November 26, 2024

The Lake of The Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, November 26, 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. By Phone from Florida: Commissioner Jon Waibel. Also present was County Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson. Absent: Commissioners: Ed Arnesen, Buck Nordlof.

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 additions: Permission to Hire Heavy Equipment Officer.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the official minutes of November 12, 2024.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $11,986.68; Commissioners Warrants $3,209.59; Commissioners Warrants $40,356.18.

Adult Mental Health Community Support Program Grant Approval

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the Adult Mental Health Community Support Program Grant between Minnesota State Department of Human Services, Behavioral Health Administration and Lake of the Woods County effective January 1, 2025.

Auditor/Treasurer

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $22,370.71; Road & Bridge $52,881.60; County Development $375.00; Natl Resc Enhanc $1,170.00; Solid Waste $82,136.70; EDA $1,649.16.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 11/26/2024 For Payment 11/27/2024

Vendor Name Amount

Baudette/City Of 6,000.00 

Co-Op Services, Inc.           10,231.24 

Compass Minerals America 6,009.26 

John Deere Financial 6,159.76 

KnowBe4, Inc 3,307.50 

Lavalla Sand & Gravel Inc 6,300.00 

Mar-Kit Landfill           13,285.00 

McDaniels/Tim           38,000.00 

North East Technical Service,Inc           18,574.45 

North Leaf Auto Body 8,732.35 

Northern Light Region 3,195.00 

Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc 5,130.58 

U.S. Bank Equipment Finance 6,268.50 

44 Payments less than 2000 29,389.53

Final Total: 160,583.17

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: November 13, 2024 for $55,838.46; November 21, 2024 for $44,695.40; November 21, 2024 for $407,817.46; November 21, 2024 for ($165.99)

Doctor Retention

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously by roll call to approve, the Dr. Retention Agreement between Lake of the Woods County and Lakewood Health Center effective October 1, 2024, for three years, unless earlier terminated by written notice by the County, for employed Physicians in the amount of $10,000 per year and $5,000 per year per employed advanced practice clinician, not to exceed $45,000 per year; and to authorize County Board Chair, Cody Hasbargen, County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson and County Attorney, Michelle Moren to sign the same.

AirMed Contract Approval

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the contract agreement between AirMedCare Network and Lake of the Woods County.

Set Special Meeting

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously by roll call to set a special meeting with Representative Elect Duran, and Senator Green for December 9, 2024 at 4:00p.m.

Set Work Session

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously by roll call to set a work session to discuss Lake of the Woods County legislative actions for 2025 for December 9, 2024 at 3:00p.m.

Emergency Management

FY2022 Operation Stonegarden Grant

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the FY2022 Operation Stonegarden Grant in the amount of $153,694.00 and for Chair Cody Hasbargen to sign the same.

LEAST Contract

Emergency Management Director Jill Hasbargen-Olson discussed the LEAST Counselling Services contract. No action was taken at this time.

Human Resources

Environmental Specialist I to II 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously by roll call to approve moving Eric Best from Environmental Specialist I to Environmental Specialist II Grade 11, Step 2, $23.37 per hour at 253 points effective next full pay period.

Permission to Hire Heavy Equipment Operator

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the hiring of Heavy Equipment Operator Ed Humeniuk at Grade 12, Step 6, $26.69 per hour at 274 points effective November 18, 2024.

Public Works

Semi-truck Purchase Approval

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the purchase of a semi-truck for $38,000.00 and the additional wet kit between $6,000.00-$7,000.00 that was approved in a previous meeting up to $50,000.00.

Warroad Watershed District Discussion

County Engineer Anthony Pirkl discussed possible amendments the Warroad Watershed District has proposed. It was the consensus of the board to have Mr. Pirkl draft a letter in response to this proposal to be presented at the next regular board meeting.

Approval of the Northerly Park Master Plan

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the Northerly Park Master Plan as presented by County Engineer Anthony Pirkl.

