August 10, 2021

AGENDA

Tuesday, August 10, 2021

TIME TAB

9:00 a.m. #1 Pledge to the Flag

Approve Agenda 

Approve the Minutes of July 27, 2021

9:05 a.m. #2 Social Services 

  • Claims

9:10 a.m. #3 Auditor/Treasurer

  • Claims
  • Lost Warrant Affidavit
  • Williams Potato Day Donation Request

9:20 a.m. #4 Human Resources

  • Law Enforcement Resignation
  • Permission to Advertise, Interview and Hire

9:30 a.m. #5 Public Works

  • Highway Update
  • Solid Waste Update

10:00 a.m. #6 MN Geological Survey

  • Update on Lake of the Woods County Geologic Atlas

Old/New Business

  • Lessard – Sams Outdoor Heritage Council/Outdoor Heritage Fund
  • Land Trade
  • Township Road Inventory
  • Home Health Task Force
  • Law Enforcement Center
  • Tourism/Lodging Tax

Information to attend by web or phone:
https://lotw20.my.webex.com/join/peder_h
Dial in: 1-408-418-9388
Access Code: 627433446

July 27, 2021

Commissioner Proceedings

July 27, 2021

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room. 

CALL TO ORDER

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

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following changes: Add – BOA Member Update, Remove – Lake of the Woods Drifters, Add – NWA/ARP Funds Update.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of July 13, 2021.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $5,552.14; Commissioners Warrants $1,517.17; Commissioners Warrants $10,951.59.

AUDITOR/TREASURER
Claims
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $58,161.26; Road & Bridge $106,615.60; Solid Waste $30,652.92; EDA $785.36. 

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/27/2021 For Payment 7/30/2021

Vendor Name Amount

Allstates Pavement Recycling & Stab. Inc 20,257.50

Arrowhead Library System 33,118.00

Compudyne, Inc 2,055.50

Dentons Dirt Worx, LLC 14,100.00

Earthworks Contracting Inc 13,530.00

Fish/Kevin 42,660.00

Hasbargen Logging Inc 10,350.00

LOW School District–390 3,000.00

NetCenter Technologies 5,600.00

North East Technical Service,Inc 11,962.50

Rasinski Total Door Services LLC 5,962.20

Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc 12,039.86

U.S. Bank Equipment Finance 6,268.50

41 Payments less than 2000   15,311.08
Final Total: 196,215.14

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: July 12, 2021 for $974,872.01; July 14, 2021 for $64,654.20; July 21, 2021 for $482,259.01.

Set Budget Dates
Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the following budget meeting dates, meetings will be held in the Commissioners’ Room in the Lake of the Woods County Government Center:

August 4, 2021 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

August 16, 2021 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

September 7, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  
Joint Powers Agreement Amendment
Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the 2020-2022 amended joint powers agreement with North Country Community Health Board and for Chair Joe Grund and Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson to sign the same.

County Employee Appreciation Day

Proclamation of County Staff Appreciation Day 2021-07-02

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to proclaim July 27, 2021 as County Staff Appreciation Day.

WHEREAS, county staff serve as the cornerstone of this community, dedicating their time, skills, and expertise for the benefit of their neighbors; and

WHEREAS, county staff went beyond expectations, taking on personal risks, to continue delivering essential services to the citizens of our county during the COVID-19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS, in addition to their regular duties, many county staff were called upon and accepted new and challenging responsibilities during the pandemic such as expediting the distribution of thousands of dollars in economic recovery appropriations, empowering the survival of our local business community; successfully managing a deluge of mail-in ballots in an unprecedented federal election; and

WHEREAS, the work of county staff over the past year and a half have kept the doors of the county open and our community safer, healthier, and productive throughout months of unprecedented global transition; and

WHEREAS, President Sve and the Board of the Association of Minnesota Counties requested the Office of Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan to proclaim July 27, 2021 as County Staff Appreciation Day and their request was granted;

NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners, proclaim July 27, 2021 as County Staff Appreciation Day and extend our thanks to the staff of our county and express deep gratitude for their commitment to excellence in public service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DNR – Fisheries
Update with Phil Talmage, Area Supervisor

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Area Fisheries Supervisor Phil Talmage provided an update to the Board on the most recent Minnesota Department of Natural Resources fisheries report for Lake of the Woods.  Topics reviewed included: spring spawning; abundance, size and structure of walleyes and saugers; lake management goals; and angling hours. 

