HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 09/22/2009MINUTES OF THE
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Government Services Center, Commissioners' Room
500 W. Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN
September 22, 2009
9:15 a.m.
Call to Order
The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened Tuesday, September 22, 2009, at
9:18 a.m., at the Otter Tail County Government Services Center in Fergus Falls, MN, with
Commissioners Everett Erickson, Chair; Roger Froemming, Vice-Chair; John Lindquist,
and Lee Rogness present. Commissioner Doug Huebsch was present at 9:24 a.m.
Approval of Agenda
Motion by Froemming, second by Lindquist, and unanimously carried to approve the Board of
Commissioners agenda of September 22, 2009, with the following change:
Ditch Inspector Agenda Items will be considered at 2:10 p.m.
Approval of Minutes
Motion by Lindquist, second by Rogness, and unanimously carried to approve the Board of
Commissioners meeting minutes of September 15, 2009 as presented.
Approval to Pay Bills
Motion by Rogness, second by Froemming, and unanimously carried to approve payment of the
County Board bills per Attachment A of these minutes.
Recess & Reconvene
At 9:23 a.m. Chairman Erickson declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of
Commissioners recessed for a Highway Committee meeting.
CSAH 9 Pelican Lake Project
At 9:52 a.m., Chairman Erickson declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of
Commissioners reconvened and opened discussion regarding the CSAH 9/20 Corridor Study.
Rick Lane, of SRF Consulting Group, reported that this project has been on-going since July of last
year. There were several public meetings held along with several on-site viewings. The Pelican Lake
Association supported a long range plan for realignment of Highway 9. SRF Consultants
recommended an official mapping process to preserve the necessary right-of-way so that when traffic
volumes meet the demand for a new roadway, one can be constructed without land use conflicts. The
cost of realignment today is about 9 million dollars, so work towards a plan to fund the project is
needed. Mr. Lane stated that the Township does not want parallel roads, so the County will need to
turn Highway 9 back to the Township, which requires an upgrade of Highway 9. The briefing
continued with explanations of three improvement options for the existing CSAH 9/20 corridor. Motion
by Rogness, second by Huebsch, and unanimously carried to approve Alternative 3 as follows: "This
option includes a six-foot sidewalk on the non-lake side of the roadway (with curb and gutter as
needed), a six-foot shoulder, two 12-foot travel lanes, and a four-foot shoulder on the east side of the
roadway. A six foot boulevard would be included between the sidewalk and roadway where space
allowed. This alternative would also include dynamic speed feedback signs, a crosswalk, sidewalk,
and median system between the Yacht Club building and dock, and gateway treatments including
sidewalks and medians at the intersections of CSAH 9/CSAH 20 and CSAH9/South Pelican Drive."
Highway Engineer, Rick West, thanked the public for their input on the project and stated that the
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
September 22, 2009
Page 2
CSAH 9 Project is planned for 2011 and Pelican Lake Project planned for 2012. Both projects are on
the five-year Highway Improvement Plan.
Recess & Reconvene
At 10:17 a.m., Chairman Erickson declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of
Commissioners recessed for a short break. The meeting was reconvened at 10:21 a.m.
Noxious Weed Control Appeal
Auditor, Wayne Stein, presented an appeal letter from Eloise Jensen relative to eradication of noxious
weeds on her property. Included in the packet was the bill for the work, in the amount of $2,582.29
and the statute that allows the appeal to the County Board. Ditch Inspector, Randy Wasvick,
submitted a portfolio of evidence regarding letters that have been sent since 2001 regarding the need
to control thistles on Ms. Jensen's 80 acre property. He showed pictures of the thistles on the
property and noted that this property is not farmed and is not in CRP. Ms. Jensen and her son
explained that they were disking, but ii takes time. They were concerned about pine trees that were
planted along the fence line. They also questioned why the contractor left 25 acres of thistles
standing. Discussion followed with commissioners explaining that the amount of thistles on the
property is a problem for neighbors and long range use of the property. Motion by Rogness, second
by Huebsch, and carried with Froemming opposed and Erickson abstaining, to approve the Statement
of Cost for Eradication of Noxious Weeds on the Eloise Jensen property with a reduction in the
Inspector charges from $672.30 to $300.00, equaling a total eradication cost of $2,209.99.
Commissioner Froemming opposed because he felt the repair bill should not be the responsibility of
the property owner. The property is described as W½ NE¼ (80.00 Acres) Section 34 of Leaf Lake
Township.
Recess & Reconvene
At 11 :00 a.m., Chairman Erickson declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of
Commissioners recessed for a Personnel Committee meeting, Solid Waste Committee meeting, and
lunch break. The Board of Commissioners meeting was reconvened at 1 :00 p.m.
