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 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).

YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

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

3. 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? ___________________________________________________________________________

4. 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? ___________________________________________________________________________

5. 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? ___________________________________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? ___________________________________________________________________________

7. 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.

8. 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? ___________________________________________________________________________

10. 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.

11. Will the visibility of structures and other facilities as viewed from public waters comply with Section 901 of the Zoning Ordinance?         YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ___________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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

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

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

Why or why not? ___________________________________________________________________________

14. If the project proposal includes above ground or below ground storage tanks for petroleum or other hazardous material that is subject to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) requirements, has a permit been sought?

YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ___________________________________________________________________________

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

YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? Natural vegetation.

16. If signage is associated with the project proposal, has the applicant demonstrated the need for the number and size requested, and minimized the visual appearance as viewed from adjacent properties to the extent possible? 

YES (  )  NO (X)  N/A (  )

Why or why not? Not needed.

17. If the project proposal will generate additional traffic to or from the site, has the applicant adequately demonstrated how the additional traffic and parking is to be addressed? YES (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

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