HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 11/26/2019
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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
November 26, 2019
8:30 a.m.
Call to Order
The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened at 8:31 a.m. Tuesday, November 26, 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. Commissioner John Lindquist was
absent.
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 November 26, 2019, with the
following changes:
Addition of purchase of property located at 29024 County Highway 45, Underwood, MN
Consent Agenda
Motion by Murphy, second by Johnson and unanimously carried to approve Consent Agenda items as
follows:
1. November 19, 2019, Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
2. Warrants/Bills for November 26, 2019, as amended (Exhibit A)
3. Human Services Warrants/Bills for November 26, 2019 (Exhibit A)
4. Approval of a 2020 Tobacco License for Bobby Schempp Jr./ECR Assets
LLC dba Lakeland General Store
5. Revised West Central MN Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force Joint Powers
Agreement
6. Request for Approval of Final Payment – S.A.P. 056-672-006 Mark Sand &
Gravel Co.
A Place to Belong
Board President Sean Sullivan, Executive Director Paige Carlson, Board Vice President Dawn Saxton and
Board member Bruce Hoffmann briefed the Board regarding A Place to Belong, an organization that has
been in existence for more than 20 years and provides a variety of services for individuals with mental illness.
They discussed the different activities available to members and provided brochures and an event calendar
to the Board. Currently, there are 164 active members with two locations in Fergus Falls and Detroit Lakes
and are open Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Commissioners expressed appreciation and
a resolution was offered.
Resolution in Support of “A Place to Belong’s” Initiative to Seek Additional Mental Health Funding
from the State of Minnesota County of Otter Tail
Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2019 – 86
The following resolution was offered by Rogness, who moved to support additional state mental health
funding from the State of Minnesota to expand:
WHEREAS, Adult Mental Health Initiatives (AMHI) are regional collaborations charged with overseeing adult
mental health services and funding to counties and tribal governments in their area; and
Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
November 26, 2019
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WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota passed legislation in 1996 to create and expand grant funding for
regional partnerships to continue planning and service expansion efforts. Over time, this has resulted in 18
regional county initiatives and the White Earth Nation tribe who have identified as AMHI’s; and
WHEREAS, the AMHI’s continue to monitor, evaluate and reconfigure their service models while each county
retains its role as the local mental health authority, enabling service delivery designs that are unique to each
AMHI; and
WHEREAS, the counties of Becker, Clay, Otter Tail and Wilkin formed, in 1996, an Adult Mental Health
Initiative known as BCOW that has overseen and monitoring the development of a range of mental health
services, including four social club/drop-in center models, targeted to serve persons who have experienced
serious and persistent mental illness; and
WHEREAS, A Place to Belong, based in Fergus Falls, MN has experienced growth and increased
membership due to the increasing and recognized needs of persons experiencing serious and persistent
mental illness; and
WHEREAS, the existing state funding formula for state appropriated funds is in need of modification and
increased support to address the increased social, housing, employment and treatment needs of persons
living in a large, geographically diverse county; and
WHEREAS, A Place to Belong is a qualified 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation who has achieved community
support and recognition by local governments, employers, business community and the human service
delivery system.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: As part of its 2020 legislative priorities, the County of Otter Tail
will include support of state legislation that seeks additional funding to support expansion of increased Adult
Mental Health Initiative funding for social club/drop-in center models, as well as other mental health
services, to better serve the needs of persons who experience serious and persistent mental illness/serious
mental illness and increase their ability to live self-sufficient, independent and community-based lives.
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was introduced by Commissioner Rogness, duly
seconded by Commissioner Murphy, and, after discussion and commendation thereof and upon vote being
taken thereon, the resolution was adopted unanimously.
Adopted at Fergus Falls, Minnesota, this 26th day of November 2019.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated:______________________________
By: __________________________________ Attest: ______________________________
Douglas Huebsch, Board Chairperson John Dinsmore, Board Clerk
Region 4 Regional Transportation
Family & Community Services Director Heather Molesworth and West Central Community Action Chief
Executive Officer Missy Becker-Cook provided an update to the Board regarding transportation in Region 4.
They plan to create effective and efficient transportation for individuals in Region 4 by compiling
transportation data, filing transportation gaps, increase access, decrease barriers and improve access
across county lines. Their goal is to provide a one-call, one-click call center to connect transportation and
expand statewide.
Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
November 26, 2019
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Recess & Reconvene
At 9:28 a.m., Chair Huebsch declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners recessed
for short break. The Board of Commissioners meeting was reconvened at 9:39 a.m.
Pomme de Terre River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan
Land and Resource Assistant Director Kyle Westergard and West Otter Tail Soil and Water Conservation
District Manager Brad Mergens provided information to the Board on November 5, 2019 regarding the
Pomme de Terre River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan and requested feedback. No concerns
were expressed, and the following was offered:
Motion by Rogness, second by Johnson and unanimously carried to recommend to the Pomme de Terre
River Watershed Policy Committee that the Pomme de Terre River Comprehensive Watershed Management
Plan be submitted for the formal 60 day review.
Purchase of Property
Motion by Murphy, second by Johnson and unanimously carried to authorize appropriate County Officials’
signatures to execute the purchase agreement in the amount of $20,000 in addition to an estimated $6,000
in back taxes and closing costs for the property located at 29024 County Highway 45, Underwood, MN.
Pelican Rapids Redemption Center
Motion by Johnson, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to authorize appropriate County Officials’
signatures to execute the quit claim deed between the County of Otter Tail as grantor and Larry’s Super
Market of Pelican Rapids as grantee for the conveyance of the Pelican Rapids Redemption Center, Parcel
76000990660005 legally described in Exhibit B.
Issuance of County Credit Card
Motion by Johnson, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to approve the issuance of a county credit
card to the Chief Deputy County Recorder.
Approval of Payment
Motion by Rogness, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to approve payment in the amount of
$1,453.00 to Sanford Health for services provided under the provision of MS 609.35.
Transfer of Funds
Motion by Rogness, second by Johnson and unanimously carried to approve a transfer in the amount of
$1,898,725.11 from the Human Services Fund to the County’s Debt Service (35-801) Fund for the
defeasance of that portion of the 2016A Bonds related to the bonds originally issued to finance the Chemical
Dependency Facility known as 1174 Western Avenue. The total amount required for defeasance is
$2,433,501.07 in which the county was able to provide $534,775.96 from the Debt Service Fund with the
intent to repay the Human Services Fund from future lease payments and/or proceeds of any future sale.
Civil Process Printing Fee
Motion by Johnson, second by Murphy and unanimously carried to approve the addition of the following
printing fees to the Civil Process Fee-for-Service Schedule effective December 1, 2019: $1.00 (1-24 pages),
$2.00 (25-49 pages), $5.00 (50+ pages). The fees will provide for paperwork previously mailed that is now
e-mailed, printed and distributed by the Sheriff’s office.
Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
November 26, 2019
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County Administrator and Deputy Administrator Appointments County of Otter Tail
Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2019 – 85
The following resolution was offered by Rogness, who moved to appoint Nicole Hansen as County
Administrator and Nicholas Leonard as Deputy County Administrator effective January 1, 2020:
WHEREAS, effective January 31, 2020, the current Otter Tail County Administrator will retire following the
completion of a three-year appointment and contract; and
WHEREAS, the County of Otter Tail, as authorized by Minnesota Statute 375A.06, elected to establish the
office of county administration in 2013; and
WHEREAS, in January 2017, three finalists were considered for the county administrator position. The
Board appointed one of the candidates and entered into a three-year contract. The appointed county
administrator was directed to develop a succession plan so that the other two candidates would
assume/perform the essential functions of the county administrator following the incumbent’s contract
termination or retirement; and
WHEREAS, the current County Administrator’s position description’s essential functions will be re-prioritized.
A Deputy Administrator position description has been developed and approved in coordination with human
resources and our Decision Band Method (DBM) consultants. The two position descriptions (see attached)
delineate which position will play the lead role in the management of internal governmental operations,
personnel administration, external relationships, economic development and long-range strategic planning
implementation; and
WHEREAS, the newly appointed individuals will assume the essential duties and responsibilities of county
administration in addition to continuation of the performance of their current positions’ essential duties and
responsibilities and that the annual compensation of the respective positions, effective January 1, 2020, shall
be outlined as follows:
(1) In accordance with the Otter Tail County Classification and Compensation Policy, the county
administrator position salary will be classified and reimbursed at Grade E81/2/3
(2) In accordance with the Otter Tail County Classification and Compensation Policy, the Deputy
County Administrator position classification and salary will be based on a DBM evaluation of the
newly developed position description.
