January 4, 2022

The Lake of The Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

CALL TO ORDER

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

Election of Chair and Vice Chair 

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson called for nominations for Chair for Lake of the Woods County Board for the year 2022. Commissioner Joe Grund nominated Commissioner Buck Nordlof for Chair with Commissioner Jon Waibel seconding the nomination. County Auditor/Treasurer called for nominations two more times.

Chair
Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to close the nominations for Chair.

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson called for a roll call for Commissioner Buck Nordlof for Chair.  Roll call carried as follows: All in favor: Commissioners: Jon Waibel, Cody Hasbargen, Ed Arnesen, Joe Grund and Buck Nordlof.  Against:  None.  Commissioner Buck Nordlof assumed the position of Chair of the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners for 2022.

Vice – Chair

Chair Buck Nordlof called for nominations for the position of Vice-Chair for the year 2022.  Commissioner Cody Hasbargen nominated Commissioner Ed Arnesen for Vice-Chair for Lake of the Woods County Board with Commissioner Jon Waibel seconding the nomination. Chair Buck Nordlof called for nominations two more times.  

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to close the nominations for Vice-Chair.  

Chair Buck Nordlof called for a roll call for Commissioner Buck Nordlof for Vice-Chair.  Roll call carried as follows: All in favor: Commissioners, Jon Waibel, Cody Hasbargen, Ed Arnesen, Joe Grund and Buck Nordlof.  Against:  None.  Commissioner Ed Arnesen assumed the position of Vice-Chair of the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners for 2022.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Audit Engagement Letter.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of December 30, 2021.

OFFICIAL COUNTY NEWSPAPER BID-OPENING

	Chair Buck Nordlof called for the bid opening at 9:15 a.m. for the Official Legal Newspaper for the year 2022.The following Resolution was offered by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and unanimously moved for adoption: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING OFFICIAL LEGAL NEWSPAPER for YEAR 2022 Resolution No. 2022-01-01WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners per Minnesota Statutes 279.08 called for legal bids for the official newspaper for the year 2022 WHEREAS, upon opening all bids, Lake of the Woods County designates the Northern Light Region as the official legal newspaper for the year 2022; WHEREAS, the Northern Light Region, as the official legal newspaper for the year 2022, is awarded the first publication of the annual financial statement at $7.00 per standard advertising unit, (no other bids received, therefore no second publication required);WHEREAS, the Northern Light Region, as the official legal newspaper for the year 2022, is awarded the first publication of the notice and list of the real estate remaining delinquent taxes on the first Monday of January, at $7.00 per standard advertising unit and; WHEREAS, the Northern Light Region, as the official legal newspaper for the year 2022, is awarded the second publication of the notice and list of the real estate remaining delinquent taxes, at $7.00 per standard advertising unit, and; BE IT RESOLVED, Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners further designates the Northern Light Region for all other legal publishing, not specified above, for the year 2022.
	Lake of the Woods County Bid Tabulation Legal Publishing  Year 2022 January 4, 2022 Per Standard Advertising Unit Financial StatementDelinquent Tax ListAll Other Publications 1st Publ.2nd Publ1st Publ2nd Publ   Northern Light Region PO Box 1134 7.00 7.007.007.007.007.00 Baudette, MN  56623 218-634-2700 Award To: Official Legal Newspaper Northern Light Region 1st Publ/Financial Stmnt 7.00  2nd Publ/Financial Stmnt If applicable         7.00 N/A  1st Delinq Tax List         7.00   2nd Delinq Tax List         7.00   All Other         7.00

County Auditor/treasurer

Bank Signature Cards

Wells Fargo Signature Cards

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Connie Nesmith and Chair Buck Nordlof to sign the Wells Fargo signature cards for account numbers 3908, 6724, 5716, 6372 and 3100.

RiverWood Bank Signature Cards

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson and Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Connie Nesmith to sign the RiverWood Bank signature card for account number 8645 and investments.

Border Bank Signature Cards

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson and Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Connie Nesmith to sign the Border Bank signature card for account number 2404.

Wells Fargo Motor Vehicle Checking Account

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Erik Tange, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Anna Sanchez, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Connie Nesmith and Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Chelsea Anderson for account number 5502.

Official Depositories

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to designate the following institutions as Official Depositories of county funds for the year 2022:

1. Wells Fargo, Baudette Branch
2. RiverWood Bank, Baudette Branch
3. Border Bank, Baudette Branch
4. Multi Bank Securities

It was further moved to designate Wells Fargo Minneapolis, as the official safekeeping Institution for Lake of the Woods County.  

Elected Officials – Minimum Salaries

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson presented the 2022 Minimum Salaries for Elected Officials to the board for approval.

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

Resolution For

Establishing Minimum Salaries for Elective Offices

Resolution No. 2022-01-02

WHEREAS, M.S. 388.18, Subd. 2, (County Attorney), M.S. 386.015, Subd. 2b, (County Recorder), and M.S. 387.20, Subd. 2b, (County Sheriff), 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 2022:

County Attorney: $90,854.40 

County Recorder: $62,004.80

County Sheriff: $77,043.20

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

APPROVAL OF 2022 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the following Committee Appointments for 2022:

2022 ASSOCIATION OF MINNESOTA COUNTIES (AMC)

Ag Task Force: Commissioner Jon Waibel; Alternates: Commissioners;

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

General Government: Commissioner Buck Nordlof; Alternates: Lorene Hanson and Commissioners;

Health and Human Service: Commissioner Joe Grund and Amy Ballard; Alternates: Commissioners;

PILT Advisory: Commissioners and Josh Stromlund;

Public Safety: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen;

Transportation and Area Transportation Alliance: Commissioner Jon Waibel and Anthony Pirkl; Alternates: Commissioners;

2022 COUNTY RELATED COMMITTEES

Airport Commission:  Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and Commissioner Jon Waibel;

Beaver Committee: Commissioner Joe Grund, Commissioner Buck Nordlof, Lee Hancock, Anthony Pirkl and Steve Levassuer;

Border Coalition/Passports: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Commissioner Jon Waibel, Sue Ney and Jill Olson;

Building and Safety Committee: Commissioner Jon Waibel, Commissioner Buck Nordlof, Anthony Pirkl, Peder Hovland, Lorene Hanson, Amy Ballard, one from Law Enforcement, and Safety Director;

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

County Extension Committee: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, Lorene Hanson.  Additional Members: Tabitha Ubel, Kenneth Horntvedt, Nicole Olson, Colleen Stanton and Sandy Peterson. Extension Members: Brenda Nelson, Lisa Loegering and Karen Santl. 

County TV:  Commissioner Joe Grund, Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Lee Hervey, Lorene Hanson, Peder Hovland and Jill Olson;

Data Privacy Administrator: Savanna Slick;

Department Head Liaison: Chair/Commissioner Buck Nordlof; Alternates: Commissioners;

Department Liaisons:  

Assessor – Commissioner Jon Waibel;

Land and Water Planning Office – Commissioner Cody Hasbargen;

Attorney – Commissioner Cody Hasbargen; 

MIS – Commissioner Joe Grund; 

Sheriff – Commissioner Jon Waibel; 

Social Services – Commissioner Joe Grund; 

Recorder – Commissioner Ed Arnesen; 

Highway – Commissioner Ed Arnesen; 

Auditor/Treasurer – Commissioner Buck Nordlof; 

H/R – Commissioner Buck Nordlof; 

County Surveyor- Commissioner Jon Waibel;

Veterans Service Officer – Commissioner Buck Nordlof; 

Tourism Bureau- Commissioner Ed Arnesen; 

Wheelers Point Sewer- Commissioner Jon Waibel;

Department of Natural Resources: Commissioner Ed Arnesen and Commissioner Jon Waibel;

Drainage Committee: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Commissioner Joe Grund, Byron Tviet, Anthony Pirkl, Josh Stromlund, Dennis Johnson, Marshall Nelson and SWCD Representative;

Enhanced 911 Committee: Commissioner Buck Nordlof and Commissioner Jon Waibel, Eric Solo, Gary Fish, Jill Olson and other local appointees;

GIZIIBII: SWCD Representative Corryn Trask;

Grievance Committee: Chair/Commissioner Buck Nordlof, James Austad, Savanna Slick, Daryl Fish, Josh Stromlund and Angie Eason; Alternate: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen;

Information Systems/Technology Committee: Commissioner Joe Grund, Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, Peder Hovland, Josh Stromlund, Boyd Johnson, Lorene Hanson and James Austad; 

Insurance Committee: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Commissioner Jon Waibel, Amy Ballard, Lorene Hanson, Sue Ney, Daryl Fish and Savanna Slick;

Jail Committee: Commissioners, Gary Fish, Anthony Pirkl, James Austad, Tami Mauer, Peder Hovland and Lorene Hanson;

Joint Drainage Authority: 

JD22: Commissioner Joe Grund-District 3, Commissioner Ed Arnesen-District 5, Commissioner Jon Waibel-District 4; 

JD 62: Commissioner Joe Grund- District 3, Commissioner Ed Arnesen-District 5, Commissioner Cody Hasbargen-District 2; 

Labor/Management Committees: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, Savanna Slick; Alternate: Commissioner Buck Nordlof;

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

Law Library:  Commissioner Ed Arnesen, James Austad to appoint and Chief Judge to appoint;

Motor Pool Committee: Commissioner Jon Waibel, Lorene Hanson, Jodi Ferrier, Mary Jo Otten, Josh Stromlund, Peder Hovland; Alternate:  Commissioner Cody Hasbargen;

Ordinance Committee: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Commissioner Jon Waibel, James Austad, Gary Fish, Josh Stromlund; 

Park Commission: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Anthony Pirkl and Joe Laurin; Alternate: Commissioner Jon Waibel;

Personnel Committee (combined Compensation Plan and Personnel): Commissioner Buck Nordlof, Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Savanna Slick, Sue Ney, Anthony Pirkl, Christine Hultman, Lorene Hanson and Daryl Fish;   

Public Information Officer: Lorene Hanson; Alternate: Savanna Slick and James Austad;

SHIP Committee: Commissioner Buck Nordlof, Alternate: Commissioner Jon Waibel;

Snowmobile Trails Committee: Commissioner Joe Grund and Commissioner Buck Nordlof;

Solid Waste Committee/Household Waste: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen (as the (NWMNHHW representative for the Joint Powers Agreement), Commissioner Joe Grund, Anthony Pirkl, Tina Rennemo, Lorene Hanson and Mary Jo Otten; 

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

Township Road and Trails: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Commissioner Buck Nordlof, Anthony Pirkl, Josh Stromlund, Peder Hovland, Boyd Johnson and Mary Jo Otten;  

Northwest Angle Development: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Commissioner Cody Hasbargen; Alternates: Commissioners;

Vets Service: Commissioner Buck Nordlof, Commissioner Joe Grund, Legion Commander or Delegate, VFW Commander or Delegate and Rick Rone;

Wellness Committee: Commissioner Buck Nordlof, Angie Eason, Julie Berggren, Savanna Slick, Mary Jo Otten, Cassondra Brune;

2022 BOARDS/COLLABORATIVE/COALITION

Arrowhead Library System:  Ronald Rudd (01-01-19 to 12-31-22) appointed 01-08-19; Alternate: Commissioner Buck Nordlof (01-01-19-12-31-22);

Board of Adjustment-/Planning Commission: District 1- David Marhula, District 2-Monica Dohman, District 3- Marshall Nelson, District 4- Tom Mio, District 5-Nancy Dunnell; at large; Ken Horntvedt and Weston Johnson; non-voting Commissioners;

Border Substance Abuse Court and Steering Committee: Commissioner Jon Waibel and Amy Ballard;

Humane Society: Commissioner Joe Grund and Gary Fish;

Headwaters Regional Development Commission: Commissioner Ed Arnesen and Commissioner Buck Nordlof; Alternate: Commissioner Joe Grund;

Joint Powers Natural Resources Board: Commissioner Joe Grund and Commissioner Cody Hasbargen;

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

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

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

Lutheran Social Service Board: Commissioner Buck Nordlof and Amy Ballard; Alternate: Commissioner Jon Waibel;

Mid-State Co-op: Delegate #1 – Peder Hovland, Delegate #2 – Mary Jo Otten;

Minnesota Counties Computer Co-op: Delegate #1 – Peder Hovland, Delegate #2 – Lorene Hanson; Alternate: James Austad; 

Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust: Commissioner Jon Waibel; Alternates: Commissioner Buck Nordlof and Lorene Hanson;

Minnesota Rural Counties Caucus: Commissioner Ed Arnesen; Alternates: Commissioners;

North Country Community Health Board:  Commissioner Joe Grund (term expires 12/31/22) and Tom Mio (term expires 12/31/23) these are three-year terms;

North Country Community Health Services Advisory Committee: re-appoint Commissioner Joe Grund (term expires 12/31/22) and Tom Mio (term expires 12/31/23) these are two-year terms;

Northern Coalition Regional Charging Network: Cody Hasbargen

Northern Counties Land Use Coordinating Board: Commissioner Ed Arnesen and Josh Stromlund; Alternates: Commissioner Buck Nordlof and Commissioner Cody Hasbargen;

Northwest Board of Aging/Area Agency: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and Amy Ballard; Alternates: Commissioner Jon Waibel;

Northwest Community Action:  Commissioner Ed Arnesen; Alternates: Commissioners;

Northwest Minnesota Juvenile Center Board: Amy Ballard (term expires 12/31/2022, appointed in 2019).  This is a four-year term;

One Watershed/One Plan: Commissioner Ed Arnesen; Alternate: Commissioner Buck Nordlof;

Rainy Rapid River Board: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and Josh Stromlund; Alternate: Commissioner Joe Grund;

Recreation Committee: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Commissioner Jon Waibel and Anthony Pirkl;

Red River Valley Development Association:  Commissioner Ed Arnesen and Ken Horntvedt;

Regional Advisory: Jill Olson;

RRWS One Plan Committee: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Nancy Dunnell; John Sonstegard;

NW Emergency Communications Board: Commissioner Ed Arnesen; Alternates: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and Jill Olson;

SWCD District Committee: Commissioner Joe Grund and Josh Stromlund; Alternate Commissioner Jon Waibel;

County/City/Tourism Joint Powers Board: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and Gregg Hennum; Alternate: Commissioner Jon Waibel.

