Commissioner Proceedings

October 13, 2015

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 13, 2015, in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.

Call to Order

Chairman Arnesen 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, Tom Hanson, Patty Beckel and Ed Arnesen. Also present were:  County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Janet Rudd, County Attorney, James Austad and Woody Fiala.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: PERA resolution, County Road 17, Human Resource Sick/Vacation time, AMC Conference and Mighty Ducks Update.

APPROVAL of Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve the consent agenda as follows: Tim Erickson to Detroit Lakes for Joint District on October 14-15 in Detroit Lakes; Heather Blodgett, Alison Hauger and Jodi Ferrier to Walker on November 4- 5 for Child Maltreatment Intake; Joanna Onstad to Bemidji on October 20-22 for SSIS Intake Basics; Shelly Phillippe and Cassi Brune to Alexandrea on October 20-23 for MFWCAA Conference.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Norldof, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of September 22, 2015.

TIMBER SALES

Commissioner Hanson informed the board that the timber sales at the Landfill have brought in more than $25,000 so far and estimate of $35,000 in November.

SHORT ELLIOTT HENDRICKSON

Benita Crow, Kaci Nowicki, and Shawn McMahon met with the board to review the Airport Layout Plan (ALP), Katie explained that the if the board chooses the Aerial Obstruction Plan, it would have to be approved by MN DOT and then the ALP would only be completed by the end of 2016 with the various steps that would need to be completed.  Cost associated to this phase would run between $60,000 to 100,000, with funding from MN DOT that would be reimbursed 90/10, if applied for by June of 2016. Katie inquired if the board would be interested in Public meetings on the plan. The board would like to hold a public meeting. Katie stated that the tree data would need to be completed first before the public meeting could be held. The consensus of the board was to have S E H  move forward with the plan.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the following claims against the county.

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants          $ 16,744.43

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants          $ 15,440.54

Social Workers

Social Services Director, Amy Ballard requested approval to for a county credit card for Social Worker, Joanna Onstad.

Motion  

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve a county credit card for Social Worker, Joanna Onstad.

Credit Card Policy

The board requested that County Auditor/Treasurer send out a reminder on the usage of County Credit Cards.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Emergency Management Director, Jill Olson met with the board informing them the Warning System is in need of replacement. Cost associated with this project is estimated around $125,000. The board requested that Jill get three different quotes and come back to the board. They also requested that County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson look and see if 911 funds could be used for the system.

SHERIFF

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board requesting replacement for his 2012 squad car.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize County Sheriff, Gary Fish to purchase a vehicle up to $30,000.

Search Update

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board and updated them on the search and informed them that they are going to try to fly from this point on. The county board commended the Sheriff staff on their search efforts and the extra efforts that all agencies involved did for the missing men.

Jail Inspection

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board to inform them that the jail inspection went well without any major issues. The inspector did state that the county should be thinking of building a new jail.

Federal Boat and Water

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board requesting approval and authorization to enter into a grant agreement with the State of Minnesota, Federal Boating Safety Supplemental Equipment Grant.

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously the following resolution:

A Resolution Authorizing the Federal Boating Safety Supplement Grant Agreement

Resolution 15-10-01

WHEREAS, under the provisions of M.S. § 84.026 Subd. 1 the State is empowered to enter into this grant; the Sheriff of each county is required to carry out the provisions for recreational boating safety promulgated by the Commissioner.

WHEREAS, the allocation of funds by the Commissioner to assist in the funding of specific items for recreational boating safety,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Chairman, Auditor and Sheriff are hereby authorized to execute the Federal Boating Safety Supplement Grant Agreement, for the period of September 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015 in the amount of $9,666.00.

PERA

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board requesting that newly hired Part-Time Deputy Sheriff be place on the Police and Fire PERA plan.

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously the following resolution:

Resolution No. 15-10-02

Public Employees Police and Fire Plan

WHEREAS, the policy of the State of Minnesota as declared in Minnesota Statutes 353.63 is to give special consideration to employees who perform hazardous work and devote their time and skills to protecting the property and personal safety of others; and

WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes Section 353.64 permits governmental subdivisions to request coverage in the Public Employees Police and Fire plan for eligible employees of police departments whose position duties meet the requirements stated therein and listed below.

