April, 2016

LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING

April 19, 2016

The Lake of the Woods County Economic Development Authority met on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 in the Lake of the Woods County Commissioners’ Room. The meeting was called to order by President Hanson at 6:00 pm, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The following members were present: Ken Moorman, Tom Hanson, Buck Nordlof, Brock Stebakken, Jeff Bauers, Stuart Noble and Mike Kinsella, Patty Beckel. Absent: Ed Arnesen. Also in attendance was Janet Rudd.

Motion was made by Noble, seconded by Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the agenda.

Minutes

Motion was made by Nordlof, seconded by Noble and carried unanimously, to approve the minutes from March 29, 2016.

Headwaters Regional Development Commission

HRDC Economic Development Director, Ryan Zemek met with the board to discuss the HRDC Proposal.

Motion

Motion was made by Noble, seconded by Bauers and carried unanimously to approve the HRDC Staff Proposal from HRDC to provided staff leadership for the Lake of the Woods EDA taking ultimate responsibility for leadership, administrative and professional activities.

Financial Reports

Motion was made by Beckel, seconded by Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the financial reports as presented.

Line Workers School Committee

President Hanson requested that the Line Workers School Committee on May 16, 2016 at 6:00 p.m.

Years of Service Recognition

The following resolution was offered by President Hanson and moved for adoption:

Recognition of years of service

Chuck Tischart

Resolution 2016 – 04-01

Whereas: Chuck Tischart has served on the Economic Development Authority since 2010:

Whereas: Chuck has resigned from Lake of the Woods Economic Development Authority effective March 29, 2016:

Now Therefore, Be it Resolved: That the Lake of the Woods Economic Development Authority Board extends its deepest appreciation to Chuck for his dedicated service and best wishes to him.

The resolution was seconded by Vice– President Stebakken and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

JOINT HOUSING MEETING

Discussed organizing a Joint Housing meeting with the City of Baudette IDC, EDA , County Commissioner’s and HRDC. (The meeting was set for May 2, 2016)

Next regular meeting will be on May 17 at 6:00 p.m. in the Commissioners Room.

Adjournment

Motion was made by Moorman, seconded by Nordlof and carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 7:22 p.m.

Attest: Approved: 05-17-16

______________________________ ______________________________Janet Rudd, Administrative Assistant Thomas Hanson, President

March, 2016

Commissioner Proceedings

March 8, 2016

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at Lake of the Woods County in the Commissioners Room.

Call to Order

Chairman Moorman called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners Patty Beckel, Thomas Hanson, Ed Arnesen, Buck Nordlof, and Ken Moorman. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor /Treasurer Janet Rudd, County Attorney, James Austad and Woody Fiala.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the removal of the following from the agenda: Oak Harbor Golf Course Liquor License and removal of motion for court appointed attorney rates and add

re-modeling project.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the consent agenda as follows: Karlene Stay to Brainerd for SSIS Fiscal New Worker on March 8-10, to St, Cloud for SSIS Mentor Training on May 16-17; Josh Stromlund to St. Paul on March 8-9 for One Watershed One Plan Funding Committee

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of February 23, 2016.

Auditor/Treasurer

Claims

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows: Revenue $ 63,764.08, Road & Bridge $7,943.79, Co. Develop $ 200.00, Solid Waste$18,794.07.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 3/08/2016 For Payment 3/11/2016

Vendor Name Amount

Computer Professionals Unlimited Inc 3,193.00

Cps Technology Solutions 2,988.70

Cyber Advisors Inc 2,013.00

Hoffman, Philipp & Knutson, PLLC 2,843.00

Howard’s Oil Company 2,968.82

Mar-Kit Landfill 10,764.00

Mn State Dept-Correction 17,377.27

Pro Action Safety & Sales 6,062.17

R & Q Trucking, Inc 4,407.65

Titan Energy Systems, Inc 2,637.50

Woody’s Service 4,190.19

72 Payments less than 2000 31,256.64

Final Total: 90,701.94

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: February 24, 2106 $13,706.29, March 2, 2016 $166,070.80.

Court Appointed Attorney Rates

County Attorney, James Austad met with the board and informed them that Judge Dixon filed a Court-Appointed Attorneys’ fee order with the court ordering court-appointed attorneys fees for services provided to clients in Lake of the Woods County be paid $85.00 per hour for services rendered on or after January 1, 2016. County Attorney, James Austad informed the board that the board could contract out for Appointed Attorney services if they chose to.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval for claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following claims against the county as follows: Commissioners Warrants: $24,602.71 and $18,376.41.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Human Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board and updated them on the IT position posting and requested a grade change and job classification change for Cassondra Brune from grade 9 to grade 11.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to change job title for Cassandra Brune to Lead Eligibility Worker to grade 11, step 1, $18.96, points 253, effective March 14, 2016.

MIS/GIS/MANAGER AND MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR

Update

Maintenance Supervisor, Peder Hovland met with the board and informed the board that the Auditor/Treasures, and Recorders vaults have been switched out and the next step is for building private offices for the Auditor/Treasurer and Assessor. They are in the process of getting quotes for materials

and are moving the Recorders office at this time.

PUBLIC WORKS

2016 Construction Projects and MnDOT Agreement for the TH 11 Project

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting approval for the 2016 road projects and MN DOT Detour Agreement.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve the advertisement for bids for the following 2016 Construction Projects: SAP 039-602-020: Mill & Overlay, SAP 039-603-023: Mill & Overlay, SAP 039-639-003: Mill & Overlay, SP 039-090-004: Timber Mill Shared Use Path, CP 2016-01 Double Chip Seal.

MN DOT Detour Agreement Resolution

Resolution

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

MN Dot Agreement

2016-03-01

IT IS RESOLVED; that Lake of the Woods County enter into MnDOT Agreement No. 1002594 with the State of Minnesota, Department of Transportation for the following purposes: To provide for payment by the State to the County for the use of County State Aid Highway No. 1, No. 26, and No. 35 as a detour route during the contract construction to be performed upon, along and adjacent to Trunk Highway No. 11 from 7.6 miles west of Trunk Highway 172 to the east junction of Trunk Highway 72 under State Project No. 3901-41 (T.H. 11=011).

IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chairman Moorman and County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson and are authorized to execute the Agreement and any amendments to the Agreement.

The resolution was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 10:23 a.m. and reconvened at 10:26 a.m. as follows:

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Conditional Use Permit

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board and presented a conditional use permit for Jamie Negus Date: March 8, 2106 ,Location/Legal Description: The S 180’ of the N 1160’ of the W½ of the NE¼, less deeded in Section 28, Township 162, Range 43 (Wheeler). Parcel # 19.28.12.060 Project Proposal: A Conditional Use Permit as required by Section 401-B of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance, to allow the applicant to conduct a commercial business consisting of sleeper fish house rental and storage in a Natural Environment District. Josh informed the board that the Planning Commission approved this permit with conditions. The board reviewed the letters from the public and reviewed the conditions set forth by the Planning Commission. After discussion, the county board added the following conditions: 1) Parking limit of 10 vehicles, 2) No on-site occupation of fish houses, 3) Double row of trees spaced at least 8 feet apart, 4) Responsible for any damage to private driveway, 5) May review permit in on year to consider a visual buffer to the west.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 11:46 p.m.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen to close the regular meeting at 11:46 a.m. and open the closed session pursuant to MN Stat. § 13D.05, Subd. 3(b), Attorney Client Privileges, Wetland Mitigation. The flowing where in attendance: SWCD Board members: Frank Sindelir, Nancy Dunell, Roger Krause, John Sonstegard; County Commissioners Arnesen, Beckel, Moorman, Hanson and Norldof, Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund, County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson and County Attorney, James Austad. Attorney John Kolb via conference call.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to close the closed session and open the regular meeting at 11:30 a.m.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Conditional Use Permit

The Board continued the Conditional Use permit discussion for Jamie Negus. After discussion, the county board added to the conditions already set by the Planning Commission the following: 1) Parking limit of 10 vehicles, 2) No on-site occupation of fish houses, 3) Double row of trees spaced at least 8 feet apart, 4) Responsible for any damage to private driveway, 5) May review permit in on year to consider a visual buffer to the west.

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to approve the following conditional use permit for Jamie Negus to conduct a commercial business consisting of sleeper fish house rental and storage in a rural Residential (R2) district as follows:

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners

Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant: Jamie Negus Date: March 8, 2106

Location/Legal Description: The S 180’ of the N 1160’ of the W½ of the NE¼, less deeded in Section 28, Township 162, Range 43 (Wheeler). Parcel # 19.28.12.060

Project Proposal: A Conditional Use Permit as required by Section 401-B of the Lake of the Woods County

Zoning Ordinance, to allow the applicant to conduct a commercial business consisting of sleeper fish house rental and storage in a Rural Residential (R2) District.

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, tourist, fish house area.

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

YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )

Why or why not? This request has no effect on the public health, safety, and welfare.

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? This request has no effect on water pollution.

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

Why or why not? This request will not affect existing topography, drainage features; however, it will increase the vegetative cover with the planting white spruce trees.

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? While the site is located in the 100 and 500 year floodplain, it is for storage of fish houses.

6. Has the erosion potential of the site based upon the degree and direction of slope, soil type and existing vegetative cover been adequately addressed for the project proposal?

YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )

Why or why not? This request will not increase the erosion potential of the site.

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

Why or why not? Access from the site will be from 40^th Avenue NW and no new roads are proposed.

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

Why or why not? The request will be compatible by implementation of the conditions below.

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

YES ( ) NO ( ) N/A (X)

Why or why not? The request is outside of the shoreland area of Bostic Creek.

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

Why or why not? The request will not generate liquid waste/sewage on the site.

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

Why or why not? The site is not located in the shoreland area of Bostic Creek.

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

YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )

Why or why not? While the request has no need for a water supply and sewage treatment system, adjacent properties have installed water supplies and sewage treatment systems.

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? The request does not include storage tanks.

15. Will there be fencing and/or other screening provided to buffer the project proposal from adjacent properties? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )

Why or why not? See conditions.

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 (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )

Why or why not? Applicant states minimal or no signage will occur on the site.

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 (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )

Why or why not? Parking on the ice unless inclement weather.

The specific conditions of approval are as follows:

A visual barrier must be established and maintained on three sides (North, South and West) of the storage area with White Spruce not less than five (5) feet high and spaced no further apart than eight (8) feet. These trees are to be planted in a double row and staggered to provide maximum visual screening. Planting of said trees is to be conducted no later than December 31, 2016.
Storage area is to be located on the Easterly four-hundred (400) feet of the described property.
Storage area is for said fish house business only.
No more than ten (10) rental fish houses on the property.
No more than ten (10) client vehicles are to be parked on said property.
Damage caused by business activities, and/or general maintenance to the private road, shall be the responsibility of the landowner.
No occupation is allowed of said fish houses.
Off-season storage of business related equipment must be stored out of sight, either inside a structure or within the fish house storage area.
The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioner’s may review the conditions placed upon approval within one (1) year of the date of approval and may require the establishment and maintenance of a visual buffer, similar to above, be placed parallel to the westerly boundary of the described property to further enhance the visual screening.

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 motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the vote carried as follows: Voting for: Beckel, Arnesen, Moorman and Nordlof. Voting against: Hanson. Vote carried.

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

_____________________________________

Kenneth Moorman

Chair, County Board

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

Recess

With no further business before the board, Chairman Moorman called the meeting to recess at 12:20 p.m.

Attest: Approved: March 22, 2016

_______________________ _________________________________

Lorene Hanson, Chairman of the Board, Ken Moorman

County Auditor/Treasurer

======================================================================================================================================================================================

Commissioner Proceedings

March 22, 2016

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at Lake of the Woods County in the Commissioners Room.

Call to Order

Chairman Moorman called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners Thomas Hanson, Ed Arnesen, Buck Nordlof, and Ken Moorman. Absent: Patty Beckel. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor /Treasurer Janet Rudd, County Attorney, James Austad and Woody Fiala.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Remove Oak Harbor Golf Course Liquor License and add Letter of Resignation, Drainage, Department of Human Services Letter, Gun Range Road, MN Court Data Service, Zoning Ordinance Amendment, MIS updates.

Approval of Consent Agenda

None

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of March 8, 2016.

Great Northern Transmission Line

James Atkinson and Matt Hagelin from MN Powers met with the board and informed them that the biological surveys, drilling and Right of Way Entry for the proposed route which will begin in April with construction starting January 2017.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Social Service Financial Officer, Christine Hultman met with the board requesting approval for claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the following claims against the county as follows: Commissioners Warrants: $14,024.22 and $8,267.81.

DHS Financial Reporting

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to recognize Social Services staff for a perfect performance in meeting the DHS Human Service financial reporting requirement for the year 2015.

COUNTY ATTORNEY

County Attorney, James Austad met with the board requesting authorization to subscribe to Minnesota Court Data Services program.

Resolution

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

MN Court Data Services

16-03-02

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County desires to improve efficiencies through participating in a more efficient court process with the Minnesota Judicial Branch; and,

WHEREAS, as the Minnesota Judicial Branch moves towards a more efficient court process, the eCourtMN initiative is committed to ensuring that non-court governmental agencies have appropriate access to court records and documents; and

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County desires to subscribed to Minnesota Court Data Services Program;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners approves and authorizes James Austad, County Attorney to sign the Master Subscriber Agreement for Minnesota Court Data Service for Governmental Agencies.

MIS DEPARTMENT

MIS Director, Peder Hovland met with the board and updated them on the Tyco Annual Inspection (sprinkler system) and informed the board that they need to add one to the new office for Child Support office in the amount of $1,990; Centurylink will be hooking up IP phone with funding from the 911 account; ordering Human Resource Office a new computer in the amount of $1,200 and that will be added to the rotation list for upgrades.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

Claims

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows except for claim number 2213 and to amend that amount to pay $19.99 : Revenue $ 22,726.89, Road & Bridge $15,926.26, Co. Develop $ 2,000.00, Solid Waste$4,694.76, EDA $2,964.95.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 3/22/2016 For Payment 3/25/2016

Vendor Name Amount

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc. 2,825.41

Compass Minerals America 2,526.98

Dell Marketing, Lp 3,073.26

LOW School District—390 2,625.00

Neopost Great Plains 2,985.80

Northwest Community Action, Inc 2,307.50

Powerplan 7,157.68

Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc 4,386.99

St. Louis County Auditor 2,000.00

Sun Monitoring 4,316.50

49 Payments less than 2000 14,352.24

Final Total: 48,557.36

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: March 8, $58,422.65, March 14, $139,744.82, March 16, $17,579.13.

CHS Meeting

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board informing them that CHS would like to meet with the county board to discuss the CHS program. The board requested that a meeting be held at 1:00 p.m. after regular board meeting.

MID- STATE COMPUTER BY-LAWS

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board informing them The Mid-State Computer Cooperative is requesting dues payment of $100, which are not collected yearly, just when needed and also to acknowledge the By-laws of the Cooperative.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve payment of dues of $100 and to acknowledge the Mid -State Computer By-laws and authorize County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson and Chairman Moorman to sign.

SHERIFF/EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board and requested that the 2015 Stone Garden Contract and purchase of Squad Vehicle be removed from the agenda for they have not received the contract as of today.

Warning Sirens

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board and presented three quotes for replacement of the two sirens that the county has, City of Baudette and City of Williams and adding one more in the Wheelers Township. 911 funding cannot be used for replacement or additions of warning sirens. The board discussed emergency shelters and plans needed for the Wheelers Point area before adding a siren. The board requested that when the plan is in place to bring back to the board for approval for the warning siren in Wheelers Point area.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve the replacement warning sirens for the City of Baudette and City of Williams in the amount $37,574.25 from the unallocated account.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 10:34 a.m. and reconvened at 10:38 a.m. as follows:

COUNTY ASSESSOR

County Assessor, Mary Jo Otten met with the board and informed the board that she would like Assessment Specialist/Office Manger to attend the ALP Procedures Courses and that there is money for that in her budget. The board concurred with her request for training.

PUBLIC WORKS

Seasonal Help

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting approval to hire five (5) Seasonal Help position.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the advertising, interviewing and hiring for five (5) Seasonal help.

Senior Inspector II

Public Works Director Tim Erickson met with the board and informed the Board that Senior Inspector II, Dan Crompton is retiring as of March 31, 2016.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to authorize Public Works Director, Tim Erickson and Human Resource Director, Karen Ose to advertise, interview and hire Senior Inspector II at grade 12, Step 1, $20.05 per hour, points 274.

Mowers

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting authorization to purchase new mowers in the amount of $27,300 from Titan Machinery as budgeted.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of new mowers in the amount of $27,300 from Titan Machinery.

Gun Club Road/Drainage Issues

The board discussed the Gun Club Road and asked the Public Works Department to see if they could grade it; discussed Drainage Issues, and re-assessment on Ditch 28. The board wants to hold a Public Hearing and move forward with this project; Highway 11 Construction Project, meeting is to be held on April 4, 2016.

Correspondence

The board acknowledges the following: Red River Valley Invitation and State Auditor Review.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Land & Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board to discuss an issue regarding the Kelly Creek plat. The issue is the driveway that services the properties, is not in the location where it is depicted on the plat of Kelly Creek. Options to resolve this issue include the possibility of vacating the depicted road or undertake a boundary commission plat.

Zoning Ordinance Changes- Fish House Ordinance Discussion

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board to discuss the change in Zoning Ordinance to possible enact a moratorium on the issuance of Conditional Use Permits for Non-Conforming Fish House Rental businesses and Commercial Fish House Storage.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof to close the regular meeting at 11:40 a.m. and open the Public Hearing for Schrandt Cartway.

Present were: Commissioners Arnesen, Moorman, Hanson and Nordlof. County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Janet Rudd, County Attorney, James Austad, Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund, Public Works Director, Tim Erickson, Attorney Nora Crumpton, Attorney Alan Fish, Gary Pulkrabek, Paul Pedersen, Mary Schrandt, David Schrandt and Woody Fiala.

Chairman Moorman informed the public that no agreement regarding damages and waiver of irregularities and appeal or release of damages were received from the adjoining landowners. County Commissioners reviewed the appraisal that Attorney Crumpton presented. Estimated of damages for Gary Pulkrabek totaling $975 and Paul Pederson totaling $975. County Commissioners offered $1,500 for damages on both parcels of land. Attorney Fish argued that the damages should be $5,000, with both Paul Pederson and Gary Pulkrabek agreeing and Paul and Gary objecting the $1,500 offer.

Award Of Damages

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve the following Award of Damages for Schrandt Cartway:

AWARD OF DAMAGES

STATE OF MINNESOTA

COUNTY OF LAKE OF THE WOODS

TOWNSHIP OF POTAMO

RESOLUTION NO. 16-03-03

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners, Baudette, MN did on the 8^th day of September, 2015, established the road described on the attached order pursuant to Minn. Stat.§ 164.07;

WHEREAS, the establishment affects a tract of land in Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota, owned by Gary G. Pulkrabek and Paul Pedersen, and more particularly described as follows: Government Lot Two (2), Southwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter (SW1/4NE1/4), and the West half of the Southeast Quarter (W1/2SE1/4), Section Two (2); Township one hundred sixty (160) North, Range Thirty-Three west of the Fifth Principal Meridian; and the South Half Northwest Quarter (S2NW4) and Government Lots 3 & 4, Section 2, Township 160 North, Range 33 West.

WHEREAS, no prior written agreement ascertaining the damages or releasing all claims to damages were obtained from the owners;

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Board has determined the amount of damages sustained by the owners by reason of the establishment and have subtracted from that amount the money value of the benefits the board has determined will be conferred by said establishment.

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED, that in the matter of the establishment of the above described road the Lake of the Woods County Board on the 22^nd day of March, 2016 has awarded Gary G. Pulkrabek and Paul Pedersen, as the owners of the above described tract of land, damages in the amount of $1,500. A check will be mailed to each of you after the 40 days appeal time frame.

