HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 12/09/2014MINUTES OF THE
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Government Services Center, Commissioners' Room
515 W. Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN
December 9, 2014
2:00 p.m.
Call to Order
The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at the
Government Services Center in Fergus Falls, MN, with Commissioners Wayne Johnson, Chairman;
Roger Froemming, Vice-Chairman; John Lindquist, Lee Rogness, and Doug Huebsch present.
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Johnson called for approval of the December 9, 2014 agenda. Motion by Huebsch, second by
Froemming, and unanimously carried to approve the Board of Commissioners agenda of December 9,
2014, with the following modifications:
• Under Public Works Items add TH 228 MOU with MnDOT
• Human Resources Director Agenda Item changed to Internal Serviyes
Committee Meeting
Consent Agenda
Motion by Froemming, second by Huebsch, and unanimously carried to approve Consent Agenda items as
follows:
1. November 25, 2014, Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes
2. Warrants/Bills for December 9, 2014 (Attachment A)
3. Human Services Bills & Claims
4. Human Services Contract Renewals
5. Request for Approval of DWI Court Probation Contract
6. Approval of Tobacco Licenses
7. Countywide Traffic Marking Project (14:TM) Final Payment Request No. 3
8. LG220 Application for Exempt Permit for the Pelican Rapids Jaycees
Fishing Derby on January 24, 2015
SUPPORT FOR RADIO TOWER PROJECT
Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2014 -54
WHEREAS, due to radio coverage issues and for public safety and emergency services, there is a need to
improve communications throughout the City of Fergus Falls with the 800 MHz radio system; and
WHEREAS, officials have explored various remedies to reduce lost coverage; and
WHEREAS, the best solution is an addition of an ARMER ASR (Antenna Structure Registration) Site to be
installed on the existing tower on the roof of the Otter Tail County Courthouse; and
WHEREAS, this solution will reduce the cost because of some needed infrastructure that is already in
place at the Courthouse; and
WHEREAS, Otter Tail County and the City of Fergus Falls are entering into this joint project to improve
communication efforts in many critical areas of the City of Fergus Falls such as the schools, hospitals,
downtown area, and courthouse; and
WHEREAS, the City of Fergus Falls has agreed to contribute $70,000 towards the cost of the radio tower;
and
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
December 9, 2014
Page2
WHEREAS, there are grant dollars available for this project through the Central MN Regional Radio Board;
and
WHEREAS, Otter Tail County will apply for these grant dollars prior to January 31, 2015; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of Otter Tail County, Minnesota
supports the Radio Tower Project for communication throughout the City of Fergus Falls on the 800 MHz
radio system.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners
commits to paying one-half of the cost of the radio tower project estimated at $163,684 after the State of
Minnesota Grant dollars have been applied to the project.
Upon the motion of Commissioner Rogness, seconded by Commissioner Lindquist, and passed on a 5-0
vote, the above resolution is hereby adopted by the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners this 9th day
of December, 2014.
OARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Recess & Reconvene
At 2:25 p.m., Chairman Johnson declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners
recessed for a short break. The meeting was reconvened at 2:32 p.m.
Minnesota Inter-County Association (MICA)
Chairman Wayne Johnson and Commissioner John Lindquist will serve as the Otter Tail County MICA
representatives for CY2015. Review of Otter Tail County's membership in the Minnesota Rural Counties
Caucus (MRCC) will take place next spring.
Highway Design and Construction Projects Update
Rick West, Public Works Director, submitted a document titled "Project Update" and briefed the Board
regarding completion and expected completion of various highway projects throughout the County.
Transportation Plan/Pavement Management Consulting Services
Motion by Rogness, second by Johnson, and unanimously carried to authorize the appropriate County
Officials signatures to execute a Retainer Agreement between the County of Otter Tail and SRF Consulting
Group and Braun lntertec for Transportation Plan Implementation and Pavement Consulting Services for
the period of2015 through 2017.
Jurisdictional Transfer of Trunk Highway 228
Motion by Huebsch, second by Rogness, and unanimously carried to authorize the Chairman's signature
on the Memo of Understanding between Otter Tail County and the Minnesota Department of
Transportation (MnDOT) to transfer Minnesota Highway 228 from the CSAH 4/CSAH 17 intersection in
Vergas (M.P. 0.000) extending in an easterly direction to the junction of TH 10 (M.P. 7.785).
