HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 08/23/2011MINUTES OF THE
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Government Services Center, Commissioners' Room
515 W. Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN
August 23, 2011
8:30 a.m.
Call to Order
The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened Tuesday, August 23, 2011, at 8:30 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 Rogness, and unanimously carried to approve the Board of
Commissioners agenda of August 23, 2011, with the following addition:
11 :15 a.m. -Appointment of Patrick Waletzko, Emergency Manager
Approval of Minutes
Motion by Rogness, second by Johnson, and unanimously carried to approve the Board of Commissioners
meeting minutes of August 16, 2011, as mailed.
Approval to Pay Bills
Motion by Froemming, seconded by Huebsch, and unanimously carried to approve payment of the County
Board bills per Attachment A of these minutes.
Condition -Puppy Point Subdivision
Bruce Qvammen, of Future Generations Development, explained that his business developed
property on Franklin Lake in 2005 that had an active eagle's nest between two lots. At the time,
eagles were an endangered species. A condition was approved on the subivision that prevented
selling or developing the two lots. Since that time, eagles have been removed from the endangered
species list and the MN DNR transferred responsibility for eagles to the US Fish & Wildlife Service.
Mr. Qvammen indicated that the eagle is no longer present in the nest. Mags Rheude, FWS Biologist,
provided a letter stating that the FWS will not prohibit the sale of these lots; however, the existence of
the eagle nest should be disclosed to real estate agents and potential buyers. Motion by Johnson,
second by Rogness, and unanimously carried to remove Condition #3 on Puppy Point Subdivision as
recommended by the Planning Commission that reads as follows: "Must be a covenant excluding lots
5 and 6 from being sold until the DNR indicates that the eagle's nest has been inactive for 5 years".
The motion and letter from FWS dated 08/23/2011 are subject to review by the County Attorney. The
letter is on file in the Land & Resource office. The property is described as lots 5 & 6, Blk 1 of Puppy
Point; Franklin Lake (56-759).
Vehicle Salvage
Motion by Johnson, second by Froemming, and unanimously carried to accept the best salvage price
of $196.00, from Sigelman Steel & Recycling of Fergus Falls, MN, for a damaged Pontiac Grand Am
located in the Probation Department.
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
August 23, 2011
Page 2
Probation Advisory Board Facility Tour
Chuck Kitzman, Probation Director, requested approval for the Probation Advisory Board to tour the
Mille Lacs Academy. He estimated cost of the tour at approximately $550.00. Discussion took place
regarding the Advisory Board's role in educating the community. Motion by Rogness, second by
Johnson, and unanimously carried to authorize a tour of the Mille Lacs Academy and approve the
related expenses as presented by the Probation Director. Commissioners requested that the
Probation Advisory Board meet with the Board of Commissioners at a future regular meeting.
Replacement of Sergeant Position
Motion by Rogness, second by Lindquist, and unanimously carried to authorize the Sheriff to replace
a Sergeant position due to a recent retirement. The Sergeant position will be filled by promotion and
the resulting vacated Deputy (patrol) position will also be filled.
Board of Commissioners Winter Meeting Schedule
Motion by Rogness, second by Johnson, and unanimously carried to schedule regular Board of
Commissioners' meetings from September 6, 2011 through December 27, 2011 from 9:30 a.m. to
1 :00 p.m. If a longer agenda is necessary, time for lunch will be included. Generally, committee
meetings will be scheduled before the 9:30 a.m. start time. The schedule will be re-evaluated at the
end of the year.
Prairie Wind Energy Project Update
Terry Carlson, President of Prairie Wind Energy LLC, briefed the Board on the proposed wind energy
project in Parkers Prairie. Mr. Carlson discussed the permitting process with the Public Utilities
Commission (PUC), required land leases, and various avian, noise, and beam path studies that have
been completed. Mr. Carlson's goal is operation of the proposed wind energy project within the next
two years. He encouraged commissioners to contact him for additional information as the project
progresses. Commissioners expressed encouragement and support for the project.
