Special County Board Meeting

June 5, 2007

The Lake of the Woods County Board met in special session on Tuesday June 5, 2007, in the Commissioners Room of the Lake of the Woods County Government Center, with the following members present:  Commissioners Todd Beckel, Moorman, Bredeson, Patty Beckel and Arnesen. Chairman Todd Beckel called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. for evaluating the performance of the following individuals Bruce Hasbargen, Public Works Director, Nancy Wendler, Social Service Director, Josh Stromlund, Land and Water Planning Director, Wayne Bendickson, County Assessor and Holly House, Emergency Management Director who are subject to the authority of the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners.

With no further business before the Board, Chairman Todd Beckel declared the meeting to recess at 12:00 p.m.

Attest:                                                             Approved:  June 12, 2007

________________________________        ____________________________________

John W. Hoscheid, County Auditor  Chairman Todd Beckel

Lake of the Woods County

Board of Equalization

June 11, 2007

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Equalization met on Monday, June 11, 2007 with the following members present:  Commissioners: Ed Arnesen, Todd Beckel, Patty Beckel, Kim Bredeson and Ken Moorman.  Also present were: County Assessor Wayne Bendickson, Assistant Assessor Ron Norquist and County Auditor John W Hoscheid.  Deputy Recorder Christie Russell swore in the members of the Board of Equalization.  Chair Todd Beckel called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Meeting with the board was Daniel Zimney, property owner in Gudrid Township.  County Assessor Wayne Bendickson reviewed and explained that the land value had increased in that area, however his house value had not increased.  They will review his values again next year.  No action was taken.

Meeting with the board was Richard Corle, property owner in Gudrid Township.  He commented on the current valuations.  No action was taken.

County Assessor Wayne Bendickson issued reports detailing comparisons of taxes by land classifications for payable years 2006 and 2007 and estimated market value comparisons for assessment years 2006 and 2007.  He also reviewed new constructions for the current and previous years.

Motion by Commissioner Ed Arnesen to adjourn the County Board of Equalization meeting for 2007, seconded by Commissioner Ken Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.  Chair Todd Beckel adjourned the County Board of Equalization meeting for 2007 at 9:50 a.m.

Attest:                                                                          Approved:        June 12, 2007

___________________________                              ________________________________

John W Hoscheid, County Auditor                                Todd Beckel, Chair of the County Board

Commissioner Proceedings

June 12, 2007

The Lake of the Woods County Board met in regular session on Tuesday, June 12, 2007, in the Commissioners’ Room in the Lake of the Woods County Government Center with the following members present:  Commissioners Bredeson, Patty Beckel, Todd Beckel, Arnesen and Moorman.  Also present were County Auditor John W. Hoscheid, Deputy Auditor Janet Rudd, Penny Mio Hirst and John Oren. Chairman Todd Beckel called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to approve the agenda. Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to approve the consent agenda as follows: travel for Dale Boretski and John W. Hoscheid to St. Cloud on June 21-22 for Basic Drainage Administration Seminar; Holly House to Bemidji on June 27-28 for Homeland Security   Exercise and Evaluation Program, July 10-11 to St. Paul for Emergency Management Certification and July 24-26 to Duluth for Emergency Management Certification; Jodi Bauers to Bemidji on June 25-26 for ArcGIS training; Bruce Hasbargen to Bemidji on September 5-6 for the Annual County Engineers Seminar; Steve Sindelir to Alexandria on July 22-25 for Ag Inspector Course; Bruce Hasbargen to Lutsen on August 15-17 for AMC Leadership Development Summit.. Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the minutes of May 22, May 29, June 5, June 11 and Board of Equalization of June 11.  Seconded by Commissioner Bredeson and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Chairman Todd Beckel welcomed Senator Saxhaug and Representative Anzelc to the meeting.  The board, along with other citizens discussed issues and concerns affecting our communities and county. Chairman Todd Beckel, along with the board thanked Senator Saxhaug and Representative Anzelc for meeting with them.

Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler, met with the board requesting approval of claims, to certify Office Support Specialist off probation/request step increase, approval to advertise/fill Social Service Supervisor position, update on Outpatient/Aftercare Chemical Dependency  Treatment  Program RFP, designation of Representative for the L.O.W./Children and Families Collaborative Board and approval for the MN Care Contract.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to approve the claims against the county as follows:

Commissioners’ Warrants         $26,800.46

Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner  Bredeson to certify Office Support Specialist off probation effective June 8, 2007 and to approve a step increase from Grade 6, step 1 to Grade 6, step 2.  Seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Patty Beckel to authorize Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler to advertise and hire a Social Service Supervisor.  Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Arnesen to appoint and authorize Commissioner Todd Beckel as a designated Representative to the Lake of the Woods Children and Families Collaborative. Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to extend the MN Care Contract for one more year and authorize Chairman Todd Beckel and Social Service Director to sign.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Emergency Management Director, Holly House met with the board to request approval for the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Memorandum of Understanding.

