MINUTES & AGENDAS
November, 2014
Commissioner Proceedings
November 12, 2014
The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Wednesday, November 12, 2014 in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.
Call to Order
Chair Beckel called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners, Ken Moorman, Ed Arnesen, Patty Beckel, Tom Hanson and Buck Nordlof. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer, Mark Hall, and Deputy Auditor, Janet Rudd.
Approval of Agenda
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the agenda with the following additions: Snowmobile contract, Department Head evaluations, Williams Fire Department, Resignation of Christina Husbands and Lorene Hanson travel. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to approve the consent agenda as follows: Josh Stromlund November 16-17, Wetland Stakeholders meeting, St. Cloud/West Metro Area and on November 24-25 to St. Cloud for WACA Technical Team Meeting; Tim Erickson to attend the Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths Conference to be held November 13 & 14, 2014 in Duluth, and Lorene Hanson on November 18-19 for Auditor/Treasurer training in St. Paul. The 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 Moorman to approve the minutes of October 28, 2014 regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Auditor/Treasurer
Claims
County Auditor/Treasurer, Mark Hall and Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims:
Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the claims against the county as follows:
Revenue $35,943.26
Road & Bridge $33,623.31
Co. Devel. $ 861.00
Solid Waste $23,661.18
EDA $ 1,500.00
Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants:
WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION
Warrants Approved On 11/12/2014 For Payment 11/14/2014
Vendor Name Amount
Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc. 8,799.38
Dell Marketing, Lp 4,410.52
Farmers Union Oil Co. 4,118.69
Howard’s Oil Company 2,591.98
KRIS Engineering Inc 2,363.84
LOW Highway Dept 6,950.61
Mactek Systems Inc 10,709.50
Mar-Kit Landfill 12,153.15
TrueNorth Steel 4,135.88
Woody’s Service 5,803.12
Ziegler, Inc 3,995.15
80 Payments less than 2000 29,556.93
Final Total: 95,588.75
October 28, 2014 $ 432,048.26
October 30, 2014 $ 334,579.83
October 31, 2014 $ (300.00)
November4,2014 $ 8,426.40
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
DNR Lease- U.S. Customs and Immigration Video Phone Site
County Auditor/Treasurer Mark E. Hall met with the board requesting approval to enter into a lease with the State of Minnesota for a U.S. Customs and immigration Video Phone Site that is located on State land the will expire on December 31,2014for the purchase of service agreement.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize Chair Beckel to sign the Miscellaneous Lease # LMIS000652 for the use of State land for the U.S. Customs and Immigration Video Phone Site effective January 1, 2015 thru December 31, 2024 and authorize County Auditor/Treasurer, Mark Hall to remit $500 payment to cover the lease payment till 2024, contingent approval by County Attorney, James Austad. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Snowmobile Trails Maintenance and Grooming Grant Agreement
County Auditor/Treasurer, Mark Hall met with the board requesting approval to enter into the 2015 Snowmobile Maintenance and Grooming Grant Agreement for the Maintenance and Grooming for the Big Traverse Snowmobile Trail $21,926.73; Border Trails Snowmobile Trail $97,241.82 and NW Angle Edgeriders $52,995.54, total grant of $172,164.09.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to authorize Chairman Beckel and County Auditor/Treasurer, Mark Hall to sign the 2015 Snowmobile Maintenance and Grooming Grant Agreement for the maintenance and grooming of trails effective July 1, 2014 thru June 30, 2015 in the amount of $172,164.09. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Revenue and Expenditure Guidelines
Chief Deputy Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and reviewed the Revenue and Expenditure Guidelines.
County Development-Con-Con Funds
Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board to finalize the 2015 Con-Con funds request.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to make allocations to the following organization from the ConCon funds, payable in 2015:
Baudette Arena Assoc $17,500
Williams Arena Assoc $ 6,000
Baudette Chamber-Project $ 3,800 Baudette Community Foundation $ 4,000
Economic Dev-Marketing/Operational$10,000
Clementson Cemetery(upgrade Eastern Side)$ 500(Project Specific)
Depot Preservation (Doors/gutters) 5,000(Up to receipts) LOW Historical Society $12,500
LOW Humane Society-support $ 5,000
University of MN Extension $ 2,000
Williams Public Library $ 650
JT Powers Natural Resource Board $ 1,000
LOW Rod and Gun Club-(Trap Machine) $ 2,000
LOW School Trap Team (Operational Exp) $ 1,000
LOW Sr. Fishing (LOW Chapter) $ 1,500
Rinke-Noonan-Retainer-Drainage $ 2,400
St. Louis County Aud(NCLUCB) $ 2,000
Take A Kid Fishing $ 600
Widseth Smith Nolting $16,000
Auditing Fees $ 800
$94,250
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Potato Day Funds
Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson informed the board that the Potato Day Committee requested their funding for support for Potato Day and that she requested it be paid by Auditor’s Warrant. The consensus of the board was to issue an Auditor’s warrant.
