HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 08/27/2019
Page 1 of 5
MINUTES OF THE
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
New York Mills County Offices
118 North Main Avenue, New York Mills, MN
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
11:00 a.m.
Call to Order
The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened at 11:01 a.m. Tuesday, August 27, 2019, at the
New York Mills County Offices in New York Mills, MN, with Commissioners Doug Huebsch, Chair; Lee
Rogness, Vice-Chair; Wayne Johnson, John Lindquist and Betty Murphy present.
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 August 27, 2019.
Consent Agenda
Motion by Johnson, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to approve Consent Agenda items as
follows:
1. August 13, 2019 Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
2. Warrants/Bills for August 27, 2019 (Exhibit A)
3. Human Services & Public Health Warrants/Bills for August 27, 2019 (Exhibit A)
4. Approval of an Application and Permit for a Temporary On-Sale Liquor
License for the Pelican Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce for an event
scheduled Thursday, October 10, 2019 at The Barn at Dunvilla, located at
48203 US Highway 59
5. Approval of a LG220 Application for Exempt Permit submitted by Lake
Country Sportsmen’s Club of Otter Tail County for an event scheduled for
Thursday, November 14, 2019 at Beach Bums Bar and Eatery, located at
35766 County Highway 72
MN Association of County Planning and Zoning Administrators (MACPZA) Annual Conference
Land and Resource Director Chris LeClair invited 1 of the 5 Commissioners to attend the MACPZA Annual
Conference at Thumper Pond on October 10, 2019 to give a brief presentation. Commissioner Johnson
plans to present at the conference.
Final Plat Extension - “Olson Acres”
Motion by Rogness, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to extend the submission of a final plat
titled “Olson Acres”, located on Big Pine Lake, until August 2020.
Final Plat – “Rush to Rest”
Motion by Johnson, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to approval the final plat titled “Rush to
Rest” consisting of 5 single family residential riparian lots. The property is located at Pt of Gov’t Lot 2 and
NW ¼ of NE ¼ (56.26 Acres), Section 20 of Otto Township; Rush Lake (56-141), General Development
(GD).
Planning Commission Recommendations
Firefly Dead Lake/Jade Neilson Properties, LLC:
Motion by Murphy, second by Rogness and unanimously carried, with Johnson abstaining, to accept the
withdrawal of the Conditional Use Permit Application for Firefly Dead Lake.
Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
August 27, 2019
Page 2 of 5
Lakeside RV Park/ Russel & Maxine Swenson:
Property Owners Melanie Cave and Stan Smith expressed concerns with the high phosphorus levels on
Long Lake that currently flows into Otter Tail Lake. Ms. Cave briefed the Board of a 5-year plan with the DNR
to address the high levels of phosphorus on Long Lake and is concerned that increased activity on the lake
may lengthen the process. She also spoke of the damage to property caused by bogs on the lake and the
concern of safety for residents. Land and Resource Director Chris LeClair commented that the DNR has
been notified of this application and no response was received. The proposed campground is within the
guidelines of our ordinance.
Motion by Rogness, second by Johnson and unanimously carried to approve the Conditional Use Permit
(CUP) for Lakeside RV Park/ Russel & Maxine Swenson to develop a Commercial RV Park and driveways
as shown on the document titled “Proposed Commercial PUD of Lakeside RV Park” dated June 18th, 2019.
The proposal includes 13 tier 1 units, 13 tier 2 units and 25 tier 3 units. Request includes 13 boat slips. The
proposal is located in Pt GL 3 in Section 32 of Rush Lake Township; Long Lake (56-210), RD.
Evenson’s Second Addition/Jeanne Hovland & Paul Evenson:
Motion by Lindquist, second by Rogness and unanimously carried, with Johnson abstaining, to approve the
Preliminary Plat titled “Evenson’s Second Addition” consisting of 8 single family residential non-riparian lots,
2 blocks, and 7 non-residential non-riparian lots 1 block, with conditions as recommended by the Planning
Commission. The property is located in part of Gov’t Lot 1 & the SE ¼ of SE ¼ section 28 of Lida Township;
Lake Lida (56-747), GD.
