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MINUTES & AGENDAS

September, 2007

Commissioner Proceedings

September 11, 2007

The Lake of the Woods County Board met in regular session on Tuesday, September 11, 2007, in the Commissioners’ Room in the Lake of the Woods County Government Center with the following members present:  Commissioners Bredeson, Patty Beckel, Todd Beckel, Arnesen and Moorman.  Also present were: County Auditor John W. Hoscheid, Penny Mio Hirst and John Oren. Chairman Todd Beckel called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Motion by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the agenda with the following addendum items: Proposed Wetland Conservation Act Rule Changes and Clean Water legislation Resolution. Seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to approve the consent agenda as follows: travel for Leah Stephani to St. Cloud on September 26, for Understanding Older Minds Conference; Jodi Ferrier to Duluth on October 17-19, for Human Service Conference; Wayne Bendickson to Duluth on September 30 – October 3, for MAAO Conference and Todd Fadness and Tim Aery to Lake Crystal on September 13, for Twin Cities Mack and Jay/Craft Snowplow equipment.  Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler met with the board requesting approval of claims, CSP Check Issuance Policy and an Affidavit of Lost Warrant.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to approve the claims against the county as follows:

Commissioners’ Warrants $16,908.07

Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler presented a draft Community Support Program Check Issuance Policy to the board.  The board discussed the Community Support Program (CSP) checking account and the draft policy with Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler. 

Motion by Commissioner Moorman to approve the application and affidavit for lost warrant for Angel Maize dated August 29, 2007, in the amount of $76.00 without furnishing an indemnifying bond.  Seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Lee Meier, from Northwest Minnesota Multi-County Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) and John Wynne met with the board to discuss a Down Payment Assistance Program for Lake of the Woods County. The County Board asked Mr. Meier to send draft proposals from other Counties for review.  The consensus of the board was to move forward and to have possible funding come from the designated rehab loan fund.

Michelle Brown, Director of Public Health, Lakewood Nursing Service met with the board to review the Purchase of Service Agreement for 2008, with LakeWood Health Center and Lake of the Woods County.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to enter into the Purchase of Service Agreement with LakeWood Health Center and Lake of the Woods County for Community Health Services for a term of three years, commencing on the date of execution of the agreement and authorize the Chairman and County Auditor to sign; pending Interim County Attorney approval of the agreement. Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

The meeting was called to recess at 6:55 p.m. and as advertised, the Public Hearing for County Ordinance was opened.  Public that attended were: Dave Marhula and Mike Reed.

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund went through the proposed changes to the Lake of the Woods Zoning Ordinances that the Comprehensive Land Use Planning Board and the Subdivision Control Committee have recommended.  The topic that entertained the most discussion is to change the current number of lots that require the platting process from ten (10) contiguous to four lot created regardless of ownership or when the lots are created.  After the lengthy discussion, the board recommended to take this back to the Committee for further review and recommendation.  Mr. Marhula requested to sit in the committee meeting to provide input.

The regular meeting was called to open session at 7:40 p.m.

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board to review the Request for Extension of the Lake of the Woods County Comprehensive Water Management Plan.

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

Resolution   No   2007-09-01

Request for Extension of the Lake of the Woods County Comprehensive Water Management Plan

Whereas, 1995 amendments to the Comprehensive Local Water Planning Act, M.S. 103B.301 gave the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) authority to extend the ending date of local water plans for a period of not to exceed 2 years, and

Whereas, Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 103B.301, Comprehensive Local Water Management Act, authorizes Minnesota Counties to develop and implement a local water management plan, and

Whereas, the Act requires that a county update and revise their local water management plan on a periodic basis, and

Whereas, the Act encourages that a county coordinate its planning with contiguous counties, and solicit input from local governmental units and state review agencies, and

Whereas, the Act requires that plans an official control of other local governmental units be consistent with the local water management plan, and

Whereas, Lake of the Woods County currently has an approved Comprehensive Local Water Management Plan (the Plan) which is due to expire on December 31, 2007, and

Whereas, the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners would like to request an extension of time to update the Plan, and

Now, Therefore Be It Resolved, the Lake of the Woods Board of Commissioners request an extension, in accordance with the BWSR Local Water Management Plan Update Guidance for a period of two years.  This extension would allow adequate time to be spent on each of the phases of the update process.

Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Commissioner Chair Todd Beckel and Land and Water Planning Director Josh Stromlund discussed with the board a resolution supporting public hearings on the impact of and proposed changes to clean water legislation.

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

Resolution   No   2007-09-02

Supporting Public Hearings on the Impact of and Proposed Changes to Clean Water Legislation

Whereas, since its enactment, the Clean Water Act of 1972 (CWA) has led to significant and continued improvement in the quality of the nation’s waters; and,

Whereas, two recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions (SWANCC in 2001, and Rapanos in 2006) favoring local government and local landowners ruled that federal agencies exceeded the authority granted them under the Act; and,

Whereas, as a result of those decisions, there is legislation being considered in Congress (H.R. 2421 and S. 1870) that would expand federal authority under the Clean Water Act, by substituting ‘waters of the U.S.’ for ‘navigable waters,’ and by adding ‘activities affecting these waters;’ and

Whereas, the National Association of Counties, along with organizations representing agriculture, forestry, mining and a broad cross-section of other interests, are opposed to this legislation; and,

Whereas, pursuant to the federal Clean Water Act, the Minnesota Legislature has enacted legislation, notably the Wetlands Conservation Act of 1991 and the Clean Water Legacy Act of 2006; and,

Whereas, a legislative Subcommittee on Watersheds, Wetlands and Buffers was created in 2007, by the Minnesota House of Representatives to consider watershed policy; and,

Whereas, all water, land and people are located within the boundaries of a watershed; and,

Whereas, the foregoing federal and state legislation and actions by federal and state agencies has led to undue hardship, unfairness and unnecessary costs and confusion; and,

Whereas, there is a need for public forums to provide citizens with opportunities to testify and give local, state and federal elected officials’ information and guidance that will determine the proper course of action of federal and state legislative bodies.

Now, Therefore Be It Resolved, that Lake of the Woods County supports public hearings prior to the enactment of additional clean water legislation.

Be It Further Resolved, that Lake of the Woods County authorizes Board Chair to help take testimony at such hearings in cooperation and coordination with other appropriate local and state elected officials.

Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board regarding the proposed wetland conservation act rule changes and motion.  He explained that some of the changes went into effect after the date of enactment and others went into effect on August 1, 2007.  The comment period for the adopted exempt permanent rules relating to the wetland rules and the WCA in general, ends on September 20, 2007, as part of the permanent rule making process.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to request the County Board Chair to sign the letter to the Board of Water and Soil Resources on the proposed wetland conservation act rule changes.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen met with the board to discuss purchasing a new furnace for the Williams Shop, which was budgeted for in 2008.

Motion by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize the Public Works Director to purchase a new furnace for the Williams Shop, which was budgeted for in 2008.  Seconded by Commissioner Bredeson and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen presented information on an application for township signing replacement project.

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen discussed township road inventory with the board. Bruce also discussed the committee meeting held Tuesday, September 11, 2007, with a plan going forward with Phase #2.  The Commissioners will be designating a resident or residents to assist staff from the Highway Department with the tours.

Motion by Commissioner Arnesen to pay designated residents a per diem of $40.00 a day, plus mileage.  Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to approve the minutes of August 28, 2007. Seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Discussion and various comments were received from Department Heads and staff regarding the procedures and process of how the County Board arrived at determining the steps for employees for the year 2008.  After all comments were received, the board stated that the 2008 salary steps would remain as previously approved.  The Board agreed to review the process of determining steps and the step structure, with the Department Heads, for the next budget cycle.

Motion by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the claims against the county as follows:

