAYMENTS LESS THAN  $300             3,064.04

FINAL TOTAL     $37,507.59

Further moved to authorize the payment of auditor warrants as follows:

October 14, 2008      $ 1,035,783.49

October 21, 2008      $    434,401.63

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

County Auditor, John W Hoscheid reviewed the third quarter financials including the revenue and expenditures report as of September 2008 with the board.  The board chair recommended this to be placed on the next department head meeting agenda.   

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen discussed the gas tax formula, stating there would be a decrease in revenue due to lower gas sales and the current state of the economy.   There is a projected $20,000 budget reduction in revenues as of October 2008.  There will be additional revenue projections in November and the final in January of 2009.  It was the recommendation of the Public Works Director to sit tight until we have the final numbers and at that time make budget adjustments accordingly.

County Auditor, John W Hoscheid

County Auditor, John W Hoscheid presented a letter from the Baudette – Lake of the Woods Chamber of Commerce Festival of Lights Committee, requesting sponsorship for this year. 

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to authorize a sponsorship of $400 to the Festival of Lights Promotion – Movie Donations and to pay this out of general revenue levied money.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

County Auditor, John W Hoscheid presented quotes to repair the motor pool car.  Quotes were received as follows:

Gary’s Auto                                        $ 721.09

Nelson’s Collision Center                   $ 734.46

Wayne’s Body Shop                           $ 639.04

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve and accept the quote from Wayne’s Body Shop in the amount of $639.04 to repair the motor pool car.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Capital Expenditure Policy

The board reviewed the revised capital expenditure policy.  The board requested the County Auditor to make changes as discussed and bring back to the board for final approval.

Flu Shots

The board discussed allowing employees to receive flu shots this year.

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to allow all county employees to receive a flu shot, at the expense of the county, with LakeWood Nursing Service at the Lake of the Woods County Government Center.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried. 

Human Resources Director, Wade Johannesen

Human Resources Director, Wade Johannesen met with the board to request approval of an Assessor Contract job description as recommended by him.

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the job description for Contract Assessor. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Emergency Management Director, Holly House

Emergency Management Director, Holly House presented an Emergency Operation Plan for approval.

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the Emergency Operation Plan as presented and authorize Chairman Bredeson and Emergency Management Director, Holly House to sign the same.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.  

Land & Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund

Land & Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund presented the Lake of the Woods County 2009 Natural Resource Block Grant.

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the 2009 Natural Resources Block Grant Agreement and the Program Allocation and Contribution Plan; and to authorize Chairman Bredeson and Land & Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund to sign the same. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Aggregate Resource Preservation Property Tax

The board discussed the termination option of the aggregate resource preservation property tax.

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

Resolution Number 08-10-02

Consideration of “Aggregate Resource Preservation Property Tax Law”

County Termination Option

Whereas, the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners recognizes the importance of maintaining aggregate resources for the general economy of the county; and

Whereas, the County Board recognizes that property taxes are an important consideration as to the viability of the aggregate industries located in the county; and

Whereas, the State of Minnesota has an ad valorem property tax system based on the full market value of real estate or personal property; and

Whereas, the provisions of MN Statute § 273.1115, Aggregate Resource Preservation Property Tax Law, grants special and unique treatment to owners of land containing aggregate deposits, in comparison  with other property in the county, therefore shifting the tax burden on these properties to other taxpayers; and

Whereas, the provisions of MN Statute § 273.1115, Aggregate Resource Preservation Property Tax Law, allow a county to terminate application of this law: and

Whereas, a county may reauthorize application of this law by a resolution of the County Board revoking the termination; and

Whereas, the County Board is required to hold a public hearing as part of the process to terminate application of this law; and

Whereas, said public hearing has been scheduled for November 25, 2008 at 1:00 p.m., in the Commissioners’ room.

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners hereby elects to begin the process of terminating participation in the Aggregate Resource Preservation Property Tax Law in Lake of the Woods County.

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

Old/New Business

The board discussed the following old and new business: 

Old:

There have been no new updates on the ANI, LOW County Reverse Phone System, County TV or the City of Williams (Williams Community Center – old school). 