DNR – Wildlife
Land Acquisition
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Area Wildlife Supervisor Scott Laudenslager shared information with the Board on three parcels of land, that connect to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) Carp Swamp Wildlife Management Area (WMA).  The MNDNR is interested in acquiring the land, totaling 1297.25 acres, to add to the Carp Swamp WMA.  No Board decision was made at this time.

PUBLIC WORKS
Highway Update
County Engineer AJ Pirkl provided an update on the status of current projects.

Solid Waste Update
County Engineer AJ Pirkl provided an update.  The landfill will start storing scrap under a canopy or similar structure. The management plan will be updated.

Push Probe Results
County Engineer AJ Pirkl provided an update on the results of the push probes at the landfill. The contamination in question was found to be from an isolated incident and not from the landfill.

Request to Add to the Agenda
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve adding to the agenda: Consultant for Highway Budgeting.

Consultant for Highway Budgeting
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve hiring Marti Carlson from Earthworks, as an independent contractor, for assistance with budgeting and mentoring at $40 per hour.

MIS
911 Infrastructure 

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve up to $7,000 from the American Rescue Plan Funds for fiberoptic lines to comply with 911 infrastructure needs.

TOWER GENERATOR REPLACEMENT
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve up to $4,000 for a replacement propane generator for the TV Tower.

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MEMBERS
Land and Water Planning Director Josh Stromlund talked with the Board about the need for two Board of Adjustment (BOA) members.  The appointment of new members to the BOA will be added to the August 24, 2021 meeting agenda.

NWA/ARP FUNDS UPDATE
An agreement, from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, for COVID-19 relief funds for the Northwest Angle has not been received by the County.  The Board also discussed other needs and requests for American Rescue Plan dollars.

RECESS
With no further business before the Board, Chair Joe Grund called the meeting to recess at 11:10 a.m.

Attest: August 10, 2021

_________________________________ _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chair of the Board, Joe Grund 

July 27, 2021

AGENDA

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

TIME TAB

9:00 a.m. #1 Pledge to the Flag

Approve Agenda 

Approve the Minutes of July 13, 2021

9:05 a.m. #2 Social Services 

  • Claims

9:10 a.m. #3 Auditor/Treasurer

  • Claims
  • Set Budget Dates
  • Joint Powers Agreement Amendment
    • North Country Community Health Board
  • County Employee Appreciation Day

9:20 a.m. #4 DNR – Fisheries

  • Update – Phil Talmage, Area Supervisor

9:50 a.m. #5 DNR – Wildlife

  • Land Acquisition – Scott Laudenslager, Area Supervisor

10:20 a.m. #6 Public Works

  • Highway Update
  • Solid Waste Update
    • Push Probe Results

10:30 a.m. #7 Lake of the Woods Drifters
10:40 a.m. #8 MIS

  • 911 Infrastructure

10:50 a.m. #9 Tower Generator Replacement 

1:00 p.m. #10 Work Session

  • Zoning Ordinance

Old/New Business

  • Lessard – Sams Outdoor Heritage Council/Outdoor Heritage Fund
  • Land Trade
  • Township Road Inventory
  • Home Health Care Task Force
  • Law Enforcement Center
  • Tourism/Lodging Tax

Information to attend by web or phone:
https://lotw20.my.webex.com/join/peder_h
Dial in: 1-408-418-9388
Access Code: 627433446

July 13, 2021

July 13, 2021

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room. 

CALL TO ORDER

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

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: EDA NWA Funds, Add Item to Old/New Business.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of June 14, 2021.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of June 22, 2021.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $12,448.55; Commissioners Warrants $2,934.02; Commissioners Warrants $12,705.19.

