Commissioner Proceedings

MARCH 9, 2010

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, 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 Patty Beckel, Todd Beckel, Hanson, Arnesen and Moorman.  Also present were: Deputy Auditor Lorene Hanson and Deputy Auditor Janet Rudd.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to approve the agenda with the following additions:

Travel for Nancy Wendler, Report from the Office of the Legislative Auditor, AMC Legislative Conference and AMC thank-you letter. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.  

Approval of Consent Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to approve the consent agenda as follows: Travel for Tim Aery and Bob Peterson to Minneapolis, for MN DOT training (Grading & Base 1) on March 22-25; Marti Carlson to Willmar for MN County Hwy Accountants Assoc. Conference on April 28-30; Nancy Wendler to Bemidji March 18 &19 for Area Aging meeting and Regional Directors meeting.

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

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the minutes of February 23, 2010, regular meeting with changes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

COUNTY SHERIFF

County Sheriff, Dallas Block met with the board to discuss the Public Service Answering Point (PSAP). Dallas explained that there is a grant available, if six (6) counties agree, to participate in a study for the consolidation of 911 calls to go outside of the counties to one answering point. The consensus of the board was not to accept the PSAP grant. 

Claim No. 2924

The board discussed claim No. 2924 that was not paid from the last meeting.  Dallas explained that this claim would be paid out of the MNJAC grant.

SOCIAL SERVICE DIRECTOR

Introduction of Financial Worker

Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler introduced Cassie Brune, newly hired Financial Worker, to the board.   

Claims

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

Motion

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

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants           $19,776.96

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants           $ 7,686.02

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

Child Support Update

Child Support Officer, Rita Krause met with the board to inform them that the Governor’s Office and the State Department of Human Services has received an independent study regarding the Minnesota State Child Support process redesign. The study recommends that the State Department of Human Services assume the administration of child support from the Minnesota Counties with a multi-year phase in process.

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 10:24 a.m. and reconvened at 10:30 a.m. as follows:

PUBLIC WORKS

Overhead Light Fixtures

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen met with the board requesting approval to install new overhead light fixtures in the Public Works Office area and Break Room area.  Bruce presented two estimates to the board.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to authorize the Public Works Director to install new overhead light fixtures in the Public Works Office and Break Room area to facilitate an upgrade in energy and cost efficiency and award the project to Pat LeClaire Electric in the amount of $4,180 with the funding from the related budgeted building fund.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Drainage Management Committee Meeting

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen informed the board upon their request that he has scheduled an additional Drainage Management Committee meeting on March 18, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.  The board will contact their delegates to remind them of the meeting.

Township Road Inventory

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen asked the board how they would like to proceed with the Township Road Inventory.  The board requested that Bruce set up a meeting with the DNR to discuss the next segment.

AMC LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE

The board discussed the upcoming conference and what issues they want to bring forward at the conference. Some topics that were discussed were the resignation of Executive Director, Jim Moulder and his replacement and PILT payments.

FREEBERG AND GRUND

Engineer, Brian Grund met with the board and updated them of the progress of the Wheeler’s Point Sewer District. Brian informed the board that they found a parcel of land that possibly would work for the sewer district, but an archeology study would need to be completed on the property and metering of waste water flow for cost share data, would need to done. Brian informed the board that Rural Development has shown interest in this project for funding purposes.

WHEELER’S POINT SEWER DISTRICT

Wheeler’s Point Sewer District board member Gary Moeller met with the board requesting funding for an archeology study and purchases of meters for the Wheeler’s Point Sewer District. Gary informed the board that the study would cost approximately $12,500 and the meters the same. The board requested that they should check with the DNR to see if there would be a possibility of cost share for the archeology study.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to contribute $25,000 to the Wheeler’s Point Sewer District for the archeology study and the meters with the funding from the Con-Con fund.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 11:28 a.m. and reconvened at 11:40 a.m. as follows:

HUMAN RESOURCES

Engineering Technician/Administrative Assistant

Human Resource Director, Wade Johannesen met with the board requesting approval for the job description for the Engineering Technician/Administrative Assistant for the Public Works Department and to advertise and hire.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the job description for the Engineering Technician/Administrative Assistant for the Public Works Department as recommended by the personnel committee at grade 9 (nine).  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to authorize Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen and Human Resource Director, Wade Johannesen to advertise and hire for a Engineering Technician/Administrative Assistant which is a union position within the Public Works Department.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Custodian II/Safety Coordinator

Human Resource Director, Wade Johannesen met with the board requesting approval for the revised job description for the Custodian II/Safety Coordinator.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to approve the revised job description for the Custodian II/Safety Coordinator as recommended by the personnel committee from grade 5 (five) to grade 7 (seven) as recommended by the personnel committee.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the Custodian II/Safety Coordinator at grade 7 (seven) step 5(five) effective March 7, 2010.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the vote carried as follows:  Voting for:  Commissioners Patty Beckel, Hanson, Moorman and Arnesen.  Voting against:  Commissioner Todd Beckel.

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 12:25 p.m. and reconvened at 1:20 p.m. as follows:

COUNTY SURVEYOR

Bernard’s Property

County Surveyor, Donn Rasmussen met with the board and presented the proposal of request to prepare a Boundary and Topographical Survey of the Bernard property in Sections 1 and 12, Township 161 North, Range 33 West.  Donn explained that the estimated cost of the project is $25,000, but if the Public Works Department provided the necessary manpower and equipment for excavation it would save $2,400.  Donn also explained that the DNR was contacted and the DNR Land Survey Department, agreed to marking the west boundary of the Bernard property and filing the necessary section corners certificates.  This would save $5,000 bringing the cost down to $17,600.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to accept the proposal from County Surveyor Donn Rasmussen for the Boundary and Topographical Survey of the Bernard property in Sections 1 and 12, Township 161 North, Range 33 West in the amount of $17,600 with the funding from the Re-monumentation fund and the rest from the Natural Resource Environmental fund.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

GRAND THEATER

SharRay Feickert and Bill Mouw representing the Grand Theater met with the board to follow up on the property tax exempt status.  The board will send a letter seeking property tax exemption status for the Grand Theater to our legislature for support.

REGIONAL ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

The board reviewed a letter from the Regional Economic Alliance requesting support from Lake of the Woods for proposed changes to the Federal Universal Service Fund that would expand rural broadband deployment.  The Federal Communications Commission is currently drafting a National Broadband Plan that will begin the national debate over how to proceed on broadband; and will ultimately lead to legislation that will not only have an impact on the whole nation, but especially our rural areas.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to authorize Chairman Arnesen to sign the letter of support for the proposed changes to the Federal Universal Service Fund.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

CONSENT AGENDA

The board discussed the Lake of the Woods County “Travel Policy” which requires all employees to be placed on the consent agenda for approval for overnight travel; in the event that an emergency meeting occurs between board meetings, place that emergency meeting on the next consent agenda. When submitting your claim for expenses, an agenda or documentation of the meeting must be attached to be reimbursed.  Chairman Arnesen requested that Human Resource Director, Wade Johannesen send out an e-mail to all staff reminding them of the “Travel Policy”.

COUNTY AUDITOR

Claims

Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board for approval of claims:

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the claims with the adjustment of claim no. 2924 as follows:

                                                Revenue                               $      30,007.28         

                                                Road & Bridge                     $     14,435.49

                                                County Development           $       1,160.50   

                                                Solid Waste                          $     11,835.74

                                                                                             $      57,439.01  

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

WARRANTS APPROVED ON  3/09/2010 FOR PAYMENT  3/12/2010

       AMOUNT   VENDOR NAME                                                                  AMOUNT   VENDOR NAME

          373.00 ROSE ANDERSON                                                                    945.59 AUTO VALUE BAUDETTE

          342.99 CANON FINANCIAL SERVICES INC                                      1249.98 CENEX CO-OP SERVICES, INC.

          329.18 DELL MARKETING, LP                                                              300.00 GIZIIBII RESOURCE CONS & DEV A