Jake’s Sawmill-Letter of Support

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously by roll call to approve signing a letter of support for Jake’s Sawmill to apply for a grant for a biochar production facility. 

County Attorney 

LEAST Contract

County Attorney Michelle Moren discussed her recommendations for the LEAST Services contract.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the LEAST Services contract contingent upon the addition of indemnification and the insurance cap as presented per County Attorney recommendation.

Large Event Ordinance Resolution

Resolution

The following Resolution was offered by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the following:

Resolution No. 24-11-04

RESOLUTION OF LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ADOPTING  THE LARGE EVENT ORDINANCE

WHEREAS, the assembly within unincorporated areas of Lake of the Woods County of  a large number of people for extended periods of time creates special problems in maintaining order, the enforcement of law, and the protection of public health, safety and welfare; and

WHEREAS, these problems place extraordinary burdens upon the emergency management, fire, law enforcement, transportation, and utility services provided in the ordinary and usual course of events; and

WHEREAS, it is necessary that provisions made for the regulation, control and planning of such assemblies; and

WHEREAS, public hearing was held on June 27^th, 2023 to consider adoption of a Large Event Ordinance; and

WHEREAS, following said public hearing, the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners, approved by motion the  adoption of a Large Event Ordinance; and 

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners desire to confirm the adoption of said  Large Event Ordinance by Resolution.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Board of Lake of the Woods County hereby ordains:

There is hereby created Lake of the Woods County Ordinance No. 23-06-02, which shall be included as follows:

LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY: LARGE EVENT ORDINANCE

1. No person, firms or corporation shall conduct, maintain, operate, promote, organize, manage, or advertise, nor sell or give tickets of admission to, a show, exhibition, event or assembly of any nature for which it is planned or may reasonable be expected that 500 or more persons attending the assembly may remain, or may be permitted to remain, upon the site, lot, field, lake, or tract of land (hereinafter called premises) upon which the exhibition, show, or assembly is conducted excluding events permitted by the Sheriff pursuant to Minnesota Statute 86B.121, unless specifically excepted by this Ordinance.

2. The applicant for permit shall make application in writing, verified under oath by the applicant or, if a corporation is applicant, by its president and secretary, filed with the County Auditor not less than sixty (60) days prior to the proposed beginning date of the assembly, and at least ninety (90) in advance if the assembly will involve one thousand (1000) or more participants, and shall set forth:

1. The full name, age, residence, and mailing address of the applicant, or names and addresses of the partners if applicant is a partnership, or the names and addresses of the officers and all persons owning more than ten percent (10%) of the stock of the corporation if the applicant is a corporation.
2. A legal description of the premises upon which it is proposed to conduct the assembly, with the names and addresses of all persons owning an interest in the premises, stating the nature of the interest.
3. The nature and purpose of the assembly, the proposed beginning date and the period during which the assembly will be conducted, and a detailed statement of the manner in which it will be conducted.
4. The maximum number of persons which the applicant will permit to assemble on the premises at any time during the assembly, which number shall be stated as a condition of any permit which may be issued.
5. The plans of the applicant to limit and control admission to the premises to the maximum number of persons stated in the permit and for controlling and parking vehicles of persons assembling on the premises.
6. Description of existing facilities, and plans for proposed construction and alteration of, sewage, garbage and waste disposal systems, toilets, urinals, sinks, wash basins, drains; the source of water supply and plans for water distribution on the premises and methods of fire protection to be used during such assembly.
7. The proposed method of lighting the structures and premises during the assembly.
8. The number,  location, and power  of amplifiers  and speakers,  and the plans for sound control during the assembly, if applicable. No event shall utilize amplified sound between the hours of 1:00 AM and 8:00 AM. No event shall utilize fireworks between the hours of 12:01 AM and 8:00 AM.

i.) Plans for maintenance of security and order on the premises, including the proposed number,   deployment, and hours of availability of security guards upon the premises prior to, during, and immediately after the close of the assembly.

j) Plans for the preparation and distribution of food and refreshments upon the premises.

k.)Plans for providing a map of the premises showing evacuation routes reasonably available to    persons assembling and the law enforcement agents and county officers and employees.

l.) Plans for medical services, including buildings therefore, the names and hours of availability of  physicians and nurses, and provisions for ambulance and other emergency services.

