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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 02/03/2015MINUTES OF THE OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Government Services Center, Commissioners' Room 515 W. Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN February 3, 2015 9:30 a.m. Call to Order The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at the Government Services Center in Fergus Falls, MN, with Commissioners John Lindquist, Chairman; Lee Rogness, Vice-Chair; Doug Huebsch, Wayne Johnson, and Roger Froemming present. Commissioner Doug Huebsch was absent at 1 :38 p.m. Approval of Agenda Chairman Lindquist called for approval of the February 3, 2015 agenda. Motion by Rogness, second by Johnson, and unanimously carried to approve the Board of Commissioners agenda of February 3, 2015, with the following modifications: David Reynolds -10:40 a.m. Becker/Otter Tail Human Services -1 :30 p.m. Cancel internal Services Committee for Sanitarian Position -11 :00 a.m. Add Consideration of Food, Pool, & Lodging Delegation Agreement-10:50 a.m. Cancel Bills/Warrants Approval Authority-1: 10 p.m. Consent Agenda Motion by Johnson, second by Froemming, and unanimously carried to approve Consent Agenda items as follows: 1. January 27, 2015, Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes 2. Warrants/Bills for February 3, 2015 (Exhibit A) 3. Human Services BCOW Adult Mental Health Initiative Renewal Grant Agreement Private Well Nitrate Sampling Project Darren Newville, EOT SWCD Manager, and Amy Zimmerman, EOT Technician, submitted a document titled "Otter Tail County Targeted Township Nitrate-Nitrogen Sampling Program". Mr. Newville reported that this is a partnership project between the SWCDs and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). The immediate goal of the project is to characterize current nitrate conditions in groundwater from private wells on a township scale. Ms. Zimmerman briefed the Board on how they identified about 13,600 residents who will be receiving a mailing to explain the program and invite them to have their water tested. The results will be used for a management plan. Commissioners requested education as to the reasons high nitrates can exist in the grourid water and education on proper nitrogen fertilizer application that could reduce nitrates in the soil. Mr. Newville indicated that there is a separate project being worked on that will identify trends as it relates to nitrates in the soil. Joint EOT and Wadena SWCD Agreement Darren Newville reported that both EOT SWCD and Wadena SWCD will be looking at their current joint agreement and opportunities for the future partnership. He invited commissioners to a two-day conference to discuss this topic. Motion by Johnson, second by Rogness and unanimously carried to approve commissioners' attendance at this conference on March 12 and 13, 2015. Motion by Johnson, second by Rogness, and unanimously carried to approve commissioners' attendance at an all-day Irrigation Clinic on February 11, 2015 at Thumper Pond, Ottertail City. OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes February 3, 2015 Page 2 Mission and Goals Commissioners discussed the importance of having discussions at the County Board level regarding Otter Tail County's mission and goals as it relates to alliances with other counties. Rabbit River Project Chairman Lindquist, along with Brad Mergens and John Walkup, discussed the Rabbit River project and reported on a recent meeting about the project held in Wheaton, MN. They discussed the project that the Bois de Sioux Watershed District is planning. The District has purchased a quarter section of property and is planning a water storage basin of 3,200 acre ft. at a cost of about 5.1 million dollars. The water would be stored temporarily when the water is high and then released back into the river. Lengthy discussion took place regarding the cost, possible financing of the project, and the alternative of maintaining the inlet by mowing the cattails to allow water flow into the river. The Bois de Sioux Watershed District Board has scheduled meetings for public input regarding the project. Commissioner Wayne Johnson will attend the meeting February 4, 2015, in Wendell, MN on behalf of Otter Tail County to communicate the following points; 1) concern for the high cost of the project; 2) encourage the watershed district to