MINUTES & AGENDAS
November, 2013
Commissioner Proceedings
November 12, 2013
The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 in the Commissioners’ Room 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 Buck Nordlof, Ken Moorman, Ed Arnesen, Patty Beckel and Tom Hanson. Also present were: Deputy Auditor Janet Rudd and Jon Hanson.
Approval of Agenda
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the agenda with the following additions: Closed Session, Union Negotiations, Sex Offender Committal, and Thank-you letter from SWCD. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Consent Agenda
Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to approve the consent agenda as follows:
travel for Barry Bailey to St. Martin on October 16-17 for tire disposal; Dan Crompton to Detroit Lakes on February 27 for Bridge Safety Inspection Seminar; Lorene Hanson to Bloomington on November 13-15 for State Auditors Training; Cooper Mickelson to St. Cloud on December 4, for Bridge Safety Inspection Seminar and January 6-7, to Arden Hills for Concrete Plant I training; Amy Ballard to St. Cloud on December10-11 for an SSIS Mentor Meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Approval of Minutes
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the minutes of October 22, 2013, regular meeting and October 29, 2013 special meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Social Services
Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler met the board requesting approval of claims.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to approve the claims against the county as follows:
Commissioner Warrants $ 9,690.65
Commissioner Warrants $ 14,148.93
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
2014 Contract Approvals
Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler met the board requesting approval to enter into the 2014-Rural MN CEP and LakeWood Health Center for Housing with Waivered Services.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the contract for 2014 for MFIP/DWP employment services between Rural Minnesota CEP, Inc. and Lake of the Woods County Social Services and to authorize Chairman Hanson, and Lake of the Woods County Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler to sign. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the contract between LakeWood Health Center and Lake of the Woods County Social Services for 2014, for the provision of housing with services for Alternative Care, Elderly Waiver, and Community Alternatives for Disabled Individuals programs, and to authorize Chairman Hanson and Lake of the Woods County Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler, to sign. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Cell Phone Stipend
Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler met the board requesting a change in her Cell Phone Stipend from a regular cell phone to a smart phone.
Motion
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to allow Nancy Wendler a cell phone stipend of $60.00 per month. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
NW MN HOUSING-SEC. 8
Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler met with the board to discuss funding that Lee Meier requested in the past for assistance for the Sec. 8 housing.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to allot $3,000 from the Social Services account for assistance for the Sec. 8 housing in Lake of the Woods County. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
County Auditor/Treasurer
Claims
County Auditor/Treasurer Mark E. Hall and Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board for approval of claims:
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the claims as follows:
Revenue $ 75,060.46
Road and Bridge $ 35,557.12
Co. Develp $ 240.00
Solid Waste $ 25,781.51
EDA $ 1,589.10
$138,228.19
NEED WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION
Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants:
October 23, 2013 $ 50.00
October 23, 2013 $ 461,077.62
October 30 2013 $ 7,333.99
October 30 2013 $ 481,538.87
$ 950,000.48
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
2014 Health Insurance Contribution
County Auditor/Treasurer Mark E. Hall and Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board to discuss the increase of Health Insurance premiums.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to set the 2014 county contribution for family health insurance up to 1,000 per month and single health insurance up to $650.00 per month. The public Employees Insurance Program “Advantage Plan” consists of “High”, “Value” and “HSA” plans. For the HSA plans only, any excess county contribution will be deposited directly into the employee’s health savings account. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
2014 LakeWood Health Center- Public health Contract
County Auditor/Treasurer Mark E. Hall and Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval for the purchase of service agreement with LakeWood Health Center for Public Health Services.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the Purchase of Service Agreement with LakeWood Health Center and Lake of the Woods County to provide Public Health Services effective January 1, 2014 thru December 31, 2014 in the amount of $93,220 and authorize County Auditor Treasure, Mark E. Hall, Chairman Hanson, and Contracted County Attorney, Michelle Moren to sign. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Property Record Information System of Minnesota (PRISM)
County Assesor, Mary Jo Otten met with the board and informed the board of the mandated PRISM program that all counties will need to implement and informed the board that the legislatures authorized a grant to help counties pay their cost to implement the program and requested approval by the board to enter into this grant.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to authorize Chairman Hanson to sign the Property Record Information System of Minnesota Grant application for funding for the implementation of this program The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Auditor/Treasurer Resolution to Combine Offices
Chairman Hanson reviewed the resolution for combining the County Auditor/Treasurers Office pursuant to MN Statutes § 375A.10 through 375A.121 with the Commissioners.