New:

The board received a letter from the Roseau Committee on Aging inviting two commissioners to serve on the board.  The consensus of the board was to appoint Commissioner Arnesen to represent the board on the committee and to report back to the board.

The board requested County Auditor John W Hoscheid to send a letter to the Humane Society requesting an update on any potential funding they may have received.

Meeting Reports:

Commissioners Arnesen, Todd Beckel and Moorman attended the Minnesota Rural Counties Caucus meeting in Menahga.  Commissioners Arnesen and Moorman updated the board.

Closed Session – Pursuant to MN Statute § 13D.03 Labor Negotiations and MN Statute § 13D.05, Subd. 2(b) Personnel Issues

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to close the regular session at 11:20 a.m. pursuant MN Statute § 13D.03 for union negotiations and MN Statute § 13D.05, Subd. 2 (b) personnel issues. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

The following were present in closed session:  Commissioners Arnesen, Bredeson, Patty Beckel and Moorman.  Absent was Commissioner Todd Beckel.  Also present was Human Resource Director, Wade Johannesen.   

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to close the closed session at 12:15 p.m. and open the regular session.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

The meeting was called to recess at 12:16 p.m. and reconvened at 1:00 p.m. as follows:

Closed Session – Pursuant to MN Statute § 13D.05 Subd. 3(b)

Pending Litigation

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to close the regular session at 1:01 p.m. pursuant MN Statute § 13D.05 Subd. 3(b) for pending litigation.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

The following were present in closed session:  Commissioners Arnesen, Bredeson, Patty Beckel and Moorman.  Absent was Commissioner Todd Beckel.  Also present were the Board of Adjustments committee members:  Tom Mio, Buck Webb, Reed McFarlane and Jamie McEnelly; Jay Squires   from Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney and County Auditor, John W Hoscheid.

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to close the closed session at 1:45 p.m. and open the regular session.  Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Land & Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund

Mr. Jay Squires, attorney from Ratwik, Roszak, and Maloney, representing the county in this matter and explained the genesis of the litigation.  On May 14, 2008, the Lake of the Woods County Board of Adjustment (BOA) approved a variance submitted by J & L Hennum, Inc.  This approval granted an increase in commercial density and less than the required 100 foot setback from the Rainy River.  The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) subsequently appealed the decision of the BOA.  A mediation conference was held on October 7, 2008, with all parties present and a settlement agreement was reached.  The terms of the settlement agreement were discussed.

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to accept the settlement agreement reached between the MN DNR and J&L Hennum, Inc. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, carried as follows:  For:  Commissioners:  Arnesen, Moorman, Bredeson;  Abstained:  Commissioner Patty Beckel;  Absent:  Commissioner Todd Beckel.

Recess

With no further business before the board, Chairman Bredeson called the meeting to recess at 2:06 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                                 Approved:       November 12, 2008

_____________________________                                                  ____________________________

John W Hoscheid, County Auditor                                                    Kim Bredeson, Chairman

October, 2007

Special County Board Meeting

October 2, 2007

The Lake of the Woods County Board met in special session on Tuesday, October 2, 2007, in the Commissioners’ room of the Lake of the Woods County Government Center, with the following members present:  Commissioners Arnesen, Patty Beckel, Todd Beckel, Bredeson and Moorman.   Chair Todd Beckel called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Motion by Commissioner Moorman to approve the agenda with additions.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Joanne Kellner interviewed for the position of Human Resources Director.

After finishing with the interview at 10:00 a.m., the board discussed the position and the applicants interviewed.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to offer a contract for services for the Human Resources Director to Wade Johannesen.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried

The board discussed the following additional items:  Letter to the Editor, AMC update, Sheriff law enforcement contract with City of Baudette, ANI grant amount and solid waste projections.

The board requested County Auditor, John W Hoscheid to send letters to the applicants notifying them of the Boards’ decision.

There being no further business before the Board, Chair Todd Beckel called the meeting in recess at 12:30 p.m.

