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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 12/09/2020 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 December 9, 2020 12:00p.m. Call to Order The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened at 12 :02 p .m. Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at the Government Services Center in Fergus Falls, MN . Commissioners Lee Rogness , Chair; Betty Murphy, Vice-Chair; Wayne Johnson, John Lindquist 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 Johnson, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to approve the Board of Commissioners' agenda of December 9, 2020 with the following additions: Consent Agenda : Human Services Contract Renewal for REM Central Lakes Inc. Regular Agenda : Recycling Award Recognition Regular Agenda : Final CARES Report Regular Agenda : County, City, Tribal and State Health and Human Services Worker Day Proclamation Internal Services Committee: Facilities Assessment Update Finance Committee : HRA Positions Finance Committee: Safety/Risk Specialist Consent Agenda Motion by Huebsch, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to approve the consent agenda items as follows : 1. November 24, 2020 Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes as amended 2. Warrants /Bills for December 9, 2020 (Exhibit A) 3. Human Services Contract Renewals for 2021 4 . Approval of Issuance of a 2021 Tobacco License Lakes Area Cooperative dba Battle Lake Cenex, Battle Lake , MN 5. Approval of Issuance of a 2021 Tobacco License Dale K. Cameron dba Battle Lake Standard -Battle Lake , MN 6. Approval of Issuance of a 2021 Tobacco License Lisa Rahn dba Big Foot Gas and Grocery -Vining, MN 7. Approval of Issuance of a 2021 Tobacco License Ronald Wegscheid dba Bluffton Oil Co . -Bluffton , MN 8. Approval of Issuance of a 2021 Tobacco License Carr Enterprises, Inc. -dba Carr 's Lake Country Supermarket, Ottertail, MN 9. Approval of Issuance of a 2021 Tobacco License Trever Schlosser dba J.C's General Store -Dalton , MN Otter Tail County Resolution to submit the Bois de Sioux Mustinka Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan for Approval Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2020 -153 Whereas, Otter Tail County is a member of the Bois de Sioux -Mustinka Policy Committee; and Whereas, the Otter Tail County has been an active participant in the development of the Bois de Sioux -Mustinka Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan; and Whereas, the Plan encompasses the priorities of the LGU within the Bois de Sioux -Mustinka Comprehensive Watershed Plan ; and Page 1 of 6 Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes December 9, 2020 Whereas, Otter Tail County is committed to following through with the goals and objectives of the Bois de Siou x -Mustinka Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan; and Whereas, the Bois de Sioux -Mustinka One Watershed One Plan Memorandum of Agreement states individual member LGUs must make a recommendation to the Policy Committee that the Bois de Sioux -Mustinka Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan be submitted for state approval; and Whereas, Otter Tail County intends to use the Bois de Sioux -Mustinka Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan as a substitute for their Comprehensive Local Water Management Plan for the portion of their jurisdiction within the Bois de Sioux -Mustinka Comprehensive Watershed . Now; Therefore, Be it Resolved, that Otter Tail County recommends the Policy Committee submit the Bois de Sioux - Mustinka Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan for State approval. The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was introduced by Commissioner Lindquist, duly seconded by Commissioner Johnson and, after discussion thereof and upon vote being taken thereon, passed unanimously. Adopted at Fergus Falls , MN this 9th day of December 2020 . OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated: December 15 , 2020 By : ________________ _ Leland R. Rogness , Board of Commissioners Chair Attest _______________ _ Nicole Hansen, Clerk Waste Management Contract Motion by Johnson , second by Huebsch and unanimously carried to authorize appropriate County Officials' signatures to execute the agreement between Otter Tail County and Big Dipper Enterprises, Inc. (Dakota Landfill) for industrial waste and disposal services effective January 1, 2021 . 2021 Solid Waste Fee Schedule Motion by Huebsch , second by Murphy and unanimously carried to approve the 2021 Solid Waste Fee Schedule as presented by the Assistant Solid Waste Director. Recycling Award Recognition Assistant Solid Waste Director Zach Fjestad recognized Commissioner Huebsch as a recipient of the Public Service Award for the Recycling Association of Minnesota . The award recognizes an elected official who has demonstrated outstanding service for the betterment of recycling and resource conservation . Mr. Fjestad nominated Commissioner Huebsch because of his dedication, entrepreneurial spirit and overall vision for recycling and resource recovery . Proclamations and Resolutions Policy Motion by Johnson, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to approve the Proclamations and Resolutions Policy as presented by the County Administrator. The policy provides the County Administration with guidelines in responding to requests for Resolutions and Proclamation and further outlines the reasons for Board Proclamations and Resolution . Court-Appointed Attorney 2021 Contract Motion by Huebsch, second by Johnson and unanimously carried to authorize appropriate County Officials ' signatures to execute the agreements between the County of Otter Tail and Brian Geis to assist with legal services related to the following : children in need of protection or services , permanency, termination of parental rights cases, hospitalization commitment proceedings, certain guardianship/conservatorship, paternity and order to show cause proceedings. Page 2 of 6 Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes December 9, 2020 2021 Board Meeting Dates Motion by Johnson, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to approve the 2021 Board meeting dates as presented with the exception of moving the December 28 t h meeting to December 21't due to the holiday season . An updated 2021 Board meeting schedule will be available on the county website following the December 15 th meeting . Recess & Reconvene At 12 :40 p.