MINUTES & AGENDAS
January, 2020
Organizational Meeting
January 7, 2020
The Lake of the Woods County Board met on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, in the Commissioners’ Room in the Lake of the Woods County Government Center for their 2020 Organizational Meeting.
Call to Order
County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance with the following members present: Commissioners Ed Arnesen, Jon Waibel, Cody Hasbargen, and Joe Grund. Commissioner James “Buck” Nordlof was absent. Also, present: County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, Linwood “Woody” Fiala, and Jaime Boretski-LaValla.
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 2020. Commissioner Cody Hasbargen nominated Commissioner Jon Waibel for Chair with Commissioner Joe Grund seconding the nomination. County Auditor/Treasurer called for nominations two more times.
Chair
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, 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, Cody Hasbargen, Ed Arnesen, Joe Grund. Absent: Commissioner Buck Nordlof. Against: None. Commissioner Jon Waibel assumed the position of Chair of the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners for 2020.
Vice – Chair
Chair Jon Waibel called for nominations for the position of Vice-Chair for the year 2020. Commissioner Cody Hasbargen nominated Commissioner Ed Arnesen for Vice-Chair for Lake of the Woods County Board with Commissioner Joe Grund seconding the nomination. Chair Jon Waibel called for nominations two more times.
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to close the nominations for Vice-Chair.
Chair Jon Waibel called for a roll call for Commissioner Ed Arnesen for Vice- Chair. Roll call carried as follows: All in favor: Commissioners: Jon Waibel, Cody Hasbargen, Ed Arnesen, Joe Grund. Absent: Commissioner Buck Nordlof. Against: None. Commissioner Ed Arnesen assumed the position of Vice-Chair of the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners for 2020.
Approval of Agenda
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following addition: Update on the City and County Joint Meeting held on Monday, January 6, 2020.
CITY AND COUNTY JOINT MEETING
The Board discussed the City and County Joint Meeting that was held on Monday, January 6, 2020 at the Ambulance Garage.
ATTENDANCE
Commissioner Buck Nordlof arrived to the meeting.
OFFICIAL COUNTY NEWSPAPER BID-OPENING
County Auditor/treasurer
Wells Fargo Signature Cards
Chair Jon Waibel called for the bid opening at 9:20 a.m. for the Official Legal Newspaper for the year 2020. The following Resolution was offered by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and moved for adoption:RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING
OFFICIAL LEGAL NEWSPAPER for YEAR 2020Resolution No. 2020-01-01WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners per Minnesota Statutes 279.08 called for legal bids for the official newspaper for the year 2020WHEREAS, upon opening all bids, Lake of the Woods County designates the Northern Light Region as the official legal newspaper for the year 2020;WHEREAS, the Northern Light Region, as the official legal newspaper for the year 2020, is awarded the first publication of the annual financial statement at $6.50 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 2020, is awarded the first publication of the notice and list of the real estate remaining delinquent taxes on the first Monday of January, at $6.50 per standard advertising unit, and;WHEREAS, the Northern Light Region, as the official legal newspaper for the year 2020, is awarded the second publication of the notice and list of the real estate remaining delinquent taxes, at $6.50 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 202
Lake of the Woods County Bid Tabulation Legal Publishing Year 2020 January 7, 2020 Per Standard Advertising Unit Financial StatementDelinquent Tax ListAll Other Publications 1st Publ.2nd Publ1st Publ2nd Publ Northern Light Region PO Box 1134 6.506.506.506.506.506.50 Baudette, MN 56623 218-634-2700 Award To: Official Legal Newspaper Northern Light Region 1st Publ/Financial Stmnt 6.50 2nd Publ/Financial Stmnt If applicable 6.50N/A 1st Delinq Tax List 6.50 2nd Delinq Tax List 6.50 All Other 6.50
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer, Dawn Christianson and Chair Jon Waibel to sign the Wells Fargo signature card for account number 3908.
Official Depositories
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to designate the following institutions as Official Depositories of county funds for the year 2020:
- Wells Fargo, Baudette Branch
- RiverWood Bank- Baudette Branch
- Border State Bank, Baudette Branch
- Multi Bank Securities
It was further moved to designate Wells Fargo Minneapolis, as the official safekeeping Institution for Lake of the Woods County.
