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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 01/18/2011MINUTES OF THE OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Government Services Center, Commissioners' Room 515 W. Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN January 18, 2011 9:30 a.m. Call to Order The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened Tuesday, January 18, 2011, at 9:30 a.m., at the Otter Tail County Government Services Center in Fergus Falls, MN, with Commissioners John Lindquist, Chair; Lee Rogness, Vice-Chair; Doug Huebsch, Wayne Johnson, and Roger Froemming present. Approval of Agenda Motion by Froemming, second by Johnson, and unanimously carried to approve the Board of Commissioners agenda of January 18, 2011, with the following additions: 9:35 a.m. Cancellation -Perry & Diane Weeks' Agenda Item 11:55 a.m. -Sheriff, Brian Schlueter Approval of Minutes Motion by Johnson, second by Rogness, and unanimously carried to approve the Board of Commissioners meeting minutes of January 11, 2011 as mailed. Discussion Regarding Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PIL Tl Hunt Club Owner, Les Bensch, met with the Board as a member of the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. The Council makes recommendations to the State related to the restoration, protection, and enhancement of wetlands, prairies, forests, and habitat for fish, game and wildlife. Mr. Bensch provided a handout from the DNR identifying large participation in visiting Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) for hunting and recreational activities. This provides a large economic benefit to the area in direct jobs and indirect services. Land acquisition was discussed. Mr. Bensch stated that counties receive 5% more in PIL T dollars than they would receive in normal taxation of the properties that are acquired. However, acquisition of land may not be the best investment for the DNR at this time and he requested Board input. Various issues with the current system and options were discussed as follows: 1) eliminate PILT and turn taxation back to counties to maintain inventory of the lands and request payment from the State, 2) implement a program similar to the Private Lands Open to Sportsman (PLOTS) program in North Dakota, 3) keep ownership with the landowners and provide land access (this could improve maintenance of the land), 4) purchasing land with Duck Stamp funding to avoid losing the funds is not a good use of resources, 5) notification of sale of land should be to citizens before the government becomes involved in purchase, 6) more diversification of the land needs to allowed, and 7) more volunteer efforts in maintaining land. Mr. Bensch agreed that there needs to be a change from acquisition efforts to preservation of lands. Commissioners thanked Mr. Bensch for being a good spokesperson for conservation of lands and requested that the Assessor compare funding the County would receive if government lands were taxed as owned by citizens vs. PIL T. Mr. Bensch will return to the Board with reports as the legislative year moves forward. Appointment of Assessor Motion by Froemming, second by Rogness, and unanimou_sly carried to appoint Interim Assessor, Douglas Walvatne, as the Otter Tail County Assessor to complete the appointment of former Assessor, Robert Moe. This appointment runs through December 31, 2012 at a Salary Grade 25, Step 5. OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes January 18, 2011 Page 2 License Application Approval Motion by Johnson, second by Huebsch, and unanimously carried to approve the following application for license: West Central One Stop 32021 County Highway 4 Vergas, MN 56582 Tobacco Red River Valley Development Association Motion by Johnson, second by Huebsch, and unanimously carried_ to nominate Commissioner, Roger Froemming, to serve as Otter Tail County's representative on the Board of Directors of the Red River Valley Development Association. Application for Exempt Permit Motion by Huebsch, second by Johnson, and unanimously carried to approve, with no waiting period, the LG220 Application for Exempt Permit as submitted by the Pelican Rapids Jaycees for an event scheduled for Saturday, January 29, 2011 on Lake