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MINUTES & AGENDAS

February, 2013

Commissioner Proceedings

February 12, 2013

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, February 12, 2013. Chairman Hanson called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners, Thomas Hanson, Ken Moorman James “Buck” Nordlof, and Patty Beckel. Commissioner Ed Arnesen was absent due to other county obligations. Also present were: County Auditor John W. Hoscheid, Deputy Auditor Janet Rudd and Brian Peterson.

Approval of Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the agenda with the following additions: travel for Tim Erickson, Land Exchange, Gambling Permit, Legislative Conference, 2013 Wheeler Point Sewer District assessments, and DNR parks discussion. Remove the following: Sheriff, authorization to hire Deputy Auditor, and Great Northern Transmission Line. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.  

Approval of Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the travel for the following: Tim Erickson to Brainerd on January 22-25 for Annual Engineer Conference. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Minutes

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to approve January 22, regularly meeting with changes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

COMMITTEE REPORT

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid:

  • Building and Safety Committee- security of the GCN Building; camera; key pads that were installed when building was built;
  • Extension Committee: at your service training; tile training course

Commissioner Moorman

  • L/W Children’s Collaborative
  • Joint Powers Natural Resources- Aquatic Species, Task Force; Shoreland News; Wolf Hunt

Commissioner Nordlof

  • North County Land Use- new bill on PILT- inflation rates being considered for PILT payments

Commissioner Hanson:

  • DNR Parks Discussion on February 19, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. at the Ambulance Garage

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Social Services Financial Director, Christine Hultman met with the board requesting approval of claims:

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to approve the claims against the county as follows:

                                                Commissioner Warrants        $   14,146.95                                                                                                     Commissioner Warrants        $   11,064.81

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

Cell Phone Stipend

Social Services Financial Director, Christine Hultman requested approval for a cell phone stipend for Jo Thoreson, Office Support Specialist/Transportation Coordinator.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the cell phone stipend for Jo Thoreson for the transportation program in the amount of $20.00. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote was, unanimously carried.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board to discuss a Revolving Loan Fund for the MPCA Block Grant to help offset failing septic systems and to charge the user a low interest rate. The board requested Josh to pursue the Revolving Loan Fund with the Comprehensive land Use Committee.

WETLAND LETTER

Chairman Hanson and the board discussed the Williams Creek Wetland Restoration Project with Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 10:00 a.m. and reconvened at 10:07 a.m. as follows:

AMERICAN LEGION POST 217- FOREST

American Legion Post 217, Vice-Commander Steve Levasseur met with the board and presented the American legions Proposed Forest Plan as follows:

The board reviewed the plan and discussed the first (1st) line reading “Restrict Hunting” in the Legion Forest during deer seasons with County Attorney, Philip Miller. County Attorney, Philip Miller informed the board that they cannot “Restrict Hunting” in the Legion Forest. The board approved the above plan without the restriction of hunting.

NORTH COUNTRY BOARD OF HEALTH

Commissioner Moorman and Public Health Nurse, Michelle Brown met with the board and informed the board that the NCBH needs an Assistant to help with new grant requirements, Clearwater County will hire but requires a resolution to be passed from all the counties that are part of the NCBH  to help offset the cost if unemployment if that should occur. The distribution formula that is used for the State Local Public Health Grant will also be applied for the county obligation of the below resolution.  Beltrami 55%, Clearwater 13%, Hubbard 24%, and Lake of the Woods 8%. 

Motion

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

Unemployment Obligation for North Country County Assigned Employees

North Country Community Health Board

Resolution No. 13-02-01

Whereas, the counties of Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard and Lake of  the Woods have a Joint Powers Agreement to form the North Country Community Health Agency; and

Whereas, the North Country CHB does not have any employees; in as much as the recent grant administration has required the hiring of such employees to fulfill the grant requirements;

Therefore, Be It RESOLVED, that the County of Lake of the Woods in order to accomplish the business of the North Country CHB accepts the assignment of 8% of future unemployment costs as they arise for said employees.