IRS 2020 Mileage Rate
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the 2020 Standard IRS Mileage rate for business miles at 57.5 cents per mile.
IDC
Tom Hanson, Howard Mord, and Chuck Tishcart, representatives from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), met with the County Board to discuss a 10-acre piece of land in the Industrial Park on the corner of Highway 1 and Highway 35. The land was offered as an option for the site of the new law enforcement center, at the cost of $100,000. The land has city water, city sewer, and natural gas. Fiber optic lines are available in the vicinity. Roger Schotl, from the City of Baudette, said upgrades to the city water infrastructure would be needed. County Assessor, Mary Jo Otten, was going to prepare sales information within the area. Further discussion on the land options for the new law enforcement center will be added to the agenda on 01/14/2020.
COMMISSIONERS
Sales Tax Revenue
The County Board discussed the proposed local sales tax for Lake of the Woods County for the purpose of paying for the cost of the construction for the new Law Enforcement/Jail facility that the State of MN is mandating.
Set Date for County Road Tour
The County Road Tour will be on October 14, 2020 beginning at 8 a.m.
OVERTIME POLICY
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve overtime and comp time at time and one half on total hours, not hours worked, over the full-time employees regular scheduled pay period (40 hours per week or 80 hours per pay period or 84 hours per pay period), excluding union employees, exempt employees and department heads, effective January 1, 2020.
APPROVAL OF 2020 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the following Committee Appointments for 2020:
2020 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, Josh Stromlund;
Public Safety: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen;
Transportation and Area Transportation Alliance: Commissioner Jon Waibel and Anthony Pirkl; Alternates: Commissioners;
2020 COUNTY RELATED COMMITTEES
Airport Commission: Commissioners Cody Hasbargen and Jon Waibel;
Beaver Committee: Commissioners Joe Grund and Buck Nordlof, Lee Hancock, Anthony Pirkl and Steve Levassuer;
Border Coalition/Passports: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Jon Waibel, Sue Ney and Jill Olson;
Building and Safety Committee: Commissioner Jon Waibel and Buck Nordlof, Anthony Pirkl, Peder Hovland, Lorene Hanson and Amy Ballard, one from Law Enforcement, and Safety Director;
Comprehensive Land Use Planning Board: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Cody Hasbargen, Sue Ney, Josh Stromlund and Lorene Hanson;
Continuity of Operation Plan (COOP): Jill Olson and Commissioners;
County Extension Committee: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Cody Hasbargen, Lorene Hanson, Additional members: Tabitha Ubel, Kenneth Horntvedt, Nicole Olson, Jean Schotl and Sandy Peterson. Extension Members: Aprille Albrecht, Lisa Loegering and Karen Santl.
County TV: Commissioners Jon Waibel and Ed Arnesen, Lee Hervey, Lorene Hanson, Peder Hovland and Jill Olson;
Data Privacy Administrator: Savanna Slick;
Department Head Liaison: Chair- Commissioner Jon Waibel; Alternates: Commissioners;
Department Liaisons: Assessor – Buck Nordlof; Land and Water Planning Office – Cody Hasbargen; Attorney – Cody Hasbargen; MIS – Joe Grund; Sheriff – Jon Waibel; Social Services – Joe Grund; Recorder – Cody Hasbargen; Highway – Ed Arnesen; Auditor/Treasurer – Chair-Commissioner Jon Waibel; H/R – Buck Nordlof; County Surveyor- Ed Arnesen; Veterans Service Officer – Joe Grund; Tourism Bureau- Ed Arnesen; Wheelers Point Sewer- Jon Waibel;
Department of Natural Resources: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Jon Waibel;
Drainage Committee: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Joe Grund, Byron Tviet, Anthony Pirkl, Josh Stromlund, Dennis Johnson, Vern Horntvedt and SWCD Representative;
Enhanced 911 Committee: Commissioners Buck Nordlof and Jon Waibel, Peder Hovland, Gary Fish, Jill Olson and other local appointees;
GIZIIBII: SWCD Representative, Corryn Trask;
Grievance Committee: Chair- Commissioner Jon Waibel, James Austad, Savanna Slick, Daryl Fish, Josh Stromlund and Angie Eason; Alternate: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen.;
