July 26, 2022

July 26, 2022

The Lake of The Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 26, 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, Jon Waibel, Cody Hasbargen, Joe Grund. Also present was County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson. Absent: Commissioner Ed Arnesen.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

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

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the minutes from July 12, 2022.

Social Services

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $10,831.64; Commissioners Warrants $1,692.72; Commissioners Warrants $7,586.84.

Auditor/Treasurer

Claims

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $68,531.98; Road & Bridge $29,521.55; County Development $425.00; Solid Waste $11,289.71.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/26/2022 For Payment 7/29/2022

Vendor Name Amount

Andrew J. Stoskopf Trucking Inc.             15,375.00 

Counties Providing Technology               3,972.00 

Frontier Precision Inc                           7,346.63

Larkin Hoffman Attorneys                   3,840.00 

LOW Soil & Water Cons. Dist.             28,486.00 

Minnesota Ui                                       2,158.59 

North East Technical Service,Inc               4,307.50 

SeaChange Print Innovations               2,770.59 

Swart/Bryan                                       2,000.00 

Titan Machinery – Roseau                           3,831.62 

U.S. Bank Equipment Finance               6,268.50 

Ziegler, Inc                                          4,277.41 

73 Payments less than 2000 25,134.40

Final Total: 109,768.24

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: July 13, 2022 for $87,434.56; July 20, 2022 for $53,016.65.

Set Budget Meeting Dates

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to set the budget meeting dates as follows:

Date                                  Time

August 16, 2022       Following the Regular Board Meeting

August 23, 2022       9:00 a.m.

August 24, 2022       9:00 a.m.

August 30, 2022       Following the Regular Board Meeting 

Maintenance

New Carpet

MIS Director Peder Hovland and Maintenance Supervisor Shane Shaw presented two quotes to the board for the new carpet installation and requested one quote be approved.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the quote from Hiller Commercial Floors in the amount of $86,284.80 to be paid for out of the building fund. 

Public Works

Highway

County Engineer Anthony Pirkl discussed various Highway Department projects with the board that included: CSAH 30, CSAH 8, and Culverts. 

FEMA Culvert Replacement Bids

County Engineer Anthony Pirkl informed that board that he had received one bid from Wayne Carlson & Todd Barnes for the culvert replacement project in the amount of $69,999.98.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the joint bid from Wayne Carlson & Todd Barnes for the culvert replacement project in the amount of $69,999.98.

Solid Waste

County Engineer Anthony Pirkl gave an update to the board on various projects in the Solid Waste Department.

Part-Time Hire Ted Furbish

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the part-time hire of Ted Furbish at $45.00 per hour without benefits.

Set Work Session

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to set a work session for Solid Waste on August 2, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.

Ditch Authority

Motion

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

Petition for Partial Ditch Abandonment

The board reviewed the petition for partial ditch abandonment. County Engineer Anthony Pirkl presented information about ditch 7 and ditch 26. The petition for ditch abandonment was denied due to this being the outlet for ditch 26. 

Joining the Meeting

Commissioner Ed Arnesen joined the meeting at 10:00 a.m.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen to close the Ditch Authority meeting and open the regular meeting.

Flood Update

County Sheriff Gary Fish gave an update to the board that included: Sandbags, Emergency flood calls, Federal Preliminary Damage Assessment, Individual Assistance, Forms for Small Business Administrations, and FEMA.

Mike Hirst gave an update to the board on water levels and answered any questions the board had from the previous meeting. Land and Water Director Josh Stromlund informed the board that his office has given out flood damage forms to the Northwest Angle. 

4-H Transportation Request

Brenda Jewell Nelson came to the board to request funds to help pay for bus transportation for 14 youths that have qualified to participate in the Minnesota State Fair. She informed the board that most of the costs have been paid for and is requesting $1,400.00 to pay the rest of the cost for the bus. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the request for the transportation cost in the amount of $1,400.00 to be paid for out of Con-Con funds.