Resolution
The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Arnesen and moved for adoption:
Combining the Offices of County Auditor/Treasurer
RESOLUTION NO. 13-11-01
WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County currently has an elected Auditor and an elected Treasurer; and
WHEREAS, under Minnesota Statutes § 375A.10 through 375A.121, counties are allowed to combine the offices of Auditor and Treasurer; and
WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners, after studying this matter, has decided that combining the offices will provide efficiencies for Lake of the Woods County Government, and has concluded that the Board wishes to see these two offices combined, effective January 5, 2015, with the election for this new office taking place in the fall of 2014; and
WHEREAS, by concurrence of at least 80% of its members, the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners has further concluded that such a combined office should remain elected; and
WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners understands that a referendum will be required if a petition of opposition is received which is signed by a number of voters equal to ten percent of those voting in the county at the last general election. Any said petition must be received by the county auditor within 30 days after the second publication of this board resolution which orders the combination of offices.
WHEREAS, the current terms of the Auditor and the Treasurer will expire on January 4, 2015.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that by adopting this Resolution, effective with the term beginning January 5, 2015, the current Office of the Lake of the Woods County Treasurer will be abolished and in its place a new elective office named Office of the Lake of the Woods County Auditor/Treasurer will be created.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all of the duties that are required by Minnesota Statutes by the Auditor and Treasurer will be vested in the newly created Office of the Auditor/Treasurer and performed by the Auditor/Treasurer without diminishing, prohibiting or avoiding those specific duties required by statute to be performed by the County Auditor and the County Treasurer.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the persons last elected to the positions of auditor and treasurer before adoption of the resolution shall serve in those offices and perform the duties of those offices until the completion of the terms to which they were elected (unless said persons are no longer serving in said capacity).
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the person filling the combined office shall take the oath of each office and shall give the bond required by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners provided that said bond be in an amount not less than that required of a county treasurer in Lake of the Woods County.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that all requirements that are specified in Minnesota Statutes § 375A.10 through 375A.121, to enact this change, will be complied with by Lake of the Woods County.
The resolution was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Maintenance and Grooming Grant Agreement
County Auditor/Treasurer Mark E. Hall and Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval to enter into a Maintenance and Grooming Grant Agreement with the State of Minnesota.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to authorize Chairman Hanson and County Auditor/Treasure to sign the Maintenance and Grooming Grant Agreement between the State of Minnesota, Department of Natural Resource and Lake of the Woods County, referred to as the “Sponsor”, effective July 1, 2013 thru June 30, 2014. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Lake of the Woods Women of Today – Excluded Bingo
County Auditor/Treasurer Mark E. Hall met with the board requesting approval for the exempt gambling permit for the Lake of the Woods Women of Today for November 23, 2013.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to approve the exempt gambling permit for the Lake of the Woods Women of Today to conduct excluded Bingo on November 23, 2013 at Lake of the Woods School and authorize County Auditor/Treasure Mark E. Hall to sign. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Premises Permit
County Auditor/Treasure Mark E. Hall inquired if the board would have any concern about having two non-profit organizations have a premise permit within one establishment. The board concurred that they did not have any objection on having two non-profit organizations in one premises.
