December 29, 2022

The Lake of The Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Thursday, December 29, 2022 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

Call To Order

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

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following changes: Add: Set Hearing Date: Wetlands Appeal. 

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the minutes from December 13, 2022.

Social Services

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $4,418.88; Commissioners Warrants $7,513.13; Commissioners Warrants $7,831.72.

Sanford TRF-Purchase of Services Agreement: Community Based Services ( Adult Mental Health)

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the Purchase of Services Agreement between Sanford Thief River Falls and Lake of the Woods County for community based services for adult mental health and to have the County Board Chair Buck Nordlof and Social Services Director Amy Ballard sign the same.

Auditor/Treasurer

Claims

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $170,454.60; Road & Bridge $21,370.91; Social Services $4,950.00; County Development $860.00; Solid Waste $23,232.07.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 12/29/2022 For Payment 12/30/2022

Vendor Name Amount

Accurate HD Ltd. 2,439.00

American Solutions For Business 2,237.33

Deputy Registrar No.75 10,162.65

Freeberg & Grund, Inc 4,000.00

GM Construction Inc 6,454.94

Hiller Commercial Floors 86,210.30

Lake Country Chev 45,031.88

LOW Highway Dept 5,140.84

Mn Counties Computer Co-Op 2,558.80

North East Technical Service,Inc 3,535.00

Outdoors Again 2,865.31

U.S. Bank Equipment Finance 6,268.50

University Of Mn 9,618.63

West Central Regional Juvenile Center 4,950.00

49 Payments less than 2000 29,394.40

Final Total: 220,867.58

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: December 14, 2022 for $79,557.07; December 21, 2022 for $19,445.27; December 28, 2022 for $8,725.96.

Salaries

2023 Elected Officials & Non-Elected Department Heads Salaries

Motion 

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund to adopt the following County Commissioners salaries schedule and County Board Chair salary schedule for the year 2023; and to adopt a committee meeting per diem of $125.00 for the year 2023.  The motion was seconded by Jon Waibel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Elected Officials – Commissioners:

Commissioners $23,000                        

Board Chair $24,000         

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen to adopt a Technology Fee of $50.00 per month for County Commissioners for the year 2023. (Technology fee reimbursement for county related phone, internet, computer and copy expenses.)  The motion was seconded by Ed Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and unanimously carried to approve the 2023 Salary Grade Table, with an increase of 2.75% to the table.

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and unanimously carried to adopt the following Elected Officials salary schedule for the year 2023.  

Elected Officials – Department Heads:

County Attorney $120,556.80

County Recorder $85,009.60

County Sheriff  $98,404.80

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen to adopt the following Non-Elected Department Heads salary schedule for the year 2023.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.  

Non-Elected – Department Heads:

Assessor  Alisa Jacobsen  $76,606.40     

Aud/Treas   Lorene Hanson $104,145.60

Land/Water  Josh Stromlund $93,184.00

MIS Director  Peder Hovland $91,603.20

Public Works Anthony Pirkl $110,115.20     

Social Service  Amy Ballard $93,163.20

EDA Director Ryan Zemek $52,540.80

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel to adopt the following Non-Elected Department Heads salary schedule for the year 2023.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.  

Non-Elected – Department Heads:

Human Resources Savanna Slick $34,132.80          

Veterans Service  Rick Rone  $27,996.80

Salary Adjustment, as agreed upon per Union Contract

Motion- Highway Union

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen to adjust all full time Highway Union employees’ salary by a 2.75% general adjustment and by 1 merit step, if applicable (not maxed), effective January 1, 2023.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Salary Adjustment, as agreed upon per Union Contract

Motion- Solid Waste Union

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund to adjust all full time Solid Waste Union employees’ salary by a 2.75% general adjustment and by 1 merit step, if applicable (not maxed), effective January 1, 2023.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

All County Employees (Full time/Permanent Part Time/Part Time/Seasonal Employees) Salary Adjustment (Excluding Elected and Non-Elected Department Heads) 

