HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 05/01/2018
MINUTES OF THE OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Government Services Center, Commissioners’ Room 515 W. Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN
May 1, 2018 9:30 a.m.
Call to Order The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened at 9:32 a.m. Tuesday, May 1, 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 Chairman Johnson called for approval of the Board Agenda. Motion by Froemming, second by Rogness and unanimously carried to approve the Board of Commissioners Agenda of May 1, 2018, with the following additions during General Discussion: Otter Tail Power River Permitting Process OTC Legislative Priorities White House Briefing Invitation
Consent Agenda Motion by Lindquist, second by Froemming and unanimously carried to approve Consent Agenda items as follows: 1. April 24, 2018 Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes 2. Warrants/Bills for May 1, 2018 (Exhibit A) DWI Court Program DWI Court Program Coordinator Tria Mann and team members from probation, law enforcement, and human services were present to recognize the 10th year of the program and its success. Ms. Mann submitted a document titled “Otter Tail County DWI Court Program – 10 years” which showed a cost savings of $11,386 per OTC-DWI participant related to reduced recidivism. Probation Agent Hallie Metcalf and Fergus Falls Police Chief Kyle Bergren spoke in favor of the program and the rewards to society from the changes that occur in the participants. Several participants related how the program has changed their lives. Discussion followed about the need for a Drug Court. Ms. Mann
indicated that the team has discussed a hybrid DWI/Drug Court program; however, funding is an issue. Commissioners suggested that a request for funding be presented to the Budget Committee in August.
PROCLAMATION In Support of “NATIONAL DRUG COURT MONTH” Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2018 - 37 WHEREAS, there are now more than 3,000 treatment courts nationwide; and WHEREAS, treatment courts are the cornerstone of justice reform sweeping the nation; and WHEREAS, treatment courts have served more than 1.4 million individuals; and WHEREAS, they are now recognized as the most successful justice system intervention in our nation’s
history; and WHEREAS, they save up to $27 for every $1 invested and produce up to $13,000 for every individual they serve; and
OTC Board of Commissioners’ Minutes May 1, 2018 Page 2 WHEREAS, treatment courts significantly improve substance use disorder treatment outcomes, substantially reduce addiction and related crime, and do so at less expense than any other criminal justice strategy; and
WHEREAS, treatment courts improve education, employment, housing and financial stability, promote family reunification, reduce foster case placements, and increase the rate of addicted mothers delivering babies who are fully drug free; and WHEREAS, treatment courts facilitate community-wide partnerships, bringing together public safety and public health professionals; and WHEREAS, treatment courts demonstrate that when one person rises out of substance use and crime, we ALL RISE; and WHEREAS, the time has come to put a treatment court within reach of every eligible person in need; and
WHEREAS, Otter Tail County has joined in the support of treatment courts by implementing the DWI Court, March 2008. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Otter Tail County declares that Drug Court Month be established during the Month of May 2018, recognizing the significant contributions the Otter Tail County DWI Court has made over the past 10 years toward reducing substance abuse, crime, and recidivism while saving valuable resources. The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was introduced by Commissioner Rogness, 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
Adopted at Fergus Falls, Minnesota this 1st day of May 2018 OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated:
By: Attest: Wayne Johnson, Board Chair John Dinsmore, Clerk U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Wildlife Habitat & Waterfowl Easements USFWS Representatives appeared before the Board and requested certification of three wildlife habitat protection easements and one waterfowl management easement. Documentation was previously submitted regarding the requests. After County Board approval, the easement requests will be considered by the State Land Exchange Board. The owner continues to be responsible for maintenance and taxes on the property. Motion by Lindquist, second by Froemming and unanimously carried to approve certification for the USFWS to secure the following waterfowl and habitat easements:
Evavold, Wesley K., et al. – Wildlife Habitat Protection Easement: T. 131 N., R. 40 W., 5th P.M. Parts of Section 26, W½NW¼; Section 27, S½NE¼NE¼, S½NE¼, SE¼; Section 34, NE¼NE¼; Section 35, NW¼NW¼, all to be determined by a survey
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Rengstorf Land Holdings, LLC – Wildlife Habitat Protection Easement: T. 137N., R 43 W., 5th P.M. Section 5, W½NW¼, part of the NE¼NW¼, to be determined by a survey Section 6, NE¼ except the West 1,200 feet, to be determined by a survey
Mark, James C. – Wildlife Habitat Protection Easement: T. 132N., R 42 W., 5th P.M. Section 23, part of the SW¼ to be determined by a survey Volden, Todd E., et al – Waterfowl Management Easement: T. 132N., R 39 W., 5th P.M. Section 34, E½SE¼; Section 35, SW¼SW¼ Recess & Reconvene At 9:59 a.m., Chair Johnson declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners recessed for a short break. The Board meeting was reconvened at 10:04 a.m. Drainage System #55 Public Hearing Ditch Inspector Kevin Fellbaum reported that this is a continued Public Hearing from December of 2017 for the redetermination of benefits for Ditch #55. The Ditch Viewers reviewed several properties after the December 2017 meeting. The total benefits of Ditch #55 were reduced from $494,569.49 to $448,190.95. At 10:05 a.m., Chairman Johnson opened the Hearing for public comment related to the benefit determination. No one from the public offered comment, neither in person or in writing. The Public Hearing was closed at 10:07 a.m. Motion by Rogness, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to accept the County Ditch #55 Amendment to Ditch Viewers Report as submitted and dated April 10, 2018. The motion further directed the County Attorney to prepare an Order in the matter of the redetermination of benefits. Boating Safety Patrol Grant Agreement Motion by Rogness, second by Froemming and unanimously carried to authorize the appropriate
County Officials’ signatures to execute an Agreement between the County of Otter Tail and the MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 2018 Federal Supplemental Boating Safety Patrol Grant Agreement (Project ID R29G40CGFFY17). The grant is for overtime enforcement salaries for the boating season. Total amount of the grant is $11,375 beginning May 11, 2018 and ending September 3, 2018. Otter Tail Power Dam Relicensing Commissioner Rogness reported on a meeting regarding the process for Otter Tail Power to relicense their dams over the Otter Tail River. This is a long process and the scope of the project was being challenged by the USFWS and the MN DNR. Mr. Rogness will continue to attend the meetings and report back to the Board. Legislative Priority Commissioners stated that their legislative priority is the bonding bill and the Otter Tail County
initiatives within the bill, e.g. recycling and trails. Chairman Johnson spoke with the County’s legislators to reiterate the County’s priority in light of recent media coverage surrounding muskie stocking. Commissioners requested a pause in stocking muskellunge to better understand the impact. Otter Tail County is responsible for long-term protection of the environment.
