COMMISSIONER PROCEEDINGS

January 28, 2025

The Lake of The Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, January 28, 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 Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with changes: Add: 2024 EMPG Grant, Legislative Update, Koochiching Jail Update.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the official minutes of January 14, 2025.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $11,931.39; Commissioners Warrants $1,861.80; Commissioners Warrants $55,066.48.

Auditor/Treasurer

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnsen and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $81,740.85; Road & Bridge $27,091.16; Solid Waste $9,956.83; EDA $1,833.27.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 1/28/2025 For Payment 1/31/2025

Vendor Name Amount

 ByteSpeed, LLC – 2,555.99 

Clay County Sheriff – 2,507.75 

Compass Minerals America – 10,354.26 

Counties Providing Technology  – 4,452.00 

Country Inn & Suites – Shoreview – 2,695.22 

HRDC – 3,500.00 

Information Systems Corporation – 11,632.00 

Marco Technologies LLC – 2,170.44 

North East Technical Service,Inc – 2,425.00 

Northdale Oil Inc. – 14,671.79 

Pemberton Law, P.L.L.P. – 3,357.50 

Pennington County Sheriff Office – 14,270.34 

Roseau Police Dept – 5,000.00 

Sandpieper Design Inc. – 4,852.27 

U.S. Bank Equipment Finance – 6,268.50 

University of North Dakota – 9,520.90 

36 Payments less than 2000  20,388.15

Final Total: 120,622.11

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: January 15, 2025 for $330,652.82; January 15, 2025 for $305,809.48; January 22, 2025 for $10,776.61.

Add to Old/New Business

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to add Revenue & Expenditure to old/new business on the agenda.

Legislative Update

Commissioner Ed Arnesen gave an update regarding his recent meeting at the capitol.

Sheriff

Stonegarden Sheriff Salary

Resolution

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

AMEND COUNTY SHERIFF SALARY

Resolution No. 25-01-05

WHEREAS, the United States Department of Homeland Security has asked local law enforcement agencies along our Nation’s border to step up border monitoring, pursue joint objectives, and enhance their capabilities for providing border security; and,

WHEREAS, in an effort to assist local governments in fulfilling this request, the Department of Homeland Security through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division, offered “Operation Stonegarden 2023 grant; and,

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Sheriff’s Office is a successful recipient of an Operation Stonegarden 2023 grant; and,

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Sheriff has undertaken, as additional duties, the responsibility to avail himself and his officers for additional training, or to provide such training for his officers’ himself, for border protection and border security, and the additional duties of improving the distinct capability of the sheriffs’ office as a whole with regard to border security and border patrol as part of a joint mission; and in addition, as and for additional duties, the sheriff will necessarily devote more of his own time to border patrol and border enforcement; and,

WHEREAS, the Operation Stonegarden 2023 grant given to assist the Lake of the Woods County Sheriff’s Office in its efforts to secure the border includes the sum of $123,750.00 and $117,090.00 of this grant is for salaries.

WHEREAS, it is estimated that these additional border security duties will necessitate that the Sheriff expend on average another eight (8) hours per week; and,

WHEREAS, through the Operation Stonegarden 2023 grant, all of the additional overtime worked by officers devoted to border security issues is fully reimbursable under the grant, including the cost of officer overtime pay, PERA, Medicare and worker’s compensation, so that the net cost of the additional homeland security duties to Lake of the Woods County is fully reimbursed by the grant.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the resolution setting the sheriff’s salary, as originally set by this board on December 17, 2024 was $109,306.80 and fringe benefits were $20,932.25, be amended so that the sheriff’s salary is increased by the sum up to $16,752.00 and fringe benefits are increased up to $3,208.01 commencing January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025, with the increase funding from the Operation Stonegarden 2023 grant contingent upon the following:

1.  That the Operation Stonegarden 2023 grant funding be available; and

2. That the Sheriff works, in addition to his regular duties, eight (8) hours per week of said Operation Stonegarden 2023 grant.

At such time that the Operation Stonegarden 2023 grant funding is no longer available and/or if the Sheriff is unable to complete the additional eight (8) hours per week of Operation Stonegarden 2023 grant work, the Sheriff’s salary shall return to the original balance set by the board on December 17, 2024 in addition to the accumulated Stonegarden wages earned based on Stonegarden funding available and actual hours worked.