Discussion Regarding Petition for an Outlet into County Ditch #25
Chairman Lindquist opened discussion regarding the outlet request by Little McDonald, Kerbs and
Paul Lake Improvement District (LID) into County Ditch #25. The Public Hearing was held August 22,
2011 at the Perham High School with many comments received. David Hauser, County Attorney,
stated that there a few areas of consideration should the County Board determine that Ditch #25 has
the capacity for additional water and an intention to authorize the outlet. The County must establish
who is benefited by the ditch, set an outlet fee, and set a benefit towards the future. Mr. Hauser
referred to a map wherein the yellow area is the catchment area of lakes in the LID that ditch viewers
would look at to determine the benefited properties. The County Board has decided that there should
be a redetermination of benefits for the Ditch #25 area. Mr. Hauser referred to the pink area on the
map which is the current Ditch #25 benefited area. This will be a much larger area after the
redetermination is completed. He discussed the established value of the ditch vs. today's value. The
green area on the map is the current LID. The Board could set an outlet fee and condition that the
cost of the required ditch repair work be applied towards the outlet fee.
Commissioner Huebsch stated that the Engineer indicated that Ditch #25 has the capacity for extra
flow at certain times. Discussion took place regarding Star Creek which is restricted. Star Creek is
not part of the ditch and has not been considered. A study of Star Creek may need to be completed
to determine if a clean out would take the bounce out of Star Lake. Discussion occurred regarding
County Ditch #23 that is blocked due to road work where a culvert was not replaced or possibly
crushed.
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
August 23, 2011
Page 3
Commissioner Rogness suggested the need for a comprehensive water flow plan from downstream to
upstream. Mr. Huebsch expressed concern for public safety and the need for government to act in
emergency situations. He stated that the Engineer put together a plan to minimize risks to
downstream interests. The valves won't open until the downstream lakes are under the Ordinary High
Water Level. The outlet could flow from September 1st to December 1st when it is typically dry.
Mr. Huebsch stated that annual microscopic monitoring is a good idea. Otter Tail Lake levels need to
be monitored and be included in the study and the County Public Works Department should run the
project.
Commissioner Johnson stated a need to help Star Lake and Dead Lake. He suggested that Ditch
#23, which is not currently operating, could be part of the answer. He expressed a desire to assist
Little McDonald, Kerbs, and Paul LID to be ready when all the other conditions to outlet into Ditch #25
are met. He felt delaying another season is not a responsible decision.
Motion by Rogness, second by Froemming, and unanimously carried to approve proceeding with the
County Ditch #25 outlet project. An Ad Hoc Committee will be established to work on providing
answers to questions that were not answered at the public hearing and to prepare a formal Order
which should include the establishment of an outlet fee, identify the benefited area and value of those
benefits. The Committee will also work on an operational plan, develop timelines, and proceed with
the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW). The EAW will be sent to the State Environmental
Quality Board (EQB). The Committee will return to the Board for consideration of an Order to
establish an outlet to Ditch #25 at their September 6, 2011 Board of Commissioners' meeting. The Ad
Hoc Committee will include the following officials:
Bill Kalar, Land & Resource Director
Rick West, Highway Engineer
Patrick Waletzko, Emergency Manager
Commissioner Wayne Johnson
Brian Armstrong, GlS Coordinator
David Hauser, County Attorney
Commissioner Doug Huebsch
Resolution Authorizing Application for
Minnesota Housing and Finance Agency
Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Program
Mahube Community Council, Inc. Grantee
Otter Tail Wadena Community Action Council, Inc. Sub-grantee
Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2011-44
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, State of Minnesota, has been authorized to
undertake a program to provide funds for Family Homeless Prevention & Assistance Projects; and,
WHEREAS, the Counties Otter Tail and Wadena, as sub-grantees, have developed an application for
the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Program
through Otter Tail Wadena Community Action Council, Inc; and
WHEREAS, Otter Tail County Departments of Human/Social Services have demonstrated the ability
to perform the required activities of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Family Homelessness
Prevention and Assistance Program through Otter Tail-Wadena Community Action Council, Inc.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that Otter Tail County is hereby authorized as an entity to be
charged with the administration of funds made available through the Minnesota Housing Finance
Agency Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Program in the County of Otter Tail, in
Minnesota.
