HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 02/09/2016~
OfflERTllll ' OOIITT•■IIICIOTI
MINUTES OF THE
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Government Services Center, Commissioners' Room
515 W. Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN
February 9, 2016
9:30 a.m.
Call to Order
The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 9, 2016, at the
Government Services Center in Fergus Falls, MN, with Commissioners Lee Rogness, Chairman;
Doug Huebsch, Vice-Chairman; Wayne Johnson, Roger Froemming, and John Lindquist present.
Newspaper Convention Award
Commissioners congratulated Tom Hintgen who was inducted into the Minnesota Newspaper Association
Half Century Club at a recent MNA annual convention.
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Rogness called for approval of the February 9, 2016, agenda. Motion by Johnson, second by
Froemming, and unanimously carried to approve the Board of Commissioners agenda of February 9, 2016,
with miscellaneous items added to General Discussion.
Consent Agenda
Motion by Johnson, second by Lindquist, and unanimously carried to approve Consent Agenda items as
follows:
1. February 2, 2016, Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes with a change
from "Environmental Impact Statement" to "Environmental Review" within the
minutes regarding the Star Lake Resort and Casino and typographical
corrections
2. Warrants/Bills for February 9, 2016 (Exhibit A)
3. Human Services Bills & Claims
2015 Annual Probation Report
Probation Director, Chuck Kitzman presented the 2015 Probation Department Annual Report and Program
Overview. He briefed the Board on the Annual Report statistics and trends regarding juvenile and adult
offenses. The Adult-Juvenile average monthly caseload has increased during CY2015. Discussion took
place regarding high out-of-home placement costs reported as 1.2 million dollars in 2015.
Motor Vehicle Fleet Management
Sheriff Brian Schlueter presented an option for leasing vehicles from Enterprise Fleet Management.
Enterprise has a leasing and management program. The program would not include Sheriffs deputies
marked cars; however, could include all other vehicles throughout the County. Commissioners suggested
that a Request for Proposal be developed to allow local companies the opportunity to bid the service.
Discussion followed. Chairman Rogness referred the issue to the County Finance Committee and
indicated that the Sheriff should move forward with purchase of vehicles that are needed in his Department
at this time.
Lakeland Mental Health Center
Commissioner and LMHC Board member, Roger Froemming updated the County Board regarding the
hiring process for a new LMHC CEO.
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
February 9, 2016
Page 2
County Owned Facilities
Because of negative perceptions of availability of condoms in county owned restrooms, a motion was
offered by Huebsch, seconded by Froemming and unanimously carried to remove these items. They are
available in the Public Health Department along with information regarding concern over a rise in syphilis
cases among Minnesota women.
Parking Lot for County Vehicles at GSC
Motion by Johnson, second by Lindquist, and unanimously carried to approve a letter to the City of Fergus
Falls, as submitted by the County Attorney and dated February 9, 2015, regarding purchase of the parking
lot which was dedicated to the public as part of the 2010 plat of the Kirkbride Addition at the RTC.
Recess & Reconvene
At 10:30 a.m., Chairman Rogness declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners
recessed for a short break. The meeting was reconvened at 10:35 a.m.
Ditch 70 Public Hearing Continuation
At 10:35 a.m., Chairman Rogness opened the Ditch 70 Public Hearing continued from January 26, 2016.
Mr. Hauser reviewed action that was taken January 26, 2016 including the adoption of the amended Ditch
Viewer's Report, proposed elevation run out of 1294.5', and preliminary findings that this project should
proceed. Ditch Inspector, Kevin Fellbaum presented information from the Engineer showing runoff from a
24 hour rain fall event occurring after spring snow melt at various elevations using various pipe sizes. He
also presented the estimated total project cost of $590,054.32. Engineer Jeff Langan's recommendation is
a run out elevation of 1294.5' with a 30 inch pipe.
• Chris Steffan spoke in favor of opening discussion regarding the elevation height. He
expressed concern for the property owners on the west end of the bay.
Motion by Huebsch, second by Lindquist, and unanimously carried to approve a 30" pipe at the riser
elevation of 1294.5' with total project cost of $590,054.32 for the Ditch 70 project. County Attorney Hauser
will draft the appropriate Findings, Recommendations and Order pursuant to Minn. Stat. Sec. 103E.341.
Off-Sale Liquor License Application -Playtime Sports Bar & Grill
At 11 :DO a.m., an off-sale Liquor License Application Public Hearing was opened by the County Attorney.