Human Services Contract Approval
Motion by Rogness, second by Lindquist, and unanimously carried to authorize the Chairman's
signature to execute the following Human Services contracts:
Agency Program Effective Targeted Funding Source
Date Pooulation
Linda Larson Residential Services/ 07/01/09 Elderly & AC/EW/CADI or TBI
Home Plus/Foster through Disabled Waivered Funds
Care Services 06/30/10
Tawny & Erick Residential Services/ 07/01/09 Elderly & AC/EW/CADI or TBI
Larson Home Plus/Foster through Disabled Waivered Funds
Care Services 06/30/10
Temporary Position Authorization
Motion by Rogness, second by Froemming, and unanimously carried to authorize a Social Worker
who has submitted a resignation to continue working 10 to 13 hours per week until the end of CY2009
in a temporary status.
Multi-County Dispatch Grant
Motion by Huebsch, second by Froemming, and unanimously carried to approve an application for a
Multi-county Dispatch Grant to be used for a Dispatch Consolidation Study.
Part Time Detention Officers
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
September 22, 2009
Page 3
Motion by Rogness, second by Huebsch, and unanimously carried to authorize hiring two part-time
Detention Officers from the current eligibility list.
4-H Update
4-H Educator, Donna Geiser, briefed the Board regarding State Fair 4-H participation and compared
projects from 2006 through 2009. She explained a pilot project entitled "Stepping Out" which involves
youth in non-competitive sports/activities.
REQUEST FOR AGRICULTURAL METADATA SETS FROM FARM SERVICE AGENCY
Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2009 -47
Commissioner Froemming offered the following and moved its adoption:
WHEREAS, Otter Tail County wishes to reduce government spending with the use of Geographic
Information System (G.I.S.) data such as:
Common Land Unit {CLU)
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) Reserve Program, and
WHEREAS, Farm Service Agencies use, collect and maintain the G.I.S. data identified above to
perform its tasks, and
WHEREAS, the same data could be used by Otter Tail County to reduce redundant efforts which
would save taxpayer dollars, and
WHEREAS, the same data would increase accuracy and efficiencies for the County Assessor in the
collection of data that is required by M.S. 273.13, subd. 23, M.S. 273.111, and M.S. 273.12; and
WHEREAS, the same data could also 'be used to augment existing County mandates with the
creation of Land Use Maps for County Ditch assessments, planning, zoning, environmental issues
and statistical analysis; and
WHEREAS, the same data over0Iayed with existing County G.I.S. layers would produce the ability to
assess, using scientific data, items like soils on the Otter Tail County Soil Survey and Crop
Productivity Index (CPI), and
WHEREAS, Otter Tail County already has ownership data and is not requesting ownership data, and
WHEREAS, Government agencies, working together, can save money and improve efficiencies.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Otter Tail County and the local FSA and NRCS offices
work together to ensure the most recent and accurate data source.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Otter Tail County is requesting full Metadata
Sets (minus owner/renter and value information); however, must retain the land use type or code (with
matching code table and Metadata) so types of land can be distinguished including CRP, RIM, CLU,
Tree Farms and other government program land uses.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that Otter Tail County is requesting the full
Metadata Sets in accordance with national standards so Otter Tail County can efficiently fulfill the
requirements of the State of Minnesota.
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
September 22, 2009
Page4
Commissioner Lindquist seconded the resolution and, upon being put to vote, the resolution was
unanimously adopted.
Adopted this 22nd day of September, 2009.
Dated: O"t /.; 7 /4ioo9
•
Attest~~ LanyKron, Cerk
OTTER TAIL COUNTYH: OF COMMISSIONERS
ByG,~ -~-~
Everett P. Erickson, Board of Commissioners qhair
Recess & Reconvene
At 1 :34 p.m., Chairman Erickson declared the meeting of the Otter Taih,,Co'unty:'Board of
Commissioners recessed for a short break. The Board of Commissioners meeting 'was reconvened at
1:41p.m. ··
Johnson Lake Pumping Project
Motion by Rogness, second by Froemming, and unanimously carrie_d to a_uthorize the appropriate
County Officials' signatures to execute an agreement between the County of Otter Tail and Ulteig
Engineers to design a permanent pipe system for the Johnson Lake Pumping Project.
Retainage Reduction -C.P. 09:128CU
Motion by Froemming, second by Lindquist, and unanimously carried to authorize the reduction of
retainage for C.P. 09:128CU, Box Culvert on CSAH 128 South of Balmoral Golf Course from 5% to
1 %. Sunblad Construction of Cokato, MN is the contractor for the project.
