HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 10/15/2019
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MINUTES OF THE
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Government Services Center, Commissioners’ Room
515 W. Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN
October 15, 2019
8:30 a.m.
Call to Order
The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 15, 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 October 15, 2019 with the following
Additions:
“Building an Industrial Hemp Industry” Event
MCIT’s “Navigating Key Land Use Issues” Seminar
Addition to the upcoming - Probation Tour on October 21st
Consent Agenda
Motion by Johnson, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to approve Consent Agenda items as
follows:
1. October 1, 2019 Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
2. Warrants/Bills for October 15, 2019 as amended (Exhibit A)
3. LG220 Application for Exempt Permit as submitted by Perham’s Promise
for an event (Bingo) scheduled for Friday, November 15, 2019 at The
Cactus located at 43521 Fort Thunder Road
4. Issuance of Tobacco License to Josie Norgren dba Hillbillies Vittles and
Brew for the period of January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 (Subject to
Payment of the License Fee)
5. Issuance of Tobacco License to DG Retail, LLC dba Dollar General Store
#21009 for the period of January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020
Corrections Agent Position
Motion by Rogness, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to approve 1.0 Full-Time Equivalent
Probation Agent position in the Probation Department with Otter Tail County. The resignation of a Probation
Specialist will allow for this position to be reclassified as a Probation Agent to better serve the needs of the
court and focus on public safety.
Out of State Travel
Motion by Rogness, second by Johnson and unanimously carried to authorize the Probation Director along
with two (2) Probation Agents to attend the American Probation and Parole Association 2020 Winter Training
Institute in New Orleans January 5-8, 2020. This event brings together professionals to learn about
evidence-based practices and share implementation strategies.
“Building an Industrial Hemp Industry in Minnesota” Conference
Motion by Rogness, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to authorize Commissioners to attend the
“Building an Industrial Hemp Industry in Minnesota” conference on November 6, 2019 at the University of
St. Thomas Schulze School. This event will include discussion regarding hemp opportunities, obstacles and
development in this growing industry.
Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
October 15, 2019
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“Navigating Key Land Use Issues” Seminar
Motion by Johnson, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to authorize Commissioners to attend the
“Navigating Key Land Use Issues” seminar on October 23, 2019 at the Best Western Kelly Inn in St. Cloud,
MN. This seminar offers information regarding pressing land use concerns for Minnesota counties and
related governmental organizations and the Commissioners encourage staff to attend.
Long Term Care and MnCHOICES
Long Term Care Unit Supervisor Michelle Fischer and Human Services Director Deb Sjostrom briefed the
Board regarding Long-Term Care Services and MnCHOICES assessments. Ms. Sjostrom described the
process involved with determining eligibility and how staff can assist individuals who may need assistance
to access care. Ms. Fischer reviewed the services provided by the Long-Term Care Unit staff and introduced
the staff to the Board. The goal is to provide assessments and resources to connect people with services
allowing individuals to remain at home as long as possible.
Employer Health Insurance Contributions
Motion by Rogness, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to acknowledge an average 5% health
insurance rate increase as submitted by the Public Employees Insurance Program (PEIP) renewal and
approve the corresponding employer contributions attached as Exhibit B, effective January 1, 2020.
RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO ESTABLISH A LAKE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
EAGLE LAKE
OTTER TAIL COUNTY RESOLUTION #2019 - 74
WHEREAS, Minnesota law provides that in order to preserve and protect the State of Minnesota and to
increase and enhance the use and enjoyment of its lakes, it is in the public interest that there be established
a statewide lake improvement program to preserve, protect and improve the quality of lakes; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota law permits the creation of lake improvement districts initiated by the request and
upon a resolution of a County Board; and
WHEREAS, the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners has received a request from the Eagle Lake
Association, who have reported that they have heard from 117 of the 200 property owners within the
boundaries of the proposed lake improvement district and 92 of those 117 owners are in support of its
establishment; and
WHEREAS, the Eagle Lake Improvement District has submitted a request to Otter Tail County to establish
an improvement district to address maintaining and improving lake quality; lake management; lake
monitoring; prevent, treat, and control any aquatic invasive species, and provide related services to Eagle
Lake; and
WHEREAS, there are no immediate problems identified forcing the creation of a lake improvement district,
but this creation follows the intent of the legislation to be pro-active in creating tools to deal with problems
before they arrive and insure the immediate and effective remedies are achievable for lake issues, and
WHEREAS, there is a public township access on the South shore of Eagle Lake; and
WHEREAS, a map showing the boundaries of the proposed district, the number and location of permanent
homes and seasonal dwellings, the scale, and basic geographical information is on record with the county
auditor; and
WHEREAS, there are proposed to be 7 directors for the district; and
WHEREAS, there is no surface water ordinance regulating Eagle Lake, but the Otter Tail County Shoreland
Management Ordinance, copies of which are available at the county’s Office of Land and Resource
Management, regulates the shoreland including the public access; and
Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
October 15, 2019
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WHEREAS, the proposed district has an Estimated Market Value of $62,097,500.00 (Land – $41,554,700.00
and Buildings – $20,542,800.00), a Taxable Market Value of $61,860,300.00 (Land- $41,419,688.00 and
Buildings – $20,440,612.00), and a Net Tax Capacity of $597,829.00; and
WHEREAS, all of the documentation mentioned herein that is on record with the county is available for
review on the county’s website: ottertailcountymn.us
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners hereby
declares its intent to establish the Eagle Lake Improvement District.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following information be provided, as required by Minnesota Statute
§103B.515, Subd. 1:
1. The name of the proposed Lake Improvement District shall be:
Eagle Lake Improvement District
2. The boundaries of the proposed lake improvement district shall include parcels that have lake
frontage, or lake frontage access, on Eagle Lake, Otter Tail County, but shall exclude agricultural
land.
As the use of agricultural lands within the 1,000 foot boundary of the district changes to non-
agricultural use, the district may, by confirming the change of use to the County Auditor and
Assessor, and by notifying the owner of the property and the Administrator of the Otter Tail County
Department of Land and Resource Management, include those formerly agricultural lands in the
district.
3. The water and related land resource management programs to be undertaken by the district may
include:
a. Develop and implement a comprehensive plan to eliminate water pollution;
b. Receive financial assistance from and participate in projects or enter into contracts with
federal and state agencies for the study and treatment of pollution problems and related
demonstration programs;
c. Undertake research to determine the condition and development of the body of water
included within the lake improvement district to transmit the studies of the Department of Natural
Resources, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and other interested authorities;
d. Make cooperative agreements with the United States or state government or other county or
city to effectuate water and related land resource programs;
e. Conduct programs of water improvement and conservation;
f. Implement a water monitoring system;
g. Serve as local sponsor for state and federal projects or grants;
h. Regulate water surface as deemed necessary and reasonable; or
Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
October 15, 2019
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i. Such other programs, plans, studies, developments or implementations as are allowed or
permitted by law and approved by the County Board from time to time.
4. The Otter Tail County Board may delegate to the lake improvement district pursuant to Minnesota
Statute §103B.551, Subd. 3, authority to:
a. Acquire by gift or purchase, equipment, structures or control works that affects the level of
waters in the district.
b. Construct and operate water control structures, equipment or control works that are approved
by the commissioner of natural resources under section 103G.245.
c. Undertake projects to change the course current or cross section of public waters that are
approved by the commissioner of natural resources under section 103G.245.
d. Acquire property, equipment or other facilities, by gift or purchase to improve navigation.
e. Contract with a board of managers of a watershed district within the lake improvement district
or the board of supervisors of a soil and water conservation district within the district for
improvements under chapters 103C and 103D.
f. Undertake research to determine the condition and development of the body of water and
the water entering it and to transmit the results of the studies to the pollution control agency and
other interested authorities.
g. Develop and implement a comprehensive plan to eliminate water pollution.
h. Conduct a program of water improvement and conservation.
i. Construct a water, sewer, or water and sewer system in the manner provided by section
444.075 or other applicable laws.
j. Receive financial assistance from and participate in projects or enter into contracts with
federal and state agencies for the study and treatment of pollution problems and related
demonstration programs.
k. Make cooperative agreements with the United States or state government or other counties
or cities to effectuate water and related land resource programs.
l. Maintain public beaches, public docks and other public facilities for access to the body of
water.
m. Provide and finance a government service of the county or statutory or home rule city that is
not provided throughout the county or, if the government service is provided, the service is at an
increased level within the district.
n. Regulate water surface use as provided in sections 86B.205, 103G.605 and 103G.621.
5. Funding for the lake improvement district shall be:
a. Start-up funds will be provided from the Eagle Lake Association.
b. Lake improvement district activities may be funded by the levying of an ad valorum tax solely
on property within the district. No establishment or increase in the ad valorum property tax will be
allowed if it affects the county levy subject to state-imposed levy limits.
Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
October 15, 2019
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c. Lake improvement district activities may also be funded by assessment of costs of projects
upon the benefitted property within the district in the manner provided under Minnesota Statutes
Chapter 429.
d. Lake improvement district activities may also be funded by imposition of service charges on
users of the lake improvement district services within the district (Minnesota Statute §428A.05).
e. The Lake Improvement District may also finance projects and services of the district by
issuing obligations as provided in Minnesota Statute §429.091.
6. The Administrator of the Otter Tail County Department of Land and Resource Management shall be
responsible for supervising the programs of the district.
A public hearing will be held on whether the Eagle Lake Improvement District should be established on April
28, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. in the Commissioner’s Room of the Otter Tail County Government Service Center,
500 West Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, Minnesota, upon the motion of Commissioner Johnson, seconded by
Commissioner Rogness and passed on a 5-0 vote.
The foregoing resolution is adopted this 15th day of October 2019.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Date:__________________________
By: _______________________________________ Attest: _________________________
Doug Huebsch, Board of Commissioners Chair John Dinsmore, Clerk
RESOLUTION OF OTTER TAIL COUNTY
Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2019 - 73
BE IT RESOLVED by Otter Tail County that the County enter into the attached Grant Contract with the
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) to conduct the following Program: County Veterans
Service Office Operational Enhancement Grant Program. The grant must be used to provide outreach
to the county's veterans; to assist in the reintegration of combat veterans into society; to collaborate with
other social service agencies, educational institutions, and other community organizations for the purposes
of enhancing services offered to veterans; to reduce homelessness among veterans; and to enhance the
operations of the county veterans service office, as specified in Minnesota Laws 2013 Chapter 142 Article
4. This Grant should not be used to supplant or replace other funding.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by Otter Tail County that Charles R. Kampa, the County Veterans Service
Officer, be authorized to execute the attached Grant Contract for the above-mentioned Program on behalf
of the County.
WHEREUPON the motion of Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Murphy, and passed on
a 5-0 vote, the above resolution is hereby adopted by the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners this
15th day of October 2019
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Date:__________________________
By: _______________________________________ Attest: _________________________
Doug Huebsch, Board of Commissioners Chair John Dinsmore, Clerk
Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
October 15, 2019
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Veterans Statistics
Veterans Service Officer Charlie Kampa provided statistics regarding veteran’s services to the Board. In
2018, nine (9) veterans, along with their families, received assistance from the Veterans Service Office.
Seven (7) of the nine (9) veterans received temporary financial assistance to help with their mortgage
payments, rent and utilities. This number is down from sixteen (16) veterans in 2016. In 2019, thus far, Otter
Tail County is tracking eight (8) veterans seeking temporary financial assistance. Statistics show 123
suicides happen nationally. 17% of the 123 suicides are veterans and of the 17% who are veterans, 6%
utilize VA health care facilities to assist with mental and physical health.
Rates for Veterans Service Office Drivers
Motion by Johnson, second by Rogness and unanimously carried to increase the flat fee rate for Veterans
Service Office drivers who transport veterans to medical appointments from $30.00 to $40.00 per round trip.
The increase will be covered by the veteran’s van fund and the fee for veterans will remain at $30.00.
Recess & Reconvene
At 9:45 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 9:53 a.m.
Long Range Strategic Planning Update
Public Works Director Rick West provided an update to the Board regarding long range strategic planning.
He provided an updated draft document made up of six (6) topic areas and forty-five (45) themes
accompanied by goal statements and objectives. Commissioners shared comments and suggestions.
Another series of open houses is planned for November and the draft document will be posted to the website.
2018 Highway Department Annual Report
County Engineer Charles Grotte provided a document to the Commissioners titled “Otter Tail County
Highway Department 2018 Annual Report”. The document summarizes purchases and projects worked on
by the highway throughout the year.
Highway Department Projects
Bridge Postings:
County Engineer Charles Grotte briefed the Board regarding bridge postings load rated by Minnesota
Department of Transportation. In 2019, twenty-one (21) bridges were load rated throughout Otter Tail County
resulting in five (5) bridges on county roads recommended to be posted with load limits. Commissioners
expressed concerns for those currently using these bridges for certain needs outside the load limit. Mr. Grotte
plans to share this information on the Otter Tail County website.
CSAH 34 Update – S.A.P. 056-634-011:
County Engineer Charles Grotte updated the Board regarding the CSAH 34 reconstruction project. Plans
and right of way plat for the project have been completed and the project is planned for competitive bid
February 2020. Construction is expected to begin spring 2020.