Attest:                                                                  Approved: October 9, 2007

_______________________________              __________________________________

John W Hoscheid                                         Todd R Beckel

County Auditor                                            Lake of the Woods County Board Chair

Commissioner Proceedings

October 9, 2007

The Lake of the Woods County Board met in regular session on Tuesday, October 9, 2007, in the Commissioners’ Room in the Lake of the Woods County Government Center with the following members present:  Commissioners Bredeson, Patty Beckel, Todd Beckel, Arnesen and Moorman.  Also present were: County Auditor John W. Hoscheid, Steve Wymore, David Wipple, Wade Johannesen, Sandy Williamson and John Oren. Chairman Todd Beckel called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Motion by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the agenda with the additions.  Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to approve the consent agenda as follows: travel for Nancy Wendler to Brainerd on October 10-12 for MACSSA Conference.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Moorman to approve the minutes of September 25,2007 and September 27th as presented and October 2, 2007, with corrections.  Seconded by Commissioner Bredeson and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

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

Motion by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the claims against the county as follows:

Commissioners’ Warrants       $23,639.71

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

Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler reviewed the 2008-2009 County MFIP/CCSA Biennial Service Agreement with the Board.

Motion by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the 2008-2009 County MFIP/CCSA Biennial Service Agreement as presented.  Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler informed the board that a social worker had been hired and that there would be introductions at the next board meeting.

The County Board requested the County Auditor, John W Hoscheid to send a letter to all department heads stating there will be no cell phone purchases until the cell phone inventory has been completed and the County board approves a cell phone policy.

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid met with the board requesting approval of claims.

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

                                                Revenue                      $          47,432.82

                                                Road & Bridge           $           82,298.65

                                                County Development  $                200.00

                                                Joint Ditch                  $                600.00

                                                Solid Waste                 $           27,235.59

                                                                                    $         157,767.06

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

WARRANTS APPROVED ON 10/09/2007 FOR PAYMENT 10/12/2007

      AMOUNT   VENDOR NAME                                                    AMOUNT   VENDOR NAME

          427.51 AMERI PRIDE LINEN & APPAREL SE                   1411.00 AMERICAN SOLUTIONS FOR BUSINES

          800.00 ASSN OF MN COUNTIES                                           533.28 AUTO VALUE

          500.00 BAUERS COMMUNICATIONS & SECURI                481.75 WAYNE BENDICKSON

          308.21 CANON FINANCIAL SERVICES                              1683.88 CERES EQUIPMENT INC

        2284.87 CO-OP SERVICES, INC.                                           8083.12 CONTECH CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS

        1944.14 DEAN’S HARDWARE                                               1765.78 DELL MARKETING, LP

          611.02 DODDS LUMBER                                                       447.00 GRAND VIEW LODGE

        2640.00 LEE HANCOCK                                                        1930.51 HOLTE IMPLEMENT, INC

          860.15 HOWARD’S OIL COMPANY                                      667.48 LAKE ROAD DIESEL INC

        8738.46 LOW HIGHWAY DEPT                                            9328.50 MAR-KIT LANDFILL

        7375.00 MIDWEST CELLULAR CONCRETE INC                 4279.14 MN COUNTIES COMPUTER CO-OP

        4538.02 MN DEPT OF TRANSP                                           10400.00 MN MUNICIPAL UTILITIES ASSOC

          300.00 MN OFFICE OF ENTERPRISE TECHNO                15843.70 MN STATE DEPT-CORRECTION

        1834.40 MONITOR TIRE DISPOSAL, INC                            1417.46 KENNETH MOORMAN

        5295.85 LAW MOREN                                                             629.84 NORTHWEST MECHANICAL SERVICE I

          324.92 PITNEY BOWES INC.                                               1324.86 R & Q TRUCKING, INC

          823.18 RODERICK RONE JR                                                1750.00 SJOBERG’S INC

          322.70 SOFTWARE HOUSE INTERNATIONAL,                   846.78 SORENSON CHEV-OLDS

          585.99 STRATA CORP, INC                                                   401.99 GEORGE SWENTIK

      20711.40 TRAFFIC MARKING SERVICE, INC.                       2640.00 VOYAGEURS COMTRONICS, INC

          350.00 WAYNE’S BODY SHOP-DBA                                     625.00 WIDSETH SMITH NOLTING&ASST INC

        3502.35 WOODY’S SERVICE                                               20821.80 ZIEGLER, INC

55 PAYMENTS LESS THAN  $300       5,376.02

****                  FINAL TOTAL…….    $157,767.06  ****

Further moved to authorize the payment of auditor’s warrants as follows:

                                                September 25, 2007            61,223.33

                                                                October 2, 2007        350.50

                                                                October 2, 2007            8,073.26

Motion was seconded by Commissioner Bredeson.  Discussion was had and at 9:30 a.m., motion by Commissioner Arnesen to table the approval of claims until later in the meeting.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried. 

At 2:00 p.m., Chair Todd Beckel brought forward the motion to approve the claims against the county and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid met with the board requesting approval of affidavit of lost warrants.

Motion by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the application and affidavit for lost warrant for Michael Schulz, dated August 29, 2007, in the amount of $ 600.00, without furnishing an indemnifying bond.  Seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried. 

Motion by Commissioner Moorman to approve the application and affidavit for lost warrant for Joan Pearson, dated May 23, 2007, in the amount of $ 64.00, without furnishing an indemnifying bond.  Seconded by Commissioner Bredeson and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried. 

County Auditor, John W Hoscheid, reviewed the Revenue and Expenditure Guidelines as of September, 2007, with the Board. He stated that in the event they have any questions, to feel free to discuss them with him at their convenience.

The County Board reviewed documents received from Lee Meier, from Northwest Minnesota Multi-County Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA). The documents were for setting up the loan pool program, housing loan pool application procedures and copies of program parameters from participating counties.

Commissioner Bredeson updated the Board explaining various conversations he has had in regards to this program.   He mentioned a set up cost of $5000 and an interest rate of 3% at 10 years per applicant to be used for closing costs. The consensus of the Board was to ask Lee Meier to leverage grant funds available.  Commissioner Bredeson will contact Lee to draw up a contract that will be given to Interim County Attorney, Michelle Moren for review.  The funding for this project will be taken out of the current reserves for loan rehabilitation.

The Law Enforcement Committee gave an update on the law enforcement contract with the City of Baudette.  They reported that County Auditor, John W Hoscheid is working on a new formula to present to the law enforcement committee for negotiating with the City, by November 1, 2007. 

Commissioner Patty Beckel gave a report from the department head meeting held Monday, October 8, 2007, as follows:  cell phone update, the need for a policy on same, survey sent to employees regarding the Christmas party and employee recognition award, meeting minutes, goals and mission statement and department head facilitator for 2008.

Chair Todd Beckel discussed the current status of the Oberstar bill and a letter sent to Oberstar inviting him to meet with the Northern Counties Land Use Coordinating Board (NCLUCB). 

Discussion was had regarding the Goals and Mission Statement. 

Motion by Commissioner Moorman to approve the Goals and Mission Statement as follows:

“Lake of the Woods County is committed to ensure high quality services in a cost effective manner for all its citizens”

This Mission Statement will be included on all agenda letterhead for the Lake of the Woods County Board.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Bruce Biggins met with the County Board to present an offer to fill the remainder of the County Attorney’s term.  The Board thanked him for taking his time to come to the meeting.

The Board continued with discussing the County Attorney position.  The County Board requested the County Auditor, John W Hoscheid to write a letter to the potential candidates advising them that at this time, no action will be taken.

The meeting was called to recess at 10:27 a.m. and reconvened at 10:35 p.m. as follows:

County Recorder, Sue Ney met with the board regarding the final plat for Morris Point Estates.  

