HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 11/10/2009MINUTES OF THE
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Government Services Center, Commissioners' Room
500 W. Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
9:15 a.m.
Call to Order
The Otter Tail County Human Services Board convened Tuesday, November 10, 2009, at 9:15 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, Doug Huebsch and
Lee Rogness present.
Approval of Agenda
Motion by Froemming, second by Rogness, and unanimously carried to approve the Human Services
Board agenda of November 10, 2009 as mailed.
Approval of Minutes
Motion by Lindquist, second by Rogness, and unanimously carried to approve the Human Services
Board minutes of October 27, 2009, as mailed.
State Health Improvement Plan
Public Health Director, Diane Thorson, reported that Clay County has hired Jason Bergstrand as the
Project Manager for the Regional State Health Improvement Plan. She requested that Mr. Bergstrand
be located in the Otter Tail County Public Health Department because Mr. Bergstrand lives in Fergus
Falls and it is a central location for the region. This arrangement will save some travel time and •
expense for the project. Motion by Lindquist, second by Rogness, and unanimously carried to
authorize the Public Health Director to co-locate the Regional SH IP Project Manager,
Jason Bergstrand, in the Otter Tail County Public Health Department through June of 2011. The
SHIP program funds will cover the cost of computer, phone, and other supplies for the position.
Flu Vaccine Clinics
Ms. Thorson reported that over 1,050 doses of H1 N1 vaccine have been administered, which is about
2% of the county population. These doses were for children 6 months to 3 years of age, pregnant
women, and children with underlying conditions. Another shipment of H1 N1 vaccine will be received
by Otter Tail County and distributed to 8 surrounding counties in the region. Clinics have been
scheduled to administer these doses between November 16, 2009 and November 26, 2009.
Dog Bite Hearing
At 9:30 a.m., Chairman Erickson opened a Dog Bite Hearing related to a dog known as Duke owned
by Leslie and Scott Swartz from Underwood, MN. County Attorney, David Hauser, administered an
oath to the Public Health Director to testify regarding the facts of the case. Ms. Thorson testified that
two bites occurred to the daughter of Leslie and Scott Swartz. She stated that the facts as presented
and the Sheriff's report are accurate. The owners have found a new home for the dog where there
are no children present. The new owners reside in Rothsay, MN and are aware of the dog's history.
Motion by Rogness, second by Froemming, and unanimously carried to approve the plan for the dog,
Duke, to reside with new owners in Rothsay, MN as recommended by the Public Health Director. The
County Attorney will prepare an Order of Findings and will provide a copy to Wilkin County if needed.
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
November 10, 2009
Page 2
Early Head Start Program
Ms. Thorson briefed the Board regarding a program administered by the Community Action Council
involving intensive home visiting for families who do not qualify under the Nurse Family Partnership
program. The CAC would like to begin serving parents during the prenatal period. CAC would like to
contract with Otter Tail County for nurse time and training services for this program. Motion by
Rogness, second by Huebsch, and unanimously carried to approve this agreement in concept and
request that the Public Health Director return to the Board when the contract is finalized.
Public Health Programs
Ms. Thorson submitted a financial analysis from January through September of 2009 for Public Health
programs.
West Central Regional Juvenile Center
Probation Director, Chuck Kitzman and Director of WCRJC, Barry Steen, provided a new Cooperative
Agreement for the facility and several financial documents. They requested Board action to terminate
the current service agreement with WCRJC and enter into the new cooperative agreement, the
commitment to purchase 2.5 beds per day by Otter Tail County in 2010, and action to implement the
new agreement October 1, 2009. County Attorney, David Hauser, identified several sections of the
proposed cooperative agreement that, in his opinion, needed clarification or further review including
Section 5.01 (grant language), Section 7.06 (Open Meeting Law), Section 10 (per diems), Section
11.03 (counties being allowed to withdraw), and Section 15.01 (language to amend the agreement).
