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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 10/27/2020 OTTERTAIL COU NTY· MINNESOTA MINUTES OF THE OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Government Services Center, Commissioners' Room & Via Livestream 515 West Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN October 27, 2020 8:30a.m. Call to Order The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened at 8:32 a.m. Tuesday, October 27, 2020, at the Government Services Center in Fergus Falls, MN. Commissioners Lee Rogness, Chair; Betty Murphy, Vice-Chair; John Lindquist, Wayne Johnson, and Doug Huebsch were present in the room. The meeting was held via Webex and was available to the public via livestream due to the health pandemic and declared emergency in accordance with Minn. Stat . Sec. 13D.021 Subd . 1 (1 ). Approval of Agenda Chair Rogness called for approval of the Board Agenda . Motion by Lindquist, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to approve the Board of Commissioners' agenda of October 27, 2020 . Consent Agenda Motion by Huebsch, second by Johnson and unanimously carried to approve the consent agenda items as follows: 1. October 13, 2020 Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes 2. Warrants/Bills for October 27, 2020 3. Human Services & Public Health Warrants/Bills for October 27, 2020 4. Approve the issuance of a 2021 Tobacco License to Bobby Schempp Jr, ECR Assets LLC dba Lakeland General Store Adoption Month November 2020 Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2020 -75 WHEREAS, the family, serving as the primary source of love, identity, self-esteem, and support, is the very foundation of our communities, our state, and our Country; and WHEREAS, adoption gives children who have been orphaned, abandoned, or abused a precious second chance at happiness; a chance to love and be loved and to reach their full potential in a secure, supportive environment; and WHEREAS, there are currently more than 125,000 children nationwide, and more than 900 in Minnesota waiting for an adoptive family;and WHEREAS, the majority of the families seeking children for adoption are pursuing the adoption of younger children. Of the children waiting to be adopted in the State of Minnesota, 60% are children of non-Caucasian background and 40% are children between the ages of 12 -18 years old; and of the children waiting to be adopted 60% are siblings who need to be adopted together. Of the children waiting to be adopted, the primary reason that children and youth enter out of home placement in Minnesota is 31 % due to parental drug use, 22% allegations of neglect, and 10% allegations of physical abuse; and WHEREAS, there is a continued need for an increased number of families in the State of Minnesota and in Otter Tail County who will adopt older children with special needs; and WHEREAS, both the public and private sectors are working together as a ''team" to find adoptive homes for the children throughout the Counties and the State of Minnesota . NOW, THEREFORE, we, The Otter Tail County Human Services Board, by virtue of the authority vested in us as County Commissioners of Otter Tail County, do hereby proclaim November as Adoption Month in Otter Tail County. In honor of this event, we encourage community agencies, religious organizations, businesses and others to celebrate adoption, honor families that grow through adoption, further an awareness of the changes and issues in adoption, and focus attention on those children who live in the shadow of an uncertain future while they await permanent families. Page 1 of 5 Adopted this 27 th day of October 2020 . OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS By : ________________ _ Leland R. Rogness, Board of Commissioners Chair Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes October 27, 2020 Dated ______________ _ Attest. _______________ _ Nicole Hansen, Clerk Contract for Improvements at the Fergus Falls Transfer Station Motion by Johnson, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to authorize appropriate County Officials' signatures to execute the agreement between Otter Tail County and Mark Lee Excavating Inc., for the Otter Tail County Fergus Falls Transfer Station site grading and storm drainage project. Health Insurance RFP Recommendation Benefits Administrator Ryan Black reviewed the RFP bidding process resulting with a recommendation from the Benefits Committee that the county remains with PEIP for health insurance . The premium increase is 9% for 2021 but has overall provided past stable increases and is a large pool. Motion by Huebsch, second by Johnson and unanimously carried to approve continuing health insurance through the Public Employees Insurance Program (PEIP) and the corresponding employer contributions attached as Exhibit B, effective January 1, 2021 . Jewett Lake Association Conditional Use Permit Motion by Johnson, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to accept a request from the Jewett Lake Association to withdraw their conditional use permit (CUP) application seeking modification of terms and conditions of CUP #5753 , and to waive the