Chairman Rogness asked for comment from Applicant Chad Hutmacher. Mr. Hutmacher reported that he
has owned Playtime Sports Bar & Grill for about eleven years and he also owns four other businesses in
Otter Tail County. He indicated that he is aware that off-sale liquor licenses have not been issued by the
County. His off-sale liquor license request is an attempt to enhance business. Mr. Hutmacher stated that
after the smoking ban went into effect, they lost 25 to 30 per cent of their business. The food portion of the
business has recovered but not the bar business. He stated that there were about 1,200 bars in the State
of Minnesota with somewhere between 600 and 700 going out of business or being sold. Taxes are high
and income is being drained away with no way to recover. Municipalities are being given a monopoly with
liquor stores. He feels that the issue of who obtains a license will depend on competition like other
businesses. Deer Creek and Ottertail cities currently have two off-sale liquor licenses and this has not
affected the municipalities but could be a factor of whether or not these small businesses can keep
operating. He stated that independent bar businesses need this help.
At 11 :08 a.m., Chairman Rogness referred to written correspondence received from the following
municipalities opposing the issuance of an off-sale liquor license: City of New York Mills, Pelican Rapids,
Battle Lake, Fergus Falls, and Perham. He opened the Public Hearing for public comment. The following
is a summary of those comments:
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
February 9, 2016
Page 3
• Mayor Hal Leland from City of Fergus Falls referred to the letter from the City expressing
opposition to the issuance of any off-sale liquor license in unincorporated areas of Otter Tail
County. Issuing off-sale liquor licenses outside of municipal limits has public safety and financial
implications. He spoke about the community programs funded by revenue from the municipal
liquor stores including youth programs, senior programs, and various capital purchases benefiting
the community. Without the liquor store revenues, taxes would need to be raised by about 11 %.
He requested that the County uphold past precedence and deny off-sale liquor licenses outside of
municipalities.
• Mayor Chuck Reeve from the City of Battle Lake spoke in opposition of the off-sale liquor license
request.
• Fred Lehmkuhl from the City of Perham Council spoke in opposition of the off-sale liquor license
request and reiterated the reasons expressed by Mayor Leland.
• Mayor Brent Frazier from the City of Pelican Rapids requested that the County deny the request for
off-sale liquor license because it would affect public safety and control of liquor licenses and the
loss of revenue would require increased taxes.
• Mayor Dean Haarstick from the City of Vergas expressed opposition to the request as the revenue
is very important in small communities. He stated that Becker County has issued an off-sale liquor
license to Seven Sisters Spirits and the Vergas Liquor Store lost about $25,000 in sales revenue.
Applicant Hutmacher responded that Seven Sisters suggested that he apply for the license and indicated
that the Detroit Lakes municipality has actually increased liquor revenues since Seven Sisters opened their
off-sale business. He expressed his opinion that this is all tax payer dollars and there is room for more
liquor stores without harming municipal liquor stores revenue. Commissioner Johnson stated that from his
perspective, if the County were to grant off-sale liquor licenses, a plan needs to be developed so it is a
thoughtful process with enough revenue to assist with law enforcement requirements and public safety
concerns. The public comment period was closed at 11 :25 a.m.
Motion by Lindquist, second by Froemming, and unanimously carried to deny the application of Playtime
Sports Bar and Grill for an off-sale liquor license.
Recess & Reconvene
At 11 :27 a.m., Chairman Rogness declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners
recessed for a committee meeting and lunch break. The meeting was reconvened at 1 :00 p.m.
MN Rural Counties Caucus (MRCC) Membership
Commissioners discussed MRCC membership for CY2016. A motion was offered by Johnson and
seconded by Lindquist not to renew Otter Tail County's MRCC membership because Otter Tail County
does not qualify under MRCC's organizational structure (less than 50,000 in population) and does not
reflect Otter Tail County's main direction and goals. The motion carried with Rogness, Huebsch, Johnson,
and Lindquist in favor and Froemming opposed. Commissioner Johnson suggested that the membership
dollars could be used for Commissioners and Division Directors to spend time at the capitol talking to
legislators about what is important for Otter Tail County. Commissioner Froemming requested MICA
meeting updates.
Lakes Country Tourism Association Update
Economic Development Director, Nick Leonard and H2M COO, Dan Altenbernd, spoke with the Board
regarding the "Find Your Inner Otter" campaign which won top honors for marketing campaigns at a recent
Explore MN Tourism conference. They briefed the Board regarding the current partners involved in
developing a distinct and memorable brand. They talked about the campaign expanding and are excited
that area businesses and cities are expressing interest to join the collaborative campaign to promote our
region more broadly.