WHEREAS, since the essential functions of the current County Administrator will be delegated to the
positions described above, Otter Tail County will realize a net cost savings since the current 2020 budgeted
expenses (salary, benefits) of the retiring county administrator will be reduced; and
WHEREAS, the County Administrator, the Deputy County Administrator and the County of Otter Tail shall
be subject to the Personnel Rules of Otter Tail County as amended from time to time.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners, in accordance
with the succession plan and priorities outlined in 2017, elect to appoint Nicole Hansen as the County
Administrator and Nicholas Leonard as the Deputy County Administrator effective January 1, 2020.
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was introduced by Commissioner Rogness, duly
seconded by Commissioner Murphy, and, after discussion and commendation thereof and upon vote being
taken thereon, the resolution was adopted unanimously.
Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
November 26, 2019
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Adopted at Fergus Falls, Minnesota, this 26th day of November 2019.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated:______________________________
By: __________________________________ Attest: ______________________________
Douglas Huebsch, Chairperson John Dinsmore, Clerk
Proposed 2020 Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Schedule
County Administrator John Dinsmore presented a revised proposed 2020 Board of Commissioners’ meeting
schedule. Commissioners provided feedback and necessary changes will be made and brought back to the
Board on December 17, 2019 for approval.
2020 Budget Preparation
County Administrator John Dinsmore briefed the Board regarding discussion at the Finance Committee
meeting held on November 19, 2019. The Board discussed bonding and items they would like to remain in
the budget. Truth in Taxation is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on December 3rd at the Government Services Center
in Fergus Falls and the budget is set to be finalized on December 17th.
Adjournment
At 11:14 a.m., Chair Huebsch declared the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners meeting adjourned.
The next Board meeting is scheduled at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3, 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
November 26, 2019 (Exhibit A)
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Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
November 26, 2019 (Exhibit A)
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Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
November 26, 2019 (Exhibit A)
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Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
November 26, 2019 (Exhibit A)
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Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
November 26, 2019 (Exhibit A)
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Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
November 26, 2019 (Exhibit B)
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All of Lots One (1) and Two (2) and part of Lots Eleven (11) and Twelve (12), Block Twelve (12) of
Sawbridge’s Addition to Pelican Rapids, on file and of record in the office of the County Recorder in and for
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, more particularly described as follows:
Beginning at the Northwest corner of said Lot 2; thence South 89 degrees 33 minutes 52 seconds East
(assumed bearing) along the North line of said Lots 2 and 1 a distance of 100.28 feet to the Northeast corner
of said Lot 1: thence South 00 degrees 00 minutes 52 seconds East along the East line of said Lots 1 and
12 a distance of 150.59 feet; thence North 89 degrees 59 minutes 07 seconds West a distance of 21.09 feet;
thence South 00 degrees 00 minutes 53 seconds West a distance of 6.55 feet; thence North 89 degrees 59
minutes 07 seconds West a distance of 79.15 feet to the West line of said Lot 11; thence North 00 degrees
01 minutes 32 seconds West along the west line of said Lots 11 and 2 a distance of 157.87 feet to the point
of beginning. Containing 15,655 square feet.
Together with and subject to an Easement for Ingress and Egress purposes, said Easement is hereinafter
described as Easement A. Also, together with and subject to a party wall agreement along the South line
thereof. Also subject to any other easements or restrictions of record.
Easement A
An Easement for Ingress and Egress purposes, said Easement is described as follows:
The West 8.00 feet of Lot One (1), Block One (1) of Haugen’s Rolling Acres, on file and of record in the office
of the County Recorder in and for Otter Tail County, Minnesota. Together with the East 8.00 feet of Lots
One (1) and Twelve (12), Block Twelve (12), of Sawbridge’s Addition to Pelican Rapids, on file and of record
in the office of the County Recorder in and for Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
together with all hereditaments and appurtenances belonging thereto, subject to the following exceptions:
1. Party Wall and Maintenance Agreement dated the same day, March 7, 1991, as the Warranty Deed,
between Jerry Leaf and Roger Schleske, and the County of Otter Tail, with respect to a Party Wall Agreement
and Repair and Maintenance Agreement. This Quit Claim Deed is subject to the terms and conditions of
that Party Wall and Maintenance Agreement and further conveys to Grantee the rights specified in the Party
Wall and Maintenance Agreement.
2. Right-of-Way Easement to Otter Tail Power Company.