May 14, 2024

 The Lake of The Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

CALL TO ORDER

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

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following changes: Add: State Boat & Water Grant, and County Surveyor Grant Update.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the official minutes of April 23, 2024.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $17,896.13; Commissioners Warrants $3,237.63; Commissioners Warrants $26,972.73.

Auditor/Treasurer

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $65,041.38; Road & Bridge $67,557.78; SS $1.300.00; Joint Ditch $10,551.25; Solid Waste $49,102.48.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 5/14/2024 For Payment 5/17/2024

Vendor Name Amount

American Solutions For Business 3,089.51

Baudette/City Of 6,000.00

Co-Op Services, Inc. 9,590.65

Counties Providing Technology 4,452.00

Country Inn & Suites – Shoreview 2,860.32

Farmers Union Oil Co. 2,339.97

Farmers Union Oil company 2,194.68

Gamache/Micheal D 2,800.00

HDR Engineering Inc 6,382.65

Houston Engineering Inc 9,678.00

Law Offices Of Patrick D. Moren 9,226.53

Liberty Tire Recycling, LLC 10,783.60

LOW County Auditor-Treasurer 19,447.62

LOW High School Trap Team 2,628.00

LOW Highway Dept 14,755.00

Mar-Kit Landfill 13,157.50

Northern Light Region 2,786.57

Northern Sports & Machine – Dba 9,114.99

Pomp’s Tire-Thief River Falls 3,145.44

Powerplan 3,636.55

R & Q Trucking, Inc 5,568.00

Uline 5,247.66

Ziegler, Inc 2,824.07

69 Payments less than 2000 41,843.58

Final Total: 193,552.89

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: April 24, 2024 for $55,024.58; May 1, 2024 for $166,672.47; May 2, 2024 for $255,124.37; May 5, 2024 for 1,262.00; May 8, 2024 for $10,218.49.

Cigarette & Liquor License Approval

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the cigarette and liquor license application from Flag Island Resort.

NWA Edge Riders Trails Assistance

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and moved for adoption: 

Sponsorship of Snowmobile Trails Assistance Program

Resolution No. 24-05-01

BE IT RESOLVED, that Lake of the Woods County will act as the legal sponsor for an application for funding to the State of Minnesota Department of Natural Resource for NW Angle Islands maintenance of snowmobile trails managed by Northwest Angle Edge Riders Club. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that upon approval of its application by the state, the Lake of the Woods County may enter into an agreement with the State of Minnesota for the above referenced project and that it will comply with all applicable laws and regulations as stated in the agreement. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that County Auditor-Treasurer, Lorene G Hanson is hereby authorized to serve as the fiscal agent for the above referenced project.

LOTW Drifters Trails Assistance

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Buck Nordlof, seconded by Joe Grund and moved for adoption: 

Sponsorship of Snowmobile Trails Assistance Program

Resolution No. 24-05-02

BE IT RESOLVED, that Lake of the Woods County will act as the legal sponsor for an application for funding to the State of Minnesota Department of Natural Resource for Lake of the Woods Drifters Land and Big Traverse Trails managed by Lake of the Woods Drifters. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that upon approval of its application by the state, the Lake of the Woods County may enter into an agreement with the State of Minnesota for the above referenced project and that it will comply with all applicable laws and regulations as stated in the agreement. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that County Auditor-Treasurer, Lorene G Hanson is hereby authorized to serve as the fiscal agent for the above referenced project. 

NWA Edge Riders Update

Joe Laurin gave an update on snowmobile trail mapping and projects.

Emergency Management

Firearm Storage Grant

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the firearm storage grant in the amount of $15,628.42 and for Chair Cody Hasbargen to sign the same. 

MNWALK & Emergency Operations Plan

Emergency Management Director Jill Hasbargen-Olson discussed the Emergency Operations Plan for 2024 and changes made for the upcoming year that included: Outdoor Warning Sirens, Election Emergency Plan, Training & Exercises, DECON training, and Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the Emergency Operations Plan.

Sheriff

State Boat & Water Grant

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the State Boat & Water Grant in the amount of $9,226.00 and for Chair Cody Hasbargen to sign the same.

Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC)

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and moved for adoption: 

RESOLUTION APPROVING STATE OF MINNESOTA JOINT POWERS AGREEMENTS WITH THE COUNTY OF LAKE OF THE WOODS ON BEHALF OF ITS SHERIFF REGARDING THE MINNESOTA INTERNET CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN TASK FORCE (ICAC) 

Resolution NO. 24-05-03

WHEREAS, the County of Lake of the Woods on behalf of its Sheriff desires to enter into Joint Powers Agreements with the State of Minnesota, Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to utilize applicable state and federal laws to investigate and prosecute crimes committed against children and the criminal exploitation on children that is committed and/or facilitated by or through the use of computers.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the County Board of Lake of the Woods, Minnesota as follows:

1. That the State of Minnesota Joint Powers Agreements by and between the State of Minnesota acting through its Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the County of Lake of the Woods on behalf of its Sheriff are hereby approved.  Copies of the Joint Powers Agreements are attached to this Resolution and made a part of it.
2. That the County Sheriff, Gary Fish, or his or her successor, is designated the Authorized Representative for the Sheriff.  The Authorized Representative is also authorized to sign any subsequent amendment or agreement that may be required by the State of Minnesota to maintain the County’s connection to the systems and tools offered by the State.
3. That Cody Hasbargen, the Chair of the County of Lake of the Woods, and Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson, the County Board Clerk, are authorized to sign the State of Minnesota Joint Powers Agreements.

Lake of the Woods Drifters Update

Ron Olson gave an update on snowmobile trails and projects.

Public Works

Jail Generator and Gas Quotes Approval

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the quotes from International Falls Generac Generator quote for $18,178.00 and Air Systems gas quote for $1,756.00.

Bid Approval-Chip Seal

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the chip seal quote from Asphalt Preservation Company in the amount of $219,695.54.

Bid Approval-Gravel

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the gravel bid from LaValla Sand & Gravel in the amount of $567,000 with a five year contract.

Add to Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to add City of Baudette Contract to the agenda.

City of Baudette Contract Payments

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the maintenance contract with the City of Baudette for two payments of $6,000.00 for a total amount of $12,000.00 for one year and for Chair Cody Hasbargen to sign the same.

UPDATES

County Engineer Anthony Pirkl Gave an update on various Highway and Solid Waste projects.

County Engineer Re-Appointment

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to re-appoint Anthony (AJ) Pirkl as County Engineer for a four-year term effective June 1, 2024.

County Surveyor-Grant Update

County Surveyor Chad Conner informed the board that the Public Land Survey Systems Restoration (PLSS) grant application in the amount of $265,000.00 was approved and the project should be completed over the next two years.

Land & Water

Consideration of Conditional Use Permit #24-01CU BY Loren & Dawn Horner

A parcel of land lying in the Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter (NE1/4NE1/4) of Section Twelve (12), Township One Hundred Sixty-one (161) North of Range Thirty-two (32) West and Government Lot One (1), Section Seven (7) Township One Hundred Sixty-one (161) North of Range Thirty-one (31) West- Parcel ID#’s 24.07.22.010 and 23.12.11.010. Applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit as required by Section 902 of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance to move more than ten (10) cubic yards of material within the shore impact zone of the Rainy River for the purpose of a rock rip rap project to stabilize the shoreline.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the following Findings of Fact/CUP #24-01CU By Loren & Dawn Horner to move more than ten (10) cubic yards of material within the shore impact zone of the Rainy River for the purpose of a rock rip rap project to stabilize the shoreline with the following conditions:

1. DNR permit needed if it becomes required.

Consideration of Fee Schedule

Land & Water Director Josh Stromlund discussed minor increases to the fee schedule that has not been adjusted since 2020. The increases would affect regular land use permits and special use permits to cover additional costs associated with conducting public hearings.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the proposed changes to the fee schedule.

Human Resources

Personnel Committee Recommendations

Job Descriptions

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the updated job descriptions for Maintenance/Shop Supervisor, Assistant Engineer, and Deputy Recorder.

Wage Increases

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the following wage increases:

Maintenance/Shop Supervisor- Grade 17, Step 10, $37.66 per hour at 382 points effective next full pay period.

Assistant Engineer- Grade 18, Step 14, $42.68 per hour at 410 points effective next full pay period.

Deputy Recorder- Grade 13, Step 12, $31.42 per hour at 291 points retroactive to April 10, 2024.

Set Work Session

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to set a work session for wage discussions on May 21, 2024 at 9:00a.m. in the Lake of the Woods County Government Center Commissioners Room.

HIPPA Policy

Motion 

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the HIPPA Policy as presented by Human Resources Director Savanna Slick.

Committee Appointments

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to appoint Amy Ballard as Privacy Officer for Social Services and Peder Hovland as Security Officer for the County.

Adjourn

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:25a.m.

Attest: May 28, 2024

______________________________ _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chair Cody Hasbargen