NOTICE OF RIGHT TO APPEAL

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that you have an opportunity under Minn. Stat. § 164.07 to appeal this award of damages. To appeal the award, notice of appeal must be filed with the court administrator of the district court of Lake of the Woods County, within 40 days of March 22, 2016. Filing a notice of appeal will not prevent Lake of the Woods County from carrying out the action set out above unless the appeal challenges the public purpose or necessity of a road alteration or establishment and is filed within ten days. The notice of appeal must specify; (1) the award of damages or failure to award damages being appealed from; (2) the land to which the appeal relates; (3) the nature and amount of the damages you are claiming; and (4) the grounds of the appeal. The notice of appeal must also be accompanied by a bond of at least $250, with sufficient surety approved by the judge or the County Auditor/Treasurer conditioned to pay all cost arising from the appeal in case the award is sustained. A copy of the notice of appeal must be mailed by registered or certified mail to the Lake of the Woods County Auditor/Treasurer.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the Public Hearing at 11:20 a.m. and open the regular meeting.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 12:21 p.m. and reconvened at 1:10 p.m. with Commissioenr Hanson absent.

Zoning Ordinance Changes- Fish House Ordinance Discussion

Chairman Moorman continued with the discussion of moratorium on the issuance of Conditional Use Permits for nonconforming Fish House Rental Businesses and Commercial Fish House Storage. The moratorium may, by state law, last up to one year and be reenacted for a second year if the board chooses. This will allow the Commissioners, Land and Water Planning Office and County Attorney time to coordinate the writing of comprehensive changes to the County Zoning Ordinance.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to declare a moratorium on the issuance of Conditional Use Permits for Non-Conforming Fish House Rental Businesses, Commercial Fish House Storage, Expansion or Transfer of, effective March 22, 2016, any Conditional Use Permits already on file in the office of Land and Water Planning Office will be processed through the Planning Commission.

Recess

With no further business before the board, Chairman Moorman called the meeting to recess at 2:10 p.m.

Attest: Approved: April 12, 2016

_______________________ _________________________________

Lorene Hanson, Chairman of the Board, Ken MoormanCounty Auditor/Treasurer

February, 2016

Commissioner Proceedings

February 9, 2016

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, February 9, 2016, in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.

Call to Order

Chairman Moorman called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners Buck Nordlof, Tom Hanson, Patty Beckel, Ken Moorman and Ed Arnesen. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Janet Rudd and Woody Fiala.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Copy machine, Deputy Sheriff, Joint Housing meeting.

APPROVAL of Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the consent agenda as follows: Jodi Ferrier to attend Leadership Core Series in East Grand Forks on March 24-25, April 21-22, May 26-27, June 23-24 and December 1-2;

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of January 26, 2016.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

Claims

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows:

Revenue $ 21,535.82

Road & Bridge $ 15,413.35

Solid Waste $ 17,801.73

EDA $ 817.93

55,568.83

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 2/9/2016 For Payment 2/12/2016

Vendor Name Amount

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc. 6,518.23

Computer Professionals Unlimited Inc 3,693.00

Howard’s Oil Company 3,125.67

Mar-Kit Landfill 11,809.00

Mn Rural Counties Caucus 2,100.00

Wallwork Truck Center 2,240.36

Woody’s Service 2,275.39

57 Payments less than 2000 23,807.18

Final Total: 55,568.83

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants:

January 28, 2016 $ 2,233.60

February 3, 2016 $ 85,960.20

$ 88,193.80

County Credit Card

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval to issue a County credit card to Appraiser Trainee, Whitnie Reasy.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to authorize Appraiser Trainee Whitnie Reasy a County credit card for official county business.

Liquor License

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval for an On-Sale/Sunday Liquor license and 3.2 off sale malt liquor for Flag Island Resort LLC.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer to issue an On-Sale/Sunday Liquor license and 3.2 off sale malt liquor for Flag Island Resort LLC, effective January 1, 2016 thru June 30, 2016.

MCCC Service Agreement

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting authorization to enter into a Professional Service Agreement with MCCC.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the Professional Service Agreement between Lake of the Woods County and MN Counties Computer Cooperative and Trimin Systems Inc. for maintenance and support for the IFS effective January 1, 2016 thru December 31, 2018.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following claims:

Commissioners’ Warrants $ 18,497.25

Commissioners’ Warrants $ 24,337.85

Timber Contract

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to amend the agenda and add closed session at 9:40 a.m. pursuant to MN Statute §13D.05, subd. 3(b), Attorney Client Privileges to discuss Timber Contract.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the closed session and open the regular meeting at 9:50 a.m.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to authorize Chairman Moorman to sign the Timber Contract with Levasseur Timber Sales, Project Number 4521.

HUMAN RESOURCE DIRECTOR

Human Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board and informed the board that the MIS department’s job descriptions were reviewed by MRA. The IT Tech job description was graded at step 10, points 238 and a salary range between $17.94- $22.38 per hour; GIS job description was graded at step 12, points 283, and salary range between $20.05- $25.04 which included working with various departments for GIS responsibilities, (at this time, this position has been unable to do these duties). MIS Directors job description was graded at step 19, points 435, and salary range from $29.72 to 37.23, increased points by 20 due to adding the duties of Maintenance Supervisor to this job description.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the MIS Directors job description at Grade 19, points 435, step 3, $31.09 per hour, effective January 12, 2016; if the Maintenance Supervisor duties leave the MIS Directors position, the grade will revert back to grade 18, points 415; if another positon is hired for IT Tech, the MIS Directors step will move to step 4, $31.77 per hour effective of date of hire.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve the IT Tech position at grade 10 , points 238, salary range from $17.94- $22.38.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to leave the GIS grade at 11, when the duties of the GIS changes with GIS responsibilities, MIS Director will need to come back to the board for changes of duties.

Employee Performance Review

Human Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board to review the Employee Performance Review form. The consensus of the board was that the form was acceptable.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Land and Water Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board requesting a colored copy machine for his department due to the change in his office area.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to enter into a lease agreement with Marco for copy machine for the Land and Water Planning Office.

SWCD Position

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board to discuss the SWCD positon which would blend with the county’s Public Works/Land and Water and NRCS with help with drainage, county road ditch systems and surveys. Grant funds are available at this time thru SWCD for two years. If funding gets cut, Josh asked if the County would consider partly funding this position. The consensus of the board was that they support SWCD board’s decision of hiring this position.

MIS/SHERIFF

MIS Director/Maintenance Supervisor Peder Hovland and County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board to discuss Law Enforcement complex and long term planning. The consensus of the board was for them to proceed with long term planning of the Law Enforcement Complex.

COUNTY SHERIFF

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board requesting approval to move Deputy Sheriff, Russ Platz to full time at forty (40) hours per week as long as a Deputy Sheriff serves on the Task Force; once a Deputy Sheriff no longer serves on the Task Force, this position would move back to 30 hours per week.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve Deputy Sheriff, Russ Platz to full time at forty (40) hours per week, effective February 14, 2016 as long as a Deputy Sheriff serves on the Task Force; once a Deputy Sheriff no longer serves on the Task Force, this position would move back to 30 hours per week.

ADRIANS RESORT

Brian Ney, representing Adrian’s Resort met with the board to discuss winter road access that the resort has provided for 25 years. Brian explained that they previously went out at Wheelers Point area and were asked many years ago by a previous Commissioner to move to the current access that they are at now due to the congestion at the other access. The board indicated to continue as is for now to allow them time to research prior actions and research the property lines and options available.

PUBLIC WORKS

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board to discuss County Road 33 storm sewer. Tim explained with the Wheelers Point Sanitary District construction in progress that this would be a good time to place a storm sewer in that area.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to amend the five year project plan to include CR 33 storm sewer.

JOINT HOUSING MEETING

Commissioner Beckel was asked if the County Board would be interested in holding a Joint Housing Meeting with the City of Baudette and the EDA. She will get back with the board when the dates are finalized.

Recess

With no further business before the board, Chairman Moorman called the meeting to recess at 12:45 p.m.

Attest: Approved: February 23, 2016

__________________________________ ______________________________

Lorene Hanson, County Auditor/Treasurer Kenneth Moorman

Chairman of the Board

================================================================================================

Commissioner Proceedings

February 23 2016

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, February 23, 2016, in the ITV room at the Lake of the Woods School.

Call to Order

Chairman Moorman called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners Patty Beckel, Thomas Hanson, Ed Arnesen, Buck Nordlof, and Ken Moorman. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor /Treasurer Janet Rudd, County Attorney, James Austad and Woody Fiala.

High School Social Studies teacher, Mr. Don Krause

Mr. Don Krause thanked the Commissioners for meeting at the School so his students could attend and participate in the meeting.

Introduction

Chairman Moorman gave a brief description of the duties of County Commissioners.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Lake of the Woods International Arena and Pequana Play House flyer.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the consent agenda as follows: Heather Blodgett to St. Cloud on February 22-23 for MN Choices Mentor Meeting; Leah Larson to Minneapolis on March 15-18 for MSSA Conference; Christine Hultman and Jodi Ferrier to St. Cloud on May 17-18 for SSIS MAPCY Training; Craig Severs to St. Cloud on June 10 for MN County Attorneys Association Child Support Conference;

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of February 9, 2016.

Auditor/Treasurer

Claims

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows: Revenue $ 21,284.98, Road & Bridge $23,319.74, Co. Develop $ 800.00, Solid Waste$8,218.66,EDA$ 1,782.00.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 2/23/2016 For Payment 2/26/2016

Vendor Name Amount

Information Systems Corporation 6,923.00

John Deere Financial 2,419.13

Levasseur/Steve 2,150.62

Little Falls Machine, Inc 3,907.47

R & Q Trucking, Inc 3,107.60

Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc 2,845.62

Ziegler, Inc 14,929.80

51 Payments less than 2000 19,122.14

Final Total: 55,405.38

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: February 10, 2106 $11,698.77, February 16, 2016 $130,654.70, February 17, 2016 (125.80), February 17, 2016 $5,958.19, February 17, 2016 $31,278.17.

Schrandt Cartway

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval to set a public hearing for continuance for the Shrandt Cartway.

Resolution

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to set the Continuance of a Public Hearing for David and Mary Schrandt Cartway for March 22, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to authorize Chairman Moorman to sign the Order/Notice for Continuance of Public Hearing for David and Mary Schrandt cartway.

MN Department of Administration

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval for signatures for the MN Department of Administration to allow purchase through the Fleet and Surplus Service Division.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to authorize Chairman Moorman, County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, Public Works Director, Tim Erickson, Social Service Director, Amy Ballard and County Sheriff, Gary Fish to sign the signature card for Federal and /or State Surplus Property.

Set-Up License

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval for a Consumption and Display Permit for Ships Wheel Resort.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the Consumption and Display Permit for Ships Wheel Resort effective April 1, 2016 thru March 31, 2017 issued by the State of Minnesota.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval for claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve the following claims against the county as follows: Commissioners Warrants: $10,358.00 and $5,427.97.

SWCD

SWCD Resource Technician, Mike Hirst met with the board to review the 2015 Feedlot Program Report.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the 2015 Feedlot Program Report from January 1, 2015 thru December 31, 2015 and authorize Chairman Moorman to sign.

HUMAN RESOURCE DIRECTOR

Human Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board requesting approval of the Data Practices Policy for Members of the Public and Data Practice Policy for Data Subjects. Karen explained that IPAD developed sample policy guidance to meet the new requirements in Minnesota Statutes, section 13.05, subd. 5, which is to include a model policy, related to ensuring appropriate access to not public data.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to adopt the model policy that IPAD created for Policy of Members of Public and Data of Subject and authorize Chairman Moorman to sign the notice of Adoption of Model Policies.

MIS DIRECTOR

IT Technician

MIS Director, Peder Hovland met with the board requesting approval to advertise, interview and hire for an IT Technician.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the MIS Director, Peder Hovland to advertise, interview and hire for an IT Technician position at grade 10, step 1, $17.34 per hour, points 238.

Mail Boxes

MIS Director, Peder Hovland met with the board requesting approval to purchase 20 additional mailbox licenses.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to authorize MIS Director, Peder Hovland to purchase 20 additional mailbox licenses in the amount of $1,556 from the MIS budget.

DNR

Baudette Area Wildlife Supervisor Scott Laudenslager and Red Lake Area Wildlife Manager Gretchen Mehmel met with the board and reviewed the past accomplishments and current projects in Lake of the Woods County.

HEADWATER REGIONAL DEVEOPMENT CENTER

HRDC Economic Development Director, Ryan Zemek met with the board to discuss the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) which is a new way to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades to buildings of commercial property owners. Ryan explained that state law allows local units of government to enter into joint powers agreement to create a PACE program. The board requested that Ryan meet with County Attorney, James Austad and County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson to discuss and review the joint powers agreement.

FRIENDS OF ZIPPEL BAY PARK

Tom Heinrich, representing Friends of Zippel Bay Park met with the board to discuss the possibility of the “Friends of Zippel Bay Park” to assist in grooming the ski-trails. Chairman Moorman received information from Acting Regional Manager, NW Region –Parks and Trails Gary Hoeft in regards of a Memorandum of Understanding to allow the Friends Group to work under the umbrella of the Lake of the Woods County to allow them to groom the trails at Zippel Bay State Park. County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson explained to the board that these volunteers would not be eligible to be under the counties workers compensation; however they would be covered by general liability coverage.

GREAT NORTHERN TRANSMISSION LINE

Project Manager, Jim Atkinson met with the board and informed them that the preferred blue route was approved. The next step will be the right-away field activities to land owners and engineering designs for field surveyors to access property owner’s lands. Project completion date is June 1 2020.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 11:55 a.m. and reconvened at 12:40 p.m. in the Commissioners Room as follows:

TOWARD ZERO DEATH PRESENTATION

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson, District State Aid Engineer Lou Tasa and Lieutenant Brad Norland met with the board and presented a power point, pictures and information on the Towards Zero Death Task Force.

PUBLIC WORKS

Vehicle Purchase

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting authorization to purchase a pickup for the highway department and informed the board that he is looking into a cell booster for the highway department.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of extended cab pickup in the amount of $27,618.50.

Highway 11 Update

District State Aid Engineer, Lou Tasa discussed the upcoming State Highway 11 construction with the board.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 2:10 p.m. and reconvened at 2:24 p.m. as follows:

CLOSED SESSION

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting at 2:30 p.m. and open the closed session pursuant to MN Stat. § 13D.05, Subd. 3(b), Attorney Client Privileges to discuss Wetland Mitigation. The following were in attendance: Commissioners Arnesen, Nordlof, Hanson, Beckel and Moorman. County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson and County Attorney, James Austad. Wetland Mitigation Attorney, John Kolb via conference call. SWCD board members: Russ Hansen, John Sonstegard, Roger Krause, Frank Sindelir and Nancy Dunnell. SWCD Staff, Mike Hirst and Josh Stromlund.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to close the closed session and open the regular meeting at 4:00 p.m.

JERRY AND SHARON KROHN

Land owners Jerry and Sharon Krohn met with the board and informed them that back in 1969 that the Legislatures passed a law to include there land within the designated Zippel Bay State Parks Boundary. They attempted to get this land removed from within the park boundary in 2014, but at that time the Parks Division of the DNR refused their request. Krohn’s asked the board for support on having their parcel of land deleted from the legislative boundary.

The following Resolution was offered by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously the following resolution:

Resolution No. 15-02-01

DELETE LAND FROM LEGISLATIVE BOUNDRY OF ZIPPEL STATE PARK

WHEREAS, in 1969 Legislature of the State of Minnesota enacted Chapter 85.012.61, History Item 1969 C 879 S 1, State parks; Subdivision 1. Acquisition of lands. The lands described in this section are added to the boundaries of the designated state parks, waysides, and recreational reserves and the commissioner of administration for the commissioner of conservation is authorized to acquire by gift, purchase, or if expressly authorized by law, by condemnation proceedings the lands as described. Any land which now is or hereafter becomes tax-forfeited land and is located within the described park boundaries is hereby withdrawn from sale and is transferred from the custody, control, and supervision of the county board of the county to the commissioner of conservation, free from any trust in favor of the interested taxing districts. The commissioner shall execute a certificate of acceptance of the lands on behalf of the state for such purpose and transmit the same to the county auditor of the county for record as provided by law in the case of tax-forfeited land transferred to the commissioner by resolution of the county board for conservation purposes. Any lands within the herein described boundaries which may be owned by the United States and managed by any of its agents may be acquired by land exchange, direct transfer, or purchase as federal laws may prescribe. The lands acquired pursuant to this section shall be administered in the same manner as provided for other state parks and shall be perpetually dedicated for such use.

WHEREAS, Subd. 13. Zippel Bay Recreation Reserve, Lake of the Woods County; states all of the Northwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 10; all of Government lot 3 of Section 11; all of the South Half of the Northwest Quarter and the Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 14; all in Township 162 North, Range 33 West;

WHEREAS; all of the Northwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 10 was sold to the State of Minnesota in 1961; all of Government Lot 3 of Section 11 was sold to the State of Minnesota in 1971; all of the Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 14 was sold to the State of Minnesota in 1973; all in township 162 North, Range 33 west;

NOW THERFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners, upon request of current Land Owner hereby request the State Legislators delete all of the south half of the northwest quarter of section 14, Township 162 North, Range 33 West located in Lake of the Woods County from the boundaries of the Legislative designated Zippel Bay State Parks reserve.

CORRESPONDENCE

The boards acknowledge the following: Pequana Play House and Lake of the Woods International Ice Arena.

Recess

With no further business before the board, Chairman Moorman called the meeting to recess at 4:25 p.m.

Attest: Approved: March 8, 2016

_______________________ _________________________________

Lorene Hanson, Chairman of the Board, Ken Moorman

County Auditor/Treasurer

January, 2016

Commissioner Proceedings

Organizational Meeting

January 5, 2016

The Lake of the Woods County Board met on Tuesday, January 5, 2016, in the Commissioners’ Room in the Lake of the Woods County Government Center for their 2016 Organizational Meeting.

Call to Order

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson called the meeting to order at 9:04 a.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance with the following members present: Commissioners Ed Arnesen, Patty Beckel, James “Buck” Nordlof, Thomas Hanson, and Ken Moorman. Also present were: County Attorney, James Austad and Linwood “Woody” Fiala, and Deputy Auditor/Treasurer, Janet Rudd.

Election of Chair and Vice Chair

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson called for nominations for Chair of Lake of the Woods County Board for the year 2016. Commissioner Arnesen nominated Commissioner Moorman with Commissioner Beckel seconding the nomination. County Auditor/Treasurer called for nominations two more times.

Chair

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to close the nominations for Chair. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson called for a roll call for Commissioner Moorman for Chair. Roll call carried as follows: All in favor: Commissioners, Beckel, Arnesen, Moorman, Nordlof, and Hanson. Against: None. Commissioner Moorman assumed the position of Chair of the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners for 2016.

Vice – Chair

Chairman Moorman called for nominations for the position of Vice-Chair for the year 2016. Commissioner Hanson nominated Commissioner Nordlof for Vice-Chair for Lake of the Woods County Board with Commissioner Arnesen seconding the nomination. Chairman Moorman called for nominations two more times.

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to close the nominations for Vice-Chair. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Chairman Moorman called for a roll call for Commissioner Nordlof for Vice Chair. Roll call carried as follows: All in favor: Commissioners, Hanson Arnesen, Moorman, Nordlof and Beckel. Against: None. Commissioner Nordlof assumed the position of Vice-Chair the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners for 2016.

