Commissioner Proceedings

November 12, 2008

The Lake of the Woods County Board met in regular session on Wednesday, November 12, 2008, in the Commissioners’ Room in the Lake of the Woods County Government Center.

Call to Order

Chairman Bredeson called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance with the following members present:  Commissioners Patty Beckel, Todd Beckel, Arnesen, Bredeson and Moorman. Also present were: County Auditor, John W Hoscheid; Tom Hanson; Penny Mio Hirst and John Oren.

Approval of Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to approve the agenda.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.  

Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the consent agenda as follows: Travel for Holly House to Duluth on December 7 – 8, 2008, Association of MN Emergency Managers meeting and Rita Krause to St. Paul on December 3 – 4, 2008 for Child Support training. Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Approval of Minutes

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the commissioner minutes of October 28, 2008.  Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Closed Session – Pursuant to MN Statute § 13D.03 Labor Negotiations

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to close the regular session at 9:05 a.m. pursuant MN Statute § 13D.03 for union negotiations. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

The following were present in closed session:  Commissioners Arnesen, Bredeson, Patty Beckel, Todd Beckel and Moorman.  Also present were: Human Resource Director, Wade Johannesen and County Auditor, John W Hoscheid.   

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to close the closed session at 9:25 a.m. and open the regular session.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Note:   The entire closed meeting was recorded by County Auditor, John W Hoscheid.

The meeting reconvened at 9:26 a.m.

Union Negotiations – Open

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to approve the following union negotiations:

• Increases of $ 0.45, $ 0.50 and $ 0.55 per hour for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively;
• Border Pass Cards are to be provided at County expense for all employees required to cross into Canada in the course of County business;
• A maximum of 100 hours compensation time will be allowed to be carried over into the next calendar year.  Adjustments for 2009 to be made in January 2009 and years 2010 and 2011 adjustments to be made in December 2009 and 2010 respectively; 
• 2009 insurance contribution is a maximum cap of $875 for family coverage and 2010 and 2011 cap contributions will not be less than $875;
• The August “opener” will be used for step adjustments;
• Grade adjustments and job description modifications will be coordinated through Human Resources as required / requested;

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

Assessor’s Office

Human Resource Director Wade Johannesen met with the board regarding the open position in the Assessor’s office.  Wade recommended to the Board to approve the Assessor’s office to move forward with the full time position instead of a contract for the position.  It was the consensus of the board to move forward with the full time position. Wade stated that the applications will be screened, finalists interviewed and recommendation to hire will be submitted to the Board for approval.            

Personnel Policy – Changes / Additions

Human Resource Director, Wade Johannesen met with the board to review the updated Travel Policy and Car Pool Policy.  The Board made some minor changes and asked Wade to present the revised policies at the next regular scheduled board meeting.

Lake of the Woods Historical Society

Funding request from Lake of the Woods Historical Society for the County Museum renovation and addition was discussed.  No action was taken at this time and this will be placed on the next regular scheduled board meeting.

Lake of the Woods Sustainability Foundation

Lake of the Woods Sustainability Foundation Executive Director, Todd Sellers gave a brief update and progress report on the Foundation.  He included the State of the Basin Report, Nutrient Budget and Water Quality Model Study and emerging collaboration between Ontario and Minnesota.  Todd discussed the status of the legislative initiative that Lake of the Woods County supported last year and that the Foundation is looking for the Boards’ support again this year.  The Foundation will send a letter of support to be approved at the next regular scheduled board meeting.

The meeting was called to recess at 12:13 p.m. and reconvened at 1:00 p.m.

Planning Commission

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to close the regular session at 1:00 p.m. and open the Planning Commission hearing.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Area citizens attended the planning commission hearing in consideration of the final plat of Rivers Edge Estate with various comments. 

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to close the Planning Commission hearing and to set a continuation hearing at the next board meeting on November 25, 2008, at 2:00 p.m.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

The regular meeting reconvened at 1:40 p.m.

