July 28, 2020

AGENDA – Tuesday, July 28, 2020

TIME TAB

9:00 a.m. #1 Pledge to the Flag

Approve Agenda

Approve Minutes of July 14, 2020

9:05 a.m. #2 Social Services

  • Claims

9:10 a.m. #3 Wellness Committee

  • SHIP Update

9:20 a.m. #4 County Auditor/Treasurer

  • Claims

9:25 a.m. #5 Parking Lot/Deliveries

9:35 a.m. #6 Veterans Memorial

9:45 a.m. #7 Request to Purchase County Land

10:00 a.m. #8 Leases

10:15 a.m. #9 Land and Water

  • Consideration of excluding certain structures for Land Use Permits
  • Consideration of Amending Permit Fee Schedule

10:25 a.m. #10 Human Resources

  • New Hire – Jeffrey Hovde
  • Updated job descriptions for Public Works Technicians/Inspectors

10:35 a.m. #11 County Highway/Landfill

  • Grade/Step review of technicians/inspectors 
  • Resolution: widening HWY 11 in the City of Williams
  • Rail Road Crossing Grant agreement with MNDOT 
  • Freeburg and Grund Contract for SAP 039-594-001
  • Paving of CR 280
  • Update on JD-28 Project 
  • Update on Seal Coat Project
  • Awarding of SAP 039-631-006
  • Gravel Contract for reclaimed CLASS 5 aggregate at the Airport 
  • Monarch Butterfly NCCA Agreement 
  • Highway Update
  • Landfill Update

10:55 a.m. #12 Willie Walleye Fund

11:00 a.m. #13 COVID-19

  • Update
  • Emergency Executive Order 20-81 – Requiring Minnesotans to Wear a Face Covering in Certain Settings to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
  • Use of Commissioners’ Room
  • Set Workshop Session for CARES Act
  • Other Concerns

Old/New Business

  • Lessard–Sams Outdoor Heritage Council/Outdoor Heritage Fund
  • Land Trade
  • Township Road Inventory
  • CR 33
  • Home Health Care Task Force
  • Proposed Law Enforcement Center

July 28, 2020

Commissioner Proceedings

July 28, 2020

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room. 

CALL TO ORDER

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

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: DNR Snowmobile Trail Improvement Grant Letter, Recognition of Years of Service, and Property at intersection of County Road 6 and County Road 3. 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of July 14, 2020.

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 Warrant’s $62,482.98, Commissioners Warrant’s $3,039.78, Commissioners Warrant’s $17,335.17.

WELLNESS COMMITTEE

SHIP Update

Cassondra Brune provided an update from the Lake of the Woods County Employee Wellness Committee and on the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) program.  The Lake of the Woods County Wellness Committee plans to purchase bikes, bike helmets, walking poles and traction cleats for employee use through a SHIP mini-grant.  The Commissioners reviewed a physical activity policy, bike procedures and an acknowledgement and release of liability form.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to move forward with the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership Grant Program pending review and approval of the acknowledgement and release of liability form.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $20,127.86; Road & Bridge $313,666.13; County Development $400.00; Solid Waste $9,807.30.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/28/2020 For Payment 7/31/2020

Vendor Name Amount

Code 4 Services,Inc 3,115.01

Dentons Dirt Worx, LLC 10,290.00

Earthworks Contracting Inc 10,350.00

Envirotech Services Inc 121,805.00

Fish/Kevin 29,190.00

Hasbargen Logging Inc 10,350.00

Lavalla Sand & Gravel Inc 40,950.00

NOVA Fire Protection, Inc 2,150.00

Regions Hospital 2,144.40

Royal Tire Inc 2,010.92

Strata Corp, Inc 84,879.08

U.S. Bank Equipment Finance 6,268.50

Wright Locksmith and Security Systems 3,997.57

39 2000 Payments less than     16,500.81

    Final Total: 344,001.29

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: July 15, 2020 for $275,758.98; July 22, 2020 for $981.75.

DNR Snowmobile Trail Improvement Grant Letter

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried, with Commissioner Joe Grund abstaining, to approve a letter to be sent to the DNR for the Lake of the Woods Drifters FY20 Snowmobile Trail Improvement Grant Bridge Repair Project.

Recognition of Years of Service

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

Recognition of Years of Service

Stacy Novak

Resolution 2020-07-02

WHEREAS: Stacy Novak has served the residents of Lake of the Woods County since September 23, 2013 as Lake of the Woods County Deputy Auditor/Treasurer;

WHEREAS: Stacy has resigned from Lake of the Woods County service effective July 24, 2020 with seven years of service;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners extends its deepest appreciation to Stacy for her dedicated service and best wishes to her;

The resolution was seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and the same begin put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

PARKING LOT/DELIVERIES

In an effort to keep the building entrance more accessible to the public, it was the consensus of the Board to have delivery trucks park on the southeast side of the parking lot, along the sidewalk. A delivery sign will be displayed for guidance.  It was also decided that food trucks that are delivering to employees should deliver after 4:00 p.m. and business should be conducted outside.    

VETERANS MEMORIAL

Steve Levasseur and Glen Lawrence provided an update on the Veterans Memorial. They asked the County for assistance with paving the parking lot.  County Engineer AJ Pirkl will talk with the paving companies that are in the area working on other projects.

REQUEST TO PURCHASE COUNTY LAND

A land owner with property adjoining county owned land is looking to buy the county property to build a shed.  The land in question will be reviewed by the Land and Water Planning Department and the County Highway Department.  County owned land has to be put out for bid or auction.

LEASES

Leases of county owned land are for agriculture purposes only. Byron Tveit has been leasing the three parcels in question and has an easement to access the property.  Greg Kraemer would like the opportunity to bid on the use of the land when it comes up for lease again in December of 2021. No Board action taken at this time.

