April 8, 2025

The Lake of The Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

CALL TO ORDER

Chair Jon Waibel called the meeting to order at 9:00a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Cody Hasbargen, Joe Grund, Jon Waibel, Ed Arnesen, and Buck Nordlof. Also present was County Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson. 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with changes: Add: Legislative Update, Assessors Office Values Update.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the official minutes of March 25, 2025.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $139,726.62; Commissioners Warrants $2,793.07; Commissioners Warrants $15,517.42.

Auditor/Treasurer

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $76,934.60; Road & Bridge $37,816.51; County Development $200.00; Solid Waste $11,892.90.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 4/08/2025 For Payment 4/11/2025

Vendor Name Amount

Co-Op Services, Inc. 2,390.91 

Cps Technology Solutions 5,524.00 

Forks Freightliner 4,680.57 

Interstate Engineering Inc 6,337.50 

Interstate Power Systems, Inc. 3,760.61 

KC TECH LLC 2,925.00 

Law Offices Of Patrick D. Moren 12,086.66 

Marco Technologies LLC 11,261.21 

Marco Technologies LLC 3,006.69 

Northdale Oil Inc. 16,087.96 

Northern Light Region 6,224.00 

Powerplan 4,130.69

Quadient Finance USA Inc. 3,000.00 

R & Q Trucking, Inc 7,738.50 

University Of Mn 19,050.00 

42 Payments less than 2000 18,639.71

Final Total: 126,844.01

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: March 26,2025 for $3,034.90; April 2,2025 for $59,174.87; April 2,2025 for $280,403.58; April 2, 2025 for $283,997.21; April 2,2025 for ($400.00); April 2, 2025 for ($2,520.70).

PILT Letter

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the drafted letter to the Govenor and Legislators regarding proposed cuts on PILT payments.

Planning Commission Board Appointment

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously with Commissioner Buck Nordlof abstaining, to appoint Tim Nordlof to the Planning Commission Board.

Arrowhead Library Appointment

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to appoint Deb Perala to the Arrowhead Library Board with Woody Fiala as an alternate.

Board of Equalization Meeting Date Change

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to change the BOE meeting date from June 23, 2025 to June 16, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.

Public Works

Permission to Advertise, Interview, & Hire PT Seasonal Help

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the request to advertise, interview, & hire PT seasonal help for Highway and Mowing projects.

Updates

County Engineer Anthony Pirkl gave an update on various Highway projects.

Land & Water

Consideration of Interim Use Permit #25-02IU by 623, LLC (Steven and Amy Olson)

West half (½) of the Northeast quarter (¼), of Section Seven (7), Township One Hundred Sixty-three (163) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West (Prosper) – Parcel ID# 16.07.12.000. Applicants are requesting an Interim Use Permit as required by Section 1106 of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance to operate a short-term vacation rental in a Rural Residential Development Zoning District (R2).

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the following IUP/Findings of Fact #25-02IU by 623, LLC (Steven & Amy Olson) to operate a short-term vacation rental in a Rural Residential Development Zoning District (R2) with conditions:

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners Short-Term Vacation Rental Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant: 623 LLC Date: April 8, 2025

Location/Legal Description: The West Half (1/2) of the North-East Quarter (1/4) of Section Seven (7), Township One-hundred Sixty-three (163) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West (Prosper) Parcel Number: 16.07.12.000

Project Proposal: Applicant is requesting an Interim Use Permit, as required by Section 401.I of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance, to operate a short-term vacation rental in a Rural Residential Zoning District (R2).

1. Is the project proposal consistent with the Lake of the Woods County Comprehensive Land Use Plan? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )
   • Explain? The Lake of the Woods County Board is clear about the type of values important to the county as it develops an approach to managing its land base. These values include a desire for local control over an individual choice when it comes to issues of work and leisure. The following is a summary of those values important to Lake of the Woods County, pertinent to this request:
     • Individual Choice – In the types of work and leisure to pursue, and in where to live and in the lifestyle to pursue;
     • Local Influence – Over policy that affects the lives of county citizens;
     • Balance – Between individual rights and the public’s welfare and between competing economic development objectives.
2. Is the project proposal consistent with maintaining the public health, safety, and welfare? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( ) Explain? The public health, safety, and welfare is maintained by having a compliant septic system, a drinking supply that meets water quality standards.
3. Is the project proposal compatible with adjacent land uses? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( ) Explain? Adjacent land uses consist of a mixture of Rural Residential (R2) and Residential (R1).
4. Is the site in harmony with existing and proposed access to the property? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( ) Explain? The property is adjacent to County Road 52 (68th Street NW).
5. Has the applicant adequately demonstrated how the traffic and parking are to be addressed? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( ) Explain? Adequate onsite parking is available.
6. Has the applicant provided a map adequately depicting locations of property lines, well and septic system locations, accessory structures, parking areas, and shore recreational facilities? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( ) Explain? An adequate map was provided with the application.
7. Does the water test meet the Minnesota Department of Health drinking water standards? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( ) Explain? The water test was included with the application.
8. Has the applicant identified the maximum number of occupants? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( ) Explain? The application identifies the maximum number of occupants as six (6) people.
9. Is the current SSTS compliant by evidence of a Certificate of Compliance and is the SSTS adequate to accommodate the identified maximum occupancy? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( ) Explain? The septic system is sized for 450 gallons/day (3 bedroom/6 people) and the Certificate of Compliance was issued on June 23, 2020.
10. Has the applicant established quiet hours? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( ) Explain? The established quiet hours, as per the application, are from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
11. Has the applicant provided a floor plan which includes the number of bedrooms and all other sleeping accommodations? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( ) Explain? A floor plan is included with the application.
12. Has the applicant provided an evacuation plan/fire safety protocol and have identified the locations of smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms and fire extinguishers? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( ) Explain? See application.
13. Has the applicant identified a local person and their contact information? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( ) Explain? The application identifies a local contact person and their contact information.
14. If signage is associated with the project proposal, has the applicant demonstrated the need for the number and size requested, and minimized the visual appearance as viewed from adjacent properties to the extent possible? YES ( ) NO ( ) N/A (X) Explain? Applicant indicates no signage will be requested.
15. Is fencing and/or screening needed to buffer the project proposal from adjacent properties? YES ( ) NO (X) N/A ( ) Explain? Not needed as screening from adjacent properties exist.