RECESS

With no further business before the Board, Chair Buck Nordlof called the meeting to recess at 10:40 a.m.

Attest: August 16, 2022

______________________________ _________________________________

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

July 26, 2022

 AGENDA

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

TIME TAB

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

Approval of Agenda

Approve Minutes of July 12, 2022

9:05 a.m. #2 Social Services

  • Claims

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

  • Claims
  • Set Budget Dates

9:20 a.m. #6 Maintenance

  • New Carpet

9:30 a.m. #4 4-H Brenda Jewell Nelson

  • Transportation Request

9:45 a.m. #5 Public Works

  • Highway
  • FEMA Culvert Replacement Bids
  • Update
  • Solid Waste
  • Contract Hire-Ted Furbish
  • Set Work Session
  • Update

10:00 a.m. #6 Ditch Authority

  • Close Regular Meeting/Open Ditch Authority
  • Petition for Partial Ditch Abandonment 
  • Close Ditch Authority/Open Regular Meeting

10:30 a.m. #7 Flood Update

Correspondence: Rinke Noonan

10:45 a.m. #7 RECESS

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
  • Centennial
  • Water Level

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 12, 2022

AGENDA

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

TIME TAB

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

Approval of Agenda

Approve Minutes of June 28, 2022

Approve Minutes of July 5, 2022

9:05 a.m. #2 Social Services

  • Claims

9:10 a.m. #3 Water Levels

  • Mike Hirst
  • Flood

10:00 a.m. #4 Auditor/Treasurer

  • Claims
  • Appointment of:
  • Election Judges
  • UOCAVA Board
  • Absentee Ballot Board
  • Hourly Pay
  • Canvassing Board

10:15 a.m. #5 Department of Corrections

  • Cody Underdahl

10:20 a.m. #6 Public Works

  • Highway
  • CSAH 8 Project for 2023
  • PTO Bank/Donation for Mike Graves
  • Solid Waste
  • Foam Filled Tires for Telehandler
  • New Bailer

10:30 a.m. #7 Human Resources

  • Permission for Grade Increase

10:35 a.m. #8 Land & Water

  • CUP #22-10CU- Steve Cooper

Correspondence: Lessard-Sams

10:55 a.m. #9 RECESS

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
  • Centennial
  • Water Leve

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

July 12, 2022

July 12, 2022

The Lake of The Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 12, 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, Jon Waibel, Cody Hasbargen, Joe Grund and Ed Arnesen. Also present was County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson. 

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: Fair Board

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the minutes from June 28, 2022.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the minutes from July 5, 2022.

Social Services

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $14,896.27; Commissioners Warrants $3,542.69; Commissioners Warrants $17,688.39.

Water Levels

Resource Conservationist Mike Hirst spoke with the board about the water levels, datum points, and the 1925 convention and protocol treaty. He will take any questions the Commissioners have to the appropriate boards for answers and can have members from the Lake of the Woods Control Board come to a future meeting. 

Emergency Management Director Jill Hasbargen-Olson also gave a brief update on the flood efforts including: Sandbagging and Individual Assistance funds for flood damage. She recommends everyone with damage to a primary residence documents their damages.

Fair Board

J.P. Sweet came to the board to discuss funding for the current county fair and to inform the board of plans for the centennial county fair that will take place next year.

Auditor/Treasurer

Claims

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $117,944.67; Road & Bridge $231,305.27; County Development $3,986.25; Joint Ditch $160.00; Solid Waste $49,864.35; EDA $1,451.09.

     WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/12/2022 For Payment 7/15/2022

Vendor Name Amount

Arrowhead Library System           33,118.00 

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.           19,656.10 

Cleverbridge Inc.                                   3,190.00

Dodds Lumber                                   2,538.04 

Erickson Timber Products                        17,160.00 

Farmers Union Oil Co.                       9,624.84 

GM Construction Inc                       10,000.00 

Hometown Hardware                       2,452.74 

Howard’s Oil Company                       14,046.40 

Integris DBA                                   3,168.26 

Knife River Corporation                       132,316.80 

Lavalla Sand & Gravel Inc           4,706.40 

LOW Fair Association                       25,000.00 

LOW Highway Dept                       2,405.16 

M-R Sign Co, Inc                                   9,203.12 

Mar-Kit Landfill                                   24,143.50 

Marco Technologies LLC                         4,009.98 

Naylor Heating & Refrigeration LLC 9,466.00 

Powerplan                                               17,534.59 

Quadient Finance USA Inc.           2,000.00 

 R & Q Trucking, Inc                       3,666.00 

University Of Mn                                   9,618.63 

Voyageurs Comtronics, Inc           2,640.00 

Walker Pipe & Supply                       9,310.00 

Wex Bank                                               2,887.03 

WIDSETH                                               5,236.25 

Ziegler, Inc                                   2,120.69 

50 Payments less than 2000  23,493.10

Final Total: 404,711.63

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: June 29, 2022 for $8048.47; July 5, 2022 for ($301.58); July 5, 2022 for $815,318.37; July 6, 2022 for $88,503.03; July 6, 2022 for $1,155,319.37.

Appointment of 2022 Election Judges, UOCAVA & Absentee Ballot Boards and Hourly Pay

County Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson met with the County Board to approve election judges, to set up UOCAVA and Absentee Ballot Boards, for the appointment of the Canvassing Board and to request a pay increase for the election judges; all for the 2022 primary and general elections.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously  to approve the following election judges for the 2022 State Primary (August 9, 2022) and the General (November 8, 2022) Elections:  Christie Russell, Sandy Peterson, Judy Johnson, Shelley Pepera, Rita Krause, Margie Sporlein, Dale Boretski, Dawn Christianson, John Carroll, Dena Pieper, Alisa Jacobsen, Heather Larson, Barb Larson, Beverly Becklund, Jo Aery, Jennifer Hovde, Mary Jo Otten, Jaime Boretski-LaValla, Mike Rasmussen, Marti Carlson, Jon Hanson, Lester Boomgaarden, Connie Nesmith, Anna Sanchez, Chelsea Anderson, Rita Hasbargen, Erik Tange and Lorene Hanson.  

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the hourly pay for election judges as follows:  head election judges at $14.00 per hour and election judges at $13.00 per hour, effective with the 2022 elections.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to appoint the following Election Judges to the UOCAVA Board for the 2022 State Primary and General Elections:  Christie Russell, Rita Hasbargen, Anna Sanchez, Connie Nesmith, Chelsea Anderson, Erik Tange and Lorene Hanson.    

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to appoint the following Election Judges to the Absentee Ballot Board for the 2022 State Primary and General Elections:  Christie Russell, Lester Boomgaarden, Dale Boretski, Rita Hasbargen, Anna Sanchez, Connie Nesmith, Chelsea Anderson, Erik Tange and Lorene Hanson.    

Appointment to Canvassing Board

County Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson met with the County Board to request approval to appoint two Commissioners to the 2022 Canvassing Board.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to appoint Commissioners Jon Waibel and Cody Hasbargen to the Canvassing Board for the 2022 State Primary and General Elections.     

Department of Corrections

Department of Corrections District Supervisor Cody Underdahl came to the board to introduce himself as the new point of contact for the county and gave an update to the board.

Public Works

Highway

County Engineer Anthony Pirkl came to the board to discuss plans for 2023 and 2024 that included: CSAH 8, Birch Beach and Sandy Shore roads. 

Catastrophic Illness Donation 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the Catastrophic Illness donation, as presented by County Engineer Anthony Pirkl, of one day per employee for up to 20 days.

Culvert Question

Concerned citizen Ivan Dahl had questions about the culverts being replaced by his home. County Engineer Anthony Pirkl explained the process and that they are improving the culverts that were washed out.

Solid Waste

County Engineer Anthony Pirkl informed the board of clean-up efforts at the landfill and that it is the cleanest he has seen with just two employees working there at this time. 