Andrew & Michelle Bode:
Motion by Johnson, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to approve the Conditional Use Permit for
Andrew & Michelle Bode to construct a pole shed to be used for commercial use, with conditions as
recommended by the Planning Commission. The property is located in the SW ¼ NE ¼ & Gov’t Lot 4 Ex Trs
Ex Platted AKA parcels J&L in Unrecorded Plat of Willow, Section 26 of Leaf Lake Township; East Leaf Lake
(56-116), RD.
Woodland Beach Resort Association:
Motion by Rogness, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to approve a Conditional Use Permit for
Woodland Beach Resort Association to convert the existing (Cabin No. 9) 20’ x 10’ deck to a 20’ x 13’
enclosed sun/screen porch with no impact to exceed existing impervious surface area. Currently there are
approx. 3’ of pavers that come out from the existing deck. The pavers will be removed, and the proposed
new enclosed porch will cover this area, therefore no new impervious surface will be added. Camper Lot #7
Build a new sunroom/3 season porch on to our existing manufactured home & reuse sections of existing
deck to create a new deck. Sunroom/3 season porch 11’-10” x 26’ = 308 Sq. ft. New Deck or pavers 11’-10”
x 11’ = 130 Sq. Ft. Existing Impervious Surface area 454 Sq. Ft. – New Impervious will be reduced to 438
Sq. Ft. Camper Lot #9 Enclose existing 8’ x 25’ deck with a screen porch. The proposal is located in Pt of
GL 3, Section 2, Everts Township; Otter Tail Lake (56-242), GD.
Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems Ordinance
Land and Resource Director Chris LeClair provided a document to the Commissioners highlighting proposed
revisions to the Sanitation Code for Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) Ordinance based on
comments received at the public hearing held on April 23, 2019. He briefed the Board of the proposed
changes and plans to implement the revised Ordinance January 1, 2020.
Motion by Rogness, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to reconvene the Public Hearing for the
Sanitation Code for proposed revisions to the Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems Ordinance on
October 22, 2019 at 1:00 p.m., to be held at the Government Services Center in Fergus Falls, MN. The
motion includes the Land and Resource Director to provide contractors with a copy of the current Sanitation
Code along with the list of proposed changes presented at the August 27th Board meeting. It is requested
that comments to the Commissioners and/or the Land and Resource Director be received by noon on
October 17, 2019.
Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
August 27, 2019
Page 3 of 5
Capital Improvements Management Plan
County Administrator John Dinsmore and Assistant Finance Division Director Kris Vipond submitted a
document titled “Capital Improvements Management Plan”. The document was designed to provide
information five (5) years in advance to determine the wants and needs of each department. The goal is to
ask the Division or Department to update the document each year. Ms. Vipond commented she is able to
provide detailed documentation from each department with the reasonings behind their requests.
Mr. Dinsmore is not asking the Board to adopt the plan at this time but to use this plan as a guideline during
the budgeting process.
Motion by Rogness, second by Johnson and unanimously carried for the Board Secretary to send a “thank
you” note to those listed on the document to acknowledge their hard work put into this project. The
Commissioners applaud the process and appreciate their time and effort.
Koble Agreement
Motion by Murphy, second by Rogness and unanimously carried to approve the agreement between the
County of Otter Tail and Koble. Koble is a Health Intermediary Organization (HIO) that connects with local
hospitals to advance work in coordination of care.
PartnerSHIP4Health Worksite Wellness Recognition
Public Health Director Jody Lien shared with the Board that the worksite wellness program was recognized
through PartnerSHIP4Health. A survey was sent in Spring of 2018 and 29 out of 50 area businesses
participated in the survey. The comments received reflected a positive impact. Ms. Lien expressed the
Department’s excitement in offering healthy resources.