Legal Services Agreement for CSAH 34 – S.A.P. 056-634-011 Right of Way Acquisition:
Motion by Johnson, second by Rogness and unanimously carried, with Huebsch abstaining, to authorize
appropriate County Officials’ signatures to execute the legal services agreement between the County of
Otter Tail and Pemberton Law Firm. This will assist Otter Tail County in pursuing necessary right-of-way
access for its CSAH 34 project.
Perham to Pelican Rapids Regional Trail – West Segment:
County Engineer Charles Grotte presented a proposal from Houston Engineering, Inc regarding engineering
services for the construction of the west segment of the Perham to Pelican Rapids Trail. Commissioners
expressed concerns regarding the treatment of the public and requested Mr. Grotte to inform Houston
Engineering of the concerns. The conversation was tabled to the Public Works Committee.
Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
October 15, 2019
Page 7 of 7
Approval of Payment
Motion by Johnson, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to approve payment to Essentia Health in
the amount of $2,484.00 for costs incurred under the provision of Minnesota Statue 609.35.
Consulting Services
Motion by Rogness, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried, to authorize appropriate County Officials’
signatures to execute the agreement between the County of Otter Tail and Hildi, Inc to provide consulting
services for the preparation of the County’s next actuarial valuation under the provisions of GASB 75 as of
January 1, 2020. The approximate cost for the consulting services for the 2020 fiscal year is $4,600.00 and
for the 2021 fiscal year the approximate cost is between $500.00 and $800.00
SpyGlass Proposal
Motion by Johnson, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to decline accepting the SpyGlass proposal
offered by The SpyGlass Group, LLC. The Information Technology (IT) Director is confident in performing
these tasks within the IT department.
Apple Tree Dental Groundbreaking
Motion by Johnson, second by Rogness and unanimously carried to authorize Commissioners to attend the
Apple Tree Dental groundbreaking. The event was originally scheduled for October 21st but has been
postponed. The County Administrator will inform Commissioners of the date when available.
Adjournment
At 11:19 a.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 22, 2019, at the Government
Services Center in Fergus Falls, MN.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Date:__________________________
By: _______________________________________ Attest: _________________________
Doug Huebsch, Board of Commissioners Chair John Dinsmore, Clerk
Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
October 15, 2019 (Exhibit A)
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Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
October 15, 2019 (Exhibit A)
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Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
October 15, 2019 (Exhibit A)
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Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
October 15, 2019 (Exhibit A)
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Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
October 15, 2019 (Exhibit A)
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Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
October 15, 2019 (Exhibit B)
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Grandfathered Single Employees
2019
Benefit
2020
Benefit
2019 Employer
3.1%
Increase Dollars
2020
Employer
5%
Increase Dollars
Contribution 2019 Remaining Contribution 2020 Remaining
Single HSA Compatible Plan 1,300.00 567.14 718.46 1,325.00 604.64 705.96
Value Plan 1,300.00 745.50 540.10 1,325.00 777.30 533.30
High Plan 1,300.00 830.20 455.40 1,325.00 864.70 445.90
Existing Dependent Coverage &
New Employees
2019
Benefit
2020
Benefit
2019 Employer
3.1%
Increase Dollars
2020
Employer
5%
Increase Dollars
Contribution 2019 Remaining Contribution 2020 Remaining
HSA Plan Single 740.00 567.14 158.46 765.00 604.64 145.96
Single + Children 1,300.00 1,020.82 264.78 1,350.00 1,088.30 247.30
Single + Spouse 1,300.00 1,191.02 94.58 1,350.00 1,269.74 65.86
Family 1,450.00 1,587.68 -152.08 1,525.00 1,692.62 -182.02
Value Plan Single 740.00 745.50 -19.90 765.00 777.30 -26.70
Single + Children 1,300.00 1,341.82 -56.22 1,350.00 1,399.02 -63.42
Single + Spouse 1,300.00 1,565.54 -279.94 1,350.00 1,632.26 -296.66
Family 1,450.00 2,087.02 -651.42 1,525.00 2,175.96 -665.36
High Plan Single 740.00 830.20 -104.60 765.00 864.70 -114.10
Single + Children 1,300.00 1,494.30 -208.70 1,350.00 1,556.40 -220.80
Single + Spouse 1,300.00 1,743.36 -457.76 1,350.00 1,815.80 -480.20
Family 1,450.00 2,324.20 -888.60 1,525.00 2,420.76 -910.16