Emergency Management

2023 EMPG Grant

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the 2023 EMPG Grant in the amount of $14,120.00 and for Chair Jon Waibel and County Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson to sign the same.

2024 EMPG Grant

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the 2024 EMPG Grant and for Chair Jon Waibel and County Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson to sign the same when it becomes available.

Mike Hirst-Friends of Zippel Bay State Park (FZBSP)

Mike Hirst gave an update regarding various projects including grooming of trails and requested $2000.00 on behalf of Friends of Zippel Bay State Park to fund maintenance projects.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the request for $2000.00 out of con-con funds.

Alan Thompson-Wheelers Sanitation

Alan Thompson came to the board to request approval to change the wheelers sanitation board bylaws to have an annual meeting instead of monthly meetings. It was the consensus of the board to have an attorney amend the bylaws and then return for approval.

Public Works

Updates

County Engineer Anthony Pirkl gave an update on various projects.

Approval to Bid SAP 039-629-001

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the request to bid SAP 039-629-001.

Boat & Water Grant

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the Boat & Water grant as presented by Sergeant Ben Duick in the amount of $75,213.00.

Koochiching Jail Update

Chair Jon Waibel gave an update regarding the progress of the Koochiching jail.

Closed Session

Resolution

The following Resolution was offered by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the following:

Resolution Closing Board Meeting

Resolution No. 25-01-06

WHEREAS, the Minnesota Open Meeting Law, Minn. Stat. § 13D.05, subd. 3(b) states that “meetings may be closed if the closure is expressly authorized by statute or permitted by the attorney-client privilege”; and

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County received correspondence from Canadian National Railway Company dated October 18, 2024 threatening litigation regarding solid waste tax assessments; and   

WHEREAS, County Attorney Moren and Engineer Pirkl met with CNR counsel on January 22, 2025 to discuss the threatened litigation and engage in settlement discussions; and

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Board seeks to meet with its attorney, to discuss the threatened litigation and potential settlement; and

WHEREAS, it would be detrimental to the interests of the Lake of the Woods County Board to hold a public discussion with its attorney regarding the strengths and weaknesses of its legal position(s), strategy, and potential settlement position regarding the threatened litigation where an opposing party or opposing attorney could listen to or be made aware of Lake of the Woods County’s positions; and

WHEREAS, there is an absolute need for the Lake of the Woods County Board to obtain confidential legal advice regarding the threatened litigation in order to maintain the attorney-client privilege.

BE IT RESOLVED by the Lake of the Woods County Board as follows:

1. The Lake of the Woods County Board hereby closes this meeting based upon the attorney-client privilege pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 13D.05, subd. 3(b); and

2. The specific subjects to be discussed, pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 13D.01, subd. 3, are the allegations and responses to the threatened litigation by Canadian National Railway Company and potential settlement proposals. 

Adopted by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners, Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota this 28^th day of January, 2025. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the closed session and open the regular meeting at 10:45a.m.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to adjust solid waste assessments as necessary.

Set Work Session

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to set a work session for solid waste for March 25, 2025 following the regular board meeting.

Adjourn

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:50 a.m.

Attest: February 11, 2025

________________________________             _________________________________

Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson Chair Jon Waibel

  COMMISSIONER PROCEEDINGS

January 14, 2025

The Lake of The Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, January 14, 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 Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with changes: Add: Employee Recognition, Safe Child Consultation Contract, Maintenance Liaison, and Resolution of Support-Bonding.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the official minutes of December 27, 2024.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the official minutes of January 7, 2025 with changes.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $33,949.41; Commissioners Warrants $2,290.23; Commissioners Warrants $15,397.99.

Purchase of Services Agreement-Northland Counseling

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously with Commissioner Cody Hasbargen abstaining to approve the Purchase of Services agreement with Northland Counseling effective January 1, 2025-December 31,2026.