Land & Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund

Land & Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund updated the board on the ordinance amendment.  There will be an ordinance amendment open house on Tuesday, November 18, 2008, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Room at the County Government Center in Baudette, MN.  The purpose of this open house will be to consider the proposed ordinance amendments to the Lake of the Woods Zoning Ordinance.

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen

County Ditch 1

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen updated the board on County Ditch 1.  They discussed a letter received from Kurt Deter, Rinke Noonan – Attorneys at Law.  This letter states that under MN Statutes §103E, no work can be done on a county ditch project that has not been authorized by the Drainage Authority.  Under MN Statutes §103E.011, the Drainage Authority is the only one who has the ability to make orders to construct and maintain drainage systems.  Under MN Statutes §103E.081, Subd.2, a person may not willfully obstruct or damage a drainage project or system. 

Interim County Attorney, Michelle Moren was present and advised the county board to request the land owner to attend a future county board meeting to discuss this issue.

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen presented a list of County Ditch 1 projects prioritized as of October 28, 2008, that was a result of the recent County Ditch 1 Committee road tour.

MN DOT Temporary Storage

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen reviewed an agreement between Lake of the Woods County and Minnesota Department of Transportation for storage of snow plow trucks.

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to enter into an agreement between Minnesota Department of Transportation and Lake of the Woods County for storage of snow plow trucks, effective upon the date signed by all necessary county and state officials as required by MN Statutes §16C.05, Subd.2 and terminating on October 31, 2009.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Transportation Formula

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen updated the board on the transportation formula.

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to appoint Commissioners Moorman and Patty Beckel to the transportation formula committee and have Bruce Hasbargen advise them of the date, time and location of the meetings.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler

Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler met with the board requesting approval of claims.

