HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 03/28/2017
MINUTES OF THE
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Government Services Center, Commissioners’ Room
515 W. Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN
March 28, 2017
9:30 a.m.
Call to Order
The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 28, 2017, at the
Government Services Center in Fergus Falls, MN, with Commissioners Doug Huebsch, Chair;
John Lindquist, Roger Froemming and Lee Rogness present. Vice-Chair Wayne Johnson was absent.
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Huebsch 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 28, 2017, with the following
addition: Report on the Red River Valley Development Association (RRVDA)
Consent Agenda
Motion by Lindquist, second by Froemming and unanimously carried to approve Consent Agenda items as
follows:
1. March 7, 2017 Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
2. Warrants/Bills for March 28, 2017 (Exhibit A)
3. Human Services Bills & Claims
4. Hans Ronnevik Reappointment to the Probation Advisory Committee
5. Pelican Rapids-Human Services Collaborative Project
6. Issuance of Liquor and Tobacco Licenses
7. Request for Approval of Final Payment to Korby Contracting of Fergus Falls
for SAP 056-599-059
Public Meeting – Tollerud Farms
At 9:33 a.m., Chairman Huebsch opened the County Board meeting for public comments regarding the
following project for construction of a manure pit:
Tollerud Farms LLC, at 37541 150th Ave, Rothsay, MN (Trondhjem Twp) Manure Pit Construction
The public meeting is held according to M.S. 116.07, Subd. 7(l). The MN Pollution Control Agency
(MPCA) is responsible for issuing a permit for the proposed project. The County provides a local forum for
the public to express their opinions regarding the application for construction of a manure lagoon.
Documents explaining the project were previously submitted. No one from the public was present and no
written comments were received. Commissioners expressed their support of the agriculture industry and
this project. The public meeting was closed at 9:45 a.m.
Events Acknowledged
Motion by Rogness, second by Froemming and unanimously carried to approve Commissioners
attendance at the following events/conferences:
“We Are Water” Smithsonian Exhibit at the Detroit Lakes Museum (Feb. 25 – April 9, 2017)
Midwest Farm Energy Conference – June 13 and June 14,,2017
Out-of-State Travel
Motion by Lindquist, second by Froemming and unanimously carried to approve out-of-state travel to
Orlando, FL this summer for the fraud and collections employees to attend the national meeting of United
Council of Welfare Fraud. Expenses for Crystal Herman will be paid by the state association due to her
role as Secretary for that organization.
OTC Board of Commissioners’ Minutes
March 28, 2017
Page 2
Probation Department Grant Amendment
Motion by Rogness, second by Froemming and unanimously carried to authorize the appropriate County
Officials’ signatures to amend the Remote Electronic Alcohol Monitoring (REAM) Grant Contract between
the County of Otter Tail and the State of Minnesota to increase the REAM Grant dollars from $24,000 to
$27,000 for the period of 07/01/2015 through 06/30/2017.
Probation Annual Report
Probation Director Desta Lutzwick reported on 2016 statistics for out-of-home placements, fines,
restitution, probation supervision fees, and caseload. She indicated that the collection rate for supervision
fees was 60.47%. Discussion took place regarding the trend of an increase in cases involving more
serious offenses than in the past. Ms. Lutzwick will return to the Board to continue discussion about
probation services.
Red River Valley Development Association
Don Bradow, WOT RRVDA Representative, briefed the Board on the activities of the organization and the
recent banquet honoring farm families. The first recipient of the RRVDA award was in 1940. Mr. Bradow
indicated that this organization brings leadership up from the bottom and requested that Otter Tail County
double their annual dues next year to pay for both East and West Otter Tail County.
Personnel Board of Appeals
Motion by Rogness, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to reappoint Katie Johnson for a three
year term effective January 1, 2018, to the Otter Tail County Personnel Board of Appeals established
pursuant to M.S. 375.56.
Affirmative Action Plan
Motion by Lindquist, second by Froemming and unanimously carried to approve the Otter Tail County
Affirmative Action Plan for Minorities, Women & Disabled Individuals as presented by the Human
Resources Director. The Plan has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.