Auditor/Treasurer

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $227,751.75; Road & Bridge $86,792.87; Solid Waste $40,330.13; EDA $20,365.00.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 1/14/2025 For Payment 1/17/2025

Vendor Name Amount

Air Med Care Network 16,803.00 

ByteSpeed, LLC – 2,129.00 

Headwaters Regional Dev Commiss – 20,000.00 

KRIS Engineering Inc – 4,404.40 

Larkin Hoffman Attorneys – 17,892.50 

M-R Sign Co, Inc – 5,345.82 

Mar-Kit Landfill – 11,682.50 

Mn Assn Of Counties – 9,146.00 

Mn Counties Computer Co-Op – 20,920.68 

MN Counties Intergovernmental Trst – 205,884.00 

Mn State Dept-Correction – 18,639.00 

Northern Light Region – 4,848.00 

OnSolve,LLC – 7,875.00 

Quadient Finance USA Inc. – 2,000.00 

Ziegler, Inc – 4,874.44 

39  Payments less than  2000 – 22,795.41

Final Total: 375,239.75

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: December 31, 2024 for $3,996.21; December 31, 2024 for $100,029.79; December 31, 2024 for $9,986.31; January 8, 2025 for $65,437.90.

County Surveyor Contract Approval

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the Professional Services contract for County Surveyor with Bolton & Menk and for Chair Jon Waibel, Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson, and County Attorney Michelle Moren to sign the same.

Audit Engagement Letter

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the Audit Engagement Letter, for the year ended December 31, 2024, with Hoffman, Philipp, & Martell, PLLC and for the Chair Jon Waibel and Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson to sign the same.

Employee Recognition

Chair Jon Waibel presented the 2024 Steven R. Sindelir Memorial Award for Excellence to Deputy Auditor-Treasurer Anna Sanchez.

Resolution of Support

Resolution

The following Resolution was offered by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the following:

LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY, MINNESOTA

SUPPORTING A BONDING BILL FOR

 CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT CENTER

RESOLUTION 2025-01-03

Supporting the County’s request for bonding money to provide a new law enforcement center.

WHEREAS, As of July 1, 2021, the Minnesota Department of Corrections  (DOC) has found the existing Lake of the Woods County Jail to be structurally deficient and in need of major renovations or replacement, and has required the County to transfer inmates to an alternative facility until alternative facilities have been built; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to DOC mandates, inmates can be held at the existing county jail for a maximum time period of 72 hours (which can be extended only if the Court has authorized that specific inmate can have Huber and/or STS privileges); and

WHEREAS, due to the limitations imposed by DOC, the County has been required to house inmates in other jail facilities in neighboring counties, resulting in transportation time and expenses, and the cost of housing the inmates outside of the Lake of the Woods County jail; and

WHEREAS, the County Board has considered the practicality and future costs of all alternatives; factoring in the County’s considerable distances to alternative facilities and the uncertain availability and cost of such arrangements; and has determined that building a new Law Enforcement Center is the most viable response to the Department of Corrections’ mandate; and 

WHEREAS, the aforementioned project is the most fiscally responsible option and will result in near-term and long-term economic and public safety benefits to County residents and businesses, as well as non-resident visitors and businesses, and

WHEREAS, the construction of a new Law Enforcement Center will require funding from a state bonding bill; and 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY BOARD AS FOLLOWS:

The County Board urges all lawmakers to work to pass a bonding bill in the current legislative session, which includes funding appropriations for the Lake of the Woods County Law Enforcement project.

Maintenance Liaison

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously for Commissioner Joe Grund to be Maintenance Liaison.

Sheriff

FY23 Stonegarden Resolution

The board reviewed the FY23 Stonegarden resolution. No action was taken at this time.

Boat & Water Grant

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the Boat & Water Grant Assessment as presented by Sergeant Ben Duick and for  Commissioners: Jon Waibel, Joe Grund, Cody Hasbargen, Ed Arnesen, and Buck Nordlof, Sheriff Gary Fish, Sergeant Ben Duick, and Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson to sign the same.

PUBLIC WORKS
Updates

County Engineer Anthony Pirkl gave an update on various projects.

Landfill Bids

County Engineer Anthony Pirkl reviewed bids received for the capping of the landfill. No action was taken at this time.

Tech II to Tech III

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to move Wyatt Erickson from Tech II to Tech III at Grade 13, Step 6, $30.14 per hour at 396 points.

Retirement Resolution- Tim Aery

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Chairman Jon Waibel and moved for adoption:

Recognition of Years of Service

Timothy Aery

Resolution No. 2025-01-02

WHEREAS: Timothy Aery has served Lake of the Woods County as a Heavy Equipment Operator since June 27, 1994;

WHEREAS: Tim will retire from Lake of the Woods County effective January 17, 2025 with more than thirty years of service;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That Lake of the Woods Board of County Commissioners extends its deepest appreciation to Timothy for his dedicated service and wishes him well on his retirement.