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
August 23, 2011
Page 4
Upon the motion of Johnson and seconded by Froemming, the Otter Tail County Board of
Commissioners adopts the foregoing resolution #2011-44.
Adopted and signed this 23'd day of August, 2011
Dated: _ _.Q.._j..__.•o,,..t.._-_,.;l"'o="-"11.__ __
Long Term Recovery Services Update
Wendy Molstad, Case Manager, presented a report of progress related to tornado recovery services.
The Wadena Otter Tail Long Term Recovery Committee (WOL TRC) has coordinated many efforts
rebuilding, painting, and repairing seventeen client households in Almora as well as helping farmers
clean out fields. Total spent in Otter Tail County was reported as $180,935.60. Ms. Molstad thanked
the Board for their financial support for recovery services which has allowed recovery to happen and
hope to be restored.
Long Term Care Services Update
Jody Lien, L TC Supervisor, and L TC team members appeared before the Board and discussed long
term care services. Ms. Lien provided a handout dated August, 2011 and introduced staff members.
This unit is an Interdisciplinary Unit consisting of Human Services staff and Public Health staff.
Discussion continued regarding technology challenges within the unit and regarding the various
waiver programs available for disabled and elderly clients.
Family Services Collaborative Grant Application
Motion by Huebsch, second by Johnson, and unanimously carried to authorize the Otter Tail Family
Services Collaborative to apply for a Chemical Health Work Group Grant. The Grant is federal and
state funding up to $150,000 and Otter Tail County would serve as the fiscal host.
Approval to Pay Bills & Claims
Motion by Lindquist, second by Froemming, and unanimously carried to approve payment of the
Human Services bills and claims as presented.
Public Health Department Grant Program Contracts
Motion by Rogness, second by Huebsch, and unanimously carried to authorize the appropriate
County Officials' signatures to execute the following Public Health grant agreements: Public Health
Emergency Preparedness Grant (about $36,000 until December of 2012) for Public Health portion of
emergency preparedness and Public Health Accreditation Standards Self-Assessment ($5,000) to be
completed by November 30, 2011.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT
Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2011 -45
Be it resolved that Otter Tail County Public Health Department enter into a grant agreement with the
Minnesota Department of Public Safety, for traffic safety projects during the period from October 1,
2011 through September 30, 2012.
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
August 23, 2011
Page 5
Diane Thorson is hereby authorized to execute such agreements and amendments as are necessary
to implement the project on behalf of Otter Tail County Public Health Department and to be the fiscal
agent and administer the grant.
Upon the motion of Rogness and seconded by Huebsch, the Otter Tail County Board of
Commissioners adopts the foregoing resolution #2011-45.
Adopted and signed this 23 rd day of August, 2011
Dated: _..;::O'-<tL-...;oc.:(.==----=,?.,.-:::o'""/f,__ __
Credit Card Approval
Motion by Johnson, second by Huebsch, and unanimously carried to authorize the issuance of an
Otter Tail County Credit Card, with a 30 day limit of $1,000.00 to Patrick Waletzko, Emergency
Manager/Safety Program Liaison.
Market Value Exclusion/County Program Aid Discussion
Wayne Stein, Auditor, explained that the homestead credit for taxpayers will change to a market value
exclusion credit. The homestead credit has been reimbursed by the State of Minnesota. The market
value exclusion will provide the credit to taxpayers; however, the County will subsidize the credits
from all the taxpayers in the County by reducing the overall tax capacity. Mr. Stein estimated that the
market value exclusion would shift approximately 2 million dollars from the State to the County
property taxpayers. He also reported a reduction in County Program Aid for Otter Tail County from
1.8 million to 1.26 million dollars.