Motion by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the final plat of Morris Point Estates and authorize the Chairman and the County Auditor to sign the same.  Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

ANI Pharmaceutical discussion was had.  Wyatt Johnson met with the County Board regarding ANI Pharmaceutical financial incentive package.  Commissioner Bredeson informed the Board that Headwater Regional Finance Committee (HRFC) would perform a due diligence report at an hourly rate.  The Board discussed various options regarding a loan and grant to ANI Pharmaceutical.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to authorize the County Board Chair to sign a memorandum of understanding with ANI Pharmaceutical with the following expansion incentives:

Ø   A $200,000 loan plus $150,000 grant from the Economic Development Fund, contingent on due diligence and collateralization done by HRFC at 3% interest and an annual payment amortized at 30 years;

Ø   Said loan to have a three year balloon and to be reviewed for extension;

Ø  One year from date of loan closing; an audit of new jobs created, jobs and retention of same;

¨      ANI will be awarded a cash incentive of $3,000 per job created/retained with a $50,000 per year cap; also contingent on the overall salary of ANI employees having increased;

¨      Annual loan payment due in the amount of $10,116;

Ø  Two years from date of loan closing; audit of new jobs created, jobs and retention of same;

¨      ANI will be awarded a cash incentive of $3,000 per job created/retained with a $50,000 per year cap; also contingent on the overall salary of ANI employees having increased;

¨      Annual loan payment due in the amount of $10,116;

Ø  Three years from date of loan closing; audit of new jobs created, jobs and retention of same;

¨      ANI will be awarded a cash incentive of $3,000 per job created/retained with a $50,000 per year cap; also contingent on the overall salary of ANI employees having increased;

¨      Annual loan payment due in the amount of $10,116;

Ø  Four years from date of loan closing; audit of new jobs created, jobs and retention of same;

¨      ANI will be awarded any remaining cash incentives of $3,000 per job created/retained; also contingent of the overall salary of ANI employees having increased;

¨      Balloon payment due in the amount of $169,652 plus interest.

Seconded by Commissioner Todd Beckel.  Chair Todd Beckel called for a roll call vote:   In Favor:  Commissioners Patty Beckel, Todd Beckel, Bredeson and Moorman; Against:  Commissioner Arnesen.  The motion carried. 

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen met with the board regarding county ownership of the School Access Road. Steve Wymore, with the Lake of the Woods School also attended the meeting.  Bruce stated that the School Access Road does meet and exceeds township standards.  It was the consensus of the County Board to have Bruce move forward with the easement, signs and to report back to the Board.

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen met with the Board to discuss engineering positions within the Public Works Department.  Bruce mentioned a potential of 3 individuals retiring in the next coming years and wanted some direction from the Board for future planning in his department.

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen informed the Board that the permanent part-time office assistant has completed her 6 months probation.

Motion by Commissioner Moorman to certify the permanent part-time office assistant off probation effective October 2, 2007, and to approve a step increase from Grade 6, Step 1 to Grade 6, Step 2.   Seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen discussed the maximum weight restriction on minimum maintenance roads.  He explained that all the roads are marked accordingly.

The meeting was called to recess at 12:30 p.m. and reconvened at 1:16 p.m. as follows:

Interim County Attorney, Michelle Moren met with the Board to discuss the Human Resource Contract.  A draft copy of the contract was presented and discussed.  Michelle gave the Board updates on pending cases and an overview of the past few weeks in the attorney office.

Veterans Service Officer, Rick Rone and Bud Hanson met with the board regarding a community storage building.   Discussion was had and it was the consensus of the Board to be in support of this project.  The Board referred this to the building committee and will give an update to Bud Hanson in a month. 

Commissioner Moorman suggested having a County Booth at Potato Day in Williams this year to answer any county related questions. Commissioner Arnesen stated we would be available to assist with this booth.  It was the consensus of the board to move forward with this idea.

Commissioner Moorman gave an update on the Transportation Advisory Committee.

Correspondence regarding a letter from an attorney interested in the county attorney position was read and discussed.

With no further business before the board, Chairman Todd Beckel called the meeting to recess at 2:45p.m.