Chairman Todd Beckel excused himself from the meting and Vice Chairman Bredeson resumed the meeting.

Motion by Commissioner Arnesen to enter into the Memorandum of Understanding between Lake of the Woods County and the designated facilities that may be used to support personnel who are providing emergency public services to designated populations affected by a disaster or public health emergency.  Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

The meeting was called to recess at 10:36 a.m. and reconvened at 10:45 a.m. as follows:

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid met with the board requesting approval of claims, liquor licensing approval, Chamber of Commerce request of funds and to discuss a cement slab/picnic tables for the Government Center North Building.

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

                                                Revenue                       $          34,383.36

                                                Road & Bridge $         125,189.55

                                                Joint Ditch                    $                600.00      

                                                County Development    $             8,831.41

                                                Solid Waste                  $            23,952.58

                                                             192,956.90

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

WARRANTS APPROVED ON  6/12/2007 FOR PAYMENT  6/15/2007

        AMOUNT   VENDOR NAME                                                   AMOUNT   VENDOR NAME

        1871.94 ANDY’S GARAGE, INC.                                             5509.49 ED ARNESEN

          517.79 AUTO VALUE                                                            4000.00 BAUDETTE-LOW CHAMBER OF COMMER

          515.83 WAYNE BENDICKSON                                                308.21 CANON FINANCIAL SERVICES

        2000.00 CLEAN COUNTY FUND                                             6511.38 CO-OP SERVICES, INC.

        2325.00 KELLY COLE                                                           46780.25 CONTECH CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS

        3294.39 DELL MARKETING, LP                                               5358.75 EARTHWORKS CONTRACTING INC

        3235.94 ERICKSON ENGINEERING INC                                    2475.00 HASBARGEN FARMS INC

        5640.00 HOFFMAN, DALE, & SWENSON, PLLC                       605.44 HOLTE IMPLEMENT, INC

        3238.04 HOWARD’S OIL COMPANY                                         838.65 INSIGHT PUBLIC SECTOR

      23512.50 LAKE COUNTRY CHEV                                             1109.74 LAKE OF THE WOODS FOODS

        1367.55 LAKES GAS CO.                                                       3037.50 LAVALLA SAND & GRAVEL INC

        3678.54 LOW HIGHWAY DEPT                                                 400.00 LOW HOME COUNCIL

      10039.50 MAR-KIT LANDFILL                                                   1122.49 JIMMY MCCOURT

        1013.65 SCOTT MCKAY                                                           353.74 PHILIP MILLER

        2475.00 TIM MIOVAC                                                              2761.77 MN COUNTIES COMPUTER CO-OP

        1472.50 MN COUNTIES INFORMATION SYSTEM                      300.00 MN OFFICE OF ENTERPRISE TECHNO

          400.00 MN POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY                        1141.88 JEROME MOLINE

        2484.00 KENNETH MOORMAN                                                2418.75 NORMAN JOHNSON TRUCKING, INC.

          643.26 NORTHERN FARMERS CO-OP                                    495.26 THE NORTHERN LIGHT

          927.41 NORTHSTAR MATERIALS INC                                    415.18 NORTHWEST BEVERAGE, INC.

          929.91 PRO SOURCE TECHNOLOGIES INC                           1804.50 LESLIE PULLAR

          361.18 QUILL CORPORATION                                               3192.16 R & Q TRUCKING, INC

        1968.75 SCOTT RAVNDALEN                                                4331.41 RINKE-NOONAN

        1750.00 SJOBERG’S INC                                                           600.28 STRATA CORP, INC

        2250.00 T & M SALES  DBA                                                   1139.16 TRI-STAR RECYCLING, INC

          661.55 TWIN RIVER SPORTS                                                  934.67 US BEARINGS AND DRIVES   BR31

        1207.71 WALKER PIPE & SUPPLY                                            441.00 WEST GROUP

        5327.78 WIDSETH SMITH NOLTING&ASST INC                      3957.07 WOODY’S SERVICE

42 PAYMENTS LESS THAN  $300       5,503.45

****                  FINAL TOTAL…….    $192,956.90  ****

Further moved to authorize the payment of auditor’s warrants as follows:

                                                May 22, 2007              $474,843.41

                                                May 22, 2007              $       540.00

                                                May 29, 2007              $760,640.69

                                                June 1,   2007              $ 319,280.91                          

                                                June 6,   2007              $   74,601.33  

Seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the following Intoxicating Liquor, 3.2 Malt Liquor and Cigs license from July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008 contingent upon the approval of the County Sheriff and County Attorney as follows:  On/Off and Sunday Liquor License:  Adrian’s Resort, Angle Inn Resort, Ballard’s Resort, Borderview Resort, Jerry’s Restaurant and Lounge, Morris Point Lakeview Lodge, Randall’s Resort, Riverbend Resort, Rock Harbor Lodge, Schuster’s Resort, Sportsman’s Lodge, Wigwam Resort, Zippel Bay Resort, Northwest Angle Resort and Restaurant; On and Sunday Liquor License: Cyrus Resort, Rosalie’s Restaurant and Lounge, Ken-Mar-Ke Resort, Riverview Resort, Flag Island Resort, Sportsman’s of Oak, Wheelers Point Resort; Off Sale Only: Log Cabin Liquors Inc.; Cigarette License: Adrian’s Resort, American Legion, Ballard’s Resort, Bay Store, Borderview Lodge, Cenex, City of Baudette, City of Williams, Cyrus Resort, Border Bait, Flag Island Resort, Holiday Station, Howard’s , Jeanette Mcatee, Jerry’s Restaurant and Lounge, Ken-Mar-Ke Resort, Lake of the Woods Foods, Log Cabin Bait, Log Cabin Liquors, Log Cabin Bait, Long Point Resort, Morris Point Lakeview Lodge, Grumpy’s Northwest Angle Bar & Grill Inc., Randall’s Resort, Riverbend Resort, Riverview Resort, Rock Harbor Lodge, Schuster’s Resort, Sportsman’s Lodge, Sportsman’s of Oak, Too Tall’s, VFW Club, Wheeler’s Point, Wigwam Resort, Zippel Bay Resort; 3.2 On- Sale Malt Liquor: Long Point Resort, Oak Island Resort and Ship’s Wheel Resort; 3.2 Off Sale Malt Liquor: Bay Store, Cyrus Resort, Border Bait, Oak Island Resort, Long Point Resort, Oak Island Resort, Rock Harbor Lodge.  Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried. Commissioner Arnesen abstained from voting.

John informed the board that a request was made to have a cement slab/picnic table area at the Government Center North building.  The cost would be approximately $3,000.  The board’s consensus was to wait for a firm cost.

Motion by Commissioner Patty Beckel to donate the levied amount of $2,500 to the Chamber of Commerce to help offset the cost of the fireworks display.  Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

County Surveyor, Donn Rasmussen met with the board along with the following people:  Rodney and Judy Gubbels, Richard Corle, Gloriann Fischer, Jim Clementson, Walt Coninx, Keith Fox, Dave Thomas,  Russ and Benita Baron, David Norquist, George Swentik, Linda Roberts and County Recorder, Sue Ney to discuss a survey issue regarding discrepancies between the deed lines and the occupied lines west of Clementson in Government Lot 5, Section 12, Gudrid Township.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to authorize County Surveyor, Donn Rasmussen to do a preliminary survey in Government Lot 5, Section 12, Gudrid Township with the funding to come from the Economic Development/Con-Con remonumentation fund up to $4,500.  Seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

The meeting was called to recess at 11:40 p.m. and reconvened at 1:00 p.m. as follows:

Chairman Todd Beckel resumed the meeting.

Chairman Todd Beckel closed the meeting at 1:05 p.m. and as advertised opened the Planning Commission.

Vernon Reinert Lot 9, Block 1, Riverside Plat               A Conditional Use Permit as

                                    Section 17, T-161N, R-31 W              required by the Lake of the

                                    (Baudette Township)                            Woods County Zoning

                                                                                                Ordinance and the Rainy/

                                                                                                                                Rapid Rivers Shoreland

                                                                                                Management Ordinance, to

                                                                                                allow the applicant to move

                                                                                                more than ten (10) cubic

                                                                                                yards of material within

                                                                                                the shore impact zone of the

                                                                                                Rainy River for the purpose

                                                                                                of a rip-rap project.