3. The application shall be accompanied by permit fee in the amount of $500.00, together with a Certificate of Liability Insurance naming Lake of the Woods County as an additional insured for the term of the event in the amount of $500,000 each occurrence and $1,500,000 aggregate for both bodily injury and property damage liability to cover any claims that may result from the assembly and be approved by the County of Lake of the Woods conditioned that the permittee:

a.) carries out all of the plans and keeps and performs all of the conditions of the application and permit 

b.) maintain order on the premises,

c.)leave the premises in neat and respectable condition,

d.)pay, when due, to the person or persons entitled thereto, all debts and obligations incurred in promoting, advertising, and conducting and operating the assembly, and

e.)indemnify and hold harmless the County of Lake of the Woods, its officers, agents,  and employees, from any liability or causes of action arising in any way from the conduct of the assembly, evidenced by a certificate of insurance in the minimum amounts of municipal tort limits and a named additional insured.

f.) the bond shall provide that any person damaged by the breach of any condition of the bond may maintain an action within ninety (90) days after the event concludes in his own name to recover his damage, after first giving written notice to the County of Lake of the Woods, or the County of Lake of the Woods may maintain an action in its own name for the benefit of the persons damaged. In the event that approval of the application shall be denied by the County Board of Commissioners, the fee shall be returned.

g.)if no action has been filed, the bond shall be released ninety (90) days after the event concludes.

4. Within ten days of filing of application, the county shall consider the application:

1. If the application is denied the County shall inform the applicant in writing of the reasons for denying the applications; if the objection can be corrected, the applicant may amend the application and resubmit it for approval.
2. If the application is approved, the applicant shall be given an approval report which shall permit the applicant to proceed according to the plans stated in the application, provided, however, that such approval shall not relieve the applicant from compliance with all applicable statutes, ordinances, and regulations.
3. Plans and statements submitted in an approved application shall be deemed a condition of the approval report and of any permit issued pursuant thereto, whether or not stated in the report or permit.

5. Not less than ten days prior to the start of the assembly the applicant shall file with the County Sheriff.

1. The names and addresses and credentials of all security guards to be employed during the assembly.
2. The names and addresses of all food and service concessionaires who would be permitted to operate on the premises, with the permit or permit number of each.
3. A report showing completion of all construction and installation necessary to comply with the application for permit, or in the event that such remain incomplete, evidence satisfactory to the County that completion will be had prior to the scheduled commencement of the assembly. Upon receipt of such report and after making such investigation and inspection of the premises as it may deem proper, and finding that all plans and requirement stated in the application have been or will be complied with, the County shall issue a permit. The permit shall at all times permit law enforcement officers and agents and officers of the County to enter upon the premises upon which the assembly is to be, or is being, conducted.

6. No permittee shall sell tickets to, nor permit to assemble, more than the number of persons stated in the permit.

7. The permit may be revoked at any time if any of the conditions of the approval report or permit are not performed or complied with, or cease to be performed or complied with. The county shall forthwith upon revocation serve upon the permittee has failed to comply; upon satisfactory proof of compliance, the County Board, may, in its discretion, reinstate said permit.

8. If the permit shall be denied or revoked, the applicant and all persons under the applicant’s direction and control shall forthwith cease and desist from all acts for the promotion, advertisement, organization, and operation of the assembly, and shall do all things necessary to advise persons who may intend to assemble of the refusal or revocation of permit, and shall do all things necessary to disperse persons who may have assembled upon the premises

9. In considering applications for permit, the county board shall consider the character of the applicant, the nature of the assembly, the place thereof, the length of time during which it is to be conducted, and the adequacy of facilities for the protection of the public peace, health, safety, and welfare to be provided on the premises and in the area of the assembly, and plans to secure compliance with the conditions of the permit.

