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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 11/17/2020 OTTERTAIL COUNTY -MINNESOTA MINUTES OF THE OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Government Services Center, Commissioners' Room & Via Livestream 515 West Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN November 17, 2020 8 :30a.m . Call to Order The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened at 8:32 a.m . Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at the Government Services Center in Fergus Falls, MN . Commissioners Lee Rogness, Chair; Betty Murphy, Vice-Chair; Wayne Johnson, and Doug Huebsch were present in the room . Commissioner John Lindquist was absent. 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 Murphy, second by Huebsch and unanimously carried to approve the Board of Commissioners ' agenda of November 17, 2020 with the following additions : Regular Agenda : Viking Library System Appointment Regular Agenda : Approval of issuance of a county credit card Consent Agenda Motion by Huebsch, second by Johnson and unanimously carried to approve the consent agenda items as follows : 1. November 3, 2020 Board of Commissioners ' Meeting Minutes 2. Warrants /Bills for November 17, 2020 (Exhibit A) 3. 2021 Human Services Contract Renewals 4 . Approval ofTobacco License Application to Dennis Nosbish dba Denny's Enterprises, Inc aka Denny's Food and Sport Shop -Henning 5. Approval ofTobacco License Application to Judd Palubicki -dba Wagon Wheel One Stop - Richville 6. Approval ofTobacco License Application to Bruce Huseth dba Underwood Oil Inc. -Underwood 7. Request for Approval of Final Payment -C.P . 20 :TM, County Wide Traffic Marking Project Behavioral Health Unit Report Social Services Supervisor Margaret Williams and Lead Social Worker Kim Kambel -Seufert reviewed the 2019 Otter Tail County Human Services Behavioral Health Unit Annual Report as is relates to adult mental health , chemical dependency. and children 's mental health . They briefly outlined the objectives of the programs and summarized areas of success as well as areas in need of improvement. Authorization for Sale of County Owned Property County Auditor-Treasurer Wayne Stein requested authorization to sell parcel 60-000-34-0268-001 , a county owned 2-acre gravel pit. Commissioners expressed concerns regarding the future use of the lot and Mr. Stein plans to research further and bring back to the Board at a later time. Attempted Sale of County Owned Property County Auditor-Treasurer Wayne Stein provided an update to the Board regarding the sale of a house and land located at 25037 County Highway 27 and the sale of a house to be removed from 1013 East Fir Avenue . Both sales were advertised, and no interest was expressed . Concerns were expressed regarding the exposure of the sales and the Board plans to discuss the issue further. AutoMARK Motion by Johnson, second by Huebsch and unanimously carried to authorize the Auditor-Treasurer to update election technology as it relates to the AutoMARK terminals used to assist individuals with disabilities. Mr. Stein plans to lease updated technology for the 2021 township elections and utilize grant funding to purchase new technology in 2022. Page 1 of 5 Issuance of County Credit Card Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes November 17, 2020 Motion by Johnson, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to approve the issuance of a county credit card Human Services Support Services Supervisor Kristin Kugler as requested by Human Services Director Deb Sjostrom. 2020 CARES ACT Secretary of State Block Grant Funding Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2020 -80 WHEREAS, Otter Tail County was awarded through the Secretary of State's office a 2020 CARES Act Block grant in the amount of $78,904.02; and WHEREAS, the purpose of this funding was to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus for the 2020 Federal Election Cycle; and WHEREAS, the grant as authorized and approved requires the County and the municipalities to work together to determine a fair, equitable, and mutually agreeable method for allocating the block grant funds between the County and the municipalities; and WHEREAS, the grant as authorized and approved contained a default allocation plan for the distribution of the grant funds if an agreement with the local municipalities could not be reached by Tuesday, September 8, 2020; and WHEREAS, on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 the Otter Tail County Auditor sent a letter, along with supporting documentation, to each qualified and eligible municipality explaining the block grant funds, the amount each municipality would receive under the default allocation plan, and the rational for not scheduling an additional meeting prior to Tuesday, September 8, 2020 for the purpose of discussing and considering the default allocation plan or other mutually agreeable methods for allocating the block grant