HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 09/24/2019
Page 1 of 9
MINUTES OF THE
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Government Services Center, Commissioners’ Room
515 W. Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN
September 24, 2019
8:30 a.m.
Call to Order
The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened at 9:03 a.m. Tuesday, September 24, 2019, at the
Government Services Center in Fergus Falls, 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 24, 2019 with the
following revisions:
Add HRA Discussion
Move proposed 2020 levy & budget discussion to the end of the meeting
Consent Agenda
Motion by Lindquist, second by Johnson and unanimously carried to approve Consent Agenda items as
follows:
1. September 17, 2019 Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
2. Warrants/Bills for September 24, 2019 (Exhibit A)
3. Human Services & Public Health Warrants/Bills for September 24, 2019
4. Cooperative Agreement for DWI Court
5. Issuance of Tobacco Licenses to Raymond Rogers dba Big Chief Inc &
Judd Palubicki dba Wagon Wheel One Stop for the period of January 1,
2020 to December 31, 2020
Ditch 17
Motion by Johnson, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to authorize appropriate County Officials’
signatures to proceed with the order for finalizing the benefits for Ditch 17.
E-911 Grant
Land Services Division Director Brian Armstrong briefed the Board regarding the history of 911, E-911 and
the upcoming Next Generation 911 addressing system. Otter Tail County applied for a reimbursement grant
from the U.S Department of Commerce along with the Department of Transportation to modernize services
for the state of MN to complete Next Generation 911. It was discussed whether federal dollars can be used
to reimburse state dollars and further research is necessary to determine if Otter Tail County is eligible to
receive this grant.
National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS) Conference
Motion by Rogness, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to authorize out of state travel for County
Recorder Carol Schmaltz to attend the NAPHSIS Identity and Security Conference in Washington D.C.
November 4th-5th. Expenses will be reimbursed by the Minnesota Department of Health.
Laredo Customer Print Fee
Motion by Johnson, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to approve a print fee of $0.35 per page for
Laredo customers to be consistent with other Fidlar customers in Minnesota, effective January 1, 2020. Otter
Tail County currently does not charge for this service.
Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2019
Page 2 of 9
Market Price for the Solid Waste Management Tax
Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2019 - 66
WHEREAS, the solid waste management tax requires political subdivisions to identify by resolution a market
price if the political subdivision:
Subsidizes the cost of service at a facility.
WHEREAS, the political subdivision will be liable for the solid waste management tax based only on the
market price amount identified through this resolution; and
WHEREAS, the market price is identified in state statutes as the “lowest price available in the area,” and
WHEREAS, Otter Tail County has performed research to identify the lowest price available in the area.
THEREFORE, the County of Otter Tail declares a market price of $64.99 per ton for a facility, based on a
tipping fee amount of $37.07 per ton at the Dakota Landfill and an additional contracted transportation cost
of $27.92 per ton.
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was introduced by Commissioner Rogness, duly
seconded by Commissioner Lindquist and, after discussion thereof and upon vote being taken thereon, the
following voted in favor:
Commissioners: Johnson, Lindquist, Murphy, Rogness, Huebsch
and the following voted against the same: None
.
Adopted this 24th day of September 2019.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Date:__________________________
By: _______________________________________ Attest: _________________________
Doug Huebsch, Board of Commissioners Chair John Dinsmore, Clerk
Donation of Can Stackers
Motion by Rogness, second by Johnson and unanimously carried to authorize the Solid Waste Department
to donate two aluminum can stackers to other government municipalities. One will be donated to Wilkin
County and the second recipient is yet to be identified. The stackers are too small for Otter Tail County’s
operations and the estimated value is less than $500.00 each.
Capital Assistance Program (CAP) Grant Applications
Motion by Johnson, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to authorize appropriate County Officials’
signatures to support the Capital Assistance Program (CAP) grant applications for the 2020 legislative
session to fund the proposed solid waste improvement projects for Pope/Douglas and Todd counties.
Landfill Consulting Services Agreement
Motion by Johnson, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to authorize appropriate County Officials’
signatures to execute addendums for services in 2019 by Foth Infrastructure and Environment, LLC for
landfill consulting services for Northeast Otter Tail Landfill, addenda amount $54,000.00 and Henning
Demolition Landfill, addenda amount $37,000.00.
Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2019
Page 3 of 9
Local Advisory Council Updates
Otter Tail County Local Advisory Council (LAC) members Beth Nelson and Fonda Knudsen reviewed a
document titled “Recommendations to the Otter Tail County Commissioners”. The document lists six (6)
subjects that the Otter Tail County Adult Mental Health LAC note as issues and provided updates on actions
that have been taken. They expressed the need for psychiatrists in Otter Tail County and discussed options
to address recruiting mental health professionals.
Recess & Reconvene
At 10:09 a.m., Chair Huebsch declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners
recessed for a short break. The Board of Commissioners meeting was reconvened at 10:16 a.m.
Issuance of Tobacco License
Motion by Johnson, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to approve the Issuance of a tobacco
license to Tanya Bakken dba City of Dalton Municipal Liquor Store for the period of January 1, 2020
through December 31, 2020.
Issuance of Credit Cards
Motion by Johnson, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to approve the issuance of county credit
cards to Deputy Sheriff Jared Bachelder, Deputy Sheriff Brady Sazama, Deputy Sheriff Landyn Saewert and
Deputy Sheriff Michael Wing.
Management Representation Letter
Motion by Rogness, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to authorize appropriate County Officials’
signatures for the management representation letter for the 2018 year-end audit.
Approval of Payment
Motion by Lindquist, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to authorize payment to Lake Region
Healthcare in the amount of $1,203.49 for services under the provisions of Minnesota Statute 609.35.
Resolution Providing for the Sale of
$6,435,000 Taxable General Obligation Disposal System Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2019B
(Prairie Lakes Municipal Solid Waste Authority)
Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2019 – 67
Commissioner Rogness introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
A. WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of the Otter Tail County, Minnesota has heretofore determined
that it is necessary and expedient to issue the County's $6,435,000 Taxable General Obligation Disposal
System Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2019B (the "Bonds"), to effect an advance refunding of the
callable maturities of the County’s General Obligation Disposal System Revenue Refunding Bonds,
Series 2011 dated June 1, 2011; and
B. WHEREAS, the County has retained Ehlers & Associates, Inc., in Roseville, Minnesota ("Ehlers"), as its
independent municipal advisor for the Bonds in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Section 475.60,
Subdivision 2(9);
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of the Otter Tail County, Minnesota,
as follows:
1. Authorization; Findings. The Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes Ehlers to assist the County for
the sale of the Bonds.
2. Meeting; Proposal Opening. The Board of Commissioners shall meet at 11:15 a.m. on October 22, 2019,
for the purpose of considering proposals for and awarding the sale of the Bonds.
Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2019
Page 4 of 9
3. Official Statement. In connection with said sale, the officers or employees of the County are hereby
authorized to cooperate with Ehlers and participate in the preparation of an official statement for the
Bonds and to execute and deliver it on behalf of the County upon its completion.
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Board of Commissioners
Member Murphy and, after full discussion thereof and upon a vote being taken thereon, the following Board
of Commissioners Members voted in favor thereof: Johnson, Lindquist, Murphy, Rogness, Huebsch
and the following voted against the same: None
Whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
Dated this 24th day of September 2019.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Date:__________________________
By: _______________________________________ Attest: _________________________
Doug Huebsch, Board of Commissioners Chair John Dinsmore, Clerk
Ditch 20 Cleanout
Motion by Johnson, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to authorize the cleanout of ditch 20. The
project will be funded by the City of Richville.
Ditch 13 & 19
Motion by Murphy, second by Rogness and unanimously carried to authorize a public information meeting
for possible redetermination of Ditch 13 & 19 on December 16, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at the Prairie Event Center
in Parkers Prairie, MN.
Eagle Lake LID
Pat Prunty, past president of the Eagle Lake Lakeshore Association and Kelly Hepper, current president of
the Eagle Lake Lakeshore Association briefed the Board of what the Association has done thus far to form
a Lake Improvement District (LID) for Eagle Lake. At their annual meeting, 60 of the 200 properties were
represented, 44 of the 60 requested that the Lakeshore Association move forward with a resolution of intent.
The Lakeshore Association has made multiple efforts to inform property owners of their intentions. The
Lakeshore Association is requesting a resolution of intent with the riparian lots being the boundaries of the
proposed LID. They are also requesting not to be granted the powers to regulate certain water activities.