explore every option/alternative project; and 3) encourage the watershed district to study the effects of impounding this large amount of water. LMKP LID Discretionary Environmental Assessment Worksheet Mike Opatt of Moore Engineering and Roger Neitzke, Little McDonald Kerbs and Paul Lake Improvement District President, discussed a project to take high water from the lakes to the north and directly into the Otter Tail River. Mr. Opatt indicated that the project would consist of a 48" pipe buried 15 to 20 ft. deep with significant length to pump 25 cubic ft. of water per second using Mother Nature to filter it and then going north. This is a joint project with the LMKP LID and Devils Lake LID. A discretionary EAW that covers both areas was submitted to the Board for their review. Lengthy discussion took place about the amount of water that can be drained with consideration for high ground water in addition to high water levels in these area lakes. The MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will need to approve the filtration system. Appropriate permits will also be requjred before the project could move forward. Motion by Huebsch, second by Rogness, and unanimously carried to approve Otter Tail County to be the Responsible Governmental Unit (RGU) Sponsor of the Discretionary EAW for the LMKP LID Outlet Project. This project will be scheduled on the next County Board agenda for continued discussion and to strategize on obtaining financial assistance through the State. Recess & Reconvene At 10:44 a.m., Chairman Lindquist declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners recessed for a short break. The meeting was reconvened at 10:52 a.m. Crop and Forage Show Motion by Johnson, second by Rogness, and unanimously carried to approve commissioners' attendance at the 42nd Annual WOT County Crop and Forage Show at the Bigwood Event Center in Fergus Falls on February 4, 2015. Delegation Agreement for Food. Pool. & Lodging Licensing Program Diane Thorson, Public Health Director, opened discussion regarding the proposal to execute a Delegation Agreement with the State of Minnesota for Otter Tail County to administer the Food, Pool, and Lodging licensing for County establishments. Ms. Thorson submitted a document that resulted from a meeting of several establishments on January 12, 2015. The document listed items that are working well with the State run program and items that may need to be changed. Discussion took place regarding the number of staff required to administer the program and the expenses that are estimated to be about $40,000 over revenues. Nicole Hansen, Human Resources Director, briefed the Board on the process to fill the sanitarian positions which will include a meet and confer and Memorandum of Understanding with the union. She also indicated that the Delegation Agreement has not been reviewed. OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes February 3, 2015 Page 3 Delegation Agreement Continued Discussion Discussion continued about Clay County administering this program rather than the State and the value of obtaining consistency in programming across the PartnerSHIP4Health Community Health Board. A motion was offered by Rogness and seconded by Huebsch to proceed with the Delegation Agreement with the State of Minnesota for Otter Tail County to administer the licensing for food, pool, and lodging for County businesses. Motion carried 3-2 with Johnson and Lindquist opposed. Motion by Huebsch, second by Rogness, and unanimously carried to authorize up to 2.5 FTE employees to operate the food, pool, and lodging licensing program for Otter Tail County. Recess & Reconvene At 11:20 a.m., Chairman Lindquist declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners recessed for committee meetings and lunch break. The meeting was reconvened at 12:20 p.m. Paperwork Acknowledged Chairman Lindquist received several documents from David Reynolds regarding Land Patents. The documents will be provided to Commissioners, Recorder and County Attorney. County Drainage Systems Ditch #44: Motion by Huebsch, second by Froemming, and unanimously carried to authorize the appropriate County Officials' signatures to execute the Order of Redetermination of Benefits in the matter of County Ditch #44 as submitted by the County Attorney. Motion by Johnson, second by Rogness, and unanimously carried to authorize a citizen interested in