Housing & Redevelopment Authority of Baudette: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen; Alternate Commissioner Buck Nordlof.

Joint Jail Koochiching County Committee: Commissioner Jon Waibel, Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, Sheriff Gary Fish, Tami Mauer, James Austad; Alternate: Craig Severs. 

DITCH AUTHORITY

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting and open ditch authority.

Ditch Assessments

The following Ditch Assessments were recommended by the Ditch Authority and presented to the County Board for 2022:

• CD 1: $22,800.00
• CD 2: $882.40
  • JD 16: $8,500.00
  • JD 24: $16,000.00
  • JD 26: $24,000.00
  • JD 28:  $50,000.00
• JD 22:  $4,800.00 (Joint Ditch with Roseau County)
• JD 62: $16,900.00 (Joint Ditch with Roseau County)

Motion 

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to close the Ditch Authority meeting and reconvene the regular meeting.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the recommendations of the Ditch Authority to set the 2022 Ditch Assessments as follows: County Ditch 1-$22,800; County Ditch 2-$882.40, Judicial Ditch 16 Outlet Fee- $8,500; Judicial Ditch 24- $16,000; Judicial Ditch 26- $24,000; Judicial Ditch 28-$50,000; Judicial Ditch 22-Joint Ditch with Roseau-$4,800; Joint Ditch 62 with Roseau-$16,900.

Remove from Agenda

In the absence of the County Engineer the board decided to delay setting the County Road Tour date until the following meeting. 

Old Business

The Board referenced old business for the Lake of the Woods Tourism Joint Powers Agreement for discussion.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to send a letter of formal intent per the Lake of the Woods Tourism Joint Powers Agreement and for Chair Buck Nordlof to sign the same. 

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chair Buck Nordlof called the meeting to recess at 9:50 a.m.

Attest: January 11, 2022

______________________________ _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chairman James “Buck” Nordlof

Commissioner Proceedings

January 12, 2021

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room. 

Call to Order

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

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Affidavit of Lost Warrant and Stonegarden Salary Resolution.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of January 5, 2021.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrant’s $19,393.45 Commissioners Warrant’s $828.58, Commissioners Warrant’s $4,496.07.

Rural MN CEP Contract

It was the consensus of the Board for Chair Joe Grund to sign the contract addendum with Rural MN CEP.

Schackman, Kramer & Associates Contract

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the Purchase of Service Agreement with Schackman, Kramer & Associates and for Social Services Director Amy Ballard and County Attorney James Austad to sign the same.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $282,644.16; Road & Bridge $84,540.46; Solid Waste $32,280.58; EDA, $2,198.82. 

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 1/12/2021 For Payment 1/15/2021

Vendor Name Amount

Air Med Care Network 16,803.00

Bollig Inc 3,000.00

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc. 7,534.26

Esri 25,000.00

Freeberg & Grund, Inc 17,000.00

Howard’s Oil Company 2,918.88

LOW Soil & Water Cons. Dist. 101,188.00

Mn Assn Of Counties 5,333.00

Mn Counties Computer Co-Op 15,225.00

MN Counties Intergovernmental Trust 149,886.00

Nw Mn Household Hazardous 6,651.00

OnSolve,LLC 7,500.00

Quadient Finance USA Inc. 2,000.00

Schneider Geospatial, LLC 8,400.00

University of North Dakota 9,202.71

Voyageurs Comtronics, Inc 2,640.00

50 Payments less than 2000    21,382.17

             Final Total: 401,664.02

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: December 31, 2020 for $608,272.41; December 31, 2020 for $12,329.15, December 31, 2020 for $64,659.40; January 6, 2021 for $138,772.03.

Affidavit for Lost Warrant

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the application and affidavit for lost warrant for Kim Hough, dated December 18th, 2020 for $37.62 without furnishing indemnifying bond.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Conditional Use Permit #21-01CU by Grant and Savanna Slick

A 4.6-acre tract in Section Twenty-nine (29), Range One Hundred Sixty-one (161) North, Range Thirty-one (31) West – Parcel ID#: 24.29.22.020. Applicants are requesting a Conditional Use Permit as required by Section 401.C of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance to operate a short-term transient rental in a Rural Residential Zoning (R2).

Motion 

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Buck Nordlof, and carried unanimously to table the decision on conditional use permit #21-01CU for further review by the planning commission.  It was further moved to schedule a work session for the Commissioners and the Planning Commission to review and work on ordinances for short-term rentals.

COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS

Highway

Authorization to Advertise Projects for Bids: SAP 039-608-024, SAP 039-606-019 and
SAP 039-631-007

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to authorize the advertisement for project bids for: SAP 039-608-024, SAP 039-606-019 and SAP 039-631-007.

Bostic Creek Grade Stabilization Final 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the final payment for LOTW 2020 Bostic Creek Grade Stabilization for Wright Construction of TRF, Inc. of Thief River Falls, MN in the total amount of $232,513.00 and hereby authorize final payment of $14,044.83.

Office Manager Retirement

Office Manager, Marti Carlson has submitted her resignation effective May 14, 2021.

Permission to restructure and hire

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the restructure of the Public Works Office and to advertise and hire.

Set Road Tour Date

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to set the road tour date for October 13, 2021 at 8:00 a.m.

Update

County Engineer AJ Pirkl discussed the need for hands-free headsets for safety.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve up to $100 reimbursement for Highway Department employees to purchase a hands-free headset for safety reasons.

Solid Waste

Purchase of walking trailer and snow pusher

County Engineer, AJ Pirkl reviewed three quotes for a walking trailer and four quotes for a snow pusher with the Board.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of a Wilkens walking trailer at a cost of $75,653.34.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of a Bobcat snow pusher at a cost of $2,800.

Update

County Engineer AJ Pirkl provided the Board with an update regarding communication with the MPCA.

LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY FAIR BOARD

Jenny Johnson, representing the Lake of the Woods County Fair Board, met with the Board to provide an update on the grandstand project. Commissioners Joe Grund and Cody Hasbargen will plan to attend the Fair Board meeting on January 20, 2021 at 3:30 p.m. at the VFW.

STONEGARDEN SALARY RESOLUTION

Stonegarden Sheriff Salary

Resolution

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

AMEND COUNTY SHERIFF SALARY

Resolution No. 21-01-02

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 2019 grant; and,

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

Operation Stonegarden 2019 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 2019 grant given to assist the Lake of the Woods County Sheriff’s Office in its efforts to secure the border includes the sum of $120,000.00 and $60,360.00, 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 2019 grant, 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, 2020 was $91,162.08 and fringe benefits were

$17,457.54, be amended so that the sheriff’s salary is increased by the sum up to $18,162.56 and fringe benefits are increased up to $3,478.13 commencing January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021, with the increase funding from the Operation Stonegarden 2019 grant contingent upon the following:

1. That the Operation Stonegarden 2019 grant funding be available; and
2. That the Sheriff works, in addition to his regular duties, eight (8) hours per week of said

Operation Stonegarden 2019 grant.

At such time that the Operation Stonegarden 2019 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 2019 grant work, the Sheriff’s salary shall return to the original balance set by the board on December 15, 2020 in addition to the accumulated Stonegarden wages earned based on Stonegarden funding available and actual hours worked.

CALVIN BENSON, DISTRICT OUTREACH REPRESENTATIVE

from the Office of Congresswoman Fischbach

Calvin Benson, District Outreach Representative from the Office of Congresswoman Fischbach, discussed federal issues and opportunities that pertain to Lake of the Woods County. 

JOINT POWERS/TOURISM BUREAU/CHAMBER BUILDING

The Board discussed looking into options and their expectations for the tourism bureau.

RECESS

The Board took a brief recess at 12:15 p.m. and reconvened at 12:25 p.m.

DITCH AUTHORITY

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting and open ditch authority.

Ditch Assessments

The following Ditch Assessments were recommended by the Ditch Authority and presented to the County Board for 2021:

• CD 1: $22,800.00
• CD 2: $882.40
  • JD 16: $8,500.00
  • JD 24: $16,000.00
  • JD 26: $24,000.00
  • JD 28:  $50,000.00
• JD 22:  $4,800.00 (Joint Ditch with Roseau County)
• JD 62: $16,900.00 (Joint Ditch with Roseau County)

Motion 

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the Ditch Authority meeting and reconvene the regular meeting.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the recommendations of the Ditch Authority to set the 2021 Ditch Assessments as follows: County Ditch 1-$22,800; County Ditch 2-$882.40, Judicial Ditch 16 Outlet Fee- $8,500; Judicial Ditch 24- $16,000; Judicial Ditch 26- $24,000; Judicial Ditch 28-$50,000; Judicial Ditch 22-Joint Ditch with Roseau-$4,800; Joint Ditch 62 with Roseau-$16,900.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chair Joe Grund called the meeting to recess at 12:30 p.m.

Attest: January 26, 2021

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chair of the Board, Joe Grund 

January 26, 2021

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room. 

CALL TO ORDER

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

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Non-elected Department Head Reviews/Human Resources, School Agenda/Auditor-Treasurer, Land Sale, Closed Session, Covid-19 Update.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of January 12, 2021.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrant’s $13,769.38, Commissioners Warrant’s $3,418.80, Commissioners Warrant’s $7,768.20.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $41,215.86; Road & Bridge $19,167.96; County Development $1920.50; Solid Waste $19,185.86; EDA, $6,400. 

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 1/26/2021 For Payment 1/29/2021

Vendor Name Amount

Compass Minerals America 5,259.19

Counties Providing Technology 4,310.00

Headwaters Regional Development Commiss 8,750.00

Hildi Inc 4,700.00

Information Systems Corporation 9,279.00

Interstate Billing Service Inc 3,149.06

Locators & Supplies Inc 2,014.02

Mar-Kit Landfill 10,931.50

Mn Assn Of Counties 2,200.00

Northern Light Region 3,445.35

Northwest Tire Inc 3,040.00

U.S. Bank Equipment Finance 6,268.50

WIDSETH 3,705.50

41 Payments less than 2000   20,838.06

                                Final Total: 87,890.18

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: January 13, 2021 for $141,715.88; January 15, 2021 for $375,832.87, January 15, 2021 for ($7,500); January 20, 2021 for $2,086.06.

School Agenda

The Board talked about agenda items for the Lake of the Woods County Board meeting that is held out at the school on February 23, 2021.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Non-Elected Department Head Reviews

The Board will prepare for the Non-Elected Department Head Reviews after the Board meeting on February 9, 2021.

SHERIFF

Central Square Decision

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the implementation of Central Square into the Lake of the Woods County Sheriff’s Department.  Financing options and payment terms will be researched and be determined by the Board.

COVID-19 UPDATE

Public Health Manager, Kay M. Schell, gave an update on the COVID-19 vaccine. There are many moving parts with the two-dose schedule and the two different types of vaccine.  Priority of who gets the vaccine has changed to focus on daycare providers and school employees.  Long-term care residents at CHI LakeWood Health are scheduled for their second dose soon. A vaccine clinic will be held on Thursday for those over 65 with health issues, this is done by appointment. Schell said there may be a pause before they get more vaccine.

RECESS

The Board took a brief recess at 10:00 a.m. and reconvened the meeting at 10:10 a.m.

PUBLIC WORKS

Highway

Permission to Purchase a Skid Steer and Excavator 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of a Bobcat 770T4 with tracks at $65,215.58.