RESOLUTION APPROVING MODIFICATIONS TO THE JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT
GOVERNING THE CENTRAL MINNESOTA REGIONAL RADIO BOARD; CHANGING THE NAME
OF THE BOARD TO CENTRAL MINNESOTA EMERGENCY SERVICES BOARD
Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2011 -46
WHEREAS, Otter Tail County is a member of the Central Minnesota Regional Radio Board; and
WHEREAS, the Central Minnesota Regional Radio Board is governed by the terms of a Joint Powers
Agreement between the parties forming the Board; and
WHEREAS, the Joint Powers Agreement governing the Regional Radio Board requires that all parties
to the Agreement approve, by resolution of the governing body, all proposed changes to the Joint
Powers Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Central Minnesota Regional Radio Board has submitted several proposed
modifications to the current Joint Powers Agreement governing the Board, including a change of
name to the "Central Minnesota Emergency Services Board", which are attached hereto and made a
part of this resolution; and
WHEREAS, the Central Minnesota Regional Radio Board recommends approval and adoption of the
submitted proposed modifications.
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
August 23, 2011
Page 6
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners hereby
accepts the recommendation of the Central Minnesota Regional Radio Board, and be it further;
RESOLVED, that the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners approves the June 2011
modifications to the Joint Powers Agreement governing the Central Minnesota Regional Radio Board
including the name change to the Central Minnesota Emergency Services Board.
Upon the motion of Froemming and seconded by Johnson, the Otter Tail County Board of
Commissioners adopts the foregoing resolution #2011-46.
Adopted and signed this 23rd day of August, 2011
Dated: o,-O(o-;l,,Oil
Attest: ~ ~
Larryl(r n, Clerk
OUNT~ARD OF _.,,COMMISSIONERS
By: 4~"4--11..~L.....,4 _ _.:_-=:iz!~~U:...---=---,--
Emergency Manager Appointment
Larry Krohn, Administrator, introduced Patrick Waletzko, Emergency Manager/Safety Program
Liaison, to the Board of Commissioners. Motion by Johnson, second by Lindquist, and unanimously
carried to appoint Patrick Waletzko as Otter Tail County's Certified Emergency Manager with
Stacy Paulseth, Sheriffs Office Chief Deputy, serving as Emergency Manager Deputy.
Highway Department Contract
Motion by Rogness, second by Johnson, and unanimously carried to authorize the Chairman's
signature to execute a Highway Construction Contract between the County of Otter Tail and Traffic
Marking Services, Inc. of Maple Lake, MN for S.P. 080-070-024, MN Project No. HSIP 8811(205).
Amendment to Petition for Outlet to Drainage System #39
Mr. Hauser acknowledged Western Township's amended petition requesting an outlet to County Ditch
#39 that includes the requested benefited area and other necessary information. Western Township
will pay for cost of publication and letters to interested parties regarding a Public Hearing on the
petition. Motion by Huebsch, second by Froemming, and unanimously carried to establish a Public
Hearing for the Petition to Outlet into County Ditch #39 at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 26, 2011,
at the Government Services Center in Fergus Falls, MN.
Adjournment
At 12:18 p.m., Chairman Lindquist declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of
Commissioners adjourned until 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 6, 2011.