SHERIFF
County Sheriff, Gary Fish and Emergency Management Director, Christina Husbands met with the board requesting authorization to enter into a Grant Agreement with the Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to enter into an Emergency Management performance Grant with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (STATE), grant number A-EMPG-2013-LOTW-CO-00225, effective January 1, 2013 thru December 31, 2013 in the amount of $14,070 with matching funds of $14,070 and authorize County Sheriff, Gary Fish and Chairman Hanson to sign. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
City Watch
County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board to inform them that Code Red purchased City Watch and that the department will enter into a contract with Code Red, with an increase of $2,500 more than City Watch was. Gary informed the board that the contract is with Contracted Attorney, Michelle Moren for her approval.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to authorize County Sheriff, Gary Fish to enter into the Code Red contract contingent upon the approval of Contracted County Attorney, Michelle Moren. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
County Coroner Replacement
County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board to inform the board that Dr. Dayer would remain on as the County Coroner if he could get Health Insurance. No action was taken. Gary will check with the hospital to see if any other Doctors maybe interested in taking over as Coroner.
Border Land Substance Abuse Court
Border Land Substance Abuse Court Coordinator, Lisa Santee met with the board to update them on grant funding and that she did not get the Mental Health District Grant but did receive the At Risk Funding.
RECESS
The meeting was called to recess at 10:45 a.m. and reconvened at 10:50 a.m. as follows:
NEW TAX SYSTEM
County Assessor, Mary Jo Otten met with the board to discuss the options of a new tax system. The board discussed the vendors that the committee contacted. Xerox did a presentation but they could not display a finished product; CPUI did a presentation and a number of Webinars for interested staff. CPUI is a Minnesota based company and has approximately 27 counties in Minnesota that are using their program.. Mary Jo informed the board that this was the program she used in Mille Lacs County and it is capable of adding the CAMA program. Manatron did a presentation and informed the committee that they are unable to make the changes we requested. The Committee will meet again to put together comparisons between Manatron and CPUI to be presented at an upcoming Board Meeting.
PUBLIC WORKS
Public Works Director, Tim Erikson met with the board requesting approval for final payment for S.A.P. 039-602-018, Seal Coat & Fog Seal, for Scott Construction.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to accept the County Public Works Director’s Certificate of Final Contract Acceptance for S.A.P. 039-602-018, Seal Coat & Fog Seal, for Scott Construction in the amount of $16, 00478. The motion was seconded by Commissioners Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Cell Phone Stipend
Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting a change in his Cell Phone Stipend.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to allow Public Works Director, Tim Erickson a cell phone stipend of $60.00 per month. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Vacation Time
Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board to discuss the personal policy that allows staff to donate vacation time for a Catastrophic Illness to an employee or an employee’s family member that qualifies as a catastrophic illness and that any county employee may donate one vacation day to the qualified employee with a maximum to be received of 20 days which is to be paid at the givers rate of pay.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to approve the donation of employee vacation time as per County Personnel Policy. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
DISTRICT II AMC UPDATE
Commissioner Beckel updated the board on the following items of discussion from the District II AMC meeting:
Potential 2014 Legislative Action Items
- Environment and Natural Resources- Shoreland Rule Making;
- General Government- Workers Compensation;
- Health & Human Services- Eliminate the Chemical Dependency Cost Share and Human Services Administrative Simplification;
- Transportation: Funding;
CSAH Policy Paper- funding allocation
Commissioner Arnesen inquired about Highway 172N. Tim said the MN DOT is looking at the re-designating of roads and that he will start looking into this inquiry.
RECESS
The meeting was called to recess at 11:30 a.m. and reconvened at 11:40 a.m. as follows:
HOFFMAN DALE AND SWENSON, PLLC
2012 Exit Audit Interview
Colleen Hoffman, from Hoffman, Dale & Swenson, PLLC met with the board to review the 2012 year- end audit.
RECESS
The meeting was called to recess at 12:30 p.m. and reconvened at 1:25 p.m. as follows:
PETITION FOR VACATION OFA PORTION OF BEACH AVENUE AND RIVER DRIVE IN WHEELER’S POINT AND HARRIS ADDITION
Chairman Hanson reviewed the Petition from David Larson filing of a petition to vacate a portion of Beach Ave and River Drive in Wheelers Point and Harris Addition.