Foam Filled Tires for Telehandler

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of foam filled tires for the telehandler in the amount of $8,594.10 to be paid for out of the solid waste budget.

New Bailer

County Engineer Anthony Pirkl informed the board that the bailer is no longer working. He will be looking into a replacement next year out of the Solid Waste budget. 

Add to Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to add LED Light Installation to the agenda.

LED Light Installation

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the installation of LED lights in the solid waste building in the amount of $5,170.00.

Human Resources

Permission for Grade Increase

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve a grade increase for MIS Director Peder Hovland from Grade 19, Step 20, $39.79 per hour at 435 points to Grade 20, Step 10, $42.08 per hour at 486 points effective next pay period.

Land & Water

Consideration of Conditional Use Permit #22-10CU by Steve Cooper

Land & Water Director Josh Stromlund met with the board and presented a Consideration of Conditional Use Permit #22-10CU by Steve Cooper: A Tract in the Northeast quarter of the Northeast quarter described as follows: The East 400’ of the North 480’ in Section Twenty-Five (25), Township One-Hundred Sixty-two (162) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West- Parcel ID#18.25.11.010. Applicant, as required by Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance Section 401C, is requesting the commercial operation of a short-term transient rental in a Rural Residential Zoning District (R2).

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the following Findings of Fact/Conditional Use Permit #22-10CU for Steve Cooper to approve the commercial operation of a short-term transient rental in a Rural Residential Zoning District (R2) with the following conditions:

  1. Applicant to work with Land and Water Planning Office to get septic up to code in two (2) year time period.
  2. Occupancy to be based on septic system capacity.
  3. CUP terminates on sale or transfer of property.

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners

Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant:  Stephen and JoLynn Cooper Date:  July 12, 2022

Location/Legal Description:  A tract in the Northeast quarter of the Northeast quarter described as follows: The East 400’ of the North 480’ in Section Twenty-five (25), Township One-hundred Sixty-two (162) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West – Parcel ID#18.25.11.010. 

Project Proposal:  Applicant, as required by Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance Section 401C, is requesting the commercial operation of a short-term transient rental in a Rural Residential Zoning District (R2).

  1. Is the project proposal consistent with the Lake of the Woods County Comprehensive Land Use Plan? YES (X) NO (  )  N/A (  )
    • Why or why not? Recreational development.
  2. Is the project proposal consistent with maintaining the public health, safety, and welfare?

YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Residential recreational development. No change.

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

Why or why not? ___________________________________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? ___________________________________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? ___________________________________________________________________________

  1. Has the erosion potential of the site based upon the degree and direction of slope, soil type and existing vegetative cover been adequately addressed for the project proposal? YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ___________________________________________________________________________

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

Why or why not?  County Road 8 and private driveway.

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

Why or why not? Remain residential.

9. Does the project proposal have a reasonable need to be in a shoreland location? YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ___________________________________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? Private septic.

  1. 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? ___________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

  1. Is the site adequate for water supply and on-site sewage treatment systems? YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? Well has been tested and septic will be brought up to code if needed.

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

Why or why not? ___________________________________________________________________________

  1. 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? ___________________________________________________________________________

  1. Will there be fencing and/or other screening provided to buffer the project proposal from adjacent properties?

YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? Natural vegetation.

  1. 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 (X)  N/A (  )

Why or why not? Not needed.

  1. If the project proposal will generate additional traffic to or from the site, has the applicant adequately demonstrated how the additional traffic and parking is to be addressed? YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? Onsite parking in driveway.

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

The specific conditions of approval are as follows:

  1. Applicant to work with Land and Water Planning Office to get septic up to code in two (2) year time period.
  2. Occupancy to be based on septic system capacity.
  3. CUP terminates on sale or transfer of property.

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

July 12, 2022 _____________________________________

Date James Nordlof

Chair, County Board

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

RECESS

With no further business before the Board, Chair Buck Nordlof called the meeting to recess at 10:35 a.m.