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

Attorney

Safe Child Consultation Contract

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the Safe Child Consultation contract between University of Minnesota Physicians and Lake of the Woods County and for County Attorney Michelle Moren to sign the same.

Temporary Office Assistant 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the request to hire Diane Rosen as temporary office assistant at Grade 13, Step 12, $33.43 per hour plus IRS mileage rate of .70 cents effective January 16, 2025.

Land & Water

Consideration of Conditional Use Permit #25-01CU by Kyle and Kati Christianson

Lot Twenty (20), Long Point Subdivision of Lake Shore of Government Lot Five (5) of Section Thirty-six (36), Township One Hundred Sixty-four (164) North, Range Thirty-four (34) West (Lakewood) – Parcel ID# 14.52.00.200. Applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit as required by Section 902 of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance to move more than ten (10) cubic yards of material within the shore impact zone of Lake of the Woods for the purpose of shoreline stabilization due to the 2022 high water event. Lake of the Woods is a General Development Lake.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following Conditional Use Permit/Findings of fact #25-01CU by Kyle and Kati Christianson to move more than ten (10) cubic yards of material within the shore impact zone of Lake of the Woods for the purpose of shoreline stabilization due to the 2022 high water event. Lake of the Woods is a General Development Lake.

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners

Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant:  Kyle & Kati Christianson

Date:  January 14, 2025

Location/Legal Description:  Lot Twenty (20), Long Point Subdivision of Lake Shore of Government Lot Five (5) of Section Thirty-six (36), Township One Hundred Sixty-four (164) North, Range Thirty-four (34) West (Lakewood) – Parcel ID# 14.52.00.200.

Project Proposal:  Applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit as required by Section 902 of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance to move more than ten (10) cubic yards of material within the shore impact zone of Lake of the Woods for the purpose of shoreline stabilization due to the 2022 high water event.

1. Is the project proposal consistent with the Lake of the Woods County Comprehensive Land Use Plan? YES (X) NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Shoreline stabilization

2. Is the project proposal consistent with maintaining the public health, safety, and welfare?

YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not?  ___________________________________________________________________

3. Is the project proposal consistent with the goal of preventing and controlling water pollution, including sedimentation and nutrient loading?
   YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Will provide some level of sedimentation loading which prevents water pollution. 

4. Will the project proposal not adversely affect the site’s existing topography, drainage features, and vegetative cover?
YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  No change.

5. Is the project proposal’s site location reasonable in relation to any floodplain and/or floodway of rivers or tributaries? YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  The project location is within the floodplain of Lake of the Woods. 

6. Has the erosion potential of the site based upon the degree and direction of slope, soil type and existing vegetative cover been adequately addressed for the project proposal? YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  The project proposal is to further reduce erosion from the property.

7. Is the site in harmony with existing and proposed access roads?     YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ____________________________________________________________________

8. Is the project proposal compatible with adjacent land uses? YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A ( )

Why or why not?  Seasonal cabins.

9.  Does the project proposal have a reasonable need to be in a shoreland location?

YES (X)  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not?  Lake of the Woods.

10. Is the amount of liquid waste to be generated reasonable and the proposed sewage disposal system adequate to accommodate the project proposal? YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ____________________________________________________________________

11. Will the visibility of structures and other facilities as viewed from public waters comply with Section 901 of the Zoning Ordinance?         YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ____________________________________________________________________

12. Is the site adequate for water supply and on-site sewage treatment systems? YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ____________________________________________________________________

13. Are the affected public waters suited to and able to safely accommodate the types, uses, and numbers of watercraft that the project proposal will generate? YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ____________________________________________________________________

14. If the project proposal includes above ground or below ground storage tanks for petroleum or other hazardous material that is subject to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) requirements, has a permit been sought? YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ____________________________________________________________________

15. Will there be fencing and/or other screening provided to buffer the project proposal from adjacent properties?

YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ____________________________________________________________________

16. 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)

Why or why not? ___________________________________________________________________

17. If the project proposal will generate additional traffic to or from the site, has the applicant adequately demonstrated how the additional traffic and parking is to be addressed? YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ____________________________________________________________________

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. Proper temporary and permanent erosion control methods are to be implemented.