Information Systems/Technology Committee: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Cody Hasbargen, Peder Hovland, Josh Stromlund, Boyd Johnson, Lorene Hanson and James Austad;
Insurance Committee: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Jon Waibel, Amy Ballard, Lorene Hanson, Sue Ney, Daryl Fish and Savanna Slick;
Jail Committee: Commissioners; Gary Fish, Anthony Pirkl, James Austad, Sandy Peterson, 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: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Cody Hasbargen, Savanna Slick; Alternate: Commissioner Buck Nordlof;
Lake of the Woods Affordable Housing/Loan Committee: Commissioner Buck Nordlof, Sue Ney, Mary Jo Otten and Lorene Hanson; Alternate: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen;
Law Library: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, James Austad to appoint and Chief Judge to appoint;
Motor Pool Committee: Commissioner Jon Waibel, Lorene Hanson, Jodi Ferrier, Mary Jo Otten, Josh Stromlund, Peder Hovland; Alternate: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen;
Ordinance Committee: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Jon Waibel, James Austad, Gary Fish, Josh Stromlund;
Park Commission: Commissioners Cody Hasbargen and Ed Arnesen, Anthony Pirkl and Joe Laurin; Alternate: Commissioner Jon Waibel;
Personnel Committee (combined Compensation Plan and Personnel): Commissioners Buck Nordlof and Ed Arnesen, Savanna Slick, Sue Ney, Anthony Pirkl, Christine Hultman, Lorene Hanson and Daryl Fish;
Public Information Officer: Lorene Hanson, Alternate; Savanna Slick and James Austad;
SHIP Committee: Commissioner Buck Nordlof, Alternate: Commissioner Jon Waibel;
Snowmobile Trails Committee: Commissioner Joe Grund and Buck Nordlof;
Solid Waste Committee/Household Waste: Commissioner Ed Arnesen (as the (NWMNHHW representative for the Joint Powers Agreement), Commissioner Joe Grund, Anthony Pirkl, Tina Rennemo, Lorene Hanson and Mary Jo Otten;
Subdivision Controls Committee: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Josh Stromlund, Mary Jo Otten, Sue Ney, Peder Hovland and Commissioner of the District involved;
Township Road and Trails: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Buck Nordlof, Anthony Pirkl,
Josh Stromlund, Peder Hovland, Boyd Johnson and Mary Jo Otten;
Northwest Angle Development: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Cody Hasbargen; Alternates: Commissioners;
Vets Service: Commissioners Buck Nordlof and Joe Grund, Legion Commander or Delegate, VFW Commander or Delegate and Rick Rone;
Wellness Committee: Angie Eason, Julie Berggren, Savanna Slick, Mary Jo Otten, Cassondra Brune and Commissioner Buck Nordlof;
2020 BOARDS/COLLABORATIVE/COALITION
Arrowhead Library System: Ronald Rudd (01-01-19 to 12-31-22) appointed 01-08-19; Alternate: Commissioner Buck Nordlof (01-01-19-12-31-22);
Board of Adjustment-/Planning Commission: District 1- David Marhula, District 2-Reed McFarlane, District 3- Marshall Nelson, District 4- Tom Mio, District 5-Anthony Head; at large; Ken Horntvedt and Weston Johnson; non-voting Commissioner Ed Arnesen;
Border Substance Abuse Court and Steering Committee: Commissioner Jon Waibel, Amy Ballard;
Community Education Advisory Board: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen; Alternate: Commissioner Buck Nordlof;
Humane Society: Commissioner Joe Grund and Gary Fish;
Headwaters Regional Development Commission: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Buck Nordlof, Alternate: Commissioner Joe Grund;
International Bridge: Commissioners Joe Grund and Buck Nordlof;
Joint Powers Natural Resources Board: Commissioners Joe Grund and Buck Nordlof;
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;
Lutheran Social Service Board: Commissioner Buck Nordlof and Amy Ballard; Alternate: Commissioner Jon Waibel;
Mid-State Co-op: Peder Hovland as delegate #1, and Mary Jo Otten, as delegate #2 ;
Minnesota Counties Computer Co-op: Delegate #1 – Peder Hovland, Delegate #2 – Lorene Hanson; Alternate: James Austad
Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust: Commissioner Jon Waibel; Alternates: Commissioner Buck Nordlof and Lorene Hanson;
Minnesota Rural Counties Caucus: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen; Alternates: Commissioners;