HUMAN RESOURCE DEPARTMENT
Chair Beckel informed the board that they need to adjust the Human Resource Budget for 2015. The board requested that Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson adjust the budget. Chair Beckel informed Human Resource Director, Karen Ose that the county does allow cell phone stipends.
2015 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 2015 county contribution for family health insurance up to $1,075 per month and single health insurance up to $725.00 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 Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
2015 Budget
County Auditor/Treasurer Mark Hall and Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board to discuss the 2015 budget. The board set December 2, 2014 at 7:30 a.m. to meet and review the proposed budget.
RECESS
The meeting was called to recess at 10:34 a.m. and reconvened at 10:39 a.m.
SOCIAL SERVICES
Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board for approval of claims for the Social Services department.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the claims against the county as follows:
Commissioners Warrants $9,619.00
Commissioners Warrants $3,984.00
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
SHERIFF
County Sheriff, Gary Fish and Emergency Management Director, Christina Husbands met with the board to discuss and review the Security Policy. The board requested that Christina pass the policy to Human Resource Manager, Karen Ose to review and place in the Personal Policy.
Resignation
County Sheriff, Gary Fish and Emergency Management Director, Christina Husbands met with the board and presented a letter of Resignation from Christina Husband.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to accept the resignation for Emergency Management Director, Christina Husbands effective November 26, 2014. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
UNION CONTRACT
Chair Beckel discussed the Union Contract for Solid Waste and a step increase for Highway Office Manager/Accountant.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the 2015 Solid Waste Union Contract with a two percent (2%) cost of living adjustment and one (1) step unless employees are maxed and authorize Chair Beckel and Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson to sign, contingent approval of County Attorney, James Austad. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to grant step increase for Highway Office Manager/Accountant, Marti Carlson to step 9, effective January 1, 2015. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
ASSOCATION OF MN COUNTIES
Chair Beckel informed the board that at the AMC District Meeting they discussed potential 2015 legislative actions as follows:
- Assessor Accreditation
- County Program Aid
- Restoring Public Health Grants
- Mental Health Initiatives
- Transportation Funding
Chair Beckel also informed the board that she will speak with Human Resource Director, Karen Ose to see when a good time would be to do Department Head Evaluations.
OLD/NEW BUSINESS
The board reviewed Old/New Business and removed Human Resource and Flooding/Water from the Old/New Business.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Government Center Renovation
Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board and informed them that there were no bids received from contractors out of the area. He suggested that County staff do the work in the Auditor/Treasurer office to expand the MIS department. He estimates the project cost to be around $5,000. The board concurred with Tim’s suggestion that County staff do the re-model.
Clementson Park
Public Works Director, Tim Erickson informed the board that the State is still working on the details of the conveyance of the Clementson property to the County. MnDOT was notified of two culturally sensitive areas on the property during past projects, which must be identified in any future plans the County may have. The County will not be able to do anything within that boundary. Tim will keep them informed on any updates on the property transfer.
WILLIAMS FIRE DEPARTMENT
Commissioner Moorman discussed the possible in-kind service that the Williams Fire Department may need to replace a well tank for holding of water for the re-filling of fire trucks. Public Works Director, Tim Erickson is looking into this project.
RADIO BASE STATION
Public Works Director, Tim Erickson informed the board that he was contacted by MnDOT about the Marine Band Radio Base Station. The transmitter needs to be replaced, and MnDOT is considering removing it without replacement. Tim informed them that the station is used by local residents and tourist when they are in distress on the lake. DOT informed him that the estimated cost for a new transmitter is $36,000. Legislators would need to allocate the money, but MnDOT cannot request that funding. They would need someone else to ask for it. Tim informed the board that he will look into this.
Correspondence
The board acknowledged a thank-you letter from the Williams Library.
RECESS
With no further business before the board, Chair Beckel called the meeting to recess at 11:53 a.m.
Attest: Approved: November 25, 2014
________________________ _________________________________
Janet E. Rudd Deputy Auditor Patty Beckel, Chair of the Board
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Commissioner Proceedings
November 25, 2014
The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, November 25, 2014 in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.
Call to Order
Chair Beckel called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners, Ken Moorman, Patty Beckel, and Buck Nordlof. Absent, Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Tom Hanson. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer, Mark Hall, and Deputy Auditor, Janet Rudd.