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

AUDITOR

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Claims

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to approve the claims against the county as follows:

                                      Revenue                    $          52,776.08       

                                      Road & Bridge         $          29,540.79

                                      Co. Develop              $              200.00   

                                      Solid Waste               $         23,492.66 

                                      Sale/Forf lands          $              420.00        

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 2/12/2013 For Payment 2/15/2013

Vendor Name                                                           Amount

Cargill Incorporated                                                       7,442.58

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                                           6,479.77

Dell Marketing, Lp                                                          5,515.04

First State Tire Recycling                                               2,693.60

Gary’s Auto                                                                      2,092.70

Headwater Regional Development Commiss               3,000.00

Hoffman, Dale, & Swenson, Pllc                                     3,555.00

Howard’s Oil Company                                                  5,894.93

Information Systems Corporation                                 7,276.74

Mar-Kit Landfill                                                               12,100.68

Mn Rural Counties Caucus                                            2,135.00

Powerplan                                                                       3,602.72

Quinlivan & Hughes, PA Attorneys at Law                    3,584.54

R & Q Trucking, Inc                                                         2,292.65

Roseau County Cooperative Assn                               2,042.38

Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc                                        2,000.00

Woody’s Service                                                             4,783.70

76 Payments less than 2000   29,937.50

Final Total:   106,429.53

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants:

                                    January 18, 2013                     $    12,462.54

                                    January 24, 2013                     $      2,816.87

                                    January 25, 2013                     $  132,784.13

                                    January 30, 2013                     $    14,695.27

                                    January 31, 2013                     $      1,006.94

                                    February 6, 2013                     $  113,570.40

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

Lost Warrants

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid met with the board requesting approval to issue lost warrants for Joe Morisch and Ryan Hockstedler.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to approve the application and affidavit for lost warrant for Joe Morisch dated August 31, 2012 for $9.61 without furnishing indemnifying bond. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the application and affidavit for lost warrant for Ryan Hockstedler dated September, 16, 2012 for $15.96 without furnishing indemnifying bond. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

2013 Board of Appeal and Equalization “Catch-Up” Courses

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid informed the board that there will be classes forthcoming for Board of Appeal and Equalization training, which law requires that at least one voting member of each county is trained. John referenced the handout for locations and dates.

2012 Assessment Refund for Wheelers Point Sanitary District

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid presented a resolution from Wheelers Point Sanitary District board passed at their January meeting to refund John Fitzpatrick for assessments paid for 2012 in the amount of $420.00.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to accept the Resolution from Wheelers Point Sanitary District to refund John Fitzpatrick assessment paid for 2012 in the amount of $420.00. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

2013 Wheeler’s Point Sanitary District Assessments

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid presented the resolution below to the board for the 2013 Wheeler’s Point Sanitary District assessments.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to accept the resolution for 2013 Wheeler’s Point Sanitary Districts treatment system. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

RESOLUTION FOR

ADOPTION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR

WHEELER’S POINT SANITARY DISTRICT FOR 2013

RESOLUTION 2013-01-02

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners adopted the creation of a sanitary district for the Wheeler’s Point District on September 27, 2005, and

WHEREAS, the Wheeler’s Point Sanitary District recognizes the need for and supports the construction of a collection and treatment system to serve the district, and

WHEREAS, funds are needed for preliminary expenses and costs incurred in the process of creating the Wheeler’s Point Sanitary  District collection and treatment system, and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Wheeler’s Point Sanitary District adopts the following annual assessments for the year 2013, to be adjusted annually:

              All parcels with a residential structure shall be assessed $420.00

             All parcels with a small business (Border Bait, Water’s Edge Salon, Lake of the Woods Taxidermy, TJ Prop Shop, Log Cabin Bait & Liquor – 2 assessments for two building)   shall be assessed   $420.00. 

             All parcels with a resort or lodging facility (Wigwam Resort, Wheeler’s Point Resort, Borderview Lodge, Adrian’s Resort, Riverbend Resort, Ballard’s Resort, Sportsman’s Lodge & Lakeroad Lodge) shall be assessed $2,665.00

              All mobile homes on a rental lot shall be assessed $420.00

The foregoing resolution was offered by Board Member, Alan Thompson and upon

a second by Board Member, Kent Spears,  was passed by the following vote.

Ayes: Gary Moeller, Alan Thompson, Kent Spears, Ron Stauss

Nays:  None

Absent: Brian Ney

Passed: 4-0

Northwest Angle Edge Riders Gambling Permit

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid met with the board and presented an application for exempt permit for Northwest Angle Edge Riders to conduct a raffle on March 2, 2013.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to approve the exempt permit application for Northwest Angle Edge Riders to conduct a raffle on March 2, 2013 at Sunset Lodge and authorize County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid to sign. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimolys carried.