Attest:                                                                         Approved:       October 23, 2007

____________________________                            _____________________________

John W. Hoscheid, County Auditor                           Todd Beckel, Chairman

Commissioner Proceedings

October 23, 2007

The Lake of the Woods County Board met in regular session on Tuesday, October 23, 2007, in the Commissioners’ Room in the Lake of the Woods County Government Center with the following members present:  Commissioners Bredeson, Patty Beckel, Todd Beckel, Arnesen and Moorman.  Also present were: County Auditor John W. Hoscheid, Deputy Auditor Janet Rudd, Wade Johannesen, Sandy Williamson and John Oren. Chairman Todd Beckel called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to approve the agenda with the following addition: Community Seconds. Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the consent agenda as follows: travel for Ron Norquist to Thief River Falls on October 30-31 for Property Value Course; Holly House to Thief River Falls on October 24-25 for RACC and Northwest Region quarterly meeting; Dale Boretski to Clearwater on November 12-13 for Manatron Tax Group meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Bredeson and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Moorman to approve the minutes of October 9, 2007 as presented.  Seconded by Commissioner Bredeson and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Wade Johannesen met with the board to discuss the Professional Services Contract for the Human Resource Director.

Motion by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the Professional Service Contract for Human Resource Director as presented, effective October 23, 2007 and to authorize the County Board Chairman, Interim County Attorney and County Auditor to sign.  Seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

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

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to approve the claims against the county as follows:

Commissioners’ Warrants       $28,354.87

Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler reviewed the 2008-2010 TriMin Systems, Inc. professional services contract with the board.

Motion by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the contract between TriMin Systems, Inc. and Lake of the Woods County Social Services for 2008-2010, for the provision of professional services to obtain computer programming, technical assistance, and related services to support and maintain the IFS, ACS, & SWS computer systems and to authorize Chairman Todd Beckel and Lake of the Woods County Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler, to sign same. Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried. 

Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler requested a leave of absence of Heidi Olson for six months. After discussion, the consensus of the board was that they would grant a one-month leave and requested Nancy to come back later in the day to see  if the employee accepted or declined the one-month leave.

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the claims against the county as follows: 

                                                Revenue                      $          37,661.90

                                                Road & Bridge           $          101,591.42

                                                Solid Waste                 $              3,641.78

                                                                                    $          142,895.10

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

WARRANTS APPROVED ON 10/23/2007 FOR PAYMENT 10/26/2007

      AMOUNT   VENDOR NAME                                                   AMOUNT   VENDOR NAME

        1390.14 ANDY’S GARAGE, INC.                                           1120.00 ARM  REGISTRATION OFFICE

          675.00 ASSN OF MN COUNTIES                                           525.00 BREEZY POINT RESORT

          981.20 CATCO                                                                      8856.02 CO-OP SERVICES, INC.

        3018.82 DYNAMIC IMAGING SYSTEMS, INC                   37228.15 HANSON SILO COMPANY

        2103.46 HOWARD’S OIL COMPANY                                      725.00 LAKE SUPERIOR COLLEGE

          600.00 LOW MASTER GARDENER                                     1829.94 LOW SOIL & WATER CONS. DIST.

          345.38 REED MCFARLANE                                                   600.00 MIDWEST MONITORING & SURVEILLA

          372.70 MN COUNTIES COMPUTER CO-OP                          688.01 JEROME MOLINE

          758.07 THE NORTHERN LIGHT                                         1688.03 NORTHWEST ANGLE&ISLAND FREIGHT

          586.41 NW MN HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS                      1841.61 PRO ACTION UNIFORMS

          732.43 QUILL CORPORATION                                              336.54 RUTTGER’S BAY LAKE LODGE

          673.28 SIMPLEX                                                                    727.40 SOFTWARE HOUSE INTERNATIONAL,

          316.32 JOSH STROMLUND                                               49500.00 T & M SALES  DBA

          379.43 DAVID THOMAS                                                       344.56 UNIFORMS UNLIMITED

      17281.76 VOYAGEURS COMMUNICATIONS, INC                1261.28 VOYAGEURS COMTRONICS, INC

          545.89 WEST GROUP                                                             500.00 CITY WILLIAMS

35 PAYMENTS LESS THAN  $300       4,363.27

****                  FINAL TOTAL…….    $142,895.10  ****

Further moved to authorize the payment of auditor’s warrants as follows:

                                                September 26, 2007    44,768.37

                                                October 9, 2007          44,143.73

                                                October 10, 2007        76,110.95

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

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid met with the board requesting approval of a gambling permit for the Northwest Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #8.