Contract Amendment #3 to CSAH 9/20 Corridor Study
Motion by Huebsch, second by Lindquist,.,and.,unanimously carried to authorize the Chairman's
signature to execute Amendment #3 between :the County of Otter Tail and SRF Consulting Group,
Inc. which includes an amended project co,st of $180,827. This includes the cost of official mapping
for the proposed long term project, · · '
:••::,.,, County Drainage Systems
County Ditch #18: , \
Ditch Inspector, Randy Wasvick,.requested permission for Property Owner, Kevin Froemming, to tile
300' of open ditch on his property at his expense. Motion by Huebsch, second by Lindquist, and
unanimously carried,:to1,authorize Kevin Froemming to tile 300' at the beginning of County Ditch #18
as recommended by the Ditch Inspector and with the condition that all expenses to install and
maintain the tile is the responsibility of the property owner.
County Ditch # 51:
Mr. Wasvick explained the flow of water in County Ditch #51 beginning in Pelican Township on the
west side of 220th Avenue. Howard Braton owns property in this area. Part of the Ditch is an open
ditch that,.has silted-in over the years and with the wet fall seasons, the wetland area by the open
ditch fills up, holds the water back and fills the culvert under 220th Avenue. The culvert freezes up
and causes water to back up preventing Mr. Braton from farming 5 -10 acres of land. Mr. Braton has
requested to clean the open ditch to the tile system and pay all expenses. Discussion followed.
Motion by Erickson, second by Lindquist, to authorize Mr. Braton to clean out the open ditch. Motion
was rescinded by Commissioner Erickson. Motion by Lindquist, second by Rogness, and carried with
Erickson abstaining, to authorize Howard Braton to clean out the open ditch on his property in County
Ditch No. 51 as recommended by the Ditch Inspector with the following conditions:
Ditch #37:
1) All work must be completed by a contractor.
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
September 22, 2009
Page 5
2) Before work is started, a contractor must provide the elevation of the culvert, elevation
of the tile and a profile in between (requirement of wetland experts).
3) Work must be as originally designed.
4) All expenses are paid for by Mr. Braton.
Mr. Wasvick reported that the Board of Water and Soil Resources will not allow a pipe to be pulled in
on the Vernon Johanson's land in County Ditch #37. This would be considered an improvement
because the old pipe would remain and not be crushed or removed.
Ditch #52.
Motion by Rogness, second by Lindquist, and unanimously carried to trap beavers and provide
maintenance on County Ditch #52 on VanSanten's property with expenses paid out of the Ditch #52
Maintenance Fund.
Nomination for MACA Award
Motion by Rogness, second by Froemming, and unanimously carried to nominate Otter Tail County
Coordinator, Larry Krohn, for the 2009 Joe Reis Award recognizing service and leadership in the field
of county management by the Minnesota Association of County Administrators (MACA) organization.
Amendment to Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2009 -32
Review of Proposed State Wildlife Acquisition
Motion by Commissioner Froemming, second by Commissioner Huebsch, and unanimously carried to
adopt the following amendment to Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2009 -32 for purposes of
correcting a typographical error in the land description.
Lands to be acquired are corrected and described as follows:
N½SE¼ of Section 3, T. 136N, R.37W
Adopted this 29th day of September, 2009
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
B~cfa-~ p, ~w~
Everett P. Erickson, Board of Commissioners Chair
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
September 22, 2009
Page 6
Closed to the Public
At 2:42 p.m., Chairman Erickson declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of
Commissioners closed to the public to discuss pending litigation with Otter Tail Ag Enterprises
regarding the Ethanol Plant. The closed session is authorized by attorney-client privilege, Chapter
13D.05 Subd. 3b. Present were all five seated Commissioners, County Attorney, and Board
Secretary.
Adjournment
Upon conclusion of the closed session, at 3:20 p.m., Chairman Erickson declared the meeting of the
Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners adjourned until Tuesday, September 29, 2009.