Attest: July 26, 2022

______________________________ _________________________________

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

July 5, 2022

AGENDA

Emergency Meeting

Flooding

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

TIME TAB

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

Approval of Agenda

9:05 a.m. #2 Flooding

9:55 a.m. #3 Other

10:00 a.m. #4 RECESS

10:05 a.m. #5 Work Session

  • Maintenance

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
  • Centennial
  • Water Level

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 5, 2022

July 5, 2022

Emergency Meeting-Flooding

The Lake of The Woods County Board of Commissioners met in an emergency session on Tuesday, July 5, 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, Jon Waibel, Cody Hasbargen, Joe Grund and Ed Arnesen. Also present was County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson. 

Approval of Agenda

Motion

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

FLOODING

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners, Emergency Management Director Jill Hasbargen-Olson, Regional Coordinator of Northern Areas from Homeland Security Heather Winkleblack, County Engineer Anthony Pirkl, Land & Water Director Josh Stromlund, and Sheriff Gary Fish met to discuss the ongoing flood efforts. Emergency Management Director Jill Hasbargen-Olson informed the board that the sandbagging efforts from the week prior went well and they did have volunteers come to help fill the sandbags. Ms. Hasbargen-Olson also updated the board on the cost of another sandbagger quoted at $2500.00. Commissioner Ed Arnesen felt from the meeting held in Warroad, MN on Wednesday June 29, 2022 that the need for a second sandbagger at the Northwest Angle was not as great as previously thought. 

Regional Coordinator of Northern Areas from Homeland Security Heather Winkleblack informed the board that Lake of the woods County did meet the threshold for federal disaster relief and that the bill is awaiting a signature from President Joe Biden. Ms. Winkleblack also informed the board that the timeline could be up to a month before the document is signed. Ms. Winkleblack also suggests that moving forward Lake of the Woods County invests in water level gauges like the ones Red River uses. 

Concerned Citizens asked about what assistance they could expect because the federal assistance does not cover private property. Ms. Winkleblack informed them that flood insurance would be the main source of help for them, but there is the possibility of individual assistance after the water levels go down and damage is assessed. Commissioner Ed Arnesen stressed again the importance of documenting the damage and funds used to fix it. 

Land & Water Director Josh Stromlund informed the board on various damage he has surveyed and the damage to the islands of Pine and Garden. He will be giving a presentation to the regional management team with images of the current flood damage to show that storm surges and winds contribute to the damage and it is not just water levels alone. 

There have been many concerned about contamination of well water due to the floods. Well testing kits will become available to those who need them.

The board discussed the 1925 convention and protocol treaty and questioned the datum points that are being used in current year. They will continue this conversation after reaching out to the Lake of the Woods Control Board for more clarity. 

RECESS

With no further business before the Board, Chair Buck Nordlof called the meeting to recess at 10:00 a.m.

Attest: July 12, 2022

______________________________ _________________________________

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

June 28, 2022

AGENDA

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

TIME TAB

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

Approval of Agenda

Approve Minutes of June 7, 2022

Approve Minutes of June 14, 2022

Approve BOE Minutes of June 13, 14,& 21, 2022

9:05 a.m. #2 Social Services

  • Claims
  • Approval of Crisis sub-contract Sanford-Bemidji

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

  • Correspondence
  • Senior Boating
  • Claims
  • Appointment of Arrowhead Library Member
  • Affidavit of Lost Warrant
  • Liquor Licenses
  • Border View
  • Sportsman’s Lodge

9:20 a.m. #4 Recorders

  • Document Alert

9:30 a.m. #5 Northwest Angle 

  • Materials
  • Public Access

9:45 a.m. #6 Public Works

  • Highway
  • Build a better mouse trap award
  • Phone Stipend
  • Solid Waste
  • New Hire
  • Human bio-solids options

10:00 a.m. #7 Ditch Authority

  • Close Regular Meeting/Open Ditch Authority
  • Petition for Partial Ditch Abandonment 
  • Close Ditch Authority/Open Regular Meeting