Motion by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the application for exempt gambling for Northwest Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #8 for a raffle, which will be held at Sportsman’s Lodge on February 25, 2008.  Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

County Auditor, John W Hoscheid, reviewed the Lake of the Woods Aggregate Tax as of September, 2007, with the board. As of the 3rd quarter, $7,027.32 had been collected, and $30,000 was budgeted for FY2007.

Jeff Poolman, representing the Depot Preservation Alliance (DPA) met with the board informing them that the MN Historical Society indicated that the Grants Review Committee has recommended the approval of the DPA grant application for a gas-fired furnace. Jeff requested the $2,500 that was approved in August of 2007, be released in late 2007 or early in 2008 to the DPA so they can purchase the furnace.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to advance the 2008 Con-Con funds in the amount of $2,500 to the Depot Preservation Alliance.  Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

County Sheriff, Dallas Block met with the board to discuss the adoption of administrative civil penalty tickets which would consist of the following: failure to obey traffic signals, speeding, improper lane use, improper turns, failure to yield right of way, stopping or parking on a roadway, other parking violation, littering, equipment violations, failure to use passenger restraints for children, seat belt, trespass, disorderly conduct, public nuisance, unlawful deposit of garbage, loud exhaust, exhibition driving, reckless or careless, off-road vehicle and snowmobile violations and others. The ticket fees would remain within the county and not sent to the state.  Dallas informed the board that he will meet with them at the next meeting for the board to consider adopting an Ordinance for Administrative Tickets. 

Commissioner Bredeson informed the board that the Headwaters Regional Development Commission has approved the pre-application to Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NWMF) and has requested a motion from Lake of the Woods County board to submit a full application to the NWMF for assistance in funding the amendments to the county ordinances.  He also thanked County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid for his assistance in getting the deeds for the two city lots in Baudette.

Motion by Commissioner Moorman that Lake of the Woods County Commissioners requests that the Headwaters Regional Development Commission submit the full application to the Northwest Minnesota Foundation for $12,000 for assistance in funding the amendments of the Lake of the Woods County Ordinances and to authorize Chairman Todd Beckel to sign. Seconded by Commissioner Bredeson and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried. 

Commissioner Bredeson discussed the  Community Seconds program which allows a borrower to obtain a second lien mortgage that typically is funded by a federal, state, or local government agency and the process of setting up a board by appointment of citizens or the county board themselves.  The board requested that Commissioner Bredeson ask Lee Meier, from Northwest Minnesota Multi-County Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) to meet with them to discuss how the board should proceed.

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board and discussed the FY 2008 Clean Water Legacy grant application.

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen met with the board requesting approval for the purchase of a skid steer and sander.

Motion by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize the Public Works Director to purchase a skid steer and a sander this year, as budgeted in the 2008 capital expenditure budget for the highway department. Seconded by Commissioner Bredeson and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Public Works Administrative Assistant, Jodi Bauers met with the board to discuss county cell phones and the possibility of changing to the MN Government Plan.  Discussion also included personal calls on county owned cell phones, Canadian home charges, pricing of new phones, switching to a 434 number (no charge for local calls).  The board requested this to be placed on the Department Heads agenda for their input and requested that Jodi attend the Department Heads meeting to present the cell phone plan.

The meeting was called to recess at 11:45 a.m. and reconvened at 1:02 p.m. as follows:

County Surveyor, Donn Rasmussen and Interim County Attorney, Michelle Moren met with the board and the following property owners: Walt Coninx, Russ Baron, Benita Baron, Rodney Gubbels, Judy Gubbels, Linda Roberts, Marinie Korpie, Arvid Olson and David Norquist to discuss the survey issue regarding discrepancies between the deed lines and the occupied lines west of Clementson in Government Lot 5, Section 12, Gudrid Township to see what the property owners want to do about the discrepancies.  Donn explained that they could go through a process called Establishment of Boundary Commission pursuant MN Statues 465.79, which allows the county board to appoint a Boundary Commission or the Quit Claim Deed process.  The property owners requested an estimated cost of the two options to help in their decision. The board requested that Donn determine the estimated cost and send out letters to the property owners.