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
December 9, 2014
Page 3
Accountable Communities for Health Grant
Diane Thorson, Public Health Director, reported that the Accountable Communities for Health Grant, in the
amount of $370,000 over a two year period, has been awarded. The partners for this grant include
OTCPH, OTCHS, PartnerSHIP4Health, Salvation Army, A Place to Belong, Lake Region Healthcare, and
Lakeland Mental Health. Motion by Huebsch, second by Froemming, and unanimously carried to authorize
the appropriate County Officials signatures to execute contracts to implement the ACH Grant when
documents are received from the Minnesota Department of Health. Ms. Thorson is pursuing staffing
options to fulfill these grant requirements.
Ucare Grant
Ms. Thorson reported that Otter Tail County Public Health will receive $25,000 in from Ucare. These funds
will be used to support costs to implement the Healthy Families America program and the Community
Paramedic program.
Environmental Health Services Delegation Agreement with MDH
Ms. Thorson reported that the Minnesota Department of Health has drafted a Joint Powers Agreement for
Otter Tail County to review. The proposed JPA would purchase staff time from Otter Tail County to
conduct health inspections of licensed facilities in preparation for transitioning the Delegation Agreement
with the Partnership4Health CHB to include Otter Tail County. Discussion took place regarding this
change and the unknown expectations of owners of these facilities. Commissioners suggested that a
meeting take place with consumers to understand their expectations of the program and the variables
between the State of MN administering the program vs. the County.
' Partnership4Health CHB Insurance
Motion by Rogness, second by Huebsch, and unanimously carried for Otter Tail County to submit a letter
of sponsorship for the Partnership4Health Community Health Board to obtain Minnesota Counties
Insurance Trust (MCIT) liability insurance coverage.
Discussion -Consolidation of Ditches 28 and 15
Kevin Fellbaum, Ditch Inspector and Wayne Stein, Auditor; presented financial information and several
options relating to consolidation of ditches 28 and 15. Lengthy discussion followed. Motion by Rogness,
second by Lindquist, and carried with Froemming opposed, to direct the County Attorney to prepare
Findings and Order for the consolidation of ditches 28 and 15. The consolidation is consistent with the
redetermination of benefits, will provide efficient administration and is fair and equitable as any other
drainage system. This drainage system overlaps and is in the same basin.
Approval of County Payables for end of CY2014
Motion by Rogness, second by Lindquist, and unanimously carried to delegate Larry Krohn, County
Administrator, to approve payment of Otter Tail County bills from December 16, 2014 through
December 30, 2014. The bills will also be provided to Commissioners for review.
AIS Task Force Update
Bill Kalar, Land & Resource Director, submitted three documents from the Aquatic Invasive Species Task
Force as follows: Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force Minutes of November 21, 2014, AIS Task Force
Membership, and Aquatic Invaders Summit Information. The Task Force plans to meet the 2nd Monday of
each month during CY2015. Motion by Rogness, second by Froemming, and unanimously carried to
approve the AIS Task Force membership as presented. Motion by Huebsch, second by Froemming, and
unanimously carried to reimburse hotel, meals, and gas expenses for a maximum of six members of the
Task Force, to attend the AIS Summit scheduled for January 20 -21, 2015 in St. Cloud, MN. Mr. Kalar
also indicated that the Task Force is planning a Fergus Falls AIS Seminar at the Bigwood Event Center on
March 26, 2015. Commissioners requested additiona[. information regarding the proposed event.
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
December 9, 2014
Page4
Cost-of-Living Adjustment for Non-Union Employees
Motion by Huebsch, second by Johnson, and unanimously carried to establish a 3% COLA for non-union
County employees effective January 1, 2015.
Recess
At 4:20 p.m., Chairman Johnson declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners
recessed for an Internal Services Committee meeting and supper break.
Budget and Levy Public Meeting
Wayne Johnson, Chair reconvened the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners' meeting at 6:30 p.m.