Minnesota Association of County Probation Officers (MACPO)

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid met with the board and informed them that the Minnesota Association of County Probation Officers (MACPO) is actively seeking an increase in the legislative appropriation that reimburses 55 Minnesota counties for their probation officer salaries.  Minnesota Statute 244.19 subd. 6 require the legislature to appropriate sufficient funds to reimburse theses counties for 50% of their approved expenses.  The States last reimbursement was at the 31 % level. This level of funding has a direct negative impact on the 55 counties as they absorb the state funding shortfall.  MACPO is requesting the counties to pass of resolution to appropriate sufficient funds to reimburse the 55 participating counties for the full 50% of the cost of probation officer salaries.

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

Minnesota Association of County Probation Officers

Reimbursement for Probation Officers Salaries

Resolution No. 13-02-02

WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes 244.19 subdivision 6 outlines a process for state reimbursement to participating counties of 50% of the previous year’s expenditure for their probation officer salaries, and

WHEREAS, 27 County Probation Officer counties and 28 Department of Corrections Contract counties participate in this process, and

WHEREAS, appropriations from the state have steadily decreased from 50% in 1996 to an all-time low of 31% in FY 2012, and

WHEREAS, the 55 counties participating in this process have been forced to absorb the $2,963,000 deficit in the FY 2012 reimbursement funding for their probation officers, and

WHEREAS, the 2013 legislative session will be establishing the FY 14 and FY15 appropriation for probation officer salary reimbursement for these 55 counties, and

WHEREAS, the Minnesota Association of County Probation Officers has been working with the Department of Corrections and legislative staff to ensure that an accurate FY 14 and FY 15 appropriation amount is determined, and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners strongly requests the 2013 Minnesota Legislature to appropriate sufficient funds to reimburse the 55 participating counties for the full 50% of the cost of their probation officer salaries.

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

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 11:07 a.m. and reconvened at 11:13 a.m. as follows:

HUMAN RESOURCES

Human Resource Director, Wade Johannesen met with the board requesting authorization to hire Daniel Fish as the IT Specialist.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to authorize Human Resource Director and MIS/GIS Director, Peder Hovland to hire Daniel Fish as the IT Specialist effective    March 11, 2013 at grade 11 increment F; after a six month satisfactory probationary period to adjust his increment to G; and then January of 2014 to increment H.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting approval to purchase the following:

pickup, trailer with electric brakes, shear and used oil furnace

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to authorize the Public Works Director to purchase a new 1/2 ton pickup in the amount of $22,000 for the Highway Department. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to authorize the Public Works Director to purchase a new trailer with electric brakes in the amount of $5,600 for the Highway Department.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to authorize the Public Works Director to purchase a shear for the Highway Department in the amount of $2,500. The motion was seconded by Commissioner and Beckel the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Used Oil Furnace

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to authorize the Public Works Director to purchase a used oil furnace in the amount of $9,000 with installation for the recycling center. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Submitted

Hire Heavy Equipment Operator

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting approval to advertise and hire for a Equipment Operator that is budgeted in his 2013 budget. Tim informed the board that when this position is filled that his Department would only require two (2) seasonal employees rather than three(3) and will reduce compensation time.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to authorize Public Works Director, Tim Erickson to advertise internally and interview. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

NWA Packer

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board informing them that the packer at the NWA Landfill is not working at all that has someone coming from Fargo to look at it with a cost of $95.00 per hour.

Local Road Research Board Technical Panel

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board informing him that Lou Tasa appointed Tim to the Local Road Research Board Technical Advisory Panel and there will be around three or four meetings to attend.

Correspondence

The following Correspondence was acknowledged: SNAP-ED

MN Heartland Tourism Association

The board discussed the MN Heartland Tourism Association member dues.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to join the MN Heartland Tourism Association with the funding from the budgeted Revenue Fund in the amount of $275.00. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

RECESS

With no further business before the County Board, Chairman Hanson called the meeting to recess at 12:30 p.m.

Attest:                                                                         Approved: February 26, 2013

_______________________________                      ______________________________

John W. Hoscheid, County Auditor                          Thomas Hanson Chairman of the Board

Commissioner Proceedings

February 26, 2013

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, February 26, 2013, in the ITV room at the Lake of the Woods School for morning session and afternoon session in the Commissioners’ Rooms at the Government Center.

Call to Order

Chairman Hanson called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners Patty Beckel, Buck Nordlof, Thomas Hanson, Ed Arnesen and Ken Moorman.  Also present were: County Auditor John W. Hoscheid, Deputy Auditor Janet Rudd, John Oren and Brian Peterson.

