Commissioner Proceedings

Organizational Meeting

January 6, 2015

The Lake of the Woods County Board met on Tuesday, January 6, 2015, in the Commissioners’ Room in the Lake of the Woods County Government Center for their 2015 Organizational Meeting.

Call to Order

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson called the meeting to order at 9:04 a.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance with the following members present:  Commissioners Ed Arnesen, Patty Beckel, James “Buck” Nordlof, Thomas Hanson, and Ken Moorman. Also present were: County Attorney, James Austad and Linwood “Woody” Fiala, County Recorder, Susan Ney and Deputy Auditor/Treasurer, Janet Rudd.

swearing in ceremony

County Recorder, Sue Ney swore in Commissioners:  James “Buck Nordlof and Ken Moorman for their term beginning January 5, 2015.

Election of Chair and Vice Chair

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson called for nominations for Chair of Lake of the Woods County Board for the year 2015.  Commissioner Hanson nominated Commissioner Arnesen with Commissioner Beckel seconding the nomination.  County Auditor/Treasurer called for nominations two more times.

Chair

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to close the nominations for Chair. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson called for a roll call for Commissioner Arnesen for Chair.  Roll call carried as follows: All in favor: Commissioners, Beckel, Arnesen, Moorman, Nordlof, and Hanson.  Against:  None.  Commissioner Arnesen assumed the position of Chair of the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners for 2015.

Vice – Chair

Chairman Arnesen called for nominations for the position of Vice-Chair for the year 2015.  Commissioner Beckel nominated Commissioner Moorman for Vice-Chair for Lake of the Woods County Board with Commissioner Nordlof seconding the nomination. Chairman Arnesen called for nominations two more times. 

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to close the nominations for Vice-Chair. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Chairman Arnesen called for a roll call for Commissioner Moorman for Vice Chair.  Roll call carried as follows: All in favor: Commissioners, Hanson Arnesen, Moorman, Nordlof and Beckel.  Against:  None.  Commissioner Moorman assumed the position of Vice-Chair of the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners for 2015.

Approval of Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the agenda as follows: 2014 Audit, Investment Policy, Land and Water Planning- Wetland Funding and Thank you letter. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Beaver/Aquatic Invasive Species

The board discussed the lower prices of Beaver fur and that no one is trapping thus causing more beaver damages. Consensus of the board was to place this under the Committee Appointments; Aquatic Invasive Species-Mike Hirst informed the board that a management plan will be put together for our area for the Aquatic Invasive Species-the board placed this under Old/New Business.

Area of agency of aging Discussion

 Area of Agency of Aging funding: Commissioner Moorman explained that the Land of the Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging is requesting funding, maybe just support or a Levy, Darla Waldner, Aging Director will meet with the board on January 13, 2015 to discuss this further.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 9:36 a.m. and reconvened at 9:39 a.m. as follows:

County Auditor/treasurer

Hoffman, Philipp & Knutson, PLLC

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting authorization for signatures for the 2014 Governmental Audit Service Agreement with Hoffman, Philipp, & Knutson, PLLC.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to authorize Chairman Arnesen and County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson to sign the 2014 Governmental Audit Service Agreement with Hoffman, Philipp, & Knutson, PLLC. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Investment Policy

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson and Human Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board requesting approval for the Investment Policy for Lake of the Woods County.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to approve the Lake of the Woods County Investment Policy as approved by Human Resource Director, Karen Ose. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Signature Cards

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting authorization for signature for signatures cards for account numbers 3908 and 6372.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to authorize Chairman Arnesen, County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson and Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Dawn Christianson to sign the Wells Fargo signature card for account number 3908. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, and Deputy Auditor/ Treasurer, Dawn Christianson to sign the Wells Fargo signature card for account number 6372. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

COUNTY AUDITOR/TREASURER-Official Depositories

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval for the designation of official depositories of county funds for the year 2015.

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to designate the following institutions as Official Depositories of county funds for the year 2015:

1. Wells Fargo, Baudette Branch
2. RiverWood Bank- Baudette Branch
3. Border State Bank, Baudette Branch
4. MAGIC Fund /US Bank
5. I.C.C. Securities-Scottsdale, AZ

It was further moved to designate Wells Fargo Minneapolis, as the official safekeeping Institution for Lake of the Woods County.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Elected Officials – Minimum Salaries

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson presented the 2015 Minimum Salaries for Elected Officials to the board for approval.

