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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 05/14/2019 MINUTES OF THE OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Government Services Center, Commissioners’ Room 515 W. Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN May 14, 2019 9:00 a.m. Call to Order The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at the Government Services Center in Fergus Falls, MN, with Commissioners Doug Huebsch, Chair; Lee Rogness, Vice-Chair; John Lindquist and Betty Murphy present. Commissioner Wayne Johnson was present at 9:05 a.m. Approval of Agenda Chair Huebsch called for approval of the Board Agenda. Motion by Rogness, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to approve the Board of Commissioners Agenda of May 14, 2019, with the following additions: Rodney Peterson – CSAH 46 and CSAH 6 CSAH 13 Spitzer Lake High Water Consent Agenda Motion by Lindquist, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to approve Consent Agenda items as follows: 1. May 7, 2019 Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes 2. Warrants/Bills for May 14, 2019 (Exhibit A) 3. Human Services & Public Health Warrants/Bills for May 14, 2019 (Exhibit A) 4. Human Services Contracts – Transportation of Children & Youth in Foster Care Placement for Perham, Battle Lake and Parkers Prairie School Districts 5. Issuance of On-Sale and Sunday Liquor License to Playtime Sports Bar and Ballroom (7/1/19 to 6/30/20) 6. Issuance of Off-Sale 3.2 Malt Liquor License to Big Chief, Inc. (7/1/19 to 6/30/20) Out-of-State Travel Recorder Carol Schmaltz requested approval to attend the annual Property Records Industry Association (PRIA) conference. Motion by Rogness, second by Johnson and unanimously carried to approve out-of- state travel to Colorado Springs to attend the PRIA conference August 26 – 29, 2019. Approximate cost of airfare is $478.00 and hotel is $139.00 per night. These expenses will be covered by the Technology Fund. Spitzer Lake High Water – No Wake Zone Declaration Motion by Rogness, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to publish an advisory and post signage establishing a no-wake zone 300 feet from the shore on Spitzer Lake, Leaf Mountain Township, Otter Tail County, Minnesota. The no-wake restriction advisory means that all watercraft operating within 300 feet of the shoreline should not exceed a speed whereby a wake or wave is produced behind the craft. All boaters and watercraft operators are encouraged to use caution and slower speeds when operating near the shoreline while the water remains high. The no-wake zone advisory is an effort to protect the shoreline of Spitzer Lake, reduce property erosion and minimize environmental damage. The no-wake zone advisory is in effect for no more than 30 days at which time the County Board will re-evaluate whether to extend this advisory. OTC Board of Commissioners Minutes May 14, 2019 Page 2 Highway Department Projects Phelps Mill Park Native Prairie Grass Restoration: Motion by Rogness, second by Johnson and unanimously carried to approve the native prairie grass restoration project at the Phelps Mill park in the area that used to be the baseball field, as presented by the Highway Engineer. The West Otter Tail Soil and Water Conservation District (WOTSWCD) will assist with the site preparation plan and seed about 3 acres with native grass at a cost of $375.00. CSAH 45: Motion by Johnson, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to authorize the appropriate County Officials’ signatures to execute an agreement between Otter Tail County and Interstate Engineering, Inc. for design work to replace Bridge No. 7266 on CSAH 45 over the Otter Tail River in Maine Township. There will be an improved walkway and an access point for parking included in the project. CSAH 34 Reconstruction Update: Highway Engineer Charles Grotte presented an update for the CSAH 34 Reconstruction project including current work with permits and land acquisitions. Bidding and construction timelines were identified with final completion anticipated for June 19, 2021. Commissioners requested continued updates regarding land acquisitions and the Army Corps of Engineers’ review for the project. They also requested updates on other current highway projects such as CSAH 27, CSAH 35, and CSAH 1. Lease for 2015 Volvo L60H Loader: Motion by Johnson, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to approve a Sales/Lease contract between Otter Tail County and ACS Construction Equipment USA, Inc, for a 2015 Volvo L60 H Loader for 4 years at a lease price of $8,000 per year. CSAH 46 East of Parkers Prairie: Rodney Peterson addressed the Board with concern about the CSAH 46 project. The project is scheduled to go out for bid early June 2019. He is concerned that the project will not be completed enough by the first part of September to accommodate potato hauling. Mr. Peterson stated that there is no alternate road in the area of the proposed project. Commissioners requested that the Highway Engineer review the project schedule to determine if the bid should include substantial completion of the project by the end of August or offer the option to bidders to delay the project until early spring of 2020. Mr. Grotte will