MINUTES & AGENDAS
December 27th, 2024
December 27, 2024
The Lake of The Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Friday, December 27, 2024 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Cody Hasbargen 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, and Buck Nordlof. Joining by Teams Meeting: Commissioner Ed Arnesen. Also present was County Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the agenda with changes: Add: IT Update, Cannabis Ordinance Resolution, Resignation/Permission to Advertise, Interview, & Hire. Remove: Public Works
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the official minutes of December 17, 2024 with the following changes: Correct the 2025 board meeting dates to change November 11th to November 12th due to a holiday, Update the Cannabis Ordinance motion to reflect recommendations.
SOCIAL SERVICES
Claims
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $4,870.09; Commissioners Warrants $2,228.13; Commissioners Warrants $46,772.50.
2025 Purchase of Service Agreement -Meridian Services, Inc.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the 2025 Purchase of Service Agreement with Meridian Services,Inc. effective January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025.
Rural Transportation Collaborative Contract
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the Rural Transportation Collaborative contract for Volunteer Driver Services effective January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025.
Permission to Advertise, Interview, & Hire
Social Services Director Amy Ballard informed the board that she had received a resignation from Eligibility Worker Cassie Brune and requested permission to advertise, interview, and hire.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the request to advertise, interview, and hire an Eligibility Worker at Grade 11, Step 1, 262 points at $24.89 per hour.
Auditor/Treasurer
Claims
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $37,742.14; Road & Bridge $27,110.65; County Development $200.00; Joint Ditch $4,291.88; Solid Waste $9,690.11.
WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION
Warrants Approved On 12/27/2024 For Payment 12/30/2024
American Solutions For Business 2,138.34
Clay County Sheriff 2,473.02
Compass Minerals America 11,962.46
Computer Integration Technologies 2,624.00
Interstate Engineering Inc 11,263.87
KC TECH LLC 2,925.00
Larkin Hoffman Attorneys 8,602.50
Northdale Oil Inc. 3,460.50
Outdoors Again 3,978.84
Peppermint Creek Services,LLC 2,200.00
Roseau County Treasurer 4,291.88
U.S. Bank Equipment Finance 6,268.50
38 Payments less than 2000 16,845.87
Final Total: 79,034.78
Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: December 18, 2024 for $432,889.08; December 23,2024 for $12,246.36.
Motion to Pay Year End Bills
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the payment of year end bills on the Auditors list on December 31, 2024.
IRS Mileage Rate
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the 2025 Standard IRS Mileage rate for business miles at .70 cents per mile.
Resolution for Year End Commitments
Resolution
The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the following:
RESOLUTION
YEAR END COMMITMENT OF FUNDS
RESOLUTION NO. 24-12-04
WHEREAS, per Lake of the Woods County Fund Balance Policy, the County Board will annually or as deemed necessary commit specific revenue sources for specified purposed by resolution;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Lake of the Woods County hereby commits the following reserves with the amounts to be determined at a later date: Building; Community Health; Elections; Health/Medical; Housing Rehabilitation; Land & Building Acquisitions; Sheriff’s Posse; Sheriff’s Vending Commission; Technology; Transit; Drainage Maintenance; Economic Development; Prepaid Fiber; SANE; Snowmobile Trails; Future Equipment, and Future Budget Expenditures; Borderland DUI Drug Court; Wetland Banks; Opioid Funds; USDA Funds; Day Care-Deed; Sewer.
