HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 09/17/2019
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MINUTES OF THE
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Pelican Rapids Public Library
25 West Mill, Pelican Rapids, MN
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
4:00 p.m.
Call to Order
The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 17, 2019, at the
Pelican Rapids Public Library in Pelican Rapids, 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 September 17, 2019.
Consent Agenda
Motion by Johnson, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to approve Consent Agenda items as
follows:
1. September 10, 2019 Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes as presented
2. Warrants/Bills for September 17, 2019 (Exhibit A)
3. Approval of Issuance of a Tobacco License to Jeffrey Olson DBA
Crossroads Convenience Center for the Period of January 1, 2020 to
December 31, 2020
Northstar Behavior Tax Abatement Agreement
Motion by Rogness, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to approve the tax abatement agreement
between Northstar Behavioral Health, LLC and the County of Otter Tail.
Tri-County Hospital Public Hearing
Motion by Lindquist, second by Johnson and unanimously carried to authorize Tri-County Hospital to hold a
public hearing to consider giving host approval to the issuance by the City of Bertha, Minnesota (the “Issuer”)
of revenue obligations, in one or more series, under Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.152 through 469.1655
(the “Act”), in order to finance the cost of a project and refinance existing projects (together, the “Projects”)
located in the County and the City of Wadena, Minnesota (the “City”). Date and time of the public hearing will
be set at a later date.
Tax Rebate Program for New Construction of Single and Two-Family Homes
Development Director Amy Baldwin presented a proposed property tax rebate program to the Board. The
program was recommended by the Community Development Agency to encourage construction of housing
units and replacement of dilapidated housing structures throughout Otter Tail County. She provided a list of
criteria that is required by applicants to qualify for the program. The program would run for a three (3) year
period rebating the county’s portion of the taxes to the owner of record at the time of repayment up to five (5)
years or a maximum of $5,000. The rebate is applied to the amount above the existing value and applicants
must be approved for the program prior to construction. Ms. Baldwin will communicate with cities, townships
and school districts throughout the county to seek potential participation in the program and plans to launch
the program January 2020.
Motion by Rogness, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to approve the Otter Tail County property
tax rebate program for new single and two-family homes. The motion includes a request for a public press
release to inform others of this program.
Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
September 17, 2019
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Property Tax Software Update
Auditor-Treasurer Wayne Stein advised that the county contracted with Avenue, a property tax software
company, to update the current tax system but little progress has been made. Counties have been given
until October 16, 2019, to decide whether to continue with Avenue or opt out of the agreement without
incurring additional costs. Mr. Stein requested guidance from the Board prior to making this decision.
Commissioners requested that Mr. Stein provide another update in early October with additional information
prior to making any final decisions.
Approval of Transfer
Motion by Rogness second by Johnson and unanimously carried to approve a transfer, in the amount of
$1,300,328.75, from the Capital Improvement Fund to the Road and Bridge Fund for previously approved
capital expenditures.
PLMSWA Joint Powers Financing Agreement
Motion by Murphy second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to approve the Second Amendment to Prairie
Lakes Municipal Solid Waste Authority (PLMSWA) Joint Powers Financing Agreement. The motion includes
authorization of appropriate County Officials’ signatures on the aforementioned amendment.
CSAH 34 Update – S.A.P. 056-634-011
Highway Engineer Chuck Grotte updated the Board regarding the CSAH 34 reconstruction project. Final
plans have been approved by MN DOT and the project is planned for competitive bid February 2020.
Construction is expected to begin spring 2020.
Adjournment
At 4:54 p.m., Chair Huebsch declared the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners meeting adjourned. The
next Board meeting is scheduled at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 24, 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
September 17, 2019 (Exhibit A)
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Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
September 17, 2019 (Exhibit A)
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Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
September 17, 2019 (Exhibit A)
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Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
September 17, 2019 (Exhibit A)
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