AUDITOR/TREASURER
Claims
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $50,311.63; Road & Bridge $508,788.89; County Development $21,435.50; Joint Ditch $4,133; Solid Waste $38,328.99; EDA $6,294.56. 

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/13/2021 For Payment 7/16/2021

Vendor Name Amount

Baudette/City Of 21,000.00

Bert’s Truck Equipment Of Moorhead, Inc 5,595.00

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc. 9,462.25

Clark Equipment Co Dba Bobcat 73,304.40

Counties Providing Technology 3,940.00

Deputy Registrar No.75 5,512.00

Earthworks Contracting Inc 2,500.00

Election Systems & Software, Inc 3,675.00

Element Materials Technology 30,160.00

First State Tire Recycling 3,376.96

Headwaters Regional Development Commiss 6,250.00

Howard’s Oil Company 5,568.66

Hudson Electric LLC 4,100.00

LOW Highway Dept 9,065.50

Mar-Kit Landfill 17,759.25

Mark Sand & Gravel Co. 96,250.00

McCoy Construction & Forestry Inc 268,254.00

North East Technical Service,Inc 3,989.13

Pennington County Sheriff Office 3,104.11

Powerplan 2,044.68

R & Q Trucking, Inc 3,090.00

Titan Machinery – Roseau 2,361.97

Voyageurs Comtronics, Inc 2,904.99

WIDSETH 4,085.50

Woody’s Service 2,909.97

75 Payments less than 2000   39,029.20

                                                 Final Total: 629,292.57

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: June 23, 2021 for $14,901.58; June 30, 2021 for $999,052.53; July 7, 2021 for $206,739.88.

County Owned Land Sale Resolution 2021-07-01

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

County Owned Land Sale
Resolution No. 2021-07-01

WHEREAS, pursuant to MS. 373.01, Lake of the Woods County offered unimproved nonconforming County-owned land for sale, parcel number 19-2531-119, described as follows: Commencing at the West 1/16th corner on the East and West quarter line, 1312.6 feet South,  89°59’ 30” East of the quarter corner common to Section 25 and 26, Township 162 North, Range 32 West; thence South,  0°13’ East, along 1/16th line 400 feet; thence at right angles to said 1/16th line, North 89°47’ East, a distance of 600 feet to the point of beginning; thence South, 0°13’ East, parallel with 1/16th line, 687.48 feet; thence South, 89°59’30” East, parallel with above quarter line, 180 feet; thence Northerly and parallel to the West line of said described tract, a distance of 522.92 feet; thence Westerly and parallel to the South line of said described tract, a distance of  110.22 feet; thence North, 0°00’30” East, a distance of 164.56 feet; thence Westerly, parallel with quarter line, 69.78 feet, more or less, to the point of beginning; said described tract lying all within Gov. Lot 3, Section 25, Township 162 North,  Range 32 West, and containing 2.42 acres, more or less. (Note: Not to be used on legal documents).

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Auditor/Treasurer notified adjoining landowners of said sale; 

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners authorized the land sale, which took place on June 21, 2021 at 1:00 p.m., in the Lake of the Woods County Government Center Commissioners’ Room.

WHEREAS, the terms of the sale were cash/check, including applicable fees;

WHEREAS, all minerals and mineral rights were reserved by Lake of the Woods County;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the highest bid was received and accepted from John Gustafson at $29,000.00

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Lake of the Woods County will issue a deed for the property to Harold J. Gustafson, a/k/a John Gustafson, and Kari Gustafson.

EDA NWA Funds
Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the Economic Development Authority Director to administer funds approved by legislature for Northwest Angle businesses affected by COVID-19.  

HUMAN RESOURCES
MIS Director/Maintenance Salary
It was the consensus of the Board to set a work session at the next board meeting to discuss the MIS Director/Maintenance Salary.

Environmental Specialist
Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve employee Megan Thompson to Grade 9, Step 9, Points 232, $22.05 per hour effective 7/25/2021.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve a counter-offer to a prospective employee of Grade 9, Step 9, Points 232, $22.05 per hour and an additional four days of vacation after the six-month probationary period.