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

Resolution For

Establishing Minimum Salaries for Elective Offices

Resolution No. 2015-01-01

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

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

                                    County Attorney:                    $4,000

                                    County Auditor/Treasurer:      $4,000

                                    County Recorder:                   $4,000

                                    County Sheriff:                       $4,000

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

PAUL BUNYAN TRANSIT

Gregory O. Negard, Executive Director for Paul Bunyan Transit met with the board on their request to discuss the transition from Far North Transit to Paul Bunyan Transit and concerns of Paul Bunyan Transit policy on only curb to curb services; Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioner’s requested that the residents here, in Lake of the Woods County need assistance from door to door, not just curb to curb services. Greg informed the board that Lake of the Woods County has one of the lowest riders rate and that they, as a transit have to recoup at least 15% of operating cost; stated that the policy of Paul Bunyan Transit is curb to curb, but the drivers have discretion to help riders door to door service.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the Paul Bunyan Public Transit Service Agreement with changes effective January 1, 2015 thru December 31, 2015, contingent upon the approval of County Attorney, James Austad. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to approve the Transit Vehicle Lease Agreement with Paul Bunyan Transit to lease the 2001 Chevrolet Diamond Bus to Paul Bunyan Transit effective January 1, 2015 thru December 31, 2015. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof, and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

TOLL FREE NUMBER

The board inquired what the phone number is for riders to call and hours of operation. Hours of operation are from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; dispatch toll free number is 1-844-452-0507. The board thanked Greg for meeting with them on their concerns of the transition.

2015 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

Chairman Arnesen reviewed the 2015 committee appointments with the board.

RECESS

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

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

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

Re-Appointment of Terms of the economic development authority

Resolution Number 15-01-02

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

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

The EDA shall consist of a governing body of nine (9) members, as per the adopted Enabling Resolution, of which:

Five (5) Sitting Commissioners, Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners

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

Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to recommend appointment

From either Chambers of Commerce to recommend appointment

Lake of the Woods Tourism to recommend appointment

City of Baudette to recommend appointment

The Board Members and terms are established as follows:

Term Length   Board Member            Term Expires               Representing

6 Year             Rick Rone                   12/31/2017                  City of Baudette

6 Year             James “Buck”Nordlof 12/31/2017                  County Board District 1

2 Year             Chuck Tischart            12/31/2018                  IDC

2 Year             Gregg Hennum           12/31/2018                  Tourism Board

3 Year             Ed Arnesen                 12/31/2019                  County Board District 5

3 Year             Patty Beckel                12/31/2019                  County Board District 4

4 Year             Mike Hovde                12/31/2014                  Chamber of Commerce

5 Year             Tom Hanson                12/31/2015                  County Board District 2

6 Year             Ken Moorman             12/31/2016                  County Board District 3

Whereas; one board member term  expiring on December 31, 2014 and one board member to be replaced  who’s term only expires on December 31, 2017, and          

Now Therefore, Be It Resolved; that the County Board of Commissioners of the County of Lake of the Woods hereby appoints the following two board members for a term of 6 years;

            Term Length   Board Member            Term Expires               Representing

            6 Year             Stuart Noble                12/31/2020                  Chamber of Commerce

            6 Year             Brock Stebakken         12/31/2017                  City of Baudette

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

BID OPENING

OFFICIAL COUNTY NEWS PAPER BID-OPENING

Chairman Arnesen called for the bid opening at 11:09 a.m. ad advertised for the Official Legal newspaper for the year 2015.

Lake of the Woods CountyBid TabulationLegal PublishingYear 2015January 6, 2015Per Standard Advertising UnitFinancial StatementDelinquent Tax ListAll Other Publications1st Publ.2nd Publ1st Publ2nd Publ        Northern Light Region      PO Box 1134          4.50         4.50          4.50         4.50     4.50      4.50Baudette, MN  56623      218-634-2700 Award To:Official Legal NewspaperNorthern Light Region1st Publ/Financial Stmnt         4.50 2nd Publ/Financial Stmnt If applicable         4.50N/A 1st Delinq Tax List         4.50 2nd Delinq Tax List         4.50 All Other         4.50  

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to designate the Northern Light Region as the Official Legal newspaper for the County in 2015 and to award the first publication of the annual financial statement, the first and second publication of the delinquent tax list and all other legal publishing to the Northern Light Region. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

PUBLIC WORKS

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting authorization for a county credit card to be issued to Bruce Erickson; approval for a resolution for sponsoring agency for transportation alternative for the East Baudette Shared Use Path.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to issue a county credit card to Bruce J. Erickson, Public Works heavy Equipment Operator. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Resolution

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

RESOLUTION NO. 15-01-02

Sponsoring Agency for Transportation Alternatives Project

 East Baudette Shared Use Path

BE IT RESOLVED; that Lake of the Woods County agrees to act as sponsoring agency for a

“Transportation Alternatives” project identified as “East Baudette Shared Use Path”  and has reviewed and approved the project as proposed. Sponsorship includes a willingness to secure and guarantee the local share of costs associated with this project and responsibility for seeing this project through to its completion, with compliance of all applicable laws, rules and regulations.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED; that Tim Erickson, County Engineer is hereby authorized to act as agent on behalf of this sponsoring agency.     