The skid steer at the Northwest Angle needs a new motor and will cost approximately $20,000 to fix.

Solid Waste

Landfill Permit Update

MPCA has been consistent about allowing use of the current landfill until 2025.  The County has four years to create a new landfill plan. The MPCA is in the rule making process right now for new demo landfills.  The County has money dedicated to the contamination plan/investigation of the current landfill.  Another discussion with the MPCA will take place on February 3, 2021.

ZIPPEL BAY JETTY

Dredging Maintenance Options

Nick Panovich from Zippel Bay Resort met with the Board to discuss maintenance dredging of the Zippel Bay Jetty.

LAND SALE

Motion

It was the consensus of the Board to review land and set a date for a County land sale of March 4, 2021.

CLOSED SESSION

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen to close the regular meeting at 11:10 a.m. and go into closed session pursuant to MN. Stat § 13D.05. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and the same being put to a vote was, unanimously carried. 

In attendance: Commissioners: Joe Grund, Jon Waibel, Buck Nordlof, Cody Hasbargen and Ed Arnesen; Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Attorney James Austad, Land and Water Planning Director Josh Stromlund and Public Works Director AJ Pirkl.

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel to close the closed session at 12:31 p.m. and open the regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

AMEND AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve amending the agenda to add a Public Hearing Date.

PUBLIC HEARING DATE

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve a date to hold a Public Hearing for an Off-Sale Liquor License for Log Cabin Liquor on February 23, 2021.

RECESS

With no further business before the Board, Chair Joe Grund called the meeting to recess at 1:00 p.m.

Attest: February 9, 2021

_________________________________ _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Chair of the Board, Joe Grund 

Commissioner Proceedings

Organizational Meeting

January 5, 2021

The Lake of the Woods County Board met on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, in the Commissioners’ Room in the Lake of the Woods County Government Center for their 2021 Organizational Meeting. 

Call to Order

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

Election of Chair and Vice Chair 

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson called for nominations for Chair for Lake of the Woods County Board for the year 2021.  Commissioner Cody Hasbargen nominated Commissioner Joe Grund for Chair with Commissioner Ed Arnesen seconding the nomination. County Auditor/Treasurer called for nominations two more times. 

Chair
Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to close the nominations for Chair.

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson called for a roll call for Commissioner Joe Grund for Chair.  Roll call carried as follows: All in favor: Commissioners, Jon Waibel, Cody Hasbargen, Ed Arnesen, Joe Grund and Buck Nordlof.  Against:  None.  Commissioner Joe Grund assumed the position of Chair of the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners for 2021.

Vice – Chair

Chair Joe Grund called for nominations for the position of Vice-Chair for the year 2021.  Commissioner Cody Hasbargen nominated Commissioner Buck Nordlof for Vice-Chair for Lake of the Woods County Board with Commissioner Ed Arnesen seconding the nomination. Chair Joe Grund called for nominations two more times.  

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to close the nominations for Vice-Chair.  

Chair Joe Grund called for a roll call for Commissioner Buck Nordlof for Vice-Chair.  Roll call carried as follows: All in favor: Commissioners, Jon Waibel, Cody Hasbargen, Ed Arnesen, Joe Grund and Buck Nordlof.  Against:  None.  Commissioner Buck Nordlof assumed the position of Vice-Chair of the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners for 2021.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: Audit Engagement Letter and Lake of the Woods Tourism Joint Powers Agreement.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of December 29, 2020.

Official County Newspaper Bid-Opening
	Chair Joe Grund called for the bid opening at 9:15 a.m. for the Official Legal Newspaper for the year 2021. The following Resolution was offered by Commissioner Ed Arnesen seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and unanimously moved for adoption: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING OFFICIAL LEGAL NEWSPAPER for YEAR 2021Resolution No. 2021-01-01WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners per Minnesota Statutes 279.08 called for legal bids for the official newspaper for the year 2021WHEREAS, upon opening all bids, Lake of the Woods County designates the Northern Light Region as the official legal newspaper for the year 2021;WHEREAS, the Northern Light Region, as the official legal newspaper for the year 2021, is awarded the first publication of the annual financial statement at $6.50 per standard advertising unit, (no other bids received, therefore no second publication required);WHEREAS, the Northern Light Region, as the official legal newspaper for the year 2021, is awarded the first publication of the notice and list of the real estate remaining delinquent taxes on the first Monday of January, at $6.50 per standard advertising unit and; WHEREAS, the Northern Light Region, as the official legal newspaper for the year 2021, is awarded the second publication of the notice and list of the real estate remaining delinquent taxes, at $6.50 per standard advertising unit, and;BE IT RESOLVED, Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners further designates the Northern Light Region for all other legal publishing, not specified above, for the year 2021.
	Lake of the Woods County Bid Tabulation Legal Publishing  Year 2021 January 5, 2021 Per Standard Advertising Unit Financial StatementDelinquent Tax ListAll Other Publications 1st Publ.2nd Publ1st Publ2nd Publ          Northern Light Region        PO Box 1134           6.50 6.506.506.506.506.50 Baudette, MN  56623        218-634-2700   Award To: Official Legal Newspaper Northern Light Region 1st Publ/Financial Stmnt 6.50  2nd Publ/Financial Stmnt If applicable         6.50 N/A  1st Delinq Tax List         6.50   2nd Delinq Tax List         6.50   All Other         6.50

County Auditor/treasurer

Bank Signature Cards

Wells Fargo Signature Cards

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Connie Nesmith and Chair Joe Grund to sign the Wells Fargo signature cards for account numbers 3908, 6724, 5716, 6372 and 3100.

RiverWood Bank Signature Cards

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson and Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Connie Nesmith to sign the RiverWood Bank signature card for account number 8645 and investments.

Border Bank Signature Cards

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson and Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Connie Nesmith to sign the Border Bank signature card for account number 2404.

Wells Fargo Motor Vehicle Checking Account

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Erik Tange, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Jaime Boretski-LaValla, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Connie Nesmith and Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Anna Sanchez for account number 5502.

Official Depositories

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to designate the following institutions as Official Depositories of county funds for the year 2021:

1. Wells Fargo, Baudette Branch
2. RiverWood Bank, Baudette Branch
3. Border Bank, Baudette Branch
4. Multi Bank Securities

It was further moved to designate Wells Fargo Minneapolis, as the official safekeeping Institution for Lake of the Woods County.  

Audit Engagement Letter

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the Audit Engagement Letter, for the year ended December 31, 2020, with Hoffman, Philipp, & Martell, PLLC and for Chair Joe Grund and Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson to sign the same. 

APPROVAL OF 2021 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following Committee Appointments for 2021:

2021 ASSOCIATION OF MINNESOTA COUNTIES (AMC)

Ag Task Force: Commissioner Jon Waibel; Alternates: Commissioners;

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

General Government: Commissioner Buck Nordlof; Alternates: Lorene Hanson and Commissioners;

Health and Human Service: Commissioner Joe Grund and Amy Ballard; Alternates: Commissioners;

PILT Advisory: Commissioners and Josh Stromlund;

Public Safety: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen;

Transportation and Area Transportation Alliance: Commissioner Jon Waibel and Anthony Pirkl; Alternates: Commissioners;

2021 COUNTY RELATED COMMITTEES

Airport Commission:  Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and Commissioner Jon Waibel;

Beaver Committee: Commissioner Joe Grund, Commissioner Buck Nordlof, Lee Hancock, Anthony Pirkl and Steve Levassuer;

Border Coalition/Passports: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Commissioner Jon Waibel, Sue Ney and Jill Olson;

Building and Safety Committee: Commissioner Jon Waibel, Commissioner Buck Nordlof, Anthony Pirkl, Peder Hovland, Lorene Hanson, Amy Ballard, one from Law Enforcement, and Safety Director;

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

County Extension Committee: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, Lorene Hanson.  Additional Members: Tabitha Ubel, Kenneth Horntvedt, Nicole Olson, Jean Schotl and Sandy Peterson. Extension Members: Brenda Nelson, Lisa Loegering and Karen Santl. 

County TV:  Commissioner Joe Grund, Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Lee Hervey, Lorene Hanson, Peder Hovland and Jill Olson;

Data Privacy Administrator: Savanna Slick;

Department Head Liaison: Chair/Commissioner Joe Grund; Alternates: Commissioners;

Department Liaisons:  

Assessor – Commissioner Buck Nordlof;

Land and Water Planning Office – Commissioner Ed Arnesen;

Attorney – Commissioner Buck Nordlof; 

MIS – Commissioner Joe Grund; 

Sheriff – Commissioner Cody Hasbargen; 

Social Services – Commissioner Joe Grund; 

Recorder – Commissioner Buck Nordlof; 

Highway – Commissioner Jon Waibel; 

Auditor/Treasurer – Commissioner Joe Grund; 

H/R – Commissioner Cody Hasbargen; 

County Surveyor- Commissioner Jon Waibel;

Veterans Service Officer – Commissioner Joe Grund; 

Tourism Bureau- Commissioner Ed Arnesen; 

Wheelers Point Sewer- Commissioner Jon Waibel;

Department of Natural Resources: Commissioner Ed Arnesen and Commissioner Jon Waibel;

Drainage Committee: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Commissioner Joe Grund, Byron Tviet, Anthony Pirkl, Josh Stromlund, Dennis Johnson, Marshall Nelson and SWCD Representative;

Enhanced 911 Committee: Commissioner Buck Nordlof and Commissioner Jon Waibel, Peder Hovland, Gary Fish, Jill Olson and other local appointees;

GIZIIBII: SWCD Representative Corryn Trask;

Grievance Committee: Chair/Commissioner Joe Grund, James Austad, Savanna Slick, Daryl Fish, Josh Stromlund and Angie Eason; Alternate: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen;

Information Systems/Technology Committee: Commissioner Joe Grund, Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, Peder Hovland, Josh Stromlund, Boyd Johnson, Lorene Hanson and James Austad; 

Insurance Committee: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Commissioner Jon Waibel, Amy Ballard, Lorene Hanson, Sue Ney, Daryl Fish and Savanna Slick;

Jail Committee: Commissioners, Gary Fish, Anthony Pirkl, James Austad, Sandy Peterson, Peder Hovland and Lorene Hanson;

Joint Drainage Authority: 

JD22: Commissioner Joe Grund-District 3, Commissioner Ed Arnesen-District 5, Commissioner Jon Waibel-District 4; 

JD 62: Commissioner Joe Grund- District 3, Commissioner Ed Arnesen-District 5, Commissioner Cody Hasbargen-District 2; 

Labor/Management Committees: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, Savanna Slick; Alternate: Commissioner Buck Nordlof;

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

Law Library:  Commissioner Ed Arnesen, James Austad to appoint and Chief Judge to appoint;

Motor Pool Committee: Commissioner Jon Waibel, Lorene Hanson, Jodi Ferrier, Mary Jo Otten, Josh Stromlund, Peder Hovland; Alternate:  Commissioner Cody Hasbargen;

Ordinance Committee: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Commissioner Jon Waibel, James Austad, Gary Fish, Josh Stromlund; 

Park Commission: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Anthony Pirkl and Joe Laurin; Alternate: Commissioner Jon Waibel;

Personnel Committee (combined Compensation Plan and Personnel): Commissioner Buck Nordlof, Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Savanna Slick, Sue Ney, Anthony Pirkl, Christine Hultman, Lorene Hanson and Daryl Fish;   

Public Information Officer: Lorene Hanson; Alternate: Savanna Slick and James Austad;

SHIP Committee: Commissioner Buck Nordlof, Alternate: Commissioner Jon Waibel;

Snowmobile Trails Committee: Commissioner Joe Grund and Commissioner Buck Nordlof;

Solid Waste Committee/Household Waste: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen (as the (NWMNHHW representative for the Joint Powers Agreement), Commissioner Joe Grund, Anthony Pirkl, Tina Rennemo, Lorene Hanson and Mary Jo Otten; 

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

Township Road and Trails: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Commissioner Buck Nordlof, Anthony Pirkl, Josh Stromlund, Peder Hovland, Boyd Johnson and Mary Jo Otten;  

Northwest Angle Development: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Commissioner Cody Hasbargen; Alternates: Commissioners;

Vets Service: Commissioner Buck Nordlof, Commissioner Joe Grund, Legion Commander or Delegate, VFW Commander or Delegate and Rick Rone;

Wellness Committee: Commissioner Buck Nordlof, Angie Eason, Julie Berggren, Savanna Slick, Mary Jo Otten, Cassondra Brune;

2021 BOARDS/COLLABORATIVE/COALITION

Arrowhead Library System:  Ronald Rudd (01-01-19 to 12-31-22) appointed 01-08-19; Alternate: Commissioner Buck Nordlof (01-01-19-12-31-22);

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

Border Substance Abuse Court and Steering Committee: Commissioner Jon Waibel and Amy Ballard;