Motion- Non-Union

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel to adjust all non-union employees: full time, permanent part time, part time and seasonal (excluding elected and non-elected department heads) salaries by a 2.75% general adjustment and by 1 merit step, if applicable (not maxed), effective January 1, 2023.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Health Insurance/Health Care Savings Plan

Motion (motion made 10/25/2022)

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to set the 2023 county contribution for family health insurance up to $1,370 per month and single health insurance up to $1020 per month.  The Public Employees Insurance Program “Advantage Plan” consists of “High”, “Value” and “HSA” plans.  For the HSA plans only, any excess county contribution will be deposited directly into the employee’s health savings account, up to the IRS caps.  

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to set the 2023 county contribution for family health insurance up to $1,370 per month for all Highway Union and Solid Waste Union employees.  The International Union of Operating Engineers Local No 49 AFL-CIO health insurance consists of family coverage only.

Motion 

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve that all PERA eligible Lake of the Woods County employees contribute one percent (1%) of their regular pay (no overtime) into their Health Care Savings Plan (HCSP); in addition, Lake of the Woods County, as employer, will contribute one percent (1%) of the employee’s regular pay (no overtime) to the same all PERA eligible Lake of the Woods County employees.

Motion to Pay Year End Bills

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the payment of year end bills on the Auditors list on December 30, 2022.

Resolution for Year End Commitments

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the following:

RESOLUTION

YEAR END COMMITMENT OF FUNDS

RESOLUTION NO. 22-12-08

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

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Lake of the Woods County hereby commits the following reserves with the amounts to be determined at a later date: Building; Community Health; Elections; Health/Medical; Housing Rehabilitation; Land & Building Acquisitions; Sheriff’s Posse; Sheriff’s Vending Commission; Technology; Transit; Drainage Maintenance; Economic Development; Prepaid Fiber; SANE; Snowmobile Trails; Future Equipment, and Future Budget Expenditures; Borderland DUI Drug Court; Wetland Banks; ARPA Funds; Opioid Funds; CARSA, USDA Funds; Day Care-Deed.

Transfer of Funds to Ditch Funds

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to authorize a temporary loan to Ditch Fund 22; to mitigate a temporary negative cash balance.

Economic Development Authority

The Board Discussed the appointment of the EDA Board

Resolution

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

Re-Appointment of Terms of the economic development authority

Resolution 22-12-09

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

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

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

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

Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to recommend appointment

Chamber of Commerce to recommend appointment

Lake of the Woods Tourism to recommend appointment

City of Baudette to recommend appointment

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

Board Member Term Expires Representing

Brock Stebakken 12/31/2023 City of Baudette

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

Jeff Bauers 12/31/2024 IDC

Paul Johnson 12/31/2024 Tourism Board

Ed Arnesen 12/31/2025 County Board District 5

Jon Waibel 12/31/2025 County Board District 4

Brittney Peterson 12/31/2026 Chamber of Commerce

Cody Hasbargen 12/31/2027 County Board District 2 

Joe Grund 12/31/2022 County Board District 3

Whereas one board members term expiring on December 31, 2022;

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

Board Member Term Expires Representing

Joe Grund 12/31/2028 County Board District 3

Wheelers Sanitation

Wheelers Point Sewer Board Members and Terms

Alan Thompson       Three Year Term     21 Thru 01/02/2024

Marshall Monk        Three Year Term     21 Thru 01/02/2024

Brian Ney                Three Year Term     20 Thru 01/02/2023

Paul Johnson           Three Year Term     20 Thru 01/02/2023

Justin Ferguson       Three Year Term     22 Thru 01/02/2025

Motion

Motion was made by Jon Waibel, seconded by Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to appoint Brian Ney and Paul Johnson to the Wheeler’s Point Sanitary District Board for a three year term beginning January 2, 2023 thru January 2, 2026. 

Public Works

County Engineer Anthony Pirkl gave an update on various projects and meetings in Highway and Solid Waste that included: Bridge projects, Future Bids, and the MPCA meeting/permit application.