High School Social Studies teacher, Mr.  Don Krause

Mr. Don Krause thanked the Commissioners for meeting at the School so his students could attend and participate in the meeting.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to approve the agenda with the following additions: Lorene Hanson and Josh Stromlund to St. Cloud on March 5-6 for Affordable Health Care Act, PERA resolution, vacation pay out and Blandin Foundation. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.  

Approval of Consent Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the consent agenda as follows: Travel for Tim Erickson to attend a Local Road Research Board TAP meeting on February 22, in St. Paul; Lorene Hanson and Josh Stromlund to St. Cloud on March 5-6 for Affordable Health Care Act. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to approve the minutes of February 12, 2013, regular meeting with changes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

SHORT ELLIOTT HENDRICKSON INC. (S.E.H.)

S.E.H. Aviation Planner, Melissa Underwood, Engineers Benita Crow and Shawn McMahon met with the board and reviewed the initial feasibility study results for the NW Angle Airport, and also presented the next phase of the study if the board chooses to continue.  The board requested that S.E.H to attend the NWA Board Meeting on June 18, 2013 to present the current study.

LAKEWOOD HEALTH CENTER

Lakewood Health Center Administrator Jason Breuer met with the board and reviewed the Community Health Needs Assessment results that met on September, 2012. Jason suggested that they form a collaborative between Lakewood Health Center, Lake of the Woods County, City of Baudette and City of Williams to address the results of the assessment, for some of the concerns the community already offers. 

Social Services Director

Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler, met with the County Board requesting approval of claims. Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to approve the following claims against the county:

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants          $  7,461.38

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants          $24,855.16

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

SWCD

Lake of the Woods Soil & Water Conservation District Resource Technician, Mike Hirst met with the board and presented the 2012 Annual County Feedlot Officer and Performance Credit Report and requested approval. Mike also updated the board on the Lake of the Woods ‘Keep it Clean’ campaign and thanked the board again for purchasing the dumpsters for the campaign.

Motion

SWCD

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to authorize Chairman Hanson to sign the 2012 Annual County Feedlot Officer and Performance Credit Report. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

COUNTY RECORDER

County Recorder, Susan Ney met with the board and informed them that Tyler Technologies hosts her office online subscription based service for viewing their index and printing documents. The other 10 MCIS counties all have different pricing plans. They are hoping to have a consistent pricing system in place as of March 1, 2013.

Motion by Commissioner Beckel to allow the County Recorder to establish the non-statutory fees for access to the iDoc Market online subscription for Lake of the Woods County as follows:

Proposed New Fee Structure for Idoc Market
Plan A – $50.00Plan B – $100.00Plan C – $200.00Plan D – $500.00 
100 free views200 free views400 free viewsunlimited free views 
$.80 per view thereafter$.75 per view thereafter$.70 per view thereafter 
$.35 per print$.35 per print$.35 per print$.35 per print 
Day Pass & Quick Pass (1 hour) 
Day Pass -$10.00Quick Pass – $6.00
5 free views2 free views
$1.00 per view thereafter$1.00 per view thereafter
$.50 per print$.50 per print

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

COUNTY AUDITOR

Claims

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid met with the board for approval of claims:

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to approve the claims as follows:

                                                Revenue                               $    11,780.54           

                                                Road & Bridge                     $      4,859.03

                                                Solid Waste                          $      1,866.21

                                                EDA                                     $      7,441.18

                                                                                             $    25,946.96    

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 2/26/2013 For Payment 2/28/2013

Vendor Name                                 Amount

Anchor Marketing, Inc                      2,453.13

Cps Technology Solutions               2,330.61

Reed/Michael                                      4,100.00

45 Payments less than 2000    17,063.22

Final Total:   25,946.96

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants:

                                                   February 11, 2013           $   107,697.47

                                                   February 11, 2012           $      4,465.18

                                                   February 22, 2013           $    11,794.31      

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

Co-Op Purchasing

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid met with the board requesting approval for signatures for the Department of Administration, to remain active in the State Surplus Property Program.

Motion 

The motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to authorize County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid, Public Works Director, Tim Erickson, Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler, County Sheriff, Gary Fish and Chairman Hanson to sign the application for eligibility for Co-op Purchasing with Minnesota Department of Administration. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was, unanimously carried

Lake of the Woods Area Tourism Bureau

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid met with the board and informed them that Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau Director, Joe Henry requested that the board approve a resolution in support for increasing the annual auditor threshold pursuant to MN Statute§ 6.756,subd.2. By increasing the threshold would save $16,800 every five (5) years.