return to the Board with an update on the project. Nelson Lake High Water: Rodney Peterson expressed concern about CSAH 6. Because of high water on Nelson Lake, there is a spot on CSAH 6 where the Highway Department has placed cones and sandbags. He expressed concern for the integrity of the roadbed. There is a field road on property owned by Mr. Moske that is acting like a dam. Mr. Grotte reported that the Ditch Inspector has been working with Mr. Moske regarding this situation. This is not County right-of-way and Nelson Lake is not part of the ditch system. With a redetermination of benefits, Nelson Lake would be added to the Ditch #45 drainage system. Commissioners requested that the County install a culvert in the field road to avoid further deterioration of CSAH 6. The water would flow through ditches and end up in Fish Lake, which has an outlet. Otter Trail Scenic Byway Signs: The Highway Engineer reported that the old Otter Trail Scenic Byway signs are being replaced with a new design. Motion by Johnson, second by Rogness and unanimously carried to sell the old Otter Trail Scenic Byway signs to Otter Tail Lakes Country Association (OTLCA) for $1.00. The signs can be used for tourism promotions and fundraisers. CSAH 13 Project: The CSAH 13 construction project is scheduled for completion next year (2020). OTC Board of Commissioners Minutes May 14, 2019 Page 3 SALE OF ASSETS - VOLVO HOOK TRUCK AND DODGE PICKUP Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2019 – 46 Commissioner Johnson offered the following and moved its adoption: WHEREAS, Otter Tail County is a member of the Prairie Lakes Municipal Solid Waste Authority (PLMSWA), a five county Joint Powers Authority including Becker, Clay, Todd and Wadena Counties. PLMSWA owns and operates a material recovery facility that recovers recyclables and combusts municipal solid waste for the member counties. WHEREAS, the PLMSWA Finance Committee and the Otter Tail County Solid Waste Department (Department) mutually desire for Otter Tail County to sell two vehicles to PLMSWA. WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute 471.85 states: “Any county, city, town or school district may transfer its personal property for a nominal or without consideration to another public corporation for public use when duly authorized by its governing board.” WHEREAS, the vehicles to be sold and the sale price for each is as follows: 1. Sale price of $15,000.00 (Fifteen Thousand and 00/100 dollars) for 2003 Volvo Model TM Body VHD (Hook Truck) VIN 4V5KC9GG43N3350777, Minnesota License Plate No. 912316. 2. Sale price of $3,000.00 (Three Thousand and 00/100 dollars) for 2004 Dodge (4 door ½ ton pickup) VIN 1D7HU18NX4J276933, Minnesota License Plate 918150. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners does authorize the above-described sale. Commissioner Lindquist seconded the motion and, upon being put to vote, the resolution was unanimously adopted this 14th day of May 2019. OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated: By: Attest: Douglas A. Huebsch, Board Chair John Dinsmore, Clerk Tourism Update Nick Leonard, Communications and External Relations Director, reported that the 2020 Governor’s Fishing Opener will be in Otter Tail County. This is a four-day media event with three days focusing on the surrounding communities. Motion by Johnson, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to authorize use of Phelps Mill park for the picnic held in conjunction with the Governor’s fishing opener in 2020. The motion includes reservation of the park for time to prepare for the picnic. OTC Board of Commissioners Minutes May 14, 2019 Page 4 Economic Impact of Seasonal Tourism Mr. Leonard presented research from the University of Minnesota Extension and Center for Small Towns highlighting the economic impact seasonal and transient (short-term) visitors have in Otter Tail County. According to the study, there is considerable “spillover” economic impact by both groups. That is, both seasonal and short-term visitors inject the local economy through their spending at gas stations, restaurants, shops, grocery stores and other such establishments. Based on the research, seasonal residents inject $33,000,000 annually in Otter Tail County while short-term guests contribute nearly $47,000,000. Considering the economic importance of tourism in the County, Mr. Leonard stressed the importance of local hospitality and expressed concern that Otter Tail County is continuing to lose resorts at a faster pace than other surrounding counties. He expressed the need for the County to promote and encourage these types of commercial properties. Recess & Reconvene At 10:10 a.m., Chair Huebsch declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners recessed for a short break. The Board of Commissioner’s meeting was reconvened at 10:20 a.m. MN Counties Insurance Trust (MCIT) Annual Report Tom Suppes, MCIT Regional Consultant, submitted a handout titled “MCIT 2019 Report”. He briefed the Board on services provided by MCIT including risk management, workers compensation and property/casualty insurance. Otter Tail County’s workers compensation mod factor for 2019 was 0.777 resulting in a difference of $96,132 below the base cost of coverage. Auto claims continue