funds; and WHEREAS, the above referenced letter also contained a certification form for use by each municipality to select one of four options, which would be used to assist the County with the development of a mutually agreeable method for allocating the block grant funds between the County and the municipalities: and WHEREAS, the above referenced certification form was to be returned on or before Friday, August 14, 2020; and WHEREAS, several municipalities did not return the required certification form on or before, Friday, August 14, 2020; therefore, the County Auditor's office did make an effort to contact each of the municipalities that did not submit the form by the due date thereby successfully obtaining a form for each qualified and eligible municipality identifying their option (forms attached); and WHEREAS , of the seventy-nine qualified and eligible municipalities, eighteen selected Option One, which was a statement indicating that they had no preference as to the allocation of the funds between the County and the municipalities; thirty-one selected Option Two, which was a statement indicating that they found the amount allocated under the default allocation plan acceptable; twenty-nine selected Option Three, which was a statement allocating/transferring a portion (six municipalities) or all (twenty-three municipalities) of the funds provided by the default allocation plan from their municipality to the County; one municipality submitted the certification form but did not select an option; and Option Four was not selected, which had it been selected would have resulted in a meeting being scheduled to discuss alternative distribution/allocation plans. WHEREAS, based upon the information provided in the certification forms (copies attached) received from each municipality, the Otter Tail County Auditor prepared the attached allocation/distribution plan for the 2020 CARES Act -Secretary of State Block Grant Funding, which provides a fair, equitable, and mutually agreeable method for allocating the block grant funds awarded to the County of Otter Tail. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners hereby approves the attached allocation/distribution plan as prepared by the Otter Tail County Auditor recognizing that the plan was prepared based upon the certifications provided by the qualified and eligible municipalities; and Page 2 of 5 Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes November 17, 2020 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the municipalities are subject to the provisions of paragraphs one through five, seven through eleven and thirteen through fifteen OF THE 2020 CARES Act Grant Agreement as if the municipality were the Grantee. The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was introduced by Commissioner Johnson, duly seconded by Commissioner Huebsch and, after discussion thereof and upon vote being taken thereon, passed unanimously. Adopted at Fergus Falls , MN this 17 th day of November 2020 . OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS By : ________________ _ Leland R. Rogness , Board of Commissioners Chair Dated: November 17 , 2020 Attest _______________ _ Nicole Hansen, Clerk Otter Tail County Election Judge Recognition Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2020 -81 WHEREAS, Election Judges are officials that staff polling places, administer election procedures, and ensure that the rights of voters are protected on Election Day ; and WHEREAS, Election Judges serve to process and count absentee ballots as well as being present at polling places , operating voting equipment, registering voters, ensuring qualified voters are permitted to vote, determine results after polls close, and certify the polling place results ; and WHEREAS, Otter Tail County recognizes the dedication and service that Election Judges gave during elections occurring in 2020; and WHEREAS, it is further recognized that Election Judges served under conditions that may have effected their health and safety because of the COVID-19 virus pandemic; and WHEREAS, the hard work of Election Judges and their attention to detail by following protocol and standards ensured a secure and fair election process in Otter Tail County. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners hereby recognize the dedication and service of Election Judges throughout 2020 and most recently during the general election held on November 3, 2020 . The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was introduced by Commissioner Huebsch, duly seconded by Commissioner Murphy and , after discussion thereof and upon vote being taken thereon, passed unanimously. Adopted this 17th day of November OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS By:------------------ Leland R. Rogness, Board of Commissioners Chair Dated: November 17 , 2020 Attest: _______________ _ Nicole Hansen , Clerk Viking Library System Governing Board Appointment Motion by Huebsch, second by Johnson and unanimously carried, with