Resolution

The following resolution was proposed Commissioner Beckel and moved for adoption:

Request for Increase of Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau

Annual Audit Threshold Pursuant to MN Statute § 6.756, subd. 2

Resolution No. 13-02-03

WHEREAS,  Minnesota Statutes § 6.756 states Special districts must have an annual audit under if total revenues exceed the annual audit threshold and if they are not subject to financial auditing and reporting requirements under any other law, and

WHEREAS, as a small tourism bureau with annual tax revenues approximately $300,000, the annual audit requirement meant for larger county entities is overkill and not a wise use of taxpayer dollars, and

WHEREAS, lodging tax revenue is pulled through Lake of the Woods County, thus financial controls are already in place, and

WHEREAS, as a tourism bureau (Special District) the annual audit is excessive and vs the 5 year audit process costs taxpayers an extra $16,800 every 5 years.

Whereas, mandate proposals will be listed on the State Auditor’s website, along with the name of the local government submitting the proposal and

Whereas, Lake of the Woods County supports the concept of mandate reform and urges the Minnesota Legislature to give serious consideration to all proposals made by Cities, Townships, Counties and Special District like Lake of the Woods Area Tourism Bureau.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Lake of the Woods County supports raising the threshold prescribed by the State Auditor in MN Statutes §6.756, subd. 2 to $500,000 and hereby adopts the following mandate proposals and directs the Lake of the Woods County Auditor to submit this listing to the State Auditor:

Mandate Relief Requested
Mandate Relief Requested Increase the annual audit threshold for special districts to $500,000. StatutoryMN Statues § 6.756, subd. 2 CommentsLake of the Woods Area Tourism will spend approximately $4,200 for the 2012 audit.  The threshold prescribed by the State Auditor for Special Districts requires significant expense. 

Adopted this 26th day of Feb.

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

PUBLIC WORKS

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting authorization to sign the 2013 Environmental Monitoring Cost Estimate for Lake of the Woods County Resource Recovery Facility (SW-342). The 2013 costs are estimated at $14,032.50 and were prepared to fulfill the requirements listed in the Solid Waste Management Facility Permit.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to authorize Public Works Director, Tim Erickson to sign the 2013 Environmental Monitoring Cost Estimate for Lake of the Woods County Resource Recovery Facility. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motor Grader

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting authorization to purchase a motor grader for the department. Tim informed them that they are not getting a very big trade amount for the last grader that they are trading is twenty-five (25) years old, so it is over budget by $45,000 which will come out of the reserves. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize Public Works Director, Tim Erickson to purchase a new Motor Grader in the amount of $267,797 plus tax. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Five-Year Plan

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board and presented the departments five year bridge plan.

Resolution

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

Five Year Bridge Plan

Resolution No. 13-02-04

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County has reviewed the pertinent data on bridges requiring replacement, rehabilitation, or removal supplied by local citizenry and local units of government, and;

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County has identified those bridges that are high priority and that require replacement, rehabilitation, or removal within the next five years.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the following deficient bridges are high priority and Lake of the Woods County intends to replace, rehabilitate, or remove these bridges as soon as possible when funds are available:

Old              Road          Total          Township or          Federal           Local or         Proposed

Bridge         Number       Project      State Bridge          Fund               State Aid       Construction

Number       or Name      Cost           Funds                                          Funds                        Year               

                 CSAH 4   $150,000.00 $75,000.00                               $75,000.00          2013

39J23          CSAH 4  $120,000.00  $60,000.00                              $60,000.00          2013          

FURTHERMORE, Lake of the Woods County does hereby request authorization to replace, rehabilitate, or remove such bridges, and;

FURTHERMORE, Lake of the Woods County does hereby request financial assistance with eligible approach grading and engineering costs on township bridges, as provided by law. 

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

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 12:04 p.m. and reconvened at 1:15 p.m. at the Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room as follows:

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Board of Adjustments

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board informing them that the “Member at Large” on the Board of Adjustment Committee has a vacancy and will need to appoint a different member.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to appoint Steve Levassuer at the “Member at Large” to the Board of Adjustment Committee. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

SHERIFF

Emergency Management Director

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board requesting the board to formally appoint Arlen Block as Lake of the Woods County Emergency Management Director.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to appoint Arlen Block as Lake of the Woods Emergency Director effective February 26, 2013. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote was, unanimously carried.