Approval of Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to approve the agenda as follows: Northerly Park , Highway, and travel for Stacy Novak and Dawn Christianson, The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to approve the consent agenda as follows: Stacy Novak and Dawn Christianson to Morris MN for CCPUI meeting on January 12-13. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

County Auditor/treasurer

OFFICIAL COUNTY NEWS PAPER BID-OPENING

Chairman Moorman called for the bid opening at 9:20 a.m. for the Official Legal newspaper for the year 2016.MotionMotion was made by Commissioner Beckel to designate the Northern Light Region as the Official Legal newspaper for the year 2016 and to award the first publication of the annual financial statement, the first and second publication of the delinquent tax list and all other legal publishing to the Northern Light Region. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Lake of the Woods CountyBid TabulationLegal PublishingYear 2016January 5, 2016Per Standard Advertising UnitFinancial StatementDelinquent Tax ListAll Other Publications1st Publ.2nd Publ1st Publ2nd Publ Northern Light Region PO Box 1134 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00Baudette, MN 56623 218-634-2700 Award To:Official Legal NewspaperNorthern Light Region1st Publ/Financial Stmnt6.00 2nd Publ/Financial Stmnt If applicable 6.00N/A 1st Delinq Tax List 6.00 2nd Delinq Tax List 6.00 All Other 6.00

Signature Cards

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting authorization for signature for signatures cards for account numbers 3908 and 6372, and Investments accounts.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson and Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Dawn Christianson and Chairman Moorman to sign the Wells Fargo signature card for account number 3908 and 6372. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson and Deputy Auditor/Treasurer, Dawn Christianson, to sign the Riverwood Bank signature card for Investments. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson and Deputy Auditor/Treasurer, Dawn Christianson to sign the Border State Bank signature card for account number 2404 and Investments. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

COUNTY AUDITOR/TREASURER-Official Depositories

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval for the designation of official depositories of county funds for the year 2016.

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to designate the following institutions as Official Depositories of county funds for the year 2016:

Wells Fargo, Baudette Branch
RiverWood Bank- Baudette Branch
Border State Bank, Baudette Branch
MAGIC Fund /US Bank

It was further moved to designate Wells Fargo Minneapolis, as the official safekeeping Institution for Lake of the Woods County. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Elected Officials – Minimum Salaries

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson presented the 2016 Minimum Salaries for Elected Officials to the board for approval.

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

Resolution For

Establishing Minimum Salaries for Elective Offices

Resolution No. 2016-01-01

WHEREAS, M.S. 388.18, Subd. 1, et seq., M.S. 384.151, Subd. 1, et seq., M.S. 386.015, Subd. 1, et seq., M.S. 387.20, Subd. 1, et seq., and M.S. 385.373, Subd. 1, et seq. requires the County Board, at the January meeting prior to the first date on which applicants may file for County elective offices, to establish minimum annual salaries to be paid to the respective office holders at the term next following;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the following statutory minimum annual salaries are hereby established for county elective offices for the term beginning in January of the year 2016:

County Attorney: $4,000

County Auditor/Treasurer: $4,000

County Recorder: $4,000

County Sheriff: $4,000

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

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 11:05 a.m. and reconvened at 11:10 a.m. as follows:

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

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

Re-Appointment of Terms of the economic development authority

Resolution Number 15-01-02

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

From either Chambers of Commerce to recommend appointment

Lake of the Woods Tourism to recommend appointment

City of Baudette to recommend appointment

The Board Members and terms are established as follows:

Term Length Board Member Term Expires Representing

6 Year Rick Rone 12/31/2017 City of Baudette

6 Year James “Buck”Nordlof 12/31/2017 County Board District 1

6 Year Chuck Tischart 12/31/2018 IDC

6 Year Gregg Hennum 12/31/2018 Tourism Board

6 Year Ed Arnesen 12/31/2019 County Board District 5

6 Year Patty Beckel 12/31/2019 County Board District 4

6 Year Stuart Noble 12/31/2020 Chamber of Commerce

6 Year Tom Hanson 12/31/2015 County Board District 2

6 Year Ken Moorman 12/31/2016 County Board District 3

Whereas; one board member term expiring on December 31, 2015 and one board member to be replaced who’s term only expires on December 31, 2018, and

Now Therefore, Be It Resolved; that the County Board of Commissioners of the County of Lake of the Woods hereby appoints the following two board members for a term of 3 years and 6 years;

Term Length Board Member Term Expires Representing

3 Year Mike Kinsella 12/31/2018 Tourism Board

6 Year Tom Hanson 12/31/2021 County Commissioner

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

APPROVAL OF 2016 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the following Committee Appointments for 2016:

2016 ASSOCIATION OF MINNESOTA COUNTIES (AMC)

Ag Task Force: Commissioner Arnesen; Alternates: Commissioners

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

General Government: Commissioner Beckel: Alternates: Lorene Hanson and Commissioners;

Health and Human Service: Commissioner Nordlof and Amy Ballard; Alternates; Commissioners;

PILT Advisory: Commissioners, Josh Stromlund;

Public Safety: Commissioner Hanson;

Transportation and Area Transportation Alliance: Commissioner Moorman and Tim Erickson; Alternates: Commissioners;

2016 COUNTY RELATED COMMITTEES

Airport Commission: Commissioners Beckel and Hanson;

Beaver Committee: Commissioners Hanson and Arnesen, Lee Hancock, Tim Erickson and Steve Levassuer;

Border Coalition/Passports: Commissioners Arnesen and Beckel, Sue Ney and Jill Olson;

Building and Safety Committee: Chair- Commissioner Moorman and Beckel, Tim Erickson, Peder Hovland, Lorene Hanson and Amy Ballard, one from Law Enforcement, and Walt Scribner;

Comprehensive Land Use Planning Board: Commissioners Arnesen and Beckel, Sue Ney, Josh Stromlund and Lorene Hanson;

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

County Extension Committee: Commissioners Arnesen and Beckel, Lorene Hanson, Additional members: Nancy Dunnell, Mike Hirst, Shelly Lein, Jen Erickson and Jennifer Peterson; Extension Members: April Levasseur, Deb Zak and Karen Santl;

County TV: Commissioners Hanson and Arnesen, Lee Hervey, Lorene Hanson, Peder Hovland and Jill Olson;

Data Privacy Administrator: Karen Ose;

Department Head Liaison: Chair- Commissioner Moorman; Alternates: Commissioners;

Department Liaisons: Assessor – Nordlof; Land and Water Planning Office – Arnesen; Attorney – Beckel; MIS – Beckel; Sheriff – Hanson; Social Services – Beckel; Recorder – Moorman; Highway – Arnesen; Auditor/Treasurer – Moorman; H/R – Nordlof; County Surveyor-Moorman and Veterans Service Officer – Hanson;

Drainage Committee: Commissioners Arnesen and Nordlof, Byron Tviet, Tim Erickson, Josh Stromlund, Dennis Johnson, Vern Horntvedt and SWCD Representative;

Enhanced 911 Committee: Commissioners Nordlof and Hanson, Peder Hovland, Gary Fish, Jill Olson and other local appointees;

Grievance Committee: Chair- Commissioner Moorman, Daryl Fish, Josh Stromlund and Angie Eason; Alternate: Commissioner Nordlof;

Information Systems/Technology Committee: Commissioners Nordlof and Hanson, Peder Hovland, Josh Stromlund, Boyd Johnson, Lorene Hanson and James Austad;

Insurance Committee: Commissioners Arnesen and Beckel, Amy Ballardl, Lorene Hanson, Sue Ney, Daryl Fish and Karen Ose;

Labor/Management Committee: Commissioners Arnesen and Beckel, Karen Ose; Alternate: Commissioner Nordlof;

Lake of the Woods Affordable Housing/Loan Committee: Commissioner Nordlof, Sue Ney, Mary Jo Otten and Lorene Hanson; Alternate: Commissioner Beckel;

Law Library: Commissioner Moorman, County Attorney, James Austad to appoint and Chief Judge to appoint;

Motor Pool Committee: Commissioner Beckel, Lorene Hanson, Amy Ballard, Mary Jo Otten, Josh Stromlund and Walt Scribner; Alternate: Commissioner Hanson;

Ordinance Committee: Commissioners Arnesen and Hanson, James Austad, Gary Fish, Josh Stromlund, Michelle Brown, Judy Humeniuk, April Stavig;

Park Commission: Commissioners Hanson and Beckel, Tim Erickson and Kellie Knight; Alternate: Commissioner Moorman;

Personnel Committee (combined Compensation Plan and Personnel): Commissioners Arnesen and Beckel, Karen Ose, Sue Ney, Tim Erickson, Christine Hultman and Daryl Fish;

Public Information Officer: Lorene Hanson, Alternate; Karen Ose and James Austad;

SHIP Committee: Commissioner Beckel, Alternate: Commissioner Nordlof;

Solid Waste Committee/Household Waste: Commissioner Beckel (as the (NWMNHHW representative for the Joint Powers Agreement), Commissioner Arnesen, Tim Erickson, Tina Rennemo, Lorene Hanson and Mary Jo Otten;

Subdivision Controls Committee: Commissioner Beckel, Josh Stromlund, Mary Jo Otten, Sue Ney, Peder Hovland and Commissioner of the District involved;

Township Road and Trails: Commissioners Nordlof and Arnesen, Tim Erickson,

Josh Stromlund, Peder Hovland, Dan Crompton, Boyd Johnson and Mary Jo Otten;

Northwest Angle Development: Commissioners Arnesen and Moorman; Alternates: Commissioners;

Vets Service: Commissioners Hanson and Nordlof, Legion Commander or Delegate, VFW Commander or Delegate and Rick Rone;

Wellness Committee: Angie Eason, Steve Sindelir, Julie Berggren, and Commissioner Arnesen;

2016 BOARDS/COLLABORATIVE/COALITION

Arrowhead Library System: Ronald Rudd( 01-01-15 to 12-31-18) appointed 10-14-14; Alternate: Commissioner Nordlof (01-01-12-31-18);

Board of Adjustment-/Planning Commission: District 1- David Marhula, District 2-Reed McFarlane, District 3-Gerald Levasseur, District 4- Tom Mio, District 5-Anthony Head; at large; Steve Levasseur and Ken Horntvedt; non-voting Commissioner Arnesen;

Border Substance Abuse Court and Steering Committee: Commissioner Beckel;

Community Education Advisory Board: Commissioner Moorman; Alternate: Commissioner Beckel;

GIZIIBII-RC&D: Commissioner Beckel, member at large George Swentik and John Sonstegard; Alternates for Sonstegard– SWCD staff member;

Governor Council on Mental Health and LAC Committee: Commissioner Moorman;

Headwaters Regional Development Commission: Commissioners Moorman and Hanson;

International Bridge: Commissioners Hanson and Nordlof

Joint Powers Natural Resources Board: Commissioners Nordlof and Moorman;

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

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

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

Lutheran Social Service Board: Commissioner Moorman and Amy Ballard; Alternate: Commissioner Beckel;

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 Beckel; Alternate: Commissioner Hanson;

Minnesota Rural Counties Caucus: Commissioner Hanson; Alternates: Commissioners;

North Country Community Health Board: Commissioner Moorman(term expires 12/31/18) and Jan Olson (term expires 12/31/18) these are three-year terms;

North Country Community Health Services Advisory Committee: Commissioner Moorman (term expires 12/31/16) and Jan Olson (term expires 12/31/17(these are two-year terms;

Northern Counties Land Use Coordinating Board: Commissioner Nordlof and Josh Stromlund; Alternate: Commissioner Arnesen;

Northwest Board of Aging/Area Agency: Commissioner Moorman, Amy Ballard and Alternate: Commissioner Beckel;

Northwest Community Action: Commissioner Arnesen, Alternates, Commissioners;

Northwest Minnesota Juvenile Center Board: Commissioner Beckel (term expires 12/31/17 (re-appointed in 2014). This is a four-year term;

Nursing Service Advisory Board: Commissioner Hanson, Leah Larson; Alternate: Nancy Wendler;

Rainy Rapid River Board: Commissioner Moorman, Josh Stromlund and Steve Sindelir; Alternate: Commissioner Arnesen;

Red River Valley Development Association: Commissioner Moorman and Ken Horntvedt;

Regional Advisory: Jill Olson

NW Emergency Communications Board: Commissioner Hanson: Alternate: Commissioner Nordlof;

SWCD District Committee: Commissioner Nordlof and Arnesen and Josh Stromlund;

COUNTY SHERIFF

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board requesting approval to work the Stonegarden Grant.

Resolution

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

AMEND COUNTY SHERIFF SALARY

Resolution No. 16-01-03

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

WHEREAS, in an effort to assist local governments in fulfilling this request, the Department of Homeland Security through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division, offered “Operation Stonegarden 2014 and 2015 grants; and,

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Sheriff’s Office is a successful recipient of an

Operation Stonegarden 2014 and 2015 grant; and,

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

WHEREAS, the Operation Stonegarden 2014 grant given to assist the Lake of the Woods County Sheriff’s Office in its efforts to secure the border includes the sum of $58,395.00 and $25,700.92, of this grant is for salaries.

WHEREAS, the Operation Stonegarden 2015 grant given to assist the Lake of the Woods County Sheriff’s Office in its efforts to secure the border includes the sum of $62,143.00 and $27,456.00 of this grant is for salaries,

WHEREAS, it is estimated that these additional border security duties will necessitate that the

Sheriff expend on average another eight (8) hours per week; and,

WHEREAS, through the Operation Stonegarden 2014 and 2015 grants, all of the additional overtime worked by officers devoted to border security issues is fully reimbursable under the grant, including the cost of officer overtime pay, PERA, Medicare and worker’s compensation, so that the net cost of the additional homeland security duties to Lake of the Woods County is fully reimbursed by the grant.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the resolution setting the sheriff’s salary, as

originally set by this board on December 15, 2015 was $75,898.80 and fringe benefits were

$13,396.14, be amended so that the sheriff’s salary is increased by the sum of $15,121.60 and

fringe benefits are increased by $2,211.15 commencing January 5, 2016 through December 31,

2016, with the increase funding from the Operation Stonegarden 2014 and 2015 grant contingent upon the following:

That the Operation Stonegarden 2014 and 2015 grant funding be available; and
That the sheriff works, in addition to his regular duties, eight (8) hours per week of said

Operation Stonegarden 2014 and 2015 grant.

At such time that the Operation Stonegarden 2014 and 2015 grant funding is no longer available and/or if the sheriff is unable to complete the additional eight (8) hours per week of Operation Stonegarden 2014 and 2015 grant work, then the sheriff’s salary shall return to the salary as originally set by this board on December 15, 2015.

NORTHERLY PARK AND PUBLIC WORKS

Commissioner Hanson informed the board that the DNR notified the county that there will be a “Revert Clause” on the deed when the land is transferred from the State to the County stating that if the county does not want the land that it will return back to the State.

Commissioner Arnesen inquired if the Public Works department gives a recap of 2015 projects and upcoming 2016. The consensus of the board was that they would like an update on past and present projects.

RECESS

With no further before the board, Chairman Moorman called the meeting to recess at 11:20 a.m.

ATTEST: APPROVED:

______________________ ____________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer Chairman of the Board

Lorene Hanson Ken Moorman

==========================================================================================================================

Commissioner Proceedings

January 12, 2016

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, January 12, 2016, in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.

Call to Order

Chairman Moorman called the meeting to order at 9:02 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners Buck Nordlof, Tom Hanson, Patty Beckel, Ken Moorman and Ed Arnesen. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Janet Rudd and Woody Fiala.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Maxi Van.

APPROVAL of Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve the consent agenda as follows: Joanna Onstad to Duluth on March 1-2 for Grief Facilitators Meeting on March 1-2.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of December 30, 2015 and January 5, 2016.

AMEND AGENDA

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, and carried unanimously to amend the agenda and add Employee Performance Review form.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

Claims

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows:

Revenue $ 134,332.26

Road & Bridge $ 78,388.78

Co. Devlop $ 1,000.00

Solid Waste $ 36,913.84

EDA $ 884.56

251,519.44

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 1/12/2016 For Payment 1/15/2016

Vendor Name Amount

Cenex Co-Op Services,Inc 4275.71

Computer Professionals Unlimited Inc 3,193.00

Emergency Communications Network, LLC 7,500.00

Hasler 4,000.00

Howard’s Oil Company 3012.16

Insight Technologies, Inc 9,109.00

Mactek Systems Inc 2,681.00

Mar-Kit Landfill 9,411.75

Mn Assn Of Counties 3,854.00

Mn Counties Computer Co-Op 11,715.19

Mn Counties Information System 2,142.50

MN Counties Intergovernmental Trust 136,408.00

R & Q Trucking, Inc 3,805.10

Valley Med Flight, Inc 16,400.00

Voyageurs Comtronics, Inc 2,640.00

Woody’s Service 2,625.38

Xerox Business Services LLC 5607.77

49 Payments less than 2000 23,138.88

Final Total: 251,519.44

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants:

December 31, 2015 $ 11,389.11

December 31, 2015 $ 45,435.69

January 6 2016 $ 94,417.63

$151,242.43

Rinke-Noonan

Retainer

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval to pay Rinke-Noonan Law firms monthly retainers for legal services for 2016.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer to pay Rinke-Noonan Law Firms retainers agreement for 2016 and authorize Chairman Moorman to sign.

Maxi Van

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board inquiring about the disposition of the 2001 Diamond Maxi Van. Lorene informed the board that Paul Bunyan Transit no longer has any need for the bus. Lorene explained that there is a procedure with MN Dot Transit, that they retain interest in all capital assets funded with Federal Transit funds, thus requiring approval for disposition or transfer. Commissioner Moorman will look into to see if some eligible organization within the county may be interested in the van.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Scott Kern Letter

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board to discuss the letter the board received from Scott Kern in regards to conditional use permits issued to Sportsman’s Lodge. The board requested that Land and Water Planning Director view the property and determine if the conditions of approval are in compliance, and if so to write a letter to Scott Kern on his findings, and refer him to the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance for appeal process if he so elects.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Reporting Status

Human Resource Director, Karen Ose, and MIS Director, Peder Hovland discussed the potential transfer of duties of Maintenance Supervision to the MIS department with stipulation of hiring a full time Help Desk Technician. The duties of bids/contracts of Building Maintenance will remain with the Public Works Director.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the transfer of Maintenance Supervisor to the MIS Director, Peder Hovland effective January 12, 2016, and the duties of bids/construction contracts of Building Maintenance to remain with Public Works Director, Tim Erickson.

Help Desk Technician

Human Resource Director, Karen Ose, and MIS Director, Peder Hovland met with the board requesting adding another full time position for day to day operations of tech support for staff. The county hired GIS Specialists and that position has not had time to work on the projects that he was hired for, for his time is being spent helping with support on a daily basis. The board requested a Work Session to review the past eight months of work load and review cost associated with new position.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the following claims:

Commissioners’ Warrants $ 10,179.07

Commissioners’ Warrants $ 3,083.70

Commissioners’ Warrants $ 33.13

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 10:36 a.m. and reconvened at 10:40 a.m. as follows:

MIS DIRECTOR

Data Storage

MIS Director, Peder Hovland met with the board to discuss the end of life Data Storage contract that was discussed previously with the board and now the cost of the five year contract would save $3,000, which would bring the contract to $14,600.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the five year contract with Cyber Advisors Inc. in the amount of $14,600 as budgeted.

Data Storage Cabinet

MIS Director, Peder Hovland informed the board that the department is need of a Data Storage cabinet, which would cost $2,000.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to authorize MIS Director, Peder Hovland to purchase a Data Storage cabinet in the amount of $2,000 with funding from the 911 fund.

Correspondence

Chairman Moorman reviewed the Open Meeting Law handouts with the board.

Committee Report

Commissioner Hanson informed the board that MRCC is still working on the memorandum of understanding with AMC.

Recess

With no further business before the board, Chairman Moorman called the meeting to recess at 11:09 a.m.

Attest: Approved: January 26, 2016

__________________________________ ______________________________

Lorene Hanson, County Auditor/Treasurer Kenneth Moorman Chairman of the Board

================================================================================================

Commissioner Proceedings

January 26, 2016

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, January 26, 2016, in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.

Call to Order

Chairman Moorman called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners Buck Nordlof, Tom Hanson, Patty Beckel, Ken Moorman and Ed Arnesen. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Janet Rudd and Woody Fiala.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: MRCC and travel for Hazardous Waste Training.