Cliffs Review

The board members and Land & Water Director Josh Stromlund reviewed correspondence from Cliffs natural resources about an on-going negotiation of a previous agreement and discussed possible options for moving forward with their requests. It was the consensus of the board for Land & Water Director Josh Stromlund to reach out to Rinke Noonan for legal guidance. 

Land & Water

Set Hearing Date: Wetland Appeal

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to set a hearing date for the wetland appeal for January 10, 2023 at 1:00p.m. in the Lake of the Woods County Government Center Commissioners Room. 

Correspondence

The board reviewed correspondence from Friends Against Abuse, and the National Association of Counties (NACo). 

Old/New Business

The board reviewed old/new business on the agenda. 

Adjourn

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:15 a.m. 

Attest: January 10, 2023

______________________________ _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Vice-Chair Ed Arnesen

 December 13,2022

The Lake of The Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

Call To Order

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

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following changes: Add: MCIT Correspondence, Greater Minnesota Correspondence, AMC Resolution. Remove: 2022 EMPG Grant.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the minutes from November 29, 2022.

Social Services

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $16,757.30; Commissioners Warrants $3,650.15; Commissioners Warrants $14,640.36.

Meridian Services, Inc. Purchase of Services

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the renewal of the purchase of services agreement between Lake of the Woods County, by and through its local social services agency, and Meridian Services, Inc. and for Chair Buck Nordlof and Social Services Director Amy Ballard to sign the same.

Department of Human Services-Children’s Mental Health Screening Agent

Motion

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

Auditor/Treasurer

Claims

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously with Commissioner Joe Grund abstaining to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $49,064.86; Road & Bridge $146,568.69; County Development $1,875.00; Joint Ditch $4,360.00; Solid Waste $28,525.55; EDA $1,701.31. 

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 12/13/2022 For Payment 12/16/2022

Vendor Name Amount

Auto Value Baudette 2,718.82

Business Essentials 3,109.00

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc. 21,102.02

Compass Minerals America 10,024.95

Counties Providing Technology 4,086.00

Extreme Duty Ironworks 3,146.00

Hoffman, Philipp & Martell, PLLC 5,585.00

Howard’s Oil Company 6,999.14

Integris LLC 2,041.01

LOW Highway Dept 6,748.75

Mar-Kit Landfill 13,472.00

Marco Technologies LLC 6,886.01

Mark Sand & Gravel Co. 96,250.00

North Leaf Auto Body 8,594.18

Powerplan 4,176.69

R & Q Trucking, Inc 3,055.00

Royal Tire Inc 2,600.82

WIDSETH 3,125.00

45 2000 Payments less than 28,375.02

Final Total: 232,095.41

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: November 29, 2022 for $150,211.00, November 30,2022 for $814,696.49, November 30, 2022 for $10,322.36, December 5, 2022 for $821,985.04, December 5, 2022 for ($10,322.36), December 7, 2022 for $14,771.37.

Permission to Advertise for Legal Publishing Bids

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve permission to advertise for Legal Publishing Bids for 2023.

2023 Meeting Dates

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously, by roll call, to approve the following 2023 County Board Meeting Dates:

2023 LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY BOARD MEETING DATES

January

Tuesday, January 3 (Organizational Meeting) 9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

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

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

February

Tuesday, February 14 9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Tuesday, February 28 8:15 a.m. Lake Of The Woods School (TBD)

March

Tuesday, March 14 9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

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

April

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

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

May

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

Tuesday, May 23 9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

June

Tuesday, June 6 9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

Monday, June 12 6:00 p.m. Board Of Equalization

Tuesday, June 13 10:00 a.m. NWA

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

July

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

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

August

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

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

September

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

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

October

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

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

November

Tuesday, November 14 9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

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

December

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

Tuesday, December 12 6:00 p.m. TNT MEETING

Thursday, December 28 9:00 a.m. Government Center, Commissioners Room

LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MAY BE ATTENDING THE FOLLOWING:

AMC JOINT LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE: February 22-23 in St. Paul