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 12 :45 p.m. Public Health Update Public Health Director Jody Lien reported that Minnesota has 363 ,719 lab confirmed cases and 4,109 lab confirmed deaths. Otter Tail County has 3,695 lab confirmed cases of COVID-19, of which 3,334 are no longer contagious, and 34 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/. The number of positive cases and the need for testing is slightly decreasing , however, concerns were expressed regarding the Thanksgiving holiday and the potential impacts . Ms . Lien reviewed county data and encourages the public to continue to practice public health measures as a vaccine becomes available . This week is influenza vaccination week, and the public is encouraged to receive their flu vaccine to reduce the risk of illness and assist healthcare partners . Ms . Lien provided an updated regarding planning efforts for the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine and anticipates Minnesota will receive its first dose next week with administration occurring the following week. She briefly reviewed the new quarantine guidance recently adopted by the Minnesota Department of Health and the Board ex pressed the importance that teachers have access to the COVID-19 vaccine to ensure safety in the classroom and allow students to return to school. Countywide Emergency Operations Center (EOCl Emergency Management Director Patrick Waletzko provided a brief update to the Board regarding the Countywide EOC and shared that they are assisting Public Health in planning for the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines . The EOC continues to distribute new information to partners regarding resources available and are focused on mental health and wellbeing. Availability of personal protective equipment does not appear to be an issue ; however, the county does have inventory ready to provide to those in need . Business Community Community Development Director Amy Baldwin provided a brief update to the Board regarding the business community and shared that restaurants have been receiving a lot of local promotion and have been utilizing what they learned from the closure in the spring to adapt. She is closely monitoring state and federal efforts and plans to be ready to promote and support potential resources and opportunities. Concerns were expressed regarding the potential closure of businesses that have been negatively impacted and Ms . Baldwin shared feedback from business that the majority feel they can make it through . Internal Operations and County Planning County Administrator Nicole Hansen provided a brief update to the Board regarding internal operations and county planning and reported that staff are being impacted more now than previously. Concerns were expressed regarding the expiring Families First Coronavirus Response Act and Ms . Hansen plans to have internal discussions to continue to support staff as they are impacted . Commissioners recognized the needs of employees outside of work and requested Ms . Hansen to research opportunities to show appreciation for staff and their efforts during this stressful time . CARES Act Final Report Assistant Finance Director Kris Vipond shared that the final report is not ready but plans to finalize and submit to the state by the end of the day. She shared that $525 ,759 .99 was received back from cities and townships and a copy of the final report will be shared with Commissioners once it is ready . Motion by Johnson, second by Huebsch and unanimously carried to recognize that the final CARES expenditure report will be submitted to the state by the end of the day and that all expenditures have been approved by the Finance Committee and the Board. Recognition of Proclamation Motion by Johnson, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to affirm the Governor's proclamation to recognize December 9, 2020 as County, City, Tribal and State Health and Humans Services Worker Day and recognize the contributions of Public Health and Human Services . Page 3 of 6 Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes December 9, 2020 Public Hearing Regarding Property Tax Abatements Chair Rogness opened the Public Hearing regarding Property Tax Abatements related to the Single and Two Family Property Tax Rebate Program . Community Development Director Amy Baldwin presented 67 parcels from various locations throughout Otter Tail County that have applied and qualified for the abatement. At 2:11 p .m ., Chair Rogness opened the Public Hearing for comments from the public. No comments were received, and the Public Hearing was closed at 2:15 p.m . The resolutions found in Exhibit B were offered . Adoption of the Otter Tail County Long Range Strategic Plan Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2020-154 Whereas: the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners is the duly elected governing body for Otter Tail County and is responsible for the planning, development, and preservation of all county government and infrastructure; and Whereas: Otter Tail County has undertaken the task of preparing a County Long-Range Strategic Plan that establishes a long- term vision for managing growth and development decisions; and Whereas: the long-range strategic planning process was guided by a Plan Review Committee, composed of a cross-section of citizens across the county; and Whereas: the long-range strategic planning process solicited input from stakeholders and the public through a four-phase engagement strategy which included four regional focus group meetings, eight regional open house events, two community surveys, three community presentations, six Plan Review Committee meetings, and a public hearing to close the planning process ; and Whereas: the Long-Range Strategic Plan was developed through research and analysis of current and future county context; development of goals and objectives; determination