learning the Ditch Viewer process to accompany the Ditch Viewers, at their discretion, while doing the work for the Ditch #44 redetermination. Ditch #21: Lance Peterson owns property within the watershed of Ditch #21. Kevin Fellbaum, Ditch Inspector, reported that work needs to be completed on a portion of original tile that is coming apart and flooding Mr. Peterson's field and soil needs to be removed from the opening to the tile so it is no longer blocked. Motion by Rogness, second by Johnson, and unanimously carried to authorize the Ditch Inspector to complete the repairs as described within Ditch #21. Ditch #58: Mr. Fellbaum spoke to the Board regarding Ditch #58. R. D. Offutt Company and area farmers are discussing a possible repair on the system if tile can be located. Mr. Fellbaum submitted a map of the area. Commissioners indicated that they could proceed with a repair at their cost and/or meet with the County Board at a regular Board meeting to discuss the situation further. Sandpiper Pipeline Commissioner Wayne Johnson reported that individuals have contacted him concerned about the pipeline that may be routed through Otter Tail County rather than the original route through Hubbard County which is preferred by the pipeline company. He indicated that the MN Pollution Control Agency wants to route the pipeline through Otter Tail County District 1 because there are less lakes and wetlands in that area than the Company's preferred route. Commissioners directed Rick West, Public Works Director, and Brian Armstrong, Land Services Director, to map the proposed route through Otter Tail County and return to the Board with additional information. Buffalo-Red River Watershed District Rick West spoke to the Board regarding potential projects that would deal with water and County highways that are in the BRRWD. They discussed the water issues on County Highway 10 near Oscar Lake that is within the borders of the Watershed District. OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes February 3, 2015 Page4 Becker and Otter Tail County Human Services Joint Agreement Larry Krohn, County Administrator, referred to a proposed Human Services Agreement between Becker and Otter Tail counties. He briefed the Board on the proposal and indicated the importance of assurance to Becker County that commissioners were in favor of this agreement. John Dinsmore, Community Services Director, had provided his recommendations for this proposed partnership. Motion by Huebsch, second by Froemming, and unanimously carried to support the proposed Becker and Otter Tail County Human Services proposal with the Community Services Director's time split 60% with Becker County and 40% with Otter Tail County to move towards a combined Human Services Department. The agreement could become effective by June 1, 2015. State Operated C.A.R.E. Facility Larry Krohn reported that he has provided information to Board members, legislators, and MICA staff regarding proposed legislation that affects the continuance of the chemical dependency treatment 60-bed facility located in Fergus Falls. Deb Sjostrom, Interim Human Services Director, reported that the Department of Human Services believes they can contract out the service by restructuring the rates and private providers will want to license additional beds. However, if that does not happen in this area, there will be a shortage of beds. Commissioner Huebsch expressed concern of a cost shift if the State saves money but leaves the County with a 4.5 million dollar mortgage at the expense of the local taxpayers. The bond issue on the mortgage for the building goes through 2024 and the lease with the State goes through 2028 but contains a 30sday out clause. Commissioners asked County Officials to put together a document detailing the County's position on the Governor's recommendation of the loss of this C.A.R.E. program/facility. Terry Hoff, Physical Plant Manager, reported that the State of Minnesota has canceled the Sally Port project at the C.A.R.E. facility. Mr. Hoff contacted Comstock Construction, the contractor on the project. The contractor will not proceed further with the project, but has accrued expenses in the amount of $5,000 on the project to-date and has provided Otter Tail County with that invoice. Motion by Rogness, second by Johnson, and unanimously carried to direct the Physical Plant Manager to respond, in writing, to the State