          701.61 HOLTE IMPLEMENT, INC                                                       1445.10 HOWARD’S OIL COMPANY

          395.60 IBM CORPORATION                                                               3532.21 JAKE’S QUALITY TIRE INC

          324.50 LAKEWOOD HEALTH CENTER                                               701.96 LOW FOODS

          390.28 LOW HIGHWAY DEPT                                                            8127.00 MAR-KIT LANDFILL

      11130.61 MN STATE DEPT-CORRECTION                                             951.00 KENNETH MOORMAN

        5488.00 LAW MOREN                                                                             517.84 NAYLOR’S HEATING & REFRIGERATI

          473.39 NOBLE RADIO SHACK                                                              624.82 OFFICE DEPOT

        1650.31 PB DISTRIBUTING INC                                                           1095.12 R & Q TRUCKING, INC

        2601.34 ROLYAN BUOYS                                                                       335.64 SHOOTING STAR CASINO, HOTEL

          642.50 TONY DORN, INC.                                                                    327.29 TRUE VALUE

        1793.83 WIDSETH SMITH NOLTING&ASST INC                                4415.08 WOODY’S SERVICE

46 PAYMENTS LESS THAN  $300       6,142.27

FINAL TOTAL:     $57,348.04

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

                                                   February 23, 2010           $  25,614.86

                                                   February 24, 2010           $105,227.62

                                                   February 26, 2010           $       846.50

                                                   March       2, 2010           $  69,486.48

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

OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE AUDITOR

The board reviewed the evaluation report summary of the major findings and recommendations for the Office of the Legislative Auditor.  Commissioner Todd Beckel will get a group together to draft a letter for PILT payments to present at the AMC Legislative Conference.

Old/New Business

There were no new updates on:

• ANI
• Oak Island Petition
• Land Acquisition
• County TV
• Lessard- Sams Outdoor Heritage Council/Outdoor Heritage Fund-
• Red Lake Tribe
• Team Building

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Commissioner Todd Beckel reported on NE Wetlands; MRCC and Northern Counties Land Use.
• Commissioner Moorman reported on Mental Health Council.

Correspondence:

State of Minnesota Orderly Annexation Agreement

Recess

With no further business before the board, Chairman Arnesen recessed the meeting at 3:09 p.m.

Attest:                                                                                                 Approved: March 23 2010

____________________________                                                    ____________________________

Janet E. Rudd, Deputy Auditor                                                         Edward Arnesen, Chairman of the Board

Commissioner Proceedings

MARCH 23, 2010

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, March 23, 2010, in the Commissioners Room at the Government Center.

Call to Order

Vice-Chairman Moorman called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners Patty Beckel, Todd Beckel, Hanson, and Moorman. Commissioner Arnesen was absent.  Also present were: Deputy Auditor Lorene Hanson and Deputy Auditor Janet Rudd.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Todd Beckel to approve the agenda with the following additions:

Travel for Phil Johnson, Sandy Peterson, and Julie Berggren, Memo for City of Baudette, Letter from DNR (purchase of land). The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.  

Approval of Consent Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the consent agenda as follows: Travel for Ryan Hockstedler to Brainerd on April 6-7 for MNJAC Conference, Phil Johnson to Fosston, Twin Valley and Thief River Falls on April 22-23 for quarterly meetings, Sandy Johnson to St. Paul, on May 4-5 for Criminal Justice Reporting System and Julie Berggren to Andover on April 29 for PLEAA training.

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

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Patty Beckel to approve the minutes of March 9, 2010, regular meeting with changes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Todd Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

DAVID DROWN & ASSOCIATES

Associate Traci Ryan with David Drown & Associates met with the board to discuss how the county can establish the authority by creating either an Economic Development Authority (EDA) or a Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA). She explained that the primary purpose of proposing the creation of an EDA is to provide for the authority to create Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts in unincorporated areas of the county where development is expected to occur.   Traci went through the procedures on how to create an EDA. Traci informed the board that the cost for David Drown & Associates to assist in the creation of an EDA would be around $5,000 plus travel. The board reviewed a letter requesting consideration for Tax Increment Financing assistance in connection with the proposed Bur Oak Villa Development.