APPROVAL of Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve the consent agenda as follows: for Boyd Johnson to attend the Mn/DOT Survey Technical Workshop on March 15-17, in Brainerd; Ted Furbish to attend the 2016 Spring Solid Waste Landfill Operator Refresher Training on April 7, in Shakopee; Josh Stromlund and Lorene Hanson to attend Drainage and Wetland Conference in St. Cloud on February 10-11; Josh Stromlund to attend the WCA Rule Making Session in St. Paul on February 2-3; Josh Stromlund to attend the WCA Rule Making Session in St. Paul on February 23-24; Lorene Hanson to attend AMC meeting on January 28-29 in Alexandria; Lorene Hanson to attend MACO conference on February 2-5 in St. Paul; Brock Stebakken, Barry Bailey and Todd Canfield to attend Household Hazardous Waste in Duluth on April 5; Ted Furbish to attend Household Hazardous Waste in Brainerd on March 16.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of January 12, 2016.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

Claims

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows:

Revenue $ 100,425.57

Road & Bridge $ 13,659.52

Natl Resc Enhanc $ 244.50

Solid Waste $ 5,874.02

EDA $ 1,732.93

121,936.54

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 1/26/2016 For Payment 1/29/2016

Vendor Name Amount

Black Box Corporation 2,326.94

Compass Minerals America 7,498.16

Cyber Advisors Inc 13,127.00

LOW Fair Association 25,000.00

LOW Soil & Water Cons. Dist. 50,065.00

Northern Light Region 2,405.85

Nw Mn Household Hazardous 4,859.90

42 Payments less than 2000 16,653.69

Final Total: 121,936.54

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants:

January 13, 2016 $222,949.81

January 14, 2016 $209,740.01

January 14, 2016 $ (994.87)

January 20. 2016 $ 99,732.57

$531,427.52

Office Fees

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval for Office Fees.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the Office Fees for the Auditor/Treasurers office.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the following claims:

Commissioners’ Warrants $ 21,088.01

Commissioners’ Warrants $ 5,442.84

Child Support Checking Account

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval to open a checking account for Child Support payments.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to authorize Social Service Director, Amy Ballard to open a Child Support Checking Account with Border State Bank, account number 4739 and authorize Case Aid, Sheri Stebakken and Case Aid II, Shelley Pepera to sign Border State signature card.

Adult Mental Health Grant

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval to sign the 2016 Adult Mental Health Grant.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the 2016 Mental Health grant and authorize Chairman Moorman and Social Service Director, Amy Ballard to sign.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board to request approval of bid opening for Lake of the Woods County Timber Sale Permit number P4521. Josh informed the board that they received two bids, Barry Hasbargen in the amount of $28,675 and Kit Hasbargen in the amount of $26,470.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to accept the highest bid from Barry Hasbargen in the amount of $28,675 for Lake of the Woods County Timer Sale Permit #P4521.

MRCC

Commissioner Hanson informed the board that there will be a meeting at the Thief River Falls City Hall on February 3, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m. to discuss proposed rules for Buffers.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Sirens and Face Book Page

Emergency Management Director, Jill Olson met with the board to discuss the replacing of Warning Sirens and presented three quotes to the board. Jill informed the board that she will talk with the City of Warroad, and Roseau County and possible Valley Life Flight to see if they would be willing to contribute money for the replacement of Sirens. She is also looking for grants to help with the cost of replacement; Jill also informed the board that she would like to create a Face Book Page for Emergency Management for updates.

Amend Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to amend the agenda and add Portable Radio.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of a Portable Radio in the amount of $500 for Emergency Management Director.

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 10:03 a.m. and reconvened at 10:10 a.m. as follows:

MRCC

Commissioner Hanson presented the MRCC 2016 Priority Issues Listing to the board.

EXTENSION CONTRACT

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting approval to sign the lease with Lake of the Woods School for Extension Office space.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to enter into a lease agreement with Lake of the Woods School District for office space for the Lake of the Woods County Extension Office effective January 15, 2016 thru January 31, 2017 with monthly rental charge of $500.00 per month.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Human Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board and reviewed the Employee Performance Review.

COMMITTEE UPDATES/OLD/NEW BUSINESS

Commissioner Arnesen informed the board that he attended a meeting with Warroad School District in regards to the NorthWest Angle School, informed the board that the Aquatic Invasive Species committee met and discussed the possibility of hiring a part-time inspector for private boat landings. The board reviewed Old/New Business.

Recess

With no further business before the board, Chairman Moorman called the meeting to recess at 11:01 a.m.

Attest: Approved: February 9, 2016

__________________________________ ______________________________

Lorene Hanson, County Auditor/Treasurer Kenneth Moorman

Chairman of the Board

December, 2015

Commissioner Proceedings

December 30, 2015

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Wednesday, December 30, 2015, in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.

Call to Order

Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners Buck Nordlof, Tom Hanson, Patty Beckel and Ed Arnesen. Absent, Ken Moorman. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Janet Rudd and Woody Fiala.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Lost Warrant, Ditch 28 Invoice, Paul Bunyan Transit and Government Center North Lease.

APPROVAL of Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the consent agenda as follows: Cooper Mickelson to Detroit Lakes for 2016 Bridge Safety Inspection on February 23, Whitnie Reasy to Plymouth for MN Assessment Laws and Procedures Class, January 25-29.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of December 15, 2015.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

Claims

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows:

Revenue $ 66,433.47

Road & Bridge $ 33,005.90

Solid Waste $ 2,259.72

EDA $ 4,735.07

106,434.16

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 12/30/2015 For Payment 12/31/2015

Vendor Name Amount

Border Ridge Trucking Inc 19,185.60

Compass Minerals America 6,485.21

Koochiching Co Treasurer 2,500.00

Lakewood Health Center 35,000.00

Northwest Community Action, Inc 3,434.00

Pb Distributing Inc 2,242.45

Powerplan 2,498.03

Rone Jr/Roderick W 2,179.27

University Of Mn 8,441.25

73 Payments less than 2000 24,468.35

Final Total: 106,434.16

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants:

December 17, 2015 $ 30,911.85

December 22, 2015 $ 48,212.50

$ 79,124.35

2016 Mileage Rate

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to set the 2016 mileage rate at the IRS Standard Rate. (It was noted that the Internal Revenue Service issued a .54 cents per mile for business miles beginning January 1, 2016 for the standard rate.)

Hoffman, Philipp, & Knutson, PLLC

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and presented the Engagement Letter from Hoffman, Philipp, & Knutson, PLLC for the 2015 Audit.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to authorize Chairman Arnesen and County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson to sign the 2015 Engagement Letter for Hoffman, Philipp & Knutson PLLC to audit Lake of the Woods County’s financial for 2015.

Board of Equalization Certificate

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and informed the board that Commissioner Beckel and she are certified for the Board of Equalization, and that if anyone is interested they now have the on-line training that can be done prior to February 1, 2016 to be certified for the 2016. The county is required to have at least one County Board member to be certified.

Lost Warrant

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval for a lost warrant.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the application and affidavit of a lost warrant for Debra Foldoe in the amount of $104.90 without furnishing and indemnifying bond.

Ditch 28

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and presented an invoice for payment for Ditch 28.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson to pay the Ditch 28 invoice in the amount of $11,389.11 from the Revenue account as a loan to Ditch 28 with interest in the amount of 6%.

Paul Bunyan Transit

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and informed the board that Paul Bunyan Transit never signed the 2015 contract with Lake of the Woods and inquired about a 2016 contract. The consensus of the board was that Lake of the Woods County are just consumers and a contract is not needed.

Government Center North Contract- Sanford

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board to discuss the Government Center North Contract and informed them board that they added an amendment to the original agreement that the Lessee may assign or sublease the premises to its parent, subsidiary or corporate affiliate without the prior written consent of Lessor. In addition, in the event Lessee merges or consolidates with its parent, subsidiary or corporate affiliate, or Lessee undergoes a corporate reorganization with its parent, subsidiary or corporate affiliate, Lessee may do so without the prior written consent of Lessor. Lorene informed the board that she is having County Attorney, James Austad review this new amendment.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the Government Center North contract with Sanford contingent approval of County Attorney, James Austad.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the following claims:

Commissioners’ Warrants $ 17,773.59

Commissioners’ Warrants $ 34,526.95

Contract

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval for Social Services contracts.

Motions

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the Lake of the Woods County Social Services contract with Rural Minnesota CEP for Diversionary Work Program and MFIP services for 2016-2017.

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the Lake of the Woods County Social Services contract with MIS for IT/Computer services for the Child Support, Social Services and Income Maintenance departments for the years 2016-17.

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve the Lake of the Woods County Social Services contract with Tri-Valley Opportunity Council for caring companion program services for the elderly and alternative care clients for the years 2016-17.

WHEELERS POINT SEWER DISTRICT

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following resolution:

RESOLUTION FOR ELECTION OF WHEELERS POINT

SANITARY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS

RESOLUTION

15-12-03

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners adopted the creation of a sanitary district for Wheelers Point District on September 27, 2005;

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners is the central related governing body of the Wheelers Point Sanitary District;

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners has the authority to elect members to the Wheelers Point Sanitary District Board by resolution to fill expired terms;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners elects Marshal Monk to fill the term of office for the late Ron Strauss, which will expire the first business day of, 2018, and reappoint Mike Mayer for a three year term ending the first business day, 2019.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 8:40 a.m. and reconvened at 8:45 a.m. as follows:

ASSESSOR

County Assessor, MaryJo Otten met with the board requesting a cell phone stipend.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve a smart phone cell stipend for County Assessor, MaryJo Otten in the amount of $60.00 per month.

YEARS OF SERVICE

Chairman Arnesen congratulated Assistant Assessor, Dale Boretski on behalf of the County Board on his retirement.

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

Recognition of years of service

Dale Boretski

Resolution 2015 – 12– 04

Whereas: Dale Boretski has served the residents of Lake of the Woods County since December 4, 2002 as Lake of the Woods County Deputy Auditor; and then on December 15, 2008 as Assistant County Assessor;

Whereas: Dale will retire from Lake of the Woods County service effective December 31, 2015 with thirteen years of service;

Now Therefore, Be it Resolved: That Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners extends its deepest appreciation to Dale for his dedicated service and best wishes on his retirement;

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

SHERIFF

County Sheriff, Gary Fish and Human Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board for clarification on “On Call Status Pay” for Deputy Sheriffs when they are on call. Karen explained that the board needs to decide if this falls under the Affordable Care Act that requires thirty (30) hours per week for full-time or under the Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act, which compensation is forty (40) hours per week.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to amend the following motion dated May 13, 2014:

“Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize payment of $20.00 per pay period for all full time Deputy Sheriff’s for on call time, effective May 25, 2014. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.”

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve all Deputy Sheriffs for “On Call Status Pay” under the Affordable Care Act that work 30 hours per week or more will receive the on call status pay of $20.00 per pay period.

Human Resources

Human Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board requesting approval for all County Job Descriptions. Commissioner Beckel informed the board that she reviewed the job descriptions.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve all County Job Descriptions a presented.

Scott Kerns Letter

The board reviewed the Scott Kerns Letter and placed it on the January 12, 2016 meeting for more discussion.

Adjournment

Chairman Arnesen thanked the board for a progressive year and accomplishments that the board completed in 2015.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to adjourn the 2015 County Board meeting at 9:30 a.m.

Attest: Approved: January 12, 2016

__________________________________ ______________________________

Lorene Hanson, County Auditor/Treasurer Edward Arnesen

Chairman of the Board

November, 2015

Commissioner Proceedings

November 24, 2015

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, November 24, 2015, in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.

Call to Order

Vice- Chairman Moorman called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners Buck Nordlof, Ken Moorman, Tom Hanson, and Patty Beckel. Absent Ed Arnesen. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Janet Rudd, County Attorney, James Austad and Woody Fiala.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Cell phone stipends, PERA resolution for correctional plan and Cigarette License.

APPROVAL of Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the consent agenda as follows: Sheri Stebakken to St. Paul on December 2-3 for MRC2 Payments; Lorene Hanson to St. Cloud on December 6-8 AMC Conference; Lorene Hanson and Rita Hasbargen to St. Cloud on December 10-11 for Year End Financial and Payroll.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of November 10, 2015.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following claims:

Commissioners’ Warrants $ 10,946.52

Commissioners’ Warrants $ 25,240.63

Cell Phone Stipends

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval for cell phone stipends for Social Workers, Alison Hauger and Joanna Onstad.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve cell phone stipends for Alison Hauger and Joanna Onstad in the amount of $60.00 per month.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

Claims

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows:

Revenue $ 17,647.62

Road & Bridge $ 62,386.61

Solid Waste $ 3,854.60

EDA $ 3,877.20

87,966.03

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 11/24/2015 For Payment 11/25/2015

Vendor Name Amount

Angle Outpost Resort 3,810.70

Compass Minerals America 2,086.17

Gladen Construction, Inc. 46,682.50

Lavalla Sand & Gravel Inc 6,400.00

Mn Dept Of Transp 2,526.43

Msop-Mn Sex Offender Prgrm-462 2,098.40

Northwest Community Action, Inc 2,930.00

R & Q Trucking, Inc 3,155.10

41 Payments less than 2000 18,276.73

Final Total: 87,966.03

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants:

November 11, 2015 $261,380.11

November 11, 2015 $ (480.00)

November 12, 2015 $ 997,898.17

November 12, 2015 $ 246.50

November 17, 2015 $ 5,812.99

Lost Warrant

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting authorization to issue a loss warrant.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously carried to approve the application and affidavit for lost warrant for Jennifer Erickson dated June 12, 2015 for $32.64 without furnishing indemnifying bond.

Cigarette Licenses

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval for cigarette license for Lindner-Hagen Grocers, Inc. DBA Lake of the Woods Foods and Nels Holte, DBA Wash N Go.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve Cigarette License for Lindner-Hagen Grocers, Inc. DBA Lake of the Woods Foods effective January 1, 2016 thru June 30, 2016.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve a cigarette License for Nels Holte, DBA Wash N Go effective December 1, 2015 thru June 30, 2016.

Part-time Dispatcher

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting authorization for hire date for Donald Castle.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve October 13, 2015 as the effective date of hire for Donald Castle.

Hoffman, Philipp, & Knutson, PLLC Contract

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval to enter into a year-end audit contract with Hoffman, Philipp, & Knutson, PLLC audit contract which can be three or five year contract. Lorene recommended a five year contract.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve a five year contract for year ending 2015 thru 2019 at $26,700 per year, provided activities and expenditures remain approximately the same and unexpected circumstances will not be encountered during the audit.

Snowmobile Trails Assistance Program

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and presented the 2016 Snowmobile Maintenance and Grooming Grant Agreement.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the State of Minnesota Snowmobile Trails Assistance Program Maintenance and Grooming Grant Agreement for 2016 with the following funding amount: Big Travers for $20,641.2, Border Trails TJ Grooming/BISF#3 for $90,914.80 and NW Angle Edgeriders for $49,565.60 effective July 1, 2015 thru June 30, 3016 and authorize chairman Arnesen and County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson to sign.

PERA

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting authorization to conduct a vote on Social Security coverage for eligible Correctional Plan members thru PERA. This allows employees to vote again, and thereafter will remain as they decided, an also to allow all new hired eligible employees to have social security coverage.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to conduct a vote on the Social Security coverage for eligible Correctional Plan members with a divided vote process and a referendum date of March 1, 2016.

PUBLIC WORKS

Solid Waste Assessments for 2016

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board to review the 2016 Solid Waste Assessments.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof, and carried unanimously to approve the 2016 Solid Waste Assessment fees.

MIS DEPARTMENT

First Responder App

MIS Director, Peder Hovland and GIS Specialist, Daniel Fish met with the board to discuss the First Responder Notification App. ProWest will develop an App for the county for First Responders in the amount of $975.00.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of the First Responder notification app in the amount of $975.00 with funding from the 911 fund or the revenue fund if 911 funds cannot be used.

Copy Machines

MIS Director, Peder Hovland met with the board requesting authorization to update on copy machines. Peder recommends to have one machine in the work room that is dual (color/black print), update Auditor/Treasures copy machine and transfer the current machine to the Extension office and order a dual copy machine for the Attorneys office.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the set up changes on copy machines with Marco.

Law Enforcement Center Equipment

MIS Director, Peder Hovland met with the board requesting authorization to purchase equipment for the Sheriff’s Office.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of Law Enforcement Equipment with $4,244.61 from the Sheriff’s fund and $2,603.85 from the 911 fund.

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 10:45 a.m. and reconvened at 10:50 a.m. as follows:

Closed Session

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting at 10:50 a.m. and open the closed session pursuant to MN Statute § 13D.03, subd. 1(b), Labor Negotiations. The following were present: Commissioner Moorman, Hanson, Nordlof, Beckel, and County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson. Commissioner Arnesen was available by phone conference.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to close the closed session at 11:10 a.m. and open the regular meeting.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Vice-Chair Moorman called the meeting to recess at 11:11 a.m.

Attest: Approved: December 15, 2015

__________________________________ ______________________________

Lorene Hanson, County Auditor/Treasurer Edward Arnesen

Chairman of the Board

October, 2015

Commissioner Proceedings

October 13, 2015

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 13, 2015, in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.

Call to Order

Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners Buck Nordlof, Ken Moorman, Tom Hanson, Patty Beckel and Ed Arnesen. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Janet Rudd, County Attorney, James Austad and Woody Fiala.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: PERA resolution, County Road 17, Human Resource Sick/Vacation time, AMC Conference and Mighty Ducks Update.

APPROVAL of Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve the consent agenda as follows: Tim Erickson to Detroit Lakes for Joint District on October 14-15 in Detroit Lakes; Heather Blodgett, Alison Hauger and Jodi Ferrier to Walker on November 4- 5 for Child Maltreatment Intake; Joanna Onstad to Bemidji on October 20-22 for SSIS Intake Basics; Shelly Phillippe and Cassi Brune to Alexandrea on October 20-23 for MFWCAA Conference.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Norldof, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of September 22, 2015.

TIMBER SALES

Commissioner Hanson informed the board that the timber sales at the Landfill have brought in more than $25,000 so far and estimate of $35,000 in November.

SHORT ELLIOTT HENDRICKSON

Benita Crow, Kaci Nowicki, and Shawn McMahon met with the board to review the Airport Layout Plan (ALP), Katie explained that the if the board chooses the Aerial Obstruction Plan, it would have to be approved by MN DOT and then the ALP would only be completed by the end of 2016 with the various steps that would need to be completed. Cost associated to this phase would run between $60,000 to 100,000, with funding from MN DOT that would be reimbursed 90/10, if applied for by June of 2016. Katie inquired if the board would be interested in Public meetings on the plan. The board would like to hold a public meeting. Katie stated that the tree data would need to be completed first before the public meeting could be held. The consensus of the board was to have S E H move forward with the plan.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the following claims against the county.

Commissioners’ Warrants $ 16,744.43

Commissioners’ Warrants $ 15,440.54

Social Workers

Social Services Director, Amy Ballard requested approval to for a county credit card for Social Worker, Joanna Onstad.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve a county credit card for Social Worker, Joanna Onstad.

Credit Card Policy

The board requested that County Auditor/Treasurer send out a reminder on the usage of County Credit Cards.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Emergency Management Director, Jill Olson met with the board informing them the Warning System is in need of replacement. Cost associated with this project is estimated around $125,000. The board requested that Jill get three different quotes and come back to the board. They also requested that County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson look and see if 911 funds could be used for the system.

SHERIFF

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board requesting replacement for his 2012 squad car.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize County Sheriff, Gary Fish to purchase a vehicle up to $30,000.

Search Update

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board and updated them on the search and informed them that they are going to try to fly from this point on. The county board commended the Sheriff staff on their search efforts and the extra efforts that all agencies involved did for the missing men.