Humane Society: Commissioner Joe Grund and Gary Fish;

Headwaters Regional Development Commission: Commissioner Ed Arnesen and Commissioner Buck Nordlof; Alternate: Commissioner Joe Grund;

International Bridge: Commissioner Joe Grund and Commissioner Buck Nordlof;

Joint Powers Natural Resources Board: Commissioner Joe Grund and Commissioner Cody Hasbargen;

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

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

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

Lutheran Social Service Board: Commissioner Buck Nordlof and Amy Ballard; Alternate: Commissioner Jon Waibel;

Mid-State Co-op: Delegate #1 – Peder Hovland, Delegate #2 – Mary Jo Otten;

Minnesota Counties Computer Co-op: Delegate #1 – Peder Hovland, Delegate #2 – Lorene Hanson; Alternate: James Austad; 

Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust: Commissioner Jon Waibel; Alternates: Commissioner Buck Nordlof and Lorene Hanson;

Minnesota Rural Counties Caucus: Commissioner Ed Arnesen; Alternates: Commissioners;

North Country Community Health Board:  Commissioner Joe Grund (term expires 12/31/21) and Tom Mio (term expires 12/31/21) these are three-year terms;

North Country Community Health Services Advisory Committee: re-appoint Commissioner Joe Grund (term expires 12/31/22) and Tom Mio (term expires 12/31/21) these are two-year terms;

Northern Counties Land Use Coordinating Board: Commissioner Ed Arnesen and Josh Stromlund; Alternates: Commissioner Buck Nordlof and Commissioner Cody Hasbargen;

Northwest Board of Aging/Area Agency: Commissioner Buck Nordlof and Amy Ballard; Alternates: Commissioner Jon Waibel;

Northwest Community Action:  Commissioner Ed Arnesen; Alternates: Commissioners;

Northwest Minnesota Juvenile Center Board: Commissioner Jon Waibel (term expires 12/31/2021, re-appointed in 2018) and Amy Ballard (term expires 12/31/2022, appointed in 2019).  This is a four-year term;

One Watershed/One Plan: Commissioner Ed Arnesen; Alternate: Commissioner Buck Nordlof;

Rainy Rapid River Board: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and Josh Stromlund; Alternate: Commissioner Joe Grund;

Recreation Committee: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Commissioner Jon Waibel and Anthony Pirkl;

Red River Valley Development Association:  Commissioner Ed Arnesen and Ken Horntvedt;

Regional Advisory: Jill Olson;

NW Emergency Communications Board: Commissioner Ed Arnesen; Alternates: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and Jill Olson;

SWCD District Committee: Commissioner Joe Grund and Josh Stromlund; Alternate Commissioner Jon Waibel;

County/City/Tourism Joint Powers Board: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and Gregg Hennum;

Housing & Redevelopment Authority of Baudette: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen; Alternate Commissioner Buck Nordlof.

LAKE OF THE WOODS TOURISM JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT

Motion 

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and unanimously carried to add to the agenda, a closed session pursuant to MN. Stat § 13D.05.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen to close the regular meeting at 10:10 a.m. and go into closed session pursuant to MN. Stat § 13D.05. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and the same being put to a vote was, unanimously carried. 

In attendance: Full Board of County Commissioners, County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson and County Attorney James Austad.

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel to close the closed session at 11:44 a.m. and open the regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chair Joe Grund called the meeting to recess at 11:45 a.m.

ATTEST: APPROVED:

______________________ ____________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer Chair of the Board,  

Lorene Hanson Joe Grund

Commissioner Proceedings

Organizational Meeting

January 7, 2020

The Lake of the Woods County Board met on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, in the Commissioners’ Room in the Lake of the Woods County Government Center for their 2020 Organizational Meeting.

Call to Order

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance with the following members present:  Commissioners Ed Arnesen, Jon Waibel, Cody Hasbargen, and Joe Grund. Commissioner James “Buck” Nordlof was absent. Also, present: County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, Linwood “Woody” Fiala, and Jaime Boretski-LaValla.

Election of Chair and Vice Chair

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson called for nominations for Chair for Lake of the Woods County Board for the year 2020.  Commissioner Cody Hasbargen nominated Commissioner Jon Waibel for Chair with Commissioner Joe Grund seconding the nomination. County Auditor/Treasurer called for nominations two more times.

Chair

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to close the nominations for Chair.

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson called for a roll call for Commissioner Jon Waibel for Chair.  Roll call carried as follows: All in favor: Commissioners: Jon Waibel, Cody Hasbargen, Ed Arnesen, Joe Grund. Absent: Commissioner Buck Nordlof.  Against:  None.  Commissioner Jon Waibel assumed the position of Chair of the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners for 2020.

Vice – Chair

Chair Jon Waibel called for nominations for the position of Vice-Chair for the year 2020.  Commissioner Cody Hasbargen nominated Commissioner Ed Arnesen for Vice-Chair for Lake of the Woods County Board with Commissioner Joe Grund seconding the nomination. Chair Jon Waibel called for nominations two more times. 

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to close the nominations for Vice-Chair. 

Chair Jon Waibel called for a roll call for Commissioner Ed Arnesen for Vice- Chair.  Roll call carried as follows: All in favor: Commissioners: Jon Waibel, Cody Hasbargen, Ed Arnesen, Joe Grund.  Absent: Commissioner Buck Nordlof.  Against:  None.  Commissioner Ed Arnesen assumed the position of Vice-Chair of the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners for 2020.

Approval of Agenda
Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following addition: Update on the City and County Joint Meeting held on Monday, January 6, 2020.

CITY AND COUNTY JOINT MEETING

The Board discussed the City and County Joint Meeting that was held on Monday, January 6, 2020 at the Ambulance Garage.

ATTENDANCE
Commissioner Buck Nordlof arrived to the meeting.

OFFICIAL COUNTY NEWSPAPER BID-OPENING

County Auditor/treasurer

Wells Fargo Signature Cards

Chair Jon Waibel called for the bid opening at 9:20 a.m. for the Official Legal Newspaper for the year 2020. The following Resolution was offered by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and moved for adoption:RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING
OFFICIAL LEGAL NEWSPAPER for YEAR 2020Resolution No. 2020-01-01WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners per Minnesota Statutes 279.08 called for legal bids for the official newspaper for the year 2020WHEREAS, upon opening all bids, Lake of the Woods County designates the Northern Light Region as the official legal newspaper for the year 2020;WHEREAS, the Northern Light Region, as the official legal newspaper for the year 2020, is awarded the first publication of the annual financial statement at $6.50 per standard advertising unit, (no other bids received, therefore no second publication required)WHEREAS, the Northern Light Region, as the official legal newspaper for the year 2020, is awarded the first publication of the notice and list of the real estate remaining delinquent taxes on the first Monday of January, at $6.50 per standard advertising unit, and;WHEREAS, the Northern Light Region, as the official legal newspaper for the year 2020, is awarded the second publication of the notice and list of the real estate remaining delinquent taxes, at $6.50 per standard advertising unit, and;BE IT RESOLVED, Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners further designates the Northern Light Region for all other legal publishing, not specified above, for the year 202

Lake of the Woods County Bid Tabulation Legal Publishing Year 2020 January 7, 2020            Per Standard Advertising Unit   Financial StatementDelinquent Tax ListAll Other Publications   1st Publ.2nd Publ1st Publ2nd Publ            Northern Light Region        PO Box 1134           6.506.506.506.506.506.50 Baudette, MN  56623        218-634-2700           Award To:    Official Legal Newspaper  Northern Light Region    1st Publ/Financial Stmnt  6.50     2nd Publ/Financial Stmnt If applicable         6.50N/A    1st Delinq Tax List           6.50     2nd Delinq Tax List           6.50     All Other           6.50

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer, Dawn Christianson and Chair Jon Waibel to sign the Wells Fargo signature card for account number 3908.

Official Depositories

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to designate the following institutions as Official Depositories of county funds for the year 2020:

1. Wells Fargo, Baudette Branch
2. RiverWood Bank- Baudette Branch
3. Border State Bank, Baudette Branch
4. Multi Bank Securities

It was further moved to designate Wells Fargo Minneapolis, as the official safekeeping Institution for Lake of the Woods County. 

IRS 2020 Mileage Rate

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the 2020 Standard IRS Mileage rate for business miles at 57.5 cents per mile.

IDC

Tom Hanson, Howard Mord, and Chuck Tishcart, representatives from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), met with the County Board to discuss a 10-acre piece of land in the Industrial Park on the corner of Highway 1 and Highway 35.  The land was offered as an option for the site of the new law enforcement center, at the cost of $100,000.   The land has city water, city sewer, and natural gas.  Fiber optic lines are available in the vicinity.  Roger Schotl, from the City of Baudette, said upgrades to the city water infrastructure would be needed.  County Assessor, Mary Jo Otten, was going to prepare sales information within the area.  Further discussion on the land options for the new law enforcement center will be added to the agenda on 01/14/2020.

COMMISSIONERS

Sales Tax Revenue

The County Board discussed the proposed local sales tax for Lake of the Woods County for the purpose of paying for the cost of the construction for the new Law Enforcement/Jail facility that the State of MN is mandating.

Set Date for County Road Tour
The County Road Tour will be on October 14, 2020 beginning at 8 a.m.

OVERTIME POLICY

Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve overtime and comp time at time and one half on total hours, not hours worked, over the full-time employees regular scheduled pay period (40 hours per week or 80 hours per pay period or 84 hours per pay period), excluding union employees, exempt employees and department heads, effective January 1, 2020.

APPROVAL OF 2020 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the following Committee Appointments for 2020:

2020 ASSOCIATION OF MINNESOTA COUNTIES (AMC)

Ag Task Force: Commissioner Jon Waibel; Alternates: Commissioners

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

General Government: Commissioner Buck Nordlof: Alternates: Lorene Hanson and Commissioners;

Health and Human Service: Commissioner Joe Grund and Amy Ballard; Alternates: Commissioners;

PILT Advisory: Commissioners, Josh Stromlund;

Public Safety: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen;

Transportation and Area Transportation Alliance: Commissioner Jon Waibel and Anthony Pirkl; Alternates: Commissioners;

2020 COUNTY RELATED COMMITTEES

Airport Commission:  Commissioners Cody Hasbargen and Jon Waibel;

Beaver Committee: Commissioners Joe Grund and Buck Nordlof, Lee Hancock, Anthony Pirkl and Steve Levassuer;

Border Coalition/Passports: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Jon Waibel, Sue Ney and Jill Olson;

Building and Safety Committee: Commissioner Jon Waibel and Buck Nordlof, Anthony Pirkl, Peder Hovland, Lorene Hanson and Amy Ballard, one from Law Enforcement, and Safety Director;

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

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

County Extension Committee: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Cody Hasbargen, Lorene Hanson, Additional members: Tabitha Ubel, Kenneth Horntvedt, Nicole Olson, Jean Schotl and Sandy Peterson. Extension Members: Aprille Albrecht, Lisa Loegering and Karen Santl.

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

Data Privacy Administrator: Savanna Slick;

Department Head Liaison: Chair- Commissioner Jon Waibel; Alternates: Commissioners;

Department Liaisons:  Assessor – Buck Nordlof; Land and Water Planning Office – Cody Hasbargen; Attorney – Cody Hasbargen; MIS – Joe Grund; Sheriff – Jon Waibel; Social Services – Joe Grund; Recorder – Cody Hasbargen; Highway – Ed Arnesen; Auditor/Treasurer – Chair-Commissioner Jon Waibel; H/R – Buck Nordlof; County Surveyor- Ed Arnesen; Veterans Service Officer – Joe Grund; Tourism Bureau- Ed Arnesen; Wheelers Point Sewer- Jon Waibel;

Department of Natural Resources: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Jon Waibel;

Drainage Committee: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Joe Grund, Byron Tviet, Anthony Pirkl, Josh Stromlund, Dennis Johnson, Vern Horntvedt and SWCD Representative;

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

GIZIIBII: SWCD Representative, Corryn Trask;

Grievance Committee: Chair- Commissioner Jon Waibel, James Austad, Savanna Slick, Daryl Fish, Josh Stromlund and Angie Eason; Alternate: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen.;

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

Insurance Committee: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Jon Waibel, Amy Ballard, Lorene Hanson, Sue Ney, Daryl Fish and Savanna Slick;

Jail Committee: Commissioners; Gary Fish, Anthony Pirkl, James Austad, Sandy Peterson, Peder Hovland and Lorene Hanson.