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

APPROVAL OF 2015 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to approve the following Committee Appointments for 2015

2015 ASSOCIATION OF MINNESOTA COUNTIES (AMC)Ag Task Force: Commissioner Arnesen; Alternates: Commissioners Environmental and Natural Resources: Commissioner Arnesen; Alternates: Commissioners; General Government: Commissioner Beckel; Alternates: Lorene Hanson and Commissioners; Health and Human Service: Commissioner Nordlof and Nancy Wendler; Alternates; Commissioners; PILT Advisory: Commissioners, Josh Stromlund; Public Safety: Commissioner Hanson; Transportation and Area Transportation Alliance: Commissioner Moorman and Tim Erickson; Alternates: Commissioners;2015 COUNTY RELATED COMMITTEESAirport Commission:  Commissioners Beckel and Hanson; Beaver Committee: Commissioners Hanson and Arnesen, Lee Hancock, Tim Erickson and Steve LeVassuer; Border Coalition/Passports: Commissioners Arnesen and Beckel, Sue Ney and Emergency Management; Building and Safety Committee: Chair- Commissioner Arnesen and Beckel, Tim Erickson, Peder Hovland, Lorene Hanson and Nancy Wendler, one from Law Enforcement, and Walt Scribner; Comprehensive Land Use Planning Board: Commissioners Arnesen and Beckel, Sue Ney, Josh Stromlund and Lorene Hanson;  Continuity of Operation Plan (COOP): Emergency Management and All Commissioners; County Extension Committee: Commissioners Beckel and Arnesen, Lorene Hanson, Additional members:  Nancy Dunnell, Mike Hirst, Stephanie Schiro, Shelly Lein, Jen Erickson and Jennifer Peterson; Extension Members: April Levasseur, Deb Zak and Karen Santl; County TV:  Commissioners Hanson and Arnesen, Lee Hervey, Lorene Hanson, Peder Hovland and Emergency Management; Data Privacy Administrator: Karen Ose; Department Head Liaison: Chair- Commissioner Arnesen; Alternates: Commissioners; Department Liaisons:  Assessor – Hanson; Land and Water Planning Office – Beckel; Attorney – Moorman; MIS – Moorman; Sheriff – Nordlof; Social Services – Arnesen;  Recorder – Hanson; Highway – Nordlof; Auditor/Treasurer – Arnesen; H/R – Beckel; County Surveyor-Moorman and Veterans Service Officer – Arnesen; Drainage Committee: Commissioners Arnesen and Moorman, Byron Tviet, Tim Erickson, Josh Stromlund, Dennis Johnson, and SWCD Representative; Enhanced 911 Committee: Commissionesr Nordlof and Hanson, Peder Hovland, Gary Fish, Emergency Manager and other local appointees; Grievance Committee: Chair- Commissioner Arnesen, Dale Boretski, Josh Stromlund and Angie Eason; Alternate:  Commissioner Moorman; Information Systems/Technology Committee: Commissioners Nordlof and Hanson, Peder Hovland, Josh Stromlund, Boyd Johnson, Lorene Hanson and James Austad; Insurance Committee: Commissioners Arnesen and Beckel, Nancy Wendler, Lorene Hanson, Sue Ney, Daryl Fish and Karen Ose; Labor/Management Committee: Commissioners Arnesen and Beckel, Karen Ose; Alternate: Commissioner Nordlof; Lake of the Woods Affordable Housing/Loan Committee: Commissioner Nordlof, Sue Ney, Mary Jo Otten and Lorene Hanson; Alternate:  Commissioner Beckel;  Law Library:  Commissioner Moorman, County Attorney, James Austad to appoint and Chief Judge to appoint; Motor Pool Committee: Commissioner Beckel, Lorene Hanson, Nancy Wendler, Mary Jo Otten, Josh Stromlund and Walt Scribner; Alternate:  Commissioner Hanson; Ordinance Committee: Commissioners Arnesen and Hanson, James Austad, Gary Fish, Josh Stromlund, Michelle Brown, Judy Humeniuk, April Stavig; Park Commission: Commissioners Hanson and Beckel, Tim Erickson; Alternate: Commissioner Moorman; Personnel Committee (combined Compensation Plan and Personnel):Commissioners Arnesen and Beckel, Karen Ose, Sue Ney, Tim Erickson, Shelly Pepera and Daryl Fish;    Public Information