Chairman Arnesen

Chairman Arnesen joined the meeting at 8:31 a.m. and resumed position of Chairman at 9:45 a.m.

SOCIAL SERVICE DIRECTOR

Claims

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

Motion

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

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants           $29,476.81

                                                Commissioners’ Warrants           $ 8,562.01

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

Minnesota Department of Human Services(DHS)

Lake of the Woods County Commissioners would like to commend the Social Services Staff and Director for a perfect performance in meeting the DHS Human Service financial reporting requirements for calendar year 2009.

MINNESOTA COUNTIES INTERGOVERNMENTAL TRUST

Executive Director, Robyn Sykes met with the board and presented the 2010 Annual Report.  Robyn explained to the board that the MCIT members chose to rename the entity to better reflect the mission of the organization. She explained that the word “Insurance”   that appeared in the title led to a perception that MCIT must be an insurance company, so the members chose to rename the entity to “Intergovernmental” to better reflect the mission of the organization, that it is a group of counties and associated members collectively pooling resources to manage risk and to reduce the cost for their tax payers.

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 9:50 a.m. and reconvened at 9:54 a.m. as follows:

PUBLIC WORKS

Advertise for bids

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen met with the board requesting approval to advertise for bids and set bid opening dates for Shared Use Paths known as projects SP 39-090-02 & SP 39-090-03.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to authorize the Public Works Director to advertise for bids and set bid opening dates for the following upcoming projects as warranted:  SP 39-090-02 & SP 39-090-03, Shared Use Paths.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Todd Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Township Road Inventory

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen informed the board that he will try to organize a meeting with the DNR in the near future to review the Township Road Inventory.

MarKit Annual Meeting

Public Works Director, Bruce Hasbargen informed the board that MarKit Landfill is holding its annual meeting in Hallock on April 14, 2010 at 11:30 a.m. for those who would like to attend.

GRAND THEATER

SharRay Feickert and Bill Mouw representing the Grand Theater met with the board and presented a resolution for support for seeking tax exemption for the Theater. County Assessor, Wayne Bendickson affirmed that he would check further with the Department of Revenue for the exemption status for the Grand Theater and report back to the board.

Resolution

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

Resolution No. 10-03-01

Resolution of Support for Seeking Tax Exemption for the Grand Theater

WHEREAS,  the Lake of the Woods County Commissioners represent the legal County Government for the residents of Lake of the Woods County and recognized within the State of Minnesota as such; and

WHEREAS, The Board of Directors of The Baudette Community Foundation, a 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) entity, owning and operating a community theater (The Grand Theater) seeks tax exemption for its community theater project;

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County Commissioners have determined that it is in the best interest of our county, surrounding area and the Community Foundation Board to seek tax exemption, to assure that the theater remains a viable entity, providing safe and accessible recreational opportunities for all individuals within the remote County of Lake of the Woods.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT, Lake of the Woods County Commissioners approves this resolution; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Commissioners are hereby authorized to take such actions as may be deemed necessary to effectuate the change of tax exemption for The Grand Theater.

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

COUNTY SHERIFF/MIS DIRECTOR

County Sheriff, Dallas Block and MIS Director, Brent Birkeland met with the board to discuss the laptop computers that the county purchased through 911 funds for the ambulances and the request to transfer to the City of Baudette Police Department.  County Sheriff and MIS Director will meet with Ambulance Director, Bobby Jo Castle, to discuss the laptop computers. No board action was taken.

NORTHWEST REGIONAL RADIO BOARD

Commissioner Todd Beckel discussed the recommended modification to the Northwest Regional Radio Boards Joint Powers Agreement.  He informed the board that the change would delete the wording that Greater Northwest EMS as the Administrative Agent of the Board and add provisions providing that the Administrative Services are under the direction and control of the Regional Radio Board.