Petition to Abandon County Ditch #2
Ditch Inspector Kevin Fellbaum and Landowner Tom Grasswick presented a petition to abandon Otter Tail
County Ditch #2 and designate it as a private ditch system. Mr. Fellbaum presented statistics regarding
the ditch. County Attorney David Hauser indicated that a Public Hearing would be required which would
include notice to all individuals owning property within the greater catchment area. The County will need to
confirm that the petition is signed by 51% of the affected properties in the ditch system. Motion by
Froemming, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to schedule the County Ditch #2 Public Hearing
on Monday, June 5, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. at the Parkers Prairie Community Center.
Public Hearing for Capital Improvement Plan Bonds
At 10:30 a.m., Chairman Huebsch opened the Capital Improvement Plan Public Hearing with Nick Anhut
from the County’s Bond Counsel and the County Auditor-Treasurer present. The purpose of the Hearing is
to consider bonding for a proposed Detention Center Remodel Project. Commissioner Huebsch invited the
public to speak. Tere Mann asked about consideration of other capital improvement projects and a brief
discussion followed. At 10:45 a.m., with no further comment offered, Mr. Huebsch closed the Public
Hearing
OTC Board of Commissioners’ Minutes
March 28, 2017
Page 3
RESOLUTION APPROVING
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND
CONFIRMING INTENT TO ISSUE BONDS
Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2017 – 20
WHEREAS, there has been presented to this Board a Capital Improvement Plan (the “Plan”) for the
County prepared in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Section 373.40; and
WHEREAS, in preparing the Plan, this Board considered the factors set forth in Minnesota Statutes,
Section 373.40, Subd. 3; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing was duly called and held on the Plan and the Board’s intent to issue bonds
for transactions contemplated by the Plan consisting of the renovation of the Otter Tail County Correctional
Facility, pursuant to the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, Section 373.40.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF OTTER TAIL
COUNTY, MINNESOTA, AS FOLLOWS:
1. The Plan is hereby approved.
2. The Board’s intent to issue bonds pursuant to the Plan is hereby confirmed. The estimated
amount of bonds is $1,430,000. The issuance of the bonds is subject to a referendum if a petition meeting
the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, Section 373.40, Subd. 2(c) requesting a vote on the issuance is
filed with the County Auditor within 30 days after the date hereof.
3. Sealed proposals for the bonds will be received at the offices of Ehlers & Associates, Inc.
and considered by the Board of Commissioners at its meeting on May 2, 2017. The terms of the bonds
and the sale thereof shall be substantially as set forth in the report of Ehlers & Associates, Inc. on file in the
office of the County Administrator.
Motion for the foregoing Resolution was made by Commissioner Froemming and seconded by
Commissioner Rogness and upon a vote being duly taken thereon, the following voted in favor:
Commissioner Huebsch, Lindquist, Froemming and Rogness.
and the following were against: None
and the following were absent: Commissioner Johnson
WHEREUPON, the Resolution was declared duly passed and adopted the 28th day of March, 2017.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated: ________________
By: __________________________________ Attest: _______________________
Douglas A. Huebsch, Chair John Dinsmore, Clerk
Recess & Reconvene
At 10:48 a.m., Chair Huebsch declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners
recessed for a short break. The Board meeting was reconvened at 10:55 a.m.
OTC Board of Commissioners’ Minutes
March 28, 2017
Page 4
Parkers Prairie Transfer Site Hauling Contract
Motion by Froemming, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to award the Northeast Landfill By-
Pass Hauling Contract to Alex Rubbish and Recycling at the lowest proposed price of $599.73 per month
for weekly service.
Household Hazardous Waste Contracts
Motion by Rogness, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to approve the following Household
Hazardous Waste (HHW) mobile collections and corresponding contracts:
HHW Collection Location Date HHW Collection Location Date
City of Perham City Garage June 28, 2017 City of Rothsay City Shop May 26, 2017
City of Underwood Fire Hall May 9, 2017 City of Vergas Fire Hall July 14, 2017
City of New York Mills Maint Bldg. Sept. 8, 2017 City of Pelican Rapids Public Works August 2, 2017
City of Henning Hwy Garage May 19, 2017 City of Bluffton Community Center May 24, 2017
City of Ottertail Fire Hall June 9, 2017 City of Parkers Prairie Hwy Garage August 11, 2017
Highway Contracts
Motion by Rogness, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to approve a Highway Construction
Contract between the County of Otter Tail and Mark Sand & Gravel Co. of Fergus Falls, MN for work on
CSAH 9 from TH 59 in Pelican Rapids to the North County Line, S.A.P. 056-609-005 & Etc. This approval
is contingent upon the approval of the County Attorney.