                                                                Revenue                                $              20,555.87

                                                                Road & Bridge     $         186,260.08

                                                                County Development         $              34,245.60 

                                                                Solid Waste                           $           19,676.31

                                                                                                                $         260,737.86

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

WARRANTS APPROVED ON  9/11/2007 FOR PAYMENT  9/14/2007

     AMOUNT   VENDOR NAME                                                   AMOUNT   VENDOR NAME

        1183.43 ANDY’S GARAGE, INC.                                             705.22 AUTO VALUE

      15000.00 BAUDETTE ARENA ASSOCIATION                         723.12 WAYNE BENDICKSON

        1596.00 KEITH BLOCK                                                         9313.94 BORDUN TRUCKING, LTD

          308.21 CANON FINANCIAL SERVICES                                540.19 CERES EQUIPMENT INC

          500.00 DEPOT PRESERVATION ALLIANCE                        630.00 EARTHWORKS CONTRACTING INC

          300.00 LEE HANCOCK                                                          665.00 BYRON HAUGER

        2982.78 HOWARD’S OIL COMPANY                                  21880.00 INNOVATIVE BUILDING SOLUTIONS

          406.39 LAKE OF THE WOODS FOODS                                 672.26 LAKE ROAD DIESEL INC

        2769.63 LOW HIGHWAY DEPT                                              500.00 LOW HUMANE SOCIETY

        2500.00 LOW SCHOOL – ALUMNI                                        5000.00 LOW SR CITIZENS

      10185.75 MAR-KIT LANDFILL                                               1125.20 JIMMY MCCOURT

        2761.77 MN COUNTIES COMPUTER CO-OP                        2736.88 KENNETH MOORMAN

        5414.19 LAW MOREN                                                           1498.49 NORTHERN FARMERS CO-OP

          623.42 NORTHWEST MECHANICAL SERVICE I           134083.50 NORTRAX EQUIPMENT COMPANY

          500.00 PEQUANA PLAYHOUSE                                           865.94 POWERPLAN

        1779.89 R & Q TRUCKING, INC                                              470.00 RINKE-NOONAN

          815.20 RODERICK RONE JR                                                1000.00 SCHOOL DISTRICT–390

          699.43 SEARS COMMERCIAL ONE                                    1750.00 SJOBERG’S INC

        2814.85 STRATA CORP, INC                                                   303.97 SYNERGY GRAPHICS, INC

          490.82 TONY DORN, INC.                                                     901.98 TRUE VALUE

          509.00 WEST GROUP                                                           4670.60 WIDSETH SMITH NOLTING&ASST INC

        5000.00 WILLIAMS ARENA ASSOCIATION                          868.72 WOODY’S SERVICE

        7960.89 ZIEGLER, INC

22 PAYMENTS LESS THAN  $300       2,731.20

FINAL TOTAL   $260,737.86

Further moved to authorize the payment of auditor’s warrants as follows:

                                                August 29, 2007  68,794.45

                                                                August 29, 2007       678.63

                                                                September 4, 2007      49,771.56

                                                                September 6, 2007        7,299.48     

Seconded by Commissioner Bredeson and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

County Auditor John W Hoscheid discussed with the board the resolution adopting the 2008 budget and tax levy.

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

Resolution   No   2007-09-03

Resolution Adopting 2008 budget and tax levy

Whereas, the proposed county budget for the year 2008 has been reviewed by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners; and

Now, Therefore Be It Resolved, that the following proposed budget and tax levy is hereby adopted for Lake of the Woods County for 2008:

 Revenue Fund                    $ 1,203,959

Road & Bridge                   $    424,687

Social Service                                     $    542,156

Total                                                      $ 2,170,802

Be It Further Resolved, that the following amounts be levied against the unorganized townships of Lake of the Woods County for 2008:

  TWP Road & Bridge            $   384,076*

Twp Fire – Baudette                          $     19,000

Williams                                               $     25,151

NW Angle                                             $       6,500

Total                                                      $   434,727

$7,500 of which is specifically levied to NW Angle and Island residents and designated for Calcium Chloride in the NW Angle.

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

County Auditor, John W Hoscheid discussed with the board the adopting of the 2008 Schedule of Hourly Rates.

Motion by Commissioner Patty Beckel to adopt the 2008 Schedule of Hourly Rates, Exhibit A and Exhibit B, which includes a 3% general salary adjustment.  Seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.  See tables below:

3% general salary adjustment at Lake of the Woods County
 Minimum     Mid-Point     Maximum  
Grade123456789101112131415  
1       5.85                     9.90  
2       9.91  10.08  10.25  10.42  10.59  10.76  10.93  11.10  11.26  11.43  11.60  11.77  11.94  12.11      12.28  
3     10.52  10.69  10.87  11.05  11.23  11.41  11.59  11.77  11.95  12.13  12.31  12.49  12.67  12.85      13.03  
4     11.15  11.34  11.53  11.72  11.91  12.10  12.29  12.48  12.67  12.86  13.05  13.24  13.43  13.62      13.81  
5     11.82  12.02  12.23  12.43  12.63  12.83  13.03  13.23  13.43  13.63  13.83  14.03  14.23  14.43      14.63  
6     12.02  12.31  12.60  12.88  13.17  13.45  13.74  14.02  14.31  14.59  14.88  15.16  15.45  15.73      16.02  
7     12.75  13.06  13.37  13.67  13.98  14.28  14.59  14.90  15.20  15.51  15.82  16.12  16.43  16.73      17.04  
8     13.52  13.85  14.18  14.51  14.83  15.16  15.49  15.82  16.14  16.47  16.80  17.12  17.45  17.78      18.11  
9     14.36  14.71  15.05  15.40  15.75  16.10  16.45  16.80  17.15  17.49  17.84  18.19  18.54  18.89      19.24  
10     14.93  15.34  15.75  16.16  16.58  16.99  17.40  17.81  18.22  18.63  19.05  19.46  19.87  20.28      20.69  
11     15.84  16.28  16.72  17.17  17.61  18.05  18.50  18.94  19.38  19.83  20.27  20.71  21.16  21.60      22.04  
12     16.82  17.28  17.75  18.21  18.68  19.14  19.61  20.07  20.53  21.00  21.46  21.93  22.39  22.86      23.32  
13     17.85  18.35  18.85  19.34  19.84  20.33  20.83  21.33  21.82  22.32  22.81  23.31  23.81  24.30      24.80  
14     18.22  18.86  19.49  20.12  20.76  21.39  22.02  22.66  23.29  23.92  24.56  25.19  25.82  26.46      27.09  
15     19.37  20.05  20.72  21.40  22.08  22.75  23.43  24.10  24.78  25.45  26.13  26.81  27.48  28.16      28.83  
16     20.61  21.33  22.04  22.76  23.48  24.20  24.92  25.63  26.35  27.07  27.79  28.51  29.22  29.94      30.66  
17     21.91  22.67  23.43  24.19  24.95  25.71  26.47  27.23  27.99  28.75  29.51  30.27  31.03  31.79      32.55  
18     23.30  24.11  24.93  25.74  26.55  27.37  28.18  28.99  29.80  30.62  31.43  32.24  33.06  33.87      34.68  
19     24.78  25.63  26.49  27.34  28.20  29.05  29.91  30.76  31.62  32.47  33.33  34.19  35.04  35.90      36.75  
20     26.36  27.28  28.20  29.12  30.04  30.95  31.87  32.79  33.71  34.63  35.55  36.47  37.38  38.30      39.22  
21     28.03  29.00  29.97  30.94  31.92  32.89  33.86  34.83  35.80  36.77  37.74  38.71  39.69  40.66      41.63  
22     29.81  30.85  31.88  32.92  33.95  34.99  36.02  37.06  38.09  39.13  40.16  41.20  42.23  43.26      44.30  
23     31.70  32.80  33.90  35.00  36.10  37.19  38.29  39.39  40.49  41.59  42.68  43.78  44.88  45.98      47.08  
24     33.72  34.89  36.06  37.24  38.41  39.58  40.75  41.92  43.10  44.27  45.44  46.61  47.78  48.96      50.13  
25     35.86  37.11  38.36  39.60  40.85  42.09  43.34  44.58  45.83  47.08  48.32  49.57  50.81  52.06      53.30  
2008   Schedule of Hourly Rates 3% increase
        Exhibit B          
  Minimum      Mid-Point     Maximum  
 Grade123456789101112131415  
 1       5.85                    9.15  
 2       9.16    9.32    9.49    9.65    9.82    9.98  10.15  10.31  10.48  10.64  10.80  10.97  11.13  11.30      11.46  
 3       9.74    9.92  10.09  10.27  10.44  10.62  10.79  10.97  11.14  11.32  11.49  11.67  11.85  12.02      12.20  
 4     10.36  10.55  10.73  10.92  11.10  11.29  11.47  11.66  11.85  12.03  12.22  12.40  12.59  12.77      12.96  
 5     11.02  11.22  11.41  11.61  11.80  12.00  12.20  12.39  12.59  12.78  12.98  13.17  13.37  13.57      13.76  
 6     11.22  11.49  11.77  12.05  12.33  12.61  12.89  13.16  13.44  13.72  14.00  14.28  14.55  14.83      15.11  
 7     11.93  12.23  12.52  12.82  13.12  13.42  13.72  14.02  14.32  14.62  14.91  15.21  15.51  15.81      16.11  
 8     12.68  13.00  13.32  13.64  13.96  14.28  14.60  14.91  15.23  15.55  15.87  16.19  16.51  16.83      17.15  
 9     13.49  13.83  14.17  14.51  14.85  15.19  15.53  15.87  16.21  16.55  16.89  17.23  17.57  17.91      18.25  
 10     14.05  14.45  14.85  15.25  15.66  16.06  16.46  16.86  17.26  17.66  18.07  18.47  18.87  19.27      19.67  
 11     14.94  15.37  15.80  16.23  16.67  17.10  17.53  17.96  18.40  18.83  19.26  19.69  20.13  20.56      20.99  
 12     15.89  16.35  16.80  17.25  17.71  18.16  18.61  19.07  19.52  19.97  20.42  20.88  21.33  21.78      22.24  
 13     16.90  17.39  17.87  18.35  18.84  19.32  19.81  20.29  20.78  21.26  21.74  22.23  22.71  23.20      23.68  
 14     17.26  17.88  18.50  19.12  19.73  20.35  20.97  21.59  22.21  22.82  23.44  24.06  24.68  25.30      25.91  
 15     18.35  19.01  19.67  20.33  20.99  21.65  22.31  22.97  23.63  24.29  24.95  25.61  26.27  26.92      27.58  
 16     19.52  20.22  20.92  21.62  22.32  23.02  23.72  24.42  25.12  25.82  26.52  27.22  27.92  28.62      29.32  
 17     20.75  21.50  22.24  22.98  23.72  24.46  25.20  25.95  26.69  27.43  28.17  28.91  29.65  30.40      31.14  
 18     22.07  22.87  23.66  24.45  25.25  26.04  26.83  27.62  28.42  29.21  30.00  30.80  31.59  32.38      33.18  
 19     23.47  24.31  25.14  25.98  26.81  27.65  28.48  29.31  30.15  30.98  31.82  32.65  33.49  34.32      35.15  
 20     24.97  25.86  26.76  27.66  28.55  29.45  30.34  31.24  32.14  33.03  33.93  34.82  35.72  36.62      37.51  
 21     26.55  27.50  28.45  29.40  30.34  31.29  32.24  33.19  34.13  35.08  36.03  36.98  37.92  38.87      39.82  
 22     28.24  29.25  30.26  31.27  32.28  33.29  34.30  35.31  36.32  37.33  38.34  39.35  40.36  41.36      42.37  
 23     30.03  31.11  32.18  33.25  34.32  35.39  36.46  37.53  38.60  39.68  40.75  41.82  42.89  43.96      45.03  
 24     31.94  33.08  34.23  35.37  36.51  37.66  38.80  39.94  41.09  42.23  43.37  44.52  45.66  46.80      47.95  
 25     33.97  35.18  36.40  37.62  38.83  40.05  41.26  42.48  43.69  44.91  46.12  47.34  48.55  49.77      50.99  