North Country Community Health Board: Commissioner Joe Grund(term expires 12/31/21) and Tom Mio (term expires 12/31/21) these are three-year terms;
North Country Community Health Services Advisory Committee: Commissioner Joe Grund (term expires 12/31/20) and re-appoint Tom Mio (term expires 12/31/21) these are two-year terms;
Northern Counties Land Use Coordinating Board: Commissioner Ed Arnesen and Josh Stromlund; Alternate: Commissioner Buck Nordlof;
Northwest Board of Aging/Area Agency: Commissioner Buck Nordlof, Amy Ballard and Alternate: Commissioner Jon Waibel;
Northwest Community Action: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Alternates: Commissioners;
Northwest Minnesota Juvenile Center Board: Commissioner Jon Waibel (term expires 12/31/2021, re-appointed in 2018) and Amy Ballard (term expires 12/31/2022, appointed in 2019). This is a four-year term;
One Watershed/One Plan: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Alternate: Buck Nordlof;
Rainy Rapid River Board: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, Josh Stromlund; Alternate: Commissioner Joe Grund;
Recreation Committee: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Jon Waibel, Anthony Pirkl;
Red River Valley Development Association: Commissioner Ed Arnesen and Ken Horntvedt;
Regional Advisory: Jill Olson;
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;
LAND AND WATER PLANNING
Work Session
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to set a work session for ordinance revisions on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at 1:00 p.m., after the regular County Board Meeting.
RECESS
With no further business before the board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 10:57 a.m.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
______________________ ____________________________
County Auditor/Treasurer Chairman of the Board,
Lorene Hanson Jon Waibel
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Commissioner Proceedings
January 14, 2020
The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, January 14, 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 and Ed Arnesen. Absent: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen. Also, present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, County Attorney Jim Austad, Jaime Boretski-LaValla, and Woody Fiala.
Approval of Agenda
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions and deletions: add – HR: Department Reviews and delete – Sanford Health Lease.
Approval of Minutes
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of December 27, 2019.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of the Organizational Meeting on January 7, 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 $29,292.91 Commissioners Warrant’s $2,069.22, Commissioners Warrant’s $11,193.43.
Meridian Contract
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of service agreement with Meridian Services, Inc. and for Commissioner Jon Waibel to sign the same.
LifeCare Contract
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the Purchase of Service Agreement with LifeCare Behavioral Health and for Commissioner Jon Waibel to sign the same.
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 $252,125.62 Road & Bridge $23,531.68, Solid Waste, $25,042.38, EDA, $159,059.22.
WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION
Warrants Approved On 1/14/2020 For Payment 1/17/2020
Vendor Name Amount
Air Med Care Network 16,803.00
Beltrami County Highway Dept 3,408.70
Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc. 13,554.64
Compudyne, Inc 56,279.59
Counties Providing Technology 3,717.00
Farmers Union Oil Co. 2,321.63
Happy Tree Productions 8,890.00
Headwaters Regional Development Commiss 2,500.00
Howard’s Oil Company 4,515.51
LOW IDC 150,000.00
LOW Soil & Water Cons. Dist. 101,188.00
Mar-Kit Landfill 13,137.00
Mn Assn Of Counties 5,288.00
Mn Counties Computer Co-Op 23,583.00
Mn Counties Computer Co-Op 10,021.90
OnSolve,LLC 7,500.00
Voyageurs Comtronics, Inc 2,640.00
Woody’s Service 3,600.86
62 Payments less than $2,000 30,810.07
Final Total: 459,758.90
Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: December 31, 2019 for $14,181.49, December 31, 2019 for $121,416.98, January 10, 2020 for $307,084.21.