EDA Board Member Appointment
Resolution
The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously by roll call to adopt the following resolution:
Re-Appointment of Terms of the economic development authority
Resolution 24-12-05
Whereas Lake of the Woods County Board, pursuant to MN Statute §469.093, Subd.1 has provided a public notice and conducted a public hearing on September 14, 2010 to consider the creation of an Economic Development Authority and adopted the Enabling Resolution creating the same; and
Whereas the County Board of Commissioners of the County of Lake of the Woods adopted the following:
The EDA shall consist of a governing body of nine (9) members, as per the adopted Enabling Resolution, of which: Five (5) Sitting Commissioners, Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners
Four (4) Members shall be nominated by the following organizations and appointed by the County Board:
Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to recommend appointment
Chamber of Commerce to recommend appointment
Lake of the Woods Tourism to recommend appointment
City of Baudette to recommend appointment
The Board Members and 6-year terms are established as follows:
Board Member Term Expires Representing
Steve Theis Jr. 12/31/2029 City of Baudette
James “Buck” Nordlof 12/31/2029 County Board District 1
Jeff Bauers 12/31/2024 IDC
Paul Johnson 12/31/2024 Tourism Board
Ed Arnesen 12/31/2025 County Board District 5
Jon Waibel 12/31/2025 County Board District 4
Brittney Peterson 12/31/2026 Chamber of Commerce
Cody Hasbargen 12/31/2027 County Board District 2
Joe Grund 12/31/2028 County Board District 3
Whereas the City of Baudette member is to be replaced;
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the County Board of Commissioners of the County of Lake of the Woods hereby rappoints the following board members for a 6-year term;
Board Member Term Expires Representing
Jeff Bauers. 12/31/2030 IDC
Paul Johnson 12/31/2030 Tourism Board
Wheelers Sanitation Board Member Appointment
Wheelers Point Sewer Board Members and Terms
Alan Thompson Three Year Term 21 Thru 01/02/2027
Marshall Monk Three Year Term 21 Thru 01/02/2027
Brian Ney Three Year Term 23 Thru 01/02/2026
Paul Johnson Three Year Term 23 Thru 01/02/2026
Justin Ferguson Three Year Term 19 Thru 01/02/2025
Motion
Motion was made by Buck Nordlof, seconded by Jon Waibel and carried unanimously by roll call to appoint Justin Ferguson to the Wheeler’s Point Sanitary District Board for a three year term beginning January 2, 2025 thru January 2, 2028.
Transfer of Funds to Ditch Funds
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously by roll call to authorize a temporary loan to Ditch Fund 22; to mitigate a temporary negative cash balance.
DNR Lease Agreement
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the DNR lease agreement for part of Government Lot 4, Section 12, Township 162 North, Range 33 West, 1.15 acres in Region 1-Zipple Bay State Park.
Cannabis Ordinance
Resolution
RESOLUTION NO. 24-12-06
OF THE LAKE OF THE WOODS BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AUTHORIZING SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF AN ORDINANCE.
At a regular meeting of the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners, held on Friday, December 27, 2024, following discussion, a Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried by roll call with Commissioner Ed Arnesen abstaining, for passage of the following Resolution:
THE LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY, MINNESOTA BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
WHEREAS, On December 17, 2024, following discussion, the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners adopted Ordinance number 24-12-06, “An Ordinance of Lake of the Woods County to Regulate Cannabis Businesses” (“Ordinance”), which Ordinance is effective upon publication.
WHEREAS, The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners has determined the publication of the title and a summary is prudent due to the lengthy nature of “An Ordinance of Lake of the Woods County to Regulate Cannabis Businesses”
WHEREAS, Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes §§ 375.51 and M.S. 331A.01, Subd. 10, summary publication of a lengthy ordinance is authorized and the County Board may direct that only the title of the Ordinance and a summary be published with notice that a printed copy of the Ordinance is available for inspection by any person during regular office hours at the County Offices; and
WHEREAS, Prior to the publication of the title and summary, the County has read and approved the text of the summary and determined that it clearly informs the public of the intent and effect of the Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, The County Board finds that the text of the Summary Publication of Ordinance Number 24-12-06 attached clearly informs the public of the nature and intent of the proposed Ordinance.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS resolves that summary publication of Ordinance Number 24-12-06 “An Ordinance of Lake of the Woods County to Regulate Cannabis Businesses” is prudent due to its length .