County Auditor, John W Hoscheid, reviewed with the board the Revenue and Expenditure Guidelines as of August 2007.

The County Board discussed the Human Resources Director position.  The Board directed County Auditor to set up interviews, with those who have submitted proposals, for September 18th and 19th, starting at 9:00 a.m.   The County Auditor will provide a draft copy of procedures and interview questions for the Board to review, prior to September 18, 2007.  

Correspondence regarding the Beltrami Levy and Garden Island were discussed.

With no further business before the board, Chairman Todd Beckel called the meeting to recess at 9:45 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                                    Approved:             September 25, 2007

____________________________                                               _____________________________

John W. Hoscheid, County Auditor                                 Todd Beckel, Chairman

Special County Board Meeting

September 18, 2007

The Lake of the Woods County Board met in special session on Tuesday, September 18, 2007, in the Jury Room of the Lake of the Woods County Government Center, with the following members present:  Commissioners Arnesen, Patty Beckel, Todd Beckel, Bredeson and Moorman.   Chair Todd Beckel called the meeting to order at 9:58 a.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Motion by Commissioner Moorman to approve the agenda.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Wade Johannesen interviewed for the position of Human Resources Director.

The meeting was called to recess at 10:57 a.m. and reconvened 11:02 a.m. as follows:

Carolyn Wymore interviewed for the position of Human Resources Director.

After finishing with the interviews the board discussed the position of Human Resources Director. 