OTC Board of Commissioners’ Minutes May 1, 2018 Page 4 County Staff/New Positions Internal Services and HR Director Nicole Hansen presented a new position, and two current positions with increased hours, for approval as follows:
• Motion by Rogness, second by Huebsch and unanimously carried to approve an increase in hours for the Evidence Technician position in the Sheriff’s Office from 20 hours per week to
29 hours per week
• Motion by Lindquist, second by Froemming and unanimously carried to authorize hiring an Administrative Specialist in the Auditor-Treasurer’s Department in anticipation of an upcoming retirement in the Auditor’s Land Division.
• Motion by Froemming, second by Rogness and unanimously carried to approve an increase in hours for a Legal Assistant position in the County Attorney’s office from a 70% FTE (28 hour per week) position to an FTE (40 hour per week) position. Invitation to White House Briefing
Motion by Rogness, second by Huebsch and unanimously carried that Commissioners be considered and apply for the invitation to the White House Conference and Tour scheduled Thursday, May 31, 2018, contingent upon adequate funding in the Commissioners’ Contingency Fund. Human Services Annual Report Human Services Director Deb Sjostrom shared the first quarter fiscal report for the Agency and indicated that revenues and expenses are on target in the budget considering the revenue payment expected after real estate tax payments have been received by the County. She shared the Human Service 2017 Annual Report which includes the organizational structure and detailed information about the food, health, child, and adult programs administered by the Agency. Ms. Sjostrom emphasized the value of the Human Services Staff who administer the programs. After hearing the annual report, a motion was offered by Rogness, seconded by Lindquist and unanimously carried to express appreciation and recognize the Human Services Team for their work and service to the community.
Highway Department Projects
Agreement for Fir Avenue Intersection Improvements: Motion by Rogness, second by Huebsch and unanimously carried to authorize the appropriate County Officials’ signatures to execute an Agreement between the County of Otter Tail and the City of Fergus Falls to cost share on the project at the intersection of Fir Avenue and Union Avenue and the intersection of Fir Avenue and Friberg Avenue. S.A.P. 056-030-003; Remove and/or Replace Passes & Culverts: Motion by Huebsch, second by Froemming and unanimously carried to award S.A.P. 056-030-003 to the low bidder, DM Enterprises of Wadena, MN, in the bid amount of $335,379.42. The project consists of 12 culverts and/or cattle passes to be removed or replaced. Highway Engineer Charles Grotte indicated that all property owners have been contacted regarding the project. S.A.P. 056-604-017 & Etc. – Resurface CSAH 4:
Motion by Lindquist, second by Froemming and unanimously carried to award S.A.P. 056-604-017 & Etc. to the low bidder, Mark Sand & Gravel Co., of Fergus Falls, MN, in the bid amount of $1,763,169.70 for resurface of portions of County State Aid Highway 4. Request for Commuting with County Vehicles: Motion by Lindquist, second by Froemming and unanimously carried to approve commuting with County Vehicles for the 2018 construction season for Highway Department staff working on highway projects as submitted by the Highway Engineer and authorized under Personnel Rules, Section 8.35.I.(3).
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Contract – Knife River Materials: Motion by Huebsch, second by Rogness and unanimously carried to authorize the appropriate County Officials’ signatures to execute a Highway Construction Contract between the County of Otter Tail and Knife River Materials of Bemidji, MN, for S.P. 056-070-024, MN HSIP 5618(171). Adjournment At 11:37 a.m., a motion was offered by Lindquist, 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, May 8, 2018. OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated:
By: Attest: Wayne Johnson, Chair John Dinsmore, Clerk CB/kd
OTC Board of Commissioners’ Minutes May 1, 2018 Exhibit A, Page 1 WARRANTS APPROVED ON 5/1/2018
OTC Board of Commissioners’ Minutes May 1, 2018 Exhibit A, Page 2
OTC Board of Commissioners’ Minutes May 1, 2018 Exhibit A, Page 3