Resolution for Local Sales Tax
The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously the following:
LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY, MINNESOTA
SUPPORTING A LOCAL SALES TAX TO BE IMPLEMENTED
RESOLUTION 2020-01-02
Supporting the County’s authority to impose a local sales tax to fund specific capital improvements providing regional benefit, to establish the maximum duration of and revenue to be raised by the tax, and to issue bonds to be repaid with tax revenues.
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Corrections 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 have a new County Jail in operation as of July 1, 2021 or transport County inmates to alternative facilities; 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 County Jail and 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, as compared to all other Minnesota counties, Lake of the Woods County has the second-lowest taxable property value, as measured by net tax capacity (after Mahnomen County) and the second-smallest estimated permanent population (after Traverse County); and,
WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County is an internationally-recognized center for recreation and tourism, as evidenced in part by the state sales taxes generated annually by local businesses (third-highest per capita among all Minnesota counties, after Hennepin and Cook Counties); and,
WHEREAS, Minn. Stat. § 297A.99 authorizes the imposition of a general sales tax if permitted by special law of the Minnesota Legislature and then approved by local voters; and,
WHEREAS, Minn. Stat. § 297A.99 requires the County to pass a resolution authorizing such a local tax and to obtain Legislative approval prior to seeking voter approval to enact the local tax; and,
WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County intends to seek special legislation to allow for a local referendum in November 2020 to institute up to a one- and one-half percent (1.50%) local option sales tax to fund a portion of the following project:
- Construction of a new County Jail and Law Enforcement Center, with a total project cost not to exceed $14,000,000, plus an amount sufficient to pay costs, including interest costs, related to the issuance of general obligation bonds to finance said project
WHEREAS, the County estimates that a general local sales tax of one- and one-half percent (1.50%) would generate approximately $20,000,000 over 25 years; and,
WHEREAS, the County’s objective is that the tax would commence April 1, 2021 and expire March 31, 2046, or whenever a sum sufficient to fund the authorized project (including bond financing-related costs) is raised, whichever comes first; and
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the following:
- The County Board supports the authority to impose a general local sales tax of up to one- and one-half percent (1.50%) for a maximum period of 25 years to fund the aforementioned project.
- The County Board supports the authority to issue general obligation sales tax revenue bonds to finance the project, and to be repaid with local sales tax revenues.
- Upon approval of this resolution, the County will submit the adopted resolution and documentation of regional significance to the chairs and ranking minority members of the House and Senate Taxes committees for approval and passage of a special law authorizing the tax, by January 31 of the year that it is seeking the special law.
- Upon Legislative approval and passage of the special law authorizing the tax, the County will adopt a resolution accepting the new law, which will be filed with a local approval certificate to the Office of the Secretary of State before the following Legislative session.
- The County will put a detailed local sales tax ballot question on a general election ballot for local voter approval. This will be done within two years of receiving legislative authority.
- If a ballot question passes, the County will pass an ordinance imposing the local sales tax and will notify the Commissioner of Revenue at least 90 days before the first day of the calendar quarter that the tax will be imposed.
Adopted by the Board of Commissioners of Lake of the Woods County this 14th day of January, 2020.
Appointment of 2020 Election Judges, UOCAVA & Absentee Ballot Boards and Hourly Pay
County Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson met with the County Board to approve election judges for the primary and general elections, to set up UOCAVA and Absentee Ballot Boards for the same and to request a pay increase for the election judges.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the following election judges for the 2020 Presidential Primary (March 3, 2020), State Primary (August 11, 2020) and the General (November 3, 2020) Elections: Christie Russell, Sandy Peterson, Judy Johnson, Shelley Pepera, Rita Krause, Margie Sporlein, Stacy Novak, Dale Boretski, Dawn Christianson, John Carroll, Dena Pieper, Alisa Jacobsen, Heather Larson, Barb Larson, Bob Gubbels, Beverly Becklund, Jo Aery, Dani Koshak, Jennifer Hovde, Jeff Hovde, Mary Jo Otten, Jaime Boretski-LaValla, Janet Rudd, Rita Hasbargen, Erik Tange and Lorene Hanson.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the hourly pay for election judges as follows: head election judges at $12.00 per hour and election judges at $11.50 per hour, effective with the 2020 elections.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to appoint the following Election Judges to the UOCAVA & Absentee Ballot Boards for the 2020 Presidential Primary, State Primary and General Elections: Christie Russell, Rita Hasbargen, Stacy Novak, Dawn Christianson, Jaime Boretski-LaValla, Erik Tange and Lorene Hanson.