Hepatitis A
Public Health Director Jody Lien informed the Board that the Minnesota Department of Health has declared
an outbreak of hepatitis A in multiple counties. Otter Tail County has not had any cases to date and are
reaching out to high risk areas such as substance use centers to educate and promote the hepatitis A
vaccination.
Recess & Reconvene
At 12:14 p.m., Chair Huebsch declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners
recessed for a lunch break. The Board of Commissioner’s meeting was reconvened at 1:02 p.m.
Vanguard Appraisals, Inc Contract
Motion by Lindquist, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to approve the contract between the County
of Otter Tail and Vanguard Appraisals, Inc. This new software will allow the Assessors Department to be
more efficient and eliminate repetitive work.
Appraiser – New Position
Motion by Rogness, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to approve 1.0 Full-Time Equivalent
Provisional Appraiser position in the Assessor’s Department with Otter Tail County. This position will replace
the vacant technical staff position and a phased retirement contract that expires at the conclusion of the
2019 calendar year.
Legislative Representation Agreement
Motion by Lindquist, second by Rogness and unanimously carried to approve the Legislative Agreement
between the County of Otter Tail and Psick Capitol Solutions, Inc. Psick provides legislative representation
for the legislative session and interim.
Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
August 27, 2019
Page 4 of 5
RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED
PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENTS AND PROPOSED GRANTING OF BUSINESS SUBSIDY FOR THE
NORTHSTAR BEHAVIOR HEALTH, LLC PROJECT
Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2019 - 60
Commissioner Rogness introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
BE IT RESOLVED by the County Board of Commissioners (the "Board") of Otter Tail County, Minnesota, as
follows:
1. Recitals.
(a) Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.1812 through 469.1815, as amended, both inclusive,
authorize the County, upon satisfaction of certain conditions, to grant an abatement of all or a part
of the taxes levied by the County on real property within its boundaries.
(b) The County proposes to grant a business subsidy to Northstar Behavior Health, LLC to
facilitate the operation of a chemical dependency treatment and mental health services facility within
the County.
(c) It is a legal requirement that the County hold a public hearing prior to adoption of a resolution
granting any property tax abatements and the granting of a business subsidy.
2. Hearing. A public hearing on the consideration of the property tax abatement and proposed granting
of a business subsidy will be held at the time and place set forth in the Notice of Hearing attached hereto as
Exhibit B and hereby made a part hereof.
3. Notice. The County Administrator is hereby authorized and directed to cause notice of said hearing
in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B to be given one publication in a newspaper of general
circulation in the County at least 10 days but not more than 30 days before the hearing. The newspaper
must be one of general interest and readership in the County, and the notice must be published at least
once.
The motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Commissioner Murphy and, after
full discussion thereof, and upon a vote being taken thereof, the following voted in favor thereof:
All 5 seated Commissioners
and the following voted against the same: None
whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted on August 27, 2019 by the County Board
of Commissioners of the County of Otter Tail, Minnesota.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated:
By: Attest:
Doug Huebsch, Chair John Dinsmore, Clerk
Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
August 27, 2019
Page 5 of 5
Highway Department Projects
Geotechnical Evaluations – Multiple:
Motion by Johnson, second by Rogness and unanimously carried to approve the proposed Geotechnical
Evaluations with Braun Intertec for the following resurfacing projects: S.A.P. 056-601-070 estimated amount
of $11,233, S.A.P. 056-605-012 estimated amount of $14,493, S.A.P. 056-613-007 estimated amount of
$11,485, S.A.P 056-654-007 estimated amount of $1,522.50, and S.A.P. 056-667-040 estimated amount of
$8,907.