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

Commissioners’ Warrants       $   7,211.92

Commissioners’ Warrants      $ 21,732.56

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

County Auditor, John W Hoscheid

Claims

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

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

                                                Revenue                      $ 36,146.35

                                                Road & Bridge           $ 38,857.54

                                                County Development  $   1,085.00

                                                Solid Waste                 $ 20,207.03

                                                                                    $ 96,295.92

                                                   WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

WARRANTS APPROVED ON 11/12/2008 FOR PAYMENT 11/14/2008

     AMOUNT   VENDOR NAME                                                 AMOUNT   VENDOR NAME

          348.50 ARROW PRINTING                                                    866.99 AUTO VALUE BAUDETTE

          341.78 CANON FINANCIAL SERVICES                              8741.15 CENEX CO-OP SERVICES, INC.

          529.40 CLARITY GLASS                                                       806.50 D & L AUTO GLASS AND MORE

      16500.00 EARTHWORKS CONTRACTING INC                        666.75 GLOBALSTAR LLC

          990.00 JOHN HAGLUND                                                       309.44 RON HILDEBRANDT

          969.36 HOLTE IMPLEMENT, INC                                        386.10 JOHN HOSCHEID

        2439.34 HOWARD’S OIL COMPANY                                      460.22 INSIGHT PUBLIC SECTOR

        4558.20 INSIGHT TECHNOLOGIES, INC                               673.50 LAKEWOOD HEALTH CENTER

          400.00 LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING SERVI               1110.25 LOW FOODS

        3433.81 LOW HIGHWAY DEPT                                            1064.00 LOW TRANSFER INC

      11033.55 MAR-KIT LANDFILL                                                 310.05 IAN MCCORD

          650.00 MN ASSN OF COUNTIES                                         2821.47 MN COUNTIES COMPUTER CO-OP

          559.85 JEROME MOLINE                                                      982.21 KENNETH MOORMAN

        5574.47 LAW MOREN                                                             310.05 BILL MOSHER

          868.88 NOBLE THRIFTY WHITE                                          766.26 THE NORTHERN LIGHT

          749.42 NORTHERN SAFETY CO INC                                    500.00 NORTHWEST REGIONAL

          450.55 OFFICE DEPOT                                                          526.88 POWERPLAN

        1574.42 R & Q TRUCKING, INC                                            4000.00 RESERVE ACCOUNT

          673.31 RODERICK RONE JR                                                  935.74 ROSEAU COUNTY COOPERATIVE ASSN

        1750.00 SJOBERG’S INC                                                          400.00 SOFTREE TECHNICAL SYSTEMS INC

          802.03 TONY DORN, INC.                                                     480.15 TRUE VALUE

          639.04 WAYNE’S BODY SHOP-DBA                                   1218.33 WIDSETH SMITH NOLTING&ASST INC

        2943.38 WOODY’S SERVICE                                                 3942.30 ZIEGLER, INC

52 PAYMENTS LESS THAN  $300       5,238.29

FINAL TOTAL    $96,295.92

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

                                                October 28, 2008                    $ 433,942.25

                                                October 31, 2008                    $        280.00

                                                November 7, 2008                  $ 139,451.88

                                                November 8, 2008                  $   46,408.99

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

Thank You Election Judges

County Auditor, John W Hoscheid presented a letter to the County Board thanking the following county employees for a job well done with the 2008 Election:  Darren Olson, Dale Boretski, Lorene Hanson, Dawn Christianson, Christie Russell, Rita Krause, Sandy Peterson, Marti Carlson, Steve Sindelir, Shelley Pepera and Jodi Ferrier. 

Capital Expenditure Policy

The capital expenditure policy was taken off the agenda and will be placed on the next regular scheduled board agenda.

Letter to Elected Officials

The County Board directed County Auditor, John W Hoscheid to write congratulating letters to elected officials US Representative Collin Peterson and State Representative Tom Anzelc.

Maxi-Van

The County Board read correspondence from Minnesota Department of Transportation, Kent Ehrenstrom, relinquishing any financial interest in the 1996 Ford Eldorado Maxi Van.

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to transfer the 1996 Ford Eldorado Maxi Van (VIN 1FDKE30G5THA55098) to the Williams Fire Department.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Old/New Business

The board discussed the following old and new business: 

Old:

There have been no new updates on the ANI, LOW County Reverse Phone System, County TV, City of Williams (Williams Community Center – old school) or the Investment Policy.  

New:

The board will be having a special meeting with all elected and appointed department heads on Tuesday, December 16, 2008, to set 2009 salaries.  The board directed the County Auditor to set a schedule and to distribute to all involved.

There will be a Committee of the Whole meeting on Wednesday, November 26, 2008, at 8:00 a.m. to discuss budget issues.

Meeting Reports:

Commissioner Todd Beckel gave an update on the Peatland meeting he attended last month.

Commissioner Moorman updated the board on the TB Bovine and stated there will be another meeting on Wednesday, November 19, 2008, at 8:30 a.m. at Ranch House.

Correspondence:

A thank you letter was read from the Let’s Go Fishing Committee.

Recess

With no further business before the board, Chairman Bredeson called the meeting to recess at 3:03 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                                 Approved:       November 25, 2008

_____________________________                                                  ____________________________

John W Hoscheid, County Auditor                                                    Kim Bredeson, Chairman

Commissioner Proceedings

November 25, 2008

The Lake of the Woods County Board met in regular session on Tuesday, November 25, 2008, in the Commissioners’ Room in the Lake of the Woods County Government Center.

Call to Order

Chairman Bredeson called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance with the following members present:  Commissioners Patty Beckel, Todd Beckel, Arnesen, Bredeson and Moorman. Also present were: County Auditor, John W Hoscheid; Deputy Auditor, Janet Rudd; Tom Hanson; Penny Mio Hirst and John Oren.

Approval of Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the agenda with the following additions: Human Resources- Assistant Assessor, salary adjustment for 2009- non union wages, county contribution for health insurance, combined December 23, 2008 meeting with December 31, 2008 and agenda items for Committee of the Whole meeting.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.  

Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the consent agenda as follows: Travel for Lorene Hanson on December 3&4, 2008, for Paymate meeting in St. Cloud. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Approval of Minutes

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to approve the commissioner minutes of November 12, 2008.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Senator Saxhaug and representative Anzelc

Chairman Bredeson welcomed Senator Saxhaug and Representative Anzelc to the meeting.  Senator Saxhaug and Representative Anzelc informed the board that the State will have approximately 4 billion plus deficit for the upcoming year.  Anzelc informed the board of the legislative bill that he is introducing which is called the “3 block” which focuses on Public Health, Social Services and Corrections/Court that will provide funding.   Other topics discussed were: NWA minnow issues, state wide zoning, judicial system funding, sewers and school not to start until after Labor Day. The board thanked Senator Saxhaug and Representative Anzelc for attending.

Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler

Claims

Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler met with the board requesting approval of claims.

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

Commissioners’ Warrants       $   6,884.29

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

Contracts

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to approve the contract between Connie Anderson Aagard (CJA Consulting) and Lake of the Woods County Social Services for 2009, for the provision of individual and family therapy services, and consultation, training, and clinical supervision to agency staff, and to authorize Chairman Kim Bredeson and Lake of the Woods County Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler , to sign same.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the contract between Lutheran Social Services and Lake of the Woods County Social Services for 2009 for the provision of home delivered meals, and to authorize Chairman Kim Bredeson and Lake of the Woods County Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler , to sign same. Motion was seconded  by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the contract between MeritCare/Northwest Medical Center and Lake of the Woods County Social Services for 2009, for the provision of emergency mental health services, and to authorize Chairman Kim Bredeson and Lake of the Woods County Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler , to sign same.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the contract between the Occupational Development Center, Inc. and Lake of the Woods County Social Services for 2009, for the provision of employment and training services and independent living skills services, and to authorize Chairman Kim Bredeson and Lake of the Woods County Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler , to sign same. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Todd Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to approve the contract between Partners in Community Supports, Inc. and Lake of the Woods County Social Services for 2009, for the provision of fiscal support services for recipients of Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS), and to authorize Chairman Kim Bredeson and Lake of the Woods County Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler , to sign same.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the MR/RC contract between Rainy River Waivered Services and Lake of the Woods County Social Services for 2009, for the provision of adult in-home support services, and to authorize Chairman Kim Bredeson and Lake of the Woods County Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler , to sign same. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the contract between the Lake of the Woods County MIS Department and Lake of the Woods County Social Services for 2009, for the provision of MIS services, and to authorize Chairman Kim Bredeson and Lake of the Woods County Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler , to sign same. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

HUMAN RESOURCES, ASSISTANT ASSESSOR POSITION/MOTOR POOL AND TRAVEL POLICY

Assistant Assessor’s position

Human Resource Director, Wade Johannesen met with the board and informed them that the interview panel’s consensus was to hire Dale Boretski as the assistant assessor. Wade requested that Dale start at grade 11 step 5 and not step 1 as practice has been in the past. County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid requested the same opportunity to start his replacement at more than a step 1 for the Executive Administrator/Deputy Auditor’s position

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize Human Resource Director Wade Johannesen and County Assessor Wayne Bendickson to hire Dale Boretski as the assistant assessor at grade 11 step 5. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

The board requested that Wade put in the acceptance letter to Dale that he will start at grade 11, step 5 and that after the three (3) month probationary period he will not get a step increase but he will receive his step increase that he is up for this year with the Tier III plan that was established in 2007.

Executive Administrator/Deputy Auditor’s position

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to authorize Human Resource Director, Wade Johannesen and County Auditor John W. Hoscheid to advertize for Executive Administrator/Deputy Auditor’s position. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried. 

Motor Pool/Travel Policy

Wade presented the Motor Pool Policy- annex 3 and the Travel Policy to the board for approval.

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the Motor Pool Policy – annex 3 and the Travel Policy as presented.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

CN RAILROAD

Cenex Manager, Kent Hanson met with the board and informed them that the CN representatives have not heard from them on rail services. Commissioner Arnesen will look into sending a joint letter with Koochiching County to the CN for support for siding and delivery.