Joint Drainage Authority: JD22: Commissioner Joe Grund-District 3, Commissioner Ed Arnesen-District 5, Commissioner Jon Waibel-District 4, JD 62- Commissioner Joe Grund- District 3, Commissioner Ed Arnesen- District 5, Commissioner Cody Hasbargen-District 2;

Labor/Management Committees: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Cody Hasbargen, Savanna Slick; Alternate: Commissioner Buck Nordlof;

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

Law Library:  Commissioner Ed Arnesen, James Austad to appoint and Chief Judge to appoint;

Motor Pool Committee: Commissioner Jon Waibel, Lorene Hanson, Jodi Ferrier, Mary Jo Otten, Josh Stromlund, Peder Hovland; Alternate: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen;

Ordinance Committee: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Jon Waibel, James Austad, Gary Fish, Josh Stromlund;

Park Commission: Commissioners Cody Hasbargen and Ed Arnesen, Anthony Pirkl and Joe Laurin; Alternate: Commissioner Jon Waibel;

Personnel Committee (combined Compensation Plan and Personnel): Commissioners Buck Nordlof and Ed Arnesen, Savanna Slick, Sue Ney, Anthony Pirkl, Christine Hultman, Lorene Hanson and Daryl Fish;   

Public Information Officer: Lorene Hanson, Alternate; Savanna Slick and James Austad;

SHIP Committee: Commissioner Buck Nordlof, Alternate: Commissioner Jon Waibel;

Snowmobile Trails Committee: Commissioner Joe Grund and Buck Nordlof;

Solid Waste Committee/Household Waste:       Commissioner Ed Arnesen (as the (NWMNHHW representative for the Joint Powers Agreement), Commissioner Joe Grund, Anthony Pirkl, Tina Rennemo, Lorene Hanson and Mary Jo Otten;

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

Township Road and Trails: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Buck Nordlof, Anthony Pirkl,

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

Northwest Angle Development: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Cody Hasbargen; Alternates: Commissioners;

Vets Service: Commissioners Buck Nordlof and Joe Grund, Legion Commander or Delegate, VFW Commander or Delegate and Rick Rone;

Wellness Committee:    Angie Eason, Julie Berggren, Savanna Slick, Mary Jo Otten, Cassondra Brune and Commissioner Buck Nordlof;

2020 BOARDS/COLLABORATIVE/COALITION

Arrowhead Library System:  Ronald Rudd (01-01-19 to 12-31-22) appointed 01-08-19; Alternate: Commissioner Buck Nordlof (01-01-19-12-31-22);

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

Border Substance Abuse Court and Steering Committee: Commissioner Jon Waibel, Amy Ballard;

Community Education Advisory Board: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen; Alternate: Commissioner Buck Nordlof; 

Humane Society: Commissioner Joe Grund and Gary Fish;

Headwaters Regional Development Commission: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Buck Nordlof, Alternate: Commissioner Joe Grund;

International Bridge: Commissioners Joe Grund and Buck Nordlof;

Joint Powers Natural Resources Board: Commissioners Joe Grund and Buck Nordlof;

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

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

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

Lutheran Social Service Board: Commissioner Buck Nordlof and Amy Ballard; Alternate: Commissioner Jon Waibel;

Mid-State Co-op: Peder Hovland as delegate #1, and Mary Jo Otten, as delegate #2 ;

Minnesota Counties Computer Co-op: Delegate #1 – Peder Hovland, Delegate #2 – Lorene Hanson; Alternate: James Austad

Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust: Commissioner Jon Waibel; Alternates: Commissioner Buck Nordlof and Lorene Hanson;

Minnesota Rural Counties Caucus: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen; Alternates: Commissioners;

North Country Community Health Board:  Commissioner Joe Grund(term expires 12/31/21) and Tom Mio (term expires 12/31/21) these are three-year terms;

North Country Community Health Services Advisory Committee: Commissioner Joe Grund (term expires 12/31/20) and re-appoint Tom Mio (term expires 12/31/21) these are two-year terms;

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

Northwest Board of Aging/Area Agency: Commissioner Buck Nordlof, Amy Ballard and   Alternate: Commissioner Jon Waibel;

Northwest Community Action:  Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Alternates: Commissioners;

Northwest Minnesota Juvenile Center Board: Commissioner Jon Waibel (term expires 12/31/2021, re-appointed in 2018) and Amy Ballard (term expires 12/31/2022, appointed in 2019). This is a four-year term;

One Watershed/One Plan: Commissioner Ed Arnesen, Alternate: Buck Nordlof;

Rainy Rapid River Board: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, Josh Stromlund; Alternate: Commissioner Joe Grund;

Recreation Committee: Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Jon Waibel, Anthony Pirkl;

Red River Valley Development Association:  Commissioner Ed Arnesen and Ken Horntvedt;

Regional Advisory: Jill Olson;

NW Emergency Communications Board: Commissioner Ed Arnesen: Alternates: Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and Jill Olson;

SWCD District Committee: Commissioner Joe Grund and Josh Stromlund; Alternate: Commissioner Jon Waibel;

LAND AND WATER PLANNING
Work Session
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to set a work session for ordinance revisions on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at 1:00 p.m., after the regular County Board Meeting.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 10:57 a.m.

ATTEST:                                                                                APPROVED:

______________________                                        ____________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer                                             Chairman of the Board, 

Lorene Hanson                                                 Jon Waibel

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

Commissioner Proceedings

January 14, 2020

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

Call to Order

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

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions and deletions:  add – HR: Department Reviews and delete – Sanford Health Lease.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of December 27, 2019.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of the Organizational Meeting on January 7, 2020.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrant’s $29,292.91 Commissioners Warrant’s $2,069.22, Commissioners Warrant’s $11,193.43.
Meridian Contract

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of service agreement with Meridian Services, Inc. and for Commissioner Jon Waibel to sign the same.

LifeCare Contract

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the Purchase of Service Agreement with LifeCare Behavioral Health and for Commissioner Jon Waibel to sign the same.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $252,125.62 Road & Bridge $23,531.68, Solid Waste, $25,042.38, EDA, $159,059.22.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 1/14/2020 For Payment 1/17/2020

Vendor Name                                        Amount

Air Med Care Network                                              16,803.00

Beltrami County Highway Dept                                   3,408.70

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                                     13,554.64

Compudyne, Inc                                                        56,279.59

Counties Providing Technology                                  3,717.00

Farmers Union Oil Co.                                                 2,321.63

Happy Tree Productions                                             8,890.00

Headwaters Regional Development Commiss            2,500.00

Howard’s Oil Company                                               4,515.51

LOW IDC                                                                 150,000.00

LOW Soil & Water Cons. Dist.                                 101,188.00

Mar-Kit Landfill                                                          13,137.00

Mn Assn Of Counties                                                 5,288.00

Mn Counties Computer Co-Op                                  23,583.00

Mn Counties Computer Co-Op                                  10,021.90

OnSolve,LLC                                                               7,500.00

Voyageurs Comtronics, Inc                                       2,640.00

Woody’s Service                                                        3,600.86

62 Payments less than $2,000                                   30,810.07

Final Total: 459,758.90

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: December 31, 2019 for $14,181.49, December 31, 2019 for $121,416.98, January 10, 2020 for $307,084.21.

Resolution for Local Sales Tax

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously the following:

LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY, MINNESOTA

SUPPORTING A LOCAL SALES TAX TO BE IMPLEMENTED  

RESOLUTION 2020-01-02

Supporting the County’s authority to impose a local sales tax to fund specific capital improvements providing regional benefit, to establish the maximum duration of and revenue to be raised by the tax, and to issue bonds to be repaid with tax revenues.

WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Corrections has found the existing Lake of the Woods County Jail to be structurally deficient and in need of major renovations or replacement, and has required the County to have a new County Jail in operation as of July 1, 2021 or transport County inmates to alternative facilities; and,

WHEREAS, the County Board has considered the practicality and future costs of all alternatives; factoring in the County’s considerable distances to alternative facilities and the uncertain availability and cost of such arrangements; and has determined that building a new County Jail and Law Enforcement Center is the most viable response to the Department of Corrections’ mandate; and,

WHEREAS, the aforementioned project is the most fiscally responsible option and will result in near-term and long-term economic and public safety benefits to County residents and businesses, as well as non-resident visitors and businesses, and,

WHEREAS, as compared to all other Minnesota counties, Lake of the Woods County has the second-lowest taxable property value, as measured by net tax capacity (after Mahnomen County) and the second-smallest estimated permanent population (after Traverse County); and,

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County is an internationally-recognized center for recreation and tourism, as evidenced in part by the state sales taxes generated annually by local businesses (third-highest per capita among all Minnesota counties, after Hennepin and Cook Counties); and,

WHEREAS, Minn. Stat. § 297A.99 authorizes the imposition of a general sales tax if permitted by special law of the Minnesota Legislature and then approved by local voters; and,

WHEREAS, Minn. Stat. § 297A.99 requires the County to pass a resolution authorizing such a local tax and to obtain Legislative approval prior to seeking voter approval to enact the local tax; and,

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County intends to seek special legislation to allow for a local referendum in November 2020 to institute up to a one- and one-half percent (1.50%) local option sales tax to fund a portion of the following project:

1. Construction of a new County Jail and Law Enforcement Center, with a total project cost not to exceed $14,000,000, plus an amount sufficient to pay costs, including interest costs, related to the issuance of general obligation bonds to finance said project

WHEREAS, the County estimates that a general local sales tax of one- and one-half percent (1.50%) would generate approximately $20,000,000 over 25 years; and,

WHEREAS, the County’s objective is that the tax would commence April 1, 2021 and expire March 31, 2046, or whenever a sum sufficient to fund the authorized project (including bond financing-related costs) is raised, whichever comes first; and

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the following:

1. The County Board supports the authority to impose a general local sales tax of up to one- and one-half percent (1.50%) for a maximum period of 25 years to fund the aforementioned project.
2. The County Board supports the authority to issue general obligation sales tax revenue bonds to finance the project, and to be repaid with local sales tax revenues.
3. Upon approval of this resolution, the County will submit the adopted resolution and documentation of regional significance to the chairs and ranking minority members of the House and Senate Taxes committees for approval and passage of a special law authorizing the tax, by January 31 of the year that it is seeking the special law.
4. Upon Legislative approval and passage of the special law authorizing the tax, the County will adopt a resolution accepting the new law, which will be filed with a local approval certificate to the Office of the Secretary of State before the following Legislative session.
5. The County will put a detailed local sales tax ballot question on a general election ballot for local voter approval. This will be done within two years of receiving legislative authority.
6. If a ballot question passes, the County will pass an ordinance imposing the local sales tax and will notify the Commissioner of Revenue at least 90 days before the first day of the calendar quarter that the tax will be imposed.

Adopted by the Board of Commissioners of Lake of the Woods County this 14^th day of January, 2020.

Appointment of 2020 Election Judges, UOCAVA & Absentee Ballot Boards and Hourly Pay

County Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson met with the County Board to approve election judges for the primary and general elections, to set up UOCAVA and Absentee Ballot Boards for the same and to request a pay increase for the election judges. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously  to approve the following election judges for the 2020 Presidential Primary (March 3, 2020), State Primary (August 11, 2020) and the General (November 3, 2020) Elections:  Christie Russell, Sandy Peterson, Judy Johnson, Shelley Pepera, Rita Krause, Margie Sporlein, Stacy Novak, Dale Boretski, Dawn Christianson, John Carroll, Dena Pieper, Alisa Jacobsen, Heather Larson, Barb Larson, Bob Gubbels, Beverly Becklund, Jo Aery, Dani Koshak, Jennifer Hovde, Jeff Hovde, Mary Jo Otten, Jaime Boretski-LaValla, Janet Rudd, Rita Hasbargen, Erik Tange and Lorene Hanson. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the hourly pay for election judges as follows:  head election judges at $12.00 per hour and election judges at $11.50 per hour, effective with the 2020 elections.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to appoint the following Election Judges to the UOCAVA & Absentee Ballot Boards for the 2020 Presidential Primary, State Primary and General Elections:  Christie Russell, Rita Hasbargen, Stacy Novak, Dawn Christianson, Jaime Boretski-LaValla, Erik Tange and Lorene Hanson.   

Appointment to Canvassing Board

County Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson met with the County Board to request approval to appoint two Commissioners to the 2020 Canvassing Board.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to appoint Commissioners Buck Nordlof and Joe Grund to the Canvassing Board for the 2020 Presidential Primary, State Primary and General Elections.   

Permission to advertise, interview and hire

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously for Lake of the Woods Auditor/Treasurer to advertise, interview and hire for the position of Deputy Auditor/Treasurer – License Clerk-Board Administration, Grade 10, Step 1, $20.33 per hour, pts 253.

MIS

Sheriff Deputy Recording System

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of a recording program for the Sheriff’s Department out of data processing funds.

Plow for Maintenance Truck

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of a plow for the maintenance truck from the maintenance budget.