Attest .4:u,41-< £
Larry Kr¢hn, ~k
CB/kd
•
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
August 23, 2011
Attachment A, Page 1
WARRANTS APPROVED ON 8/23/2011 FOR PAYMENT 8/23/2011
VENDOR NAME
A'VIANDS LLC
ADVANCED ENGRAVING INC
AL'S REFRIGERATION
ALCOPRO
ALEXANDRIA CONCRETE
AMERIGAS
ASSOCIATED BAG COMPANY
BEAR GRAPHICS INC
BEN FRANKLIN
BNSF RAILWAY COMPANY
BOB'S STANDARD BULK SERVICE
BRIGGS CORPORATION
THOMAS BURTON AND MARGARET M 0
BUTLER MACHINERY CO
CDW GOVERNMENT INC
CENTRAL SPECIAL TIES INC
CHEMSEARCH
CHRISTENSEN CONSTRUCTION
CO OP SERVICES INC
CODE 4 SERVICES LLC
COMMISSIONER OF TRANSPORTATION
COOPERS TECHNOLOGY GROUP
CULLIGAN
DACOTAH PAPER COMPANY
DAKOTA WHOLESALE TIRE
ESRI INC
FASTENAL COMPANY
FORM A FEED
G & K SERVICES
GODFATHERS EXTERMINATING INC
GOPHER STATE ONE CALL
STEPHEN GRIMSTAD
GREGORY HAYES
CRYSTAL HERMAN
SANDY HOLO
INNOVATIVE OFFICE SOLUTIONS
INTERSTATE ENGINEERING INC
JERAULD JOUBERT
KEEPRS INC
KELLY SERVICES INC
JILL KLUCK
LARRY KROHN
ALLEN KUVAAS
L & L FABRICATION & STEEL CO
LAKE REGION HEALTHCARE CORP
LARRY OTT INC TRUCK SERVICE
LAWSON PRODUCTS INC
LEITCH EXCAVATING
LIBERTY TIRE RECYCLING SERVICE
MAAO
MATTHEW BENDER & COMPANY INC
MIDWEST PRINTING CO
MINNKOTA
MN D.A.R.E.OFFICERS ASSOCIATIO
MN STATE BAR ASSOCIATION
MOTOROLA
AMOUNT
3,323.60
46.00
432.59
235.00
8,109.06
8.55
107.91
1,082.36
805.49
7,762.49
147.45
87.57
3,662.20
4,000.00
939.04
88,439.37
1,246.87
18,927.34
2,375.71
261.47
2,294.63
144.85
12.50
614.75
538.76
11,318.64
202.57
400.00
973.11
601.44
38.35
500.00
500.00
10.00
484.00
391.14
42,022.20
1,406.97
1,066.98
1,938.12
10.62
268.62
936.45
908.44
6,793.00
1,100.00
182.35
5,168.40
952.80
535.00
2,347.81
96.19
54.00
150.00
1,282.00
390,119.26
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
August 23, 2011
Attachment A, Page 2
VENDOR NAME
NAPA FERGUS FALLS
NELSON AUTO CENTER
CITY NEW YORK MILLS
NOBLE INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY CORP
NORTHWEST IRON FIREMEN INC
O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE INC
OFFICEMAX INCORPORATED
ONE CALL LOCATORS LTD
THE ORIGINAL HEATING MAN
OTTER TAIL CO SOLID WASTE
OTTER TAIL CO TREASURER
OTTERTAIL TRUCKING INC
OVERHEAD DOOR CO OF FERGUS FAL
PERHAM TRUCK SERVICE INC
CITY PERHAM
DONALD PERRET
PETE'S AMOCO
JADE PETZNICK
PINE PLAZA TV APPLIANCE
POWER PLAN 018
PROTECTION SYSTEMS INC
QWEST
RED HORSE RANCH ARENA INC
RENEWABLE RESOURCE CONSULTANTS
SAFE KIDS WORLDWIDE
SAFELITE FULFILLMENT INC
SECRETARY OF STATE
SEWER SERVICE
STAPLES ADVANTAGE
STEINS INC
MATTHEW THARALDSON
TRI-STATE DIVING
UGSTAD PLUMBING INC
WEST PAYMENT CENTER
WHITE BANNER UNIFORM SHOP
ZIEGLER INC
-•• FINAL TOTAL .......
AMOUNT
29.79
407.15
125.00
267,55
85.03
32.05
17.10
375.50
1,090.07
6.80
146.73
16,024.00
128.20
133.32
1,000.00
756,80
381.88
500.00
1,137.69
5,123.44
232.00
923.40
1,500.00
29,927.44
50.00
189.14
120.00
80.00
607.28
1,059.58
1,698.80
249.13
933.95
3,784.93
685.50
12,891.82
$701,065.09 ••••