The answers to the questions above, together with the facts supporting the answers and those other facts that exist in the record, are hereby certified to be the Findings of the County Board of Commissioners.

The specific reasons for denial or conditions of approval are as follows:

1. The interim use permit terminates five (5) years from the date of approval or upon sale or transfer of the property, whichever occurs first.

2. The maximum occupancy is limited to six (6) individuals as per the submitted application.

3. The established quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. as per the submitted application.

4. A valid Certificate of Compliance for the existing septic system is to be maintained.

5. Parking along County Road 52 (68th Street NW) is prohibited.

6. If applicable, the applicant must meet the Minnesota Department of Health requirements.

Consideration of Preliminary Plat of Youngs Bay Mancaves by YBMC, LLC

The East 165.00 feet of the West 198.00 feet of Government Lot 3, Section Twenty-five (25), Township One Hundred Sixty-eight (168) North, Range Thirty-four (34) West (Angle), Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota, except the South 290.00 feet thereof, Parcel ID# 02.25.24.020. Applicant is requesting to create a planned unit development consisting of twelve (12) storage units.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the request by YBMC, LLC to create a planned unit development consisting of twelve (12) storage units with conditions.

Consideration of Preliminary Plat Baudette Mancaves by GWE, LLC

The East½East½NW¼NE¼, Section Twenty-seven (27), Township One Hundred Sixty-two (162) North, Range Thirty-two (32) West – Parcel ID# 19.27.12.010. Applicant is requesting to create a planned unit development consisting of twelve (12) storage units.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the request by GWE, LLC to create a planned unit development consisting of twelve (12) storage units with conditions.

Consideration of Amendment to the LOTW County Subsurface Sewage Treatment System Ordinance

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to amend the administrative variance process in the LOTW County Subsurface Sewage Treatment System Ordinance.

Human Resources

Salary Approval

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve Wyatt Shaw at a dispatch wage Grade 12, Step 1, $24.84 per hour for training prior to becoming Deputy Sheriff all contingent upon passing required testing.

Legislative Update

Commissioner Ed Arnesen gave a brief legislative update regarding jail bonding and safe boats.

2024 LOTW County Feedlot Report

Mike Hirst reviewed the 2024 Feedlot Annual Report

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the 2024 LOTW County Feedlot Report and for Chair Jon Waibel to sign the same.

Old/New Business-Unused Wells

The board discussed the progress of sealing unused wells with Mike Hirst.

Public Hearing

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting and open the public hearing.

Small Cities Grant Application

Northwest Community Action Representative Diane Hayes reviewed the small cities grant and requirements.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to close the public hearing and open the regular meeting.

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the following:

RESOLUTION 

A Resolution Approving the 2025 Small Cities Development Program Application

Resolution No. 25-04-01

BE IT RESOLVED that Lake of the Woods County act as the legal sponsor for the project contained in the application to be submitted on April 16, 2025 and that the Chairman and the County Auditor are hereby authorized to apply to the Department of Employment and Economic Development for funding of this project on behalf of Lake of the Woods County.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Lake of the Woods County has the legal authority to apply for financial assistance, and the institutional, managerial and financial capability to ensure adequate construction, operation, maintenance and replacement of the proposed project for its design life.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Lake of the Woods County has not violated any Federal, State or local laws pertaining to fraud, bribery, graft, kickbacks, collusion, conflict of interest or other unlawful or corrupt practice. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that upon approval of its application by the State, Lake of the Woods County may enter into an agreement with the State of Minnesota for the approved project, and that Lake of the Woods County certifies that it will comply with all applicable laws and regulations as stated in all contract agreements.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Chairman and County Auditor, or their successors in office, are hereby authorized to execute such agreements, and amendments thereto, as are necessary to implement the project on behalf of the applicant.

Lake of the Woods Cannabis Company

Brittney Peterson from Lake of the Woods Cannabis Company gave an update regarding the application submission and approval process for cannabis businesses.

Recess

A brief recess took place at 10:25a.m. and reconvened at 11:40a.m.

Assessors

Values Update

County Assessor Alisa Jacobsen gave an update on property values and sales in the area.

Set Work Session

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to set an IT work session following the April 22, 2025 board meeting.

Adjourn

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 12:05 p.m.

Attest: April 22, 2025

________________________________             _________________________________

Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson Chair Jon Waibel