Murphy abstaining , to reappoint Commissioner Murphy to the Viking Library System Governing Board, serving a three (3) year term . Recess & Reconvene At 9:42 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 9:50 a.m . Page 3 of 5 Highway Items 2019 Highway Department Annual Report: Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes November 17, 2020 A detailed report outlining the activities of the Otter Tail County Highway Department for 2019 was provided in the on line packet to the Commissioners. The Board briefly discussed and acknowledged the distribution of the report. Bid Summary and Recommendation for Award-S.A.P. 056-634-017 : Motion by Huebsch, second by Johnson and unanimously carried to award SAP. 056-634-011 to Mark Sand & Gravel Co ., Fergus Falls, in the amount of $5 ,501,309.57 as recommended by the Assistant County Engineer. Agreement with Great River Energy-Bike Path Along 440th Street: Motion by Johnson, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to authorize appropriate County Officials' signatures to execute the agreement between Otter Tail County and Great River Energy to analyze structures on the transmission line due to construction of a bike bath along 440th Street. Commuting with County Vehicles: Motion by Huebsch, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to approve the request to commute with county vehicles during the 2020-2021 winter maintenance season as presented . This will allow less traveled miles and time needed to conduct county business. Amendment to Engineering Services Agreement with Houston Engineering -Perham to Pelican Regional Trail: Motion by Johnson, second by Huebsch and unanimously carried to approve the amendment to the current fee for engineering services as it relates to appraisals for land acquisition along the Silent Lake segment of the Perham to Pelican Trail. Public Hearing Regarding Unmanned Aerial Vehicles !Drones) At 10:16 a.m ., Chair Rogness opened the Public Hearing regarding unmanned aerial vehicles . Lieutenant Greg Seim provided a brief presentation and referenced the change in statutory language under Minnesota Statute 626 .19, requiring the county to provide the public with an opportunity to comment on the purchase or uses of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles . At 10:29 a.m., Chair Rogness opened the Public Hearing for comments. Teresa Mann spoke in support of the unmanned aerial vehicles program and appreciated the transparency. She spoke to the fear of "big brother" but feels this is not the reality. Ms. Mann requested the presentation be placed on the website for the public to review and understand . At 10 :34 a.m ., the Public Hearing was closed . Written comment will be accepted until 4 :30 p .m . on November 20 , 2020 . Public Hearing Regarding the Appointment of Offices of Auditor-Treasurer & Recorder At 10:35 a.m ., Chair Rogness opened the Public Hearing regarding the appointment of Offices of Auditor-Treasurer and Recorder. County Administrator Nicole Hansen referenced the requirements under Minnesota Statute 375A .1205 and reviewed the proposed resolution. At 10:37 a.m ., Chair Rogness opened the Public Hearing for comments. Teresa Mann expressed concerns regarding the change and requested the Board to proceed with caution . Ms. Hansen provided a brief background and Ms . Mann is concerned the public may not understand the issue of elected positions. Commissioners expressed concerns of elected positions and the repercussions that could occur if qualification needs are not met. They feel this change will help mitigate the risk and will protect Otter Tail County. At 10:47 a.m ., the Public Hearing was closed. Written comment will be accepted until 4:30 p .m . on November 20, 2020 and a resolution will be presented for adoption at the November 24, 2020 Board of Commissioners meeting. Public Health Update Public Health Director Jody Lien reported that Minnesota has 231,018 lab confirmed cases, of which 179,614 no longer require isolation, and 2,917 lab confirmed deaths. Otter Tail County has 2,138 lab confirmed cases of COVID-19, of which 1,614 are no longer contagious, and 12 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/. As numbers continue to increase significantly, there is a strong concern regarding behaviors of the public and the impact to the spread. Concerns were expressed regarding the increased hospitalizations and the significant impact to healthcare partners and the public is reminded to follow the guidelines to protect others and seek testing if not feeling well or have been exposed . Assistant Public Health Director Kristi Page 4 of 5 Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes November 17, 2020 Wentworth provided a brief update regarding schools and the impact on childcare centers and daycares throughout the county. Ms. Lien spoke to the New York Times article regarding Fergus Falls being one of the highest areas of growth and reported that the numbers used were Otter Tail County numbers