Approved  as Presented  (   ) Approved with Conditions  (X) Denied  (  )

January 14, 2025 _____________________________________

Date Jon Waibel

Chair, County Board

This is in accordance with the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance

Closed Session

Resolution

The following Resolution was offered by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the following:

Resolution Closing Board Meeting

Resolution No. 2025-01-04

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County will discuss the organizations practices that support cybersecurity; and

WHEREAS, the disclosure of the information discussed would pose a danger to compromise security procedures or responses;

WHEREAS, pursuant to Minnesota Statute Section 13D.05, Subd.3(d), the County board by resolution may close a meeting to discuss the security reports;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners hereby closes the County Board meeting on January 14, 2025 in order to discuss ongoing security strategies. 

Motion

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

Correspondence

The board reviewed correspondence from Minnkota Power.

Adjourn

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:45 a.m.

Attest: January 28, 2025

________________________________             _________________________________

Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson Chair Jon Waibel

January 7, 2025

The Lake of The Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

CALL TO ORDER

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

Swearing in of Elected Commissioners

County Recorder Sue Ney swore in elected Commissioner Jon Waibel.

Election of Chair and Vice Chair 

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson called for nominations for Chair for Lake of the Woods County Board for the year 2025. Commissioner Joe Grund nominated Commissioner Jon Waibel for Chair with Commissioner Buck Nordlof seconding the nomination. County Auditor/Treasurer called for nominations two more times.

Chair
Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to close the nominations for Chair.

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson called for a roll call for Commissioner Jon Waibel for Chair.  Roll call carried as follows: All in favor: Commissioners: Jon Waibel, Joe Grund, and Buck Nordlof.  Against: None.  Commissioner Jon Waibel assumed the position of Chair of the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners for 2025.

Vice – Chair

Chair Jon Waibel called for nominations for the position of Vice-Chair for the year 2025.  Commissioner Buck Nordlof nominated Commissioner Joe Grund for Vice-Chair for Lake of the Woods County Board with Commissioner Jon Waibel seconding the nomination. Chair Jon Waibel called for nominations two more times.  
Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to close the nominations for Vice-Chair.  

Chair Jon Waibel called for a roll call for Commissioner Joe Grund for Vice-Chair.  Roll call carried as follows: All in favor: Commissioners, Jon Waibel, Joe Grund and Buck Nordlof.  Against: None. Commissioner Joe Grund assumed the position of Vice-Chair of the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners for 2025.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the agenda.

OFFICIAL COUNTY NEWSPAPER BID-OPENING

Chair Jon Waibel called for the bid opening at 9:10 a.m. for the Official Legal Newspaper for the year 2025.

The following Resolution was offered by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and unanimously moved for adoption: 

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING
OFFICIAL LEGAL NEWSPAPER for YEAR 2025

Resolution No. 2025-01-01

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners per Minnesota Statutes 279.08 called for legal bids for the official newspaper for the year 2025

WHEREAS, upon opening all bids, Lake of the Woods County designates the Northern Light Region as the official legal newspaper for the year 2025;

WHEREAS, the Northern Light Region, as the official legal newspaper for the year 2025, is awarded the first publication of the annual financial statement at $ 8.00 per standard advertising unit, (no other bids received, therefore no second publication required);

WHEREAS, the Northern Light Region, as the official legal newspaper for the year 2025, is awarded the first publication of the notice and list of the real estate remaining delinquent taxes on the first Monday of January, at $8.00 per standard advertising unit and; 

WHEREAS, the Northern Light Region, as the official legal newspaper for the year 2025, is awarded the second publication of the notice and list of the real estate remaining delinquent taxes, at $8.00 per standard advertising unit, and;BE IT RESOLVED, Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners further designates the Northern Light Region for all other legal publishing, not specified above, for the year 2025.

County Auditor/treasurer

Bank Signature Cards

National Bank of Commerce Signature Cards

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Connie Nesmith and Chair Jon Waibel to sign the National Bank of Commerce signature cards for account numbers 6443,6484,3846,8645.

National Bank of Commerce  Signature Cards

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson and Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Connie Nesmith to sign the National Bank of Commerce signature card for account number 8645 and investments.

Border Bank Signature Cards

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson and Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Connie Nesmith to sign the Border Bank signature card for account number 2404.