Their objective is to address issues that impact the water quality on Eagle Lake that the Lakeshore
Association is not able to.
Motion by Johnson, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to proceed with a resolution of intent for
the Eagle Lake Lakeshore Association to form a Lake Improvement District (LID).
Association of MN Emergency Managers Recognition
Safety & Emergency Services Director Patrick Waletzko shared with the Board an award that was received
from the Association of Minnesota Emergency Managers. Otter Tail County has had an Emergency
Preparedness Advisory Committee for more than 10 years. The committee is a countywide group that
explores ways to promote emergency preparedness and readiness. The Emergency Preparedness Advisory
began an Emergency Management Summit in 2012. The summit is held in April each year and is an
opportunity for partners to come together and participate in annual training and exercise.
Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2019
Page 5 of 9
Damage and Impact Assessment Workshops
Motion by Johnson, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to place the damage and impact
assessment workshops on the upcoming for Commissioners to attend if they so choose.
Recess & Reconvene
At 11:02 a.m., Chair Huebsch declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners
recessed for a short break. The Board of Commissioners meeting was reconvened at 11:07 a.m.
Planning Commission Recommendations
Vineyard Estates – Marion Lake Lodge LLC/Michael & Rebecca Muston:
Motion by Johnson, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to approve a Preliminary Plat titled
“Vineyard Estates”, consisting of 2 Single Family Residential Riparian Lots, 1 Block with conditions as
recommended by the Planning Commission. The proposal is located at 41254 Marion Drive North, Section
5 of Rush Lake Township; Marion Lake (56-243), General Development (GD).
CIC #87 Star Lake – M&N LLC/Marty Hanson:
Motion by Lindquist, second by Rogness an unanimously carried with Johnson abstaining to approve a
Conditional Use Permit application proposing conversion of an existing Commercial PUD to a Residential
CIC Number 87 Star Lake. Currently there are 7 cabins and 11 trailer houses, proposing to have 18
residential units with any replacement structures to be located within the Unit boundaries as identified on the
map submitted with the Conditional Use Permit Application. Also proposing the have 6 non-dwelling units.
There will be no change in the number of boat slips (currently 19). The proposal is located at 39927 County
Hwy 41, Section 4 of Star Lake Township; Star Lake (56-385), General Development (GD).
M&N LLC – Marty Hanson/ Star Lake Resort & RV Park – Withdrawn:
Motion by Rogness, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to accept the applicant’s request to
withdraw his Conditional Use Permit Application.
Red Lantern Resort/Darryl & Terry Enerson:
Motion by Johnson, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to approve a Conditional Use Permit
application requesting to convert the existing Red Lantern Resort into a Common Interest Community plat
and over the next 2 years transition from commercial to residential use with no changes to density and no
topographical alterations. The proposal is located at 37804 Eldorado Beach Rd, Section 22 of Amor
Township; Otter Tail (56-242), General Development (GD).
East Silent Resort, LLC:
Motion by Rogness, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to approve a Conditional Use Permit
application to amend the allowable quantity and location of dwelling units within the existing Commercial
PUD to Tier 1 (13); Tier 2 (4); Tier 3 (6); Tier 4 (9) with conditions as recommended by the Planning
Commission. The proposal is located at 30424 410th Street, Section 33 of Dora Township; East Silent (56-
517), Recreational Development (RD).
ACCEPTING DEDICATED DONATION TO SUPPORT I-LIDS
FOR AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES PREVENTION
Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2019 - 68
WHEREAS, the Franklin Lake Association has offered to donate funds in the amount of two hundred dollars
($200) to the County of Otter Tail on behalf of the Land & Resource Office to assist in funding the operation
of an Internet Landing Installed Device Sensor (I-LIDS); and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute §465.03 requires the County to accept the gift by resolution expressed in
terms prescribed by the donor in full; and
WHEREAS, the acceptance of the funds in accordance with the donor’s terms is in the best interest of the
County of Otter Tail.
Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2019
Page 6 of 9
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners does accept
the above-described funds from the Franklin Lake Association, and extends its grateful appreciation.
Upon the motion of Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Murphy, and passed on a 5/5 vote,
the above resolution is hereby adopted by the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners.