for the purpose of holding the required meeting to review the proposed budget and levy for 2015. The
following were in attendance:
Commissioners -
County Administrator -
County Attorney -
Wayne Johnson, Chair, Roger Froemming, Vice-Chair, John
Lindquist and Lee Rogness,
Other County Staff -
Community Services Division Director -
County Assessor -
County Auditor -
County Treasurer -
Emergency Management/Safety Director -
Facilities Operation Manager -
Larry Krohn
David Hauser
Land/Property Services Director/County Recorder -
Land and Resource Director -
Probation Director -
Public Health Director -
Public Works Director/County Highway Engineer -
Social Services Director -
Solid Waste Director -·
Two Representatives from Law Enforcement
Public in attendance (Signed the Attendance Roster) -
1. Tom Hintgen, Local News Media
2. Jim Sturgeon, Local News Media
3. Peg Werner, Viking Library System
4. Others Signing the Attendance Roster -
a. Tim Donley
b. Roger Halvorson
c. Leon Hanstad
d. Al Hexum
e. Michael Luedtke
f. Teresa Mann
g. Blaine Rasmussen
h. Margie Rasmussen
i. Robert Roehl
j. Roque Rossetti
John Dinsmore
Doug Walvatne
Wayne Stein
Steve Andrews
Patrick Waletzko
Terry Hoff
Brian Armstrong
Bill Kalar
Chuck Kitzman
Diane Thorson
Rick West
Deborah Sjostrom
Mike Hanan
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
December 9, 2014
Page 5
Wayne Stein, County Auditor, used a power point presentation to explain the County's budget and levy
process. The presentation addressed the following:
1. the purpose of the meeting,
2. the County's overall tax base (taxable market value and net tax capacity),
3. the major budget and levy areas,
4. the number of different issues considered when developing the overall budget and when
determining the amount of the property tax levy,
5. the County's final pay 2014 levy and the proposed levy for pay 2015,
6. a review of the tax rates based on the final and proposed levies and their impact,
7. the proposed levies per major fund area and the factors impacting the change,
8. the County's long term debt position,
9. the overall revenue and expenditure budget and the major sources of revenues available to the
County and the major area where funds are expended, and
10. the remaining process and issues that will be considered before the final budget and levy is
adopted.
During the presentation, it was noted that the proposed net property tax levy for Pay 2015, including the
levy for the Otter Tail County Housing and Redevelopment Authority and the various lake improvement
districts is $35,491,117, which is 3.63% over the final property tax levy for Pay 2014. The proposed levy
will support an overall budget of approximately 91.1 million.
Wayne Johnson, Chair, opened the meeting to the public for questions and comments concerning the
County's proposed 2015 budget and proposed payable 2015 gross and net levy. The following individuals
addressed the Board of Commissioners:
1. Roger Halverson
2. Leon Hanstad
3. Al Hexum
4. Robert Roehl
The following is a brief summary of the comments:
1. Property owner's percentage increase for his specific parcels compared to the percentage increase
for the County's Net Levy. His percentage was significantly greater.
2. Agricultural Land Values -present day values are less than the values being used for Pay 2015
tax calculation.
3. Are there enough agricultural sales to justify increasing the taxable market value of agricultural
properties?
4. The taxable market value increase from one year to the next did not seem possible.
5. Increasing taxes every year.
6. Highway conditions and the funding necessary to keep the road system maintained and up-to-
date. Rick West, Public Works Director explained the comprehensive highway study that is
currently being completed which will result in an overall plan being developed and options for
funding.
General note -there was a very good discussion between those in attendance, the County Assessor and
the Commissioners regarding property valuation and the process of valuing property.
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
December 9, 2014
Page 6
It was noted that action on the final 2015 Budget and Levy will be considered at 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday,
December 16, 2014. Hearing no other public comments, questions or concerns, the reconvened meeting
of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners was adjourned by Wayne Johnson, Chair at 7:22 p.m.
The next County Board meeting is scheduled at 9:30 a.rn. on Tuesday, December 16, 2014.