COUNTY SURVEYOR

County Surveyor, Chad Conner, met with the Board to provide a year-end summary of projects that were completed and work that will carry over to 2020 from 2019.  Connor mentioned the cost sharing money still available that can benefit land owners.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the transfer of $7,500 from cost sharing to remonumentation.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Consideration of CUP

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stomlund met with the board and presented a Conditional Use Permit for S & J Real Estate, LLC to allow the applicant to operate a short-term transient rental in a Rural Residential Zoning District (R2). No comments were heard from the Public.  Stromlund reviewed the Findings of Fact of the Planning Commission and informed the board that the Planning Commission approved this application with the following conditions, the specific conditions of approval are as follows:

1. A septic system inspection is required and if found to be Non-Compliant, the system must be upgraded.
2. Meet all MDH requirements as applicable.
3. CUP terminates upon sale or transfer of property.
4. Lodging tax for LOW County must be paid.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following Conditional Use Permit with conditions:

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners

Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant:  S & J Real Estate, LLC                                                       Date:  January 14, 2020

Location/Legal Description: Government Lot six (6), Section Thirty-six (36), Range One Hundred Sixty-seven (167) North, Range Thirty-three (33) West – Parcel ID# 06.36.44.000.

Project Proposal:  A Conditional Use Permit, as required by Section 401-C of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance, to allow the applicant to operate a short-term transient rental in a Rural Residential Zoning District (R2).

1. Is the project proposal consistent with the Lake of the Woods County Comprehensive Land Use Plan?                                                                                                                         YES ( x ) NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? ___Resort/recreation area_______________________________________________

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

YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? ___________________________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? _____With conditions_________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? ___Will not change___________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? ____Shoreline_______________________________________________________

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

                                                                                                                        YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? ____________________________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? ____________________________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? ___________________________________________________________________

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

                                                                                                                        YES ( x  )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? ___Resort rental______________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? ___With conditions___________________________________________________    

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

Why or why not? ___No change________________________________________________________

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

                                                                                                                          YES ( x )  NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? ___With conditions____________________________________________________  

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

Why or why not? __In place/no change__________________________________________________

14.      If the project proposal includes above ground or below ground storage tanks for petroleum or other hazardous material that is subject to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) requirements, has a permit been sought?    

                                                                                                                                          YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? ____________________________________________________________________

15.      Will there be fencing and/or other screening provided to buffer the project proposal from adjacent properties?

                                                                                                                              YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )                                                                                                                       

Why or why not? ____________________________________________________________________     

16.      If signage is associated with the project proposal, has the applicant demonstrated the need for the number and size requested, and minimized the visual appearance as viewed from adjacent properties to the extent possible?            

                                                                                                                               YES (   )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? ____________________________________________________________________

17.      If the project proposal will generate additional traffic to or from the site, has the applicant adequately demonstrated how the additional traffic and parking is to be addressed?                                     YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A ( x )

Why or why not? ____________________________________________________________________

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

safety, health, and general welfare of the public. 

The specific conditions of approval are as follows:

5.      A septic system inspection is required and if found to be Non-Compliant, the system must be upgraded.

6.      Meet all MDH requirements as applicable.

7.      CUP terminates upon sale or transfer of property.

8.      Lodging tax for LOW County must be paid.

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

            _______________                                          _____________________________________

                        Date                                                                             Jon Waibel

                                                                                                        Chair, County Board

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

AIS Letter

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve letters to Representative Matt Grossell and Senator Paul Utke regarding Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Aid and the funding metric used.

RECESS

Meeting was recessed at 10:11 am and reconvened at 10:20 am as follows:

COUNTY HIGHWAY/LANDFILL

Project Final Approval

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen to accept the Public Works Director’s Certificate of Performance of SAP 039-649-003 for Lake of the Woods County (Force Account) in the total amount of $178,002.99 and hereby authorize final payment. Seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and the same being put to vote was duly carried.

Highway Update

• Letters will be sent out to golf course area residents regarding an upcoming project
• Continue to work on the plan for improved drainage on County Road 80
• Consideration of purchasing County motor pool vehicles through the Highway Department for depreciation benefits

Landfill Update

• Meeting with MPCA in Brainerd on January 27, 2020

DITCH AUTHORITY

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting at 10:25 a.m. and open Ditch Authority.

JD 28 Project

Waiting for final decision on JD 28.  The County did not receive any bids for the cleaning of JD 16, the County will clean and bill the time to JD 16.  All work for JD 28 will be through a grant.

Ditch Assessments

Commissioner Jon Waibel reviewed the following Ditch Assessments presented to the County Board for 2020:

CD 1: $22,800.00

CD 2: $882.40

JD 16: $8,500.00

JD 24: $16,000.00

JD 26: $24,000.00

JD 28:  $40,000.00

JD 22:  $4,800.00 (Joint Ditch with Roseau County)

JD 62: $16,900.00 (Joint Ditch with Roseau County)

The Ditch Authority recommended the following Ditch Assessments: County Ditch 1-$22,800; County Ditch 2-$882.40, Judicial Ditch 16 Outlet Fee- $8,500; Judicial Ditch 24- $16,000; Judicial Ditch 26- $24,000; Judicial Ditch 28-$40,000; Judicial Ditch 22-Joint Ditch with Roseau-$4,800; Joint Ditch 62 with Roseau-$16,900.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to close the Ditch Authority meeting at 10:35 a.m. and reconvene the regular meeting.

DITCH ASSESSMENTS

Chair Jon Waibel discussed the 2020 Ditch Assessments and the recommendations from County Engineer, AJ Pirkl and the Ditch Authority.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the recommendations of the Ditch Authority to set the 2020 Ditch Assessments as follows: County Ditch 1-$22,800; County Ditch 2-$882.40, Judicial Ditch 16 Outlet Fee- $8,500; Judicial Ditch 24- $16,000; Judicial Ditch 26- $24,000; Judicial Ditch 28-$40,000; Judicial Ditch 22-Joint Ditch with Roseau-$4,800; Joint Ditch 62 with Roseau-$16,900.

JOSEPH LAURIN

Northerly Park

Laurin presented an updated plan for the Northerly Park at the Northwest Angle.  The plan was simplified with the help of Whitt Environmental Services and includes a visitor center, board walk, observation tower and cross-country ski trail.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve payment of current invoice from Whitt Environmental Services including additional time, not to exceed a total of $1,000, for completion of the joint notification to the U.S. Corp of Engineers.

Edge Riders Request

Polaris is allowing the club to use a ranger with the option to purchase it.  The club is looking for funding to purchase the ranger.  The County Board suggested to contact the EDA for loan options.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Department Reviews

Savanna Slick met with the board to find a date to create non-elected department head evaluations.  The Board will plan to meet after the regular meeting on 2/11/2020 for this work session.

RECESS

Meeting was recessed at 11:03 am and reconvened at 11:15 am as follows:

PROPOSED LAW ENFORCEMENT CENTER

Land Purchase

Chair Jon Waibel opened up the meeting for discussion on the land purchase options for the proposed Law Enforcement Center.  Several community members were in attendance and voiced concern about the possible location on the north side of Highway 11.  Chair Jon Waibel explained that right now that property is off of the table.

A question was asked regarding the timeline for the purposed Law Enforcement Center, Chair Jon Waibel explained that the requirement was to have progress towards completion by July of 2021.

A community member shared that he was pleased that the County is looking at an alternate location, and that community use of the facility should be taken into consideration, such as meeting rooms.

Further discussion on the land purchase for the proposed Law Enforcement Center will be added to the next Board meeting agenda.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 11:41 a.m.

Attest:                                                                                      January 14, 2020

__________________________________                            _________________________________

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

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

Commissioner Proceedings

January 28, 2020

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

Call to Order

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

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda.

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of January 14, 2020.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrant’s $13,880.48, Commissioners Warrant’s $1,421.51, Commissioners Warrant’s $18,935.12.

ODC Contract

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the Purchase of Service Agreement with Occupational Development Center, Inc. and for Commissioner Jon Waibel to sign the same.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $172,686.33, Road & Bridge $71,953.73.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 1/28/2020 For Payment 1/31/2020

Vendor Name                                        Amount

ByteSpeed, LLC                                                        11,733.00

Compudyne, Inc                                                        20,793.10

KRIS Engineering Inc                                                   4,221.40

LOW Fair Association                                               25,000.00

Mn Assn Of Counties                                                 2,200.00

MN Counties Intergovernmental Trust                     148,848.00

Northern Light Region                                                 2,579.14

Thompson Reuters-West Publishing Corp.                 2,958.50

Woody’s Service                                                        5,415.25

54 Payments less than 2000                                     20,891.67

Final Total: 244,640.06

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: January 15, 2020 for $99,575.42, January 15, 2020 for $295,490.84, January 23, 2020 for $13,391.43.

Hoffman, Philipp, & Knutson Understanding of Services Letter

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to authorize Chair Jon Waibel and County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson to sign the engagement letter for year-end Audit services with Hoffman, Philipp and Knutson for 2019 year-end audit.

Ditch Loan

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the transfer of funds from Ditch 28 Fund to the Revenue Fund for payoff of Loan 1, partial payment of Loan 2 and applicable interest to both, effective December 31, 2019, as follows:

            Loan    Principal          Interest           Total

            1          $11,389.11      $462.44           $11,851.55     

            2          $9,415.00        $588.29           $10,003.29

Change Board Meeting Start Time

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the start time of the County Board Meeting on 2/25/2020 at 8:15 a.m.  This meeting will be held at Lake of the Woods School.

Pay Equity

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the 2020 Pay Equity Report as presented.

Local Sales Tax

A supplement for the local sales tax resolution was reviewed and all Commissioners were in favor of submitting it to the state representatives.

Motion for Year End Adjustments

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize the closure of Special Revenue Forfeited Tax Fund (27) and transfer its balance to Agency Forfeited Land Tax Fund (86) effective December 31, 2019.

HRDC

A representative from Headwaters Regional Development Commission presented to the Board on the Region Transportation Coordination Council (RTCC).  The goals of the Headwaters RTCC are to:

• Expand transportation options for underserved populations
• Develop better collaboration between transportation providers within the region
• Be a central source of public transportation information
• Provide planning and strategic expertise to transportation providers and service agents
• Arrange personalized transportation request that cross multi-jurisdictional boundaries
• Reduce public transportation cost through new efficiencies and partnerships

LAKE OF THE WOODS PREVENTION COALITION

HIDTA Application

Tammie Doebler, with the Lake of the Woods Prevention Coalition, meet with the Board and requested their consideration and support to apply to the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve supporting the application to HIDTA.

COUNTY HIGHWAY/LANDFILL

Highway Update

Boyd Johnson provided the Highway Update. Planning of projects, snow plowing and other activities are going well.  Bids will go out soon for CSAH 31 and the chip sealing of County Roads 14 and 3.  Johnson is currently working on the classification of County Roads and talked with the Board about consideration of a snow removal arrangement with the school.

Vehicle Purchase

The Highway Department is looking to replace a Chevrolet Tahoe, which will be transferred over to the County Assessor. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to authorize the County Highway Department to purchase a Jeep at a cost of up to $31,000.

Landfill Update

County Engineer, AJ Pirkl, is currently attending a meeting with the MPCA.

US Bank Lease Agreement/ROTOCHOPPER INC

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the US Bank Lease Agreement for Equipment from ROTOCHOPPER INC with payment and terms of 84 monthly payments of $6,268.50, plus applicable taxes.

WIKSTROM RIGHT-OF-WAY-EASEMENT

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the Right-Of-Way-Easements as requested by Wikstrom Telephone Company, Incorporated.

PROPOSED LAW ENFORCEMENT CENTER

The Board continues to look at locations for the proposed Law Enforcement Center and research the options.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Jon Waibel called the meeting to recess at 11:13 a.m.

Attest:                                                                                      January 28, 2020

__________________________________                            _________________________________

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

Commissioner Proceedings

Organizational Meeting

January 8, 2019

The Lake of the Woods County Board met on Tuesday, January 8, 2019, in the Commissioners’ Room in the Lake of the Woods County Government Center for their 2019 Organizational Meeting.

Call to Order

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson called the meeting to order at 9:03 a.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance with the following members present:  Commissioners Ed Arnesen, Jon Waibel, James “Buck” Nordlof, Cody Hasbargen, and Joe Grund. Also, present were: County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer, Janet Rudd, County Attorney, James Austad and Linwood “Woody” Fiala.

Swearing in Ceremony

County Recorder, Susan Ney swore in Commissioner Joseph Grund and James “Buck” Nordlof with terms beginning January 7, 2019.

Election of Chair and Vice Chair

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson called for nominations for Chair for Lake of the Woods County Board for the year 2019.  Commissioner Arnesen nominated Commissioner Cody Hasbargen for Chairman with Commissioner Waibel seconding the nomination. County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson called for nominations two more times.

Chair

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously close the nominations for Chairman.