National Bank of Commerce Motor Vehicle Checking Account

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Erik Tange, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Anna Sanchez, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Connie Nesmith and Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Chelsea Anderson for account number 6450.

Official Depositories

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to designate the following institutions as Official Depositories of county funds for the year 2024:

1. National Bank of Commerce, Baudette Branch
2. Border Bank, Baudette Branch
3. Multi Bank Securities

It was further moved to designate National Bank of Commerce, as the official safekeeping Institution for Lake of the Woods County.

Joining the Meeting

Commissioner Ed Arnesen joined by Microsoft Teams at 9:15 a.m.

Approval of 2025 Committees

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the following committees for the year 2025:

2025 ASSOCIATION OF MINNESOTA COUNTIES (AMC)

Ag Task Force: Commissioner Jon Waibel; Alternates: Commissioners;

Environmental and Natural Resources: Commissioner Ed Arnesen; Alternates: Commissioners;

General Government: Commissioner Buck Nordlof; Alternates: Lorene Hanson and Commissioners;

Health and Human Service: Commissioner Joe Grund and Amy Ballard; Alternates: Commissioners;

PILT Advisory: Commissioners and Josh Stromlund;

Public Safety: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen; Alternate: Commissioners

Transportation and Area Transportation Alliance: Commissioner Jon Waibel and Anthony Pirkl; Alternates: Commissioners;

2025 COUNTY RELATED COMMITTEES

Airport Commission:  Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and Commissioner Jon Waibel;

Border Coalition/Passports: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Commissioner Jon Waibel, Sue Ney and Jill Olson;

Building and Safety Committee: Commissioner Jon Waibel, Commissioner Buck Nordlof, Anthony Pirkl, Peder Hovland, Lorene Hanson, Amy Ballard, one from Law Enforcement, and Safety Director;

Continuity of Operation Plan (COOP): Jill Olson and Commissioners;

County Extension Committee: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, Lorene Hanson.  Additional Members: Tabitha Ubel, Kenneth Horntvedt, Dean Thompson, Colleen Stanton, Nyla O’Connell and Sandy Peterson. Extension Members: Brenda Nelson, Lisa Loegering and Karen Santl. 

County TV:  Commissioner Joe Grund, Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Kent Christianson, Lorene Hanson, Peder Hovland and Jill Olson;

Data Privacy Administrator: Savanna Slick; Lorene Hanson; Michelle Moren

Department Head Liaison: Chair/Commissioner Jon Waibel; Alternates: Commissioners;

Department Liaisons:  

Assessor – Commissioner Buck Nordlof;

Land and Water Planning Office – Commissioner Ed Arnesen;

Attorney – Commissioner Joe Grund; 

MIS – Commissioner Cody Hasbargen; 

Sheriff – Commissioner Cody Hasbargen; 

Social Services – Commissioner Buck Nordlof; 

Recorder – Commissioner Joe Grund; 

Highway – Commissioner Jon Waibel; 

Auditor/Treasurer – Commissioner Jon Waibel; 

H/R – Commissioner Buck Nordlof; 

County Surveyor- Commissioner Ed Arnesen;

Veterans Service Officer – Commissioner Cody Hasbargen; Rick Rone

Tourism Bureau- Commissioner Ed Arnesen; 

Wheelers Point Sewer- Commissioner Jon Waibel;

Economic Development Authority- Commissioner Joe Grund

Department of Natural Resources: Commissioner Ed Arnesen and Commissioner Jon Waibel;

Drainage Committee: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Commissioner Joe Grund, Byron Tviet, Anthony Pirkl, Josh Stromlund, Dennis Johnson, Marshall Nelson and SWCD Representative;

Enhanced 911 Committee: Commissioner Buck Nordlof and Commissioner Jon Waibel, Eric Solo, Gary Fish, Jill Olson and other local appointees;

Grievance Committee: Chair/Commissioner Jon Waibel , Michelle Moren, Savanna Slick, Daryl Fish, Josh Stromlund and Angie Eason; Alternate: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen;

Information Systems/Technology Committee: Commissioner Joe Grund, Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, Peder Hovland, Josh Stromlund, Boyd Johnson, Lorene Hanson, Craig Severs and Michelle Moren; 

Insurance Committee: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Commissioner Jon Waibel, Amy Ballard, Lorene Hanson, Sue Ney, Ben Duick and Savanna Slick;