LAND AND WATER

Consideration of excluding certain structures for Land Use Permits/Consideration of Amending Permit Fee Schedule

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to amend the Permit Fee Schedule and exclude certain structures from Land Use Permits, as presented.

HUMAN RESOURCES

New Hire – Jeffrey Hovde
Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson to hire Jeffrey Hovde at grade 11, step 1, $20.33 per hour, points 253, effective July 20, 2020.


Updated job descriptions for Public Works Technicians/Inspectors

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to update the job descriptions, as presented, for Public Works Technicians/Inspectors effective immediately.

COUNTY HIGHWAY/LANDFILL

Grade/Step review of Technicians/Inspectors
Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to change Wyatt Erickson to Technician Inspector 1, grade 10, step 3, $20.10 per hour, effective the next full payroll.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to change Edward Spires to Technician Inspector 2, grade 12, step 1, $21.49 per hour, effective the next full payroll.

Widening HWY 11 in the City of Williams

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve County Engineer AJ Pirkl to submit an expression of interest to the MnDOT Transportation Economic Development Grant for the widening of Hwy 11 in the City of Williams for safety and economic improvements.

Railroad Crossing Grant agreement with MnDOT 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to support the MnDOT Rail Grade Crossing Safety Project Program for the rail crossings on Co Rd 190 and Co Rd 66, these crossings would be eligible fiscal year 2023 and 2024.

Freeburg and Grund Contract for SAP 039-594-001

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the Freeburg and Grund Contract SAP 039-594-001. The $50,065.50 contract will be split with the City of Baudette, the county’s portion is $25,032.75.

Paving of CR 280

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve a mill and overlay for Co Rd 280 at a cost to the county cost of $52,812.  The total surface of Co Rd 280 is 5,925 sq. yards and 834 sq. yards of that will be funded by the Wheelers Point Sanitary District Project. 


Update on JD-28 Project Bostic Creek NRCS

This project called for reusing sod mats, but there was not enough top soil to do so.  This will be changed out with double erosion control blanket and seeding.

Update on Seal Coat Project

This project will be starting soon.

Awarding of SAP 039-631-006

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to award SAP 039-631-006 to Gladen Construction at $125,617 for culvert replacement by hole four of the Oak Harbor Golf Course.

Gravel Contract for Reclaimed Class 5 Aggregate at the Airport

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to purchase approximately 10,000-13,000 cubic yards of salvaged class 5 gravel at $1.50 per cubic yard delivered, pending inspection of the material.  The salvaged class 5 gravel is from the runway project at the Baudette International Airport and will be purchased from KGM Contractors.


Monarch Butterfly NCCA Agreement

County Engineer AJ Pirkl talked with the Board about the Nationwide Candidate Conservation Agreement for the Monarch Butterfly through US Fish and Wildlife Services.

Highway Update

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to add verbiage to the Permit for Use of a County Park regarding liability for alcohol use.


Landfill Update
County Engineer AJ Pirkl has not received an update from the MPCA.


Property at the intersection of County Road 6 and County Road 3

The Board discussed county property at the intersection of Co Rd 6 and Co Rd 3.  An adjoining property owner is interested in buying some of the county owned land in that area.  If the county was to sell the land it would have to be put out for bid or auction. No Board action was taken at this time.

WILLIE WALLEYE FUND

The Board would like an update from the City of Baudette on the status of the project and project budget.

COVID-19

Update

CHI LakeWood Public Health Manager, Kay M. Schell, provided an update.  COVID-19 cases continue to go up in the counties around us; Beltrami is at 157, Hubbard is at 21, Koochiching is at 60, Roseau is at 41, and Lake of the Woods County does have one confirmed case. The quick test machine is up and running again at CHI LakeWood Health.  LakeWood is using the quick test machine as the primary testing machine for COVID-19 tests because of the long turnaround time for tests that are being sent out.

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve updates to the Lake of the Woods County Employee Quarantine and Isolation Policy and the Lake of the Woods County COVID-19 Preparedness Plan and for Commissioner Jon Waibel to sign the same.

Emergency Executive Order 20-81 – Requiring Minnesotans to Wear a Face Covering in Certain Settings to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 

There is a form available if an employee needs a face covering exemption. 

Use of Commissioners’ Room 

It was the consensus of the Board that AA meetings can resume in the Commissioners’ Room,

Set Workshop Session for CARES Act

It was the consensus of the Board to set a workshop session to review the CARES Act on Thursday, August 13, 2020 after the regular scheduled board meeting. 

Other Concerns
None

RECESS

With no further business before the Board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 12:07 p.m.

Attest: August 13, 2020

______________________________ _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chairman of the Board, Jon Waibel 

July 14, 2020

AGENDA – Tuesday, July 14, 2020

TIME TAB

10:00 a.m. #1 Pledge to the Flag

Approve Agenda

Approve Minutes of June 23, 2020

10:05 a.m. #2 Social Services

  • Claims


10:10 a.m. #3 County Auditor/Treasurer

  • Claims
  • Permission to Hire
  • Set Budget Dates

10:20 a.m. #4 Land Lease Amendment – Lude Tower

10:30 a.m. #5 Bollig Inc

  • NWA Airport

11:00 a.m. #6 Economic Development Authority, Ryan Zemek


11:30 a.m. #7 County Highway/Landfill

  • LRIP Grant Agreement
  • Highway Update
  • Landfill Update

12:00 p.m. #8 COVID-19

  • Update
  • Other Concerns

12:15 p.m. #9 Road Tour

1:15 p.m. #10 Lunch


Old/New Business

  • Lessard–Sams Outdoor Heritage Council/Outdoor Heritage Fund
  • Land Trade
  • Township Road Inventory
  • CR 33
  • Home Health Care Task Force
  • Proposed Law Enforcement Center

July 14th, 2020

Commissioner Proceedings

July 14, 2020

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at the Angle Outpost Resort, 8206 Dawson Road, Angle Inlet, MN. 