French Elevator Transportation Study:
Motion by Lindquist, second by Rogness and unanimously carried to approve a transportation study with
SRF Consulting Group Inc. at the French Elevator, pending approval from Carlisle and Orwell Township
Board members. The Townships are responsible for the cost of the study and a Township Board meeting is
planned for the evening of August 27, 2019 to discuss funding.
White House Briefing
Commissioners Huebsch, Rogness and Murphy attended the regional State Leadership Day at the White
House on August 20, 2019 in Washington D.C. Local elected officials from Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota and
Wisconsin were invited to participate in this event. The speeches given were tailored towards the State’s
needs and spoke about opportunity zones and local investments determining growth for businesses.
Commissioners were provided with a contact list for County Officials.
Recess & Reconvene
At 1:44 p.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 1:50 p.m.
Contract with Todd County
Motion by Rogness, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to authorize appropriate County Officials’
signatures to execute the agreement between the County of Otter Tail and Todd County to provide Solid
Waste Management level services to Todd County.
Solid Waste Master Plan
Motion by Johnson, second by Rogness and unanimously carried to approve the Professional Service
Agreements for the Solid Waste Master plan allowing SRF and FOTH to work jointly on the project. The cost
of the project is $144,977.50.
Contract Administration Guidelines
Motion by Murphy, second by Johnson and unanimously carried to approve the revisions to the Contract
Administration Guidelines. The contract establishes consistency in the processing of contracts and was
updated according to statute.
Otter Tail Water Management Board of Commissioners Appointment
Motion by Rogness, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to approve the appointment of Jill Damrau
and Rick Bleichner to the Otter Tail Water Management Board of Commissioners serving a four-year term.
Adjournment
At 2:08 p.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, September 10, 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 Dinsmore, Clerk
Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
August 27, 2019 (Exhibit A)
Page 1 of 7
Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes
August 27, 2019 (Exhibit A)
Page 2 of 7
Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes
August 27, 2019 (Exhibit A)
Page 3 of 7
Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes
August 27, 2019 (Exhibit A)
Page 4 of 7
Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes
August 27, 2019 (Exhibit A)
Page 5 of 7
Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes
August 27, 2019 (Exhibit A)
Page 6 of 7
Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes
August 27, 2019 (Exhibit A)
Page 7 of 7
Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
August 27, 2019 (Exhibit B)
Page 1 of 1
EXHIBIT B
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
REGARDING PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENTS AND GRANTING OF BUSINESS SUBSIDY
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the County Board of Commissioners (the “Board”) of Otter Tail County,
Minnesota (the “County”), will hold a public hearing at a meeting of the Board beginning at 10:30 a.m., on
Tuesday, September 10, 2019, in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Services Center, 515 W.
Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, Minnesota, on the request of Northstar Behavioral Health, LLC. (the
"Company"), in connection with the proposed lease of the existing building located at 1174 Western
Avenue, to be used as a chemical dependency treatment and mental health services facility in Fergus
Falls, Minnesota, and to grant an abatement to the Company of property taxes to be levied by the County
on Parcel ID No. 71003500195064, in the City of Fergus Falls (the "Property"). The total amount of the
taxes proposed to be abated by the County on the Property for a period not to exceed 10 years is
estimated to be not more than $265,380. The Board will consider granting a property tax abatement,
which is a business subsidy, in response to the request. The business subsidy will result in an increase of
the tax base of the County and the provision of services for residents of the County. The creation of jobs is
not a goal of the business subsidy.
Information about the proposed business subsidy will be on file and available for public inspection at the
office of the County Administrator at the Government Services Center.
A person with residence in or the owner of taxable property in the granting jurisdiction may file a written
complaint with the County if the County fails to comply with Sections 116J.993 to 116J.995, and no action
may be filed against the County for the failure to comply unless a written complaint is filed.
All interested persons may appear at the public hearing and present their views orally or in writing. Anyone
needing reasonable accommodations, or an interpreter should contact the County Administrator’s office at
the Government Services Center, telephone (218) 998-8060.