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: the publication shall read as follows:
SUMMARY PUBLICATION FOR LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY
ORDINANCE NUMBER 24-12-06
“ORDINANCE NUMBER 24-12-06 AN ORDINANCE LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY TO REGULATE CANNABIS BUSINESSES”
Summary: Ordinance Number 24-12-06 was adopted by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners on December 17, 2024 following public hearing and upon the recommendation of the Lake of the Woods County Planning Commission:
The purpose of this Ordinance is to regulate the use of cannabis businesses located in Lake of the Woods County, including registration requirements, and registration fees, and setting forth requirements for the time, place, and manner of the operation of retail cannabis businesses located in Lake of the Woods County. The Ordinance further prohibits the use of cannabis products in public places. The Ordinance further provides for civil penalties and suspension of registrations for non-compliance. This summary is adopted pursuant to Minn. Stat. §§ 331A.01 and 375.51. A printed copy of the entire Ordinance is available for inspection and copying at the Lake of the Woods County Courthouse, 206 8th Ave SE, Suite 290, Baudette, Minnesota 56623, or by standard or electronic mail.
ORDINANCE ADOPTED by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners on December 17, 2024 and Summary Publication approved on December 27, 2024
Zoning Ordinance Amendment
Resolution
RESOLUTION NO. 24-12-07
THE LAKE OF THE WOODS BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AUTHORIZING SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF AN ORDINANCE.
At a regular meeting of the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners, held on Friday, December 27, 2024, following discussion, a Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried by roll call with Commissioner Ed Arnesen abstaining, for passage of the following Resolution:
THE LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY, MINNESOTA BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
WHEREAS, On December 17, 2024, following discussion, the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners adopted Ordinance number 24-12-07, “An Ordinance of Lake of the Woods County to Regulate Zoning” (“Ordinance”), which Ordinance is effective upon publication.
WHEREAS, The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners has determined the publication of the title and a summary is prudent due to the lengthy nature of “An Ordinance of Lake of the Woods County to Regulate Zoning”
WHEREAS, Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes §§ 375.51 and M.S. 331A.01, Subd. 10, summary publication of a lengthy ordinance is authorized and the County Board may direct that only the title of the Ordinance and a summary be published with notice that a printed copy of the Ordinance is available for inspection by any person during regular office hours at the County Offices; and
WHEREAS, Prior to the publication of the title and summary, the County has read and approved the text of the summary and determined that it clearly informs the public of the intent and effect of the Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, The County Board finds that the text of the Summary Publication of Ordinance Number 24-12-07 attached clearly informs the public of the nature and intent of the proposed Ordinance.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS resolves that summary publication of Ordinance Number 24-12-07 “An Ordinance of Lake of the Woods County to Regulate Zoning” is prudent due to its length .
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: the publication shall read as follows:
SUMMARY PUBLICATION FOR LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY
ORDINANCE NUMBER 24-12-07
“ORDINANCE NUMBER 24-12-07 AN ORDINANCE LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY TO REGULATE ZONING”
Summary: Ordinance Number 24-12-07 was adopted by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners on December 17, 2024 following public hearing and upon the recommendation of the Lake of the Woods County Planning Commission:
The purpose of this Ordinance amendment is to comply with Minnesota Statute 342, and Resolution 24-12-06, which allows Lake of the Woods County to regulate the use of cannabis businesses located in Lake of the Woods County, including registration requirements, and registration fees, and setting forth requirements for the time, place, and manner of the operation of retail cannabis businesses located in Lake of the Woods County. The Ordinance further prohibits the use of cannabis products in public places. This summary is adopted pursuant to Minn. Stat. §§ 331A.01 and 375.51. A printed copy of the entire Ordinance is available for inspection and copying at the Lake of the Woods County Courthouse, 206 8th Ave SE, Suite 290, Baudette, Minnesota 56623, or by standard or electronic mail.
ORDINANCE ADOPTED by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners on December 17, 2024 and Summary Publication approved on December 27, 2024
Set Work Session
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to set a work session for budget review on January 7, 2025 following the regular board meeting.
Old/New Business
The board reviewed old/new business items and Assistant Engineer Boyd Johnson gave an update on the town road inventory. It was the consensus of the board to leave the following items on the list: Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council/Outdoor Heritage Fund, Land Trade, Township Road Inventory, Law Enforcement Center, Unused Wells, and County Life Flight/Ambulance.
IT Updates
MIS Director Peder Hovland gave an update on cyber security and reporting.
Adjourn
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously by roll call to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 a.m.
Attest: January 14, 2025
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Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson Commissioner Cody Hasbargen