HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 03/13/2018
MINUTES OF THE
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Government Services Center, Commissioners’ Room
515 W. Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN
March 13, 2018
9:30 a.m.
Call to Order
The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at the
Government Services Center in Fergus Falls, MN, with Commissioners Wayne Johnson, Chair;
Roger Froemming, Vice-Chair; John Lindquist, Lee Rogness and Doug Huebsch present.
Approval of Agenda
Chair Johnson called for approval of the Board Agenda. Motion by Rogness, second by Lindquist and
unanimously carried to approve the Board of Commissioners Agenda of March 13, 2018, with the following
additions during General Discussion:
Lake Reclassification
CMS of New York Mills Barn Reconfiguration
GovDelivery Stakeholders
Consent Agenda
Motion by Froemming, second by Huebsch and unanimously carried to approve Consent Agenda items as
follows:
1. March 6, 2018 Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
2. Warrants/Bills for March 13, 2018 (Exhibit A)
3. Human Services Bills & Claims
4. Approval of Household Hazardous Waste Collection Contracts
5. Consumption & Display Permit for The Corner Store on Otter Tail Lake
Veterans Van Transportation Program
Veterans Service Officer Charlie Kampa briefed the Board on the fund to replace the van used for veterans’
transportation to medical appointments. He reviewed current balance, donations, and pledges for the fund.
ACCEPTING DEDICATED DONATION TO SUPPORT VETERAN SERVICE VAN FUND
Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2018 – 20
WHEREAS, 15 members of American Legion Post 30 Fergus Falls, MN has offered to donate personal funds
in the amount of $1600.00 to County of Otter Tail on behalf of the Otter Tail County Veterans Service Office
to assist in the Veterans Van Transportation program; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute 465.03 requires a county to accept the gift by resolution expressed in terms
prescribed by the donor in full; and,
WHEREAS, the donation from individual members of American Legion Post 30 Fergus Falls, MN will be for
the purpose of augmenting funds for the replacement cost of the Veterans Service Office veterans van; and
WHEREAS, acceptance of the funds in accordance with the donor’s terms is in the best interest of the County
of Otter Tail.
OTC Board of Commissioners’ Minutes
March 13, 2018
Page 2
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners does accept
the above-described funds from individual members of American Legion Post 30 Fergus Falls, MN, and
extends its grateful appreciation.
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was introduced by, Commissioner Lindquist and duly
seconded by Commissioner Froemming and, after discussion thereof and upon vote being taken thereon,
the following voted in favor:
Commissioners Huebsch, Johnson, Lindquist, Froemming and Rogness
and the following voted against the same: None
Adopted at Fergus Falls, Minnesota, this 13th day of March 2018
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated:
By: Attest:
Wayne Johnson, Chair John Dinsmore, Clerk
Contract for County Attorney Office Remodel
Motion by Rogness, second by Froemming and unanimously carried to authorize the appropriate County
Officials’ signatures to execute an Agreement between Otter Tail County and Gast Construction Co. Inc. of
Fargo, ND, for the County Attorney Office remodel project. Estimated cost of this portion of the project is
$68,800.
REVIEW OF PROPOSED STATE WILDLIFE LAND ACQUISITION
Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2018 - 21
WHEREAS, In accordance with Minnesota Statutes 97 A.145 Subd. 2, the Commissioner of the Department
of Natural Resources, on February 12, 2018, provided the County Board and appropriate Town Officers with
a description of lands to be acquired by the State of Minnesota for water and wildlife conservation purposes,
and
WHEREAS, Lands to be acquired are described as follows and attached as Exhibit B:
11 acre parcel located in Section 20 of Rush Lake Township, T.135N., R. 39W, S20, adjacent to the Head
Lake WMA known as the Saul Tract
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, by the Board of County Commissioners of Otter Tail
County on March 13, 2018, that the State's proposed acquisition of the above described property be
approved.
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was introduced by Commissioner Huebsch, duly
seconded by Commissioner Froemming and, after discussion thereof and upon vote being taken thereon,
the following voted in favor:
Commissioners Huebsch, Johnson, Lindquist, Froemming & Rogness and,
the following voted against the same: None
OTC Board of Commissioners’ Minutes
March 13, 2018
Page 3
Adopted at Fergus Falls, Minnesota, this 13th day of March 2018
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated:
By: Attest:
Wayne Johnson, Chair John Dinsmore, Clerk
General Discussion
Commissioners acknowledged receipt of information regarding a modification to the CMS of New York Mills
building plan. This change may not require an additional public hearing.