Officer: Lorene Hanson, Alternate; Karen Ose and James Austad; SHIP Committee: Commissioner Moorman, Alternate: Commissioner Hanson; Solid Waste Committee/Household Waste:   Commissioner Hanson (as the (NWMNHHW representative for the Joint Powers Agreement), Commissioner Arnesen, Tim Erickson, Tina Rennemo, Lorene Hanson and Mary Jo Otten; Subdivision Controls Committee: Commissioner Beckel, Josh Stromlund, Mary Jo Otten, Sue Ney, Peder Hovland and Commissioner of the District involved; Township Road and Trails: Commissioners Nordlof and Arnesen, Tim Erickson,Josh Stromlund, Peder Hovland, Dan Crompton, Boyd Johnson and Mary Jo Otten;  Tribal Lands:  Commissioners Arnesen and Moorman; Vets Service: Commissioners Moorman and Nordlof, Legion Commander or Delegate, VFW Commander or Delegate and Rick Rone; Wellness Committee:  Angie Eason, Cindy Kroeger, Steve Sindelir, Julie Berggren, and Commissioner Hanson;2015 BOARDS/COLLABORATIVE/COALITIONArrowhead Library System:  Ronald Rudd( 01-01-15 to 12-31-18) appointed 10-14-14; Alternate: Commissioner Nordlof (7-1-11 to 06-30-14 appointed 2011); Board of Adjustment-/Planning Commission: District 1- David Marhula, District 2-Reed McFarlane, District 3-Gerald Levasseur, District 4- Tom Mio, District 5-Anthony Head; at large; Steve LeVasseur and Ken Horntvedt; non-voting Commissioner Arnesen; Border Substance Abuse Court and Steering Committee: Commissioner   Beckel; Community Education Advisory Board: Commissioner Moorman; Alternate: Commissioner Beckel;  GIZIIBII-RC&D: Commissioner Beckel, member at large George Swentik and John Sonstegard; Alternates for Sonstegard– SWCD staff member; Governor Council on Mental Health and LAC Committee:  Commissioner Moorman; Headwaters Regional Development Commission: Commissioners Moorman and Hanson; Joint Powers Natural Resources Board: Commissioners Nordlof and Moorman; Keep It Clean Committee/Aquatic Invasive Species: Commissioner Arnesen; Lake of the Woods County Children and Families Collaborative and Prevention Coalition Committee:   Commissioner Moorman; Lake of the Woods Criminal Justice Coalition and Children’s Justice Initiative: Commissioner Beckel; Lutheran Social Service Board: Commissioner Moorman and Nancy Wendler; Alternate: Commissioner Beckel; Minnesota Counties Computer Co-op: Delegate #1 – Peder Hovland, Delegate #2 – Lorene Hanson; Alternate: James Austad Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust: Commissioner Beckel; Alternate: Commissioner Hanson; Minnesota Rural Counties Caucus: Commissioner Hanson; Alternates: Commissioners;    North Country Community Health Board:  Commissioner Moorman(term expires 12/31/15) and Jan Olson (term expires 12/31/15) these are three-year terms; North Country Community Health Services Advisory Committee: Commissioner Moorman (term expires 12/31/16) and Jan Olson (term expires 12/31/15 these are two-year terms; Northern Counties Land Use Coordinating Board: Commissioner Nordlof and Josh Stromlund; Alternate:  Commissioner Arnesen; Northwest Board of Aging/Area Agency: Commissioner Moorman, Nancy Wendler and   Alternate: Commissioner Beckel; Northwest Community Action:  Commissioner Arnesen, Alternates, Commissioner ; Northwest Minnesota Juvenile Center Board: Commissioner Beckel (term expires 12/31/17 (re-appointed in 2014).  This is a four-year term; Nursing Service Advisory Board: Commissioner Hanson, Leah Larson; Alternate:  Nancy Wendler; Rainy Rapid River Board: Commissioner Moorman, Josh Stromlund and Steve Sindelir; Alternate: Commissioner Arnesen; Red River Valley Development Association:  Commissioner Moorman and Ken Horntvedt; NW Emergency Communications Board: Commissioner Hanson: Alternate: Commissioner Nordlof; SWCD District Committee: Commissioner Nordlof and Arnesen and Josh Stromlund; :