Mr. Steen explained the necessity to change how the facility operates in order to continue services as
they have for the past thirty years. Clay County officials approached counties using the facility and
suggested a system for counties to purchase beds which would ensure the money needed to meet
the budget for the facility and not reduce programs. He stated that ten counties, at this point, have
agreed in general to buy beds ranging from 1 /8 bed to 8 beds. About seven counties have signed the
new agreement. The budget for 2010 was discussed. Mr. Steen explained that the budget is based
on 17.25 beds rather than 18 beds because there is income from a small area of the facility that is
rented out and some nutrition services. Concern was expressed regarding the difference between the
usage of the facility over the previous four years and the usage in 2009. Motion by Huebsch, second
by Lindquist, and unanimously carried to ratify the concept of the new Cooperative Agreement for the
Operation of the Clay County Secure Juvenile Detention and Treatment Facility subject to clarification
of Section 15.01 (voting provision) and returning to the Human Services Board with a signed
agreement.
Motion by Huebsch, second by Froemming, and unanimously carried to authorize payment to the Clay
County WCRJC, in the amount of $15,881 per month for October through December of 2009 to assist
with the 2009 Budget. Motion by Rogness, second by Huebsch, and unanimously carried to authorize
payment of $15,881 per month for October, November, and December of 2009 to WCRJC from the
Human Services Budget (Probation Out of Home Placement line item). The monthly secure detention
out of home placement costs (based on purchase of 2.5 beds per day and a WCRJC budget of
$1,343,162.00) effective January 1, 2010 was reported as $15,208.33.
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
November 10, 2009
Page 3
DWI Court Surveillance Program
Motion by Huebsch, second by Rogness, and unanimously carried to authorize the Chairman's
signature to execute an Agreement for Professional Services between the State of Minnesota,
Seventh Judicial District, and Otter Tail County Probation for surveillance services for the DWI Court
Program. The agreement requires a 25% match from Otter Tail County, provided either in cash or in-
kind services. The agreement is effective from October 1, 2009 through September 30, 2010.
Human Services Contract Approval
Motion by Froemming, second by Erickson, and unanimously carried to authorize the Chairman's
signature to execute the following Human Services contracts:
Agency Program Effective Targeted Population Funding Source
Date
Land of the Over 60 Transportation 01/01/2010 Elderly & Disabled on Federal Funding
Dancing Sky MOU through behalf of the Area
!WCAAA\ 12/31/2010 Aqencv on Aaina
Lake Country Homemaking Services 07/01/2009 Elderly & Disabled Purchased Services
Home Care LLC through shall not exceed the
06/30/2010 OTC Annroved Rates
General Assistance Medical Care
Human Services Director, John Dinsmore, briefed the Board on the termination of the GAMC program
effective March 1, 2010. He reported that the Governor eliminated the program to reduce healthcare
funding for the State by $381 million. In Otter Tail County, approximately 200 clients are receiving
health care coverage through GAMC. Mr. Dinsmore submitted a GAMC FAQ. The briefing indicated
that about 75% of the 200 GAMC eligible clients will be covered under MnCare, some will obtain
coverage through Medicaid due to disability and the remainder will be without coverage.
Prepaid Medical Assistance Program
Mr. Dinsmore submitted information regarding Request for Proposals from qualified managed care
organizations to provide Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare to eligible county residents. The
State has asked for feedback from the 17 counties involved by September 15, 2009. Mr. Dinsmore
also provided a State map indicating the current managed care organizations available for purchase
by each county. Discussion continued regarding the cost of health care and nursing home services.
Approval to Pay Bills & Claims
Motion by Lindquist, second by Rogness, and unanimously carried to approve payment of the Human
Services bills and claims as presented.
Adjournment
At 10:50 a.m., Chairman Erickson declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Human Services
Board adjourned until 9: 15 a.m. on Tuesday, November 24, 2009.
Dated: _ _....l/'----"';J.--1-'f--.,;;l.,_QQ"'""-'9 __ _ -:~~TY~~::,;;;
Everett P. Erickson, Human Services Board Chair
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
November 10, 2009
Page 4
Call to Order
The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened Tuesday, November 10, 2009, at
11 :00 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,
Doug Huebsch and Lee Rogness present. ·
Approval of Agenda
Motion by Froemming, second by Huebsch, and unanimously carried to approve the Board of
Commissioners agenda of November 10, 2009 as mailed.