The board set another special board meeting for Tuesday, October 2, 2007, to continue with the interviews.  The board requested County Auditor, John W Hoscheid to send a letter to the third applicant for an interview on October 2, 2007, at 9:00 a.m.   The County Board also requested the County Auditor to send letters to the applicants thanking them and informing them that they will be notified of their decision the first week in October, 2007. 

There being no further business before the Board, Chair Todd Beckel called the meeting in recess at 12:13 p.m.

Attest:                                                              Approved:  September 25, 2007

_______________________________              __________________________________

John W Hoscheid                                                         Todd R Beckel

County Auditor                                                 Lake of the Woods County Board Chair

Commissioner Proceedings

September 25, 2007

The Lake of the Woods County Board met in regular session on Tuesday, September 25, 2007, in the Commissioners’ Room in the Lake of the Woods County Government Center with the following members present:  Commissioners Bredeson, Patty Beckel, Todd Beckel, Arnesen and Moorman.  Also present were: County Auditor John W. Hoscheid, Deputy Auditor Janet Rudd, Penny Mio Hirst and John Oren. Chairman Todd Beckel called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to approve the agenda with the following addendum items: Minnesota Counties Insurance Trust and ANI Pharmaceuticals. Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the consent agenda as follows: travel for Robyn Sonstegard to Duluth on September 28 for Regional Fiscal Meeting; Bruce Hasbargen to Breezy Point on October 24-25 for County Screening Board; Leah Stephani to Duluth on October 18-19 for Health Human Service Conference. Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to approve the minutes of August 11 & 18 2007.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid informed the board that on October 16, 2007 at 8:30 a.m. MCIT Representative Gale Sater will conduct an “on-site training” for the board and department heads.

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

Motion by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the claims against the county as follows:

Commissioners’ Warrants $31,573.94

Seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid met with the board requesting approval of claims, approval for NW Angle Edge Riders raffle, and resolution of support for City of Baudette lots and educational materials of absentee ballots.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to approve the claims against the county as follows:

                                                                Revenue                                $              43,231.30

                                                                Road & Bridge     $           29,886.32

                                                                Solid Waste                           $             8,183.59

                                                                                                                $           81,301.21

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

WARRANTS APPROVED ON  9/25/2007 FOR PAYMENT  9/28/2007

AMOUNT   VENDOR NAME                                                    AMOUNT   VENDOR NAME

          408.63 AMERI PRIDE LINEN & APPAREL SE                     338.74 ARROWWOOD RESORT

          437.52 RUSS BARRETT                                                         690.00 BLUE MAXX RECYCLING

      10608.93 CO-OP SERVICES, INC.                                             477.90 CONTECH CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS

          556.37 CUSTOM AUTOBODY AND REPAIR                        421.74 DELL MARKETING, LP

          544.24 GCR TIRE CENTER                                                    300.22 HILLYARD INC HUTCHINSON

        1984.25 HOLTE IMPLEMENT, INC                                        346.60 CHARLES KOTHRADE

        2350.42 LAKE ROAD DIESEL INC                                       3500.00 LOW SOIL & WATER CONS. DIST.

          930.00 MN COUNTIES COMPUTER CO-OP                        1472.50 MN COUNTIES INFORMATION SYSTEM

          825.21 JEROME MOLINE                                                    3336.80 MONITOR TIRE DISPOSAL, INC

      31500.00 NORTH STAR ELECTRIC                                          308.25 THE NORTHERN LIGHT

        3294.32 NORTHSTAR MATERIALS INC                              1730.00 NORTHWEST ANGLE&ISLAND FREIGHT

          361.17 ST. MARTIN COOP ASSOCIATION                           411.08 SUGAR LAKE LODGE

          511.17 TRUE VALUE                                                           4905.39 WALKER PIPE & SUPPLY

          515.08 WEST GROUP                                                           4760.46 WOODY’S SERVICE

32 PAYMENTS LESS THAN  $300       3,474.22

FINAL TOTAL     $81,301.21

Further moved to authorize the payment of auditor’s warrants as follows:

                                                September 13, 2007        $1,358,647.61

                                                                September 17, 2007            $     63,052.64

                                                                September 19, 2007    $          422.96              

Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Arnesen to approve the exempt gambling permit for the Northwest Angle Edge Riders to conduct a lawful gambling for a raffle on March 15, 2008 at Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge and authorize County Auditor to sign. Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same put to a vote was unanimously carried.