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
February 9, 2016
Page4
Human Services & Public Health Positions
Human Services Director, Deb Sjostrom and Public Health Director, Diane Thorson, requested approval of
several new positions that are included in the CY2016 budget. Motion by Lindquist, second by Huebsch,
and unanimously carried to approve the following new, full time positions: Certified Assessor (PHN},
MnCHOICES Assessor (Social Worker), Office Support Specialist, and Eligibility Worker (HealthCare Unit).
Caseworks Child Support Module
Motion by Johnson, second by Lindquist, and unanimously carried to authorize the appropriate County
Officials' signatures to execute a contract between nine counties including Otter Tail County and Next
Chapter Technology, Inc. for the Caseworks Child Support software module for CY2016. Otter Tail
County's cost for the software is $14,000.00 which is 18% of the counties responsibility.
Integrated Financial System
Motion by Huebsch, second by Johnson, and unanimously carried to authorize the appropriate County
Officials' signatures to ratify a Professional Services Agreement between Minnesota Counties Computer
Cooperative (MNCCC) and Trimin Systems, Inc. for the maintenance and support of Otter Tail County's
IFS.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION NO. 2016 -10
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SIGNING AUTHORITY ALLOWING ACCESS TO MINNESOTA
GOVERNMENT ACCESS (MGA) ACCOUNTS FOR ELECTRONIC COURT.RECORDS AND
DOCUMENTS
WHEREAS, the County of Otter Tail desires to improve efficiencies through participating in a more efficient
court process with the Minnesota Judicial Branch; and,
WHEREAS, as the Minnesota Judicial Branch moves towards a more efficient court process, the
eCourtMN initiative is committed to ensuring that non-court governmental agencies have appropriate
access to court records and documents; and,
WHEREAS, the Otter Tail County Attorney's Office desires to subscribe to Minnesota Court Data Services
Program.
IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners of Otter Tail County, Minnesota,
approves and authorizes David J. Hauser, County Attorney; or his successor, as the designated and
Authorized Representative for the County Attorney, to sign the Master Subscriber Agreement for
Minnesota Court Data Services for Governmental Agencies. The Authorized Representative is also
authorized to sign any subsequent amendment or agreement that may be required by the Minnesota
Judicial Branch to maintain the County's connection to the systems and tools offered by the Minnesota
Judicial Branch.
Upon the motion of Commissioner Huebsch, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, and passed on a 5-0
vote, the above resolution is hereby adopted by the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners.
Adopted this 9th day of February 2016
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
February 9, 2016
Page 5
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION NO. 2016 -11
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SIGNING AUTHORITY ALLOWING ACCESS TO MINNESOTA
GOVERNMENT ACCESS (MGA) ACCOUNTS FOR ELECTRONIC COURT RECORDS AND
DOCUMENTS
WHEREAS, the County of Otter Tail desires to improve efficiencies through participating in a more efficient
court process with the Minnesota Judicial Branch; and,
WHEREAS, as the Minnesota Judicial Branch moves towards a more efficient court process, the
eCourtMN initiative is committed to ensuring that non-court governmental agencies have appropriate
access to court records and documents; and,
WHEREAS, the Otter Tail County Probation Office desires to subscribe to Minnesota Court Data Services
Program.
IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners of Otter Tail County, Minnesota,
approves and authorizes Charles Kitzman, Probation Director; or his successor, as the designated and
Authorized Representative for the Probation Office, to sign the Master Subscriber Agreement for
Minnesota Court Data Services for Governmental Agencies. The Authorized Representative is also
authorized to sign any subsequent amendment or agreement that may be required by the Minnesota
Judicial Branch to maintain the County's connection to the systems and tools offered by the Minnesota
Judicial Branch.
Upon the motion of Commissioner Huebsch, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, and passed on a 5-0
vote, the above resolution is hereby adopted by the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners.
Adopted this 9th day of February 2016
CSAH 9 Project Right of Way Acquisition
Motion by Huebsch, second by Johnson, and unanimously carried to authorize proceeding with the
process of condemnation/right of way acquisitions for the CSAH 9 Highway Project (SAP 056-609-005) for
various parcels as submitted by the Public Works Director.
Comprehensive Plan for Star Lake/Shooting Star Casino Area
Motion by Johnson, second by Lindquist, and unanimously carried to approve Project Team Members for
developing a Comprehensive Plan for the Star Lake area in consideration of the proposed Shooting Star
Casino as follows:
Wayne Johnson, OTC Commissioner Lee Rogness, OTC Commissioner & Board Chair
Larry Krohn, OTC Administrator Rick West OTC Public Works Director/Engineer
Chuck Grotte, OTC Assistant Engineer Bill Kalar, OTC Land & Resource Director
Nick Leonard, OTC Director of Tourism & Economic Development
Lee Mindemann, Star Lake Township Mike Donoho, Star Lake Property Owners Assn.