Appointment to Canvassing Board
County Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson met with the County Board to request approval to appoint two Commissioners to the 2020 Canvassing Board.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to appoint Commissioners Buck Nordlof and Joe Grund to the Canvassing Board for the 2020 Presidential Primary, State Primary and General Elections.
Permission to advertise, interview and hire
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously for Lake of the Woods Auditor/Treasurer to advertise, interview and hire for the position of Deputy Auditor/Treasurer – License Clerk-Board Administration, Grade 10, Step 1, $20.33 per hour, pts 253.
MIS
Sheriff Deputy Recording System
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of a recording program for the Sheriff’s Department out of data processing funds.
Plow for Maintenance Truck
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of a plow for the maintenance truck from the maintenance budget.
COUNTY SURVEYOR
County Surveyor, Chad Conner, met with the Board to provide a year-end summary of projects that were completed and work that will carry over to 2020 from 2019. Connor mentioned the cost sharing money still available that can benefit land owners.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the transfer of $7,500 from cost sharing to remonumentation.
LAND AND WATER PLANNING
Consideration of CUP
Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stomlund met with the board and presented a Conditional Use Permit for S & J Real Estate, LLC to allow the applicant to operate a short-term transient rental in a Rural Residential Zoning District (R2). No comments were heard from the Public. Stromlund reviewed the Findings of Fact of the Planning Commission and informed the board that the Planning Commission approved this application with the following conditions, the specific conditions of approval are as follows:
- A septic system inspection is required and if found to be Non-Compliant, the system must be upgraded.
- Meet all MDH requirements as applicable.
- CUP terminates upon sale or transfer of property.
- Lodging tax for LOW County must be paid.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following Conditional Use Permit with conditions:
Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners
Findings of Fact and Decision
Name of Applicant: S & J Real Estate, LLC Date: January 14, 2020
Location/Legal Description: Government Lot six (6), Section Thirty-six (36), Range One Hundred Sixty-seven (167) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West – Parcel ID# 06.36.44.000.
Project Proposal: A Conditional Use Permit, as required by Section 401-C of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance, to allow the applicant to operate a short-term transient rental in a Rural Residential Zoning District (R2).
- 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? ___Resort/recreation area_______________________________________________
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? _____With conditions_________________________________________________
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? ___Will not 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? ____Shoreline_______________________________________________________
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 ( ) NO ( ) N/A ( x )
Why or why not? ____________________________________________________________________
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 ( ) NO ( ) N/A ( x )
Why or why not? ___________________________________________________________________
9. Does the project proposal have a reasonable need to be in a shoreland location?
YES ( x ) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Why or why not? ___Resort rental______________________________________________________
10. 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? ___With conditions___________________________________________________
11. Will the visibility of structures and other facilities as viewed from public waters comply with Section 901 of the Zoning Ordinance? YES ( x ) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Why or why not? ___No change________________________________________________________
12. Is the site adequate for water supply and on-site sewage treatment systems?
YES ( x ) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Why or why not? ___With conditions____________________________________________________
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 ( x ) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Why or why not? __In place/no change__________________________________________________
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? ____________________________________________________________________
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:
5. A septic system inspection is required and if found to be Non-Compliant, the system must be upgraded.
6. Meet all MDH requirements as applicable.
7. CUP terminates upon sale or transfer of property.
8. Lodging tax for LOW County must be paid.
Approved as Presented ( ) Approved with Conditions (X) Denied ( )
_______________ _____________________________________
Date Jon Waibel
Chair, County Board
This is in accordance with Section 1204 of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance.
AIS Letter
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve letters to Representative Matt Grossell and Senator Paul Utke regarding Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Aid and the funding metric used.