BE IT RESOLVED that the Commissioners of Lake of the Woods County hereby declare that the position titled Part Time Deputy Sheriff, currently held by Nathan Hayes meets all of the following Police and Fire membership requirements:                       

1. Said position requires a license by the Minnesota peace officer standards and training board under sections 626.84 to 626.863 and this employee is so licensed;

2. Said position’s primary (over 50%) duty is to enforce the general criminal laws of the state;

3. Said position charges this employee with the prevention and detection of crime;

4. Said position gives this employee the full power of arrest, and

5. Said position is assigned to a designated police or sheriff’s department.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this governing body hereby requests that the above-named employee be accepted as a member of the Public Employees Police and Fire Plan effective the date of this employee’s initial Police and Fire salary deduction by the governmental subdivision.

HUMAN RESOURCES/ COUNTY ASSESSOR

Human Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board requesting the board to approve the grade, step and pay for Appraiser Trainee. Karen informed the board that the personnel committee did meet and approved the grade for this position at 9 and also requested permission to have this job description evaluated by Trusight.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve grade 9 for Appraise Trainee.

Trusight

The consensus of the board was to have Human Resource Director, Karen Ose have the Appraiser Trainee job description evaluated by Trusight.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman to authorize Human Resource Director, Karen Ose and County Assessor, Mary Jo Otten to hire Appraiser Trainee at grade 9, step 1, 16.37 per hour, points 220.

Personal Leave

County Assessor, Mary Jo Otten met with the board requesting a twelve (12) week personal leave for an employee within her office.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to allow a twelve (12) week personal leave for an employee within the County Assessor’s office.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Human Resource Director, Karen Ose and County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board to discuss Permanent Part-time vacation/sick leave hours. Lorene informed the board that all Permanent Part-time employees receive prorated vacation and sick leave Lorene informed the board that the accrued hours for Karen from date of employment would be 47.5 hours for vacation and sick leave.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to adjust vacation and sick leave by 47.5 hours accrued from date of employment for Human Resource Director Karen Ose.

auditor/treasurer

Introduction of Newly Hired Staff

County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson introduced Rita Hasbargen and Erik Tange to the board.

Claims

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows:

                                           Revenue                      $  69,435.17

                                                Road & Bridge           $   24,764.58

                                                Co. Develp                  $    3,300.00

                                                Natl Resc Enhanc        $  18,554.43    

Solid Waste                 $  42,573.74

EDA                            $    2,030.22

                                      161,058.14

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 10/13/2015 For Payment 10/16/2015

Vendor Name                                                     Amount

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                                              7,483.51

Computer Professionals Unlimited Inc                            3,585.00

Cps Technology Solutions                                               3,800.00

Dynamic Imaging Systems, Inc                                         3,085.00

Government Management Group, Inc                              3,500.00

Hoffman, Philipp & Knutson, PLLC                                  5,862.00

Howard’s Oil Company                                                     3,126.47

John Deere Financial                                                        4,631.56

LOW Highway Dept                                                           8,853.54

Mar-Kit Landfill                                                                 25,075.26

Mn Counties Information System                                      2,375.25

Msop-Mn Sex Offender Prgrm-462                                   2,132.80

R & Q Trucking, Inc                                                           5,010.20

Rinke-Noonan                                                                  18,754.43

Rtvision Inc                                                                        6,084.00

University Of Mn                                                                 8,441.25

Voyageurs Comtronics, Inc                                               3,799.60

Widseth Smith Nolting&Asst Inc                                      7,061.34

Woody’s Service                                                                4,225.20

78 Payments less than 2000     34,171.73

Final Total:  161,058.14

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

                                                September    30, 2015             $  9,146.66

                                                October         1, 2015              $  5,664.36

                                                October         7, 2015              $  1,631.60

                                                October         7, 2015              $  9,292.06

                                                October         7, 2015              194,912.16

Exclusive Off-Sale

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board a requested approval for an Exclusive Off-Sale Liquor License for Nels Holte DBA “Wash N Go”.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the Exclusive Off-Sale Liquor License for Nels Holte, DBA Wash N Go effective December 1, 2015 thru June 30, 2016, contingent upon approval of County Attorney, James Austad and County Sheriff, Gary Fish.

On/Off Sale Liquor License

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board a requested approval for a Combination On-Off Sale/ Sunday Liquor License for Riverbend Resort.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the On-Off Sale/Sunday Liquor License for Riverbend Resort effective November 1, 2015 thru June 30, 2016, contingent upon approval of County Attorney, James Austad and County Sheriff, Gary Fish.

Cigarette Licenses

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board a requested approval a Cigarette License for DG Retail, LLC dba Dollar General Store.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the Cigarette License for DG Retail, LLC dba Dollar General Store effective November 1, 2015 thru June 30, 2016.