10. This ordinance shall not require a permit for assembly at an established and permanent stadium, auditorium, arena or place of worship where the reasonably anticipated assembly does not exceed the maximum seating capacity of the structure by more than 250 persons. The County Board of Commissioners may waive any of the requirements of subdivision 3 of this ordinance for applications from a City proposing to conduct a community festival.

11. Any person, firm, corporation or association violating or failing to comply with the provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. The County Attorney may institute in the name of the county any appropriate actions or proceedings for the enforcement of this ordinance and the conditions of permits issued pursuant to it. The promotion, conduct, operation or maintenance of an assembly in violation of this ordinance or any permit issued pursuant to it is hereby declared a public nuisance.

12. If any section or part of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions.

13. This ordinance shall become effective upon its adoption and publication according to law.

THIS ORDINANCE IS HEREBY ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISIONERS OF THE LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY THIS 26^th  DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2024.

Lodging Tax Resolution

Resolution

The following Resolution was offered by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously by roll call to approve the following:

Resolution No. 24-11-05

RESOLUTION OF THE LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ADOPTING  AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 20-10-04 ADOPTED ON THE 13^TH DAY OF 2020, AND TITLED “AN ORDINANCE IMPOSING A TAX ON LODGING AND REPEALING IN ITS ENTIRETY ORDINANCE NO. 06-03-03”

WHEREAS, The Minnesota Senate approved Finance HF Bill 1938 (“Special Law”) authorizing a special Lake of the Woods County lodging tax. On May 24^rd, 2023, Governor Walz approved the Special Law and it was filed with the Minnesota Secretary of State on May 24, 2023. The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners by Resolution dated October 24, 2023 approved and accepted said Special Law; and

WHEREAS, Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 477A.016, or any other provision of law, ordinance, or city charter, and subject to the limitation in paragraph (b),  the Special Law authorizes the Board of Commissioners of Lake of the Woods County to impose, by ordinance, a tax of up to 3% on gross receipts in Lake of the Woods County subject to the lodging tax provisions under Minnesota Statutes Section 469.190; and

WHEREAS, public hearing was held on October 22, 2024 to consider an amendment to the existing Lake of Woods County Lodging Tax; and

WHEREAS, following said public hearing, the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners, approved by motion the amendment to the Lodging Tax Ordinance; and 

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners desire to confirm the adoption of said Amended Lodging Tax Ordinance by Resolution.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Board of Lake of the Woods County hereby ordains:

There is hereby created Lake of the Woods County Ordinance No. 24-10-09, which shall be included as follows:

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 20-10-04 ADOPTED ON THE 13^TH  DAY OF 2020, AND TITLED “AN ORDINANCE IMPOSING A TAX ON LODGING AND REPEALING IN ITS ENTIRETY ORDINANCE NO. 06-03-03” 

This amended ordinance becomes effective from and after its passage and publication. The Board of Commissioners of the County of Lake of the Woods, ordains: 

That the following sections are hereby amended:

Section 1 Authority and Purpose

Subd 1.  Authority. 

1. The Minnesota Senate approved Finance HF Bill 1938 (“Special Law”) authorizing a special Lake of the Woods County lodging tax. On May 24^rd, 2023, Governor Walz approved the Special Law and it was filed with the Minnesota Secretary of State on May 24, 2023. The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners by Resolution dated October 24, 2023 approved and accepted said Special Law. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 477A.016, or any other provision of law, ordinance, or city charter, and subject to the limitation in paragraph (b),  the Special Law authorizes the Board of Commissioners of Lake of the Woods County to impose, by ordinance, a tax of up to 3% on gross receipts in Lake of the Woods County subject to the lodging tax provisions under Minnesota Statutes Section 469.190.