The meeting was called to recess at 10:50 a.m. and reconvened at 10:59 a.m. as follows:

Public Works Assistant Engineer, Bill Sindelir

Assistant Engineer, Bill Sindelir met with the board and to set a public hearing for the proposed five-year construction plan for Lake of the Woods County. No date was set by the board at this time.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Chairman Bredeson requested from the board topics for the Agenda for November 26, 2008 meeting.

CLOSED SESSION

The closed session was moved to later in the day.

The meeting was called to recess at 12:15 p.m. and reconvened at 1:00 p.m. as follows:

PUBLIC HEARING, AGGREGATE RESOURCE PRESERVATION PROPERTY TAX LAW

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to close the regular meeting at 1:04 p.m. as advertised and open the public hearing for Aggregate Resource Preservation Property Tax Law. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

No comment where heard from the floor and no letters were received.

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to close the public hearing at 1:05 p.m. and open the regular meeting. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

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

Lake of the Woods County Aggregate Tax Resolution

Consideration of “Aggregate Resource Preservation Property Tax Law” County Termination Option

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners recognizes the importance of maintaining aggregate resources for the general economy of the county; and

WHEREAS, the County Board recognizes that property taxes are an important consideration as to the viability of the aggregate industries located in the county; and

WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota has an ad valorem property tax system based on the full market value of real estate or personal property; and

WHEREAS, the provisions of Minn. Stat. §. 273.1115, Aggregate Resource Preservation Property Tax Law, grants special and unique treatment to owners of land containing aggregate deposits, in comparison with other property in the county, therefore shifting the tax burden on these properties to other taxpayers; and

WHEREAS, the provisions of Minn. Stat. § 273.1115, Aggregate Resource Preservation Property Tax Law, allow a county to terminate application of this law; and

WHEREAS, a county may reauthorize application of this law by a resolution of the County Board revoking the termination; and

WHEREAS, the County Board is required to hold a public hearing as part of the process to terminate application of this law; and

WHEREAS, said public hearing has been scheduled for November, 2008.

WHEREAS, said public hearing was held on November 26, 2008.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Lake of the Woods  County Board of Commissioners hereby elects to begin the process of terminating participation in the Aggregate Resource Preservation Property Tax Law in Lake of the Woods County.

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

County Auditor, John W Hoscheid

Claims

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

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

                                                Revenue                      $ 9,635.58

                                                Road & Bridge           $ 4,606.55

                                                Solid Waste                 $ 7,847.78

                                                                                    $ 22,089.91

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

WARRANTS APPROVED ON 11/25/2008 FOR PAYMENT 11/28/2008

    AMOUNT   VENDOR NAME                     AMOUNT   VENDOR NAME

          455.64 AMERI PRIDE LINEN & APPAREL SE                   1355.38 ANDERSON POWER AND EQUIPMENT

  1581.65 ANDY’S GARAGE, INC.                                                   716.06 BAUDETTE REGION

  1224.75 BAUERS COMMUNICATIONS & SECURI                      377.81 TODD BECKEL

  1829.92 CENEX CO-OP SERVICES, INC.                                      361.73 ENGINEER SUPPLY LLC

  2507.02 LAKES GAS CO.                                                               500.00 LOW SCHOOL DISTRICT–390

    504.33 LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICE OF MN                         2470.35 MN DEPT OF TRANSP

  2222.85 NORTH EAST TECHNICAL SERVICE,I                          874.32 NW MN HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS

    579.88 PIRKL LUMBER & CARPET                                            971.82 ROGER’S TWO WAY RADIO, INC

    579.92 WEST GROUP

28 PAYMENTS LESS THAN  $300       2,976.48

FINAL TOTAL     $22,089.91

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

                                                November 12, 2008    $ 3,032.50

                                                November 18, 2008    $27,419.46

                                                November 21, 2008    $59,739.56

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

Liquor approval

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid requested approval for a On-Sale Sunday Intoxicating Liquor License.