Resolution

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

A RESOLUTION APPROVING MODIFICATIONS TO THE

JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT FORMING THE

NORTHWEST REGIONAL RADIO BOARD

RESOLUTION  NO. 10-03-02

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County is a participating member of the Northwest Regional Radio Board, a Joint Powers Entity formed pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 403.39 and 471.59; and

WHEREAS, a Joint Powers Agreement creating the Northwest Regional Radio Board was approved by the fourteen counties and one city comprising the Board, including Lake of the Woods County; and

WHEREAS, the current Joint Powers Agreement provides, in more than location, reference to Greater Northwest EMS serving as the Northwest Regional Radio Board Administrative Agent; and

WHEREAS, Greater Northwest EMS is no longer willing to serve as the Northwest Regional Radio Board Administrative Agent; and

WHEREAS, modification of the assignment of an Administrative Agent currently requires modification of the Joint Powers Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Northwest Regional Radio Board recommends modification of the Joint Powers Agreement governing the Northwest Regional Radio Board to vest selection of the Administrative Agent in the Northwest Regional Radio Board;  

BE IT RESOLVED the Lake of the Woods Board of Commissioners approves the modifications to the Joint Powers Agreement recommended by the Northwest Regional Radio Board and attached hereto; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Lake of the Woods County Commissioners is hereby authorized to execute the required addendum to the existing Joint Powers Agreement to implement the authorized modifications upon approval of the County Attorney.

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

COUNTY AUDITOR

Claims

Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board for approval of claims:

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the claims as follows:

                                                Revenue                               $      21,293.27         

                                                Road & Bridge                     $       9,559.76

                                                Solid Waste                          $       3,020.92

                                                                                             $      33,873.95  

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

WARRANTS APPROVED ON  3/23/2010 FOR PAYMENT  3/26/2010

       AMOUNT   VENDOR NAME                                                                     AMOUNT   VENDOR NAME

          944.89 ACME ELECTRIC                                                                       962.43 AMERICAN SOLUTIONS FOR BUSINES

          524.61 ANDY’S GARAGE, INC.                                                           2835.00 ED ARNESEN

          675.09 TERRY BROWN                                                                      2459.75 CENEX CO-OP SERVICES, INC.

          471.96 COUNTRY INN & SUITES – ST CLOU                                      309.94 DELL MARKETING, LP

          688.55 RICHARD GOODERUM                                                          1428.00 INFOPRINT SOLUTIONS LLC

        1768.79 LAKES GAS CO.                                                                      4605.00 PAT LECLAIRE ELECTRIC (DBA)

          319.56 LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICE OF MN                                  1198.25 MN COUNTIES INFORMATION SYSTEM

          375.00 MN OFFICE OF ENTERPRISE TECHNO                                 409.62 MORT’S HEATING INC

        1687.40 MSOP-MN SEX OFFENDER PRGRM-462                             4863.88 PARADIGM SYSTEM SOLUTIONS INC

          307.91 PETROWSKI TELECOMMUNICATIONS                                  822.02 POWERPLAN

          785.32 ROSEAU COUNTY COOPERATIVE ASSN                              582.47 SIMPLEX

          733.92 WEST GROUP

39 PAYMENTS LESS THAN  $300       4,114.59

FINAL TOTAL:     $33,873.95

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

                                                   March 10, 2010      $ 1 25,443.07

                                                   March 16, 2010      $    13,213.41        

                                                   March 16 2010       $    55,596.46

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

Old/New Business

There were no new updates on:

• ANI
• Oak Island Petition
• Co. T.V.
• Land Acquisition
• Lessard- Sams Outdoor Heritage Council/Outdoor Heritage Fund-
• Red Lake Tribe
• Team Building

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Commissioner Todd Beckel reported on NW Regional Radio Board, Far North Transit and TAC meeting in regards to the Bernard Property.
• Commissioner Patty Beckel reported on the Airport Commission, NWR Juvenile Center.

Correspondence:

• State of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Land Sale request (Stoney Corners and Jim’s Corner),
• Joint Meeting with School, City of Baudette and Lake of the Woods Commissioners canceled for March 30, 2010 due to conflict with the Baudette City  Council.

Recess

With no further business before the board, Chairman Arnesen recessed the meeting at 11:53 a.m.

Attest:                                                                                                 Approved: April 6, 2010

____________________________                                                    ____________________________

Janet E. Rudd, Deputy Auditor                                                         Edward Arnesen, Chairman of the Board