SHERIFF
Coronavirus Emergency Response 2021 Grant Contract
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the 2021 Coronavirus Emergency Response Grant Agreement in the amount of $323,348.00 and for Sheriff Gary Fish and Board Chair Joe Grund to sign the same.

Update on Roseau Contract
Sheriff Gary Fish provided an update to the Board.  The arrangement with the Roseau County Sheriff’s Department will continue as is for now, there is no contract at this time.

PUBLIC WORKS
Highway
Refurbishing of Motor Grader
Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve refurbishing of the Northwest Angle motor grader through the CAT Certified Rebuild Program at a cost of $260,880.34, to be paid out of the 2022 budget.

Amend Agenda
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the amendment of the agenda to add Approval of Gravel Contract.

Approval of Gravel Contract
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve a contract for gravel with LaValla Sand and Gravel at $10.50 per cubic yard, up to 8,000 yards a year for three years.

Update
Public Works Director, AJ Pirkl, provided an update to the Board on current road projects.

Solid Waste
Public Works Director, AJ Pirkl, is meeting with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) at the landfill at 11:00 a.m.  The MPCA will return to the Government Center to discuss the demolition landfill today at 1:00 p.m.

PUBLIC HEARING

Exclusive Off Sale Intoxicating Liquor License – Border Bait LLC

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting at 10:05 a.m. and open the Public Hearing as advertised pursuant to MN Statue §340A.405, Intoxicating Liquor; Off-Sale Licenses, subd. (d).

Present were: Commissioners: Joe Grund, Cody Hasbargen, Ed Arnesen, Buck Nordlof, and Jon Waibel Also present County Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson.  Other public in attendance were: Travis Barclay, David Bathel and Brandy Christian.

The Public Notice of Hearing was advertised for consideration of an Exclusive Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License to hear testimony by all parties present,  that this potential exclusive off sale premises will not be within the three mile boundary of any statutory or home rule city that has established a municipal liquor store before August 1, 1991 and is not located within the one mile of any boundary of a statutory or home rule city that had established a municipal liquor store before August 1, 1991. The location of the property 3372 State Hwy 172 NW, Baudette, MN, is zoned commercial and that it is where the potential exclusive off sale building is proposed to be located.  No correspondence was received for this public hearing.  David Bathel questioned how many liquor licenses were available in the County and proximity requirements of off-sale licenses.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to close the Public Hearing at 10:15 a.m. and open the regular session.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to allow and approve an exclusive off sale intoxicating liquor license to Ashley Ann Barclay, Border Bait Company LLC, effective July 13, 2021 thru June 30, 2022, contingent upon all requirements being met for the approval of the license application and approval of County Attorney James Austad and County Sheriff Gary Fish.

LAKE OF THE WOODS DRIFTERS
Funding Requests
Snow Trails
Randy Orton and Todd Barnes from the Lake of the Woods Drifters updated the Board on some infrastructure needs on the snowmobile trails.  Public Works Director, AJ Pirkl, will review options for repairs and this item will be brought back to the Board.

ATV Trails
Randy Orton and Todd Barnes from Lake of the Woods Drifters updated the Board on the Roseau/Lake of the Woods Sportsmans Club ATV/UTV Trails.  The trails currently go to the Faunce area and there is interest to continue trails through Lake of the Woods County and connect with trails in Koochiching County.  Public Works Director, AJ Pirkl, will review and this item will be brought back to the Board.

PUBLIC HEARING
Peter Jones Cartway 

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting at 11:07 a.m. and open the Public Hearing for the Cartway-Public Hearing. (Pursuant to MN Statute 164.08 to establish a Cartway.)

The following were present:  Commissioners:  Ed Arnesen, Cody Hasbargen, Buck Nordlof, Joe Grund and Jon Waibel.  Other County Employees were:  Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, and Surveyor Chad Conner.  In addition, attending the Public Hearing were: Attorney Steven Anderson, Terry Brown, David Bathel and Brandy Christian.