Dated: _ _,_/=2.~-~llo--....-~l~L/ ___ _ F COMMISSIONERS
By:
CB/kd
Otter Tail County Auditor
Warrants for Publication
Warrants Approved on 12/9/14 for Payment 12/9/14
Vendor Name Amount
A-1 LOCK & KEY $
A'VIANDS LLC $
ABG MAINTENANCE INC $
AGASSIZ GRANITE TOPS $
AMERICAINN FERGUS FALLS $
ASSOCIATION OF MN COUNTIES $
AUTO FIX $
LISA BASSETT $
CITY OF BATTLE LAKE $
BCS GROUP LLC $
BHH PARTNERS $
BRANDON COMMUNICATIONS INC $
JONATHON BRATVOLD $
BRAUN INTERTEC CORPORATION $
BRAUN VENDING INC $
KEVIN BRENNAN $
MANDY BRITTON $
MICHAEL BROWN $
WARREN BURRIS $
BUY-MOR PARTS & SERVICE LLC $
CENTRAL SPECIALITES INC $
CERTIFIED AUTO REPAIR $
Cl SPORT $
CITY DIRECTORY $
CODE 4 SERVICES LLC $
COMPASS MINERALS AMERICA $
COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS $
COOPERS TECHNOLOGY GROUP $
CULLIGAN WATER CONDITIONING $
DACOTAH PAPER COMPANY $
CITY OF DAL TON $
DAN'S TOWING & REPAIR $
CITY OF DEER CREEK $
CITY OF DENT $
RICK DENZEL $
DEX EAST $
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
December 9, 2014
Attachment A, Page 1
448.06
16.00
160.00
225.00
91.50
125.00
34.54
208.24
1,364.78
3,900.00
845.86
1,360.35
145.00
7,112.00
821.50
422.40
236.00
60.29
204.24
1,015.75
9,288.50
365.95
529.75
142.00
507.72
11,421.79
5,060.00
557.53
10.00
189.89
668.76
412.48
1,311.78
559.43
640.52
17.85
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
December 9, 2014
Attachment A, Page 2
DS SOLUTIONS INC $ 312.49
EGGE CONSTRUCTION INC $ 2,479.40
MICHELLE M ELDIEN $ 216.20
CITY OF ELIZABETH $ 803.79
ENVIRONMENTAL SENTRY PROTECTION $ 910.00
CITY OF ERHARD $ 475.84
EXTREME MARINE LLC $ 250.74
FERGUS FALLS DAILY JOURNAL $ 466.54
CITY OF FERGUS FALLS $ 709.04
FERGUS POWER PUMP IN $ 7,040.00
FERGUS TIRE CENTER $ 1,535.03
FIDLAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC $ 10,000.00
FORENSIC EVALUATIONS SERVICES LLC $ 1,250.00
FRANK'S AUTO BODY SHOP OF PERHAM $ 5,249.95
KAREN FROSETH $ 64.99
GALLS LLC $ 2,706.21
GOPHER STATE ONE CALL $ 41.25
GRANITE ELECTRONICS $ 36.00
PATRICK GRIFFIN $ 12.88
HAMLINE LAW REVIEW $ 20.00
HAZELDEN PUBLISHING $ 88.73
HEDAHLS HEADQUARTERS $ 15.78
HENNING AUTO PARTS IN $ 39.95
CITY OF HENNING $ 2,218.45
CRYSTAL HERMAN $ 345.49
TERRY HOFF $ 11.69
SHELDON HOLM $ 422.40
SANDY HOLO $ 10.00
JERRY HORGER $ 487.01
HUBBARD CO SHERIFF'S OFFICE $ 60.00
INDEPENDENT ERGENCY SERVICES $ 29,463.33
THE INDEPENDENT $ 140.63
INDIGITAL $ 818.65
INNOVATIVE OFFICE SOLUTIONS $ 1,162.20
INTEGRA TELECOM $ 369.09
J.P. COOKE CO $ 103.88
JAKE'S JOHNS LLC $ 252.64
JK SPORTS $ 10.00
JOBSHQ $ 35.00
MICHAEL JOHNSON $ 507.52
TJ JOHNSON $ 250.00
K.I.D. LEASING INC $ 303.35
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
December 9, 2014
Attachment A, Page 3
KADRMAS LEE & JACKSON INC $ 830.07
KEEPRSINC $ 2,194.00
KELLY SERVICES INC $ 1,740.70
KIEFERS.COM $ 183.42
KINETIC LEASING INC $ 1,536.00
LAKE REGION HEALTHCARE CORP $ 2,380.55
LAKELAND TRUE VALUE HARDWARE $ 50.60
LAKES AREA PEST CONTROL LLC $ 80.00
LAKES COUNTRY SERVICE CO OP $ 236.00
LAKES RADIO $ 5,012.00
LANDWEHR CONSTRUCTION INC $ 149,266.21
LARRY OTT IN TRUCK SERVICE $ 2,620.00
DEAN LARSON $ 149.52
PAT LARUM $ 34.72
NICHOLAS LEONARD $ 75.00
MARIE LEVANG $ 127.68
LIBERTY BUSINESS SYSTEMS FARGO $ 28.11
LIBERTY TIRE RECYCLING LLC $ 345.01
JANET LINDBERG $ 33.99
LITTLE FALLS MACHINE INC $ 930.29
LOCATORS & SUPPLIES INC $ 401.81
LONG WEEKEND SPORTSWEAR $ 24.00
M-R SIGN COMPANY INC $ 1,207.29
MARCO INC $ 14,687.70
MARCO INC ST LOUIS $ 1,382.17
MATHISON CO $ 197.78
MATTHEW BENDER & COMPANY INC $ 1,073.41
MERICKEL LUMBER $ 11.49
MES MIDAM $ 162.15
MIDWEST MACHINERY CO $ 101.56
MINNESOTA SHERIFFS' ASSOCIATION $ 110.00
MN CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION $ 575.50
MN MOTOR COMPANY $ 39.00
MN STATE AUDITOR $ 3,737.50
MORTENSON OUTDOOR SIGN $ 295.00
NAPA FERGUS FALLS $ 299.17
NATIONAL BUSINESS SYSTEMS INC $ 15,500.00
NEIGEL FAREARMS $ 675.00
NELSON AUTO CENTER $ 41,820.83
CITY OF NEW YORK MILLS $ 1,839.06
KEVIN NEWBORG $ 64.40
-Y"" c_,.