Jail Inspection

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board to inform them that the jail inspection went well without any major issues. The inspector did state that the county should be thinking of building a new jail.

Federal Boat and Water

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board requesting approval and authorization to enter into a grant agreement with the State of Minnesota, Federal Boating Safety Supplemental Equipment Grant.

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously the following resolution:

A Resolution Authorizing the Federal Boating Safety Supplement Grant Agreement

Resolution 15-10-01

WHEREAS, under the provisions of M.S. § 84.026 Subd. 1 the State is empowered to enter into this grant; the Sheriff of each county is required to carry out the provisions for recreational boating safety promulgated by the Commissioner.

WHEREAS, the allocation of funds by the Commissioner to assist in the funding of specific items for recreational boating safety,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Chairman, Auditor and Sheriff are hereby authorized to execute the Federal Boating Safety Supplement Grant Agreement, for the period of September 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015 in the amount of $9,666.00.

PERA

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board requesting that newly hired Part-Time Deputy Sheriff be place on the Police and Fire PERA plan.

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously the following resolution:

Resolution No. 15-10-02

Public Employees Police and Fire Plan

WHEREAS, the policy of the State of Minnesota as declared in Minnesota Statutes 353.63 is to give special consideration to employees who perform hazardous work and devote their time and skills to protecting the property and personal safety of others; and

WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes Section 353.64 permits governmental subdivisions to request coverage in the Public Employees Police and Fire plan for eligible employees of police departments whose position duties meet the requirements stated therein and listed below.

BE IT RESOLVED that the Commissioners of Lake of the Woods County hereby declare that the position titled Part Time Deputy Sheriff, currently held by Nathan Hayes meets all of the following Police and Fire membership requirements:

Said position requires a license by the Minnesota peace officer standards and training board under sections 626.84 to 626.863 and this employee is so licensed;

Said position’s primary (over 50%) duty is to enforce the general criminal laws of the state;

Said position charges this employee with the prevention and detection of crime;

Said position gives this employee the full power of arrest, and

Said position is assigned to a designated police or sheriff’s department.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this governing body hereby requests that the above-named employee be accepted as a member of the Public Employees Police and Fire Plan effective the date of this employee’s initial Police and Fire salary deduction by the governmental subdivision.

HUMAN RESOURCES/ COUNTY ASSESSOR

Human Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board requesting the board to approve the grade, step and pay for Appraiser Trainee. Karen informed the board that the personnel committee did meet and approved the grade for this position at 9 and also requested permission to have this job description evaluated by Trusight.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve grade 9 for Appraise Trainee.

Trusight

The consensus of the board was to have Human Resource Director, Karen Ose have the Appraiser Trainee job description evaluated by Trusight.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman to authorize Human Resource Director, Karen Ose and County Assessor, Mary Jo Otten to hire Appraiser Trainee at grade 9, step 1, 16.37 per hour, points 220.

Personal Leave

County Assessor, Mary Jo Otten met with the board requesting a twelve (12) week personal leave for an employee within her office.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to allow a twelve (12) week personal leave for an employee within the County Assessor’s office.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Human Resource Director, Karen Ose and County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board to discuss Permanent Part-time vacation/sick leave hours. Lorene informed the board that all Permanent Part-time employees receive prorated vacation and sick leave Lorene informed the board that the accrued hours for Karen from date of employment would be 47.5 hours for vacation and sick leave.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to adjust vacation and sick leave by 47.5 hours accrued from date of employment for Human Resource Director Karen Ose.

auditor/treasurer

Introduction of Newly Hired Staff

County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson introduced Rita Hasbargen and Erik Tange to the board.

Claims

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows:

Revenue $ 69,435.17

Road & Bridge $ 24,764.58

Co. Develp $ 3,300.00

Natl Resc Enhanc $ 18,554.43

Solid Waste $ 42,573.74

EDA $ 2,030.22

161,058.14

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 10/13/2015 For Payment 10/16/2015

Vendor Name Amount

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc. 7,483.51

Computer Professionals Unlimited Inc 3,585.00

Cps Technology Solutions 3,800.00

Dynamic Imaging Systems, Inc 3,085.00

Government Management Group, Inc 3,500.00

Hoffman, Philipp & Knutson, PLLC 5,862.00

Howard’s Oil Company 3,126.47

John Deere Financial 4,631.56

LOW Highway Dept 8,853.54

Mar-Kit Landfill 25,075.26

Mn Counties Information System 2,375.25

Msop-Mn Sex Offender Prgrm-462 2,132.80

R & Q Trucking, Inc 5,010.20

Rinke-Noonan 18,754.43

Rtvision Inc 6,084.00

University Of Mn 8,441.25

Voyageurs Comtronics, Inc 3,799.60

Widseth Smith Nolting&Asst Inc 7,061.34

Woody’s Service 4,225.20

78 Payments less than 2000 34,171.73

Final Total: 161,058.14

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants:

September 30, 2015 $ 9,146.66

October 1, 2015 $ 5,664.36

October 7, 2015 $ 1,631.60

October 7, 2015 $ 9,292.06

October 7, 2015 194,912.16

Exclusive Off-Sale

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board a requested approval for an Exclusive Off-Sale Liquor License for Nels Holte DBA “Wash N Go”.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the Exclusive Off-Sale Liquor License for Nels Holte, DBA Wash N Go effective December 1, 2015 thru June 30, 2016, contingent upon approval of County Attorney, James Austad and County Sheriff, Gary Fish.

On/Off Sale Liquor License

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board a requested approval for a Combination On-Off Sale/ Sunday Liquor License for Riverbend Resort.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the On-Off Sale/Sunday Liquor License for Riverbend Resort effective November 1, 2015 thru June 30, 2016, contingent upon approval of County Attorney, James Austad and County Sheriff, Gary Fish.

Cigarette Licenses

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board a requested approval a Cigarette License for DG Retail, LLC dba Dollar General Store.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the Cigarette License for DG Retail, LLC dba Dollar General Store effective November 1, 2015 thru June 30, 2016.

AMC CONFERENCE/MIGHTY DUCKS

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson discussed the AMC Conference reservations for December 6-8 in St. Cloud; informed the board that the county received notification that they received the application for the Mighty Ducks Ice Arena grant program.

MIS/GIS

MIS/GIS Director, Peder Hovland met with the board requesting authorization to purchase 911 equipment and support.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to authorize MIS/GIS Director, Peder Hovland to approve Independent Emergency Services Quote No. IES388813 with one year support services of $123,135.84 from 911 Funds.

SCHRANDT CARTWAY

Chairman Arnesen discussed the Schrandt Cartway and informed the board that the next recommended step is to have a survey completed on the proposed cartway property.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to request County Surveyor, Donn Rasmussen to conduct a survey on the proposed cartway property.

PUBLIC WORKS

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board upon their request to discuss curve on Co. Road 17 and the pond with concerns of snowmobilers. The department will stake and flag the pond.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 12:03 p.m. and reconvened at 1:03 p.m. as follows:

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund, Rinke Noonan Law Firm Attorneys John Kolb

Kale Van Bruggen, SWCD Board members Frank Sindelir, John Sonstegard, Russ Hanson and Nancy Dunell, and Mike Hirst to discuss an appeal of the Department of Natural Resources of a project specific wetland replacement for Northern Conservation L.L.C. and Cliffs Mining Company (jointly Cliffs). The boards reviewed the partial settlement of appeal in the Matter of Hibbing Taconite Mine and Stockpile Progression and Williams Creek Project Specific Wetland Mitigation.

Resolution

At a joint meeting of the Board of Commissioners and Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Board of Supervisors, Commissioner Ken Moorman, on behalf of the County Board and Supervisor Frank Sindelir, on behalf of the SWCD Board, moved the adoption of the following resolution ratifying the actions of Josh Stromlund, as previously authorized by the Boards:

STATE OF MINNESOTA

LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

RESOLTUION NO. 15-10-03

Resolution ratifying partial settlement of appeal in the Matter of Hibbing Taconite Mine and Stockpile Progression and Williams Creek Project Specific Wetland Mitigation

At a joint meeting of the Board of Commissioners and Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Board of Supervisors, Commissioner Ken Moorman, on behalf of the County Board and Supervisor Frank Sindelir, on behalf of the SWCD Board, moved the adoption of the following resolution ratifying the actions of Josh Stromlund, as previously authorized by the Boards:

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners and the Lake of the Woods County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors authorized and entered into an appeal of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) approval of a project specific wetland replacement plan for Cliffs Natural Resources (Cliffs); and

WHEREAS, the matter was set for a Contested Case Hearing on evidentiary issues before an Administrative Law Judge on October 5, 2015; and

WHEREAS, each of the above Boards directed Josh Stromlund serve as its representative at the Hearing, giving to Josh Stromlund authority to settle issues in the matter on terms found satisfactory to Josh Stromlund; and

WHEREAS, during the Contested Case Hearing, DNR and Cliffs agreed to terms of settlement related to wetland crediting that addressed major concerns of the Boards; and

WHEREAS, exercising the authority given to him, Josh Stromlund accepted the terms of settlement and executed a settlement agreement, attached hereto, on behalf of the Boards.

NOW, THEREFORE, having reviewed the settlement agreement, the terms thereof and the facts and arguments in the case, the Boards, by joint action, ratify the settlement agreement and the actions of Josh Stromlund pursuant to the authority given him by the Boards.

Seconded by Commissioner James “Buck” Nordlof, on behalf of the County Board and Supervisor Russel Hansen, on behalf of the SWCD Board.

After discussion and upon a vote of each Board, the respective Board Chairs declared the Resolution adopted.

Attorneys John Kolb and Kale Van Bruggen recommend to the board to go into closed session to discuss further litigation strategy.

CLOSED SESSION

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof to close the regular meeting at 1:40 p.m. pursuant to MN Statute §13D.05, subd. 3 (b), Attorney Client Privilege.

Members present were: Commissioner Arnesen, Moorman, Beckel, Hanson and Nordlof, SWCD Board members Frank Sindelir, John Sonstegard, Russ Hanson and Nancy Dunell, Mike Hirst, Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund and County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson. Attorneys John Kolb and Kale Van Bruggen.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to close the closed session at 2:00 p.m. and open the regular meeting.

CLOSED SESSION

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman to close the regular meeting at 2:20 p.m. Pursuant to MN Stat. §13D.003, subd. 1 (b) Labor Negotiations. Members present, Commissioner Arnesen, Moorman, Beckel, Hanson and Nordlof. Also present, Human Resource Director, Karen Ose.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof to close the closed session at 2:54 p.m. and open the regular meeting.

CORRESPONDENCE

The board acknowledged a thank you letter from Lake of the Woods Senior boating.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to recess at 3:06 p.m.

Attest: Approved: October 27, 2015

__________________________________ ______________________________

Lorene Hanson, County Auditor/Treasurer Edward Arnesen

Chairman of the Board

========================================================================================================

Commissioner Proceedings

October 27, 2015

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 27, 2015, in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.

Call to Order

Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners Buck Nordlof, Ken Moorman, Tom Hanson, Patty Beckel and Ed Arnesen. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Janet Rudd, County Attorney, James Austad and Woody Fiala.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Proclamation, Water, Health & Life Insurance, Department head meeting update, Human Resources, Final Payment and Thank you letter. APPROVAL of Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the consent agenda as follows: Joanna Onstad and Alison Hauger to St. Cloud on November 2-3, 16-17 and November 30 thru December 1 for Child Welfare foundation Training;

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of October 13, 2015 with changes.

NWA EDGE RIDERS

Kellie Knight, representing the NWA Edge Riders snowmobile club met with the board to discuss the proposed park with the board. Kellie informed the board that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is considering transferring State Owned land to the County for the potential park with approval and associated cost. Kellie informed the board that the club has not received the letter from the DNR at this time. The consensus of the board was that they were in support of a park, but would need more information before formally agreeing to this project.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following claims against the county.

Commissioners’ Warrants $ 13,203.81

Commissioners’ Warrants $ 17,158.72

Credit Cards

Social Services Director, Amy Ballard requested approval for a county credit card for Social Worker, Alison Hauger and introduced Social Workers Alison Hauger and Joanna Onstad to the board.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve a county credit card for Social Worker, Alison Hauger.

Proclamation- FINANCIAL worker, case Aides

Chairman Arnesen, on behalf of Lake of the Woods County board of Commissioners recognizes the valuable service that County Financial Workers and Case Aides provide to citizens of Lake of the Woods County and extends appreciation to Angie Eason, Cassie Brune, Shelley Phillippe, Shelley Pepera and Sheri Stebakken for their dedicated work.

County Surveyor

County Surveyor, Donn Rasmussen met with the board to discuss the cost associated with the Schrandt Cartway and informed the board that it would cost around $7,000 to complete the survey. The board requested that County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson contact the Schrandts’ attorney, Nora Crompton to request an additional $4,000 bond before the survey could be completed.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows:

Revenue $ 60,779.54

Road & Bridge $ 30,653.31

Co. Develp $ 2,500.00

Solid Waste $ 7,136.73

EDA $ 701.57

101,771.15

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 10/27/2015 For Payment 10/30/2015

Vendor Name Amount

Fundanet/Lee 2,000.00

LaValla Electric DBA/Ned 2,106.79

Liberty Tire Recycling, LLC 4,316.20

LOW Soil & Water Cons. Dist. 30,873.00

Mn State Dept-Correction 16,979.93

Traffic Marking Service, Inc. 24,692.67

63 Payments less than 2000 20,802.56

Final Total: 101,771.15

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants:

October 14, 2015 $81,034.65

October 14, 2015 $ 199.79

October 20, 2015 $ 9,721.39

$90,955.83

MN Department of Transportation

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board to inform them that the MN Department of Transportation (MnDOT), is acquiring an interest for an temporary easement in Lake of the Woods County property for the improvements of Trunk Highway 11, with the acquisition of $500.

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the following Resolution:

RESOLUTION NO. 15-09-04

State of Minnesota, Department of Transportation, Acquisition of Land

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners, of the County of Lake of the Woods, Minnesota, which in consideration of $500 to be paid by the State of Minnesota, Department of Transportation, the Lake of the Woods County Board allows the acquisition of land by direct purchase to the State of Minnesota the parcel described as follows:

The right to use the westerly 18 feet of the northerly 17 feet of Tract A described below for highway purposes, which right shall cease on December 1, 2017, or on such earlier date upon which the Commissioner of Transportation determines by formal order that it is no longer needed for highway purposes: Tract A. Lot 12, Block 1, Third Addition to East Beaudette, according to the plat thereof which is on file and of record in the office of the County Recorder in Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Moorman and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, and Chairman Arnesen to sign the Temporary Easement from the State of MN, Department of Transportation to be used for highway purposes

Revenue/Expenditure/Investment Update

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and reviewed the Revenue/Expenditure and Investments. The board also discussed the Wells Fargo banking charges.

Deputy Registrar Re-Appointment

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and informed the board that the State of Minnesota Department of Public Safety requested re-appointment of Deputy Registrar for Lake of the Woods County.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof to re-appoint Janet Rudd as Lake of the Woods County Deputy Registrar and Driver’s License Agent pursuant to MN Administrative Rules 7404.0350 and 7406.0350.

Health Insurance Rates

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board to inform the board that the Life Insurance carrier is now Sun Life Financial, health insurance premiums High Plan and Value Plan have gone up 7%, but the HSA premium stayed the same and the all single plans still remain under the county cap.

Department Head Meeting/Water Machine

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board to update them on the department head meeting and the discussion they had on the annual “Lake of the Woods Food Drive”. The department heads agreed they would participate and were wondering if the Commissioners would like to participate as a team. The board agreed they would participate in the food drive. Lorene also mentioned that the Wellness Committee had asked about the possibility of having a water machine available for county employees in the break room.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and unanimously carried to authorize water machines in the Courthouse break room and Sheriff’s office.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Job Description

Human Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board to inform them that MRA graded the Appraiser Training at grade 9, points 225 and the Appraiser at grade 13, points 289. Karen informed the board that the job descriptions have been completed and reformatted and that the Department Heads have them to review. The board requested that the Job Descriptions be placed on the December 15 board agenda for approval.

Stipend

Human Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board requesting a stipend for Social Services Financial Officer, Christine Hultman for time spent helping with financials and payroll in the Auditor/Treasurers Office. Stipend would be from January thru September at $175 per pay period with a total stipend of $3,500.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to authorize a stipend payment of $3,500 from the revenue fund to Social Services Financial Officer, Christine Hultman.

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 10:43 p.m. and reconvened at 11:05 a.m. as follows:

COUNTY ASSESSOR

Years of Service Recognition-Resolution

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

Recognition of years of service

Joy Lindquist

Resolution 2015 – 10– 05

Whereas: Joy Lindquist has served the residents of Lake of the Woods County since November 1, 1982 as Lake of the Woods Assessment Specialist/Office Manager;

Whereas: Joy Lindquist will retire from Lake of the Woods County service effective October 31, 2015 with thirty–three years of service for Lake of the Woods County Assessor’s Office;

Now Therefore, Be it Resolved: That Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners extends its deepest appreciation to Joy for her dedicated service and offers best wishes to her;

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

Introduction of Staff

County Assessor, MaryJo Otten introduced Alisa Jacobsen and Whitnie Reasy to the board.

Effective Date of Hire

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve October 19, 2105 as the effective date of hire for Whitnie Reasy.

PUBLIC WORKS

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting approval for final contract.

Final Contract

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve final contract acceptance for SAP 39-601-28, SAP 39-601-29, and SAP 39-627.04 in the amount of $147,548.57.

Mulching Attachment

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting approval to purchase a mulching attachment for the department.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to authorize Public Works Director, Tim Erickson to purchase a ProMac Mulching attachment in the amount of $28,500.

Cell Phone Stipend

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting a cell phone stipend for Solid Waste Processer, Todd Canfield.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve a smart phone stipend in the amount of $60.00 per month for Todd Canfield. Public Access-Furnace Replacement

The board discussed Twin Rivers Public Access and new Furnace for the NWA Highway shop.

BUFFER DISCUSSION

Chairman Arnesen discussed the recent 2015 buffer legislation that was passed this session. Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund presented a “Buffer Law And Frequently Asked Questions Brochure” to the board. After review, the board requested Josh to send a letter to Board of Water and Soil Resources Chairman, Brian Napstad requesting a meeting to discuss this new legislation.

2016 CON CON FUNDS

The board tabled the Con Con funds request to have time to review and placed this on the November 10, 2015 board agenda.

CORRESPONDENCE

The board acknowledged a thank you letter from Williams Potato Day.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to recess at 12:10 p.m.

Attest: Approved: November 10, 2015

__________________________________ ______________________________

Lorene Hanson, County Auditor/Treasurer Edward Arnesen

Chairman of the Board

September, 2015

Commissioner Proceedings

September 8, 2015

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, September 8, 2015, in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.

Call to Order

Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to order at 7:40 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners Ed Arnesen, Buck Nordlof, Ken Moorman, Tom Hanson, and Patty Beckel. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Janet Rudd, County Attorney, James Austad and Woody Fiala.

2016 Budget

County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson met with the board to review the 2016 Budget.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof’, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: NW MN Foundation and Co. Rd 17.

APPROVAL of Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve the consent agenda as follows: Sheri Stebakken to St. Paul on September 28-October 1, for MEC2 Case Worker; Karen Ose to St. Paul on September 24 -25 for Data Practices Policies & Procedures.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of August 25, 2015.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the following claims against the county.

Commissioners’ Warrants $ 16,348.16

Commissioners’ Warrants $ 15,908.91

Office Furniture

Social Services Director, Amy Ballard requested approval for purchase of office equipment for Child Support Officer, due to the remodeling of office. Amy informed the board that the office equipment is reimbursed by 66% by the Federal Government.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of office equipment for Child Support Officer in the amount up to $5,000.

Amend Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to amend the agenda and add permission to hire Social Workers.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to authorize Social Service Director, Amy Ballard and Human Resource Director, Karen Ose to hire two Social Workers.