RECESS
Meeting was recessed at 10:11 am and reconvened at 10:20 am as follows:
COUNTY HIGHWAY/LANDFILL
Project Final Approval
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen to accept the Public Works Director’s Certificate of Performance of SAP 039-649-003 for Lake of the Woods County (Force Account) in the total amount of $178,002.99 and hereby authorize final payment. Seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and the same being put to vote was duly carried.
Highway Update
- Letters will be sent out to golf course area residents regarding an upcoming project
- Continue to work on the plan for improved drainage on County Road 80
- Consideration of purchasing County motor pool vehicles through the Highway Department for depreciation benefits
Landfill Update
- Meeting with MPCA in Brainerd on January 27, 2020
DITCH AUTHORITY
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting at 10:25 a.m. and open Ditch Authority.
JD 28 Project
Waiting for final decision on JD 28. The County did not receive any bids for the cleaning of JD 16, the County will clean and bill the time to JD 16. All work for JD 28 will be through a grant.
Ditch Assessments
Commissioner Jon Waibel reviewed the following Ditch Assessments presented to the County Board for 2020:
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: $40,000.00
JD 22: $4,800.00 (Joint Ditch with Roseau County)
JD 62: $16,900.00 (Joint Ditch with Roseau County)
The Ditch Authority recommended the following Ditch Assessments: 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-$40,000; Judicial Ditch 22-Joint Ditch with Roseau-$4,800; Joint Ditch 62 with Roseau-$16,900.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to close the Ditch Authority meeting at 10:35 a.m. and reconvene the regular meeting.
DITCH ASSESSMENTS
Chair Jon Waibel discussed the 2020 Ditch Assessments and the recommendations from County Engineer, AJ Pirkl and the Ditch Authority.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the recommendations of the Ditch Authority to set the 2020 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-$40,000; Judicial Ditch 22-Joint Ditch with Roseau-$4,800; Joint Ditch 62 with Roseau-$16,900.
JOSEPH LAURIN
Northerly Park
Laurin presented an updated plan for the Northerly Park at the Northwest Angle. The plan was simplified with the help of Whitt Environmental Services and includes a visitor center, board walk, observation tower and cross-country ski trail.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve payment of current invoice from Whitt Environmental Services including additional time, not to exceed a total of $1,000, for completion of the joint notification to the U.S. Corp of Engineers.
Edge Riders Request
Polaris is allowing the club to use a ranger with the option to purchase it. The club is looking for funding to purchase the ranger. The County Board suggested to contact the EDA for loan options.
HUMAN RESOURCES
Department Reviews
Savanna Slick met with the board to find a date to create non-elected department head evaluations. The Board will plan to meet after the regular meeting on 2/11/2020 for this work session.
RECESS
Meeting was recessed at 11:03 am and reconvened at 11:15 am as follows:
PROPOSED LAW ENFORCEMENT CENTER
Land Purchase
Chair Jon Waibel opened up the meeting for discussion on the land purchase options for the proposed Law Enforcement Center. Several community members were in attendance and voiced concern about the possible location on the north side of Highway 11. Chair Jon Waibel explained that right now that property is off of the table.
A question was asked regarding the timeline for the purposed Law Enforcement Center, Chair Jon Waibel explained that the requirement was to have progress towards completion by July of 2021.
A community member shared that he was pleased that the County is looking at an alternate location, and that community use of the facility should be taken into consideration, such as meeting rooms.
Further discussion on the land purchase for the proposed Law Enforcement Center will be added to the next Board meeting agenda.
RECESS
With no further business before the board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 11:41 a.m.
Attest: January 14, 2020
__________________________________ _________________________________
County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chairman of the Board, Jon Waibel
===============================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================
Commissioner Proceedings
January 28, 2020
The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, January 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, County Attorney Jim Austad, Jaime Boretski-LaValla, and Woody Fiala.
Approval of Agenda
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda.
Approval of Minutes
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of January 14, 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 $13,880.48, Commissioners Warrant’s $1,421.51, Commissioners Warrant’s $18,935.12.