Motion by Froemming, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to approve the following contracts for
the Seasonal Supply of Hot Mix Bituminous for the 2017 construction season:
Contractor Location Contractor Location
Central Specialties, Inc.
Alexandria, MN
North Otter Tail County
West Otter Tail County
East Otter Tail County
Mark Sand & Gravel Co.
Fergus Falls, MN
North Otter Tail County
West Otter Tail County
East Otter Tail County
Wadena Asphalt, Inc.
Wadena, MN
East Otter Tail County
Motion by Rogness, second by Froemming and unanimously carried to approve the highway right-of-way
Weed Control Contract between the County of Otter Tail and L & M Road Services of Ulen, MN, for West
and East Otter Tail County contingent upon the approval of the County Attorney.
Motion by Lindquist, second by Froemming and unanimously carried to approve the highway right-of-way
Brush Control Contract between the County of Otter Tail and L & M Road Services of Ulen, MN, contingent
upon the approval of the County Attorney.
REGULAR TO MUNICIPAL ADVANCE RESOLUTION
Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2017 – 21
Upon a motion by Lindquist, second by Rogness and unanimously carried, the following resolution was
adopted:
WHEREAS, the County of Otter Tail has obtained the Commissioner’s approval of the plans for the
following County State-Aid Project(s):
Project # S.A.P. 056-609-007 Project # S.A.P. 056-612-012
Project # S.A.P. 056-635-034
OTC Board of Commissioners’ Minutes
March 28, 2017
Page 5
AND, WHEREAS, said County is prepared to proceed with the construction of said project(s) by providing
county regular funds to supplement the available funds in the County Municipal Account, and
WHEREAS, repayment of the funds so advanced by the County is desired in accordance with the
provisions of Minnesota Statutes 162.08, Subd. 5 & 7 and Minnesota Rules 8820.1500, Subp. 9.
NOW, THEREFORE, BEIT RESOLVED: That the Commissioner of Transportation be and is hereby
requested to approve this basis for financing said construction project(s) and to authorize repayments from
subsequent accruals to said Account, in the amounts as herein indicated.
Transfer the Yearly Municipal Construction Allotment, beginning in 2018, to the Regular Construction
Allotment until the borrowed funds are repaid in full to the Regular Construction Allotment Account.
Adopted at Fergus Falls, Minnesota, this 28th day of March 2017
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated: ________________
By: __________________________________ Attest: _______________________
Douglas A. Huebsch, Chair John Dinsmore, Clerk
2017 County Wide Crack Sealing Bid Award
Motion by Rogness, second by Froemming and unanimously carried to award C.P. 17:CS, 2017 County
Wide Crack Sealing Project, to the low bidder, Precision Roadway Services LLC of Osakis, MN at the bid
amount of $39,520.40.
2017 Highway Signing Materials and Posts
Motion by Lindquist, second by Froemming and unanimously carried to award the 2017 Signing Materials
project to M-R Sign Company, Inc. of Fergus Falls, MN, in the amount of $71,498.95, as recommended by
the Public Works Director. The low quotation from Newman Signs, Inc. did not include a complete bid
submission (Category No. 1b-Township Signs).
Motion by Rogness, second by Froemming and unanimously carried to award the 2017 Highway Sign
Posts project to M-R Sign Company, Inc. at the low quote amount of $11,612.19
Forgiveness of Tax Penalty Request
Motion by Lindquist, second by Froemming and unanimously carried to deny the request of
Janet Severson (Parcel 77000991057004) for the forgiveness of penalty, interest and costs in the amount
of $139.25 as the request is not in compliance with the County’s policy/guideline. The parcel in question
was acquired June 29, 2016 so the purchaser, through the closing process, should have been aware that
the second half remained outstanding. A new owner statement was sent September 6, 2016 and a past
due notice was also sent in early December 2016 and those notices were sent to the address as provided
on the document of conveyance.