Bill Marsh, Shooting Star Casino General Manager Mike Smith, Shooting Star Casino Facilities Manager
Liz Foster-Anderson, White Earth Enterprises Craig Vaughn, SRF Consulting
Cindy Gray, SRF Consulting
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
February 9, 2016
Page6
County-wide Trail Master Plan
Motion by Huebsch, second by Lindquist, and unanimously carried to approve the following Project
Steering Committee members for a visionary concept to move towards a County-wide Trail Master Plan:
Otter Tail Count Trail Master Plan Project Steering Committee
Project Mgmt. District 1 District 2 District 3 & 5 District 4 Regional
Team • Dent • Elizabeth • Battle Lake • Bluffton Patrick
Wayne Johnson • New York • Erhard • Dalton • Clitherall Hollister,
Doug Huebsch Mills • Pelican • Fergus Falls • Deer PartnerSHIP 4
Rick West • Perham Rapids • Rothsay Creek Health
Chuck Grotte • Richville • Vergas • Underwood • Henning
Nick Leonard • Ottertail Jane Butzer,
Wayne Hurley, • Parkers MnDOT
WCI Prairie
Shawn Donais, • Vining
MNDNR • Urbank
• Wadena
Business/Industry Fred Sailer Greg Peterson
KLN Dalton Opera
House
Community Kelsey Klemm Julie Lammers Val Martin Sandy
City of Perham City of Vergas City of Battle ,Froemming
Lake City of Parkers
Darla Berry CJ Holl Prairie
City of NYM City of Pelican
Rapids Jim Hermanson
City of Henning
Myron Lueders
Citv of Ottertail
Health Lake Region
Healthcare
Tourism Mark Hanson Michael Jean Bowman Brad Stevens
NYM ED Neusser Fergus Falls Thumper .Pond
Whiter Earth CVB
Nation
Township Bob Lahman
Eastern Two.
Trail Enthusiasts/ Hank Ludtke Hebe Shipp Dan Malmstrom
Citizens John Gorton David
Daren Berube Sanderson
Cold Storage Garage
Motion by Huebsch, second by Johnson, and unanimously carried to authorize the appropriate County
Officials' signatures to execute a proposal for architectural/design services between the County of Otter
Tail and bhh Partners for a cold storage garage located in Fergus Falls, MN at an approximate cost of
$6,000.
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
February 9, 2016
Page 7
Proposed Transmission Line and Substation
Motion by Johnson, second by Froemming, and unanimously carried to authorize commissioners to attend
a meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at the Maine Township Hall regarding a
transmission line project proposed by Lake Region Electric Cooperative and Great River Energy.
Adjournment
At 2:38 p.m., Chairman Rogness declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners
adjourned until 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at the Government Services Center in Fergus
Falls, MN.
OTTER TAIL ~TY B<?,AR_9-o/
By: ~~~
Leland R. Rogness, Board o
CB/kd
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
February 9, 2016
Attachment A, Page 1
WARRANTS APPROVED ON 2/09/2016
Vendor Name
5TH DISTRICT ]All. ADMINlSTRATOR'S 1\
ALPlli\ TRAINING & TACTICS LLC
ASSOCIATION OF MN COUNTIES
AUTO FIX
AlffO VAU.1"1: FERGUS FAll..S
AlffO VAl..u"l: WADENA
BATTLE L-\KE STANDARD
BOB'S STANDARD BULK SERVICE
BRAUN VENDING INC
BUTLER MUI..LEN PROPERTIES LLC
BUY-MOR PARTS & SERVICE LLC
CARR'S LJJCE COv"NTRY Su-PER.MARKET