Commissioners discussed the GovDelivery State of Minnesota website where individuals can subscribe to
receive updated information on rule making processes and/or changes on specific topics. There is an
opportunity to provide input at various stages in the process. The County Administrator will counsel with
various division and department managers to effectively utilize this tool.
Recess & Reconvene
At 10:05 a.m., Chair Johnson declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners
recessed for a short break. The County Board meeting was reconvened at 10:13 a.m.
Lake Reclassification
Bill Kalar, Land & Resource Director, presented a letter dated March 12, 2018, from Julie Ekman from the
MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regarding Otter Tail County’s lake reclassification request.
Motion by Rogness, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to change the lake classifications for
Unnamed lake (56-1127) known as Little Pleasant Lake and Tonseth Lake (56-690) from Natural
Environment (NE) to Recreational Development (RD). These classifications will be updated on the “Waters
of Otter Tail County” document.
Public Works Director and Highway Engineer Positions
Internal Services/Human Resources Director Nicole Hansen presented the need to separate the Public
Works Director position and the County Highway Engineer position. Internal Services Committee members
spoke in favor of this change due to work surrounding broadband, trails, and strategic planning. Motion by
Rogness, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to separate the Public Works Director from the
County Engineer position. Rick West will remain the Public Works Director resulting in hiring a County
Engineer. Financially, this change should comply with the 2018 budget as there are other positions within
the highway department that have not been filled.
Recess & Reconvene
At 10:35 a.m., Chair Johnson declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners
recessed for a Finance Committee meeting. The County Board meeting was reconvened at 10:41 a.m.
Partnership4Health Community Health Board Report
Public Health Director Diane Thorson gave a Partnership4Health Community Health Board (CHB) report
which highlighted a decrease in revenue from County tax dollars, an increase in federal funds, and state
funding sources have remained the same. Thorson also discussed that a priority of the board is to take a
comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach to public health workforce development in anticipation of
difficulty filling vacant positions due to attrition and retirement. Thorson was joined by Tobacco Prevention
Coordinator Jason McCoy to discuss tobacco concerns including data showing that 26.4% of high school
students used any tobacco product, including E-cigarettes, in the past 30 days, which is an increase of 7%
from 2014. A tobacco ordinance was also discussed, which commissioners support, and it was requested
that a proposal is drafted to include CHB recommendations such as entrance setbacks, increasing
compliance checks, restricting flavors and raising the age for tobacco purchase from 18 to 21.
OTC Board of Commissioners’ Minutes
March 13, 2018
Page 4
Out-of-State Travel
Motion by Froemming, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried for Sheriff Brian Schlueter to travel to
New Orleans, LA, to attend the National Sheriff’s Association Conference scheduled for June 15-20, 2018.
Sheriff Schlueter advised that the National Sheriff’s Association will pay $1,000 of costs towards the travel
and conference.
MINNESOTA POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY
FY 2018-2019 GRANT ROUND
AUTHORIZATION RESOLUTION
Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2018 - 22
Commissioner Rogness offered the following resolution:
WHEREAS, Pope/Douglas Solid Waste Management has been approached by the Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency (MPCA), to develop an application under its FY18-19 Environmental Assistance (EA) Grant
for Recycling and Composting; and
WHEREAS, Pope/Douglas Solid Waste Management will be seeking to develop a regional composting
site with regional project support from Grant, Stevens, and Otter Tail counties; and
WHEREAS, MPCA requires that Pope/Douglas Solid Waste Management garner project support, in writing,
from the Pope/Douglas Joint Solid Waste Management Board and regional partner counties;
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Otter Tail County Board supports the efforts of the Pope/Douglas Joint Solid
Waste Management Board to develop a grant application with the intention of developing a regional
composting facility with granted funds.
Commissioner Froemming seconded the motion and, upon being put to vote, the resolution was
unanimously adopted this 13th day of March 2018.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated:
By: Attest:
Wayne Johnson, Chair John Dinsmore, Clerk
Phelps Mill Fish Passage
Public Works Director Rick West provided the board with a response from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
about how Fish Passage funds could be spent as it relates to the Phelps Mill building. The County can use
$20,000-$25,000 from the funds for protective/avoidance measures to prevent further deterioration. It is
recommended that this is referred to the Public Works Committee for further discussion.