ODC Contract
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the Purchase of Service Agreement with Occupational Development Center, Inc. and for Commissioner Jon Waibel to sign the same.
AUDITOR/TREASURER
Claims
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $172,686.33, Road & Bridge $71,953.73.
WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION
Warrants Approved On 1/28/2020 For Payment 1/31/2020
Vendor Name Amount
ByteSpeed, LLC 11,733.00
Compudyne, Inc 20,793.10
KRIS Engineering Inc 4,221.40
LOW Fair Association 25,000.00
Mn Assn Of Counties 2,200.00
MN Counties Intergovernmental Trust 148,848.00
Northern Light Region 2,579.14
Thompson Reuters-West Publishing Corp. 2,958.50
Woody’s Service 5,415.25
54 Payments less than 2000 20,891.67
Final Total: 244,640.06
Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: January 15, 2020 for $99,575.42, January 15, 2020 for $295,490.84, January 23, 2020 for $13,391.43.
Hoffman, Philipp, & Knutson Understanding of Services Letter
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to authorize Chair Jon Waibel and County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson to sign the engagement letter for year-end Audit services with Hoffman, Philipp and Knutson for 2019 year-end audit.
Ditch Loan
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the transfer of funds from Ditch 28 Fund to the Revenue Fund for payoff of Loan 1, partial payment of Loan 2 and applicable interest to both, effective December 31, 2019, as follows:
Loan Principal Interest Total
1 $11,389.11 $462.44 $11,851.55
2 $9,415.00 $588.29 $10,003.29
Change Board Meeting Start Time
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the start time of the County Board Meeting on 2/25/2020 at 8:15 a.m. This meeting will be held at Lake of the Woods School.
Pay Equity
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the 2020 Pay Equity Report as presented.
Local Sales Tax
A supplement for the local sales tax resolution was reviewed and all Commissioners were in favor of submitting it to the state representatives.
Motion for Year End Adjustments
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize the closure of Special Revenue Forfeited Tax Fund (27) and transfer its balance to Agency Forfeited Land Tax Fund (86) effective December 31, 2019.
HRDC
A representative from Headwaters Regional Development Commission presented to the Board on the Region Transportation Coordination Council (RTCC). The goals of the Headwaters RTCC are to:
- Expand transportation options for underserved populations
- Develop better collaboration between transportation providers within the region
- Be a central source of public transportation information
- Provide planning and strategic expertise to transportation providers and service agents
- Arrange personalized transportation request that cross multi-jurisdictional boundaries
- Reduce public transportation cost through new efficiencies and partnerships
LAKE OF THE WOODS PREVENTION COALITION
HIDTA Application
Tammie Doebler, with the Lake of the Woods Prevention Coalition, meet with the Board and requested their consideration and support to apply to the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve supporting the application to HIDTA.
COUNTY HIGHWAY/LANDFILL
Highway Update
Boyd Johnson provided the Highway Update. Planning of projects, snow plowing and other activities are going well. Bids will go out soon for CSAH 31 and the chip sealing of County Roads 14 and 3. Johnson is currently working on the classification of County Roads and talked with the Board about consideration of a snow removal arrangement with the school.
Vehicle Purchase
The Highway Department is looking to replace a Chevrolet Tahoe, which will be transferred over to the County Assessor.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize the County Highway Department to purchase a Jeep at a cost of up to $31,000.
Landfill Update
County Engineer, AJ Pirkl, is currently attending a meeting with the MPCA.
US Bank Lease Agreement/ROTOCHOPPER INC
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the US Bank Lease Agreement for Equipment from ROTOCHOPPER INC with payment and terms of 84 monthly payments of $6,268.50, plus applicable taxes.
WIKSTROM RIGHT-OF-WAY-EASEMENT
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the Right-Of-Way-Easements as requested by Wikstrom Telephone Company, Incorporated.
PROPOSED LAW ENFORCEMENT CENTER
The Board continues to look at locations for the proposed Law Enforcement Center and research the options.
RECESS
With no further business before the board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 11:13 a.m.
Attest: January 28, 2020
__________________________________ _________________________________
County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chairman of the Board, Jon Waibel