Approval of Agenda
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the agenda with the following additions: Gambling Permit, Department Head evaluations, Travel for Todd Canfield, Lorene Hanson and Christina Hultman, gambling permit, score grant, Whole community meeting on December 3, 2014, Roosevelt tower and Snowmobile Bridge. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to approve the consent agenda as follows: Karlene Brown to Fargo on December 1-2 for Geriatric Mental Health Care, Stacy Novak to St. Paul on December 3-4 for MCCC Advisory Committee Meeting, Lorene Hanson and Christine Hultman to St. Cloud on December 3-4 for year-end payroll training and Lorene Hanson to St. Cloud on December 7-9 for AMC conference. The 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 Nordlof to approve the minutes of November 12, 2014 regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Auditor/Treasurer
Claims
County Auditor/Treasurer, Mark Hall and Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims:
Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the claims against the county as follows:
Revenue $ 26,767.76
Road & Bridge $ 5,489.11
Co. Devel. $ 15,200.00
Natl Resc Enhanc $ 3,143.50
Solid Waste $ 15,533.91
EDA $ 5,100.00
WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION
Warrants Approved On 11/25/2014 For Payment 11/26/2014
Vendor Name Amount
Andy’s Garage, Inc. 2,411.06
Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc. 3,498.00
Computer Professionals Unlimited Inc 11,450.00
LOW Highway Dept 2,000.00
North East Technical Service,Inc 3,070.10
Northern Light Region 3,354.50
Northland Repair 15,000.00
Northwest Community Action, Inc 2,376.50
Pennington County Treasurer 2,474.10
R & Q Trucking, Inc 3,757.65
Rinke-Noonan 3,343.50
47 Payments less than 2000 20,400.81
Final Total: 73,136.22
Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants:
November 11, 2014 $ 82,697.53
November 18, 2014 $ 600,848.01
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
LIQOUR LICENSE
County Auditor/Treasurer Mark E. Hall met with the board requesting approval for an On/Off sale liquor license for MAWRLT Inc., DBA Wigwam Resort.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the On/Off sale liquor license for MAWRLT Inc. DBA Wigwam Resort effective December 1, 2014 thru June 30, 2015. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Exempt Gambling Permit
County Auditor/Treasurer Mark E. Hall met with the board requesting approval for an exempt gambling permit for the UMC Teambackers.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to approve the exempt gambling permit for the UMC Teambackers to hold a raffle at Zippel Bay State Park on February 7, 2015. 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 with the board requesting approval of claims for the Social Services department.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the claims against the county as follows:
Commissioners Warrants $10,386.41
Commissioners Warrants $28,454.06
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Copier
Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler informed the board that her lease is up in her department and will be bringing in a new machine and new lease.
WHOLE COMMUNITY MEETING
Chair Beckel informed the board that there will be a Whole Community Meeting on December 3, 2014 at the Ambulance Garage at 6:00 p.m. regarding Ebola or any other emerging infectious diseases and to discus ARMER/800 radio coverage for our area.
HUMAN RESOURCE
Human Resource Directory Karen Ose and County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board requesting authorization to advertise and hire an Emergency Management Director.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to authorize Human Resource Director Karen Ose and County Sheriff, Gary Fish to advertise, interview and hire for the Emergency Management Director. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
RECESS
The meeting was called to recess at 9:50 a.m. and reconvened at 9:58 a.m. as follows:
CORRESPONDENCE
Chair Beckel and Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Stacy Novak reviewed the proposal that the League of MN Cities is pursuing of the distributions of proceeds on sale of tax-forfeit property which would redefine state statute to prevent proceeds of sale to be used for administrative or other cost until the cities are reimbursed for unpaid assessment and development cost. The board requested that Deputy Auditor, Stacy Novak keep them informed on the possible legislative changes; the board acknowledged the thank-you letter from Williams Potato Day.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Curator and Executive Director Marlys Hirst, Chairman Dan Crompton and Secretary, Rita Krause met with the board to discuss the Museum Renovation Project, Phase II-HVAC. Marlys informed the board that the building needs temporary heat until the new system is installed; reviewed the project funding and the breakdown of expense and the shortfall of $37,000. The board requested that Marlys come to the next board meeting when the full board will be present.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to allocate $1,500 for the temporary heat for the Historical Society from the Con-Con funds and payable with an Auditor’s warrant. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
YEARS OF SERVICE RECOGNITION
Chair Beckel congratulated Solid Waste Processor, Dale McGuire on his retirement and presented the following:
Resolution
The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Beckel and moved for adoption;
RESOLUTION NO. 14-11-01
Dale McGuire
Solid Waste Processor
RECOGNITION OF YEARS OF SERVICE
WHERERAS; Dale McGuire has served the residents of Lake of the Woods County since July 9, 1990 as a Solid Waste Processor;
WHEREAS; Dale McGuire will retire from Lake of the Woods County Service effective November 30, 2014;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED; That Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners’ extends its deepest appreciation to Dale for his dedicated service and best wishes to him on his retirement;
The resolution was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Chair Beckel discussed the Score Grant with Public Works Director, Tim Erickson. Tim informed the board that the reason we have not yet received funding is that they are still working on the Solid Waste Plan and the holdup is the 35% recycling goal. The board discussed the Roosevelt tower funding. Tim informed the board that the DNR can request this funding and he would follow up on this. Chair Beckel requested assistance from the Public Works department to help repair a snowmobile bridge.
RECESS
With no further business before the board, Chair Beckel called the meeting to recess at 10:54 a.m.
Attest: Approved: December 16, 2014
________________________ _________________________________
Janet E. Rudd Deputy Auditor Patty Beckel, Chair of the Board