Approval of Minutes
Motion by Rogness, second by Froemming, and unanimously carried to approve the Board of
Commissioners minutes of November 3, 2009, as presented.
Approval to Pay Bills
Motion by Erickson, second by Froemming, and unanimously carried to approve payment of the
County Board bills per Attachment A of these minutes.
Access to USDA Maps/Data
Assessor, Bob Moe, spoke with legislators regarding access to the USDA maps. The 2008 farm bill
restricts access to the maps because of the manner in which some agencies were using the data.
Unless the farm bill is changed, Otter Tail County will not gain access to the data on these maps.
Commissioners requested that a letter be prepared to Congressman Collin Peterson and the
Association of Minnesota Counties to raise awareness of the issue. GIS Coordinator,
Brian Armstrong, noted that when the farm bill opens, the counties need to provide a unified mission
to make a change for access to the USDA map datasets.
Property Tax Sales Ratios and Green Acres Law
Mr. Moe reported the median sales ratio for residential and seasonal classifications as 98.6% and
agricultural classification at 102.87%. This ratio is based on sales from October 1, 2008 through
September 30, 2009.
Mr. Moe reported that non-productive land in Green Acres can be removed without a payback of tax
on those acres if a decision is made by May 1, 2010. The Rural Preserve Law begins in 2011 with the
Board of Water & Soil Resource (BWSR) and the Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD)
administering the program and the Assessor's office determining eligibility. Discussion took place
regarding each program and the advantage of removing land from the Green Acres program. Land
can be put into the Rural Preserve program for ten years. This requires filing a covenant which must
be completed by May 1, 2013. If property is sold, the covenant is recorded and is retained with
ownership of the property. Mr. Moe stated that letters will be sent to property owners currently in the
Green Acres program. Commissioner Huebsch requested a one-page synopsis of how the law is
changing. Mr. Moe stated that special ag homestead applications and letters to resort owners are
also being mailed.
license Application
Motion by Froemming, second by Rogness, and unanimously carrie_d, to approve the following
application for license:
Big Chief, Inc.
22528 Big Chief Road
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
Tobacco
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
November 10, 2009
Page 5
Bid Award -CSAH 18 Culvert Replacement
Motion by Huebsch, second by Lindquist, and unanimously carried to award the CSAH 18 Culvert
Replacement project to the low bidder, Subsurface, Inc. of Moorhead, MN, in the amount of
$25,536.36.
Project Update
Highway Engineer, Rick West, provided construction and design project updates and the elevations
for various pumping projects (Oscar, Lake Olaf, Johnson and South Turtle).
Recess & Reconvene .,
At 11 :51 a.m., Chairman Erickson declared the meeting of the Otter Tail .County Board of
Commissioners recessed for Budget and Personnel Committee meetings and lunch break. The
meeting was reconvened at 12:59 p.m. with Commissioners Erickson, Froemming, Huebsch and
Rogness present.
Wind Energy Presentation
Otter Tail Power Wind Energy Consultant, Bryan Morlock, outlined various aspects of wind energy
and factors that need to be considered with a single wind turbine or a wind turbine farm by way of a
powerpoint presentation. He stated that in Minnesota, the standard is 25% of the state's electricity
should be from renewable energy sources by 2025. Mr. Morlock referred to the 400-megawatt wind
farm located north of Valley City, ND partially owned by Otter Tail Power.
Mr. Morlock discussed wind characteristics including wind speed and wind power. Turbines need
8 -9 mph wind speed to start and will shut down at about 55 -57 mph. Wind turbines will also shut
down at about -22 degrees F or colder to reduce breakdown of technological or mechanical
equipment in the turbine. Turbine characteristics range from a small 1/8 kW turbine that costs $4,000
to $5,000 to units up to 2,500kW. Wind monitoring for a large project usually includes one to three
years of data saved every ten minutes and then analyzed by an experienced meteorologist. The wind
data and elevation will show various output depending on locations. Turbulence is a key factor when
siting a location for a wind farm because it can cause mechanical stress to the turbines. Siting studies
will include noise impacts, environmental concerns, safety, and required setbacks.