2. The provisions of paragraph (a) do not apply to any statutory or home rule city or town located in Lake of the Woods County that imposes a lodging tax under Minnesota Statutes Section 469.109, or the City of Baudette. The total tax imposed under Minnesota Statutes Section 469.190 and this section must not exceed 3%.

3.  To the extent not inconsistent with Minnesota Statutes Section 469.190, this section is governed by Minnesota Statutes Section 469.190.

Section 2 Definitions

Subd. 4. State sales and use tax laws and rules.  “State sales and use tax laws and rules” means those provisions of the state revenue laws applicable to state sales and use tax imposition, administration, collection, and enforcement, including Minnesota Statutes, chapters 270C, 289A, 297A, 469A, and Minnesota Rules, chapter 8130, as amended from time to time and Special Law (“HF 1938).

Section. 3.  Local lodging tax imposed; amount of tax; coordination with state sales and use tax laws and rules.  A local lodging tax is imposed in the amount of  up to three percent (3%) on the gross receipts from sales of lodging and related services, as defined in section 2, subdivision 3 of this Ordinance, sourced within County limits, excluding any statutory or home rule city or town located in Lake of the Woods County that imposes a lodging tax under Minnesota Statutes section 469.190, or the City of Baudette,  which are taxable under the state sales and use tax laws and rules.  All of the provisions of the state sales and use tax laws and rules apply to the local lodging tax imposed by this Ordinance.  The local lodging tax imposed by this Ordinance shall be collected and remitted to the Commissioner by the accommodations intermediary and the accommodations provider on any sale when the state sales tax must be collected and remitted to the Commissioner under the state sales and use tax laws and rules and in the same manner, and is in addition to the state sales and use tax.  

Section 5. Use of proceeds.  

Subd. 1. All of the revenues, interest, and penalties derived from the lodging tax imposed by this Ordinance collected by the Commissioner and remitted to the County shall be deposited by the County Auditor in the County treasury and must be used to fund a new Lake of the Woods County Event and Visitors Bureau, as established by the Board of Commissioners of Lake of the Woods County. The Board of Commissioners must annually review the budget of the Event and Visitors Bureau. The Event and Visitors Bureau may receive revenues raised from the taxes imposed under the section only upon annual approval by the Board of Commissioners of the Event and Visitors Bureau.      

Subd. 2. In accordance with Minnesota Statutes section 469.190, subdivision 3, After the amount charged by the State for collection of the tax, ninety-five percent (95%) of the gross proceeds, derived from the lodging tax imposed by this Ordinance collected by the Commissioner and remitted to the County shall be deposited by the County Auditor in the County treasury and shall be credited to the fund established to pay the costs of collecting the lodging tax imposed by this Ordinance and to fund   the Event and Visitors Bureau as set forth in Subd. 1 of this section.

Section 8. Amendment.  All portions of  Ordinance No. 20-10-04 of the County of Lake of the Woods duly enacted on October 13, 2024 inconsistent with this Ordinance are hereby repealed.  

Section 9. Full Force and Effect:  All other provisions of Ordinance No. 20-10-04 not amended shall remain in full force and effect.

Section  10. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect on the first day of publication after adoption and the tax imposed hereunder shall be effective as of the date of the enactment of the Special Law.

Con-Con Fund Application Review

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, Seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to make allocations to the following organizations from the Con-Con funds, Payable 2025:

Lake of the Woods County Development Year 2025

Baudette Arena Assoc-$7,500.00; Williams Arena Assoc-$7,000.00; Baudette Community Foundation-Grand Theater-$10,000.00; Friends Against Abuse-$2,500.00; LOW Historical Society-$4,500.00; LOW Humane Society-$7,500.00; Williams Sr Center-$4,000.00; Williams Potato Day-$1,000.00; Joint Powers Natural Resources Board-$1,000.00; LOW School Trap Team-$3,000.00; LOW Sr Fishing-$1,500.00; Take A Kid Fishing-$2,000.00; Remonumentation-$16,000.00; Auditing Fees-$1,000.00; Rinke Noonan/Drainage-$2,400.00; Scouting America Troop 62-$1,000.00; Scouting America Pack 4062-$1,000.00; Lake of the Woods Senior Citizens Council-$5,000.00.