Recognition of Years of Service

Chairman Arnesen, on behalf of the board congratulated Cindy Kroeger on her retirement and offered the following resolution:

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to adopt the following:

Recognition of years of service

Cindy Kroeger

Resolution 2015 – 09– 01

Whereas: Cindy Kroeger has served the residents of Lake of the Woods County since December 11, 1989 as Lake of the Woods Case Aid Worker and Santa Anonymous Program Coordinator;

Whereas: Cindy Kroeger has retired from Lake of the Woods County service effective August 27, 2015 with twenty-five years of service;

Now Therefore, Be it Resolved: That Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners extends its deepest appreciation to Cindy for her dedicated service and offers best wishes to her on her retirement;

HOFFMAN, PHILIPP & KNUTSON, PLLC

Colleen Hoffman, manager of Hoffman, Philipp & Knutson, PLLC met with the board and reviewed the 2014 audit and informed them that the auditing of the financial statements of the governmental activities, major funds and the aggregate remaining fund information for the county is in good standing.

BAUDETTE AREA ARENA INC.

Barry Westerlund, Vice President of Operation for the Baudette Area Arena Inc. met with the board requesting a resolution of support for Mighty Ducks Grant to help with the replacement of the R22 systems, including floor replacement in existing arena.

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to adopt the following:

Resolution of LGU Mighty Ducks Grant Application

Resolution No. 15-09-02

WHEREAS, the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission (MASC), via the State General Fund, provides for general funds to assist political subdivision of the State of Minnesota for the development of sport facilities, and

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County on behalf of Baudette Area Arena Inc. desires to replace direct R22 Systems, including floor replacement in existing arena;

Estimates that the total cost of developing said facility shall be $ 800,000 and Lake of the Woods County on behalf of Baudette Area Arena Inc. is requesting $400,000 from the Mighty Ducks Grant Fund and the Baudette Area Arena Inc. will assume responsibility for a match requirement of $400,000.
Baudette Area Arena Inc. agrees to own, assume 100 percent operation costs for said facility, and will operate said facility for its intended purpose for the functional life of the facility which is estimated to be 30 years.
Lake of the Woods County on behalf of Baudette Area Arena Inc. agrees to enter into necessary and required agreements with the MASC for the specific purpose of renovating a sports facility and long-term project direction.
That a request for reimbursement be made to the MASC for the amount awarded after the completion of the project.
That the Lake of the Woods County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson and Lake of the Woods County Commissioners are authorized and directed to execute said application and serve as the official liaison with the MASC.

MIGHTY DUCKS GRANT APPLICATION, MINNESOTA AMATEUR SPORT COMMISSION

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson to sign the Mighty Ducks Grant application.

auditor/treasurer

Claims

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows:

Revenue $ 80,861.80

Road & Bridge $ 17,260.53

County Devel $ 231.40

Solid Waste $ 24,746.89

EDA $ 44.56

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 9/8/2015 for Payment 9/11/2015

Vendor Name Amount

Computer Professionals Unlimited Inc 3,466.50

Hoffman, Philipp & Knutson, PLLC 8,963.00

Howard’s Oil Company 3,160.77

LOW Highway Dept 4,163.63

LOW Soil & Water Cons. Dist. 20,118.00

Mar-Kit Landfill 12,362.40

Olson/George 13,800.00

Pieper Cleaning & Services- dba/Kevin 2,194.00

Powerplan 5,979.75

R & Q Trucking, Inc 6,310.20

Tops All Roofing LLC 23,952.10

Woody’s Service 4,395.95

43 Payment less than 2000 14,260.88 Final Total: 123,127.18

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants:

September 2, 2015 $ (60.00)

September 2, 2015 $137,929.84

September 4, 2015 $ (783.44)

September 4, 2015 $ 846.07

September 4, 2015 $519,771.30

September 4, 2015 $ 783.44

NW ANGLE POTENTIAL AIRPORT

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and presented the Notice of Decision of the wetland delineation boundary for the potential NW Angle airport location. She explained that the delineation was part of the work scope for the preliminary engineering and requires official review and approval by the Technical Evaluation Panel consisting of the LGU, SWCD and BWSR. This approval allows us to determine mitigation efforts in conjunction with the construction, if the project advances to that point.

NW MN Foundation

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board informing them that they received a request for support from NW MN Foundation. They have served Lake of the Woods County with grants, business loans along with Leadership Development Training, Star Youth Leaderships and Nonprofit Management training. The board requested this to be placed with the 2016 con-con fund requests.

DEPUTY AUDITOR/ TREASURER/FINANCIAL OFFICER

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval for grade and step for the newly Hired Deputy Auditor/Treasurer/Financial Officer. Humans Resource Director, Karen Ose and County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson requested step 2.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to set Deputy Auditor/Treasurer/Financial Officer at grade 12, step 2, $19.90 per hour, points 282, and effective start date September 14, 2015.

CORRESPONDENCE: The following correspondence was acknowledged: Senior Boating and Charles Dawley letter regard to Paul Bunyan Transit service area.

SHERIFF

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board requesting approval for the State of Minnesota ATV grant.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to authorize County Sheriff, Gary Fish to enter into the ATV grant with the State of Minnesota, Department of Natural Resources effective August 15, 2015 thru June 30, 2017, the county will get reimbursed up to $13,108 in State Fiscal year 2016 and up to $13,108 in State Fiscal year 2017, for expenses incurred between July 1, 2016, and June 30, 2017, the grant will not exceed $26,216.

PUBLIC WORKS

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board and presented the Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan for approval.

Resolution

The following resolution was proposed by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to adopt the following:

RESOLUTION TO APPROVE COMPREHENSIVE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN

RESOLUTION. 15-09-03

WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota requires Counties to develop and adopt a Solid Waste Plan in accordance with Minnesota Statutes 115A.46; 115A.47; 115A.551, subd. 6-7; 115A.552; 115A.557, subd. 2-3; 115A.63; 115A.84; 115A.914; 115A.96, subd. 6-7; 115A.917; 115A.97; Minnesota Rules 9215; and any other applicable Statutes and Rules; and;

WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota requires said Solid Waste Plans to be reviewed and/or modified periodically. Said timeline for Solid Waste Plan update is every 10 calendar years;

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County recognizes the need and responsibility to plan for and practice environmentally sound methods for managing its solid waste streams; and;

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County recognizes the need to plan for and implement various strategies, programs, or facilities, to promote the proper management and disposal of solid waste generated within the County. The County will encourage reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, and/or advanced processing of solid waste with technologies available based upon the type of solid waste material generated and the capability of the integrated solid waste management system in place; and;

WHEREAS, the draft 2015 Lake of the Woods County Solid Waste Plan does describe the integrated solid waste management system currently in place to meet the needs of the County’s citizens and the requirements of the State of Minnesota; and;

WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota has placed on public notice that draft of the 2015 Lake of the Woods County Solid Waste Plan in accordance with the requirements for publication, notice and comment period; and;

WHEREAS, upon completion of the public comment period, no comments were received in objection to the adoption of the draft 2015 Lake of the Woods County Solid Waste Plan;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners hereby adopts the 2015 Lake of the Woods County Solid Waste Plan; and;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners hereby submit the 2015 Lake of the Woods County Solid Waste Plan to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for final approval pursuant to applicable Minnesota Statutes and Rules.

COUNTY ROAD 17

Chairman Arnesen discussed concerns of a curve on County Road 17 where they took out gravel and the depth of the hole. The board requested that Public Works Director, Tim Erickson look into option on this and look into the cost of a guard rail.

NORTH COUNTRY FOOD BANK INC.

Susie Novak, Executive Director from North Country Food Bank met with the board requesting a resolution of support for bonding for construction for a new Food Bank building. She explained that they service 21 counties in their territory and their space is very limited and in need of a new building along with refrigeration space.

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to adopt the following resolution;

North Country Food Bank Inc.

Resolution No. 2015-09-04

WHEREAS; North Country Food Bank, Inc. (North Country) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in the City of Crookston, County of Polk, State of Minnesota. North Country has a profound regional impact on hunger issues – serving 21 counties in northwest and west central Minnesota; and

WHEREAS; North Country provides over 7 million pounds of surplus, quality food and nonfood products to 220 charitable organizations for distribution to people in need. The charitable food programs served by North Country include soup kitchens, food shelves, homeless shelters, low-income individuals in need of supplemental assistance, senior community centers, after-school programs, domestic abuse programs, and addiction treatment centers; and

WHEREAS; North Country provides an important service that impacts the lives of many in northwest and west central Minnesota; and

WHEREAS; North Country’s current facility provides space, storage, access and compliance challenges. North Country must move its operations to a new facility to better and more efficiently serve the population in northwest and west central Minnesota, and to comply with the contractual obligations and safety requirements of Feeding America, state and federal regulations, and the requirements of other governing agencies; and

WHEREAS; North Country is in a position to pursue a new facility building construction project and capital fundraising campaign, including a proposition to partner with Polk County to pursue a $3 million State of Minnesota Bonding Request in the 2015 and 2016 Bonding Bill.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT; the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners hereby support North Country in its efforts to secure capital funding from the State legislature, so it may continue to provide this very important community service to northwest and west central Minnesota.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 11:26 a.m. and reconvened at 11:34 a.m. as follows:

2016 Proposed Budget and Tax Levy and Truth N Taxation Meeting Date

Chairman Arnesen reviewed the proposed budget and tax levy with the board.

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to adopt the following:

Resolution Adopting

Proposed 2016 Budget and Tax Levy

Resolution 2015-09-05

WHEREAS, the Proposed County Budget for the year 2016 has been reviewed by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following Proposed Budget and Tax Levy is hereby adopted for the Lake of the Woods County for 2016:

Revenue Fund $ 1,433,715

Road & Bridge Fund $ 449,580

Social Services Fund $ 603,935

Economic Development Authority Fund $ 60,000

2015 Proposed Budget and Tax Levy $ 2,547,230

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following amounts be levied against the unorganized townships of Lake of the Woods County for 2016:

Twp Road & Bridge $ 437,555*

Twp Fire – Baudette $ 25,000

Twp Fire – Williams $ 31,226

Twp Fire – NW Angle $ 6,500

Total $ 500,281

2016

$437,555 for Township Road & Bridge includes $12,000 which is specifically levied to Northwest Angle residents for Calcium Chloride. (425,555+12,000=437,555)

A public meeting to discuss the 2016 Proposed Budget and Tax Levy will be held on Tuesday, December 15, 2015, at 6:00 p.m. in the Lake of the Woods County Commissioners’ Room.

Old/New Business

Commissioner Hanson discussed the meeting he attended for the International Bridge replacement meeting, construction to begin in 2018.

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 11:55 a.m. and reconvened at 1:00 p.m. as follows:

SCHRANDT CARTWAY HEARING

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting at 1:01 p.m. and open the continuance public hearing for Schrandt Cartway. The following were in attendance: Commissioners Hanson, Nordlof, Moorman, Arnesen and Beckel. County Attorney James Austad, County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Janet Rudd, Woody Fiala, Mary and David Schrandt, Attorney Nora Crumpton, Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund and Paul Pedersen.

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

Resolution Establishing a Cartway for Petitioners David and Mary Schrandt

Bifurcating Cartway Hearing to determine Award of Damages

Requiring Petitioners to Post Bond or other Security

Resolution No. 15-09-06

WHEREAS; the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners has received a cartway petition pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 164.08, from David and Mary Schrandt “petitioner” in which the petitioner asks the County Board to establish a cartway to their property across the lands of others; and

WHEREAS; petitioner has been represented by Nora Crumpton, Attorney at Law; and

WHEREAS, the petitioner’s property is described as follows: SW¼, Sec. 2, Twp. 160 N., Range 33 W; and

WHEREAS; the petitioner asks that a cartway be established as follows:

ROUTE 1: The West two (2) rods of the Northeast Quarter (NE¼) of Section Two (2), Township One Hundred Sixty (160) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West; and the West two (2) rods of the Northwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter (NW¼ SE¼) of said Section Two (2), Township One Hundred Sixty (160) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West.

WHEREAS; the requested cartway would pass over the land of the following persons, Gary G. Pulkrabek, whose property is described as follows: Government Lot Two (2), Southwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter (SW¼NE¼) and the West half of the Southeast Quarter (W½SE¼), Section Two (2); Township one hundred sixty (160) North, Range Thirty-Three west of the Fifth Principal Meridian;

WHEREAS; on July 28, 2015, after proper posting and notice, a hearing on the cartway petition was heard by the Lake of the Woods County Board; and

WHEREAS; the County Board finds that, pursuant to Minn. Stat. §164.08, subd. 2 (a), the petitioner owns a tract of land containing at least five acres and has no access from it to a public road except over the lands of others; and

WHEREAS; the petitioner is therefore entitled to the establishment of a cartway pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 164.08. subd. 2 (a);

WHEREAS; the County Board, after hearing evidence and arguments from the petitioner and the affected landowner, requested that the hearing be deferred to September 8, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. and instructed Attorney Crumpton to personally serve Paul Pedersen, whose property is described as follows: South Half Northwest Quarter (S2NW4) and Government Lots 3 & 4, Section 2, Township 160 North, Range 33 West.

WHEREAS; on September 8, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. the Lake of the Woods County Board reconvened the public hearing on the cartway petition, after proper posting and notice.

WHEREAS; the County Board had heard evidence on previous submission by the Petitioner and decided that an alternate route should be established.

WHEREAS; the requested cartway would pass over the land of one person, and the alternate cartway would pass over the land of the following persons, Gary G. Pulkrabek, whose property is described as follows: Government Lot Two (2), Southwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter (SW¼NE¼) and the West half of the Southeast Quarter (W½SE¼), Section Two (2); Township one hundred sixty (160) North, Range Thirty-Three west of the Fifth Principal Meridian; and Paul Pedersen, whose property is described as follows: South Half Northwest Quarter (S2NW4) and Government Lots 3 & 4, Section 2, Township 160 North, Range 33 West.

WHEREAS; the County Board heard evidence and arguments from the petitioner, the affected landowners and members of the public regarding the question of what damages, if any, should be paid to the owners and occupants across whose land(s) the cartway will be established, and regarding what damages the county has incurred as costs and expenses related to these proceedings;

WHEREAS, the petitioner is responsible for any and all cost of wetland mitigation;

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED AND ORDERED;

A cartway pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 164.08, subd. 2 (a) is established, subject to the terms and conditions that follow, the terms and conditions in the award of damages, and the payment of all damages.
The Lake of the Woods County Board finds that the following location and width of the cartway is the least disruptive and least damaging for neighboring landowners and in the public’s best interest;
The East 16.5 feet of the NW¼ Sec 2, Twp 160, Range 33 and the West 16.5 feet of the NE¼ of Sec. 2, Twp 160, Range 33, Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota.
Prior to opening or constructing the cartway, the petitioner shall pay to the county all items described below as damages for the establishment of the cartway.
- Survey $ 3,000
Town road and bridge funds shall not be expended for this cartway.

The resolution was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the vote carried as follows:

Voting For: Commissioners Arnesen, Beckel, Nordlof, Moorman and Hanson

Voting Against: None

Abstaining: None

The David and Mary Schrandt cartway petition is stayed until the security is deposited with Lake of the Woods County Auditor/Treasurer.

Lake of the Woods County

Dated: ___________________ __________________________________________

Edward Arnesen, Chairman of the Board

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to recess at 2:48 p.m.

Attest: Approved: September 22, 2015

______________________ ______________________________

Lorene Hanson Edward Arnesen

Auditor/Treasurer Chairman of the Board

======================================================================================

Commissioner Proceedings

September 22, 2015

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, September 22, 2015, in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.

Call to Order

Vice -Chairman Moorman called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners Buck Nordlof, Ken Moorman, Tom Hanson, and Patty Beckel. Absent- Commissioner Ed Arnesen. Also present were: Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Janet Rudd, County Attorney, James Austad and Woody Fiala.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Mid State Co-op Appointment.

APPROVAL of Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve the consent agenda as follows: – Mary Jo Otten to Brainerd on October 4-7 for MAAO Conference; Craig Severs to St. Cloud on October 4-7 for MFSRC Fall Conference.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of September 8, 2015.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following claims against the county.

Commissioners’ Warrants $ 19,047.43

Commissioners’ Warrants $ 22,934.72

Commissioners’ Warrants $ 1,200.00

Social Workers

Social Services Director, Amy Ballard requested approval to hire two new Social Workers, Joanna Onstad and Alison Hauger.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve the hiring of Social Worker, Trainee, Joanna Onstad, effective date September 28, 2015 at grade 12, step 1, $19.45, points 282 and Child Protection Social Worker, Alison Hauger, effective date October 12, 2015 at grade 12, step 1, $19.45, points 282,( reliant upon continuance of funding from the State of Minnesota, which was passed by the 2015 Minnesota Legislature for child protection staffing and services.)

auditor/treasurer

Claims

Deputy Auditor/Treasurer, Janet Rudd met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows:

Revenue $ 14,278.24

Road & Bridge $ 74,969.94

Natl Resc Enhanc $ 3,113.53

Solid Waste $ 5,514.49

EDA $ 2,570.00

100,446.20

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 9/22/2015 For Payment 9/25/2015

Vendor Name Amount

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc. 9,851.84

Farmers Union Oil Co. 3,624.30

Hasler 2,000.00

Northwest Community Action, Inc 2,570.00

Rinke-Noonan 3,113.53

Titan Energy Systems, Inc 2,060.00

Wikstrom Telephone Co.,Inc 56,702.20

Ziegler, Inc 4,201.46

45 Payments less than 2000 16,322.87

Final Total: 100,446.20

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants:

September 11, 2015 $ 253,560.02

September 16, 2015 $1,349,879.80

NW MN Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #8

Deputy Auditor/Treasurer, Janet Rudd met with the board and presented an application for a temporary gaming permit for the NW MN Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #8.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the application for exempt permit for NW MN Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #8 to conduct lawful gambling for raffles on February 22, 2016 at Sportsman’s Lodge.

MID STATE COMPUTER COOPERATIVE

Deputy Auditor/Treasurer, Janet Rudd met with the board requesting appointment of delegates to the Mid State Computer Cooperative.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to appoint MIS/GIS Director, Peder Hovland as delegate #1, and County Assessor, Mary Jo Otten, as delegate #2 to the Mid State Computer Cooperative as representatives for Lake of the Woods County

COUNTY ATTORNEY

County Attorney, James Austad met with the board and gave the following updates: Leader Ship Forum

Drug Sentencing, Court Room- Cameras, Felon Voting Rights, MPCA, Drug Free Community Grant.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Human Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board requesting authorization to hire Part-time Dispatcher.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize Human Resource Director, Karen Ose and County Sheriff, Gary Fish to hire a part-time dispatcher at grade 10, step 1 $17.34 , points 237.

SHERIFF

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board requesting approval for the I Mobile Contract.

Resolution

COUNTY OF LAKE OF THE WOODS

RESOLUTION TO ENTER INTO A JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT WITH THE

STATE OF MINNESOTA

FOR I/MOBILE SYSTEM

Resolution No. 15-06- 07

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously the following resolution:

WHEREAS, Sheriff Gary Fish has met with Lake of the Woods County Board to discuss mobile data computing between the Lake of the Woods County Sheriff’s Department and the State of Minnesota; and

WHEREAS, the purpose of this agreement is for the State to provide Lake of the Woods County Sheriff’s Department with access to the State’s I/Mobile System; thru software purchased and installed by the county on county laptop computers mounted in the patrol vehicles; and

WHEREAS, the term of this agreement shall be from January 1, 2015(or the date the State obtains all required signatures) thru December 31, 2016;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners hereby adopts this joint powers agreement and authorizes Chairman Arnesen and County Sheriff, Gary Fish to sign.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 9:55 a.m. and reconvened at 10:08 a.m. as follows:

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Land and Water Planning Assistant Zoning Inspector, Steve Sindelir met with the board and presented an application for a Zone Change from Residential/Natural Environment to Commercial -Recreation for Dale and Connie Peterson to allow the applicant to conduct a commercial business consisting of a Commercial- Recreational Area. Steve informed the board that the Planning Commissions did approve the application with conditions. Steve reviewed the Finding and Facts with the board:

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the Zone Change from Residential/Natural Environment to Commercial-Recreation for Dale and Connie Peterson to allow the applicants to conduct a commercial business consisting of a Commercial-Recreational Area with the following conditions: Follow State guidelines and County guidelines.