ORDER SETTING FORTH INITIAL DESCRIPTIONS AND SETTING HEARING DATE
RESOLUTION NO. 11-12-02
The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Beckel and moved for adoption:
WHEREAS, the County Board of Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota was presented a Petition at its regular meeting on the 12th day of November, 2013 requesting the vacation of a road;
WHEREAS, the Petition contains a description of the road,
A portion of Beach Ave and River Drive in Wheeler’s Point and Harris Addition, Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota;
All that portion of Beach Avenue and River Drive lying North of the following described line: Commencing at a point, which is the Southwesterly-most point of Block Three (3) Wheeler’s Point which is also on the northerly boundary line of River Drive, Wheeler’s Point, Lake of the Woods County; thence, on and along the Northern boundary of River Drive, extended, to a point which intersects the common boundary of Lots Six (6) and Seven (7), Block One (1), Wheeler’s Point, if extended; thence Northeasterly on and along the extended common boundary line of Lots Six (6) and Seven, Block One (1), Wheeler’s Point, to the beginning of Lot Seven (7), where it terminates. Provided, HOWEVER, that any use of Lake Drive, aka Lake Lane NW, by the owners of Lots Two (2) through Eight (8), Block One, Harris Addition, and their invitees, shall be granted by those persons who are awarded the vacated road described above.
WHEREAS, Minn. Stat. §164.07, subd. 2, requires the County Board to make an order describing as nearly as practicable the road to be vacated, describing the several tracts of land through which the road passes, and fixing a time and place when and where the Town Road will meet and act upon the Petition;
NOW, THEREFORE, IT’S HEREBY ORDERED:
- The road proposed to be vacated is described as:
A portion of Beach Ave and River Drive in Wheeler’s Point and Harris Addition, Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota;
All that portion of Beach Avenue and River Drive lying North of the following described line: Commencing at a point, which is the Southwesterly-most point of Block Three (3) Wheeler’s Point which is also on the northerly boundary line of River Drive, Wheeler’s Point, Lake of the Woods County; thence, on and along the Northern boundary of River Drive, extended, to a point which intersects the common boundary of Lots Six (6) and Seven (7), Block One (1), Wheeler’s Point, if extended; thence Northeasterly on and along the extended common boundary line of Lots Six (6) and Seven, Block One (1), Wheeler’s Point, to the beginning of Lot Seven (7), where it terminates. Provided, HOWEVER, that any use of Lake Drive, aka Lake Lane NW, by the owners of Lots Two (2) through Eight (8), Block One, Harris Addition, and their invitees, shall be granted by those persons who are awarded the vacated road described above.
2. The several tracts of land through which the road passes and their owners are:
Owners Description of Land
David L. Larson 2568 River Lane NW
and Joanna C. Larson Baudette, MN 56623
Charles C. Tews 2576 Lake Lane NW
Paul F. Tews Baudette, MN 56623
3. The Lake of the Woods County Board will conduct a Public Hearing at 1:00 p.m. on the 28th day of January, 2014, at Beach Avenue and River Drive in Wheeler’s Point and Harris Addition, in Lake of the Woods County to examine the road. The board will recess from the viewing of the road and reconvene the Public Hearing at the Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room, to receive public comment, consider the proposed action, and act on the Petition.
NOTICE OF RIGHT TO APPEAL
Affected landowners have right to appeal as provided in Minn. Stat. §164.07, subd. 7 to seek judicial review of damages, need, and purpose if the County Board does decide to establish or alter a Town Road.
Dated:______________ By the County Board
_______________________________ _________________________________
County Auditor/Treasurer, Mark E. Hall County Board Chairman, Thomas Hanson
The resolution was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
SEX OFFENDER COMMITTAL
Chairman Hanson informed the board that Contract County Attorney, Michelle Moren informed him that there may be a Sex Offender Committal for Lake of the Woods County.
COUNTY ATTORNEY POSITION
Chairman Hanson opened up discussion of the candidates the board and committee interviewed. The board concurred on one candidate and reviewed the salary range. Chairman Hanson will contact the applicant to offer the position. Human Resource Assistant, Dena Pieper will send a letter of acceptance.