Attorney Steven Anderson representing Peter R. Jones, explained the procedures of establishing a cartway.  A petition was received from Petitioners:  Peter R. Jones (PID 19-2521-040) for a cartway to access landlocked property.  Attorney Steven Anderson acknowledged that the property is at least 5 acres and is landlocked. The County received the Certificate of Service for the affected land owners and the Affidavit of Service by U.S. Mail for neighbors of the proposed cartway. The County did post the public hearing as required.  

Attorney Steven Anderson stated that the petition seeks to establish a cartway pursuant to Minnesota Statute 164.08.  The description of the proposed cartway is: 

The West two (2) rods of the East 44 feet of the SW¼ NW¼, Section 25, Township 162 North, Range 32 West; and 

Commencing at the southeast corner of the S½ SE¼ NW¼ NW¼ of Section 25, Township 162 North, Range 32 West, thence westerly two (2) rods along the south boundary thereof to a point; thence in a north and easterly direction, along a 90 degree arc, to a point on the east boundary thereof, which point is two (2) rods north of said southeast corner; thence south along said east boundary line a distance of two (2) rods to the point of beginning;
The County Board reviewed the cartway request and heard comments from parties involved.  With further research needed including; a survey, figuring of damages and exploration of alternative routes for the cartway, the County Board decided to meet on the site of the proposed cartway on August 24, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. and then continue the Public Hearing on September 7, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the Public Hearing at 11:30 a.m. and reconvene the regular county board meeting.

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to meet on the site of the proposed cartway on August 24, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. and then continue the Public Hearing on September 7, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

ADD ITEM TO OLD/NEW BUSINESS
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to add Tourism/Lodging Tax to the OLD/NEW Business section of the agenda.

RECESS
With no further business before the Board, Chair Joe Grund called the meeting to recess at 11:35 a.m.

Attest: July 27, 2021

_________________________________ _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chair of the Board, Joe Grund 

July 13, 2021

AGENDA

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

TIME TAB

9:00 a.m. #1 Pledge to the Flag

Approve Agenda

Approve the Minutes of June 14, 2021 and June 22, 2021

9:05 a.m. #2 Social Services 

  • Claims

9:10 a.m. #3 Auditor/Treasurer

  • Claims
  • County Owned Land Sale Resolution 2021-07-01

9:15 a.m. #4 Human Resources

  • MIS Director/Maintenance Salary
  • Environmental Specialist

9:25 a.m. #5 Sheriff 

  • Coronavirus Emergency Response 2021 Grant Contract
  • Update on Roseau Contract

9:35 a.m. #6 Public Works

  • Highway
    • Refurbishing of Motor Grader
    • Update
  • Solid Waste
    • Update

10:00 a.m. #7 Public Hearing

  • Off Sale Liquor License – Border Bait LLC

10:30 a.m. #8 Lake of the Woods Drifters

  • Funding Requests
    • Snow Trails
    • ATV Trails

11:00 a.m. #9 Public Hearing

  • Peter Jones Cartway

12:00 p.m. #10 Work Session

  • Resort Roads

1:00 p.m. #11 Work Session

  • Demolition Landfill Meeting with MPCA

Correspondence: Rinke Noonan

Old/New Business

  • Lessard – Sams Outdoor Heritage Council/Outdoor Heritage Fund
  • Land Trade
  • Township Road Inventory
  • Home Health Care Task Force
  • Law Enforcement Center

Information to attend by web or phone:
https://lotw20.my.webex.com/join/peder_h
Dial in: 1-408-418-9388
Access Code: 627433446

June 22, 2021

AGENDA

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

TIME TAB

9:00 a.m. #1 Pledge to the Flag

Approve Agenda

Approve the Minutes of June 8 and June 15, 2021

9:05 a.m. #2 Social Services 

  • Claims
  • Daycare Center Project Update

9:15 a.m. #3 Auditor/Treasurer

  • Claims

9:20 a.m. #4 Recorder

  • Approve Final Plat of Hooper Creek

9:25 a.m. #5 Public Works

  • Highway
    • SAP 039-631-006 Certified Motion Final Pay Request
  • Solid Waste

9:30 a.m. #6 Lake of the Woods Arena Board Update

9:45 a.m. #7 Follow-up items from NWA Meeting

  • Tourism
  • NWA Property Values
  • COVID-19 Vaccinations

Old/New Business

  • Lessard –Sams Outdoor Heritage Council/Outdoor Heritage Fund
  • Land Trade
  • Township Road Inventory
  • Home Health Care Task Force
  • Law Enforcement Center

Information to attend by web or phone:
https://lotw20.my.webex.com/join.peder_h
Dial in: 1-408-418-9388
Access Code: 627433446

June 22, 2021

Commissioner Proceedings

June 22, 2021

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room. 