of county resiliency opportunities; analysis of county economy and land use; review of planning efforts regarding public_infrastructure, natural resources, and parks and trails; and outlining an implementation plan moving forward. Now, therefore, be it resolved, that: the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners does hereby adopt the Otter Tail County Long-Range Strategic Plan . The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was introduced by Commissioner Johnson duly seconded by Commissioner Murphy and , after discussion thereof and upon vote being taken thereon, passed unanimously. Adopted at Fergus Falls , MN this 9th day of December 2020 . OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS By : ________________ _ Leland R. Rogness, Board of Commissioners Chair Dated : December 15 , 2020 Attest _______________ _ Nicole Hansen, Clerk Motion by Lindquist, second by Huebsch and unanimously carried to recognize and appreciate the time and efforts of those involved in the creation of the Long Range Strategic Plan. Recess & Reconvene At 2:29 p.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 2:38 p .m . Nelson Lake Outlet Declaration Motion by Huebsch, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to accept the Negative Environmental Impact State Declaration, Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Order as it relates to the potential Nelson Lake county ditch drainage system . Page 4 of 6 Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes December 9, 2020 RESOLUTION Sponsoring Agency Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2020 -155 BE IT RESOLVED THAT: Otter Tail County agrees to act as sponsoring agency for the project identified as Trunk Highway 78 Trail Improvements within the City of Ottertail seeking Transportation Alternatives funding and has reviewed and approved the project as proposed . Sponsorship includes a willingness to secure and guarantee the local share of costs associated with this project and responsibility for seeing this project through to its completion, with compliance of all applicable laws, rules and regulations. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: Charles H. Grotte, P.E., County Engineer is hereby authorized to act as agent on behalf of this sponsoring agency. The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was introduced by Commissioner Murphy, duly seconded by Commissioner Lindquist and , after discussion thereof and upon vote being taken thereon, passed unanimously. Adopted at Fergus Falls , MN this 9th day of December 2020 . OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS By : ________________ _ Leland R. Rogness , Board of Commissioners Chair Dated: December 15, 2020 Attest _______________ _ Nicole Hansen, Clerk RESOLUTION Agreement to Maintain Facility Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2020 -156 WHEREAS: The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requires that states agree to operate and maintain facilities constructed with federal transportation funds for the useful life of the improvement and not change the use of right of way or property ownership acquired without prior approval from the FHWA ; and WHEREAS: Transportation Alternatives projects receive federal funding; and WHEREAS: The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has determined that for projects implemented with alternative funds, this requirement should be applied to the project proposer; and WHEREAS: Otter Tail County is the sponsoring agency for the Transportation Alternatives project identified as Trunk Highway 78 Trail Improvements within the City of Ottertail. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the sponsoring agency hereby agrees to assume full responsibility for the operation and maintenance of property and facilities related to the aforementioned Transportation Alternatives project. The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was introduced by Commissioner Murphy duly seconded by Commissioner Lindquist and , after discussion thereof and upon vote being taken thereon, passed unanimously. Adopted at Fergus Falls , MN this 9th day of December 2020 . OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS By : ________________ _ Leland R. Rogness, Board of Commissioners Chair Dated : December 15, 2020 Attest _______________ _ Nicole Hansen, Clerk Engineering Services Agreement -S.A.P. 056-605-012 Motion by Murphy, second by Johnson and unanimously carried to authorize appropriate County Officials' signatures to execute the agreement between Otter Tail County and Bolton & Menk, Inc. for services related to project S.A.P . 056-605-012 . Page 5 of 6 Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes December 9, 2020 Cold In-Place Recycling Mix Design Agreement -S.P . 056-667-037 Motion by Huebsch, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to authorize appropriate County Officials' signatures to execute the agreement between Otter Tail County and Braun lntertec to perform a Cold In -Place Recycling (CIR) mix design for project S.P. 056-667-037 . Paying Agent Agreements Motion by Lindquist, second by Huebsch and unanimously carried to authorize appropriate County Officials' signatures to execute the agreement between Otter Tail County and Bond Trust Services Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ehlers & Associates, Inc, to act as the designated paying agent, registrar and transfer agent for the General Obligation Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds, Series 2020B and General Obligation Capital Improvement Bonds, Series 2020A. Rinke Noonan Retainer Motion by Johnson, second by Huebsch and unanimously carried to renew the legal services agreement with Rinke Noonan to provide legal counsel to the Otter Tail County Drainage Authority using the proposed billing option two. Adjournment At 3:15 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, December 15, 2020 and will be available to the public via live stream . OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated : December 15, 2020 By : ________________ _ Attest _______________ _ Leland R. Rogness, Board of Commissioners Chair Nicole Hansen, Clerk Page 6 of 6