Liquor License Approval
Motion by Froemming, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to approve the issuance of a
Seasonal On-Sale Liquor and Sunday Liquor License to Dwayne & Lori Codner for The Peak Supper Club
for the period of April 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017.
OTC Board of Commissioners’ Minutes
March 28, 2017
Page 6
Recess & Reconvene
At 11:43 a.m., Chair Huebsch declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners
recessed for committee meetings and lunch break. The Board meeting was reconvened at 1:11 p.m.
Fraud & Collection Annual Reports
The Fraud Investigation Program Activity Report was submitted showing recoveries from CY2000 through
2016. Fraud Investigator Sandy Holo reported $79,921 in overpayments and savings during CY2016.
Collections Officer Crystal Herman reported that Medical Assistance (MA) Estate recoveries continue to be
the main source of recovery. Total collections for 2016 were reported as $760,947.56 with Otter Tail
County retaining $247,632.65 from that amount. State legislation passed in the 2016 session limits estate
recovery to MA Long Term Supports and Services (LTSS). This is expected to reduce the amount of
dollars Otter Tail County will be able to recover in the future.
Case Aide LeAnn Sudbeck submitted a document showing third party reimbursement payments for 2016
as $304,361.19. The County also received IV-E reimbursements in the amount of $125,818.00 and Rule 5
children’s mental health reimbursements of $61,730.
Child Protection Annual Report
Supervisor Tamra Jokela submitted the FY2016 Child Protection and Child Welfare Services report. Total
reports assigned for assessment was 456 with a total number of children placed in an alternate setting up
from 68 in 2015 to 100 in 2016. Ms. Jokela reported that truancy meetings are increasing during the
school year and there are more Child Protection cases screened in due to new criteria.
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION PROCLAMATION
Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2017 - 22
WHEREAS, child abuse prevention is a community problem and finding solutions depends on involvement
among people throughout the community; and
WHEREAS, the effects of child abuse are felt by whole communities and need to be addressed by the
entire community; and
WHEREAS, effective child abuse prevention succeeds because of partnerships created between parents,
practitioners, schools, faith communities, health care organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the
business community; and
WHEREAS, family-serving, youth-focused prevention programs offer positive alternatives for young people
and encourage parents and youth to develop strong ties to their communities; and
WHEREAS, all citizens need to be more aware of child abuse and neglect and its prevention within the
community, and be involved in supporting parents to raise their children in a safe, nurturing society.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners hereby
proclaims April 2017 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Otter Tail County, and call upon all citizens,
community agencies, religious organizations, medical facilities, and businesses to increase their
participation in efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect, thereby strengthening the communities in which
we live.
OTC Board of Commissioners’ Minutes
March 28, 2017
Page 7
Motion for the foregoing Resolution was made by Commissioner Rogness, seconded by Commissioner
Lindquist and upon a vote being duly taken thereon, the following voted in favor:
Commissioners Huebsch, Lindquist, Froemming and Rogness.
and the following were against: None
and the following were absent: Commissioner Johnson
WHEREUPON, the Resolution was declared duly passed and adopted the 28th day of March, 2017.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated: ________________
By: __________________________________ Attest: _______________________
Douglas A. Huebsch, Chair John Dinsmore, Clerk
Human Services Contract
Motion by Froemming, second by Lindquist and unanimously carried to authorize the appropriate County
Officials’ signatures to execute a Purchase of Service Contract between the County of Otter Tail and
Productive Alternatives, Inc. for Community Support Plan and Services for the period of April 1, 2017
through December 31, 2017.
Adjournment
At 1:55 p.m., Chairman Huebsch declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners
adjourned until 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 4, 2017.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated:
By: Attest:
Doug Huebsch, Chair John Dinsmore, Clerk
CB/kd
OTC Board of Commissioners’ Minutes
March 28, 2017
Exhibit A, Page 1
WARRANTS APPROVED ON 3/28/2017
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March 28, 2017
Exhibit A, Page 2
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Exhibit A, Page 3
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Exhibit A, Page 4
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Exhibit A, Page 5
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Exhibit A, Page 6
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Exhibit A, Page 7