AMC LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE: March 29-March 31 in Nisswa

AMC DISTRICT 2 MEETING: UNKNOWN DATE May or June

AMC POLICY COMMITTEE: September 13-15 in Alexandria

AMC ANNUAL CONFERENCE: December 4-6 in Bloomington

LAKE OF THE WOODS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETINGS

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners will be attending these meetings on the 1^st 

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

Election Polling Places Resolution

Resolution

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

A Resolution Establishing County Precincts and Polling Places

Resolution 22-12-01

WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes, Section §204B16, Subdivision 1 requires that by December 31^st of each year, the County must designate by resolution a polling place for each election precinct; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners, State of Minnesota hereby establishes polling places of the following County precincts: Baudette City Hall – Precincts 1B and 2B; Lake of the Woods County Government Center – All Mail Precincts including: 1A, 2A, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 4A, 4B, 4C, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D.  

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

Petition for Road Vacation

Resolution

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

A RESOLUTION SETTING FORTH INITIAL DESCRIPTIONS AND SETTING HEARING DATE 

Resolution no. 22-12-03

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners were presented a petition at their meeting on the 13th day of December, 2022 requesting the vacation of a road; 

WHEREAS, the petition contained a description of the road, a description of the portion to be vacated, and the names of the owners over which the road passes; 

WHEREAS, Minn. Stat. § 164.07, subd. 2 requires the town board to make an order describing as nearly as practicable the road to be vacated, describing the several tracts of land through which the road passes, and fixing a time and place when and where the town board will meet and act upon the petition; 

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that: 1. The road proposed to be vacated is described as: Platt of “Pitt” located in Minnesota, Lake of the Woods County, Wabanica Township-161, Section-35, Northwest ¼ or Southwest ¼, Range-32. This does not include the road “Pitt Road NW” which borders on the South side of the Platt of “Pitt”, and the road “Sanborn Road NW” which borders on the East side of the plat. A more specific description may be developed if the petition is granted. 2. The several tracts of land through which the road passes and their owners will be notified and proof of notification will be returned to the board. 

3. The Lake of the Woods County Board will conduct a hearing at 10:00 a.m. on the 10^th day of January, 2023, at the Lake of the Woods County Commissioners room to examine the road, receive public comment, consider the proposed action, and act on the petition.

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

Public Works 

Todd Fadness Retirement

Resolution

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

Recognition of years of service 

Lowell Todd Fadness

Resolution No. 22-12-02

Whereas:  Todd Fadness has served Lake of the Woods County as a Heavy Equipment Operator since June 2, 1982;

Whereas:  Todd will retire from Lake of the Woods County effective December 23, 2022 with more than forty years of service;

Now Therefore, Be it Resolved:  That Lake of the Woods Board of County Commissioners extends its deepest appreciation to Todd for his dedicated service and wishes him well on his retirement.

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

Federal Bridge Project Agreement

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and moved for adoption: 

RESOLUTION

STATE OF MINNESOTA / COMMISSIONER OF TRANSPORTATION for FEDERAL PARTICIPATION IN CONSTRUCTION AGENCY AGREEMENT

Number 1052039

Resolution No. 22-12-04

BE IT RESOLVED, that pursuant to Minnesota Stat. Sec. 161.36, the Commissioner of Transportation be appointed as Agent of the Lake of the Woods County to accept as its agent, federal aid funds which may be made available for eligible transportation related projects.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Lake of the Woods County Board Chair and Auditor/Treasurer are hereby authorized and directed for and on behalf of the Lake of the Woods County to execute and enter into an agreement with the Commissioner of Transportation prescribing the terms and conditions of said federal aid participation as set forth and contained in “Minnesota Department of Transportation Agency Agreement No 1052039”, a copy of which said agreement was before the Lake of the Woods County Board and which is made a part hereof by reference.

Solid Waste

The board discussed the upcoming holiday closures. It was the consensus of the board for the landfill to be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the following Monday December 26, 2022.