CORRESPONDENCE:
The following correspondence was acknowledged: Thank you letter from SWCD and Lake of the Woods Watershed Forum.
closed session
Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to close the regular meeting at 1:50 p.m. and open the closed session pursuant to MN Statute § 13D.03 Labor Negotiations. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
The following were present at the closed session: Commissioners Arnesen, Nordlof, Moorman, Beckel and Hanson, Human Resource Assistant, Dena Pieper.
Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to close the closed session and open the regular meeting at 2:10 p.m. 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 2:15 p.m.
Attest: Approved: November 26, 2013
____________________________ _______________________________Janet E. Rudd, Deputy Auditor Thomas Hanson, Chairman of the Board
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Commissioner Proceedings
November 26, 2013
The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 in the Commissioners’ Room 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 Buck Nordlof, Ken Moorman, Ed Arnesen, Patty Beckel and Thomas Hanson. Also present were: Deputy Auditor Janet Rudd and Jon Hanson.
Approval of Agenda
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to approve the agenda with the following additions: Closed Session Union Negotiations, travel for Lorene Hanson, Brink Center Freezer, Certify 2014 Levy. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Consent Agenda
Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to approve the consent agenda as follows:
travel for Lorene Hanson to St. Cloud on December 11-12 for year-end payroll. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Approval of Minutes
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the minutes of November 12, 2013, regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
County Attorney
Paralegal/Legal Secretary, Dena Pieper met with the board requesting funding for Consultation Attorney Fees for future cases.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to allocate $5,000 for 2013 and $5,000 for 2014 budgets for Consultation Attorney Fees from the unallocated account. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Closed Session
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to closed the regular meeting at 9:10 a.m. and open the closed session pursuant to MN Statutes §13D.05 Subd. 2 (3) and (4), to discuss the private medical and health data of an employee. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
The following members were present: Commissioners Arnesen, Moorman, Hanson, Nordlof and Beckel. Others in attendance were: Human Resource Assistant Dena Pieper, Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler and Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to close the closed session and open the regular meeting at 10:08 a.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Social Service
Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler 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 $ 5,457.53
Commissioner Warrants $ 26,929.75
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
2014 Contract Approvals
Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler met with the board requesting approval to enter into the 2014-UCare and 2014 Medica Contract.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to approve the contract between UCare and Lake of the Woods County Social Services effective 01/01/14 for the provision of Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare services to eligible clients and to authorize Chairman Tom Hanson to sign. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the contract between Medica and Lake of the Woods County Social Services effective 01/01/14, for the provision of Care Coordination Services to Special Needs Basic Care (SNBC) clients, and to authorize Chairman Tom Hanson to sign. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Local Government Innovation Award
Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler informed the board that the County received the Local Government Innovation Award for Region II Mental Health Transportation Project and will be recognized at the AMC Annual Meeting.
AMEND AGENDA
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to amend the agenda and add Motor Vehicle Checking account and temporary Social Worker. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Temporary Social Worker
Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler requested to hire a temporary Social Worker for December, January and February.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler to hire a temporary Social Worker for the months of December, January and February at Grade 12 Step A. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Brink Center
Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler met with the board requesting funding to purchase a freezer for the Brink Center.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to authorize payment up to $3,500 for a freezer for the Brink Center with the funding from the Brink Center account. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
SHERIFF
County Coroner
County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board to inform the board that he checked with LakeWood Health Center on possibilities of a Doctor to fill the position of the County Coroner, they commented that at this time it would not work with their schedule. The board discussed the request from Dr. Dayer that he would continue as the County Coroner, if he would be able to get County Health Insurance. Pursuant to MN Statutes 390.005 requires the County to have either an elected Coroner or an appointed Coroner; MN Statute 390.111 requires that County Boards is responsible for reasonable and necessary compensation and expenses of the Coroner. The consensus of the county board was to offer family employee health insurance to Dr. Dayer effective January 2014.
Stonegarden Grant
County Board reviewed the Stonegarden Grants with County Sheriff, Gary Fish.
Airboat
County Sheriff, Gary Fish informed the board that they received a grant in the amount of $42,000 and will need additional funding for the cost of the Airboat is $65,000. The board will review this at a upcoming work session with the Sheriff’s Office.