Jail Committee: Commissioners, Gary Fish, Anthony Pirkl, Michelle Moren, Tami Mauer, Peder Hovland and Lorene Hanson;

Joint Drainage Authority: 

JD22: Commissioner Joe Grund-District 3, Commissioner Ed Arnesen-District 5, Commissioner Jon Waibel-District 4; 

JD 62: Commissioner Joe Grund- District 3, Commissioner Ed Arnesen-District 5, Commissioner Cody Hasbargen-District 2; 

Labor/Management Committees: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, Savanna Slick, and Lorene Hanson; Alternate: Commissioner Buck Nordlof;

Lake of the Woods Affordable Housing/Loan Committee: Commissioner Buck Nordlof, Sue Ney, Alisa Jacobsen and Lorene Hanson; Alternate:  Commissioner Cody Hasbargen;

Law Library:  Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Michelle Moren to appoint and Chief Judge to appoint;

Legislative Committee:  Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Commissioner Jon Waibel.

Motor Pool Committee: Commissioner Jon Waibel, Lorene Hanson, Jodi Ferrier, Alisa Jacobsen, Josh Stromlund, Peder Hovland; Alternate:  Commissioner Cody Hasbargen;

Opioid Committee: Commissioner Joe Grund, Kay Schell (Public Health), Doris Knutson, Sandy Peterson (County Prevention Coalition), Craig Severs (Law Enforcement), Jodi Ferrier (Social Services), Michelle Moren (Attorney), Lake of the Woods School, and Lakewood Health;

Ordinance Committee: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Commissioner Jon Waibel, Michelle Moren, Gary Fish,Josh Stromlund; 

Park Commission: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Anthony Pirkl and Joe Laurin; Alternate: Commissioner Jon Waibel;

Personnel Committee (combined Compensation Plan and Personnel): Commissioner Buck Nordlof, Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Savanna Slick, Sue Ney, Anthony Pirkl, Christine Hultman, Lorene Hanson and Daryl Fish;   

Public Information Officer: Lorene Hanson; Alternate: Savanna Slick and Michelle Moren;

SHIP Committee: Commissioner Buck Nordlof, Alternate: Commissioner Jon Waibel;

Snowmobile Trails Committee: Commissioner Joe Grund and Commissioner Buck Nordlof;

Solid Waste Committee/Household Waste: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen (as the (NWMNHHW representative for the Joint Powers Agreement), Commissioner Joe Grund, Anthony Pirkl, Tina Rennemo, Lorene Hanson and Alisa Jacobsen; 

Subdivision Controls Committee: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Josh Stromlund, Alisa Jacobsen, Sue Ney, Peder Hovland and Commissioner of the District involved;

Township Road and Trails: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Commissioner Joe Grund, Anthony Pirkl, Josh Stromlund, Peder Hovland, Boyd Johnson and Alisa Jacobsen;  

Northwest Angle Development: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Commissioner Cody Hasbargen; Alternates: Commissioners;

Vets Service: Commissioner Buck Nordlof, Commissioner Joe Grund, Legion Commander or Delegate, VFW Commander or Delegate and Rick Rone;

Wellness Committee: Commissioner Buck Nordlof, Angie Eason, Julie Berggren, Savanna Slick;

2025 BOARDS/COLLABORATIVE/COALITION

Arrowhead Library System:  Colleen Stanton (01/01/23-12-31-26); Alternate: Commissioner Buck Nordlof (01-01-22-12-31-25);

Board of Adjustment-/Planning Commission: District 1- David Marhula, District 2-Monica Dohman, District 3- Marshall Nelson, District 4- Tom Mio, District 5-Nancy Dunnell; at large; Ken Horntvedt and Weston Johnson; non-voting Commissioners;

Border Substance Abuse Court and Steering Committee: Commissioner Jon Waibel and Amy Ballard;

Humane Society: Commissioner Joe Grund and Gary Fish;

Headwaters Regional Development Commission: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and Commissioner Ed Arnesen; Alternate: Commissioner Joe Grund;

Joint Powers Natural Resources Board: Commissioner Joe Grund and Commissioner Cody Hasbargen;

Keep It Clean Committee/Aquatic Invasive Species: Commissioner Ed Arnesen;

Lake of the Woods County Children and Families Collaborative and Prevention Coalition Committee:   Commissioner Joe Grund;