Motion

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

 REGIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTCounty Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson requested appointment of Emergency Management Director for the Regional Advisory Committee.MotionMotion was made by Commissioner Hanson to appoint Emergency Management Director to the Regional Advisory Committee for 2015. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried. LAND AND WATER PLANNINGLand and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board requesting funding for Wetland Mitigation.MotionMotion was made by Commissioner Moorman to allocate up to $20,000 from the Natural Resources-Environmental fund for Wetland Mitigation. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried. CORRESPONDENCEThank you letter from the S.T.U.Ds Youth Group, Lake of the Woods County. RECESSWith no further business before the board Chairman Arnesen recessed the meeting at 11:58 a.m. Attest                                                                                 Approve:  January 13, 2015  ____________________________                                  ____________________________Lorene G. Hanson                                                            Edward ArnesenAuditor/Treasurer                                                            Chairman of the Board  ==================================================================================================================================               Commissioner ProceedingsJanuary 13, 2015The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center. Call to OrderChairman Arnesen called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners, Ken Moorman, Patty Beckel, Ed Arnesen, Tom Hanson and Buck Nordlof.  Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor, Janet Rudd and Linwood “Woody” Fialia. Approval of AgendaMotionMotion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Public Works- purchase Bobcat. Approval of Consent AgendaMotionMotion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the consent agenda as follows: – travel for Boyd Johnson and Cooper Mickelson to attend Mn/DOT Survey Technical Workshop on March 16-18 in Brainerd; Lorene Hanson to St. Paul to attend Government 101 on January 27-29 and February 3-6 to St. Paul to attend MACO Conference; Tim Erickson to attend Annual County Engineers Conference on January 20-23 in Brainerd.Approval of consent agendaMotionMotion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the out of state travel for Rick Rone, Veterans Service Officer to attend Veterans Certification Class on May 30-June 6, in Appleton, WI. Approval of MinutesMotionMotion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve December 30, 2014 regular minutes.MotionMotion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the January 6, 2015 Organization minutes. Auditor/TreasurerClaimsCounty Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims: Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows:                                                           Revenue                      $198,358.27                                                Road & Bridge           $104,568.71                                                Co. Devel.                   $       200.00                                                Solid Waste                 $ 36,598.55                                                EDA                            $      832.56WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATIONWarrants Approved On 1/13/2015 For Payment 1/16/2015Vendor Name                                                             AmountCenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                                              6,185.86Howard’s Oil Company                                                      2,985.39LOW Soil & Water Cons. Dist.                                        78,438.00Mar-Kit Landfill                                                                 12,036.15Mn Assn Of                                                                         3,946.00Mn Counties Computer Co-Op                                       41,350.99Mn Counties Information System                                      2,375.25MN Counties Intergovernmental Trust                        162,188.00Voyageurs Comtronics, Inc                                              2,640.00Woody’s Service                                                               4,779.70Xerox Business Services LLC                                          5,444.4344 Payments less than 2000  18,188.32Final Total:   340,558.09  Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants:                                                December 31, 2014         $ 95,249.32                                                January 8, 2015               $  77,190.59                                                            Signatures for Banking/InvestmentsCounty Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval for signatures for all Banking and Investments accounts; and informed the board that she will pay the Fairgrounds, Airport, Historical Society and Nursing Service by Auditor Warrants. Also reviewed Lake of the Woods Investments with the board.MotionMotion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to authorize signature authority to County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson and Deputy Auditor/Treasurer, Dawn Christianson for all Banking and Investment Accounts with the following institutions: ·         RiverWood Bank·         Border State Bank·         Wells Fargo·         Magic Fund·         I.C.C. Securities-Scottsdale, AZ  COMMITTEE REPORTSCommissioners Hanson and Beckel updated the board on the progress of the Baudette/Lake of the Woods Airport.SOCIAL SERVICESSocial Service Director, Nancy Wendler met with the board requesting approval of claims for the Social Services department and informed the board that she has filled the position for the vacant Social Worker and waiting on the background check.MotionMotion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows: Commissioners Warrants        $ 17,781.80Commissioners Warrants      $ 10,353.06Commissioners Warrants      $   5,468.00 PUBLIC WORKSPublic Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting authorization to purchase a Track Bobcat in the amount of $59,109. Tim informed the board that they budgeted for $50,000. The overage can be made up by selling some equipment that may not be needed and possible timber sales.MotionMotion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize Public Works Director, Tim Erickson