10:15 a.m. #8 IT/Maintenance

  • Cold Storage Repair
  • Fob Installation on new HWY Doors

10:25 a.m. #9 Attorney Client Privilege-Closed Session

  • Close Regular Meeting/Open Closed Session
  • Attorney Client Privilege(Pursuant MN Statute 13D.05 Subd.3B)
  • Close Closed Session/Open Regular Meeting – 

11:00 a.m. #10 Recess

11:05 a.m. #11 Work Sessions

  • Maintenance
  • DNR Land Sale

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
  • Centennial
  • Water Level

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 28, 2022

June 28, 2022

The Lake of The Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, June 28, 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, Cody Hasbargen, Joe Grund and Ed Arnesen. Also present was County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson. Absent was: County Board Chair Buck Nordlof.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following changes: Add: Affirmative Action Plan Approval, Flood including: ARP Funds, Williams Fire Department, & Sandbagging. Remove: DNR Land Sale.

Set Meeting Date

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to set an Emergency Flood Meeting for July 5, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. to be held in the County Commissioners Room. 

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the minutes from June 7, 2022.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the minutes from June 14, 2022.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the Board of Equalization minutes from June 13,14,& 21 2022.

Social Services

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $9,980.13; Commissioners Warrants $2,999.47; Commissioners Warrants $39,037.15.

Approval of Crisis Sub-Contract Sanford- Bemidji

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen to approve the purchase of service agreement for Mental Health Crisis Intervention and Stabilization Services for adults between Sanford-Bemidji and Lake of the Woods County.

Recorders

County Recorder Sue Ney discussed a program available through Tyler Technologies called Document Alert. She is requesting approval to purchase the software in the amount of $3,900 in one-time fees and $600.00 in yearly maintenance costs to be paid for out of the Recorder’s Technology Fund. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of the Document Alert program from Tyler Technologies, to be paid for out of the Recorder’s Technology Fund.

Northwest Angle- Public Access & Materials

The board discussed the public accesses at the angle that are being threatened by the flood and the possibility of getting materials to the Northwest angle to improve the public access and parking issues. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve an amount up to $30,000 to assist the Northwest Angle and for County Engineer Anthony Pirkl to use the funding at his discretion for required improvements to public access areas. 

Flood Update- Sandbagging, Volunteers, ARP, & FEMA

The County Board of Commissioners, Emergency Management Director Jill Hasbargen-Olson, Sheriff Gary Fish, and County Engineer Anthony Pirkl discussed the on-going flood disaster and the need for volunteers. They discussed the possibility of using American Rescue Plan funding and/or funding from FEMA to continue to assist the community during this crisis. The need for volunteers is crucial in the efforts for sandbagging, however, they have been unsuccessful in getting enough volunteers. 

Williams Fire Department

Williams Fire Department Volunteer Officer Cory Estling joined the meeting by phone to discuss the fire departments concerns with the organization of the flood efforts. They are concerned that their volunteers may be pulled away from emergencies that require their assistance and that the funds are being depleted. They are willing to continue assisting with the sandbagging efforts but would like the process to be more organized and not rely on them to make the decisions.

Flood Sandbagging Volunteer Help

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve $30.00 per person, per hour up to an amount of $10,000 to volunteer sandbaggers to be donated to a Lake of the Woods County non-profit organization of their choice. 

Add to Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to add GPS Survey Equipment to the agenda.

Public Works

GPS Survey Equipment

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of refurbished GPS Survey Equipment in the amount of $7,323.29.

Build a Better Mouse Trap Award

County Engineer Anthony Pirkl informed the board that two of the inventive ideas by Todd Fadness to improve equipment had received recognition from the State. An honorable mention and a 2nd place win for a quick attachment modified with drilled holes to improve ditch clean up and a shear attachment used to clip trees. 

Phone Stipend

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve a phone stipend in the amount of $60.00 per month for Tim Aery effective July, 2022. 