Lida. Motion by Froemming, second by Johnson, and unanimously carried to approve, with no waiting period, the LG220 Application for Exempt Permit, as submitted by the Lakes Country Sportsman's Club of Otter Tail County for an event scheduled for Monday, February 21, 2011, at Amor Rumors Restaurant. Audit Engagement Letter Motion by Huebsch, second by Rogness, and unanimously carried to authorize the Chair of the Board of the County Commissioners, the County Coordinator, and the County Auditor to sign the Audit Engagement Letter with the Office of the State Auditor for fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. Recess & Reconvene At 10:26 a.m. Chairman Lindquist declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners recessed for committee meetings. The Board of Commissioners' meeting was reconvened at 11: 14 a.m. Adoption of Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS} Land & Resource Director, Bill Kalar, discussed the updates made to the draft WECS Ordinance dated 01/18/2011. Discussion took placed regarding additional safety information received from Aerial Applicator, Bryan Hauschild. Motion by Rogness, second by Huebsch, and unanimously carried to adopt the "Wind Energy Conversion System Ordinance of Otter Tail County" as presented with typographical corrections and add the following to Section Vll.1.C: language replacing "8 feet above the ground" with "10 feet above the ground". The Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS) Ordinance of Otter Tail County will be effective February 15, 2011, and may be viewed at the Land & Resource Office at 540 West Fir Ave, Fergus Falls, MN and on the County's website. Land & Resource Department Fee Schedule Motion by Rogness, second by Huebsch, and unanimously carried to approve the Land & Resource Management Office Fee Schedule as presented. The Fee Schedule is effective January 1, 2011. Temporary Hold Facility OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes January 18, 2011 Page 3 Probation Director, Chuck Kitzman, and Jail Administrator, Richard Akerman, presented Temporary Hold Statistics. The document included number of days the facility was used from 2008 through 2010 and related expenses to operate the facility. The cost to transport juveniles to the Juvenile Facility in Moorhead was also discussed. Motion by Huebsch, second by Johnson, and unanimously carried to approve closing the Otter Tail County Temporary Hold Facility. Hiring Eligibility List for Deputies Motion by Rogness, second by Froemming, and unanimously carried to approve the request of the Sheriff to develop an eligibility list for hiring for Deputy positions. Attendance at MnDOT Meeting Motion by Rogness, second by Huebsch, and unanimously carried to authorize Commissioners Johnson and Lindquist to attend the Mn DOT public meeting on January 18, 2011, regarding the Sand Lake Outlet and TH59. Recess & Reconvene At 12:23 p.m., Chairman Lindquist declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners recessed for committee meetings. The Board of Commissioners' meeting was reconvened at 1 :00 p.m. Post-Employment Benefit Valuation Report At 1:00 p.m., by way of conference call, Consultant, Jill Urdahl, explained the GASB 45 Statement which is an actuarial valuation of post-employment medical benefits. This report is required for the County's financial statements under standard accounting practices. AUTHORIZING SIGNATURES ON SALT/SAND AGREEMENT Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2011 -07 NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the County Board of Commissioners. Otter Tail County, Minnesota, to authorize the County Board Chair and County Board Clerk to sign an amendment to the five-year contract between the City of Fergus Falls, Otter Tail County, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT Agreement Number 79229-P). This agreement provides for the partnership sharing of the sand/salt facilities at the MnDOT Truck Station in the City of Fergus Falls. The renewal term will commence on 3-15-2011 and end on 3-15-2016. IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Board of Commissioners Chair and County Board of Commissioners Clerk are authorized to execute the Agreement and any amendments to the Agreement. The