to purchase the Track Bobcat from Swanston Equipment in the amount of $59,109 with the funding from the Solid Waste account. RECESSThe meeting was called to recess at 9:48 a.m. and reconvened at 10:00 a.m. as follows: GREAT NORTHERN TRANSMISSIONMinnesota Power Representative, Jim Atikson, Matt Hagelin, Property and Right-of-Way Agent and Aimie Mims, Right- of- Way Project Manager met with the board and updated them on the progress of the Great Northern Transmission proposed route alternative and the project schedule. The in service date is June of 2020. Jim mentioned that there will be Public Meetings in August, and that is the time the Lake of the Woods County Board can make there position heard on the route that they want through Lake of the Woods County. SHERIFFCounty Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board requesting approval for him to work the Stonegarden Grants.ResolutionThe following resolution was offered by Commissioner Beckel and seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to adopt the following resolution: AMEND COUNTY SHERIFF SALARY RESOLUTION 15-01-03 WHEREAS, the United States Department of Homeland Security has asked local law enforcement agencies along our Nation’s border to step up border monitoring, pursue joint objectives, and enhance their capabilities for providing border security; and, WHEREAS, in an effort to assist local governments in fulfilling this request, the Department of Homeland Security through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division, offered “Operation Stonegarden 2013 and 2014 grants; and, WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Sheriff’s Office is a successful recipient of anOperation Stonegarden 2013 and 2014 grant; and, WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Sheriff has undertaken, as additional duties, the responsibility to avail himself and his officers for additional training, or to provide such training for his officers’ himself, for border protection and border security, and the additional duties of improving the distinct capability of the sheriffs’ office as a whole with regard to border security and border patrol as part of a joint mission; and in addition, as and for additional duties, the sheriff will necessarily devote more of his own time to border patrol and border enforcement; and, WHEREAS, the Operation Stonegarden 2013 grant given to assist the Lake of the Woods County Sheriff’s Office  in its efforts to secure the border includes the sum of  44,395.20 overtime and $5,771.38 fringe benefits; and WHEREAS, the Operation Stonegarden 2014 grant given to assist the Lake of the Woods County Sheriff’s Office  in its efforts to secure the border includes the sum of  25,792.00 overtime and $3,404.00 fringe benefits; and WHEREAS, it is estimated that these additional border security duties will necessitate that theSheriff expend on average another eight (8) hours per week; and, WHEREAS, through the Operation Stonegarden 2013 and 2014 grants, all of the additional overtime worked by officers devoted to border security issues is fully reimbursable under the grant, including the cost of officer overtime pay, PERA, Medicare and worker’s compensation, so that the net cost of the additional homeland security duties to Lake of the Woods County is fully reimbursed by the grant. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the resolution setting the sheriff’s salary, asoriginally set by this board on December 16, 2014 was $73,038.24 and fringe benefits were$12,891.24, be amended so that the sheriff’s salary is increased by the sum of $13,992.00 andfringe benefits are increased by $2,469.58 commencing January 19, 2015 through December 31,2015, with the increase funding from the Operation Stonegarden 2013 and 2014 grant contingent upon the following:1. That the Operation Stonegarden 2013 and 2014 grant funding be available; and2. That the sheriff works, in addition to his regular duties, eight (8) hours per week of saidOperation Stonegarden 2013 and 2014 grant.At such time that the Operation Stonegarden 2013 and 2014 grant funding is no longer available and/or if the sheriff is unable to complete the additional eight (8) hours per week of Operation Stonegarden 2013 and 2014 grant work, then the sheriff’s salary shall return to the salary as originally set by this board on December 16, 2014. LAND OF THE DANCING SKY-AREA AGENCY ON AGINGLand of the Dancing Sky Director, Darla Waldner and Danaca Robson, Program Development Manager met with the board to update them on the services that the agency provides for individuals sixty (60) and older that are eligible for service regardless of income. Service providers cannot charge a fee for services, but every individual must be given the opportunity to contribute towards the cost of services; all projects must have local matching dollars. Darla explained that local matching funds are calculated   by how many seniors are living in your county. According to that information, the requested amount for Lake of the Woods County would be $1,210.MotionMotion was made by Commissioner Moorman seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to contribute $1,210 from the  general revenue fund to the Land of the Dancing Sky-Area Agency on Aging for services for Lake of the Woods County residents that are sixty (60) and older.PREVENTION COALITIONLake of the Woods Prevention Coalition Director, Tammie Doebler met with the board requesting approval for the 2^nd quarter fiscal report. Tammie informed the board that the coalition is in its fourth (4) year and that they have funding for one more year. The coalition is looking into another grant from the Federal Government called “Drug Free Community Grant”, and if they received the grant they would have funding for another five years. The new grant would be targeted on substance youth underage drinking and marijuana use.MotionMotion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve Prevention Coalition 2nd quarter fiscal report and authorize Chairman Arnesen, Fiscal Officer, Christine Hultman and County Attorney, James Austad to sign. RecessWith no further business before the board, Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to recess at 11:15 a.m. Attest:                                                                                     Approved: January 27, 2015  ___________________________                                          _________________________________Lorene G. Hanson                                                                   Edward ArnesenCounty Auditor/Treasurer                                                       Chairman of the Board