Mr. Morlock stated that the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has siting jurisdiction for any projects of
5 MW or more. Counties may assume siting jurisdiction for wind farms of 5 -25 MW if the county
assumes responsibility and provides notice to the PUC. Wind farms of less than 5 MW have local
siting jurisdiction only.
Discussion took place regarding the financial up-front costs to develop a wind farm and the federal
and state incentives now available. Other areas of discussion included; 1) traffic on rural roads,
2) decommissioning, 3) carbon legislation, 4) MN renewable energy credits, and 5) methane gas and
its role in renewable energy.
Closed to the Public
At 2:05 p.m., Chairman Erickson declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of
Commissioners moved to the Dead Lake Room and closed to the public to discuss litigation in the
matter of foreclosure proceedings relative to the Ethanol Plant. The closed session is authorized by
attorney-client privilege, Chapter 13D.05 Subd. 3b. Present were all five seated Commissioners,
attorneys from Lindquist & Vennum via conference call, the County Attorney, County Coordinator and
Board Secretary.
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
November 10, 2009
Page 6
Adjournment
Upon conclusion of the closed session, at 3:07 p.m., Chairman Erickson declared the meeting of the
Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners adjourned until Tuesday, November 17, 2009.
Dated: _....,_l.:_I _-/L'7L-_?-ofJlc:.....=.:z...'I..,__ __ OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
By$~~~c!,~
Everett P. Erickson, Board of Commissioners Chair
CB/kd
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
November 10, 2009
Attachment A, Page 1
WARRANTS APPROVED ON 11/10/2009 FOR PAYMENT 11/10/2009
VENDOR NAME
A'VIANDS LLC
MARLYS ADAMS
SCOTT ANDERSON
ASSOCIATED BAG COMPANY
BECKLUND OIL CO
BEN HOLZER UNLIMITED
BONNIE BERG
TODD BIEDERMAN
TIFFANY BLADOW
BLESI-EVANS COMPANY
BOB'S STANDARD BULK SERVICE
DION BREDMAN
RICHARD CARLUND
CARQUEST OF FERGUS FALLS MN
CARR'S LAKE COUNTRY SUPERMARKE
CATCO PARTS AND SERVICE
CHEMSEARCH
COOPERS TECHNOLOGY GROUP
CREATIVE FORMS & CONCEPTS INC
CULLIGAN
CULLIGAN WATER CONDITIONING
CAROLYN DALLMANN TRUSTEE
DAN'S TOWING & REPAIR
DEANS COUNTRY MARKET
DENZEL'S REGION WASTE INC
KATHYDOMHOLT
ELECTION SYSTEMS & SOFTWARE IN
MARK ELLENSON
FABRICATORS UNLIMITED INC
FERGUS ELECTRIC
FERGUS FALLS DAILY JOURNAL
FERGUS FALLS MEDICAL GROUP
FERGUS POWER PUMP INC
FERGUS TIRE CENTER
FOTH & VAN DYKE
FRAZEE FORUM INC
GALL'S INC
DARREL GEODE
JOHN GOOD
GOODIN COMPANY
PATRICK GRIFFIN
GORDON GUGEL
HEDAHLS HEADQUARTERS
HENRY'S FOODS INC
HITESMAN & ASSOCIATES PA
SANDY HOLD
TONYA HOLT
HONEYWELL
JANET HOUSER
HSBC BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
INNOVATIVE OFFICE SOLUTIONS