Lake of the Woods Criminal Justice Coalition and Children’s Justice Initiative: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen;

Land Sales Committee: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and Commissioner Jon Waibel; Alternate: Commissioners

Lutheran Social Service Board: Commissioner Buck Nordlof and Amy Ballard; Alternate: Commissioner Jon Waibel;

Mid-State Co-op: Delegate #1 – Peder Hovland, Delegate #2 – Alisa Jacobsen;

Minnesota Counties Computer Co-op: Delegate #1 – Peder Hovland, Delegate #2 – Lorene Hanson; Alternate: Michelle Moren; 

Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust: Commissioner Jon Waibel; Alternates: Commissioner Buck Nordlof and Lorene Hanson;

Minnesota Rural Counties Caucus: Commissioner Ed Arnesen; Alternates: Commissioners;

North Country Community Health Board:  Commissioner Joe Grund (term expires 12/31/25) and Tom Mio (term expires 12/31/26) these are three-year terms; Alternate: Cody Hasbargen

North Country Community Health Services Advisory Committee: re-appoint Commissioner Joe Grund (term expires 12/31/25) and Tom Mio (term expires 12/31/25) these are two-year terms; Alternate: Cody Hasbargen

Northern Coalition Regional Charging Network: Cody Hasbargen

Northern Counties Land Use Coordinating Board: Commissioner Ed Arnesen and Josh Stromlund; Alternates: Commissioner Buck Nordlof and Commissioner Cody Hasbargen;

Northwest Board of Aging/Area Agency: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and Amy Ballard; Alternates: Commissioner Jon Waibel;

Northwest Community Action:  Commissioner Ed Arnesen and Commissioner Jon Waibel; Alternates: Commissioners;

Northwest Minnesota Juvenile Center Board: Amy Ballard (term expires 12/31/2026, appointed in 2023).  This is a four-year term;

LOTW Water Shed Joint Powers Board: Commissioner Ed Arnesen; Alternate: Commissioner Buck Nordlof;

Red River Valley Development Association:  Commissioner Ed Arnesen and Ken Horntvedt;

Regional Advisory: Jill Olson;

Rainy Rapid Water Shed One Plan Committee: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Nancy Dunnell; SWCD Representative;

NW Emergency Communications Board: Commissioner Ed Arnesen; Alternates: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and Jill Olson;

SWCD District Committee: Commissioner Joe Grund and Josh Stromlund; Alternate Commissioner Jon Waibel;

Housing & Redevelopment Authority of Baudette: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen; Alternate Commissioner Buck Nordlof.

Joint Jail Koochiching County Committee: Commissioner Jon Waibel, Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, Sheriff Gary Fish, Tami Mauer, Michelle Moren, Lorene Hanson; Alternate: Craig Severs.

DITCH AUTHORITY

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously by roll call to close the regular meeting and open ditch authority.

Ditch Assessments

The following Ditch Assessments were recommended by the Ditch Authority and presented to the County Board for 2023:

• CD 1: $22,800.00
• CD 2: $882.40
  • JD 16: $8,500.00
  • JD 24: $16,000.00
  • JD 26: $24,000.00
  • JD 28:  $50,000.00
• JD 22:  $4,800.00 (Joint Ditch with Roseau County)
• JD 62: $16,900.00 (Joint Ditch with Roseau County)

Motion 

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously by roll call to close the Ditch Authority meeting and reconvene the regular meeting.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the recommendations of the Ditch Authority to set the 2023 Ditch Assessments as follows: County Ditch 1-$22,800; County Ditch 2-$882.40, Judicial Ditch 16 Outlet Fee- $8,500; Judicial Ditch 24- $16,000; Judicial Ditch 26- $24,000; Judicial Ditch 28-$50,000; Judicial Ditch 22-Joint Ditch with Roseau-$4,800; Joint Ditch 62 with Roseau-$16,900.

Set County Road Tour/Ditch Meeting Date

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously by roll call to set the county road tour date and the annual ditch meeting date for October 22, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.

Add/Remove-Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously by roll call to remove the work session from the agenda and add the work session to January 14, 2025 following the regular board meeting.

ADJOURN

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously by roll call to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 a.m.

Attest: January 14, 2024

______________________________ _________________________________County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chair Jon Waibel