AMC CONFERENCE/MIGHTY DUCKS

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson discussed the AMC Conference reservations for December 6-8 in St. Cloud; informed the board that the county received notification that they received the application for the Mighty Ducks Ice Arena grant program.

MIS/GIS

MIS/GIS Director, Peder Hovland met with the board requesting authorization to purchase 911 equipment and support.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to authorize MIS/GIS Director, Peder Hovland to approve Independent Emergency Services Quote No. IES388813 with one year support services of $123,135.84 from 911 Funds.

SCHRANDT CARTWAY

Chairman Arnesen discussed the Schrandt Cartway and informed the board that the next recommended step is to have a survey completed on the proposed cartway property.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to request County Surveyor, Donn Rasmussen to conduct a survey on the proposed cartway property.

PUBLIC WORKS

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board upon their request to discuss curve on Co. Road 17 and the pond with concerns of snowmobilers. The department will stake and flag the pond.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 12:03 p.m. and reconvened at 1:03 p.m. as follows:

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund, Rinke Noonan Law Firm Attorneys John Kolb

Kale Van Bruggen, SWCD Board members Frank Sindelir, John Sonstegard, Russ Hanson and Nancy Dunell, and Mike Hirst to discuss an appeal of the Department of Natural Resources of a project specific wetland replacement for Northern Conservation L.L.C. and Cliffs Mining Company (jointly Cliffs). The boards reviewed the partial settlement of appeal in the Matter of Hibbing Taconite Mine and Stockpile Progression and Williams Creek Project Specific Wetland Mitigation.

Resolution

At a joint meeting of the Board of Commissioners and Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Board of Supervisors, Commissioner Ken Moorman, on behalf of the County Board and Supervisor Frank Sindelir, on behalf of the SWCD Board, moved the adoption of the following resolution ratifying the actions of Josh Stromlund, as previously authorized by the Boards:

STATE OF MINNESOTA

LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

RESOLTUION NO. 15-10-03

Resolution ratifying partial settlement of appeal in the Matter of Hibbing Taconite Mine and Stockpile Progression and Williams Creek Project Specific Wetland Mitigation

At a joint meeting of the Board of Commissioners and Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Board of Supervisors, Commissioner Ken Moorman, on behalf of the County Board and Supervisor Frank Sindelir, on behalf of the SWCD Board, moved the adoption of the following resolution ratifying the actions of Josh Stromlund, as previously authorized by the Boards:

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners and the Lake of the Woods County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors authorized and entered into an appeal of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) approval of a project specific wetland replacement plan for Cliffs Natural Resources (Cliffs); and

WHEREAS, the matter was set for a Contested Case Hearing on evidentiary issues before an Administrative Law Judge on October 5, 2015; and

WHEREAS, each of the above Boards directed Josh Stromlund serve as its representative at the Hearing, giving to Josh Stromlund authority to settle issues in the matter on terms found satisfactory to Josh Stromlund; and

WHEREAS, during the Contested Case Hearing, DNR and Cliffs agreed to terms of settlement related to wetland crediting that addressed major concerns of the Boards; and

WHEREAS, exercising the authority given to him, Josh Stromlund accepted the terms of settlement and executed a settlement agreement, attached hereto, on behalf of the Boards.

NOW, THEREFORE, having reviewed the settlement agreement, the terms thereof and the facts and arguments in the case, the Boards, by joint action, ratify the settlement agreement and the actions of Josh Stromlund pursuant to the authority given him by the Boards.

Seconded by Commissioner James “Buck” Nordlof, on behalf of the County Board and Supervisor Russel Hansen, on behalf of the SWCD Board.

After discussion and upon a vote of each Board, the respective Board Chairs declared the Resolution adopted.

Attorneys John Kolb and Kale Van Bruggen recommend to the board to go into closed session to discuss further litigation strategy.

CLOSED SESSION

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by  Commissioner Nordlof to close the regular meeting at 1:40 p.m. pursuant to MN Statute §13D.05, subd. 3 (b), Attorney Client Privilege.

Members present were: Commissioner Arnesen, Moorman, Beckel, Hanson and Nordlof, SWCD Board members Frank Sindelir, John Sonstegard, Russ Hanson and Nancy Dunell, Mike Hirst, Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund and County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson. Attorneys John Kolb and Kale Van Bruggen.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to close the closed session at 2:00 p.m. and open the regular meeting.