Lake of the Woods County

Rezoning

Findings of Fact and Decision

INFO	INFO	INFO	INFO
Name of Applicant:	Dale and Connie Peterson – ApplicantRichard Babler – Owner	Date:	September 9, 2015

Location/Legal Description:	A 4 acre tract in the NE corner of Govt. Lot 3 of Section 5 and a 210’ x 448’ tract in the NW4NE4 of Section 8, T-163N, R-34W, (Lakewood Township)

Current Zoning Classification:	Residential/Natural Environment	Proposed:	Commercial-Recreation

Parcel Number(s):	14.05.31.010 & 14.0812.010	Application Number:	15-07ZC

The Planning Commission shall consider all facts from all sources prior to submitting a recommendation to the County Board relating to a proposed zone change. Its judgment shall be based upon, but not limited to the following factors as applicable.

Is the zone change consistent with the Lake of the Woods County Comprehensive Land Use Plan?

_X_ Yes __No

COMMENTS:	COMMENTS:
Comments:	Other commercial property in the area.

Are the existing surrounding land uses consistent with the proposed zoning classification?

_Yes ___No

COMMENTS:	COMMENTS:
Comments:	Other commercial property in the area.

Will the zone change alter the characteristics of the neighborhood?

___Yes _X_No

Is there a potential for public health, safety or traffic generation impacts based on the proposed zone change and how will they be addressed?

_X_Yes ___No

COMMENTS:	COMMENTS:
Comments:	Possible increased traffic. Parking areas are planned.

What additional public services would be necessitated and would existing utilities be sufficient to accommodate the proposal?

_X_Yes___No

COMMENTS:	COMMENTS:
Comments:	Electrical – services only.

Will the zone change impede the normal or orderly development and improvement of surrounding property for uses permitted in the zoning district?

___Yes_X_No

COMMENTS:	COMMENTS:
Comments:	Consistent with adjacent use.

Has there been a change in the development in the general area of the property in questions?

_X_Yes___No

COMMENTS:	COMMENTS:
Comments:	Increase in resort area.

8. Will the zone change have a negative effect on property values in the neighborhood?

___Yes_X_No

COMMENTS:	COMMENTS:
Comments:

CONDITIONS:	CONDITIONS:
Conditions:	Follow State guidelines and County guidelines.

The Lake of the Woods County Planning Commission hereby recommends to the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners adopt the above findings and DENY / APPROVE the application for a zone change be WITH / WITHOUT conditions.

_____________________________________ September 9, 2015

Tom Mio Date

Chair, Planning Commission

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners hereby adopt the above findings of fact of the Lake of the Woods Planning Commission WITH / WITHOUT modification(s) and DENY / APPROVE the application for a zone change WITH / WITHOUT special conditions.

_________________________________________ __________________

Ed Arnesen Chair, County Board of Commissioners

PUBLIC WORKS

County Road 17

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board and informed the board that he contacted the MN Department of Safety with assistance on the concern of the corner on County Road 17, the corner is safe; the perception is that it is not. Tim will continue working with the MN Department of Safety on this matter. Tim also informed the board that they had a set back with Class 5 gravel, and are now continuing with the construction project.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 10.54 a.m. and reconvened at 11:00 a.m. as follows:

PUBLIC HEARING, EXCLUSIVE OFF SALE

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting at 11:00 a.m. and open the Public Hearing as advertised pursuant to MN Statue §340A.405, Intoxicating Liquor; Off-Sale Licenses, subd. (d).

Present were: Commissioners Moorman, Beckel, Hanson and Nordlof. Also present were Deputy Auditor/Treasure, Janet Rudd, and County Attorney, James Austad. Other Public in attendance was Nels Holte, Attorney Eric Nerland and Woody Fiala.

Vice-Chairman Moorman commented that the Public Notice of hearing was advertised for consideration of an Off-Sale Exclusive Liquor License to hear testimony by all parties present, that this potential exclusive off sale premises will not be within the three mile boundary of any statutory or home rule city that has established a municipal liquor store before August 1, 1991 and is not located within the one mile of any boundary of a statutory or home rule city that had established a municipal liquor store before August 1, 1991. Commissioner Beckel commented that the location of the property Lot 7 & 8, Morris Point Estates is zoned commercial and that is where the potential exclusive off sale building is proposed to be located. Vice-Chairman Moorman noted that no correspondence had been received for this public hearing.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to close the Public Hearing at 11:05 a.m. and open the regular session.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to allow a potential exclusive off sale license to Nels Holte, contingent upon applying for and Exclusive Off-Sale Liquor License, that all requirements are met for the approval of the license.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Vice-Chairman Moorman called the meeting to recess at 11:06 a.m.

Attest: Approved: October 13, 2015

______________________ ______________________________

Janet E. Rudd Ken MoormanDeputy Auditor/Treasurer Vice-Chairman of the Board

August, 2015

Commissioner Proceedings

August 11, 2015

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, August 11, 2015, in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.

Call to Order

Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners Ed Arnesen, Buck Nordlof, Ken Moorman, Patty Beckel and Tom Hanson. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Janet Rudd and Woody Fiala.

2016 Budget

County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson met with the board to review the 2016 Budget with the board.

Closed Session

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting at 8:30 a.m., pursuant to MN Stat.§13D.03(b), Union Negotiations. Members present: Commissioners Arnesen, Beckel, Moorman, Hanson and Nordlof. Also

present was Human Resource Director, Karen Ose.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to close the closed session and open the regular meeting at 9:03 a.m.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Consent agenda for travel for Angie Eason, Shelly Phillippe and Cassie Brune; MRCC Survey, Great Northern Transmission Line, and Richard Linder letter.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the consent agenda as follows: MaryJo Otten to Morris on August 17-18 for CPU/Computer meeting; Dena Pieper to St. Cloud on September 30, 2015 for Legal Staff Training; Janet Rudd to St. Cloud on September 17-18 for MDRA Conference; Shelley Pepera to St. Cloud on August 16-17for SSIS updates; Heather Blodgett to St. Cloud on August 17-18 for MN Choices Mentor Meeting; Angie Eason and Shelley Phillippe to Grand Forks on August 11-12 for Claims Training; Cassie Brune to Grand Forks on August 12-13 for Claims Training.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of July 28, 2015.

COUNTY SURVEYOR

County Surveyor, Donn Rasmussen met with the board and reviewed projects that were completed and including the re-monumentation projects; located all corners on County Road 17 and located points on County Road 1. Donn informed the board that residents of Lake of the Woods County can call him once a month when he is in Baudette, or they can call him anytime when he is in the Brainerd office.

COUNTY ASSESSOR

County Assessor, MaryJo Otten and Human Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board to inform the board that there will be an opening for the Assistant Assessor at the end of the year and would like to advertise and interview for an Appraiser/Appraiser Trainee.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to authorize County Assessor, MaryJo Otten and Human Resource Director, Karen Ose to re-write job description and advertise and interview for Appraiser/Appraiser Trainee.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the following claims against the county.

Commissioners’ Warrants $ 17,012.91

Commissioners’ Warrants $ 1,783.17

Commissioners’ Warrants $ 1,434.77

Commissioners’ Warrants $ 305.70

Paul Bunyan Transit

Social Services Director, Amy Ballard informed the board on the last transit meeting they expanded the service area to a 6 mile radius east and west of the Brink Center.

Hire Case Aid

Social Services Director, Amy Ballard and Human Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board requesting authorization to hire Sheri Stebakken,

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to hire Case Aid, Sheri Stebakken, effective August17, 2015 at grade 8, step 1, $15.45 per hour, points 207.

GREAT NORTHERN TRANSMISSION LINE

Commissioner Hanson informed the board that he attended the Great Northern Transmission line public hearing that was held on August 6 in the matter of the application of Minnesota Power for a route permit and submitted the resolution to the Judge on the preference of the orange route that the county board passed.

auditor/treasurer

Claims

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows:

Revenue $ 21,962.13

Road & Bridge $ 63,526.40

County Devel $ 1,232.00

Solid Waste $ 29,137.29

EDA $ 44.56

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants:

July 31, 2015 $586,370.51

August 4,2015 $378,648.07

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 8/11/2015 for Payment 8/14/2015

Vendor Name Amount

Bart’s Trucking Inc 10,470.00

Earthworks Contracting Inc 12,780.00

Fish/Kevin 10,950.00

Hoffman, Philipp & Knutson, PLLC 4,120.00

Howard’s Oil Company 9,207.99

LOW Highway Dept 5,812.40

Mar-Kit Landfill 13,497.75

Miovac/Tim 10,110.00

R & Q Trucking, Inc 5,612.75

Woody’s Service 3,961.09

Zuercher Technologies, LLC 2,190.00

58 Payments less than 2000 27,190.40 Final Total: 115,902.38

Extension Contract

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson presented the 2016 Extension Contract to the board for approval.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to enter into the MN Extension Contract effective January 1, 2016 thru December 31, 2018 and authorize Chairman Arnesen to sign.

Veterans Service Contract

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson presented the 2016 Veterans Service Officer contract to the board for approval.

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the following resolution:

Resolution of Lake of the Woods County

County Veterans Service Office Operational Enhancement Grant Program

Resolution No. 15-08-01

BE IT RESOLVED; by Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners enter into the attached Grant Contract with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) to conduct the following program: County Veterans Service Office Operational Enhancement Grant Program. The grant must be used to provide outreach to the county’s veterans; to assist in the reintegration of combat veterans into society; to collaborate with other social service agencies, educational institutions, and other community organizations for the purpose of enhancing services offered to veterans; to reduce homelessness amount of veterans; and to enhance the operations of the county veterans service office, as specified in Minnesota Law 2013 Chapter 142 Article 4. This Grant should not be used to supplant or replace other funding.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED; by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners that Chairman Arnesen is hereby authorized to execute the Grant Contract for the County Veterans Service Office Operational Enhancement Grant Program, on behalf of Lake of the Woods County.

Cell Phone Stipends

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson presented a request from MIS Director, Peder Hovland for cell phone stipends for smart phones for his office.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to authorize MIS/GIS Director, Peder Hovland and GIS /MIS Specialist, Daniel Fish a cell phone stipend for smart phones in the amount of $60.00 per month.

Amend Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to amend the agenda and add “permission to advertise and interview for Deputy Auditor/Treasurer- Fiscal Officer”.

Fiscal Officer

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson and Human Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board to inform them that they want to repost for Fiscal Officer for the County Auditor/Treasurer’s office.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson and Human Resource Director, Karen Ose to repost, interview and hire for Deputy Auditor/Treasurer- Fiscal Officer as previously approved on July 14, 2015.

County Land Leases/Timber Sales

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and informed them that County Assessor, MaryJo Otten reviewed the land values in Lakewood Township and that the Tillable land value now is $8.90 per acre and Non-Tillable value is at $7.70 per acre; she also mentioned that she received a request from an individual farmer requesting to lease the non-tillable land. The consensus of the board was that individuals could lease this land for farm use only.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve the current land value rates in Lakewood Township for Tillable land at $9.00 per acre and Non-Tillable land at $8.00 per acre with the contract period not more than three years.

Timber Sales

Commissioner Hanson discussed timber sales and county administrative lands (tax forfeited) and the possibility of harvesting timber. The board placed this under Old/New Business.

PUBLIC WORKS

Ditch Update

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson and Assistant Engineer, Boyd Johnson met with the board and updated them on the drainage project. They presented a map of area ditching needs. This will be an on-going project with weekly meetings with drainage as the priority; one-third of the 75 miles of ditch work is on judicial ditches. Other areas of projects consist of road and culverts. The estimated time to get this work completed will be three years.

Approval to Hire

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting permission to hire a heavy equipment operator. Tim informed the board that newly hired Mike Huerd has over seventeen years of heavy equipment experience and is also a certified diesel mechanic. With his years of experience he would like to start him at step 4.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the hiring of Mike Huerd at grade 10, step 4, $18.55 per hour, point 233, effective date of hire August 24, 2015.

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 10:55 a.m. and reconvened at 11:04 a.m. as follows:

Correspondence

The board reviewed the letter from Richard Linder in regard to the minimum maintenance road. Commissioner Beckel informed the board the she spoke to Public Works Director, Tim Erickson and he will go out and look at it and have it mowed to make it more drivable; acknowledged thank-you letter from the Ubel family.

MRCC SURVEY

Commissioner Beckel reviewed a survey from MRCC with the board for their comments.

LAKEWOOD NURSING SERVICE

Jay Ross, CHI Finance Director met with the board to review the 2016 budget. Staff gave an overview of the programs that LakeWood Nursing Service provides to the community. They discussed the budget, funding sources, operational expenses and grants that they receive; proposed that the board budget for FY 2016 $60,172. He explained that they do not know how much grant money they will receive, but anticipating approximately the same as last year. Jay informed the board that the new contract should be delivered soon. The board requested County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson to assign $65,000 for the 2016 Nursing Service budget.

SHERIFF

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board requesting authorization to enter into Minnesota Department of Public Safety Grant for Emergency Management.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to enter into the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Grant for Emergency Management effective January 1, 2015 thru December 31, 2015 in the amount of $13,044 for planning, wages and benefits for Emergency Management Director.

Law Enforcement Roof

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board and informed the board that the roof is still leaking after maintenance patched as much as they could. He informed the board that he did get a quote and the cost of replacement of the roof would be around $24,000. He noted that the roof is 30 years old. Chairman Arnesen requested that he come back to the next meeting to discuss this further.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to recess at 11:50 a.m.

Attest: Approved: August 25, 2015

_______________________ _________________________________

Lorene Hanson, Chairman of the Board, Edward Arnesen

County Auditor/Treasurer

=====================================================================================

Commissioner Proceedings

August 25, 2015

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, August 25, 2015, in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.

Call to Order

Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners Ed Arnesen, Buck Nordlof, Ken Moorman, and Tom Hanson. Absent, Patty Beckel. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Janet Rudd and Woody Fiala.

2016 Budget

County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson met with the board to review the 2016 Budget with the board.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Consent agenda for travel for James Austad, credit card, and budget discussion.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the consent agenda as follows: Dawn Christianson and Stacy Novak to Morris MN for Auditor/Treasurer Tax meeting on September 15-16; Erik Tange to Duluth for Driver License Agent Training on September 22-23; Janet Rudd and Stacy Novak to Little Falls on October 4-5 for Driver License Agent Training; Dawn Christianson to Bemidji on September 21-22 for Drivers License Agent Training; Jodi Ferrier to East Grand Forks for Foster Care Licensing Training with DHS on September 30-October 1; Boyd Johnson to Brainerd for Mn/DOT’s 2015 Right of Way Professionals Workshop on September 22-25; Tim Erickson to Bemidji for Annual County Engineers’ Seminar on September 9-10; Leah Larson to Duluth on October 15-16 for Health and Human Service Conference; Daniel Fish to Duluth for GIS Conference on October 7-9; James Austad to Brainerd for Attorney Conference September 10-11.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of August 11, 2015.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following claims against the county.

Commissioners’ Warrants $ 11,321.78

Commissioners’ Warrants $ 25,879.44

Credit Card

Social Services Director, Amy Ballard requested approval for Sheri Stebakken to be issued a County Credit Card.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve a county credit card for Sheri Stebakken.

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 9:25 a.m. and reconvened at 9:30 a.m. as follows:

auditor/treasurer

Claims

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows:

Revenue $ 14,000.53

Road & Bridge $280,779.49

County Devel $ 11,041.50

Solid Waste $ 10,377.88

EDA $ 4,209.00

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 8/25/2015 For Payment 8/28/2015

Vendor Name Amount

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc. 12,317.47

Computer Professionals Unlimited Inc 3,071.00

Crop Production Service 7,522.39

Holiday 2,001.51

Lavalla Sand & Gravel Inc 150,000.00

Liberty Tire Recycling, LLC 4,736.20

M & J Construction Of Holt, Inc. 100,011.20

Northwest Community Action, Inc 3,428.50

Pro-West & Associates, Inc 2,000.00

Rinke-Noonan 11,041.50

Ziegler, Inc 10,603.00

44 Payments less than 2000 13,675.63

Final Total: 320,408.40

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants:

August 12, 2015 $ 9,203.01

August 17, 2015 $111,669.03

August 17, 2015 (14.84)

August 17, 2015 $ 4,927.09

August 19, 2015 $ 792.30

August19, 2015 $ 97,555.71

Exclusive Off-Sale

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board informing them that an individual inquired that they would like to apply for an Exclusive Off-Sale license; informed the board the MN Statutes § 340A.405 requires that a public hearing needs to be held on the issuance of this type of license.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to set a Public Hearing for an Exclusive Off-Sale Liquor License for September 22, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. pursuant to MN Statutes §340A.405.

Flu Shots

FLU SHOTS

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board inquiring if the board would like to offer flu shots again this year.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to offer flu shots to all county employees for the fall of 2015. The county will only pay for vaccinations that are administered at the Government Center. The county will not pay for offsite vaccinations at any other locations or time.

MIS/GIS

MIS/GIS Director, Peder Hovland met with the board requesting approval to purchase a computer for the Social Service Department.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the purchase for a computer in the amount of $1,051.

SHERIFF

County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board requesting approval for roof replacement on the Law Enforcement Center in the amount of $24,872.40.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize County Sheriff to replace the Law Enforcement Center roof in the amount of $24,872.40 from the building fund reserve.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Commissioner Moorman updated the board on the Joint Powers Natural Resource Board Joint Powers Agreement.

Old/New Business

Lessard –Sams Outdoor Heritage Council/Outdoor Heritage Fund

Land Trade-

Aquatic Invasive Species-New Catch and Release Signs

Township Road Inventory

Beaver

Clementson Bridge Property/Water Accesses-Waiting on Lessard Grant Money Meeting

L/W Area Park & Trails-Remove

L/W Broadband/Communications- Remove

NWA Airport- Meet with MNDOT

HWY 172 N Corridor

Department Head Evaluations

Exit Interviews

Timber Sales

Recess

The meeting was called to recess at 10:25 a.m. and reconvened at 10:34 a.m. as follows

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Land and Water Planning Director Josh Stromlund met with the board and presented an application for a Zone Change from Natural Environment to Commercial -Recreation for Dale and Connie Peterson to allow the applicant to conduct a commercial business consisting of a Resort- Recreational Area. Correspondences were acknowledged. Josh informed the board that the Planning Commissions did approve the application with conditions. Josh reviewed the Finding and Facts with the board:

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, Seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to approve the Zone Change from Natural Environment to Commercial-Recreation for Dale and Connie Peterson to allow the applicants to conduct a commercial business consisting of a Resort-Recreational Area with the following conditions: Follow state guidelines(department of health, wetlands, etc.)

INFO:	INFO:	INFO	INFO
Name of Applicant:	Dale and Connie Peterson – ApplicantRichard Babler – Owner	Date:	August 12, 2015

Location/Legal Description:	A 7.45 acre tract in Govt. Lot 2 and the SW¼SE¼ of Section 5, Township 163N, Range 34W (Lakewood Township)

Current Zoning Classification:	Natural Environment	Proposed:	Commercial-Recreation

Parcel Number(s):	14.05.31.010	Application Number:	15-06ZC

The Planning Commission shall consider all facts from all sources prior to submitting a recommendation to the County Board relating to a proposed zone change. Its judgment shall be based upon, but not limited to the following factors as applicable.

Is the zone change consistent with the Lake of the Woods County Comprehensive Land Use Plan?