Association of Minnesota Counties

Resolution

The following Resolution was offered by Commission Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the following:

A RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE EFFORTS OF THE COMMUNITY   SUPERVISION WORK GROUP AND URGING THE LEGISLATURE TO PASS A NEW FUNDING FORMULA AND SIGNIFICANT APPROPRIATION DURING THE 2023    LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

Resolution No. 22-12-05

WHEREAS, community supervision is a fundamental part of the criminal justice system in Minnesota and funding sufficient to ensure effective services is vital to public safety in all communities across the state; and

WHEREAS, community supervision includes services such as probation, supervised release, and intensive supervised release; and

WHEREAS, Minnesota’s counties provide essential community supervision services both as mandated by M.S. Chapter 244.19 and also as delegated by the Department of Corrections under M.S. Chapter 401; and

WHEREAS, when the Legislature decided that community supervision was best delivered through a state-county partnership, it stated a clear intent that the state would provide significant funding to the counties for the operation of local programs; and

WHEREAS, over the past 20 years, Minnesota has become the state with the lowest level of corrections funding in the nation because the Legislature has not upheld its promise to provide adequate state resources to support community supervision; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature’s failure to adequately fund community supervision has increased local property taxes on residents and businesses; and,

WHEREAS, a revised community supervision funding formula is necessary to ensure that all communities in Minnesota have enough state funding to provide a consistent standard for effective, evidence-based community supervision services, regardless of local capacity to pay; and  

WHEREAS, the Association of Minnesota Counties assembled the Community Supervision Work Group including county leaders and experts in community supervision from all three supervision delivery systems to study the needs of community supervision departments statewide and develop a single funding formula that is transparent, needs based, and equitable among county and state supervision providers; and, 

WHEREAS, the Community Supervision Workgroup has taken up its charge to convene stakeholders across the three probation delivery systems to oversee a study to create a unified recommendation for an equitable and adequate funding formula and appropriation; and, 

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Association of Minnesota Counties that represents the diverse interests of Minnesota’s 87 counties, voted to support a new funding formula that provides counties with the resources needed to keep communities safe; now, therefore, 

BE IT RESOLVED, the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners endorses the efforts of the Community Supervision Work Group and urges the Legislature to pass a new funding formula and significant appropriation during the 2023 legislative session. 

Correspondence

Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust (MCIT)

The board reviewed correspondence from MCIT for an award for excellence present to Lake of the Woods County for outstanding experience in workers’ compensation.

Greater Minnesota Regional Parks & Trails Commission

The board reviewed correspondence from Greater Minnesota Regional Parks & Trails Commission and discussed the need to create a Northwest Angle Northerly Park Committee.

Motion 

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to create the Northwest Angle Northerly Park Committee with the following members: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Commissioner Joe Grund, County Engineer Anthony Pirkl, Land & Water Planning staff member, Joe Laurin, and member at large for the Northwest Angle.

Ditch Authority

Review 2023 Ditch Assessments

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting and open Ditch Authority.

The Ditch Authority reviewed the proposed 2023 Ditch assessments. 

Pay Ditch 23 Bills

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to pay Ditch 23 bill in the amount of $460.00 out of the designated ditch con-con funds.

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

Con-Con Fund Application Review

Lake of the Woods County Development Year 2023

Baudette Arena Assoc-$10,000.00; Williams Arena Assoc-$5000.00; Baudette Chamber-$12,000.00; Friends Against Abuse-$2500.00; LOW Humane Society-$7500.00; Williams Potato Day-$1000.00; Williams Public Library-$800.00; Joint Powers Natural Resources Board-$1000.00; LOW School Trap Team-$2,000.00; LOW Sr Fishing-1500.00; Take a Kid Fishing-$2000.00; Widseth Smith Nolting-$16,000.00; Auditing Fees-$1000.00.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to make allocations to the above organizations from the Con-Con funds, Payable 2023.

Veteran Services

Veteran Services officer Rick Rone gave an update on various topics that included in-service exposure illnesses and volunteer drivers.