Adjourn

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously by roll call to adjourn the meeting at 10:40 a.m.

Attest: December 17, 2024

________________________________             _________________________________

Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson Chair Cody Hasbargen

November 12, 2024

The Lake of The Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, November 12, 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, Jon Waibel, Buck Nordlof and Joe Grund. Also present was County Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson. Absent: Commissioner Ed Arnesen.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion

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

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the official minutes of October 22, 2024.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $16,470.74; Commissioners Warrants $5,209.89; Commissioners Warrants $20,796.70.

PRTF Resolution

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner  Jon Waibel and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried. 

Resolution in support of a psychiatric residential 

treatment facility in clay county

Resolution No. 2024-11-01

WHEREAS, there is inadequate capacity across Minnesota’s continuum of care to support children with high-acuity, complex, and/or co-occurring conditions, including violent or sexually inappropriate behavior and significant physical health challenges; and

WHEREAS, Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTF) play a critical role in serving children and youth under the age of 21 with severe mental health needs and aggression, as part of this continuum; and

WHEREAS, currently only four PRTF facilities are operational in Minnesota, offering a total of 166 beds, which is insufficient to meet the growing needs of children with serious and complex mental health conditions; and

WHEREAS, the demand for additional PRTF beds across Minnesota is urgent to ensure children receive timely and appropriate care; and

WHEREAS, equitable distribution of PRTF beds throughout the state is essential to provide children with proximity to their home communities, families, and local service providers; and

WHEREAS, Clay County is committed to addressing this critical gap in mental health services by establishing a PRTF in partnership with a qualified service provider for the delivery of these essential services; and

WHEREAS, Clay County seeks bond proceeds funds from the commissioner of human services for a grant to Clay County to predesign, design, and remodel of the West Central Regional Juvenile Center non-secure unit into an 18-bed psychiatric residential treatment facility and address the predesign, design, construct, furnish, and equip of a non-secure unit within Clay County to replace the existing facility that will become a psychiatric residential treatment facility.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners via this Resolution, supports Clay County to request Minnesota state funds for infrastructure development for a Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility in Clay County, ensuring access to specialized care for children with complex mental health needs across the region.

Cell Phone Stipend Approval

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve a cell phone stipend for Office Support Specialist Val Canfield in the amount of $60.00 per month effective December 1, 2024.

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 $81,434.51; Road & Bridge $18,166.40; County Development $200.00; Natl Resc Enhanc $2,352.00; Joint Ditch $600.00; Solid Waste $16,033.29.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 11/12/2024 For Payment 11/15/2024

Vendor Name Amount

Co-Op Services, Inc. 3,592.84 

Farmers Union Oil Co. 2,665.65 

Hoffman, Philipp & Martell, PLLC 2,825.00 

Howard’s Oil Company 4,673.23

Larkin Hoffman Attorneys           16,390.00 

Law Offices Of Patrick D. Moren 9,146.13 

Marco Technologies LLC 4,933.44 

Olson Construction Bdt LLC 21,720.00 

Pomp’s Tire-Thief River Falls 4,638.14 

Quadient Finance USA Inc. 2,000.00 

R & Q Trucking, Inc 6,264.00 

WIDSETH & ASSOC., INC. 4,537.50 

83 Payments less than 2000 35,400.27

Final Total: 118,786.20

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: October 23, 2024 for $360,380.64; October 30, 2024 for $13,441.20; November 1, 2024 for $361,439.08; November 6, 2024 for $13,647.88.

Approval of Insurance Rates

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve a $75.00 health insurance single and family cap increase for 2025.