·.:; _;,,'
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
December 9, 2014
Attachment A, Page 4
NORTHWEST DIVERS $ 985.80
NOVA FIRE PROTECTION $ 320.00
OLSEN COMPANIES $ 602.25
OTTER ELECTRIC LLC $ 3,906.90
OTTER TAIL CO TREASURER $ 758.56
OTTERTAIL AGGREGATE $ 6,020.00
OTTERTAIL TRUCKING IN $ 10,557.63
OVERHEAD DOOR CO OF FERGUS FALLS $ 165.00
CITY OF PARKERS PRAIRIE $ 1,221.75
CITY OF PELICAN RAPIDS $ 2,353.07
CITY OF PERHAM $ 4,520.09
NORMAN PIERCE JR $ 93.12
PITNEY BOEWS $ 1,228.97
PLMSWA $ 316,913.52
R & B PRINTER REPAIR $ 405.50
JEFFREY RATZ $ 274.11
RDO TRUST #80-6130 $ 386.94
MIKE REED $ 50.00
CITY OF RICHVILLE $ 726.62
RINGDAHL AMBULANCE INC $ 150.00
CITY OF ROTHSAY $ 713.76
ROYAL TIRE INC $ 914.04
MATTHEW SAURER $ 40.00
SCOTT HOFLAND CONSTRUCTION INC $ 5,680.00
SEACHANGE PRINTING & MARKETING $ 4,185.00
SERVICE FOOD SUPERVALU $ 42.32
DAVID SETHRE $ 226.16
SNODEPOT $ 430.00
KEVIN SONSTEBO $ 239.58
SRF CONSUL TING GROUP INC $ 2,493.96
BERNARD A STEEVES $ 409.20
STEINS INC $ 2,992.60
STRAND HARDWARE & RADIO SHACK $ 89.77
STREICHER$ $ 373.96
SUPERIOR JETTING INC $ 1,520.00
RON SYSTELIEN $ 125.00
T & K TIRES $ 286.00
THIS WEEKS SHOPPING NEWS $ 290.40
THOMSON REUTERS -WEST $ 6,309.22
JOHN THORSON $ 300.00
TIRES PLUS TOTAL CAR CARE $ 740.14
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
December 9, 2014
Attachment A, Page 5
TRANQUILITY BUILDING SERVICES $ 425.00
TRIMIN SYSTEMS INC $ 214.00
TRUENORTH STEEL $ 1,486.60
UGSTAD PLUMBING INC $ 128.81
CITY OF UNDERWOOD $ 752.34
UNIFORMS UNLIMITED INC $ 648.84
UNITED PARCEL SERVICE $ 47.38
UNIVERSITY OF MN PRINTING SERVICES $ 60.00
CITY OF URBANK $ 861.66
CITY OF VERGAS $ 1,266.76
VICTOR LUNDEEN COMPANY $ 130.26
VIKING CAFE $ 175.00
VOSS LIGHTING $ 377.60
WADENA TRUCK & TRAILER REPAIR $ 5.25
WASTE MANAGEMENT $ 2,778.20
RICHARD WEST $ 30.00
WIDSETH SMITH NOL TING & ASSOC $ 34,843.22
WILKEN CO SHERIFF $ 1,443.88
WILKEN CO SHERIFF'S OFFICE $ 50.00
JERRY WILM $ 124.04
WORLD MEDICAL GOVERNMENT SOLUTION $ 1,043.40
TOTAL $ 801,168.47