PERA RESOLUTION

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

County Board PERA Resolution

Police and Fire Member Transfer

Deputy Sheriff/Emergency Management

Resolution   2013-02-05

WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes Section 353.64, Subdivision 5a permits the governing body of a governmental subdivision to continue membership in the Public Employees Police and Fire plan of a Police and Fire member who is transferred to a different position with associated police or fire department functions in the same department or a related department within the same governmental subdivision; 

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of Lake of the Woods County hereby declares that the position titled Deputy Sheriff/Emergency Management Director, currently held by Arlen Block meets all of the following Police and Fire membership requirements:                         

  1. The position to which this employee is being transferred has associated police (or fire) department functions in the same department or a related department within this same governmental subdivision, and
  2. Said position is not that of an elected or appointed position of the city council, city manager, or finance director.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this governing body hereby requests that the above-named employee be allowed to continue as a member of the Public Employees Police and Fire Plan until date of termination for this position.

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

Authorization to Elevate Part-time Deputy Sheriff to Full-Time

County Sheriff, Gary Fish and Human Resource Director, Wade Johannesen met with the board requesting approval to elevate a part-time Deputy Sheriff to full-time Deputy Sheriff.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve County Sheriff and Human Resource Director to elevate a part-time Deputy Sheriff to full-time position at grade 12, increment A, effective March 17, 2013.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Boat and Water Safety Grant

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board requesting approval to enter into the 2013 State of Minnesota Annual County Boat and Water Safety Grant Agreement.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the 2013 State of Minnesota Annual County Boat and Water Safety Grant agreement, Contract No. 57737 in the amount of $5,341 to carry out the provisions of Chapter 86B and the Boat and Water Safety rules, all hereinafter referred to as the “Sheriff’s Duties” effective January 1, 2013 thru June 30, 2014 and authorize Chairman Hanson, County Sheriff, Gary Fish, County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid and County Attorney, Philip Miller to sign. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

County Sheriff Vacation Time Earned as Chief Deputy Sheriff

County Sheriff, Gary Fish and Human Resource Director, Wade Johannesen met with the board requesting the board to pay off his vacation time which he earned prior to his appointment of County Sheriff.

Motion 

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve payment to County Sheriff, Gary Fish for the balance of accumulated vacation hours (285) prior to his appointment of County Sheriff; and at the hourly rate of $28.26 prior to his appointment of County Sheriff in the amount of $8,054.10 and Medicare match of $116.78 with the total cost of $8,170.88; with the next regular employee payroll. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

NW MN Juvenile Center

Commissioner Patty Beckel reviewed the 2012 NW MN Juvenile Center Statistical Report with the board.

BROADBAND COMMITTEE

Chairman Hanson discussed the Broadband meeting and the question that was brought up for the use of a surplus computer that the county has to be used for this project. The consensus of the County Board was to loan out a surplus computer for this project.

2013 County Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting

The board reviewed the memo from the Minnesota Department of Revenue in regards to the 2013 County Board of Appeal and Equalization dates.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to set the 2013 County Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting on June 19, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Committee Reports

Commissioner Patty Beckel reported on:

  • Remonumentation Committee held on February 12
  • Airport Commission held on February 19
  • GIZIIBII- held on February 20
  • Northwest Community Action held on February 21

Commissioner Nordlof reported on:

  • Joint Powers Natural Resource Board held on February 25

Commissioner Hanson reported on:

  • Arrowhead Library System held on February 14
  • DNR Parks and Trails Open House held on February 19
  • NW Household and Solid Waste via ITV held on February 20
  • State Health Improvement Program (SHIP) held on February 20

Commissioner Moorman reported on:

  • Joint Powers Natural Resource held on January 28
  • State Advisory Council on Mental Health held on February 7
  • Local Advisory Council on Mental Health held on February 14
  • Prevention Coalition held on February 20
  • Aging Advisory Council held on February 21

County Auditor Updates:

  • Land Lease Contract being reviewed by County Attorney, Leon Grove will not be renewing his lease
  • Radio Tower Lease with Rural Tower Network will be sent to the County Attorney for his approval       

Correspondence:

MN Small Cities Development Monitoring Report; CEP were acknowledged.

CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO MN STAT.§ 13d.03- UNION NEGOTIATIONS

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to close the regular meeting at 2:05 p,m and go into closed session pursuant to MN. Stat § 13D.03 – Union Negotiations. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote was, unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to close the closed session at 2:44 p.m. and open the regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Recess

With no further business before the board, Chairman Hanson called the meeting to recess at 2:45 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                     Approved: March 12, 2013

____________________________                                        _______________________________

John W. Hoscheid, County Auditor                                       Thomas Hanson, Chairman of the Board