CLOSED SESSION

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman to close the regular meeting at 2:20 p.m.  Pursuant to MN Stat. §13D.003, subd. 1 (b) Labor Negotiations. Members present, Commissioner Arnesen, Moorman, Beckel, Hanson and Nordlof. Also present, Human Resource Director, Karen Ose.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof to close the closed session at 2:54 p.m. and open the regular meeting.

CORRESPONDENCE

The board acknowledged a thank you letter from Lake of the Woods Senior boating.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to recess at 3:06 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                                 Approved: October 27, 2015

__________________________________                                        ______________________________

Lorene Hanson, County Auditor/Treasurer                                        Edward Arnesen

Chairman of the Board

======================================================================================================== 

Commissioner Proceedings

October 27, 2015

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 27, 2015, in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.

Call to Order

Chairman Arnesen 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, Tom Hanson, Patty Beckel and Ed Arnesen. Also present were:  County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Janet Rudd, County Attorney, James Austad and Woody Fiala.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Proclamation, Water, Health & Life Insurance, Department head meeting update, Human Resources, Final Payment and Thank you letter. APPROVAL of Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the consent agenda as follows:  Joanna Onstad and Alison Hauger to St. Cloud on November 2-3, 16-17 and November 30 thru December 1 for Child Welfare foundation Training;

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of October 13, 2015 with changes.

NWA EDGE RIDERS

Kellie Knight, representing the NWA Edge Riders snowmobile club met with the board to discuss the proposed park with the board. Kellie informed the board that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is considering transferring State Owned land to the County for the potential park with approval and associated cost. Kellie informed the board that the club has not received the letter from the DNR at this time. The consensus of the board was that they were in support of a park, but would need more information before formally agreeing to this project.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following claims against the county.

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants          $ 13,203.81

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants          $ 17,158.72

Credit Cards

Social Services Director, Amy Ballard requested approval for a county credit card for Social Worker, Alison Hauger and introduced Social Workers Alison Hauger and Joanna Onstad to the board.

Motion  

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve a county credit card for Social Worker, Alison Hauger.

Proclamation- FINANCIAL worker, case Aides

Chairman Arnesen, on behalf of Lake of the Woods County board of Commissioners recognizes the valuable service that County Financial Workers and Case Aides provide to citizens of Lake of the Woods County and extends appreciation to Angie Eason, Cassie Brune, Shelley Phillippe, Shelley Pepera and Sheri Stebakken for their dedicated work.

County Surveyor

County Surveyor, Donn Rasmussen met with the board to discuss the cost associated with the Schrandt Cartway and informed the board that it would cost around $7,000 to complete the survey. The board requested that County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson contact the Schrandts’ attorney, Nora Crompton to request an additional $4,000 bond before the survey could be completed.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows:

Revenue                      $  60,779.54

                                                Road & Bridge           $   30,653.31

                                                Co. Develp                  $    2,500.00

                                                Solid Waste                 $    7,136.73

EDA                            $       701.57

                                      101,771.15

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 10/27/2015 For Payment 10/30/2015

Vendor Name                                                  Amount

Fundanet/Lee                                                                   2,000.00

LaValla Electric DBA/Ned                                                2,106.79

Liberty Tire Recycling, LLC                                            4,316.20

LOW Soil & Water Cons. Dist.                                     30,873.00

Mn State Dept-Correction                                             16,979.93

Traffic Marking Service, Inc.                                         24,692.67

63 Payments less than 2000 20,802.56

Final Total:   101,771.15

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

                                                October         14, 2015                        $81,034.65

                                                October         14, 2015                        $     199.79

                                                October         20, 2015            $  9,721.39

                                                                                                $90,955.83

MN Department of Transportation

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board to inform them that the MN Department of Transportation (MnDOT), is acquiring an interest for an temporary easement in Lake of the Woods County property for the improvements of Trunk Highway 11, with the acquisition of $500.

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the following Resolution:

RESOLUTION NO. 15-09-04

State of Minnesota, Department of Transportation, Acquisition of Land

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners, of the County of Lake of the Woods, Minnesota, which in consideration of $500 to be paid by the State of Minnesota, Department of Transportation, the Lake of the Woods County Board allows the acquisition of land by direct purchase to the State of Minnesota the parcel described as follows:

The right to use the westerly 18 feet of the northerly 17 feet of Tract A described below for highway purposes, which right shall cease on December 1, 2017, or on such earlier date upon which the Commissioner of Transportation determines by formal order that it is no  longer needed for highway purposes: Tract A.  Lot 12, Block 1, Third Addition to East Beaudette, according to the plat thereof which is on file and of record in the office of the County Recorder in Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Moorman and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, and Chairman Arnesen to sign the Temporary Easement from the State of MN, Department of Transportation to be used for highway purposes

Revenue/Expenditure/Investment Update

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and reviewed the Revenue/Expenditure and Investments. The board also discussed the Wells Fargo banking charges.