Cigarette License Application Approval

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the cigarette license application for Northdale Oil, Inc.

Set Work Session

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to set a work session to review revenue and expenditure guidelines for December 17, 2024 following the regular board meeting.

Rinke Noonan Hourly Rates

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the 2025 hourly rates for Rinke Noonan.

Human Resources

HEO Counteroffer

Human Resources Director Savanna Slick informed the board that they had offered the Heavy Equipment Operator position to an applicant and received a counteroffer of Grade 12, Step 9. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to counteroffer with Grade 12, Step 6, at 26.69 per hour.

Permission to Hire-Heavy Equipment Operator NWA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to hire Richard McKeever as Heavy Equipment Operator at the Northwest Angle at Grade 12, Step 1, 274 points at $24.12 per hour effective November 18, 2024.

County Attorney

Letter of Acceptance

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve a formal letter of acceptance for the City of Baudette’s withdrawal from the Tourism Bureau and for Chair Cody Hasbargen to sign the same.

Department of Corrections 

CY25 Proposed Probation Budget

District Supervisor Janelle Cheney reviewed the CY25 Proposed Budget and the Department of Corrections Comprehensive plan.

Motion

Motion was made by Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the CY25 Proposed Probation Budget.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the Department of Corrections Comprehensive Plan effective July 2024.

Public Works

Updates

Assistant Engineer Boyd Johnson gave an update on various projects.

Solid Waste Assessment Fee Increase 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof to approve the increase of solid waste fees from $130.00 to $150.00 per unit for taxes payable 2025 with the exception of railroads and utilities which will remain at $130.00.

Permission to Bid-Landfill Cap

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the request to bid for the landfill cap.

Capping Williams School Well

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the request to cap the well at the Williams school.

Recognition of Years of Service

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Chairman Cody Hasbargen and moved for adoption:

Recognition of years of service

Michael Graves

Resolution No. 2024-11-03

WHEREAS: Michael Graves has served Lake of the Woods County as the Northwest Angle Heavy Equipment Operator since October 30, 2017;

WHEREAS: Michael will retire from Lake of the Woods County effective November 15, 2024 with seven years of service;

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

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

Closed Session

Resolution

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

Closed Session-Union Negotiation

RESOLUTION NO. 24-11-02

WHEREAS, the Minnesota Open Meeting Law, Minn. Stat. § 13D.03, subd. 1 states that:

 “The governing body of a public employer may by a majority vote in a public meeting decide to hold a closed meeting to consider strategy for labor negotiations, including negotiation strategies or developments or discussions and review of labor negotiation proposals, conducted pursuant to sections 179A.01 to 179A.25.”

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners shall hold a closed meeting on November 12^th , 2024 at 9:55 a.m. to consider strategy for labor negotiations.  The closed session shall be held at the Lake of the Woods County Courthouse, Commissioners’ Room, 206 8th Ave. SE, Suite 234, Baudette Minnesota 56623; and

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

1. The Board of Commissioners hereby closes this meeting pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 13D.03, subd. 1 to consider strategy for labor negotiations including negotiation strategies or developments or discussion and review of Labor negotiation proposals, conducted pursuant to sections 179A.01 to 179A.25.

2. This closed session shall be tape recorded at the expense of the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners and said recording shall be preserved for two years after the contract is signed and shall be made available to the public after all labor contracts are signed by the governing body for the current budget period.  

Motion

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

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the union contract with the Local 49ers for the years 2025,2026, and 2027 for the Highway and Solid Waste departments.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the licensed union contract with Law Enforcement Labor Services Inc for the years 2025,2026, and 2027.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the non-licensed union contract with Law Enforcement Labor Services Inc for the years 2025 and 2026.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to follow the Local 49ers salary compensation plan for non-union employees for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027.

Adjourn

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:50 a.m.

Attest: November 26, 2024

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Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson Chair Cody Hasbargen