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson called for a roll call for Commissioner Hasbargen for Chair.  Roll call carried as follows: All in favor: Commissioners, Waibel, Hasbargen, Arnesen, Grund and Nordlof.  Against:  None.  Commissioner Hasbargen assumed the position of Chair of the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners for 2019.

Vice – Chair

Chairman Hasbargen called for nominations for the position of Vice-Chairman the year 2019.  Commissioner Arnesen nominated Commissioner Waibel for Vice-Chairman for Lake of the Woods County Board with Commissioner Nordlof seconding the nomination. Chairman Hasbargen called for nominations two more times. 

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the nominations for Vice-Chairman. 

Chairman Hasbargen called for a roll call for Commissioner Waibel for Vice- Chairman.  Roll call carried as follows: All in favor: Commissioners:  Waibel, Hasbargen, Arnesen, Grund and Nordlof.  Against:  None.  Commissioner Waibel assumed the position of Vice-Chairman of the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners for 2019.

Approval of Agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following addition: Approval of December 27, 2018 minutes.

APPOINTMENT OF COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to appoint Jill Hasbargen Olson as Lake of the Woods County Emergency Management Director, with Commissioner Hasbargen abstaining.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Grund and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of December 27, 2018 minutes.

County Auditor/treasurer

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims, Wells Fargo Signature Cards, Official Depositories for 2019, 2019 IRS Mileage rate, Auditor/Treasurer Office fees and Sanford Lease for GCN.

Claims

Motion was made by Commissioner Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Moorman and carried unanimously to approve the following claims against the county: Revenue-$ 197,234.58, Road & Bridge-$50,065.07, Solid Waste- $14,527.29.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 1/08/2019 For Payment 1/11/2019

Vendor Name                                        Amount

Air Med Care Network                                            16,803.00

Bert’s Truck Equipment Of Moorhead, Inc               36,680.00

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                                     2,794.30

Esri                                                                          25,000.00

Howard’s Oil Company                                             2,714.97

LOW Soil & Water Cons. Dist.                               101,188.00

Malwarebytes Inc                                                                     2,519.25

Mar-Kit Landfill                                                        10,559.75

Mn Assn Of Counties                                                4,202.00

Mn Counties Computer Co-Op                                 18,064.57

Mn Dept Of Transp                                                    5,623.99

OnSolve,LLC                                                             7,500.00

TOTALFUNDS                                                           4,000.00

Voyageurs Comtronics, Inc                                      2,640.00

Woody’s Service                                                       3,034.53

29 Payments less than 2000   18,502.58

Final Total:  261,826.94

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following Auditor warrants: December 31, 2018-$2,226.70, December 31, 2018- $51,115.82, January 2, 2019, 87,995.39.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Grund, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to authorize County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson, Deputy Auditor/Treasurer, Dawn Christianson and Chairman Hasbargen to sign the Wells Fargo signature card for account number 3908.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to designate the following institutions as Official Depositories of county funds for the year 2019:

1. Wells Fargo, Baudette Branch
2. RiverWood Bank- Baudette Branch
3. Border State Bank, Baudette Branch
4. Multi Bank Security

It was further moved to designate Wells Fargo Minneapolis, as the official safekeeping Institution for Lake of the Woods County. 

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the 2019 Standard IRS Mileage rate for business miles at .58 cents per mile.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the lease agreement between Lake of the Woods County and Sanford Medical Center, Thief River Falls for the use of the Government Center North, portion to be leased consisting of approximately 1,474 square feet. The term of the lease is January 1, 2019 thru December 31, 2019, with rent being $1,000 per month.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the Lake of the Woods County Auditor/Treasurer’s fees as presented.

COMMISSIONERS

Chairman Hasbargen discussed possible dates with the board so they could set the 2019 County Tour. A tentative date of October 15 2019 was set. The following topics were approved, Per-Diems and Meal Reimbursement.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve County appointed committee member per diems from $40.00 to $75.00 per day effective January 1, 2019.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve out of county (accept NWA) meal reimbursements up to $40.00 per day, with itemized receipts and applicable agenda, effective January 1, 2019.

LOCAL SALES TAX

Chairman Hasbargen discussed the proposed local sales tax for Lake of the Woods County for the purpose of helping to pay for the cost for the new Law Enforcement/Jail facility that the State of MN is mandating.   The purpose of the local tax would be to help relieve the burden of the total cost of the facility to the residents/tax payers of Lake of the Woods County

OFFICIAL COUNTY NEWSPAPER BID-OPENING

Chairman Hasbargen called for the bid opening at 9:30 a.m. for the Official Legal newspaper for the year 2019.MotionMotion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Grund to designate the Northern Light Region as the Official Legal newspaper for the year 2019 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.

Lake of the Woods County Bid Tabulation Legal Publishing Year 2019 January 8, 2019  Per Standard Advertising Unit Financial StatementDelinquent Tax ListAll Other Publications 1st Publ.2nd Publ1st Publ2nd Publ          Northern Light Region       PO Box 11346.506.506.506.506.506.50 Baudette, MN  56623       218-634-2700  Award To: Official Legal NewspaperNorthern Light Region 1^st Publ/Financial Stmnt6.50 2nd Publ/Financial Stmnt If applicable         6.50N/A  1st Delinq Tax List         6.50  2nd Delinq Tax List         6.50  All Other         6.50  

APPROVAL OF 2019 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the following Committee Appointments for 2019:

2019 ASSOCIATION OF MINNESOTA COUNTIES (AMC)

Ag Task Force: Commissioner Waibel; Alternates: Commissioners

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

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

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

PILT Advisory: Commissioners, Josh Stromlund;

Public Safety: Commissioner Hasbargen;

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

2018 COUNTY RELATED COMMITTEES

Airport Commission:  Commissioners Hasbargen and Waibel;

Beaver Committee: Commissioners Grund and Nordlof, Lee Hancock, Tim Erickson and Steve Levassuer;

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

Building and Safety Committee: Chair- Commissioner Hasbargen and Nordlof, Tim Erickson, Peder Hovland, Lorene Hanson and Amy Ballard, one from Law Enforcement, and Safety Director;

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

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

County Extension Committee: Commissioners Arnesen and Hasbargen, Lorene Hanson, Additional members: Tabitha Ubel, Kenneth Horntvedt and Nicole Olson and Sandy Peterson. Extension Members: Aprille Albrecht, Lisa Loegering and Karen Santl.

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

Data Privacy Administrator: Savanna Slick;

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

Department Liaisons:  Assessor – Nordlof; Land and Water Planning Office – Waibel; Attorney – Nordlof; MIS – Hasbargen; Sheriff – Arnesen; Social Services – Grund; Recorder – Nordlof; Highway – Grund; Auditor/Treasurer – Chair-Commissioner Hasbargen; H/R – Waibel; County Surveyor-Arnesen and Veterans Service Officer – Grund; Tourism Bureau- Arnesen; Wheelers Point Sewer- Waibel;

Department of Natural Resources: Arnesen and Waibel;

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

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

Grievance Committee: Chair- Commissioner Hasbargen, County Attorney, James Austad, Human Resource Director, Savanna Slick, Daryl Fish, Josh Stromlund and Angie Eason; Alternate:  Commissioner Waibel.;

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

Insurance Committee: Commissioners Arnesen and Waibel, Amy Ballard, Lorene Hanson, Sue Ney, Daryl Fish and Savanna Slick;

Jail Committee- Gary Fish, Tim Erickson, Jim Austad, Commissioner Arnesen and Waibel, Sandy Peterson, Peder Hovland and Lorene Hanson.

Joint Drainage Authority- JD22: Commissioner Grund-District 3, Commissioner Arnesen-District 5, Commissioner Waibel-District 4, JD 62- Commissioner Grund- District 3, Commissioner Arnesen- District 5, Commissioner Hasbargen-District 2;

Labor/Management Committees: Commissioners Arnesen and Hasbargen, Savanna Slick; Alternate: Commissioner Nordlof;

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

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

Motor Pool Committee: Commissioner Waibel, Lorene Hanson, Jodi Ferrier, Mary Jo Otten, Josh Stromlund, Peder Hovland, Alternate:  Commissioner Hasbargen;

Ordinance Committee: Commissioners Arnesen and Waibel, James Austad, Gary Fish, Josh Stromlund;

Park Commission: Commissioners Hasbargen and Arnesen, Tim Erickson and Joe Laurin; Alternate: Commissioner Waibel;

Personnel Committee (combined Compensation Plan and Personnel): Commissioners Nordlof and Arnesen, Savanna Slick, Sue Ney, Tim Erickson, Christine Hultman, Lorene Hanson and Daryl Fish;   

Ploughing Committee: Commissioner Arnesen and Waibel, Gary Fish, Tim Erickson and Josh Stromlund: Alternate: Commissioners;

Public Information Officer: Lorene Hanson, Alternate; Savanna Slick and James Austad;

SHIP Committee: Commissioner Nordlof, Alternate: Commissioner Waibel;

Snowmobile Trails Committee: Commissioner Grund and Nordlof;

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wellness Committee:    Angie Eason, Julie Berggren, and Commissioner Nordlof;

2018 BOARDS/COLLABORATIVE/COALITION

Arrowhead Library System:  Ronald Rudd (01-01-19 to 12-31-22) appointed 01-08-19; Alternate: Commissioner Nordlof (01-01-19-12-31-22);

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

Border Substance Abuse Court and Steering Committee: Commissioner Waibel, Amy Ballard;

Community Education Advisory Board: Commissioner Hasbargen; Alternate: Commissioner Nordlof; 

Headwaters Regional Development Commission: Commissioners Waibel and Hasbargen;

International Bridge: Commissioners Grund and Nordlof;

Joint Powers Natural Resources Board: Commissioners Grund and Nordlof;

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

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

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

Lutheran Social Service Board: Commissioner Nordlof and Amy Ballard; Alternate: Commissioner Waibel;

Mid-State Co-op: Peder Hovland as delegate #1, and Mary Jo Otten, as delegate #2;

Minnesota Counties Computer Co-op: Delegate #1 – Peder Hovland, Delegate #2 – Lorene Hanson; Alternate: James Austad

Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust: Commissioner Waibel; Alternate: Commissioner Nordlof;

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

North Country Community Health Board:  Commissioner Grund(term expires 12/31/21) and Tom Mio (term expires 12/31/21) these are three-year terms;

North Country Community Health Services Advisory Committee: Commissioner Grund (term expires 12/31/20) and Tom Mio (term expires 12/31/19(these are two-year terms;

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

Northwest Board of Aging/Area Agency: Commissioner Nordlof, Amy Ballard and   Alternate: Commissioner Waibel;

Northwest Community Action:  Commissioner Arnesen, Alternates, Commissioners;

Northwest Minnesota Juvenile Center Board: Commissioner Waibel (term expires 12/31/2021 (re-appointed in 2018) and Amy Ballard (appointed 2019 to 2022)

One Watershed/One Plan: Commissioner Arnesen, Alternate: Nordlof;

Rainy Rapid River Board: Commissioner Hasbargen, Josh Stromlund; Alternate: Commissioner Grund;

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

Regional Advisory: Jill Olson

NW Emergency Communications Board: Commissioner Arnesen: Alternate: Commissioner Hasbargen;

SWCD District Committee: Commissioner Waibel and Josh Stromlund; Alternate: Commissioner Grund

SOCIAL SERVICES

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

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioner Warrants $12,557.67, Commissioners Warrants $1,964.74, Commissioners Warrants $2,255.07.

PUBLIC WORKS

Public Works Director, Tim Erickson met with the board requesting approval to purchase two John Deere 6110 tractors as budgeted.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of two John Deere 6110 tractors in the amount of $181,500 as budget.

AMEND AGENDA

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Grund and carried unanimously to amend the agenda and add Opioid Grant.

COUNTY ATTORNEY

County Attorney, James Austad met with the board to discuss the possible grant for Opioid’s. He informed the board that Lake of the Woods Coalition organizers, Tammy Doebler and Sue Paulson have been working on applying for this grant along with LakeWood Health Center and requesting approval from the County Board to move forward with this grant opportunity. The consensus of the board was to move forward with the grant opportunity.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Hasbargen called the meeting to recess at 11:50 a.m.

ATTEST:                                                                    APPROVED:

______________________                                        ____________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer                                             Chairman of the Board Lorene Hanson                                                 Cody Hasbargen

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

Commissioner Proceedings

January 22, 2019

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

Call to Order

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

Approval of Agenda

Motion

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

Approval of Minutes

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Grund and carried unanimously to approve the official and summarized minutes of January 8, 2019.

SOCIAL SERVICES

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

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Grund and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrant’s $11,900.95, Commissioners Warrant’s $1,153.97, Commissioners Warrant’s $10,699.24.