Deputy Registrar Re-Appointment

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and informed the board that the State of Minnesota Department of Public Safety requested re-appointment of Deputy Registrar for Lake of the Woods County.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof to re-appoint Janet Rudd as Lake of the Woods County Deputy Registrar and Driver’s License Agent pursuant to MN Administrative Rules 7404.0350 and 7406.0350.

Health Insurance Rates

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board to inform the board that the Life Insurance carrier is now Sun Life Financial, health insurance premiums High Plan and Value Plan have gone up 7%, but the HSA premium stayed the same and the all single plans still remain under the county cap.

Department Head Meeting/Water Machine

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board to update them on the department head meeting and the discussion they had on the annual “Lake of the Woods Food Drive”. The department heads agreed they would participate and were wondering if the Commissioners would like to participate as a team. The board agreed they would participate in the food drive. Lorene also mentioned that the Wellness Committee had asked about the possibility of having a water machine available for county employees in the break room.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and unanimously carried to authorize water machines in the Courthouse break room and Sheriff’s office.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Job Description

Human Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board to inform them that MRA graded the Appraiser Training at grade 9, points 225 and the Appraiser at grade 13, points 289. Karen informed the board that the job descriptions have been completed and reformatted and that the Department Heads have them to review. The board requested that the Job Descriptions be placed on the December 15 board agenda for approval.

Stipend

Human Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board requesting a stipend for Social Services Financial Officer, Christine Hultman for time spent helping with financials and payroll in the Auditor/Treasurers Office. Stipend would be from January thru September at $175 per pay period with a total stipend of $3,500.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to authorize a stipend payment of $3,500 from the revenue fund to Social Services Financial Officer, Christine Hultman.

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 10:43 p.m. and reconvened at 11:05 a.m. as follows:

COUNTY ASSESSOR

Years of Service Recognition-Resolution

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

Recognition of years of service

Joy Lindquist

Resolution 2015 – 10– 05

Whereas:  Joy Lindquist has served the residents of Lake of the Woods County since November 1, 1982 as Lake of the Woods Assessment Specialist/Office Manager;

Whereas:  Joy Lindquist will retire from Lake of the Woods County service effective October 31, 2015 with thirty–three years of service for Lake of the Woods County Assessor’s Office;

Now Therefore, Be it Resolved:  That Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners extends its deepest appreciation to Joy for her dedicated service and  offers best wishes to her;

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

Introduction of Staff

County Assessor, MaryJo Otten introduced Alisa Jacobsen and Whitnie Reasy to the board.

Effective Date of Hire

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve October 19, 2105 as the effective date of hire for Whitnie Reasy.

PUBLIC WORKS

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting approval for final contract.

Final Contract

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve final contract acceptance for SAP 39-601-28, SAP 39-601-29, and SAP 39-627.04 in the amount of $147,548.57.

Mulching Attachment

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting approval to purchase a mulching attachment for the department.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to authorize Public Works Director, Tim Erickson to purchase a ProMac Mulching attachment in the amount of $28,500.

Cell Phone Stipend

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting a cell phone stipend for Solid Waste Processer, Todd Canfield.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve a smart phone stipend in the amount of $60.00 per month for Todd Canfield. Public Access-Furnace Replacement

The board discussed Twin Rivers Public Access and new Furnace for the NWA Highway shop.

BUFFER DISCUSSION

Chairman Arnesen discussed the recent 2015 buffer legislation that was passed this session. Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund presented a “Buffer Law And Frequently Asked Questions Brochure” to the board. After review, the board requested Josh to send a letter to Board of Water and Soil Resources Chairman, Brian Napstad requesting a meeting to discuss this new legislation.

2016 CON CON FUNDS

The board tabled the Con Con funds request to have time to review and placed this on the November 10, 2015 board agenda.

CORRESPONDENCE

The board acknowledged a thank you letter from Williams Potato Day.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to recess at 12:10 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                                 Approved: November 10, 2015

__________________________________                                        ______________________________

Lorene Hanson, County Auditor/Treasurer                                        Edward Arnesen

Chairman of the Board