CALL TO ORDER

Chair Jon Waibel called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Joe Grund, Jon Waibel, Buck Nordlof, Cody Hasbargen and Ed Arnesen. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, County Engineer AJ Pirkl, and County Deputy Sheriff Ben Duick.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: County Highway – chloride and street lights; Census; County Auditor – Election Judge Appointment and Bank Signature Cards; and Congressman Collin Peterson. 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of June 23, 2020.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrant’s $11,847.87, Commissioners Warrant’s $2,453.45, Commissioners Warrant’s $3,901.47.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $100,327.09; Road & Bridge $180,775.15; County Development $1025; Joint Ditch $8,442.50; Solid Waste $36,099.16; EDA $13,262.31.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/14/2020 For Payment 7/17/2020

                                 Vendor Name                                               Amount

Bollig Inc 9,048.00

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc. 6,968.79

Counties Providing Technology 13,751.00

Dacotah Paper Company 6,706.29

DLT Solutions, LLC 7,332.56

Farmers Union Oil Co. 2,926.98

Fort Distributors Ltd 27,020.00

Freeberg & Grund, Inc 15,339.05

Gary’s Auto 3,588.47

Hanson Sales Inc 5,123.02

Headwaters Regional Development Commiss 12,500.00

Howard’s Oil Company 3,150.79

KRIS Engineering Inc 6,597.15

Lavalla Sand & Gravel Inc 50,000.00

LOW Highway Dept 11,620.00

LOW Marine, Inc 10,788.61

Mar-Kit Landfill 16,740.50

Marco Technologies LLC 6,000.48

Minnesota Ui 9,187.69

Northwest Angle & Island Freight,Inc 9,237.00

Quadient Finance USA Inc. 2,000.00

Quill Corporation 3,791.56

R & Q Trucking, Inc 3,605.00

SeaChange Print Innovations 5,923.09

Strata Corp, Inc 31,451.62

Stratton Equipment Sales & Service Ltd 2,192.09

Titan Machinery – Roseau 2,419.74

Voyageurs Comtronics, Inc 2,640.00

Wheelers Point Sewer District 5,108.67

Widseth Smith Nolting&Asst Inc 3,303.85

Woody’s Service 4,209.44

Ziegler, Inc 5,733.90

86 Payments less than 2000   33,925.87

Final Total: 339,931.21

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: July 1, 2020 for $418,693.31; July 2, 2020 for $562,003.60; July 8, 2020 for $91,321.90.

Permission to Hire

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve permission to hire for the position of Deputy Auditor/Treasurer- License Clerk/Board Administration at Grade 11, Step 1, $20.33 per hour, Points 253.

Set Budget Dates

The Board set the following dates for 2021 Budget Meetings: August 24, 25 (after the regular scheduled board meeting) and 26, 2020.

Election Judge Appointment

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof to approve Connie Nesmith as an Election Judge and her appointment to the UOCAVA & Absentee Ballot Boards for the 2020 State and General Elections.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Bank Signature Cards

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund to remove signature authority for Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Stacy Novak and authorize signature authority to Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Connie Nesmith effective July 27, 2020 for the following banking and investment accounts: RiverWood Bank, Border Bank account number 2404, Wells Fargo account numbers 3908, 6724, 5716, 6372 and 3100. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and the same being put to vote was unanimously carried.

LAND LEASE AMENDMENT – LUDE TOWER

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen to approve the Land Lease Agreement #98012-amendment 2, Lude Tower to allow New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC (AT&T) use of the tower and authorize Chair Jon Waibel, County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson and County Attorney James Austad to sign.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

BOLLIG INC

NWA Airport

Mike Beard from Bollig Inc. provided a progress report on revisions to the feasibility report for the Northwest Angle airport project.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY – RYAN ZEMEK

Ryan Zemek, Economic Development Director with Headwaters Regional Development Commission, shared information and offered his assistance navigating resources and programs that may offer financial assistance to businesses during COVID-19 and the border closure.  

CENSUS

Commissioner Ed Arnesen gave an update regarding the 2020 Census. A Census representative was assigned to the Northwest Angle to visit with residents.  Census representatives will be in Baudette for training the first week of August.

CONGRESSMAN COLLIN PETERSON

Congressman Collin Peterson called into the meeting to discuss the border closure, its effect on property and business owners in the Northwest Angle and strategies his office is working on to assist with the current situation.  

COUNTY HIGHWAY/LANDFILL

LRIP Grant Agreement

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

LOCAL ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

Grant Terms and Conditions

SAP-039-594-001

Resolution No. 2020-07-01

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County has applied to the Commissioner of Transportation for a grant from the Minnesota State Transportation Fund for Local Road Improvement; and,

WHEREAS, the Commissioner of Transportation has given notice that funding for this project is available; and,

WHEREAS, the amount of the grant has been determined to be $327,204.44 by reason of the lowest responsible bid; 

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Lake of the Woods County does hereby agree to the terms and conditions of the grant consistent with Minnesota Statutes, section 174.52 and will pay any additional amount by which the cost exceeds the estimate, and will return to the Minnesota State Transportation Fund any amount appropriated for the road but not required.   The proper county officers are authorized to execute a grant agreement and any amendments thereto with the Commissioner of Transportation concerning the above-referenced grant.