above and foregoing resolution was offered at a regular meeting of the County Board held on January 18, 2011, by Commissioner Roger Froemming, seconded by Commissioner Lee Rogness and unanimously adopted. ARD OF COMMISSIONERS , Attest ~ ~ Larryl<ro, Ck OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes January 18, 2011 Page4 Highway Project Report Highway Engineer, Rick West updated the Board regarding the Tower Road and Bridge Project and Phase II of the HSIP Traffic Marking Project. RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO PETITION FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN UPPER RED LOWER OTTER TAIL WATERSHED DISTRICT Otter Tail County Resolution 2011 • 06 Commissioner Froemming offered the following and moved for its adoption. Whereas, Otter Tail County has received a copy of an establishment petition from Wilkin County for the establishment of an Upper Red Lower Otter Tail Watershed District; and Whereas, Otter Tail County was approached by Wilkin County to discuss the possibility of a joint petition, and then had public hearings with Otter Tail County citizens; and Whereas, the citizens of Otter Tail County within the proposed watershed district are universally opposed to the establishment of the district; and Whereas, the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners attempted to find citizens willing to serve as managers on the proposed watershed district board, but were unable to find anyone willing to so serve; and Whereas, Otter Tail County informed Wilkin County of its inability to find any citizens to serve, and has been informed by Wilkin County that it has made attempts to find Otter Tail County residents to serve, including a public hearing held in the city of Rothsay; and Whereas, Otter Tail County has been informed that Wilkin County has also been unable to find any Otter Tail County residents willing to serve on the board of managers; and Whereas, because of the lack of the number of managers required to be proposed, the petition is defective, and based on the information known, the defect cannot be corrected; and Whereas, Otter Tail County is willing to work with Wilkin County to find other means to address water issues; and Whereas, on behalf of its citizens, the Board of Commissioners objects to the petition filed by Wilkin County and will oppose the establishment of the proposed watershed district; and Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners hereby objects to the petition of Wilkin County to establish a watershed district. Commissioner Huebsch seconded the motion and upon a roll call vote, the resolution was adopted as follows: OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes January 18, 2011 Page 5 Board of County Commissioners Roger Froemming YEA X X X X X NAY ABSENT ABSTAIN Wayne D. Johnson Doug Huebsch Leland R. Rogness John Lindquist Dated: Jo,ouo cQ .;t,s:, ;l.DII OTTER TAIL COUNTY By: ~j~wJL.._f:.. ~~-RD OF COMMISSIONERS UNIVERSITY OF .MINNESOTA PROGRAMMING AND RESOURCES Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2011 -05 Commissioner Huebsch offered the following and moved for its adoption. WHEREAS, the University of Minnesota has been and continues to be a valuable partner with Otter Tail County in research and teaching; and WHEREAS, the University of Minnesota programming has become more regional; and WHEREAS, the 4-H programs are successful in Otter Tail County and continue to be a valuable teaching program for children; and WHEREAS, the Otter Tail County Board lacks understanding in how the University is spending some of its resources and, in some cases, the intended benefits or outcomes may not be identified or in the best interest of local citizens. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners wishes to meet with management personnel from the University of Extension to discuss how local governments . can collaborate with the University of Minnesota to maximize resources for our taxpaying citizens. Commissioner Lindquist seconded the motion and upon a vote, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Dated: _,__, u;)AK)l£1.Ji:1..I aa,c:o<C)µ.;l.'~5.J..,,""'d.2!!◊..lllll--OTTER TAI OU OF COMMISSIONERS By:~~~~--J!.~~t::f,.