Monte Burnham            Lot 10, Block 1, Riverside                    A Conditional Use Permit as

                                    Plat Section 17, T-161N,                     required by the Lake of the

                                    R-31 W                                               Woods County Zoning

                                    (Baudette Township)                            Ordinance and the Rainy/

                                                                                                Rapid Rivers Shoreland

                                                                                                Management Ordinance, to

                                                                                                allow the applicant to move

                                                                                                more than ten (10) cubic

                                                                                                yards of material within the

                                                                                                shore impact zone of the

                                                                                                Rainy River for the purpose

                                                                                                of a rip-rap project.

Mike Reed                   The east 1980’, more or                       A Petition to Amend the

                                    less, of the SE1/4 of                              Zoning Ordinance, for a zone

                                    the SE1/4 of Section                             change from a Natural

                                    20, T-162N, R-32W (wheeler)            Environment District to a

                                    Only applies to proposed                      Residential Development

                                    platted lots.                                           District and a Commercial-

                                                                                                Recreation District for the

                                                                                                purpose of platting a

                                                                                                Subdivision.

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund presented the application for a conditional use permit requested by Vernon Reinert and Monte Burnhaim.  No comments were heard from the floor and no letters were received.  Josh presented the application for a request for a zone change for Mike Reed.  Comments were heard from the floor. A letter was received but not read at this time.

Motion by Commissioner Patty Beckel to continue the Planning Commission on the Reed Zone Change to the June 26 meeting at 1:00 p.m.  Seconded by Commissioner Bredeson and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

The planning commission was closed at 1:50 p.m the regular meeting reconvened as follows:

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board to request approval of a negative declaration on the Morris Point Estates Subdivision.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 07-06-01

A RESOLUTION ORDERING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION ON THE MORRIS POINT ESTATES SUBDIVISION ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET (EAW)

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County is the Regulatory Governmental Unit has duly prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the proposed Morris Point Estates Subdivision; and

WHEREAS, the EAW is based on the construction of 50 unattached residential dwellings and a 30 unit RV campground; and

WHEREAS, the County has submitted a copy of the EAW to all public agencies on the EAW distribution list, publishing EAW availability in the EQB Monitor on April 9 , 2007, all of which were done in accordance with applicable State laws, rules, and regulations; and

WHEREAS, the 30-day comment period ended on May 9, 2007, with three regulatory agencies commenting; and

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County acknowledges the comments from the Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and

WHEREAS, the comments received do not support a need for an Environmental Impact Statement on the proposed project; and

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County has considered the comments that were received and shall complete the Record of Decision supporting the declaration of negative need, including responses to the commenting regulatory agency, and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners has made a negative declaration on the need for an Environmental Impact Statement for the Morris Point Estates Subdivision.

Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen met with the board requesting approval to set a public hearing for the five year construction plan, approval for funds for Salt/Sand Storage Facility and also informed the board that CN would like to meet with the board on June 26, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. to discuss the Pitt Crossing.

Motion by Commissioner Arnesen to set a public hearing for highway construction five-year plan as July 10, 2007 at 11:00 a.m.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

RESOLUTION NO. 07-06-02

Salt/Sand Storage Shed

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

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County desires to use part of it’s Regular County State Aid Highway (CSAH) Construction Account fund for a portion of the Highway Salt/Sand Storage Facility  Project and:

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County requests a level of funding for this project based on the percentage of CSAH mileage (81.22%) to total mileage.

WHEREAS, the total estimated cost of the facility is $120,000.00.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the County of Lake of the Woods hereby requests Regular CSAH Construction Account funds in the amount of $97,464.00 for the Highway Salt/Sand Storage Facility Project.

Seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Lake of the Woods Historical Society Executive Director, Marlys Hirst met with the board to request authorization to apply to GIZIIBII for assistant for the  renovation plans of the Museum and also gave the Commissioners a tour of the facility and to show the plans for renovation.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to authorize the Historical Society to seek assistance thru the GIZIIBII Association in obtaining grant funds for the proposed Museum Addition and Renovation project and authorize the Chairman to sign.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

The board discussed the closed session on June 12, 2007 on the performance evaluation of Social Worker Supervisor Bobbi Brandt.  The board concurred with the recommendation of the Social Service Director, Human Resource Director and County Attorney.

The board discussed the vacancy position of the County Attorney.  No action was taken.

With no further business before the board, Chairman Todd Beckel called the meeting to recess at 4:35 p.m.

Attest:                                                                          Approved:        June 26, 2007

_________________________                                  _____________________________

John W. Hoscheid, County Auditor                               Todd Beckel, Chairman