Highway Update

County Engineer, AJ Pirkl, provided a highway update.  He reported that culvert cleaning with the rented excavator was going well.  The chloride application to the main land and Northwest Angle roads was completed.  


Landfill Update
County Engineer, AJ Pirkl, provided a landfill update. He reported that he did reach out to the MPCA regarding the demo permit, but has not received an update.


Chloride and Street Lights

Commissioner Ed Arnesen recommended that the chloride application and cost of the street lights for the Northwest Angle be included in the Highway Department’s budget instead of a special assessment to property owners, this process would be more consistent with that of the main land.


COVID-19

Update
Kay M. Schell, CHI LakeWood Health Public Health Manager, provided an update.  Lake of the Woods County is at zero confirmed cases of COVID-19, but the numbers of confirmed cases are going up in neighboring counties.  As of today, July 14, 2020, Roseau County is at 30 confirmed cases, Koochiching County is at 24 confirmed cases and Beltrami County is at 58 confirmed cases.  A meeting was held with the Lake of the Woods County Fair Board regarding the potential COVID-19 risks associated with the event.

Jill Hasbargen Olson, Emergency Management Director for Lake of the Woods County, said that education on community transmission and employee exposure will be offered at the next stake holders meeting on Thursday, July 16, 2020. She reported that things are going well with the Government Center being open and that she will continue to revisit guidelines. Regulations specific to the Courts did start this week.

Other Concerns

The Commissioners discussed COVID-19 related concerns with members of the public who were attending the meeting.  Topics of concern included property taxes and transportation options for getting tourists and property owners to the Northwest Angle during the pandemic and border closure.

RECESS

With no further business before the Board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 12:08 p.m.

Attest: July 28, 2020

______________________________ _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chairman of the Board, Jon Waibel 

June 23, 2020

AGENDA – Tuesday, June 23, 2020

TIME TAB

9:00 a.m. #1 Pledge to the Flag

Approve Agenda
Approve Minutes of May 26, 2020

Approve Minutes of June 8, 2020

Approve Minutes of June 9, 2020

Approve Minutes of June 15, 2020

9:10 a.m. #2 Social Services

  • Claims
  • Approval of Contract with Tri-Valley RTC

9:15 a.m. #3 County Auditor/Treasurer

  • Claims
  • Deferred Compensation Plan Amendment

9:25 a.m. #4 Recorder

  • Final Approval of CIC Number 4 Eagle Ridge First Supplemental Plat

9:30 a.m. #5 Northerly Park

9:45 a.m. #6 Louis Taylor

  • Zoning

10:00 a.m. #7 Ditch Authority

  • Ditch 28 Petition for Repair of a Drainage System
  • Approval of Judicial Ditch 26 Cleaning Contract

10:15 a.m. #8 County Highway/Landfill

  • Highway Update
  • County Engineer Grade/Step/Vacation Review
  • Approval of Gravel Quotes
  • Landfill Update

10:30 a.m. #9 911 Equipment

10:45 a.m. #10 COVID-19

  • Update
  • Other Concerns

Old/New Business

  • Lessard–Sams Outdoor Heritage Council/Outdoor Heritage Fund
  • Land Trade
  • Township Road Inventory
  • CR 33
  • Home Health Care Task Force
  • Proposed Law Enforcement Center

June 23rd, 2020

Commissioner Proceedings

June 23, 2020

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room. 

CALL TO ORDER

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

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following changes: add Event Ordinance and Correspondence, remove Louis Taylor.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of May 26, 2020.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of June 8, 2020.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of June 9, 2020.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of June 15, 2020.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrant’s $7,446.20, Commissioners Warrant’s $816.82, Commissioners Warrant’s $19,268.09.

Approval of Contract with Tri-Valley RTC

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the contract with Tri-Valley RTC.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $20,959.43; Road & Bridge $82,067.24; County Development $200; Solid Waste $24,188.02; EDA $750.15.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 6/23/2020 For Payment 6/26/202

Vendor Name Amount

CARRIFF Engineered Fabrics Corporation 2,425.66

Contech Engineered Solutions LLC 54,013.10

Counties Providing Technology 3,751.00

North East Technical Service,Inc 5,368.95

Nutrien Ag Solutions Inc 22,527.84

R & Q Trucking, Inc 2,060.00

U.S. Bank Equipment Finance 12,998.21

University Of Mn 9,407.01

31 Payments less than 2000   15,613.07

Final Total: 128,164.84

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: June 10, 2020 for $587,873.40; June 17, 2020 for $11,221.49.

Deferred Compensation Plan Amendment

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve an amendment to the Nationwide deferred compensation plan to allow employees to apply for a loan from their plan account with the plan provider.

RECORDER

Final Approval of CIC Number 4 Eagle Ridge First Supplemental Plat

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve CIC Number 4 Eagle Ridge First Supplemental Plat and for Commissioner Jon Waibel and County Auditor/ Treasurer Lorene Hanson to sign the same.

NORTHERLY PARK

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve payment of the invoice from Whitt Environmental Services, for work on the wetland permit for the Northerly Park Project, dated May 5, 2020 in the amount of $1,000.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve payment of the invoice from Northwest Angle and Island Freight, Inc., for the placement of two culverts for the Northerly Park Project, dated June 2020 in the amount of $9,237.

DITCH AUTHORITY

Motion 

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting and open the Ditch Authority Meeting at 10:15 a.m.

Ditch 28 Petition for Repair of a Drainage System

The part of the ditch located by the Wabanica School is on the schedule for repair this year.  A large portion of this ditch is within the MNDOT right of way, MNDOT will be installing cross pipes and the hope is that will remedy the drainage system.