 Commissioner ProceedingsJanuary 27, 2015The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center. Call to OrderChairman Arnesen called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners, Ken Moorman, Patty Beckel, Ed Arnesen, Tom Hanson and Buck Nordlof.  Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor, Janet Rudd and Linwood “Woody” Fiala. Approval of AgendaMotionMotion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Human Resources, Timber Sale, Lake of the Woods Drifters and State Auditors 2013 financial report . Approval of Consent AgendaNone Approval of MinutesMotionMotion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the official minutes of  January 13, 2015 regular minutes. Auditor/TreasurerClaimsCounty Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims:MotionMotion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows:                                                           Revenue                      $  26,830.29                                                Road & Bridge           $    6,955.97                                                Co. Devel.                   $       192.00                                                Solid Waste                 $   6,287.96                                                Forfeited Tax              $      300.00                                                EDA                            $   1,431.06                                   WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATIONWarrants Approved On 1/27/2015 For Payment 1/30/2015Vendor Name                                                                   AmountCenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                                       4,379.58Emergency Communications Network, LLC             7,500.00Hasler                                                                            4,000.00Hoffman, Philipp & Knutson, PLLC                             3,555.00Jake’s Quality Tire Inc                                                3,537.8454 Payments less than 2000  19,024.86Final Total:   41,997.28  Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants:                                                January 14, 2015             $     (260.66)                                                January 14, 2015             $ 162,477.21                                                January 16, 2015             $ 254,170.35                                                          January 22, 2015             $     8,616.87                                                January 22, 2015             $     7,205.21                                               Investment PolicyCounty Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson and Human Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board requesting approval for the revised investment policy.MotionMotion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the revised investment policy as presented. SUMMARIZED MINUTES FOR PUBLISHINGMotionMotion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the publishing of summarized minutes.MotionMotion was made by Commissioners Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the summarized minutes of January 13, 2015.DOCU SHREDCounty Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting authorization to enter into a contract with Docu Shred for paper shredding services.MotionMotion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson to enter into a contract with Docu Shred and authorize her to sign. HUMAN RESOURCESHuman Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board to review the revised Emergency Policy with the board.MotionMotion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve the revised Emergency Policy. LAKE OF THE WOODS DRIFTERSCounty Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval to accept a donation from Lake of the Woods Drifters for signage and safety messages for snowmobile trails.MotionMotion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to accept the donation of $5,000 from Lake of the Woods Drifters to be used for purchasing of signage and safety messages. SOCIAL SERVICESSocial Service Director, Nancy Wendler met with the board requesting approval of claims for the Social Services department and introduced newly hired Social Worker, Heather Blodgett to the board.MotionMotion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows: Commissioners Warrants        $ 12,258.78Commissioners Warrants      $ 20,805.51TIMBER SALECounty Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval for Commissioner Hanson to sign the Hasbargen Timber Sale Contract for the harvest of timber on county owned land in the amount of $34,075, with 75% payment due on January 31, 2015 with completion of the harvest and remaining balance no later than March 31, 2017.MotionMotion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize Commissioner Hanson to sign the Hasbargen Timber Sale contract.MotionMotion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to enter into a Timber Sale Agreement with Steve LeVasseur as the administrator of the county timber sale at the Landfill, contingent approval of County Attorney, James Austad.RECESSThe meeting was called to recess at 9:48 a.m. and reconvened at 10:00 a.m. as follows: AMEND AGENDAMotion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to amend the agenda and add Sheriff Department.SHERIFFCounty Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board requesting approval for him to enter into a Joint Powers Agreement for the Pine to Prairie Drug and Violent Crime Task Force as a Liaison Member.MotionMotion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to enter into the Pine to Prairie Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, as a Liaison member effective January 1, 1015 thru December 31, 2015, unless terminated earlier, pursuant to section 12.1 of this agreement, and authorize Chairman Arnesen and County Attorney, James Austad to sign. SHORT ELLIOT HENDRICKSONChairman Arnesen reviewed the update from S E H on the potential airport and also the possible removal of existing trees and brush which S E H will need assistance from the county . Public Works Director, Tim Erickson is looking into to see if the Highway Department can do this work. The consensus of the board was that they approved the Highway Department to complete this work and to keep track of time spent on this project. Tim also commented that he will follow up with S E H on maps site. STATE OF MN OFFICE OF THE STATE AUDITORChairman Arnesen reviewed the Lake of the Woods County’s annual financial report for year ended December 31, 2013 by the State Auditor’s Audit Guide for Financial and Compliance Audits of MN Counties. RECESSThe meeting was called at 9:55 a.m. and reconvened at 10:02 a.m. as follows: LAND AND WATER PLANNINGLand and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund presented an application for Conditional Use Permit for Joel Brichacek to allow him to move more than ten (10) cubic yards of material and informed the board that the Planning Commission reviewed the application and recommends for approval. Motion was made  by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously  to approve the following Findings and Facts for Joel Brichacek with conditions: Lake of the Woods County Board of CommissionersFindings of Fact and DecisionName of Applicant:  Joel Brichacek                                                                Date:  January 27, 2015 Location/Legal Description:   The south 300’ of Government Lot 1, Section 5, Township 163N, Range 33W (Prosper Township), Parcel #16.05.33.000 Project Proposal:  Applicant is requesting a conditional use permit as required by Section 902 of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance to allow the movement of more than ten (10) cubic yards of material within the shore impact zone of Lake of the Woods for the purpose of installing an access. 