that the County has put the Sally Port door project at the C.A.R.E. facility on hold, will preserve the work that has been completed to-date, and will hand deliver an invoice with accrued cost of the project to be reimbursed by the State as previously agreed. Family Home Visiting Program Motion by Johnson, second by Rogness, and unanimously carried to request the County to send a letter of appreciation to Health Partners recognizing their generous gift of $10,000 to be used for the Family Home Visiting Program. LMHC Annual Board Meeting Motion by Froemming, second by Johnson, and unanimously carried to approve Commissioners attendance at the Lakeland Mental Health Center Annual Board Meeting. Adiournment At 2:10 p.m., Chairman Lindquist declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners adjourned until the next County Board meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2015. Dated: _________ _ Attest ~.ti.I? CB/kd OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes February 3, 2015 Page 1, Exhibit A WARRANTS APPROVED ON 2/3/2015 vendor Name ALPHA TRAINING & TACTICS LLC AMER.IC • .\N SOLtrnONS FOR BUSINESS ANDER.SON L,\ND SURVEYING INC ASSOCl~TED BAG COMPANY ATOM ATSSA BATTLE L<U.E/cm· OF BEYER. BODY SHOP INC BHH PAR.TNER.S BOUND TREE MEDICAL LLC BOWMAN/MARSHA BRANDNER/STEVE CARLBLOM/DENNIS E CDW GOVERNMENT INC CENTRAL STA TES '""IRE PRODUCTS INC CO OP SER.VICES INC CODE 4 SERVICES LLC COOPERS TECHNOLOGY GROUP D . .\N'S TOWING & REPAIR DEPT OF HUMAN SER.VICES DEX EAST Dl~OND MOWERS INC DLT SOLUTIONS INC DM ENTER.PRISES EIFERT /ZACH Th'VIROTECH SERVlCES INC FASTENAL COMPANY FERGUSFALLS/cm·op FIDL~ TECHNOLOGIES, INC FORTIVENGLER ELECTRIC INC FRAZEE ELECTRIC INC FREITAG/MICHAEL FRESHWATER SOCIETI" G & R CONTROLS GALLS LLC GODFATifER.S E.'\'TER.MINATING INC GOPHER STATE ONE CALL GRIEP/TIM GRIFFIN/PA TRICK HARTHUN/TRENT HA\'l'"ES SEPTIC TANK PUMPING HOIUM/RICK ,\mount 120.95 9.894.84 2,040.00 304.59 250.00 1,000.00 549.50 1,232.37 180.51 1,683.04 221.36 583.08 266.44 41. 71 5,300.45 25.30 152.25 15.15 230.00 771.33 17.97 1,745.28 7,980.72 5,550.00 204.95 11.262.90 351.09 2,970.00 24,922.93 139.17 412.50 8.90 540.00 261.00 1,551.39 316.20 105.00 97.16 14.93 8.36 40.00 143.85 OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes February 3, 2015 Page 2, Exhibit A vendor Name HOLO/GERAID A INDIGITAL INNOVAm'E omcE SOLUTIONS INTOXIMEI'ERS INC JKSPORTS KEEPRSINC KELLY SER\11CES INC KINETIC LEASING INC KNu'TSON E1£CTRIC R.E.BUil.DING LARRY OTI INC TRUCK SERVICE LEMMER/CRYSTAL LIBERIT BUSINESS SYSTEMS FARGO LINDBERG/JANET M-STATE CUSTOM TRAINING MARCO INC MARCO INC ST LOUIS MCKESSON MEDICAL-SURGICAL INC MID-CENTRAL EQUIPMENT INC MIDSTATES EQu1PMENT & SUPPLY MINNESOTA SHERIFFS' ASSOCIATION MN BUREAU OF CRIMINAL APPREHENSIO MN DEPT OF NATu1lAL RESOURCES 0MB MN STA TE AUDITOR MNSWAA NAPA CENTRAL MN NAPA FERGUS FALLS NEWMAN PAINTING INC NORTHERN BAG AND BOX CO omcEMA.X INCORPORATED OSI ENVIRONMENTAL INC OTIS ELEVATOR CO OTTER TAD. CO DETENTION FACillTY OTTER TAD. POWER COMPANY OTTERT • .uL TRUCKING INC PINE PLAZA TV & APPU.\NCE PITNEY BOWES PITNEY BOWES OUil.L CORPORATION RDO TRUST #80· 6130 S.W.INC SANITATION PRODUCTS INC SCHMALTZ/CAROL A.mount 9.51 1,685.01 393.16 283.30 1,855.00 140.00 2,219.20 768.00 419.00 1,190.00 46.98 6.18 23.96 180.00 20,490.75 2,313.82 707.84 216.96 30,120-21 25.00 75.00 90.00 3,281.06 30.00 199.97 7.19 480.00 18,143.13 204.92 65.00 471.42 1,635.50 1,762.56 5,515.95 91.96 134.26 2,361.23 217.22 6.17 405.00 108.11 85.36 vendor Namp SERVICE FOOD SUPER VAI.U SEW PERFECT BRIDAL SE\VER. SERVICE SHER.\<\'IN Wll.llo\MS SOETH/S\1. \·'l-\ SOtrrH Mill. SERVICE ST CLOUD FIRE EQUIPMENT CO STAPLES ADVANTAGE STEINS INC STR.AIGHTUNE GRAPHICS STRAND HARDWARE & RADIO SHACK STR.EICHER.S TEEMAR.K CORPORATION THOMSON REUTERS -\'v"EST TIRES PLUS TOTAL CAR CARE TNT REPAIR INC TRA,'llOUWTY BUILDING SERVICES ULTIMATE AUTO REPAIR-AUTO SAFETI" UNITED PARCEL SERVICE VICTOR LUNDEEN COMPANY VICTORY CORPS WAYNE'S TOOLWAGON \\'ESTER.N AREA CITY CO COOPER.AIB'E \\i'IDSETH SMITH NOL TING & ASSOC XEROX CORPORATION ZEE MEDICAL SERVICE ZIEGLER INC Final Total: OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes February 3, 2015 Page 3, Exhibit A Amount 18.35 47.50 100.00 306.40 273.67 97.18 319.50 374.34 2,838.41 633.12 9.99 2.252.49 114.54 6,252.59 33.77 220.00 425.00 1,080.02 139.11 5.60 236.22 25.90 5,150.00 637.00 54.97 108.60 301.00 204,027.33