Approval of Judicial Ditch 26 Cleaning Contract
The Commissioners discussed the cleaning of Judicial Ditch 26 and reached a consensus on the contract.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to close the Ditch Authority meeting and open the regular meeting at 11:00 a.m.

Approval of Judicial Ditch 26 Cleaning Contract

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to award the cleaning contract for Judicial Ditch 26 to Earthworks Contracting Inc. with a bid of $18,744.

COUNTY HIGHWAY/LANDFILL

Highway Update

The County needs to sign the contract with Davidson Construction for the 1st Ave Project.  Gravel work was done at the Northwest Angle on June 22, 2020.  The next projects at the Northwest Angle will be permitted dredging on Crow Creek and application of magnesium chloride on the roads.  The CSAH 31 project is going well.  Bids will go out on July 20th for the culvert project near Birch Beach.  Soil borings have started, an inadequate layer of soil was found under County Rd 51/52, Pirkl will research solutions.  

Approval of Gravel Quotes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to award the gravel contract to Mark Sand and Gravel at $8.75 per ton for 33,000 tons.

County Engineer Grade/Step/Vacation

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve three weeks of vacation time and step increase for County Engineer, AJ Pirkl, to Grade 24, Step 6, $47.23 per hour, effective the next full pay period starting 6/29/2020.  

Landfill Update

One of the trucks is in for clutch repair.  The graduate student from the U of M continues to review landfill policy and participates in weekly Zoom meetings with area businesses and professionals.  Pirkl will check in with MPCA on the landfill application status.

COVID-19

Update
Kay M. Schell, CHI LakeWood Health Public Health Manager, provided a COVID-19 update. The Minnesota Department of Health has updated their weekly report and it now includes the number of tests conducted in each county.  As of Thursday, June 18, 2020, 82 tests had been completed in Lake of the Woods County.  Lake of the Woods County is still at zero confirmed cases of COVID-19.  The National Guard COVID-19 testing unit was redirected to other priority areas.  

Jill Hasbargen Olson, Emergency Management Director, has requested a meeting with the Lake of the Woods County Fair Board and the Baudette-Lake of the Woods Chamber of Commerce/4th of July Fireworks Committee to discuss plans for keeping events at a maximum of 250 people, which is the current guideline from the state. 

Hasbargen Olson also discussed the reopening of the Government Center.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the Government Center to be open to the public, no appointment needed, starting on Monday, June 29, 2020.  The Board reserved the right to revisit the decision if the need would arise.

Recess
The meeting was recessed at 11:45 a.m. and reconvened at 11:50 a.m.

911 EQUIPMENT

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the contract with Motorola Solutions for VESTA 9-1-1 As-A-Service, a five-year contract for $103,402.

EVENT ORDINANCE

The event ordinance committee will meet to finalize the proposed event ordinance. 

CORRESPONDENCE

Reviewed correspondence form Jerry’s Therapy Safe Place regarding contributions to fund A Caring Place (for Kids), to be located in Minneota, Minnesota.

RECESS

With no further business before the Board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 12:08 p.m.

Attest: July 14, 2020

______________________________ _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chairman of the Board, Jon Waibel 

June 15th, 2020

LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY
BOARD OF APPEAL AND EQUALIZATION

JUNE 15, 2020

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Appeal and Equalization met on Monday, June 15, 2020, in the
Commissioners’ Room of the Lake of the Woods County Government Center.
CALL TO ORDER
County Board Chair Jon Waibel called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. with the following members
present: Commissioners: Cody Hasbargen, Jon Waibel, Joe Grund, Buck Nordlof and County Auditor-
Treasurer Lorene Hanson. Absent was Commissioner Ed Arnesen. Also present were: County Assessor
Mary Jo Otten, Assessment Specialist Alisa Jacobson and County Engineer AJ Pirkl. County Recorder Sue
Ney had sworn in the members of the Lake of the Woods County Board of Appeal and Equalization for
2020 on June 9, 2020.
County Board Chair Jon Waibel explained the purpose of the Board of Appeal and Equalization. He
reminded the public that this meeting was only to hear appeals of the estimated market value (EMV) or
classification, not for taxes or prior years’ assessments. He further explained that all appeals would be
heard before any action would be taken.
COUNTY ASSESSOR
County Assessor Mary Jo Otten explained that the valuation period is from sales during October 1, 2018
through September 30, 2019, and discussed adjustments that had been made during the past year. This year
the County did require appointments for the Board of Appeal and Equalization Meeting and can end the
meeting prior to 7:00 p.m. if all appointments have been heard and addressed.
PROPERTY OWNERS
County Assessor Mary Jo Otten presented a list of property owners that had contacted her prior to the
meeting and her recommendations to the Board: See attachment.
Action
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried
unanimously to accept the Lake of the Woods County Assessor’s recommendations for the parcels on the
attached list, which were presented to the Board of Appeal and Equalization.
COUNTY ENGINEER GRADE/STEP REVIEW
The Commissioners discussed the County Engineer’s salary, step and vacation time. The Commissioners
asked for these items to be put on the board meeting agenda for June 23, 2020.
ZIPPEL BAY JETTY APPROVAL OF LETTER
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and
carried unanimously to approve a letter from Lake of the Woods County and Lake of the Woods Soil and
Water Conservation District regarding channel maintenance for Zippel Bay Harbor on Lake of the Woods to
be sent to US Congressman Collin Peterson, MN Representative Matt Grossell, US Senators Amy
Klobuchar and Tina Smith, MN Senator Paul Utke and MN Governor Tim Walz.
ADJOURN
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen to adjourn the County Board of Appeal and
Equalization meeting for 2020. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and the same
being put to a vote, was unanimously carried. County Board Chair Jon Waibel adjourned the Lake of the
Woods County Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting for 2020 at 6:35 p.m.
Attest: Approved: June 23, 2020