Chief Deputy Sheriff
County Sheriff, Gary Fish requested that the board place Chief Deputy Sheriff, Daryl Fish from an exempt employee to a non-exempt employee. No action was taken and will discuss further at a work session.
County Recorder
County Recorder, Susan Ney met with the board pursuant to MN Statute 357.182, Subd. 6 requires the Recorder to present to the County Board a report detailing return delivery time of documents recorded in the office for the previous year. Susan reviewed the Turn Around Time Report with the board.
COUNTY ATTORNEY POSTION
Chairman Hanson informed the board that he left a message with the applicant and did not hear back from the applicant at this time.
TAX SYSTEM
MIS Director, Peder Hovland met with the board to discuss the cost associated with changing over to a new tax system. Peder informed the board that he contacted CPUI, Nemisis, Xerox and Manatron for the tax system numbers. Peder recommended purchasing the CPUI; cost associated with the change will be to bring back the AS400 system, but will re-coop cost due to no longer hosting with Beltrami County and savings in the CAMA system. Timeline will be to convert to new system in May 2014 and run both systems to the end of 2015; will need to purchase the 400 system in 2013 to save on costs of equipment; cost is $16,800 plus applicable tax; will need an additional $60,000 for new system commitment.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize the purchase of the CPUI and CPS system for the new tax system with $60,000 funding from 2013 unallocated account to the 2014 technology fund and order the AS 400 system in 2013 in the amount of $16,800 plus tax with the funding from the technology fund. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
REMONUMENTATION COST SHARE SETTLEMENT
Donn Rasmussen met with the board to discuss the re-monumentation cost share settlement that the board discussed back in May. Donn informed the board that this certificate of survey will be recorded, and will help in future surveying in this township; Baudette Township is one of the top priorities to complete and this survey, the section corners where the main work and will help in future surveys.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to reimburse Pierre Lafromboise for the recertification of survey that was conducted on his property in the amount $1,200 from the cost share program. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof 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 requesting authorization for Chairman Hanson to sign the MPCA 2012 County Feedlot Performance Grant Application.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to authorize Chairman Hanson to sign the MPCA 2012 County Feedlot Performance Grant Application effective July 1, 2013 in the amount of $1,073. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
County Auditor/Treasurer
Claims
County Auditor/Treasurer Mark E. Hall and Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board for approval of claims:
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the claims as follows:
Revenue $ 46,427.38
Road and Bridge $ 15,051.74
Co. Develp $ 2,700.00
Solid Waste $ 4,554.05
EDA $ 4,377.60
$ 73,110.77
WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION
Warrants Approved On 11/26/2013 For Payment 11/27/2013
Vendor Name Amount
Lake Road Diesel Inc 2,495.95
LaValla Electric DBA/Ned 20,000.00
LOW Soil & Water Cons. Dist. 2,500.00
North American Salt Co 4,535.05
North East Technical Service,Inc 2,763.60
Northwest Community Action, Inc 3,096.50
Pb Distributing Inc 2,328.30
Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc 14,950.00
48 Payments less than 2000 20,441.37
Final Total: 73,110.77
Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants:
November 13, 2013 $ 4,996.74
November 13, 2013 $ 90,555.58 November 15, 2013 $ 405,716.27
$ 501,268.59
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
David Larson, Road Vacation
County Auditor/Treasurer Mark E. Hall informed the board that part of the Road Vacation process is to appoint a designee to consult with the Commissioner of DNR at least fifteen (15) days before the public hearing because the road vacation is adjacent to public waters.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to appoint Commissioner Beckel as the designee to consult with the commissioner of DNR for the David Larson, Road Vacation that is set for January 28, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Beach Ave and River Drive in Wheeler’s Point and Harris Addition, Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
December Payroll
County Auditor/Treasurer Mark E. Hall met with the board to discuss the last payroll for December and informing them that it falls on Christmas Day and requested that time sheets be turned in by 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2013 and will deposit payroll on December 23, 2013 which will be in employee bank account on the December 24. The board concurred with Marks request.