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

Application by a Governmental Subdivision for Conveyance of Tax-Forfeited Lands for an Authorized Public Use

Resolution No. 07-09- 03

WHEREAS, the Housing and Redevelopment authority of Baudette, MN requests  an exemption from the Rule of Reversion for purposes of redevelopment per MN Stat. Chapter 469, Economic Development,

WHEREAS, the Housing Authority is partnering with HRDC to redevelop Lots 7 & 8, Block 2, 1st Addition of East Beaudette to redevelop and provide for low-moderate income housing,

WHEREAS, the City of Baudette is at capacity for available city lots and housing where there is no other available parcels within the city to carry out this project,

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners supports the redevelopment project and authorizes County Board Chairman and County Auditor to sign.

Seconded by Commissioner Bredeson and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund updated the board on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resource Pilot Project and requested approval of the Natural Resources Block Grant for county fiscal year 2008.

Motion by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize the Chairman of the board to sign the 2008 NRBG program Allocation and Contributions Statement. Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

The meeting was called to recess at 9:55 a.m. and reconvened at 10:0 a.m. as follows:

Lake of the Woods School District Superintendent, Steve Wymore met with the board and discussed the 2007 Operating Levy Authority Referendum.

Emergency Management Director, Holly House met with the board requesting administrative appointment to the Northwest Regional Radio Board.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to nominate Commissioner Todd Beckel to the Northwest Regional Radio Board.  Seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

County Sheriff, Dallas Block, Emergency Management Director, Holly House and MIS Director, Brent Birkeland met with the board and presented a ITV “Code Red” Emergency Communication Program.

Commissioner Todd Beckel opened the Public Hearing for the Adoption of the Hazard Mitigation Plan.  No comments or letters were received.

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

Adoption of the Hazard Mitigation Plan

07-09-04

Whereas, the County of lake of the Woods participated in a hazard mitigation planning process as established under the Hazard Mitigation Act of 2000; and

WHEREAS, the Act establishes a framework for the development of a county hazard mitigation plan; and

WHEREAS, the County as part of the planning process established an extensive public participation process and local coordination among county and neighboring local units of government, businesses and other organizations; and

WHEREAS, a plan includes a risk assessment including past hazards, hazards that threaten the county, maps of hazards, an estimate of structures at risk, estimate of potential dollar losses for each hazard, a general description of land uses and development trends; and

WHEREAS, the plan includes a mitigation strategy including goals and objectives and an action plan identifying specific mitigation projects and costs; and

WHEREAS, the plan includes a maintenance or implementation process including plan updates, integration of plan into other planning documents and how the county will maintain public participation and coordination; and

WHEREAS, the draft plan was shared with state and federal agencies for review and comment; and

WHEREAS, the County has notified the public of its intent to adopt the hazard mitigation plan, has made the comprehensive plan available to the public at the local libraries, the county Emergency Management office, and on the county web-site, and has held a public hearing prior to final adoption by the county board as required by Minnesota Statues 375.51 and 394.26.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the County:

Formally adopts by ordinance the Lake of the Woods County All Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen met with the board requesting motions for approval for road classification change, reimbursement of county fees for passport purchase for county employees, special assessment fee schedule and to review the Hauler Licensing Provision of the Solid Waste Ordinance. 

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson to hereby change the maintenance classification for the remaining ¾ mile of County Road 84 on the East side of Section 9 in Township 158N, Range 31W from a “B” Classification to an “A” Classification.  Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

The request for reimbursement of county fees for Employees that purchase a passport within the last twelve months died due to lack of support.

Motion by Commissioner Arnesen to adopt the Solid Waste Special Assessment fee schedules as proposed.  Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the vote carried as follows:  Voting Yes:  Commissioner’s Arnesen, Bredeson, Patty Beckel and Moorman. Voting No:  Commissioner Todd Beckel.

Lu Tasa, State Aid District Engineer met with the board and updated them on the State Aid projects that have been completed in Lake of the Woods County.

The meeting was called to recess at 12:15 p.m. and reconvened at 1:04 p.m. as follows:

Interim County Attorney, Michelle Moren met with the board and discussed completion of   requests from departments and requested authority from the board to proceed with the commitment process of a sex offender whom will be released from prison and to have him committed to St. Peter’s Health Facility for sex offender rehabilitation.  The board authorized Interim County Attorney to bring this matter to the Attorney General’s Office to proceed with the commitment.