Page 2 of 2

Lorene Hanson, County Auditor-Treasurer Jon Waibel, County Commissioner Board Chair

June 9, 2020

AGENDA – Tuesday, June 9, 2020

TIME TAB

9:00 a.m. #1 Pledge to the Flag

Approve Agenda
Approve Minutes of May 26, 2020

Approve Minutes of June 2, 2020

9:05 a.m. #2 Social Services

  • Claims

9:10 a.m. #3 County Auditor/Treasurer

  • Claims
  • Rainy River Resort Liquor License

9:15 a.m. #4 Recorder

  • Document Recording Process

9:25 a.m. #5 Lake of the Woods County Fair Board

9:40 a.m. #6 U.S. Census Representative

10:00 a.m. #7 Clementson Wayside Park

  • Mike Larson

10:15 a.m. #8 Lake Access

  • Zippel Bay Jetty

10:25 a.m. #9 ArmstrongLOW, LLC aka Wigwam Resort Deck/Structures

10:40 a.m. #10 Land and Water Planning

  • Consideration of Conditional Use Permit #20-04CU by Shawn Wendler & Shawna Brasgalla

10:55 a.m. #11 County Highway/Landfill

  • Highway Update
  • 1st Avenue Project Approval 
  • Spray Attachment for Tractor
  • CSAH 31 Construction Update 
  • Soil Boring Approval 
  • Landfill Update

11:10 a.m. #12 MIS

  • Extend Contract: Eagleview (pictometry) 
  • Permission to Hire
  • County Website

11:25 a.m. #13 COVID-19

  • Update
  • Other Concerns

Upcoming Meeting Date and Location Changes:

Please note changes to the meetings on June 16th and July 14th.  The meeting scheduled on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at the Northwest Angle will now be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2020.  This will change the start time and location of the July 14, 2020 meeting to 10:00 a.m. at the Northwest Angle with the actual meeting location still to be determined.

Old/New Business

  • Lessard–Sams Outdoor Heritage Council/Outdoor Heritage Fund
  • Land Trade
  • Township Road Inventory
  • CR 33
  • Home Health Care Task Force
  • Proposed Law Enforcement Center

June 9th, 2020

Commissioner Proceedings

June 9, 2020

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room. 

CALL TO ORDER

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

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Northwest Angle and Sandy Shores Concerns, Ditch Spraying Concern, Sheriff’s Office Boat and Water Grant, and Recorder Oath for Board of Equalization.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of June 2, 2020.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrant’s $8,138.52, Commissioners Warrant’s $949.23, Commissioners Warrant’s $10,551.26.

RECORDER

Oath for Board of Equalization

County Recorder, Susan Ney, provided the oath and swore in all six members of the Board of Equalization for the upcoming Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting to be held on Monday, June 15, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room. 

Document Recording Process

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the Recorder’s Office staff to collect the necessary taxes due upon the recording of a document, as well as the necessary certifications of the affected tax parcels, as required by statue.  This change in process will create greater efficiency for Lake of the Woods County and will be effective July 1, 2020.

SHERIFF

State Boat and Water Grant Resolution
The following Resolution was offered by Commissioner Joe Grund and moved for adoption: 

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ANNUAL:

BOAT & WATER SAFETY GRANT

Resolution No. 2020-06-01

WHEREAS, under the provisions of M.S. 84.026, M.S.86B.101, the Sheriff of each county is required to carry out the provisions of Chapter 86B, and the boat and water safety rules promulgated by the Commissioner of Natural Resources; and,

WHEREAS, M.S. Section 86b.701 and the MN Rules provided for the allocation of funds by the Commissioner to assist in the funding of the Sheriff’s duties.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Chairman, Auditor and Sheriff are hereby authorized to execute the annual county boat and water safety agreement, for the period of January 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, in the amount of $6,611, and authorize the County Board Chair Jon Waibel, County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson and County Sheriff Gary Fish to sign the same. 

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

LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY FAIR BOARD

Rick Rone provided an update on the Lake of the Woods County Fair.  Crescent City Amusements is working to modify their route to see if it is still possible to operate at the Lake of the Woods County Fair. The Lake of the Woods County Fair Board should know more in the next few weeks.  If the fair does happen, it will be mostly outdoor events.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $24,752.82; Road & Bridge $25,881.11; County Development $2,400; Solid Waste $21,610.66; EDA $44.56.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 6/09/2020 For Payment 6/12/2020

Vendor Name Amount

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc. 3,604.47

Compass Minerals America 2,509.85

Deputy Registrar No.75 4,127.04

Freeberg & Grund, Inc 2,751.25

Hometown Hardware 2,573.74

LOW Highway Dept 3,687.50

Mar-Kit Landfill 13,409.00

NetCenter Technologies 5,641.25

Pete’s Body Shop Dba 4,339.36

Strata Corp, Inc 2,230.28

Widseth Smith Nolting&Asst Inc 2,324.02

52 Payments less than 2000 27,491.39

Final Total: 74,689.15

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: May 27, 2020 for $7,180.85; June 2, 2020 for $1,282,079.23; June 3, 2020 for $161,863.33; June 3, 2020 for ($409.34).

Rainy River Resort Liquor License

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve an update to Rainy River Resort’s liquor license to add off-sale.

COUNTY HIGHWAY/LANDFILL

Highway Update

County Engineer, AJ Pirkl, provided an update.  The Highway Department is moving forward on projects, but some things are on hold due to the recent rain.  They will start graveling on June 22, 2020, which is before the calcium chloride application.

1st Avenue Project Approval

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve SAP-594-001, the 1st Avenue project with Davidson Construction. Total cost for the County will be $471,018.96 ($798,223 minus a $327,204.04 grant).  