CALL TO ORDER

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

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of June 8, 2021 and June 15, 2021.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $7,697.64; Commissioners Warrants $1,915.56; Commissioners Warrants $18,483.01; Commissioners Warrants $197.80.

Daycare Center Project Update

Social Services Supervisor Jodi Ferrier provided an update to the Board on a project to create a daycare center in the former line worker school building. The project committee is a collaboration of representatives from the County, Economic Development Authority and Lake of the Woods School. First Children’s Finance is researching the feasibility of the daycare center.  Ferrier will continue to update the Board on the project.

AUDITOR/TREASURER
Claims
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $45,044.59; Road & Bridge $64,498.84; County Development $200; Joint Ditch $144; Solid Waste $107,450.02; EDA $788.57. 

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 6/22/2021 For Payment 6/25/2021

Vendor Name Amount

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc. 14,121.07

Compudyne, Inc 5,029.80

Contech Engineered Solutions LLC 12,260.00

Element Materials Technology 10,580.00

M-R Sign Co, Inc 5,742.93

Mn Counties Computer Co-Op 17,413.32

Nutrien Ag Solutions Inc 25,366.18

R & Q Trucking, Inc 2,575.00

Swanston Equipment Corp 4,769.50

U.S. Bank Equipment Finance 6,268.50

University Of Mn 9,407.00

Wilkens Industries 85,511.93

32 Payments less than 2000                                         19,080.79

                                      Final Total: 218,126.02

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: June 9, 2021 for $10,957.64; June 15, 2021 for $25,339.43.

RECORDER
Approve Final Plat of Hooper Creek
County Recorder Sue Ney met with the Board requesting final approval for the plat of HOOPER CREEK. The Plat consists of 16 lots and Hooper Creek Loop road. After careful consideration from the County Surveyor, Land & Water Planning Office, and the Recorder’s Office, final approval was recommended.

Motion
Motion by Commissioner Ed Arnesen to approve the plat of HOOPER CREEK for subdivision pursuant to MN Statute 505.03, Subd. 2, and authorize the Chairman and Auditor/Treasurer to sign the same. Seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and the same put to a vote was duly carried.

PUBLIC WORKS
Highway
SAP 039-631-006 Final Pay Request
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the final payment for SAP 039-631-006 to Gladen Construction, Inc. of Laporte, MN in the amount of $6,063.80.  The total project cost was $121,276.00.

Solid Waste
A meeting with the MPCA to discuss the demolition landfill will be held on July 13, 2021 at 1 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Room of the Lake of the Woods County Government Center.

LAKE OF THE WOODS ARENA BOARD UPDATE
Arena Director Samantha Lyon and Arena Board Member Mike Schulz provided an update to the Board on the Lake of the Woods International Arena.  Since its grand opening on July 6, 2019, the Lake of the Woods International Arena was host to several district and regional youth hockey tournaments; became home to two new programs – Learn to Skate USA and an in-house hockey club; and accommodated two seasons of varsity and youth hockey programs, special events, open skating and physical education classes.  Lyon plans to continue to grow the offerings at the Lake of the Woods International Arena and is excited to host a Bantam AA State Tournament in March of 2022.  In closing, Lyon and Schulz thanked the County for their continued support of the ice arenas.

FOLLOW-UP ITEMS FROM NWA MEETING
COVID-19 Vaccinations
CHI LakeWood Health representatives, Jeffry Stampohar and Kay M. Schell, joined the meeting to discuss the possibility of hosting a vaccine clinic at the Northwest Angle for Canadian citizens.  Commissioner Ed Arnesen will gather more information regarding the need of such an event.