Adopted this 24th day of September 2019.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated:
By: Attest:
Douglas A. Huebsch, Chair John Dinsmore, Clerk
AIS Task Force Appointment
Motion by Johnson, second by Rogness and unanimously carried to appoint Bonnie Weakland from Prairie
Lake Association to service as a member on the AIS Task Force.
Lakes Country Service Cooperative Board
Motion by Rogness, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to nominate Commissioner Douglas
Huebsch to serve a four-year board member term on the Lakes Country Service Cooperative (LCSC) Board.
The LCSC Board meets the second Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the LCSC office in Fergus
Falls.
ADOPTION OF FINAL BUDGET AND LEVY
Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2019 - 70 Recommended Gross and Net Property Tax Levy for
Payable 2020
Payable
2020
Payable
2019 Percent
Gross County Property Tax Levy (Non Debt) - 43,337,837 41,031,233 5.62%
Gross Debt Levy - Master Facility Plan Bonds - 2012A 552,432 571,463 -3.33%
Ottertail Operations Center Bonds 387,440 497,070 -22.06%
Highway Bonds - 2019A 182,963 0 #DIV/0!
Jail/Elevator Project - 2017A 127,320 90,460 40.75%
Total Gross County Property Tax Levy 44,587,992 42,190,226 5.68%
County Program Aid (Certified) 2,295,056 2,038,656 12.58%
Net County Property Tax Levy - 42,292,936 40,151,570 5.33%
Gross/Net Lake Improvement District Levies - Pelican Group of Lakes 130,000 130,000 0.00%
Pine Lakes 44,282 50,592 -12.47%
Little McDonald, Kerbs & Paul 113,000 70,000 61.43%
Big McDonald 7,000 7,000 0.00%
Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2019
Page 7 of 9
South Turtle 0 25,000
-
100.00%
Total Net County Levy Including Lake Improvement
Districts - 42,587,218 40,434,162 5.32%
Special Taxing District Levy - Otter Tail County CDA 541,800 541,800 0.00%
Otter Tail County HRA 650,000 541,800 19.97%
Proposed Total Net Property Tax Levy 43,779,018 41,517,762 5.45%
RECAP -
County Only (Includes Library)-
Gross Tax Levy (Total) 44,587,992 42,190,226 5.68%
County Program Aid 2,295,056 2,038,656 12.58%
Net Tax Levy (Total) 42,292,936 40,151,570 5.33%
County, Lake Improvement Districts, CDA and HRA -
Gross Tax Levy (Total) 46,074,074 43,556,418 5.78%
County Program Aid 2,295,056 2,038,656 12.58%
Net Tax Levy (Total) 43,779,018 41,517,762 5.45%
After discussion and consideration, a motion was offered by Johnson, seconded by Lindquist and
unanimously carried to adopt the following resolution:
WHEREAS, on or before September 30, 2019, Otter Tail County must adopt a Proposed Budget for
Fiscal/Calendar Year 2020 and must adopt and certify a proposed net property tax levy for Payable Year
2020 and
WHEREAS, the Otter Tail County Auditor-Treasurer's office has accumulated the Departmental and
outside
agency requests, and
WHEREAS, the Otter Tail County Finance Committee has met to discuss and review in general terms
levy
and budgetary guidelines, as well as the proposed department budgets and various agency requests, and
WHEREAS, the Otter Tail County Finance Committee will complete additional review and
discussion, as needed and required, of the 2020 proposed tax levy and budget prior to final
adoption on December 17, 2019.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners of Otter Tail
County, Minnesota, that The amount of $44,587,992 be adopted as Otter Tail County's Proposed Gross Property Tax Levy for the
Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2019
Page 8 of 9
Payable Year 2020 representing a 5.68% increase from the Gross Property Tax Levy for the Payable
Year 2019, and that
The amount of $42,292,936 be adopted as Otter Tail County's Proposed Net Property Tax Levy for the
Payable Year 2020 representing a 5.33% increase over the Net Property Tax Levy for the Payable Year
2019, and that
The amount of $294,282 be adopted by Otter Tail County as the Proposed Lake Improvement District
Property Tax Levies for the Payable Year 2020, representing a 4.14% increase from the Lake
Improvement
District Property Tax Levies as adopted by Otter Tail County for the Payable Year 2019, and that
The amount of $650,000 be adopted by Otter Tail County as the Proposed Otter Tail County HRA Special
District Property Tax Levy for the Payable Year 2020, representing a 19.97% increase from the Property
Tax Levy as adopted by Otter Tail County for the Payable Year 2019, and that
The amount of $541,800 be adopted by Otter Tail County as the Proposed Otter Tail County CDA levy
as authorized under the housing and redevelopment authority statutes representing a 0.00% increase
from the Property Tax Levy as adopted by Otter Tail County for the Payable Year 2019.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the amount of $125,000,000 (includes inter-fund transfers) be adopted
as Otter Tail County’s Proposed Budget for the General Fund, for the Budgeted Special Revenue Funds
and for the Budgeted Debt Service Funds for the Fiscal/Calendar Year 2020
(Expenditures/Transfers/Other Uses).