SUPPORT FOR CORRIDORS OF COMMERCE PROJECT OF THE EXPANSION OF
TRUNK HIGHWAY 10 FROM TWO LANES TO FOUR LANES
Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2018 – 23
Commissioner Froemming offered the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Transportation received a recommendation from Wadena County
Engineer Ryan Odden for the expansion of Trunk Highway 10 from two lanes to four lanes. From the end
of the four lane near 620th Ave to the four lane near Oink Joint Road excluding 3rd Ave Northwest to CSAH
4 in Wadena to be considered for its 2018 Corridors of Commerce program; and
OTC Board of Commissioners’ Minutes
March 13, 2018
Page 5
WHEREAS, this project would be located in Otter Tail County, City of Wadena and Wadena County, and the
project needs support from all jurisdictions to receive full points Community Consensus category; and
WHEREAS, Trunk Highway 10 is a vital economic link to our area and the current two-lane design is a safety
concern, as this is the only segment of the entire Trunk Highway 10 corridor that is a 2-lane segment.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners supports the
proposed 2018 Corridors of Commerce project of the expansion of Trunk Highway 10 from two lanes to four
lanes.
Commissioner Huebsch seconded the motion and, upon being put to vote, the resolution was
unanimously adopted this 13th day of March 2018.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated:
By: Attest:
Wayne Johnson, Chair John Dinsmore, Clerk
Bid Awards – Seasonal Highway
Motion by Froemming, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to approve the following quotations and
award the seasonal Brush and Weed Control projects to the low bidder, L & M Road Services of Ulen, MN,
as recommended by the Public Works Director:
County Highway Right-of-Way Brush Control $30,000.00
County Highway Right-of-Way Weed Control – East $20,700.00
County Highway Right-of-Way Weed Control – West $27,600.00
Motion by Rogness, second by Froemming, and unanimously carried to approve the following quotation and
award seasonal supply of signing materials to M-R Sign Company, Fergus Falls, MN, in the amount of
$77,451.50, and for posts to Newman Signs, Inc., Jamestown, ND, in the amount of $31,966.75, as
recommended by the Public Works Director.
Recess & Reconvene
At 11:45 a.m., Chair Johnson declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners
recessed for the Internal Services Committee and a lunch break. The County Board meeting was
reconvened at 1:05 p.m.
United Way Chili Cook-Off
Motion by Rogness, second by Froemming and unanimously carried to recognize and offer gratitude to
departments that participated in the United Way Chili Cook-Off as well as employees supporting it for their
effort in raising money for United Way.
MNLARS Update
County Auditor-Treasurer Wayne Stein and Licensing Center Manager Cyndi Abbott briefed the board about
the state licensing system, MNLARS. The system continues to have significant problems causing delays to
customers, and the state struggles to provide adequate support and problem-solving to county staff that use
MNLARS. The board expressed their appreciation and support of licensing staff as they continue to endure
using MNLARS.
OTC Board of Commissioners’ Minutes
March 13, 2018
Page 6
Paying Agent Agreement for the General Obligation Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds
Motion by Lindquist, second by Huebsch, and unanimously carried to authorize the Otter Tail County Auditor-
Treasurer to sign the Paying Agent Agreement with Bond Trust Services Corporation, a wholly owned
subsidiary of Ehlers & Associates, Inc., for the $1,065,000 General Obligation Waste Disposal Revenue
Bonds, which were issued by Otter Tail County on behalf of Prairie Lakes Municipal Waste Authority.
Credit Card Approval
Motion by Rogness, second by Froemming, and unanimously carried to approve the issuance of a County
credit card to Susan Lynn Dealing, Evidence Technician, in the Sheriff’s Office as requested by Sheriff Brian
Schlueter.
Association of Minnesota Counties Conferences and Training
Motion by Lindquist, second by Froemming, and unanimously carried to approve commissioners attending
upcoming conferences and trainings offered through AMC in 2018.
Adjournment
At 1:40 p.m., a motion was offered by Huebsch, seconded by Froemming and unanimously carried to declare
the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners adjourned until 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday,
March 27, 2018.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated:
By: Attest:
Wayne Johnson, Chair John Dinsmore, Clerk
CB/kd
OTC Board of Commissioners’ Minutes
March 13, 2018
Exhibit A, Page 1
WARRANTS APPROVED ON 3/13/2018
OTC Board of Commissioners’ Minutes
March 13, 2018
Exhibit A, Page 2
OTC Board of Commissioners’ Minutes
March 13, 2018
Exhibit A, Page 3
OTC Board of Commissioners’ Minutes
March 13, 2018
Exhibit B, Page 1
SAUL TRACT, HEAD LAKE WMA
OTC Board of Commissioners’ Minutes
March 13, 2018
Exhibit B, Page 2
SAUL TRACT, HEAD LAKE WMA