Dated: --=0_.1+/-'--'2'--'-'1+/;J.=-coc_'t'-----
Attest ~~ Larryl<ro, Clerk
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
By~UeADl:P~~
Everett P. Erickson, Board of Commissioners Chair
CB/kd
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
September 22, 2009
Attachment A, Page 1
WARRANTS APPROVED ON 9/22/2009 FOR PAYMENT 9/22/2009
VENDOR NAME
JANICE AABERG
ABI PUBLICATIONS
ACME ELECTRIC CO
AMERICAN INSTITUTIONAL SUPPLY
AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION
TYLER ANDERSON
ASSOCIATED BAG COMPANY
JOHN BARTHEL
BEAR GRAPHICS INC
BOUND TREE MEDICAL LLC
HEATHER BRANDBORG
BRAUN VENDING INC
KAREN CANNELL
CAROLINA SOFTWARE
CDW GOVERNMENT INC
CIT TECHNOLOGY FIN SERV INC
CMI OF KENTUCKY INC
CO OP SERVICES INC
CODE 4 SERVICES LLC
CONCEPT FINANCIAL GROUP
COOPERS TECHNOLOGY GROUP
MICHELLE ELDIEN
ELECTION SYSTEMS & SOFTWARE IN
FERGUS FALLS DAILY JOURNAL
CITY FERGUS FALLS
FERGUS POWER PUMP INC
FOTH & VAN DYKE
FSH COMMUNICATIONS LLC
GALL'S INC
GE CAPITAL (CA)
GODFATHERS EXTERMINATING INC
GRAINGER INC
CHRISTINE GREENE
DENISE GUBRUD
BRAD HAZELETT
HENNING HARDWARE
HIGH PLAINS TECHNOLOGY
SANDY HOLO
HOOTS SPORTS
HOUSTON ENGINEERING INC
INDEPENDENT EMERGENCY SERVICES
INNOVATIVE OFFICE SOLUTIONS
ISSUETRAK INC
TJJOHNSON
KEEPRS INC CY'S UNIFORMS
KELLY SERVICES INC
KNUTE NELSON HOME CARE
LAKE REGION DENTAL CENTER
LAKE REGION HEAL TH CARE CORP
LAKELAND MENTAL HEAL TH CENTER
LARRY OTT INC TRUCK SERVICE
MATHEW LARSON
LEITCH EXCAVATING
LIBERTY TIRE RECYCLING SERVICE
MANNY'S -ROCKY'S BAIT
MARCO INC ST LOUIS
MATTHEW BENDER & COMPANY INC
MEKALSON HYDRAULICS INC
AMOUNT
26.57
119.95
51.25
262.10
94.91
66.00
93.12
189.99
243.11
223.05
130.86
39.29
22.55
271.54
299.88
190.53
250.00
74.22
535.43
125.50
298.94
331.03
2,586.92
2,926.54
5,173.53
2,051.10
6,450.43
64.13
179.53
374.05
139.15
124.60
21.28
27.76
240.00
59.33
93.30
24.00
346.80
30,821.68
64.22
51.87
600.00
90.00
25.99
1,299.96
876.69
43.00
1,100.00
9,973.25
1,000.00
66.00
3,304.70
1,625.57
2,030.90
320.89
473.87
232.26
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
September 22, 2009
Attachment A, Page 2
MN BUREAU OF CRIM APPREHENSION
MN CO ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION
MN DEPT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 0
MN MOTOR COMPANY
MN OFFICE OF ENTERPRISE TECHNO
MN POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY
TOM MURSU
NAPA FERGUS FALLS
NELSON BROS PRINTING
NETWORK CENTER COMMUNICATIONS
TYLER NORDBY
NORTHLAND REBUILDING
NORTHSTAR TECHNOLOGY GROUP INC
NORTHWEST GLASS & SERVICES INC
OTTER TAIL CO EMPLOYEES COMMIT
OTTER TAIL CO TREASURER
OTTERTAIL BAKERY
ANN OUREN
OVERLAND MECHANICAL SERVICES
PARK REGION CO OP
PERHAM AREA EMS
PERHAM CO OP CREAMERY
PERHAM ENTERPRISE BULLETIN
PERSONNEL EVALUATION INC
PETE'S AMOCO
ANDREW PETERSON
PINE PLAZA TV APPLIANCE
POWER PLAN
HENRY PRICE
PRO-WEST & ASSOCIATES INC
QUICK'S NAPA AUTO PARTS
RDO EQUIPMENT CO FARGO
RDO TRUCK CENTERS
RECYCLING ASSOCIATION OF MINNE
REVIEW ENTERPRISES INC
ROYAL TIRE INC
KURT SCHOENING
SERVICE FOOD SUPERVALU
SOTA
SPRINT
SUPER SEPTIC & EXCAVATION
TRI STAR RECYCLING
SUSAN ULSCHMID
UNIFORMS UNLIMITED
VICTOR LUNDEEN COMPANY
VIKING COCA-COLA
WALLWORK TRUCK CENTER
WEST GOVERNMENT SERVICES
WEST PAYMENT CENTER
WHITE BANNER UNIFORM SHOP
.... FINAL TOTAL. ..... .
10.00
20.00
150.00
195.83
1,200.00
245.00
450.00
38.20
613.91
355.00
66.00
400.00
9,000.00
118.52
107.00
743.33
38.00
72.00
240.47
37.41
660.00
1,053.36
145.38
20.00
1,892.27
66.00
40.59
3,862.02
140.00
3,392.50
12.59
128.70
1,490.88
150.00
123.75
247.47
66.00
23.97
43.06
662.70
77.19
3,990.23
48.20
142.97
307.43
275.20
2,466.24
84.70
35.26
376.00
$115,823.76 ••••