Adopted at Fergus Falls, Minnesota, this 24th day of September 2019
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated:________________________
By: __________________________________ Attest:________________________
Douglas Huebsch, Chairperson John Dinsmore, Clerk
Levy & Budget Public Hearing
Motion by Johnson, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to set the 2020 levy and budget hearing on
December 3, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at the Government Services Center in Fergus Falls, MN.
In Recognition of Kathy Domholt’s Public Service with the
County of Otter Tail
September 24, 2019
Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2019 – 69
The following resolution was offered by Rogness, who moved to recognize and honor the public service of
Kathy Domholt with Otter Tail County:
WHEREAS, Kathy’s service to Otter Tail County spanned 28 years, 4 months and 17 days, from April 15,
1991 to August 31, 2019 – a total of 10,366 days; and
WHEREAS, during her tenure with Otter Tail County, Kathy’s service encompassed the role of Employee
Benefits Coordinator and County Board Secretary; and
WHEREAS, during her tenure with Otter Tail County, Kathy’s legacy included a range of accomplishments
including, but not limited to:
Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2019
Page 9 of 9
• Outstanding service to the public, including: serving as the county’s primary contact person for all
who sought to meet with the County Board of Commissioners to address a range of policy topics,
programs, proposals and concerns;
• Served as the county’s content expert, and employee’s resource person, related to the complexities
of health insurance benefits, retirement pensions, family medical leave act, and numerous employee-
related benefits that are affected by changes in federal or state laws or policies;
• During her nearly 29 years of serving as the County Board Secretary, Kathy managed and
transcribed public documents that included: 340 months of county board minutes, estimated to have
totaled 2,596,510 words, 132,055 paragraphs, and 2,436 board resolutions;
• Served, “tutored”, mentored and trained 15 County Commissioners, 3 County Attorneys, 2 County
Administrators and numerous department “heads” on how, when, and for how long to present and
“speak” on a wide range of public policies and programs;
WHEREAS, Kathy was an exemplary mentor to many, and her public service commitment was both
remarkable and inspirational in a world of challenges and barriers,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners recognizes the
years of service, dedication and commitment exemplified by Kathy’s many years of public service career,
and we express our utmost gratitude and appreciation for her selfless years of service to the residents of
Otter Tail County and the State of Minnesota.
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was introduced by Commissioner Rogness, duly
seconded by Commissioner Johnson, and, after discussion and commendation thereof and upon vote
being taken thereon, the resolution was adopted unanimously.
Adopted at Fergus Falls, Minnesota, this 24th day of September 2019
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated:________________________
By: __________________________________ Attest:________________________
Douglas Huebsch, Chairperson John Dinsmore, Clerk
Recess & Reconvene
At 12:06 p.m., Chair Huebsch declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners
recessed for lunch. The Board of Commissioners meeting was reconvened at 1:02 p.m.
Otter Tail County HRA
Commissioners Johnson and Lindquist provided an update of their involvement with the Otter Tail County
HRA. The Board plans to appoint the open seat of the expired term Otter Tail County HRA member at the
October 1st Board meeting.
Adjournment
At 2:35 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, October 1, 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 24, 2019 (Exhibit A)
Page 1 of 5
Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2019 (Exhibit A)
Page 2 of 5
Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2019 (Exhibit A)
Page 3 of 5
Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2019 (Exhibit A)
Page 4 of 5
Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2019 (Exhibit A)
Page 5 of 5