J J KELLER & ASSOCIATES INC
JC ELECTRIC INC
STANLEY JESINOSKI
JK SPORTS
GARY JOHNSON
K.I.D.LEASING
RICHARD KATZKE
AMOUNT
7,992.83
14.99
90.51
117.68
2,797.28
31.24
12,360.00
4,275.46
4,502.50
192.05
76.57
44.99
200.00
68.28
442.94
32.83
259.62
198.77
333.04
33.71
10.69
7,394.76
72.10
16.91
572.80
8.70
1,197.04
8.02
135.43
2,036.56
1,646.30
1,196.86
10,241.40
770.47
2,410.50
45.15
39.60
9,802.71
44.99
58.18
105.40
15.00
89.09
1,276.41
621.00
225.61
26.50
1,977.25
8,289.99
53.14
50.21
53.38
68.47
9,247.77
543.49
251.29
256.44
8,531.50
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
November 10, 2009
Attachment A, Page 2
KEEPRS INC CY'S UNIFORMS
KELLY SERVICES INC
GORDON KNUDSON
LARRY KROHN
L & LSERVICE
LAB SAFETY SUPPLY INC
LARRY OTT INC TRUCK SERVICE
LARRY'S SUPERMARKET
PATLARUM
ALLEN LEIN
JERRY LEIN
JANET LINDBERG
LOCATORS & SUPPLIES INC
LYLE'S WELDING & REPAIR
MARCO
MARCO INC ST LOUIS
MARK AND BRENDA CONSTRUCTION I
WENDY METCALF
MIDWEST PRINTING CO
MIDWESTERN MAT RENTAL & SUPPLY
MILLER'S PRECISION ENTERPRISES
MN MOTOR COMPANY
NAPA FERGUS FALLS
NETWORK CENTER COMMUNICATIONS
NOLO
RANDY NORGREN
NORTH AMERICAN SALT CO
OFFICEMAX INCORPORATED
RICHARD OLSON
OTTER TAIL CO TREASURER
OTTERTAIL TRUCKING INC
OUTDOOR RENOVATIONS LANDSCAPE
OVERHEAD DOOR CO OF FERGUS FAL
OVERLAND MECHANICAL SERVICES
DONALD PEDERSON
KENNETH PEDERSON
PELICAN RAPIDS PRESS
PEPSIAMERICAS
CITY PERHAM
ALVIN PETERSON
DANIEL PETERSON
KATINA PETERSON
POPE DOUGLAS SOLID WASTE MANAG
POWER PLAN
PRODUCTIVE ALTERNATIVES INC
RDO EQUIPMENT CO FARGO
REVIEW ENTERPRISES INC
ROYAL TIRE INC
SBLC-FF
DONALD SCHMIDT
CHERI SCHULTZ
SCOPE TECHNOLOGIES CORP
SCOTT HOFLAND CONSTRUCTION INC
HEATHER SEVERSON-TANEZ AND
SEWER SERVICE
RICK SHEILS
PAUL SIMENGAARD
STADUM PLUMBING & GRAVEL LLP
STATE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS
71.57
350.00
793.14
327.11
54.01
327.84
2,150.00
35.00
76.80
8,374.91
59.99
178.75
267.08
1.612.50
59.67
1,487.93
307.50
300.93
171.00
84.48
51.14
58.52
191.31
2,752.51
30.42
375.00
96,899.92
333.42
3,100.00
44.56
8,717.00
149.63
186.75
127.50
89.99
5,794.14
319.82
426.40
111,979.64
1,088.01
200.00
1,102.14
11.70
336.33
209.98
86.06
144.00
1,521.78
380.35
9,564.91
42.51
84.00
6,875.00
6,500.45
260.00
228.96
94.84
98.00
138.93
• .
STEINS INC
BERNARD STICH
STREICHER$
STRINGER BUSINESS SYSTEMS INC
SUPER SEPTIC & EXCAVATION
WILLIAM TAYLOR TRUSTEES
DARREN TORGUSSON
SUSAN ULSCHMID
VIKING COCA-COLA
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WEST PAYMENT CENTER
WHITE BANNER UNIFORM SHOP
XEROX CORPORATION
ZEE MEDICAL SERVICE
JOHN ZEGLIN
.... FINAL TOTAL ......
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
November 10, 2009
Page 3
2,391.65
19,115.12
22,405.00
87.81
77.19
4,565.52
151.00
48.20
111.75
562.77
3,574.70
425.99
168.42
9.51
774.84
$435,611.70 ....