Appointment of Veteran Services Officer

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen to re-appoint Rick Rone as Lake of the Woods County Veterans Service Officer from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2026 pursuant MN Statutes 197.60 Subd. 2.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Recess

A brief recess took place at 11:05a.m. and reconvened at 11:10 a.m.

HRDC 

Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

Economic Development Planner Antonio Franklin Jr. Met with the board to discuss strategies that strengthen the regional economy and review recommendations for the 2022-2025 CEDS. 

Resolution

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

A Resolution Establishing A Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

Resolution 22-12-06

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County is recognized by the Economic Development Administration as a redevelopment area with special needs for economic development assistance; and

WHEREAS, the Headwaters Regional Development Commission is an Economic Development District by the Economic Development Administration to provide planning and economic development assistance; and

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners actively supports and currently participates in the economic development district activities of the Headwaters Regional Development Commission; and

WHEREAS, the Headwaters Regional Development Commission has prepared a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy in cooperation with businesses, communities, and economic development organizations in lieu of a separate county Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners approves of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy as submitted on this date.

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

Land & Water

Land and Water Director Josh Stromlund and Land Owner Bruce Baumgartner met with the board to discuss the land that was in violation of meeting the conditions of its conditional use permit and to request an extension. Mr. Baumgartner explained that he had difficulty getting someone to the Northwest Angle to complete the work needed to meet those conditions due to the Covid-19 pandemic and then the area flood that occurred.  

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to extend the deadline to meet conditions to July 31, 2023 due to the pandemic restrictions that were previously in place when entering Canada, and the recent flooding event.

Sheriff

Extended Services Warranty on ARMER Radio Console Renewal

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the renewal of the Service agreement with Motorola Solutions for ASTRO 25 Essential Plus Services and Site Management -SOW on the ARMER Radio System.

IAMRESPONDING Fiscal Agent

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the Lake of the Woods County Sheriff’s Office to act as the fiscal agent collecting funds from Williams Fire Department, Baudette Fire Department, and Lake of the Woods Ambulance to pay for the new IAMRESPONDING service that will replace Safealert.

Emergency Management

EOP Sign off & MNWALK

Motion

Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and Commissioner Ed Arnesen met with Emergency Management director Jill Hasbargen Olson on Dec 12^th to review the 2022-2023 County Emergency Operations Plan and MNWALK.  Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund to accept and sign the reviewed County EOP & MNWALK documents and for Chair Buck Nordlof to sign.

Lakewood Health

Approval of Community Health Services Agreement

Motion

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

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 12:10 p.m. and reconvened at 6:00 p.m.

Truth In Taxation Meeting

Motion

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

County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson reviewed the 2023 Proposed County Levy at the Truth In Taxation Public Hearing. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to close the public hearing and open the regular meeting at 6:40p.m.

Resolution

Resolution Adopting

Certified 2023 Budget and Tax Levy

Resolution   2022-12-07

The following Resolution was proposed and moved for adoption by Commissioner Joe Grund:

WHEREAS, the Proposed County Budget for the year 2023 has been reviewed by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners; and 

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following Proposed Budget and Tax Levy is hereby adopted for the Lake of the Woods County for 2023:

Revenue Fund $ 2,025,860

Road & Bridge Fund $    449,580

Social Services Fund $    603,935

Economic Development Authority Fund $      60,000

2023 Proposed Budget and Tax Levy $ 3,139,375   

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following amounts be levied against the unorganized townships of Lake of the Woods County for 2023:

Twp Road & Bridge $   471,470* 

Twp Fire – Baudette $     25,000

Twp Fire – Williams $     16,881

Twp Fire – NW Angle $       6,500

Total $   519,851

2023

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

A public meeting to discuss the 2023 Proposed Budget and Tax Levy was held on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. in the Lake of the Woods County Commissioners’ Room. 

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

RECESS

With no further business before the Board, Chairman Buck Nordlof called the meeting to recess at 6:45 p.m. 

Attest: December 29, 2022

______________________________ _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chair James “Buck” Nordlof