~~_:_----,-__ , rs Chair OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes January 18, 2011 Page 6 CapX2020 High Voltage Transmission Line Project Commissioner Rogness expressed concerns regarding the proposed route of the CapX2020 transmission lines as it relates to the Fergus Falls area. The project route from Fargo to St. Cloud was to be along the 1-94 corridor. There are now plans to go around the Iverson Lake area going north through a residential and shoreland area (Cedar Park). Motion by Rogness, second by Froemming, and unanimously carried to request that a letter be drafted and mailed to the permitting authority to express concerns with putting high voltage power lines through a residential community. Adjournment At 3:05 p.m., Chairman Lindquist adjourned the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners until 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 25, 2011. Dated: _,._1, .,,.launci,1L&1 i,,flCC-14~-'«"',.,s: ... , ..so3,.,o.u.JII_ OTTER TAIL UNT By:...,....:p...::::.!~~....O,.~Q..11'-#-.:~~--=--- ndquist, B CB/kd OTC Board of Commissioners Minutes January 18, 2011 Attachment A, Page 1 WARRANTS APPROVED ON 1/18/2011 FOR PAYMENT 1/18/2011 VENDOR NAME A-1 LOCK & KEY LLC A'VIANDS LLC ABG MAINTENANCE INC ACCURATE CONTROLS INC AL'S REFRIGERATION AMERICAN INSTITUTIONAL SUPPLY ATSSA BATTLE LAKE STANDARD BCA ST OF MN BECKLUND OIL CO BEN HOLZER UNLIMITED BOB'S STANDARD BULK SERVICE BOUND TREE MEDICAL LLC BRIGGS CORPORATION BUSE ORWELL 4-H MARLENE CARLSON CAROLINA SOFTWARE CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS CITIZENS ADVOCATE JOANN CLINE CO OP SERVICES INC COOPERS TECHNOLOGY GROUP CULLIGAN CULLIGAN WATER COND DACOTAH PAPER COMPANY DAL TON GOPHERS 4-H DEANS COUNTRY MARKET EAST OTTER TAIL FOCUS EGGE CONSTRUCTION INC MAYNARD FALK FERGUS FALLS DAILY JOURNAL FERGUS POWER PUMP INC FERGUS TIRE CENTER FORTWENGLER ELECTRIC INC FREMONT INDUSTRIES INC G & R CONTROLS GOODWAY TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATI GRAINGER INC HAWKEYE FOOD SERVICE DISTRIBUT HENNING AUTO PARTS INC HONEYWELL INDEPENDENT EMERGENCY SERVICES THE INDEPENDENT JK SPORTS KELLY SERVICES INC KOEP'S SEPTIC L & L SERVICE LARRY OTT INC TRUCK SERVICE LOCATORS & SUPPLIES INC MANNY'S -ROCKY'S BAIT MARKS FLEET SUPPLY INC MCCC Ml 33 MINNCOR INDUSTRIES NAPA FERGUS FALLS NEW YORK MILLS 4TH GRADERS NIEMELA AUTO REPAIR & TOWING NORTH AMERICAN SALT CO NORTHLAND REBUILDING AMOUNT 15.55 4,683.15 171.00 150.00 1,247.28 19.50 360.00 109.78 490.00 1,022.48 25.74 115.68 18.20 102.66 250.00 17.15 400.00 71.70 68.00 20.34 8,227.64 242.23 27.46 89.28 94.57 250.00 978.21 176.00 742.50 950.00 157.25 3,080.00 498.49 144.54 786.28 495.30 2,310.00 709.20 412.88 57.56 2,076.00 64.22 84.00 132.50 2,372.25 65.00 7507 1,375.00 176.84 3,653.58 206.38 5,337.60 124.12 75.26 250.00 191.84 25,718.02 345.00 OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes January 18, 2011 Attachment A, Page 2 OLSON OIL CO INC ONE CALL LOCATORS LTD OTTER TAIL CO SOLID WASTE OTTER TAIL CO TREASURER OTTERTAIL AGGREGATE OTTERTAIL TRUCKING INC OUTDOOR RENOVATIONS LANDSCAPE OVERHEAD DOOR CO OF FERGUS FAL OVERLAND MECHANICAL SERVICES PARK REGION CO OP PELICAN RAPIDS PRESS PENROSE OIL COMPANY PERHAM TRUCK SERVICE INC CITY PERHAM PERSONNEL EVALUATION INC POSTMASTER PREMIUM WATERS INC PRO AG FARMERS CO OP QUILL CORPORATION RELIABLE OFFICE SUPPLIES RENEWABLE RESOURCE CONSULTANTS ROYAL TIRE INC SCOTT HOFLAND CONSTRUCTION INC SERVICE FOOD SUPERVALU SEWER SERVICE SHULTZ & ASSOCIATES LTD STAR TRIBUNE STATE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS STEINS INC STEVE'S SANITATION INC STREICHERS SUPER SEPTIC & EXCAVATION SWANSTON EQUIPMENT CORP THYSSEN KRUPP ELEVATOR CORPORA USA TODAY VEOLIA ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES VOSS LIGHTING WADENA PIONEER JOURNAL WASTE MANAGEMENT WENCK ASSOCIATES INC WEST PAYMENT CENTER ZIEGLER INC 4-H EXCHANGE PROGRAM •••• FINAL TOTAL.. ..... 1,185.78 30.04 181,040.00 50.00 381.50 5,185.00 29,200.00 284.40 5,846.39 628.43 85.25 4,172.42 249.38 151,421.76 20.00 40.00 32.84 939.56 15.24 135.20 7,530.66 1,859.92 5,575.00 11.14 470.00 12,110.00 573.04 . 141.92 5,188.55 1,179.00 34.17 77.19 85.34 896.68 390.00 20,201.08 399.26 82.00 1,227.47 4,409.30 669.36 2,604.24 250.00 $519,018.79 •••• .. 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