application fee associated with the Jewett Lake outlet operations plan if submitted by the Jewett Lake Association in the next 12 months. OTTER TAIL COUNTY LAND USE ADMINISTRATIVE ORDINANCE RESOLUTION to adopt Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2020 -76 WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute §394 .27 requires counties to adopt an ordinance that establishes and governs the membership and duties of a Board of Adjustment; and WHEREAS , Minnesota Statute §394.30 requires counties to adopt an ordinance that establishes and governs the membership and duties of a Planning Commission; and WHEREAS , The proposed Land Use Administrative Ordinance combines the current Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission ordinances into a single ordinance; and WHEREAS, The proposed Land Use Administrative Ordinance meets the requirements in Minnesota Statutes §394 .27 and §394.30 . NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, Otter Tail County by this resolution adopts the proposed Land Use Administrative Ordinance. The motion for the adoption of the foregoing revisions was introduced by Commissioner Johnson, duly seconded by Commissioner Murphy and , after discussion thereof and upon vote being taken thereon, passed unanimously. Adopted this 27 th day of October 2020 . OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS By : ________________ _ Leland R. Rogness , Board of Commissioners Chair Page 2 of 5 Dated ______________ _ Attest _______________ _ Nicole Hansen, Clerk Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes October 27, 2020 Recess & Reconvene At 9:22 a.m ., Chair Rogness declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners recessed for a short break. The Board of Commissioners meeting was reconvened at 9:31 a.m . Request for Public Hearing Long Range Strategic Plan Motion by Johnson, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to hold a Public Hearing regarding the Long-Range Strategic Plan on Monday, November 23, 2020 at 6:30 p.m . at the Government Services Center in Fergus Falls, MN . Virtual and in-person participation by appointment only will be allowed with precautions in place and can be set up by contacting the County Board Secretary. Public Hearing Format County Administrator Nicole Hansen ex pressed concerns regarding the current Public Hearing format with the increased number of COVID-19 cases in Otter Tail County. Virtual and in person participation was recommended and can be set up by scheduling a time with the County Board Secretary. Public Hearing notices will indicate the deadline of which written comments will be accepted and details about how to participate for each public hearing will be provided on the website . Prairie Lakes Municipal Solid Waste Authority (PLMSWA) Bonding Public Hearing At 10 :10 a.m ., Chair Rogness opened the Public Hearing to consider matters relating to the sale of up to $2,000 ,000 General Obligation Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds, Series 2020B (Prairie Lakes Municipal Solid Waste Authority) of the County, including an application to the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority for participation in its Credit Enhancement Program, and the refunding of the County's outstanding General Obligation Bonds, Series 2012A . Ehlers Senior Municipal Advisor Nick An hut provided a brief background and at 10 :19 a.m ., Chair Rogness opened the Public Hearing for comments from the Public. There were no comments from the public and the Public Hearing was closed at 10 :20 a.m . Commissioner Johnson introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption : RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE SALE OF APPROXIMATELY $2,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION WASTE DISPOSAL REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2020B (PRAIRIE LAKES MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTEAUTHORITY), AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF MINNESOTA PUBLIC FACILITIES AUTHORITY CREDIT ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM AGREEMENT, AND PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF REFUNDING BONDS Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2020 -77 BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Otter Tail County, Minnesota, as follows: 1. Proposed Bonds . To provide funds on behalf of Prairie Lakes Municipal Solid Waste Authority Joint Powers Board for improvements to the Perham Resource Recovery Facility, it is hereby determined that it is necessary and expedient that the County forthwith issue its General Obligation Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds, Series 2020B (Prairie Lakes Municipal Solid Waste Authority) (the "Series 2020B Bonds "), in the aggregate principal amount of up to $2,000 ,000 . The Series 2020B Bonds shall be sold on the basis of competitive proposals. The Series 2020B Bonds are being issued pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Sections 400 .101 and 471.59, and the Joint Powers Financing Agreement between Becker, Clay, Otter Tail, Todd and Wadena Counties . The paying agent for the Bonds will be Bond Trust Services Corporation . 