New Hire

County Engineer Anthony Pirkl informed the board that they have been unsuccessful in hiring for a solid waste position that would need to be filled by September. They will advertise for the position again. 

Human Bio-Solids Options

County Engineer Anthony Pirkl informed the board that T&K Outdoors located in Bemidji was interested in the drop off, maintenance, and removal of dumpsters for Human Bio-Solids in the winter months. 

Hauling Options

County Engineer presented a formal letter drafted to Koochiching County about the possibility of hauling demolishing work beginning in 2025. 

Move Ditch Authority Meeting

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to move the Ditch Authority- Petition for Partial Ditch Abandonment to the regular board meeting July 26, 2022. 

IT/Maintenance

Cold Storage Repair

Maintenance Supervisor Shane Shaw requested approval from the board for the repair and improvement of the cold storage building in the amount of $3,000.00. The repairs would be done by Brian Swart.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the hire of Brian Swart to repair the cold storage building in the amount of $3,000.00.

Fob Installation on New HWY Doors

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to install wiring on the new Highway Department doors for key fobs in the amount of $5,713.00.

Move Work Session

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to move the Maintenance Work Session to July 5, 2022 following the emergency meeting.

Auditor/Treasurer

Correspondence

County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson presented a thank you letter to the Board of Commissioner from the Lake of the Woods Senior Boating.

Claims

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $90,740.55; Road & Bridge $146,186.47; County Development $560.00; Joint Ditch $240.85; Solid Waste $59,660.26; EDA $2,144.32.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 6/28/2022 For Payment 6/30/2022

Vendor Name Amount

Alternative Business Furniture 2,570.07

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc. 17,241.11 

Counties Providing Technology 3,972.00

Freeberg & Grund, Inc 5,932.50

Holen Electric 3,325.00 Integris DBA           9,910.70 

Just For Kix 2,775.00 

KGM Contractors Inc 20,601.67 

Larkin Hoffman Attorneys 36,473.00 

Lavalla Sand & Gravel Inc 29,261.00 

LOW Highway Dept 3,846.05 

North East Technical Service,Inc 13,290.31 

Northwest Electric Inc. 9,900.00 

Polk County Highway Dept 3,468.95 

Rainy Lake Oil, Inc 4,543.37 

T-C Lighting 26,171.11 

U.S. Bank Equipment Finance 6,268.50 

Voice Products 2,248.00

Wex Bank 2,923.79 

WIDSETH 2,500.00 

Ziegler, Inc 54,678.00

65 Payments less than 2000 37,632.32

Final Total: 299,532.45

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: June 7, 2022 for $30,000; June 8,2022 for $1,069,175.03; June 15, 2022 for $30,575.10; June 20, 2022 for $10,759.03.

Appointment of Arrowhead Member

It was the consensus of the board to reach out to members of the community to find someone to appoint to the position.

Affidavit of Lost Warrant

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen to approve the Affidavit of Lost Warrant numbered 38385 in the amount of $255.14.

Liquor Licenses

Border View

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the Liquor License for Border View Lodge.

Sportsman’s Lodge

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the Liquor License for Sportsman’s Lodge. 

Approval of Affirmative Action Plan

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel to approve the Affirmative Action Programs for People of Color, Women and Individuals with Disabilities effective June 1,2022 and to authorize Commissioner Chair James “Buck” Nordlof to sign the same. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Attorney Client Privilege- Closed Session

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting and open the closed session Attorney Client Privilege meeting (Pursuant MN Statute 13D.05 Subd.3B).

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to close the closed session Attorney client Privilege meeting and open the regular meeting.

RECESS

With no further business before the Board, Vice-Chair Ed Arnesen called the meeting to recess at 12:35 p.m.

Attest: July 12, 2022

______________________________ _________________________________

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

June 14, 2022

 June 14, 2022

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at the Angle Outpost Resort, Angle Inlet, MN. 