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve an On-Sale Sunday Intoxicating Liquor License for Michael C. MacAdams DBA Mac’s Riverview Resort from December 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009 contingent upon the approval from the County sheriff and County Attorney and that all taxes outstanding with the county are paid.  Motion was second by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Travel request

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid informed the board that he just received notification that the Manatron Tax meeting is scheduled for December 15-17, 2008 in St. Paul and that he will have to attend this meeting.

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to approve travel for County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid on December 15-17, 2008 for Manatron Tax meeting in St. Paul.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Old/New Business

The board discussed the following old and new business: 

Old:

There have been no new updates on the ANI, LOW County Reverse Phone System, County TV, City of Williams (Williams Community Center – old school) or the Investment Policy. 

NEW

None

Boundary commission

The board reviewed the process of establishing a boundary commission.

INTERIM COUNTY ATTORNEY, MICHELLE MOREN

Contract

Interim County Attorney, Michelle Moren met with the board to discuss the Minnesota Counties Computer Cooperative Maintenance and Support Contract.  Michelle stated that the cooperative is still working on statutory required insurance and will bring back to the board for approval.

MN Judicial Branch

The board discussed the request for support of funding for the MN Judicial Branch.  The board requested that Michelle draft a letter of support on behalf of the board.

COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIOENR’S DECEBMER 23, 2008 MEETING

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to combine the December 23, 2008 with the December 31, 2008 meeting.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

The meeting was called to recess at 1:50 p.m. and reconvened at 1:59 p.m.

Planning Commission

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to close the regular session at 2:00 p.m. and open the Planning Commission hearing.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund, County Surveyor, Donn Rasmussen and Interim County Attorney, Michelle Moren discussed with Attorney’s Allan Fish and Steve Anderson the discrepancies in the title opinions paying particular attention to the “easement” across neighboring properties located north of the subdivision.  Commissioner Bredeson asked Stromlund for his recommendation, which the reply was that the county could not approve the final plat as presented because of the conflicting title opinions in regards to the easement language.  If the developers have no easement gaining them access to County Road 154 then the extension of Stanton Drive has to end in a cul-de-sac as per the subdivision ordinance.  Also, discussed was the issue of final platting requirements as outlined in the Lake of the Woods Subdivision Ordinance and the Minnesota Land Surveyors Association Plat Manual of Minimum Guidelines.  The board requested the Rivers Edge Estate Developers to bring this back to the board when all requirements are in place.  This issue has been tentatively placed on the December 12, 2008, board meeting at 1:30pm.

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to close the Planning Commission at 2:24 p.m. and open the regular meeting. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

 2009 County Contribution for Health Insurance

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to set the 2009 county contribution for family health insurance up to $875.00 per month and the single health insurance up to $525.00 per month.  Major Medical plans for 2009: $500 and $1,000 deductible with preventive care and $1,200 and $2,500 Health Savings Account (HSA). For the HSA plans only, any excess county contribution will be deposited directly into the employee’s health savings account. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

SALARY ADJUSTMENT FOR NON-UNION EMPLOYEES

This was place on the December 12, 2008 agenda.

CLOSED SESSION, MN Stat. §13D.05, Subd. 2 (b)- Personnel

Chairman Bredeson asked the individual if he would like the meeting open or closed. He chose to have it closed.

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to close the regular meeting at 2:20 p.m. and to go into closed session pursuant MN Stat. § 13D.05, Subd. 2 (b). to consider charges against an individual subject to the Board’s authority. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to close the closed session and open the regular meeting at 3:00 p.m. Motion was seconded  by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Recess

With no further business before the board, Chairman Bredeson called the meeting to recess at 3:03 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                                 Approved:       December 12, 2008

_____________________________                                                  ____________________________

John W Hoscheid, County Auditor                                                    Kim Bredeson, Chairman