NWA Property Values
The Board discussed the Northwest Angle property values with Assessor Mary Jo Otten.

RECESS
The Board took a 10-minute recess at 10:12 a.m.

Tourism
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve Attorney James Austad to draft and send a letter to the City of Baudette requesting an update regarding the Baudette City Council’s position on the joint powers agreement for lodging tax and for Chair Joe Grund to sign the same.

RECESS
With no further business before the Board, Chair Joe Grund called the meeting to recess at 10:30 a.m.

Attest: July 13, 2021

_________________________________ _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chair of the Board, Joe Grund 

June 15, 2021

Commissioner Proceedings

June 15, 2021

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at the Angle Outpost Resort, Angle Inlet, MN. 

CALL TO ORDER

Chair Joe Grund called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Joe Grund, Jon Waibel, Cody Hasbargen, Ed Arnesen and Buck Nordlof. Also present: County Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson and Public Works Director AJ Pirkl. 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: RECONVENE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION and PUBLIC WORKS/Canadian Business Number.

SET PUBLIC HEARING

Off-Sale Liquor License for Border Bait Company LLC

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to set a public hearing, on the issuance of an off-sale intoxicating liquor license for Border Bait Company, LLC, on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. in the Lake of the Woods County Government Center, Commissioners’ Room.

TOURISM UPDATE

Joe Henry, Director of Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau, provided an update.  Henry was asked by U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar to join a state tourism committee and also mentioned that U.S Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach will be visiting the Northwest Angle on July 7 and 8, 2021.

The joint powers agreement between the City of Baudette and Lake of the Woods County, which created the tourism bureau, was discussed.  Commissioner Ed Arnesen mentioned the possibility of hiring a specialist to provide guidance on how to proceed with requesting special legislature for a county-wide lodging tax.  This item will be placed on the next Board meeting agenda. 

PUBLIC WORKS
Highway/Solid Waste
Public Works Director, AJ Pirkl, provided an update on Northwest Angle gravel and garbage contracts.  Other items discussed included, a possible state aid project for a shared fire department and solid waste building, calcium/magnesium chloride application, training for road operators, disposal of fish entrails, and ditch drainage.

Canadian Business Number

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to authorize Public Works Director, Anthony J. Pirkl, to register for a business number with the Canada Revenue Agency.

COVID-19
American Rescue Plan Act –
The County Board discussed the program; no action was taken.

Vaccinations –
This item will be added to the next Board meeting agenda.

NWA PROPERTY VALUES

A Northwest Angle Business owner requested to have their commercial property value reassessed, stating many businesses have been unable to fully open due to the border closure.  The Commissioners discussed sending a letter to the Department of Revenue regarding valuations of commercial property at the Northwest Angle. This will be added to the next Board meeting agenda.

RECONVENE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting and open the Board of Equalization meeting at 11:40 a.m.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to close the Board of Equalization meeting at 11:45 a.m.

RECESS
With no further business before the Board, Chair Joe Grund called the meeting to recess at 11:48 a.m.

Attest: June 22, 2021

_________________________________ _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chair of the Board, Joe Grund 

June 15, 2021

AGENDA

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Meeting at Angle Outpost Resort 8206 Dawson Road, Angle Inlet, MN

TIME TAB

10:00 a.m. #1 Pledge to the Flag

Approve Agenda

10:05 a.m. #2 Set Public Hearing

  • Off-Sale Liquor License for Border Bait Company LLC

10:10 a.m. #3 Tourism Update 

10:30 a.m. #4 Public Works: Highway/Solid Waste

10:50 a.m. #5 COVID-19

  • American Rescue Plan Act
  • Vaccinations

11:20 a.m. #6 NWA Property Values

12:00 p.m. #7 Lunch/Road Tour

Old/New Business

  • Lessard –Sams Outdoor Heritage Council/Outdoor Heritage Fund
  • Land Trade
  • Township Road Inventory
  • Home Health Care Task Force
  • Law Enforcement Center