2. Credit Enhancement Program Agreement. To facilitate the sale of the Series 2020B Bonds, the County shall apply to the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority for participation in its Credit Enhancement Program . The form of Credit Enhancement Program Agreement is approved and the Chair and County Administrator shall execute and deliver the Agreement and the County shall perform the terms thereof. The County hereby covenants and obligates itself to notify the Public Facilities Authority of any potential default in the payment of the principal of or interest on the Series 2020B Bonds and to perform all of its obligations under the Agreement and Minnesota Statutes, Section 446A .086 . The County shall deposit with the Paying Agent three business days prior to each payment date an amount sufficient to make the payment due on each such date or to notify the Public Facilities Authority that it will be unable to make all or a portion of that payment. The County's agreement with the Paying Agent shall include the provisions required by said Section 446A .086. The County shall do all other things which may be necessary to perform the obligations hereby undertaken under said Section 446A .086, including any requirements adopted by the Public Facilities Authority. Page 3 of 5 Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes October 27, 2020 3. Bond Sale . Proposals for the sale of the Series 20208 Bonds will be received on Monday, November 23 , 2020, at the offices of Ehlers & Associates, Inc. The Board of Commissioners will meet at the Government Services Center, 500 Fir Avenue West, Fergus Falls , Minnesota, at 9:30 a.m . on November 24 , 2020 for the purpose of considering the proposals and awarding the sale of the Series 20208 Bonds . 4 . Agreements. There has been presented to this Board forms of a Third Amendment to Prairie Lakes Municipal Solid Waste Authority Joint Powers Financing Agreement proposed to be entered into among the Becker, Clay, Otter Tail , Todd and Wadena counties and a Solid Waste Financing Agreement proposed to be entered into between Prairie Lakes Municipal Solid Waste Authority Joint Powers Board and Otter Tail County (together, the "Agreements") whereby such counties are to be responsible for a pro rata share of the debt service on the Series 20208 Bonds . The Agreements are hereby approved and shall be executed by the Chair and County Administrator in substantially the forms on file . 5. Refunding Bonds . The schedule for the sale of General Obligation Refunding Bonds to refund the County's outstanding General Obligation Bonds, Series 2012A is revised . Proposals for the sale of the Refunding Bonds will be received on Monday, December 14, 2020, at the offices of Ehlers & Associates, Inc. The Board of Commissioners will meet at the Government Services Center, 500 Fir Avenue West, Fergus Falls, Minnesota, at 9:30 a.m . on December 15, 2020 for the purpose of considering the proposals and awarding the sale of the Refunding Bonds . The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Commissioner Huebsch, after discussion thereof and upon vote being taken thereon, passed unanimously. Adopted this 27 th day of October 2020 . OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS By : ________________ _ Leland R. Rogness, Board of Commissioners Chair Dated ______________ _ Attest. _______________ _ Nicole Hansen, Clerk Approval of Payment Motion by Johnson , second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to approve payment in the amount of $1 ,017 .95 to Sanford Health for costs incurred under the provisions of Minnesota Statute 609.35 . Prairie Lake Municipal Solid Waste Authority Joint Powers Financing Agreement Motion by Johnson, second by Huebsch and unanimously carried to authorize appropriate County Officials' signatures on the third amendment to the Prairie Lakes Municipal Solid Waste Authority Joint Powers Financing Agreement between the counties of Otter Tail, Becker, Todd , Wadena and Clay . Highway Items Engineering Agreement for CSAH 41 Bridge -S.A.P. 056-641-011: Motion by Johnson, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to authorize appropriate County Officials' signatures to execute the agreement between Otter Tail County and KU Engineering LLC, for engineering services as it relates to the CSAH 41 bridge replacement project, S.A.P . 056-641-011 . Agreement for Pavement & Geotechnical Evaluatio ns: Motion by Johnson, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to authorize appropriate County Officials' signatures to execute the agreement between Otter Tail County and Braun lntertec for pavement and geotechnical evaluations for the following : S.A.P . 056-614-014, CSAH 14, S.A.P . 056-635-041 , CSAH 35 , S.A.P . 056-667-042, CSAH 67 and C.H . 