X Yes ___No

COMMENTS:	COMMENTS:
Comments:	Resort and recreational area with commercial property

Are the existing surrounding land uses consistent with the proposed zoning classification?

X Yes ___No

COMMENTS:	COMMENTS:
Comments:	See #1

Will the zone change alter the characteristics of the neighborhood?

___Yes X No

COMMENTS:	COMMENTS:
Comments:	Continued resort/recreational

Is there a potential for public health, safety or traffic generation impacts based on the proposed zone change and how will they be addressed?

___Yes X No

COMMENTS:	COMMENTS:
Comments:	About the same as current use

What additional public services would be necessitated and would existing utilities be sufficient to accommodate the proposal?

X Yes ___No

COMMENTS:	COMMENTS:
Comments:	Electric/sewer and water, must follow guidelines

Will the zone change impede the normal or orderly development and improvement of surrounding property for uses permitted in the zoning district?

___Yes X No

COMMENTS:	COMMENTS:
Comments:	It will not impede

Has there been a change in the development in the general area of the property in questions?

X Yes ___No

COMMENTS:	COMMENTS:
Comments:	Expansion of resorting functions

8. Will the zone change have a negative effect on property values in the neighborhood?

___Yes X No

COMMENTS:	COMMENTS:
Comments:

CONDITIONS	CONDITIONS:
Conditions:	Follow state guidelines (Department of Health, wetland, etc)

The Lake of the Woods County Planning Commission hereby recommends to the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners adopt the above findings and DENY / APPROVE the application for a zone change be WITH / WITHOUT conditions.

_____________________________________ August 12, 2015

Tom Mio Date

Chair, Planning Commission

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners hereby adopt the above findings of fact of the Lake of the Woods Planning Commission WITH / WITHOUT modification(s) and DENY / APPROVE the application for a zone change WITH / WITHOUT special conditions.

_____________________________________ ____________________

Ed Arnesen Date

Chair, County Board of Commissioners

PUBLIC WORKS

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting approval to final payment for SAP 39-601-030.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize final payment for Lake of the Woods County (Force Account) in a total of $55,853.00 and herby authorize final payment

Building Committee

Tim updated the board on the Social Services Department office space and reviewed a plan for remodeling for more office space with the board; requested permission to start the remodeling hopefully on Labor Day weekend.

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to amend the agenda and add authorization to remodel office space for Social Services Department.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to proceed with the floor plan that was presented to the board for remoldeling of the Social Services Department in the amount of $10,000 from the building reserve fund.

Lake of the Woods Fairgrounds-2016 Budget

Fairground Board members Nicole Hancock, Alana Canfield, Dave Antonson, Otto Lee, Ruth Lee, Joyce Foss and Brenda Rone met with the board requesting additional funds for 2016 budget. They informed the board that they have water issues, gravel work, grand stand to be fixed, canopy work and electrical work.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to levy $25,000 for the 2016 Fairgrounds budget.

Budget

Chairman Arnesen discussed setting up one more budget date, the board set September 8, 2015 at 7:30 a.m.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to recess at 11:45 a.m.

Attest: Approved: September 8, 2015

_______________________ _________________________________

Lorene Hanson, Chairman of the Board, Edward ArnesenCounty Auditor/Treasurer

July, 2015

Commissioner Proceedings

July 14, 2015

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 14, 2015, in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.

Call to Order

Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners Ed Arnesen, Buck Nordlof, Ken Moorman, Patty Beckel and Tom Hanson. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor /Treasurer Janet Rudd and Woody Fiala.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Lost warrant, Paul Bunyan Transit Update, and Hoffman, Philipp & Knutson PLLC letter.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the consent agenda as follows: Christine Hultman to Breezy Point on June 24-26 for AMSSA Conference.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of June 23, 2015.

auditor/treasurer

Claims

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows:

Revenue $ 42,334.31

Road & Bridge $108,554.86

County Devel $ 2,050.60

Natl Resc.Enhanc $ 224.90
Solid Waste $ 27,816.89

EDA $ 3,54.56

Sale/Forf Lands $ 91.98

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants:

June 23, 2015 $ 21,165.40

July 1, 2015 $408,810.02

July 8, 2015 $ 77,626.62

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/14/2015 for Payment 7/17/2015

Vendor Name Amount

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc. 11,709.12

Computer Professionals Unlimited Inc 9,519.00

Contech Engineered Solutions LLC 40,271.30

Crop Production Services 18,652.21

Fort Distributors Ltd 23,026.50

Howard’s Oil Company 2,581.91

LOW Highway Dept 5,021.25

Mar-Kit Landfill 14,421.15

Mn Counties Information System 2,561.25

Northwest Community Action, Inc 3,460.00

R & Q Trucking, Inc 3,710.20

Rinke-Noonan 2,264.90

University Of Mn 9,395.85

Voyageurs Comtronics, Inc 2,640.00

Woody’s Service 6,243.96

69 Payments less than 2000 29,099.50 Final Total: $ 184,578.10

Deputy Auditor/Driver’s License Clerk-Election

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson and Human Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board requesting authorization to hire and to approve grade and step for the Deputy Auditor/Driver’s License Clerk-Election.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the hiring for the Deputy Auditor/Driver’s License Clerk-Election at grade 10 step 1, $17.34 per hour, points 247.

Fiscal Officer

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting authorization to hire and to approve to approve grade and step for the Fiscal Officer. They explained that they would like to have a range, possibility of candidates experience up to step 3.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the hiring for Fiscal Officer at grade 12, up to step 3- points 276.

Lost Warrant

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requoting approval for a lost warrant for Ginger Cargile, dated December 19, 2014 for $14.84.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the lost warrant for Ginger Cargile, dated December 19, 2014 for $14.80, without furnishing of an indemnifying bond.

2014 Audit -Letter Hoffman, Philipp & Knutson PLLC

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board and informed the board that they received the engagement letter from Hoffman, Philipp, & Knutson, PLLC informing them that they will be auditing the financial statements of the governmental activities, major funds and the aggregate remaining fund information for the county.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Human Resource Director, Karen Ose met with the board requesting authorization to have a DocuShred Container and a mountable mail box for her department.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to authorize Human Resource Director to order a DocuShred container and a mountable mail box for the Human Resources department.

Social Services

Claims

Social Services Director, Amy Ballard and Fiscal Officer, Christine Hultman met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the following claims against the county.

Commissioners’ Warrants $ 26,268.01

Commissioners’ Warrants $ 5,672.04

Commissioners’ Warrants $ 32,285.86

Update on Hiring

Social Services Director, Amy Ballard met with the board on the hiring process for the Case Aide position and that just closed; informed the board that in the 2015 Legislative session they mandated and allocated $60,000 per year to hire Child Protection Officer.

PAUL BUNYAN TRANSIT

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard informed the board that she attended the Paul Bunyan Transit meeting which was held on June 24 and stated that the counties are disappointed with the services that they are receiving and that they will be getting together to discuss these issues; service area radius is four (4) miles around Brink Center as defined by Paul Bunyan Transit.

NORTHERN DENTALACCESS CENTER

Northern Dental Access Center Warren Larson, founding member met with the board to seek support for the Northern Dental Access Center for creating a dental home for under service resident of Northern Minnesota. He informed the board that they want to request State Bonding funding to support the construction of a new and larger dental clinic and is requesting a resolution of support.

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously:

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners Resolution of Support

Northern Dental Access Center

RESOLUTION NO. 15-07-01

Resolution to support the expansion of Northern Dental Access Center to serve people in need, who live in and around Lake of the Woods County, with dental care

WHEREAS; lack of access to dental care is a common challenge among people experiencing poverty and other life challenges; and

WHEREAS; the lack of adequate dental care negatively affects the health of individuals and the overall health of the County; and

WHEREAS; lack of access to dental care contributes to challenges in worker productivity, childhood learning, and social success among vulnerable and at risk people; and

WHEREAS; even though many dentists within the region work to meet the need for dental care by all residents, the growing demand among low income and at-risk people, along with reduced Medicaid payments, there remains a significant gap in dental care access in the region; and

WHEREAS; Northern Dental Access Center has successfully served more than 13,000 people in its first six years of operation, with dental care and the patient support services necessary to address barriers to care; and

WHEREAS; growing demographic projections indicate that the number of low income people who live in and around Lake of the Woods County will number more than 70,000 in the year 2020; and

WHEREAS; the current Northern Dental Access Center facility is housed in a leased facility that has been expanded multiple times with no more capacity to grow in order to adequately meet the growing demand for care. Parking challenges, ADA compliance issues, high energy costs, lack of adequate administrative and storage space, and lack of patient privacy—all contribute to the growing need for a new facility; and

WHEREAS; a new clinic with updated features and room for expansion will provide for greater number of patients served, higher efficiency in the use of public funds, allow for multiple community partnerships to better serve low income families with dental care and access to other resources to improve their overall health.

NOW, BE IT RESOLVED; that the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners supports development of a new facility to house Northern Dental Access Center and its community partners to assure the organization’s long term sustainability and for the purposes of serving greater numbers of low income people in the region with dental care and support services to address barriers to care.

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED; that the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners encourages adjacent units of government to resolve similar support of Northern Dental Access Center’s.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 9:50 a.m. and reconvened at 9:59 a.m. as follows:

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Commissioner Nordlof- informed the board on the North Land Use meeting

Commissioner Moorman- informed the board on the Montana Institutes training for Prevention Coalition.

OLD/NEW

Beaver- More trappers on the list

Clementson Property- now transferred to county, near future get parks committee together

NWA- Tribal meeting on July 29

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 10:30 a.m. and reconvened at 11:00 a.m. as follows:

MEDICAL EXAMNIER

Dr. Maryann Sens, Medical Examiner met with the board to give an update on new Legislative changes on Autopsy requirements, which give families religious objectives to autopsy the right to say no, except for traffic fatalities and drug overdoses.

PUBLIC WORKS

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board and informed the board that MPC approved the Solid Waste Plan and now he can move on with the SCORE report and other requirements.

City of Williams –School

The board discussed the Old Williams School and the water flow. Tim informed the board that he has not had time to look at this so far.

Markit Landfill

Manager Dale Nelson, from Markit Landfill met with the board to review the new contract for Solid Waste disposal and informed the board that the contract from 1995 will be expiring and the cost per ton has only increased from $45 a ton, to $50 per ton. The contract was placed on July 28, 2015 board agenda for approval.

County Road 17

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board and informed them that the County Road 17 construction project is moving along.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to recess at 11:45 a.m.

Attest: Approved: July 28, 2015

_______________________ _________________________________

Lorene Hanson, Chairman of the Board, Edward Arnesen

County Auditor/Treasurer

======================================================================================

Commissioner Proceedings

July 28, 2015

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 28, 2015, in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.

Call to Order

Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to order at 9:04 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners Ed Arnesen, Buck Nordlof, Ken Moorman, Patty Beckel and Tom Hanson. Also present were: County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor /Treasurer Janet Rudd and Woody Fiala.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Great Northern Transmission Line, City of Baudette Resolution for housing.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the consent agenda as follows: Leah Larson to Walker on September 9-10 for Adult Protection Services Investigation.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of July 14, 2015.

auditor/treasurer

Claims

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the county as follows:

Revenue $ 46,815.69

Road & Bridge $116,569.25

Social Services $ (60.00)

County Devel $ 2,304.00

Natl Resc.Enhanc $ 16.00
Solid Waste $ 675.54

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants:

July 14, 2015 $362,248.85

July 17, 2015 $ 35,462.60

July 21, 2015 $ 12,135.76

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 7/28/2015 for Payment 7/31/2015

Vendor Name Amount

Arrowhead Library System 33,118.02

Beckel/Todd 4,624.00

DLT Solutions, Inc 2,092.74

Esri 3,900.00

Tri-City Paving Inc 104,753.59

Widseth Smith Nolting&Asst Inc 2,880.00

44 Payments less than 2000 14,952.13 Final Total: 166,320.48

Motor Vehicle Checking Account

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting authorization for adding signatures for the Motor Vehicle Checking account.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson and Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Erik Tange to sign the Motor Vehicle checking account effective August 3, 2015.

Health Insurance Quotes

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson informed the board that she will be requesting quotes for the 2016 Health Insurance rates.

County Land Leases/Timber Sales

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board to discuss county land leases and informed the board that the county has a request to rent some land from the county for farm use. The board requested that the Land Leases be placed on the next agenda with the current value of land, and to discuss county timber sales.

Social Services

Claims

Social Services Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting approval of claims.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following claims against the county.

Commissioners’ Warrants $ 20,721.27

Commissioners’ Warrants $ 22,315.21

Paul Bunyan Transit

Social Services Director, Amy Ballard updated the board on the last transit meeting and informed them that it went well and the passes are working fine. They will be meeting this week to discuss expanded service area.

Approval to Advertise and Interview/Hire

Social Services Director, Amy Ballard met with the board requesting authorization to advertise and interview for two Social Workers and to promote Jodi Ferrier as the Social Worker Supervisor.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Hanson and carried unanimously to authorize Social Service Director, Amy Ballard and Human Resource Director, Karen Ose to advertise and Interview for two (2) Social Workers.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to hire Jodi Ferrier as the Social Worker Supervisor effective August 3, 2015, at grade 18, step 1, $27.49, points 406.

Case Aid Position

Social Service Director, Amy Ballard informed the board that they will be interviewing for Case Aid Position on July 30, 2015 and asked for approval to hire. The board requested that she place this on the next agenda for approval.

BRINK CENTER

Arvid Jaranson, Ex-Officio board member met with the board requesting funding from the Senior Nutrient Fund for the Lighting and Ceiling Project at the brink center.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to release $1,967.72 to the Brink Center from the Senior Nutrient Fund. (Note, this was the remaining balance of the Senior Nutrient reserve account).

GREAT NORTHERN TRANSMISSION LINE

Chairman Arnesen informed the board that the Great Northern Transmission Line will be holding a Public Hearing on August 6, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in the matter of the application of Minnesota Power for a Route Permit for the Great Northern Transmission Line Project.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof to appoint Commissioner Hanson as the Lake of the Woods County Board representative for the Great Northern Transmission Line.

PUBLIC WORKS

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board and requested authorization to enter into a Solid Waste Agreement with Markit Landfill. Tim informed the board that next week Knife River will be in to tar some roads; Heavy Equipment Operator interviews will be next week; Building Committee to meet on August 4 to look at remodeling the offices for Social Service and Auditor/Treasurers offices; and to discuss the Buildings budget for 2016.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to enter into the Solid Waste agreement as presented with Markit Landfill effective January 1, 2016 and expiring December 31, 2025, and authorizes Chairman Arnesen, County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson to sign.

Paint Care Contract

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board and informed them that the Paint Care Contract is due and the Household Hazardous Waste Joint Powers decides if they want to enter into this contract.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board requesting continuance funding for the Wetland Mitigation. The board requested that when funding is spent on this project that Josh give them updates on the Mitigation process.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the continuance funding for the Wetland Mitigation process and authorize County Auditor/Treasurer to release those funds as needed.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 10:35 a.m. and reconvened at 10:45 a.m. as follows:

WATER ISSUES

Chairman Arnesen welcomed the area farmers and residents to the meeting. Other staff present: Public Works Director Tim Erickson, Assistant County Engineer, Boyd Johnson, Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund, County Attorney, James Austad and County Sheriff, Gary Fish.

Chairman Arnesen informed the group that all comments are to be directed to him. Chairman of the Board informed the group that since the last meeting they have addressed the issue of Judicial Ditch 28 and met with Contracted Ditch Attorney, Kurt Deter, explained that the ditch has been inactive for years and Judicial Ditches are restricted of non-use of public funds for any maintenance or repairs. Chairman Arnesen informed the group that the County Board is the Ditch Authority and they give direction to other departments of what they need. Requested that County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson and Public Works Director Tim Erickson explained where their office is in the process of Judicial Ditch 28.

County Auditor/Treasurer- Lorene informed the group that her office is working on assessments and setting up the original ditch beneficiaries and updating the parcels in the benefited area. Once that is completed they will be able to apply the agreed upon assessment to the beneficiaries. Public Works Director, Tim Erickson informed them that his department is gather information on outlets, other lateral and natural drainage course. Chairman Arnesen opened the floor for comments and concerns of water issues. Issues that were addressed were: Judicial Ditch 28, outlets blocked; ditches that need to be cleaned out; cost share program for ditch cleaning; permitting, and concerns of County Road 214. The board discussed long term goals- Judicial Ditch 28 assessment completed; Short term goals- access individual ditches and plan out scheduled weekly ditch cleaning.

RECESS

The meeting was called to recess at 12:10 p.m. and reconvened at 1:00 p.m. as follows:

PUBLIC HEARING-Schrandt Cartway

Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman, seconded by Commissioner Beckel and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing at 1:04 p.m. Pursuant to MN Statute 164.08 to establish a cartway. County Attorney, James Austad asked Attorney Nora Crumpton for affidavit of mailing for the affected land owners, Attorney Nora Crumpton presented the affidavit of service and return of service from Polk County Sheriff’s office served to Gary Pulkrabeck. County Attorney James Austad asked if the notice was posted. Attorney Nora Crumpton said that it was done by her office but not sure where it was posted and felt that notification was enough. Gary Pulkrabeck and David and Mary Schrandt were in attendance at the hearing.

County Attorney, James Austad stated that the Petition seeks to establish a cartway pursuant to Minnesota Statute 164.08. The description of the proposed cartway is:

The West two (2) rods of the Northeast Quarter (NE¼) of Section Two (2), Township One Hundred Sixty (160) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West; and the West two (2) rods of the Northwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter (NW¼ SE¼) of said Section Two (2), Township One Hundred Sixty (160) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West.

The description of the individual tracts of land over which the proposed cartway would pass are:

The Northeast Quarter (NE¼) of Section Two (2), Township One Hundred Sixty (160) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West; and the Northwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter (NW¼ SE¼) of said Section Two (2), Township One Hundred Sixty (160) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West.

Attorney Nora Crumpton acknowledges that the property is at least 5 acres and is land locked. Nora explained that back in October 22, 2013 the petitioners did not want the cartway that was chosen, they wanted the one they chose and only want access by four wheeler ; would only bring in heavy equipment in the winter time, and want a Private cartway and not a public.

The board reviewed the cartway request and viewed Ariel photos. The board reviewed alternate routes. The board did not feel comfortable making a decision at this meeting for they are looking at alternate routes and the route they are looking at would include land owned by Paul Pederson, and since he was not served and not present they want to continue the Public Hearing on September 8, at 1:00 p.m.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the public hearing at 2:10 p.m. and to set the continuance of Public hearing for September 8, 2015 at 1:00 p.m.

CITY OF BAUDETTE-Housing

Chairman Arnesen presented a resolution of support for the City of Baudette for transfer of ownership of the Coast Guard housing units to the City of Baudette.

Resolution

RESOLUTION NO. 2015-07-02

WHEREAS; it has been determined that there is a housing shortage in the Baudette Community; and

WHEREAS; the Lake of the Woods Economic Development Authority has completed a housing study to identify the needs of the community with regard to housing needs; and

WHEREAS; the housing study identified a significant need for workforce and student housing; and

WHEREAS; it is the goal of the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners to address the housing shortage; and

WHEREAS; there are four vacant housing units located on Hamilton Avenue; and

WHEREAS; the housing units are located in an affordable housing development; and

WHEREAS; the Coast Guard no longer has a use for the housing units; and

WHEREAS; the units are sitting vacant and slowly deteriorating;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED; Lake of the Woods County and surrounding community could utilize the units to address the housing shortage;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED; that the Lake of the Woods Board of Commissioners supports the transfer of ownership of the Coast Guard housing units to the City of Baudette.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Arnesen called the meeting to recess at 2:20 p.m.

Attest: Approved: August 11, 2015

_______________________ _________________________________

Lorene Hanson, Chairman of the Board, Edward ArnesenCounty Auditor/Treasurer

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