Information to attend by web or phone:
https://lotw20.my.webex.com/join/peder_h
Dial in: 1-408-418-9388
Access Code: 627433446

June 14, 2021

Lake of the Woods County

Board of Appeal and Equalization

June 14, 2021

Pursuant to MN. Statute 331A.01, subd. 10 the published material is only a summary and the full text is available for public inspection at the Lake of the Woods County Auditor/Treasurers’ office or by standard mail or electronic mail or Lake of the Woods County website –www.lake-of-the-woods.mn.us

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Appeal and Equalization met on Monday, June 14, 2021, in the Commissioners’ Room of the Lake of the Woods County Government Center.  

Call to Order-County Board Chair Joe Grund called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. with the following members present:  Commissioners: Cody Hasbargen, Jon Waibel, Joe Grund, Buck Nordlof, Ed Arnesen and County Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson. Also present were: County Assessor Mary Jo Otten, County Assessment Specialist Alisa Jacobson, and County Appraiser Tyler Swanson.  County Recorder Sue Ney had sworn in the members of the Lake of the Woods County Board of Appeal and Equalization for 2021 on June 8, 2021. 

County Board Chair Joe Grund explained the purpose of the Board of Appeal and Equalization. He reminded the public that this meeting was only to hear appeals of the estimated market value (EMV) or classification, not for taxes or prior years’ assessments.  He further explained that all appeals would be heard before any action would be taken.

County Assessor-County Assessor Mary Jo Otten explained that the valuation period is from sales during October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020, and discussed adjustments that had been made during the past year. 

Property Owners-Meeting with the County Board was Alan Magnusson property owner in Northwest Angle Township.  Mr. Magnusson relayed his concern on the market value of his property.  County Assessor Mary Jo Otten reviewed the property in question, recent sales and values.

Presented by the Assessor’s Office, a value change was recommended for the Mark Judovsky property in Wabanica Township. County Assessor Mary Jo Otten reviewed the property and recommended to value the property at $381,200.

Presented by the Assessor’s Office, a value change was recommended for the Sportsman’s Lodge Inc. property in Wabanica Township.  County Assessor Mary Jo Otten reviewed the property and recommended to value the property at $622,500.

Presented by the Assessor’s Office, a value change was recommended for the Tom and Lynn McGrath property in Zippel Township.  County Assessor Mary Jo Otten reviewed the property and recommended to value the property at $42,800.

Action-Motion-Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to accept the Lake of the Woods County Assessor’s recommendations on the Alan Magnusson Property and leave the value as is, with no changes.

Motion-Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to accept the Lake of the Woods County Assessor’s recommendations for the following parcels, which were presented to the Board of Appeal and Equalization:23.56.01.010 – Property Owner: Mark Judovsky, value decrease from $478,600 to $381,200; 23.60.01.010 to 23.60.02.290 – Property Owner: Sportsmans Lodge Inc, adjusted lot values from $762,200 to $622,500; 18.15.22.040 – Property Owner: Tom & Lynn McGrath, building value lowered from $47,000 to $42,800.

Value Changes-County Assessor Mary Jo Otten presented additional changes, see attached list, that were made after the submission of the prism file to the state.  The Board reviewed and approved the value changes as presented. Motion-was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to accept the Lake of the Woods County Assessor’s recommendations for the following parcels on the attached list.

Other Business-County Assessor Mary Jo Otten informed the Board that Wabanica, Baudette, Spooner and Gudrid townships will be reviewed this year.

RECESS-Motion-was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen to recess the County Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting for 2021.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.  County Board Chair Joe Grund recessed the Lake of the Woods County Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting for 2021 at 6:50 p.m. 

RECONVENE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION-Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting and open the 2021 Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting at 11:40 a.m.

Motion-was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to adjourn the 2021 Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting.  County Board Chair Joe Grund adjourned the Lake of the Woods Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting for 2021 at 11:45 a.m.

Attest: Approved: July 13, 2021

_________________________________ ______________________________________
Lorene Hanson, County Auditor-Treasurer Joe Grund, County Commissioner Board Chair