AUDITOR/TREASURER

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board requesting approval of claims, Dr. Retention Agreement, and County issued credit card. Discussion of Temporary Liquor License Permits, Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $185,274.86, Road & Bridge $81,860.05, County Devel.$1,000.00 , Solid Waste, $33,354.17, EDA, $2,337.36.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 1/22/2019 For Payment 1/25/2019

Vendor Name                                                    Amount

Beltrami County Auditor-Treasurer                                    35,100.00

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc.                                               11,739.34

Compass Minerals America                                                  5,243.52

Conduent Business Services LLC                                      6,127.76

Counties Providing Technology                                           3,526.00

Headwaters Regional Development Commiss                     5,000.00

LOW School District–390                                                     3,300.00

Mn Assn Of Counties                                                           2,500.00

MN Counties Intergovernmental Trust                              143,870.00

Mn State Dept-Correction                                                   21,391.55

Northern Light Region                                                           3,064.62

Nw Mn Household Hazardous                                             4,113.00

Paul Bunyan Transit                                                           15,594.26

Pro Mac Manufacturing Ltd                                                  2,753.10

Thompson Reuters-West Publishing Corp.                           2,572.00

University of North Dakota                                                   9,202.71

69 Payments less than 2000 28,728.58

Final Total: 303,826.44

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: January 8, 2019 – $108,964.10, January 16, 2019- $210,001.02, January 17, 2019 – $211,042.37.

Credit Card

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Grund, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve Emily Tiedemann, Dispatcher a county issued credit card.

Temporary On-Sale Liquor License

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson met with the board to discuss Permits for a 1 day to 4-day Temporary On- Sale Intoxicating Liquor License which permits exempt originations to sell liquor for events that they are hosting. There are requirements that need to be met and approved by the County and MN Liquor Control. The board set the fee for the Temporary License to $100.00 per day.

Doctor Retention Contract

Doctor Retention Contract was placed on February 12, 2019 agenda.

LAKE OF THE WOODS HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Historical Society Director, Lindsay Marshall met with the board and informed the board that there is a grant available called, Heritage Partnership Program, to local governments to help defer the cost of   helping plan the 100- year celebration of Lake of the Woods County. Lake of the Woods County was created and vested on November 28, 1922 by Honorable J.A.O. Preus. Governor of Minnesota. The consensus of the board was to move forward with the grant application.

DITCH AUTHORITY

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unamously to close the regular meeting at 9:55 a.m. and open Ditch Authority.

Commissioner Hasbargen reviewed the following ditch assessments that Public Works Director, Tim Erickson recommended for 2019 Ditch Assessments.

• CD 1:     
  • 2018 assessment: 5% ($22,792.74)
  • There is a major slope repair project on the south side of CSAH 8 from CSAH 2 going west about a mile.  We haven’t started design yet, so we don’t have an estimate of cost, but it will likely be at least the 2018 assessment amount.
  • 2019 maintenance plans include mowing and spraying
  • Recommend setting 2019 assessment at 2018 level
• JD 16:
  • 2018 assessment: N/A
  • Need to determine the outlet fee to JD 28.  According to Kurt, we can set this fee at just about whatever reasonable amount we’d like.  Looking at the original benefit amounts, approximately $8,500 of benefits are now drained through JD 28, so if you set an amount anywhere between $5,000 and $12,000, that would be reasonable.
  • Recommend setting 2019 assessment at least at the determined outlet fee amount.
• JD 24:
  • 2018 assessment: 25% ($15,913.40)
  • 2018 project for brushing opened up the outlet from CR 53 about 1.5 miles east to the lake.  This corridor was also surveyed for a future project, which will likely be scheduled concurrently with the culvert replacement on CR 53.  That project is on the 5-year bridge plan.
  • Brushing project between CSAH 8 and CSAH 11 likely for 2019
  • Recommend setting 2019 assessment at 2018 level
• JD 26:
  • 2018 assessment: 30% ($20,468.10)
  • 2018 projects began straightening the channel and rebuilding the grade.
  • 2019 projects will continue this work, weather permitting.
  • I believe this ditch currently has negative fund balance.
  • Recommend setting 2019 assessment at 2018 level
• JD 28: 
  • 2018 assessment: 25% ($34,099.75)
  • 2018 repair petition still needs design work (establish drainage outlets for water along TH 172)
  • System has been committed to provide matching funds for SWCD grant project (2019-2020 construction)
  • Ditch system has a negative fund balance
  • Recommend setting 2019 assessment at 2018 level
• JD 22:    Joint Ditch with Roseau County
  • Joint Drainage Authority has set this assessment at 25% ($9,022.88)
  • Lake of the Woods Portion: $4,782.13
  • Roseau Portion: $4,240.75
• JD 62:    Joint Ditch with Roseau County
  • Joint Drainage Authority has set this assessment at 5% ($21,903.90)
  • Lake of the Woods Portion: $16,844.10
  • Roseau Portion: $5,059.80

The Ditch Authority recommended the following Ditch Assessments: County Ditch 1-$22,800; Judicial Ditch 16 Outlet Fee- 8,500; Judicial Ditch 24- $16,000; Judicial Ditch 26- $24,000; Judicial Ditch 28-$40,000; Judicial Ditch 22-Joint Ditch with Roseau-$4,782.13; Joint Ditch 62 with Roseau-$16,844.10.

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to close the Ditch Authority meeting at 10:05 a.m. and reconvene the regular meeting.

DITCH ASSESSMENTS

Chairman Hasbargen discussed the 2019 Ditch Assessments and the recommendations from Public Works Director, Tim Erickson and the Ditch Authority.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Grund and carried unanimously to approve the recommendations of the Ditch Authority to set the 2019 Ditch Assessments as follows: County Ditch 1-$22,800; Judicial Ditch 16 Outlet Fee- 8,500; Judicial Ditch 24- $16,000; Judicial Ditch 26- $24,000; Judicial Ditch 28-$40,000; Judicial Ditch 22-Joint Ditch with Roseau-$4,782.13; Joint Ditch 62 with Roseau-$16,844.10.

DRIFTERS SNOWMOBILE CLUB

Randy Orton and Marty Mollberg, representing the Drifters Club met with the board requesting approval to enter into a grant application with the MN Department of Natural Resources for equipment for the Border Snowmobile Trail for snowmobile trail grooming equipment and a grant for repair of bridges on the Border Trails in Lake of the Woods County and is requesting that Lake of the Woods County would be the fiscal officer for these two grants. The club has the required 25% match for each grant.

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and unanimously carried, with Commissioner Grund abstaining, and moved for adoption:

MN Snowmobile Trail Assistance Program

FY2019 Capital Improvement Grant

Resolution – 19-01-01

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County supports the grant application made to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for the Federal Recreational Trail Program on behalf of the Lake of the Woods Drifters Snowmobile Club.  The application is to repair bridges on the Border Trails in Lake of the Woods County. The trail system is located within Lake of the Woods County

WHEREAS, the Lake of the Woods County recognizes that the Lake of the Woods Area Drifters Snowmobile Club has contributed a twenty-five percent (25%) cash match to the project.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, if Lake of the Woods County is awarded a grant by the Minnesota Department of Natural resources, the County agrees to accept the grant award, and may enter into an agreement with the State of Minnesota for the above referenced project.  The County will comply with all applicable laws, environmental requirements and regulations as stated in the grant agreement, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the applicant has read the Conflict of Interest Policy contained in the Trail Program Grant Manual and certifies it will report any actual, potential, perceived, or organizational conflicts of interest upon discovery to the state related to the application or grant award.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the County Board names the fiscal agent for Lake of the Woods County as:

                                                      Lorene Hanson

                                                      County Auditor-Treasurer

                                          206 8th Ave SE #260,

                                          Baudette, MN 56623

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the County hereby assures the trail improvements will be maintained for a period of no less than twenty (20) years as required by the Federal Recreational Trail Grant Program.

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and unanimously carried and moved for adoption:

MN Snowmobile Trail Assistance Program

FY2019 Capital Equipment Grant

Resolution – 19-01-02

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County on behalf of the Lake of the Woods Drifters Snowmobile Club supports the grant application made to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for the Federal Recreational Trail Program.  The application is to purchase snowmobile trail grooming equipment for the Border Snowmobile Trail System.  The trail system is located throughout Lake of the Woods County.

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County recognizes the Lake of the Woods Drifters will provide a twenty-five (25) percent match requirement for the Federal Recreational Trail Program.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, if Lake of the Woods County is awarded a grant by the Minnesota Department of Natural resources, the County agrees to accept the grant award, and may enter into an agreement with the State of Minnesota for the above referenced project.  The County will comply with all applicable laws, environmental requirements and regulations as stated in the grant agreement, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the applicant has read the Conflict of Interest Policy contained in the Trail Program Grant Manual and certifies it will report any actual, potential, perceived, or organizational conflicts of interest upon discovery to the state related to the application or grant award.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the County Board names the fiscal agent for Lake of the Woods County for this project as:

                                                                  Lorene Hanson

     County Auditor-Treasurer

                                                      206 8th Ave SE #260,

                                                      Baudette, MN 56623

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Lake of the Woods Drifters Snowmobile Club hereby assures the grooming equipment acquired through this grant will be maintained for no less than twenty (20) years as required by the Federal Recreational Trail Grant Program or until such time as appropriate disposition actions are approved by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

LAND AND WATER PLANNING

Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stomlund met with the board and presented a Conditional Use Permit for MLT&T and LMK Holding Company Inc. to allow the applicant to operate a winter access road to Lake of the Woods; storage shed for off-season equipment storage and storage of fish houses. No comments were heard from the Public and letter received was acknowledged. Josh reviewed the Findings of Fact of the Planning Commission and informed the board that they approved this application with the following conditions, the specific conditions of approval are as follows:

1. Signage to include wordage that road is for private use of Border View Lodge only. Not a public access
2. Limited to 18 wheelhouse clients

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the following Conditional Use permit:

Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners

Findings of Fact and Decision

Name of Applicant:  MLT&T, LLC and MLK Holding Company Inc.                   Date:  January 22, 2019

Location/Legal Description: The West 100 feet of the W½NE¼; The East 100 feet of the West 200 feet of the South 233 feet of the SW¼NE¼; The East 200 feet of the West 400 feet of the South 233 feet of the SW¼NE¼; the W½NE¼ Less Deeded, all within Section Twenty-four (24), Township One Hundred Sixty-two (162) North, Range Thirty-two (32) West, and the SW¼SE¼ less the West 100 feet in Section Thirteen (13), Township One Hundred Sixty-two (162) North, Range Thirty-two (32) – Parcel ID#s:  19.24.12.010, 19.24.12.011, 19.24.12.020, 19.24.12.000 and 19.13.43.000.

Project Proposal:  A Conditional Use Permit, as required by Section 401-C of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance, to allow the applicant to operate a winter access road to Lake of the Woods; storage shed for off-season equipment storage and storage of fish houses in a Rural Residential Zoning District (R2).

1. Is the project proposal consistent with the Lake of the Woods County Comprehensive Land Use Plan?                                                                                                                         YES (X) NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? _Resort Development Area________________________________

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

YES (X) NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? _Adding to existing road and monitored by applicant____________

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? _Will not______________________________________________

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? _Cannot access from 172, ice road access already exists_________

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

Why or why not? _Rural residential_______________________________________

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

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

Why or why not? _Lake access___________________________________________

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? ______________________________________________________   

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? ______________________________________________________

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

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________    

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? ______________________________________________________

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

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________   

16. If signage is associated with the project proposal, has the applicant demonstrated the need for the number and size requested, and minimized the visual appearance as viewed from adjacent properties to the extent possible?                                                                                                                         YES (X) NO (  )  N/A (  )

Why or why not? ___See conditions_______________________________________

17.  If the project proposal will generate additional traffic to or from the site, has the applicant adequately demonstrated how the additional traffic and parking is to be addressed?                                         YES (  )  NO (  )  N/A (X)

Why or why not? ______________________________________________________

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

The specific conditions of approval are as follows:

1. Signage to include wordage that road is for private use of Border View Lodge only. Not a public access
2.  Limited to 18 wheelhouse clients

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

                                                                                    _____________________________________

                                                                                                            Cody Hasbargen

                                                                                                        Chair, County Board

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

AMEND AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and carried unanimously to amend the agenda at 10:45 a.m. to discuss the Humane Society.

COUNTY ATTORNEY

County Attorney, James Austad met with the board to inform the board that the Humane Society Shelters has been in contact with Parvovirus, which is a highly contagious viral illness that affects dogs. The Shelter has brought the animals to a Veterinarian for further evaluation and treatment.

Correspondence

The board acknowledge the receipt of the 2019 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan.

RECESS

With no further business before the board, Chairman Hasbargen called the meeting to recess at 11:54 a.m.

Attest:                                                                                      February 11, 2019

__________________________________                            _________________________________County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson                                Chairman of the Board, Cody Hasbargen