Spray Attachment for Tractor

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of a 500-gallon, three-point spray attachment with a 40-foot boom at a cost of $8,350.

CSAH 31 Construction Update

A change order will be made on this project to add erosion control blanket. 

Soil Boring Approval

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve soil borings with Element at a cost of $49,000 plus the cost to add soil borings to CSAH 9.  Soil borings will be conducted on the following roads: CSAH 36, CSAH 3, CSAH 8, CSAH 1, CSAH 9, County Road 51 and 52. 

Landfill Update

No update at this time.

U.S. CENSUS REPRESENTATIVE 

Peter Alexander, a Partnership Specialist for the U.S. Census Bureau, provided an update on the 2020 U.S. Census for our region. Alexander said that an individual has been selected to go to the Northwest Angle to visit with residents about the Census. The collection of data for the 2020 U.S. Census has been extended to October 31, 2020.  Starting on August 11, 2020, Census Representatives will go door to door and visit those who have not responded.  The current response rate is at 70.4% for the State of Minnesota and at 27.2% for Lake of the Woods County.  During the 2010 Census, the response rate for Lake of the Woods County was 29.8%.

CLEMENTSON WAYSIDE PARK

Mike Larson provided an update on the Clementson Wayside Park Project.  A dock was purchased by the Baudette Rotary Club to be donated to the County.  The dock will be placed on the east side of the park and it will be left in year-round.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve accepting the donation of the dock from the Baudette Rotary Club for the Clementson Wayside Park.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the rental and servicing of portable outhouses for use at the Clementson Wayside Park at a cost of up to $250 per month for the 2020 spring, summer and fall seasons.

ARMSTRONGLOW, LLC aka WIGWAM RESORT DECK/STRUCTURES 

The Board heard from concerned property owners regarding the unpermitted construction of a deck at Wigwam Resort.  No board action was taken at this time.

LAKE ACCESS

Zippel Bay Jetty

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve working on and sending a letter to representatives and senators regarding the need for channel maintenance to the Zippel Bay Harbor on Lake of the Woods.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Consideration of Conditional Use Permit #20-04CU by Shawn Wendler & Shawna Brasgalla

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund, met with the Board and presented a Conditional Use Permit for Shawn Wendler and Shawna Brasgalla to operate a small engine repair and maintenance shop in a Rural-Residential (R-2) District.  No comments were heard from the public. Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund, reviewed the Findings of Fact with the Board and informed them that the Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions. The specific conditions of approval are as follows: Conditional Use Permit terminates upon sale or transfer of the property.

Motion:

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried, with Commissioner Buck Nordlof abstaining, to approve the Conditional Use Permit with conditions for Shawn Wendler and Shawna Brasgalla to operate a small engine repair and maintenance shop in a Rural-Residential (R-2) District. The specific conditions of approval are as follows: Conditional Use Permit terminates upon sale or transfer of the property. 

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners

Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant:  Shawn Wendler_____________________ Date:  June 9, 2020___________

Location/Legal Description:  The North 450 feet of the East 500 feet of the NE1/4 of the NE1/4, Section 26, Township 161 North, Range 32 West – Parcel ID #23.26.11.01

Project Proposal:  Operate a small engine repair and maintenance shop in a Rural-Residential (R-2) District.

  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? _Further business________________________________________

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

YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

  1. 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 (  )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? __County Rd #6_________________________________________

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

Why or why not? ___Agricultural_________________________________________

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

YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

Why or why not?  Used oil, antifreeze, etc. will be contained and disposed of properly. No bathroom facilities.

  1. 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? ______________________________________________________

  1. Is the site adequate for water supply and on-site sewage treatment systems?

YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

  1. 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? ______________________________________________________

  1. 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? ______________________________________________________

  1. 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? _Not needed____________________________________________

  1. 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 ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? __One 2’ x 6’on building proposed___________________________

  1. 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 ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? _Use County Rd 6 – no change needed, adequate parking available___________

If all answers to the Findings of Fact-Criteria are either “Yes” or are “Not Applicable” to the request, the criteria for granting the conditional use permit have been met. The conditional use permit will maintain the goals of safety, health, and general welfare of the public.  

The specific conditions of approval are as follows:  Conditional Use Permit terminates upon sale or transfer of the property.

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

      June 9, 2020 _____________________________________

Date Jon Waibel

        Chair, County Board

This is in accordance with Section 1204 of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance.

RECESS

The meeting went into recess at 11:17 a.m. and resumed at 11:26 a.m.

MIS

Extend Contract: Eagleview

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to opt out of the current contract with Eagleview and enter a new six-year contract with Eagleview at a total cost of $103,940.00 from 911 funds.


Permission to Hire

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the hiring of Amber Zemke for the Temporary/Seasonal COVID-19 Cleaning Specialist position at Grade 6, Step 2, $15.75 per hour.  This position will be less than six months in duration.

County Website

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve contracting with Sandpieper Design Inc. to update the County’s website. The contract will be for one-time website development of up to $8,500 with a yearly maintenance fee of up to $2395.00.

NWA/SANDY SHORES CONCERNS

Commissioner Ed Arnesen added NWA/Sandy Shores concerns to the agenda, but the concerns were addressed during the County Highway portion of the meeting.

SPRAYING CONCERN

Commissioner Joe Grund had a concern brought to him about the spraying of ditches.  The request was to have signs posted when an area has been sprayed. No board decision was made at this time.

COVID-19

Update

Jill Hasbargen Olson, Emergency Management Director, provided an update.  She would like to see a cleaning plan for the Lake of the Woods County Fair, if they choose to have it.  She had no other updates except to mention that COVID-19 testing by the National Guard at CHI LakeWood Health’s Care Center is on hold.