Chairman Todd Beckel thanked the property owners for attending and requested that they inform the board as to which option they would prefer.

Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler met with the board and informed them that Heidi Olson would accept the one-month leave of absence that was discussed earlier in the day.

Motion by Commissioner Patty Beckel to authorize a one-month leave of absence for Heidi Olson to start when accumulated vacation time has been exhausted.  Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

The following correspondence was acknowledged:  AMC transportation funding; Northern Counties Land Use Coordinating Board, Freeberg & Grund, Inc.; House of Representative house number 2421; Proper Economic Resource Management and MN Pollution Control Agency.

With no further business before the board, Chairman Todd Beckel called the meeting to recess at 2:06p.m.

Attest:                                                                         Approved:       November 13, 2007

____________________________                            _____________________________

John W. Hoscheid, County Auditor                           Todd Beckel, Chairman

Special County Board Meeting

October 30, 2007

The Lake of the Woods County Board met in special session on Tuesday, October 30, 2007, in the Commissioners’ room of the Lake of the Woods County Government Center, with the following members present:  Commissioners Arnesen, Patty Beckel, Todd Beckel, Bredeson and Moorman.   Also present were:  County Auditor John W Hoscheid, Lake of the Woods County residents and media.  Chair Todd Beckel called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Motion by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the agenda with the following additions:  Northwest Angle Island road and grant criteria.  Seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Commissioner Arnesen voiced his concerns on the process with the ANI grant and loan Memorandum of Understanding.  He stated he would like to see a business plan.  Commissioner Bredeson commented on how Headwaters Regional Development Commission (HRDC) is a qualified agency to perform the due diligence, not the County Board.

Commissioner Arnesen also stated he wanted clarification and understanding of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).  He indicated his concerns that we do not spend tax payers’ money without certain criteria being addressed.  The consensus of the board was the same.

Economic Development Director, Wyatt Johnson gave the County Board and audience the latest update from ANI on the Memorandum of Understanding.  He talked about JOBZ and where we were in potentially securing JOBZ exemptions.

Motion by Commissioner Arnesen to establish the minimum requirements for county funding:

Ø  Credit report

Ø  Project narrative and business plan

Ø  Proposed financing

Ø  Budget detail

Ø  Financial statement and balance sheet for 3 years

Ø  Projected income statement with supporting documents

Ø  Ownership

Ø  Permits

Ø  Costs

Ø  Reviewed by the Auditor’s Office

Motion seconded by Commissioner Todd Beckel.

The County Board of Commissioners discussed the motion details and various options.  Commissioner Arnesen amended the motion as follows:

Lake of the Woods County will set a minimum requirement and standard application criteria policy for county funding expenditures over $20,000 a year.  The motion was put to a vote and unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Arnesen to set a $50,000 per year cap from the economic development fund with no one entity receiving more that $150,000 in aggregate.  The motion died from a lack of a second.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson authorizing the Board Chair to sign the Memorandum of Understanding of a maximum of a $200,000 loan and $150,000 cash grant incentives; contingent on due diligence by HRDC and subject to claw back provisions and county standards in case of non-performance.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Todd Beckel and was put to a vote and carried as follows:  In favor:  Commissioners Patty Beckel, Todd Beckel, Bredeson and Moorman;   Against:  Commissioner Arnesen. 

Commissioner Arnesen discussed with Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen the Northwest Angle Island road conditions.  Northwest Angle residents, Brian Sage and Gary Dietzler expressed their concerns about lack of gravel and/or additional gravel with the pot holing during recent rains.

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen explained findings of road conditions on his visit to the Northwest Angle.  He discussed various options with the board.  It was the consensus of the Board of Commissioners to direct Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen to look at gravel crushing at the Northwest Angle.

There being no further business before the Board, Chair Todd Beckel called the meeting in recess at 10:40 a.m.

Attest:                                                                        Approved:  ________________________

___________________________________________                                        ________________________________________________

John W Hoscheid                                                                              Todd R Beckel

County Auditor                                                                 Lake of the Woods County Board Chair