111 . County Ditch 42 Motion by Johnson, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to authorize the tile inlet on County Ditch 42 to be opened and relocated for increased protection from debris and stronger connection . A benefits re-determination is planned to be conducted for this system once ditch viewing is able to resume . Page 4 of 5 Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes October 27, 2020 Legislative Update Deputy County Administrator Nick Leonard provided a brief legislative update to the Board and reported that Otter Tail County was a recipient of $375 ,000 in state bonding for the Maplewood Segment of the Perham to Pelican Rapids Regional Trail. $4.845 M was also secured through LCCMR and awaiting formal approval by the legislature next session. Commissioners expressed gratitude for the efforts of Representative Bud Nornes, Senator Bill lngebrigtsen, and Legislative Consultant Sara Psick and requested a letter of appreciation be sent on their behalf. Public Health Update Public Health Director Jody Lien reported that Minnesota has 135,372 lab confirmed cases, of which 120,421 no longer require isolation, and 2,353 lab confirmed deaths. Otter Tail County has 901 lab confirmed cases of COVID-19 , of which 778 are no longer contagious, and seven (7) COVID-19 related deaths. For more detailed information regarding Otter Tail County COVID- 19 data, visit https://ottertailcountymn .us/content-page/covid-19-health-information/. Ms . Lien reviewed the 14-day case rate for Otter Tail County and briefly discussed the different factors that assist schools in determining their learning models. As cases continue to grow rapidly, the public is encouraged to follow Public Health guidance to help mitigate the spread of the virus to help support hospitals and businesses and allow schools to remain open . Minnesota is offering free at-home COVID-19 saliva testing and Fergus Falls will be hosting a no barrier COVID-19 testing event on November 4th and 5th at the armory in Fergus Falls . Countywide Emergency Operations Center (EOCl Emergency Management Director Patrick Waletzko provided a brief update to the Board regarding the Countywide EOC and reported that they are providing support to Public Health as access to testing increases and plan to communicate with the City of Fergus Falls regarding the no barrier testing event to ensure a smooth operation. Mr. Waletzko expressed concerns regarding fatigue from the community and plans to revisit messaging to ensure the public is aware of resources that are available . Business Community Community Development Director Amy Baldwin provided a brief update to the Board regarding the business community and reported that the personal protective equipment store has been discontinued as supplies have become more available by the market. September unemployment is down from August at 3.5% from 4.6% and concerns were expressed regarding the loss of labor force in Otter Tail County as well as the State of Minnesota. Internal Operations and County Planning County Administrator Nicole Hansen provided a brief update to the Board regarding internal operations and county planning . Departments are continuously reviewing and updating their continuity of operations plan as staff become impacted by COVID- 19 and plan to explore access to testing for essential operations. Ms . Hansen provided a brief update regarding the facilities assessment and recognized those involved in the elections process during these challenging times. Adjournment At 12 :11 p.m ., Chair Rogness declared the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners meeting adjourned . The next regular Board meeting is scheduled at 8:30 a.m . on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 and will be available to the public via live stream . OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated ______________ _ By : ________________ _ Attest. _______________ _ Leland R. Rogness, Board of Commissioners Chair Nicole Hansen , Clerk Page 5 of 5 Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes October 27, 2020 (Exhibit B) Gran dfa t h ered Si ngle Em p loyee s 2020 Em ploye r Con t ri bution Single HSA Compa t ib le Plan 1,325.00 Va lue Pl an 1,325.00 High Plan 1,325.00 Exist i ng Dep endent Coverage & Ne w Em ployees 2020 Em ploye r Co n t ri b ution HSA Compa t ib le -Single 765.00 Single+ Ch ildr en 1,350.00 Single +Spouse 1,350.00 Fami ly 1,525.00 Va lue Plan -Single 765.00 Single+ Ch ild r en 1,350.00 Single+ Spouse 1,350.00 Fami ly 1,525.00 High Plan -Si ngle 765.00 Single+ Ch ildr en 1,350.00 Single+ Spo u se 1,350.00 Fam ily 1 ,525.00 5% Increase 2020 604 .64 777.30 864.70 5% Increase 2020 604 .64 1,088.30 1,269.74 1,692.62 777 .30 1,399.02 1,632.26 2,175.96 8 64 .70 1 ,556.40 1,815.80 2,420.76 Page 1 of 1 2020 Benefit 2021 Benefit Do l lar s 2021 Em p loyer 9% Increase Dollars Rema i n ing Con t r i bution 20 21 Re maini ng 705.96 1,350.00 663 .90 671.70 533.30 1,350.0 0 853.48 482.12 445.90 1,350.00 949.46 386.14 2020 Benefit 2021 Be nefit Do l lar s 2021 Emp loyer 9% Increase Dollars Rema i n ing Co ntr i bution 20 21 Remaining 145.96 790.00 663.90 111.70 247.30 1,400.00 1,194.96 190.64 65.86 1,400.00 1,394.18 -8 .58 -182.02 1,600.00 1,858.50 -272 ,90 -26 .70 790.0 0 853.48 -77 .88 -63.42 1,400.00 1,536.14 -150.54 -296.66 1,400.00 1,792.24 -406 .64 -665.36 1,600.00 2,389.22 -803 .62 -114.10 790.0 0 94 9.46 -173 .86 -220.80 1,400.00 1,708.94 -323 ,34 -480.20 1,400.00 1,993 .76 -608 ,16 -910.16 1,600.00 2,658.00 -1,072 .40