Call To Order

Chair Buck Nordlof called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Buck Nordlof, Jon Waibel, Joe Grund and Ed Arnesen. Also present was County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson. Absent was: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following changes: Add: IRS Mileage Rate

PUBLIC HEARING- BOARD OF EQUALIZATION

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, second by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting and open the public hearing for Board of Equalization.

Appeals of Estimated Market Value

Chair Buck Nordlof read the rules of appeals that included: Only Estimated market values not tax amounts can be appealed at this time, appeals will be done one at a time, and no decision on an appeal will be done until all appeals are heard. Concerned citizens asked about the increase in values and the board explained the process that causes that increase to occur. The board suggested that they take written comments from this meeting to the Assessor before the closing date of the board of equalization meeting for appeals on June 21,2022. Concerned Citizen Paul Colson asked what the board is doing to help the Northwest Angle. He is concerned that during the last few years their community has taken a hit with COVID-19 and now the flooding crisis and they feel left behind. Commissioner Ed Arnesen explained that they are working with the best lobbyist in the state to obtain funding for the Northwest Angle and are actively involved in assisting their community. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to close the public hearing for Board of Equalization and open the regular meeting.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Commissioner Ed Arnesen gave an update on various topics he has been actively working on with lobbyist that include: Bonding bill for Law Enforcement Center, NWA Relief, Williams School Building, PILT, and Tourism bill. Due to many changes this year with election and new representation it is possible that these efforts will need to be re-introduced if there is not a special session. There was also discussion around placing a public access at the NWA, currently the public does not have a launch and getting materials to the angle for other projects. The board will discuss this further in the meeting June 28,2022.

ASSOCIATION OF MINNESOTA COUNTIES (AMC)

Executive Director Julie Ring, Member Engagement Coordinator Ryan Erdmann, Research Coordinator Jill Suurmeyer, and Policy Analyst Carli Stark from the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) thanked the board for inviting them to the Northwest Angle and gave an update on some of the actions they have taken to assist counties which included: Pandemic response, National Opioid Settlement, Legislative Successes, and Education.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

EDA Director Ryan Zemek gave an update of various projects he is working on in the county that included: aid for flood damage, erosion, and forgivable loans.

PUBLIC WORKS

Assistant Engineer Boyd Johnson and County Engineer Anthony Pirkl gave an update on various projects that included: Working with FEMA on flood damage, Brushing Crews for Northwest Angle in Winter, Ditch clean-up, and calcium chloride. 

Approve Hire of Solid Waste Program Manager

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the hire of Brock Stebakken as the Solid Waste Program Manager at Grade 14, Step 5, 27.57 per hour at 321 points effective next full pay period.

Credit Card Approval

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve a county credit card for Solid Waste Program Manager Brock Stebakken. 

FLOOD UPDATE

Concerned citizen Paul Colson reviewed the 1925 Convention and Protocol Treaty between the United State and Canada and voiced his concerns to the board. It was the consensus of the board to continue to review the treaty for better understanding before taking any action. The board also gave an update on the sandbagging efforts in the county.

IRS Mileage Rate

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to increase the county mileage rate from 58.5 to match the IRS mileage rate 62.5 and to increase the Veteran volunteer driver rate from 68.5 to 72.5 effective July 1, 2022.

RECESS

With no further business before the Board, Chair Buck Nordlof called the meeting to recess at 12:30 pm. to be followed by the Road Tour.

Attest: June 28, 2022

______________________________ _________________________________

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

June 14, 2022

AGENDA

Tuesday, June 14, 2022

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 Public Hearing

  • Board of Equalization

10:35 a.m. #3 Legislative Update 

10:50 a.m. #4 AMC Update

11:10 a.m. #5 EDA Update

11:20 a.m. #6 Public Works: Highway/Solid Waste

  • Approve Hire-Solid Waste Program Manager
  • Credit Card Approval

11:40 a.m. #7 Flood Update

12:00 p.m. #8 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
  • Tourism/Lodging Tax
  • Centennial
  • Water Level

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