and are not specific to Fergus Falls . Public Health is currently closed to walk-ins ; however, services will continue to be available by appointment. Concerns were expressed regarding the distribution of vaccines and Ms . Lien assured the Board that they are in the process of creating a plan . Public Health Nurse Ann Gibbs reviewed areas of priority for the vaccine and how they plan to distribute it in a timely, safe and informed manner. Concerns were expressed regarding the safety and efficiency of the vaccine due to the expedited timeline and Ms . Lien explained that while the vaccine is expedited under an emergency authorization, all phases for vaccine trialing are being done and is confident they would not administer a vaccine if it was not safe . Ms . Lien shared that 795 tests were administered at the recent testing event at the Armory in Fergus Falls with an overall positivity rate of 9%. 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 continue to monitor the increasing challenges and impacts to businesses and the community as numbers increase significantly. They are focused on providing resources and supports and monitoring the status of essential needs . Internal operations continues to be an area of focus and departments are monitoring staff and updating their continuity of operations as needed . As impacts increase and new information becomes available, they plan to provide the opportunity to gather leaders in the community and inform the public to ensure information is up to date and accurate to help prepare locally for what is to come as it relates to COVID-19 . Business Community Community Development Director Amy Baldwin provided a brief update to the Board regarding the business community and is working closely with Public Health Director Jody Lien to message information to the public regarding testing availability and supports that are available through public health and Minnesota Department of Health . The second round of small business and non-profit grant programs recently closed, and 55 additional applications were received . Awards are planned to be finalized on Friday, November 20, 2020 during a special meeting of the CDA . Funds from the first round of applications are being distributed and recipients have expressed appreciation and gratitude. Housing assistance continues to be available through CHAP through the month of December to support core housing needs. Internal Operations and County Planning County Administrator Nicole Hansen provided a brief update to the Board regarding internal operations and county planning. Human Resources has been fielding many questions regarding staff and exposures. Departments continue to update their continuity of operations as needed and are requested to be flexible with staff as schools and daycares become impacted . Concerns were expressed regarding the events and behaviors of staff outside of work regardless of efforts in the workplace. Attorney Updates County Attorney Michelle Eldien provided a brief update to the Board regarding Ditch 52 and Mark Sand and Gravel. Efforts have also been made, as allowed under state statute and law, regarding the CSAH 41 bridge that was vandalized earlier this year. Adjournment At 12 :12 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 24 , 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 Ve ndor Name A&A R ECYC LJING LL C A BRA MN F ERG US FALLS ADVA N C ED AU TO CARE A6GREGA1E INDUST R I ES -MIWR INC AL'S R EFR IG ERATIO N LLC ALBANY RIE CYCLI NG C EN T ER ALEX RU BB ISH & R ECYOLII N G INC ALEXANDRIA CONCR ET E CO AMAZON CAPITA L SE V IC ES INC ANO:KA CO T R EASURY OFFIIC E ARAMAR K ASSOCIAT IO OF MN COUNTI ES AUTO VA LU E FEIRGLIS FAULS AUTO VALU E MILLS BA TILE LAKE STAN DA RD BOO USA LLP BOT MECHAN ICAL LLC BE N HO LZE R U NLIMITIE D W AT ER LLC BE YER B,ODY SHOP INC BOUN D TREE MEDICAL LLC BRAUN INT ERTIEC CORPO RAT ION BRAUN VE N DI NG INC BR EMSE TH /ANDREW BR IA N Ml RIRLIEY EXCAVAT ING BR IA N'S R EPAIR I NC BUY-MOR PARTS & S ERVI C E L LC C ENTR AL CO NCIRET E CO NSTRUCTION LI C ERT IFI ED AUT O IRIE PAIR CH RISTE NS EN 00 ST RUCT IO N CITIZEN 'S A DVOCAllE CL AY CO A U DI TOR-TRIE ASU R ER CL EA N SWEE P COMMIE RC IA L S ERV ICE S CL ER K O F DISllR ICT C O UR T OOD E 4 SERV ICES I NC OOM MISS ION ER O F TlRANS PORTAT IO OOMSTOCK CO ST R LIC T IO N I C O F MN OOOP S ERV IC ES INC OOOPER 'S OFF IC E S U PPLY INC C PS T E CH NOLOGY SOLUTIONS CU LLIGA O F W A DE NA CYBE IRS PiROLIT LLC D & T V ENTU R ES LIL C Page 1 of 5 Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes November 17, 2020 (Exhibit A) Amount 180 .00 27 1 .9 1 8 6 .4 1 24 ,9 58 .55 142 .00 1 ,982 .3 8 599'.73 12 ,036 .36 2 ,75 7 .10 2 ,000 .00 36 5 .29 90 .00 167 .0 4 20 .00 2 5 .00 210 .00 18 ,30 4 .00 20 .00 300 .00 1 ,0'29 .90 20 ,180 .5 0 16 .00 4 5 .00 3 ,405 .00 1 ,457 .90 279.78 473 .00 94 .17 10 ,390 .00 23 8 .7 4 1,8 19 .6 1 1 ,183.00 4.5 0 51 ,24 1 .4 3 5 ,065 .5 8 6 ,6-8 4 .10 587 .53 2,796 .73 8 ,590 .00 2 2 .2 5 8 ,20 8 .00 1 ,089 .00