1)  Is the project proposal consistent with the Lake of the Woods County Comprehensive Land Use Plan?                                                                                                                YES (X) NO (  ) N/A (  )Why or why not?  Lake access. 2)  Is the project proposal consistent with maintaining the public health, safety, and welfare?YES (  )  NO (  ) N/A (X)Why or why not? ______________________________________________________ 3)      Is the project proposal consistent with the goal of preventing and controlling water pollution, including sedimentation and nutrient loading?                                                    YES (X) NO (  )  N/A (  )Why or why not?  Stabilize shoreline and concrete access. 4)      Will the project proposal not adversely affect the site’s existing topography, drainage features, and vegetative cover?                                                                                                  YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )Why or why not?  Will not. 5)      Is the project proposal’s site location reasonable in relation to any floodplain and/or floodway of rivers or tributaries?                                                                                           YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )Why or why not?  Lake edge. 6)      Has the erosion potential of the site based upon the degree and direction of slope, soil type and existing vegetative cover been adequately addressed for the project proposal?                                                                                                                        YES (X) NO (  ) N/A (  )Why or why not?  To prevent erosion.     7)      Is the site in harmony with existing and proposed access roads?               YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)Why or why not? ______________________________________________________8)      Is the project proposal compatible with adjacent land uses?                      YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )Why or why not?  Residential.9)  Does the project proposal have a reasonable need to be in a shoreland location?                                                                                                                        YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )Why or why not?  Residential lake home. 10)     Is the amount of liquid waste to be generated reasonable and the proposed sewage disposal system adequate to accommodate the project proposal?                                                     YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)Why or why not? ______________________________________________________  11)     Will the visibility of structures and other facilities as viewed from public waters comply with Section 901 of the Zoning Ordinance?                                                                              YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)Why or why not? ______________________________________________________ 12)     Is the site adequate for water supply and on-site sewage treatment systems?                                                                                                                          YES (X) NO (  ) N/A (  )Why or why not?  Installed 1997 and ~30 year life.          13)     Are the affected public waters suited to and able to safely accommodate the types, uses, and numbers of watercraft that the project proposal will generate?                                                YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )Why or why not?  Private use. 14)     If the project proposal includes above ground or below ground storage tanks for petroleum or other hazardous material that is subject to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) requirements, has a permit been sought?                                                                                   YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)Why or why not? ______________________________________________________ 15)     Will there be fencing and/or other screening provided to buffer the project proposal from adjacent properties?                                                                                                      YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)Why or why not? ______________________________________________________  16)     If signage is associated with the project proposal, has the applicant demonstrated the need for the number and size requested, and minimized the visual appearance as viewed from adjacent properties to the extent possible?                                                                                              YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)Why or why not? ______________________________________________________ 17)     If the project proposal will generate additional traffic to or from the site, has the applicant adequately demonstrated how the additional traffic and parking is to be addressed?                  YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)Why or why not? ______________________________________________________ If all answers to the Findings of Fact-Criteria are either “Yes” or are “Not Applicable” to the request, the criteria for granting the conditional use permit have been met. The conditional use permit will maintain the goals of safety, health, and general welfare of the public. The specific conditions of approval are as follows:  Meet specifications of County and DNR. Approved as Presented (  )                             Approved with Conditions (X)           Denied  (  )                                                                                   _____________________________________                                                                                                            Edward Arnesen                                                                                                        Chair, County Board This is in accordance with Section 1204 of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance. SCOTT KERNChairman Arnesen welcomed Scott to the meeting along with Jerry Hennum and Eric Lindquist, representing Sportsman’s Lodge. Scott informed the board of issues he has with the Conditional Use Permit for Lot 15, Block 1, Birch Acres Palt that Sportsman’s Lodge has with the county since 2004. Jerry Hennum informed the board that they will put up evergreens but will leave an 8.5 foot opening, no culverts or crossing will be placed. The board requested that Sportsman’s Lodge apply for another conditional use permit for Lot 16, Block 1 in Birch Acres Plat. Scott Kern asked how long that would take; Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund stated that if the application is received, it would go to the Planning Commission in March.COUNTY ASSESSORCounty Assessor, MaryJo Otten met with the board requesting a Work Session for her office.The board set a Work Session for February 18 at 7:30 a.m. with various offices. RecessWith no further business before the board, Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to recess at 11:25 a.m. Attest:                                                                                     Approved: February 10, 2015  ___________________________                                          _________________________________Lorene G. Hanson                                                                   Edward ArnesenCounty Auditor/Treasurer                                                       Chairman of the Board