RECESS

With no further business before the Board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 11:54 a.m.

Attest: June 23, 2020

______________________________ _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chairman of the Board, Jon Waibel 

June 8th, 2020

Commissioner Proceedings

June 8, 2020

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in special session on Monday, June 8, 2020 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room. 

CALL TO ORDER

Chair Jon Waibel called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Joe Grund, Jon Waibel, Cody Hasbargen.  Commissioner Ed Arnesen was present by phone. Absent: Commissioner Buck Nordlof. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, County Engineer AJ Pirkl, and County Land and Water Planning Director Josh Stromlund.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion

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

REVIEW OF COUNTY DITCHES

Fund Balances/Loans/Assessment

The Board reviewed county ditch fund balances, loans and assessments.

Review Open Petitions

The Board placed the open petition for Ditch 28 on the next regular board meeting agenda for 6/23/2020.

Review Needed Repair

The Board reviewed repairs that are needed to county ditches. 

OTHER

Inventory/Assessments

County Engineer, AJ Pirkl, discussed his recommendations with the Board.

County Ditch 1

Assessment: The current level of assessment is fine, presently surveying with funding through One Watershed, One Plan.

Projects: 1) Major slope repair on the south side of CSAH 8 from CSAH 2 going west about a mile.  Rough estimate of $300,000.  Looking at 2022 construction with the majority paid by One Watershed One Plan. 2) Repairing of sidewater inlets by One Watershed One Plan.

County Ditch 2

Assessment: The current level of assessment is fine.

Projects: Minor ditch cleaning and brushing.

Judicial Ditch 6

Assessment: Potential ditch to add assessments, this ditch should start assessing around $5,000 per year.

Projects: Ditch cleaning and water quality improvements, along with winter brushing and summer spraying.


Judicial Ditch 7

Assessment: Possible use of CSAH funds, this ditch should start assessing around $2,000 a year.

Projects: Winter brushing, summer spraying, and minor ditch cleaning.

Judicial Ditch 13

Assessment: The majority of this ditch runs along HWY 72 and is in MNDOT ROW. Assessing this ditch is not recommended.

Projects: None

Judicial Ditch 16

Assessment: The current level of assessment is fine.

Projects: 1) 2020 Brushed out the segment between Section 6 and 5 and 31 and 32 of Wabanica Township, and also cleaned out about a mile in spring of 2020. 2) Additional brushing along CSAH 4. 3) Potential major ditching project along CSAH 4. 4) Future brushing and ditch cleaning projects.

Judicial Ditch 17

Assessment: The majority of this ditch services public land.  The majority of the ditch that services private ownership runs along CSAH 1 and can be maintained with CSAH funds.  Assessing this ditch is not recommended.

Projects: 1) Cleaning out and re-shaping of the ditch along CSAH 1. 2) Last year cleaned out a part of the ditch along the Stoney Road and this could be continued.

Judicial Ditch 20

Assessment: The majority of this ditch is along HWY 72 and in MNDOT ROW, due to its location and public ownership, it is not recommended to assess this ditch.

Projects: None

Judicial Ditch 22

This ditch was not looked into due to shared ownership with Roseau County.

Judicial Ditch 23

Assessment: The majority of this ditch services public land.  The majority of the ditch that services private ownership runs along CSAH 2 and CSAH 14 and can be maintained with CSAH funds.  There is a portion along TR185 and TR60 Krull Trail that could be cleaned out with these funds if we assessed.

Projects: Cleaning out and re-shaping of the ditch along CSAH 2.

Judicial Ditch 24

Assessment: The current level of assessment is fine.

Projects: 1) Large portion flows into Zippel Bay, Water quality and sediment reduction projects should be the goal to minimize and reduce the need for future dredging. 2) Divert water away from Zippel to the east of 53 intersection.

Judicial Ditch 25

Assessment: Due to its location and public ownership, it is not recommended to assess this ditch.

Projects: None




Judicial Ditch 26

Assessment: The current level of assessment is fine.

Projects: 1) Cleaning of a north-south interceptor line in 2018, 2019, and going to be continuing that in 2020. 2) Future projects include ditching project by commissioner corner and/or along TR 159 and TR 158.

Judicial Ditch 27

Assessment: Due to its location and public ownership, it is not recommended to assess this ditch.

Projects: 1) Future projects would be takeoff for CSAH 7 going north.  This can be done with CSAH funding. 2) There is the ditch along Whalen Road that could use some attention.  May have to consider alternative funding sources.

Judicial Ditch 28

Assessment: It is recommended to increase the assessment on this ditch system.  Plenty of work and projects to be done on this system.  

Projects: In 2020, JD28 two stage ditch reshaping, cost for the project is $226,115.50, of which the county had committed $75,000 (non-state funding) to.  The remaining amount will be covered by a grant.  

Judicial Ditch 30

Assessment: Due to its location and public ownership, it is not recommended to assess this ditch.

Projects: Work on this ditch system along CR77 is going to be required in the next few years, will need to figure out a funding source.

Judicial Ditch 36

Assessment: Due to its location and public ownership, it is not recommended to assess this ditch.

Projects: This is an offtake for the Whalen Road going north, a $5,000 project for a culvert is required here plus some additional beaver trapping and dam removal.

Judicial Ditch 45

Assessment: Due to its location and public ownership, it is not recommended to assess this ditch.

Projects: None

Judicial Ditch 62

This ditch was not looked into due to shared ownership with Roseau County.

RECESS

With no further business before the Board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 7:55 p.m.

Attest: June 23, 2020

______________________________ _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chairman of the Board, Jon Waibel