to be the highest in overall costs to the program. Discussion took place regarding potential liability for a County above the state and federal tort limits, not covered by MCIT. Mr. Suppes explained coverage enhancements for 2019. Watercraft Decontamination Pilot Project Agreement Spencer McGrew, AIS Specialist, briefed the Board on the decontamination units pilot program. One decontamination unit will be at the Sportsman’s public access on Otter Tail Lake staffed seven (7) days per week with County staff and ambassadors from the lake association. The County will continue to work with the MN DNR to staff their decontamination unit. There will be one unit staffed all the time, two units most of the time and three units on high traffic holidays. Mr. McGrew indicated that the County Facebook page will provide the public information on the location of the decontamination units. Motion by Rogness, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to authorize the appropriate County Officials’ signatures to execute an amended Decontamination Unit Donation Agreement between the County of Otter Tail and MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR), as presented. Planning Commission Recommendations Preliminary Plat – “Balken Addition”/Herbert Christensen Jr. & Lora Balken: Motion by Johnson, second by Rogness and unanimously carried to approve the Preliminary Plat titled “Balken Addition” consisting of 2 single family residential riparian lots, with conditions as recommended by the Planning Commission. The property is located in LOT 1 & NE¼ NE¼ EX PLATTED, Section 31 of Otter Tail Township; Otter Tail Lake (56-242), General Development (GD). OTC Board of Commissioners Minutes May 14, 2019 Page 5 Conditional Use Permit – Marlys Jacobson Tst: Motion by Lindquist, second by Johnson and unanimously carried to approve a Conditional Use Permit for on site lodging rental (Airbnb) with the following conditions: 1) Parking is limited to 10 outside parking spaces on paved parking spots subject to no increase in impervious surface; 2) the sign will be unlit and not be increased in size; 3) quiet hours are established at 11:00 p.m. and 4) the septic system is brought into compliance with Otter Tail County regulations. The proposal is located on Lot 3 Ex Trs & Lot 4 of Karinall, Section 3 of Hobart Township; Wymer Lake (56-355), Recreational Development (RD). Preliminary Plat and Conditional Use Permit – “Rush to Rest”/Jack & Heather Rosenthal: Motion by Johnson, second by Rogness and unanimously carried to approve the Preliminary Plat titled “Rush to Rest” consisting of 5 single family residential riparian lots and a Conditional Use Permit to construct a road and cul-de-sac to serve the proposed plat as presented by Mr. Rosenthal. The shed will be removed, and the cul-de-sac moved to the east of the original design location to accommodate neighbor’s concern with snow removal. The preliminary plat is approved provided the area for the septic systems are protected from vehicle traffic. The proposal is located Pt of Gov’t Lot 2 and NW¼ of NE¼ (56.26 Acres), Section 20 of Otto Township; Rush Lake (56-141), General Development (GD). Conditional Use Permit –Star Lake Resort & RV Park/ M&N LLC, Marty Hanson: The Conditional Use Permit application for Star Lake Resort & RV Park is a proposal to add 13 RV sites to tier 1 for a total of 20 units in tier 1, and, add 19 RV sites to tier 2 for a total of 20 units in tier 2. The request included adding 14 boat slips to the existing slips for a total of 33 boat slips. Discussion took place regarding the fact that the proposal meets the provisions of the Shoreland Management Ordinance except for the requested number of boat slips. The number of boat slips could be reduced to 22 (allowable number under the Ordinance) and safety issues could be mitigated by a crosswalk. Motion by Rogness, second by Johnson and unanimously carried to table a decision for the CUP request of Star Lake Resort & RV until next Tuesday, May 21, 2019. The proposal is located at 39927 Co Hwy 41, Section 4, Star Lake Township; Star Lake (56-385), General Development (GD). Final Plat – Harms Farm Storage/CIC #83 Motion by Rogness, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to approve the Final Plat known as “Harms Farm Storage” Common Interest Community (CIC) #83, consisting of 77 storage units. The property is located in the west half of SW¼, Section 28, Township 134N, R39W, Otter Tail Township, Unnamed Lake (56-205), Natural Environment (NE). Adjournment At 11:43 a.m., Chair Huebsch declared the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners meeting adjourned. The next Board meeting is scheduled at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at the Government Services Center in Fergus Falls, MN. OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated: By: Attest: Douglas A, Huebsch, Board Chair John W. Dinsmore, Clerk OTC Board of Commissioners Minutes May 14, 2019 Page 1 (Exhibit A) WARRANTS APPROVED ON 5/14/2019 OTC Board of Commissioners Minutes May 14, 2019 Page 2 (Exhibit A) OTC Board of Commissioners Minutes May 14, 2019 Page 3 (Exhibit A) OTC Board of Commissioners Minutes May 14, 2019 Page 4 (Exhibit A) OTC Board of Commissioners Minutes May 14, 2019 Page 5 (Exhibit A)