CJ SPORT
CLE."-N PLUS INC
COATINGS u"NI.lMITED
CODE 4 SERVICES LLC
COMPASS MINERALS AMERICA
COOPERS TECHNOLOGY GROu"P
CUI..LIGAN WATER COl\l"DmO:NING
D.P.SMAI..L ENGINES
DACOTAH PAPER COMPANY
DELL M:ARKETING LP
DEX EAST
EGGE CONSTRUCTION INC
FASTENAL COMPANY
FERGUS FAI..LS DAILY JOURNAL
FERGUS TIRE CENTER
FORTil\'ENGLER. Il.ECTRlC INC
FRAZEE ELECTRIC INC
FRAZEE FORUM INC
FRONTIER PRECISION INC
GAI..I..S l..LC
GOPHER STATE ONE CALL
GREATAMERICA FIN."-NCU.L SVCS
GRIFFIN/PATRICK
ll•WIES SEPTIC TANK Pl.J"MPING
HEL'I\ITKE/MARY J
HE.~"NING AMBv1.ANCE
HENSLEY/MARK H & BECk"Y S
1-iEA"UM BUII.DING CORPORATION
Hil.l. TOP LUMBER INC
INDIGITAl
Amount
1,575.00
469.00
1.675.20
82.79
704.08
72.00
146.84
165. 76
802. 75
750.00
6,076.67
64.93
344.50
184.29
1.485.00
158.50
9,520.42
3.510.45
10.00
59.00
259.41
477.39
17.85
210.00
45.36
801.26
20.00
207.08
214.39
125.00
950.00
888.51
105.00
237.63
115.96
80.00
250.00
350.00
750.00
2,140.00
25.96
3,830.05
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
February 9, 2016
Attachment A, Page 2
Vendor Name
INNOVAID'E OFFICE SOLUTIONS
INTEGRA TELECOM
JAKE'S JOHNS UC
JK SPORTS
KADRMAS LEE & JACKSON INC
KEEPRSINC
KE.I. Y SERVICES INC
KIEFERS.COM
L-\.KECOUNTRYG~'\PIDCSINC
L-\.KI REGION HEAL THC . .\R.E CORP
L-\.KIS AREA COOPa.\ TIVE
L.\RR.Y OTT INC TRUCK SERVICE
L.\RR.Y'S SUPERMARKET
L.\RSON/PAUI.
LEE/THOMAS
I.IND BERG/JANET
LOCATORS & SUPPLIES INC
MARCO INC ST LOUIS
MARCO TECHNOLOGIES llC
MARIPOSA PUBLISHING
McDA1'11ELS/DA.NIEL F & CONNIE M
MCIT
MIDWEST PRINTING CO
MINNESOTA INTER-COUNTY ASSOCL.\Tio
MINNESOTA MOTOR COMPANY
MINNESOTA SHERIFFS' ASSOCL.\TION
MN BUREAU OF CRIMINAL APPREHENSIO
MN COUNTIES COMPUTER CO-OP
NAPA FERGUS FAUS
NATu'RE'S PUMPING
NEIGEL FIREARMS
OK TIRE OF PERHAM INC
PEDERSEN/AL\llN
PEPPERSACK/ B . .\RBARA H & AL.\,~ J
PERHA."f\{/CITY OF
PHOENIX SUPPLY
POWERPL.\.l',f om
RDO TRUST #80-6130
RINGDAHL AMBUL.\NCE INC
SAZ.AMA/ JODI
SCHIER.ER/STEVE
SCOTT CO SHERIFF DEPT
Amount
32.61
365.46
298.02
266.00
16,856.63
144.34
866.80
60.00
35.64
275.00
276.32
1,190.00
27.51
272.04
307.08
17.97
83.98
260.57
3,008.95
70.26
3,250.00
36.00
90.00
90.00
33.08
200.00
75.00
10,000.00
33.36
100.00
310.00
1.283.92
119.99
250.00
835.00
573.83
417.34
57.50
432.15
305.14
200.22
70.00
Vendor Name
SCOTT HOFL.\ND CONSTRUCTION INC
SE.\CHANGE PRINTING & MARKETING
SER\•1CE FOOD SUPERVALU
SER\•1CBlo\STER CLEANING PROFESSION
SHEETS/JERRY & GYNETH A
SIGNWORKS SIGNS & BANNERS I.LC
StMENGAAR.D/PAUI.
STEINS INC
STEVENS CO SHERIFF'S OFFICE
STR.EICHERS
SUMMIT COMPANIES
TERMINAi. SUPPLY CO.
THARAI.DSON/MA TIHEW D & TRACY M
THE MID\VEEK INC
TITAN MACHINERY INC
TOSHIBA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS USA
TOWMASTER
UGGERUD/WARD
UNIFORMS UNliMITED INC
VOSS UGHTING
lNEST CENTRAL JAIL ADMINISTRATOR'S
\VHITE BANNER UNIFORM SHOP
WICKLUND/DAVID L & DONNA J
\VII.SON/WARREN R
Final Total:
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
February 9, 2016
Attachment A, Page 3
Amount
5,350.00
602.54
24.95
572.00
500.00
504.00
54.22
1,978.87
41.48
376.92
150.00
37.00
1,600.00
55.44
1,490.80
108.36
4,821.00
205.62
549.84
40.90
1,235.00
70.99
2.200.00
210.48
106,21615