Lake of the Woods County Office of Economic Development Executive Director, Wyatt Johnson met with the board to discuss ANI’s Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ANI) proposed project with the assistance of Lake of the Woods County, City of Baudette and the State of Minnesota.

County Surveyor, Donn Rasmussen met with the board to inform them that he has completed the preliminary survey regarding the discrepancies between the deed lines and the occupied lines west of Clementson in Government Lot 5, Section 12, Gudrid Township. The board requested that a letter be sent to all property owners in the area to inform them that on October 23, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. the board will discuss the various options that they, as land owners have to clear up the discrepancies that were found in the preliminary survey.

Bruce Hasbargen, Public Works Director met with the board to review the Hauler Licensing Provision in the Solid Waste Ordinance.

Motion by Commissioner Arnesen to close the session at 3:35 pursuant MN Stat. §13D.01, Subd.3 for labor negotiations. Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.  Commissioners Todd Beckel, Patty Beckel, Bredeson, Arnesen, Moorman and County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid were present.

Motion by Commissioner Moorman to call the close session open at 3:42 p.m.  Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Moorman that Lake of the Woods County and the Operating Engineers Union Local # 49 agree that the Solid Waste Processor position held by employee Brock Stebakken, shall be moved one step in the grade and step pay scale. This employee is currently at the pay grade 10, step 8 and shall be at pay grade 10, step 9 January 1, 2008.  The hourly rate will be $18.22. Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Arnesen that Lake of the Woods County and the Operating Engineers Union Local # 49 agree that the Maintenance Supervisor position held by employee Jeff Pelland, shall be moved one step in the grade and step pay scale. This employee is currently at the pay grade 15, step 4 and shall be at pay grade 15, step 5 January 1, 2008.  The hourly rate will be $22.08. Seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Motion by Commissioner Bredeson that Lake of the Woods County and the Operating Engineers Union Local # 49 agree that the Inspector II position held by employee’s Joel Hanson and Dan Crompton, shall be moved four steps in the grade and step pay scale. These employee’s are currently at the pay grade 12, step 6 and shall be at pay grade 12, step 10 January 1, 2008.  The hourly rate will be $21.00. Seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried. Commissioner Moorman abstained from voting.

Motion by Commissioner Patty Beckel that Lake of the Woods County and the Operating Engineers Union Local # 49 agree that the Office Manager position held by employee Martine Carlson, shall be moved one step in the grade and step pay scale. This employee is currently at the pay grade 11, step 6 and shall be at pay grade 11, step 7 January 1, 2008.  The hourly rate will be $18.50. Seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

The board requested County Auditor, John W. Hoscheid to write a letter to the editor on their behalf, to encourage residents to exercise their right to vote in the Special School Referendum that will be held on November 6, 2007.

Correspondence was read and acknowledged.

With no further business before the board, Chairman Todd Beckel called the meeting to recess at 4:24 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                                    Approved:             October 9, 2007

____________________________                                               _____________________________

John W. Hoscheid, County Auditor                                 Todd Beckel, Chairman

Special County Board Meeting

September 27, 2007

The Lake of the Woods County Board met in special session on Thursday, September 27, 2007, in the Commissioners’ room of the Lake of the Woods County Government Center, with the following members present:  Commissioners Arnesen, Patty Beckel, Todd Beckel, Bredeson and Moorman.   Also present were:  County Auditor John W Hoscheid and Wyatt Johnson.  Chair Todd Beckel called the meeting to order at 9:18 a.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Wyatt Johnson met with the board to discuss ANI, economic development and funding sources.

City Clerk Tina Rennemo, City Council Members: Donald McKay and Greg Johnson, CEO of ANI Pharmaceuticals Tom Anderson and a representative from SC&H Tom Dubel all met with the board at 10:00 a.m.  Tom Anderson gave an overview of ANI and a presentation of ANI project plans with discussion following.

Further discussion was had regarding Jobz and potential incentives.

There being no further business before the Board, Chair Todd Beckel called the meeting in recess at 12:00 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                    Approved:  October 9, 2007

_______________________________              __________________________________

John W Hoscheid                                                                  Todd R Beckel

County Auditor                                                      Lake of the Woods County Board Chair