Forfeited Land Sale Update
County Auditor/Treasurer Mark E. Hall met with the board and informed the board the Wallace property that was forfeited contains water frontage of 150 feet or more on Williams Creek and would require special legislation under Minn. Stat. 282.018, subd. 1 in order to sell. The DNR would not object to legislation authorizing the sale of the parcel; also recommended to pull the Outlots off the sale as they are easement access to property owners; he is still waiting for the resolution from the City of Williams authorizing the county to sell the parcel within the city limits, when he receives the resolution he can continue with the next steps of the sale.
Motor Vehicle Checking Account
County Auditor/Treasurer, Mark E. Hall requested to update the signature card for the Motor Vehicle checking account to include Deputy Auditor, Janet Rudd, Deputy Auditor, Darren Olson and Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Stacy Novak.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize Deputy Auditor, Janet Rudd, Deputy Auditor, Darren Olson and Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Stacy Novak to sign for the Motor Vehicle checking account. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
CLOSED SESSION MN Stat.§ 13D.03 Union Negotiations
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to close the regular meeting at 12:29 p.m. and open the closed session pursuant to MN Stat. §13D.03 for union negotiations. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
The following members were present: Commissioners Arnesen, Hanson, Nordlof, Beckel and Moorman. Others present: Human Resource Assistant, Dena Pieper.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to close the closed session at open the regular meeting at 12:32 p.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
UNION NEGOTIATIONS-Local 49 Union Solid Waste Department
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve a one year contract with the Local 49 Union Solid Waste bargaining unit as follows:
The board agrees to pay a 0% cost of living adjustment.
The board agrees to pay union members a step increase where applicable.
Hours worked in excess of 8 hours a day shall be paid at the rate of 1 ½ time the hourly rate Monday thru Saturday.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Proposed Levy
The board discussed the MN Sales Tax that counties are now exempt from paying and the increase of the PILT payment the county will receive. The board felt that with the combined revenue savings of the two that the levy could be reduced from the 2% proposed to a 0% increase for 2014.
RECESS
The meeting was called to recess at 12:47 p.m. and reconvened at 6:01 p.m. as follows:
PUBLIC HEARING TNT
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to close the regular meeting and open the public hearing at 6:02 p.m. for the TNT hearing. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Chairman Hanson welcomed everyone to the hearing. Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson reviewed the proposed 2014 budget along with the levy and comparison information provided by Deputy Auditor/Treasure Stacy Novak. All comments and questions were addressed by the board and staff present.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to close the Public Hearing at 6:47 p.m. and opened the regular meeting. The motion was seconded Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Chairman Hanson called for the resolution for adoption of the 2014 Budget and Tax Levy. He stated that the 2014 Levy will remain with a 0% increase to the Revenue fund versus the proposed 2%.
Resolution
The following Resolution was proposed and moved for adoption by Commissioner Ken Moorman:
Resolution Adopting
2014 Certified Budget and Tax Levy
Resolution 2013-11-03
WHEREAS, the Certified County Budget for the year 2014 has been reviewed by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following Certified Budget and Tax Levy is hereby adopted for the Lake of the Woods County for 2014:
Revenue Fund $ 1,334,803
Road & Bridge Fund $ 449,580
Social Services Fund $ 603,935
Economic Development Authority Fund $ 60,000
2013 Proposed Budget and Tax Levy $ 2,448,318
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following amounts be levied against the unorganized townships of Lake of the Woods County for 2014:
Twp Road & Bridge $ 437,555*
Twp Fire – Baudette $ 22,000
Twp Fire – Williams $ 31,072
Twp Fire – NW Angle $ 6,500
Total $ 497,127
2014
* $437,555 for Township Road & Bridge includes $12,000 which is specifically levied to Northwest Angle residents for Calcium Chloride (increased 2,000). (425,555+12,000=437,555)
The 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 Hanson called the meeting to recess at 6:49 p.m.
Attest: Approved: December 17, 2013
____________________________ _______________________________Janet E. Rudd, Deputy Auditor Thomas Hanson, Chairman of the Board