HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 12/01/2009MINUTES OF THE
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Government Services Center, Commissioners' Room
500 W. Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN
December 1, 2009
9:15 a.m.
Call to Order
The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened Tuesday, December 1,
9:15 a.m., at the Otter Tail County Government Services Center in Fergus Falls,
Commissioners Everett Erickson, Chair; Roger Froemming, Vice-Chair; John
Doug Huebsch and Lee Rogness present.
Approval of Agenda
2009, at
MN, with
Lindquist,
Motion by Froemming, second by Huebsch, and unanimously carried to approve the Board of
Commissioners agenda of December 1, 2009 with the following addition:
9:20 a.m. -Land & Resource Director Regarding Ditch #37
Approval of Minutes
Motion by Froemming, second by Rogness, and unanimously carried to approve the Board of
Commissioners meeting minutes of November 24, 2009 as mailed.
Approval to Pay Bills
Motion by Lindquist, second by Rogness, and unanimously carried to approve payment of the County
Board bills per Attachment A of these minutes.
Drainage System #37
Land & Resource Director, Bill Kalar stated that in May of 2009, the County Board authorized tile
replacement in the area of Ditch #37 that leads to Onstad Lake. The pipes to complete the work were
delivered on-site which may have prompted a phone call from Rick Gronner. Mr. Gronner expressed
a concern with an area on the north end of Bass Lake. The tile between the town road and Bass Lake
was replaced a few years ago. A problem exists with a portion of the tile between the town road and
the wetland where the ground has opened up, tile was broken, and silt is getting into the tile.
Mr. Gronner is concerned, that if the repair upstream is complete with more water going into Onstad
Lake, there will be a back up of water (bottleneck) in the area of Ditch #37 before it flows into Bass
Lake. The request is that the area downstream by Bass Lake be repaired at the same time as the
original Ditch #37 repair upstream from Onstad Lake. Discussion took place. Motion by Huebsch,
second by Rogness, and unanimously carried to authorize repair of the tile north of Bass Lake
(indicated in red on the map provided) in addition to the original repair upstream from Onstad Lake
(indicated in yellow on the map). If there are not enough funds in the Ditch #37 Maintenance Fund,
the expenses will be paid out of the General Fund and later reimbursed by the Ditch #37 Fund.
Proposed Watershed Area
Wilkin County Commissioner, Lyle Hovland discussed his proposal of formation of a watershed district
(map of the area was submitted) with a drainage area of the upper Red River of the North and the
lower Otter Tail River. Other officials present for the discussion included:
WOTSWCD Manager, Brad Mergens; DNR Hydrologist, Terry Lejcher; Land & Resource
Director, Bill Kalar; Wilkin County Engineer, Tom Richels; Otter Tail County Highway
Engineer, Rick West; and Buffalo Red River Watershed District (BRRWD) Administrator,
Bruce Albright
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
December 1 , 2009
Page 2
Mr. Hovland provided a brief history of the area. In 2007, Wilkin County identified the need for water
drainage and management consistency throughout their county. The BRRWD includes the northern
part of Wilkin County and the Bois de Sioux Watershed District is in the southern part of the county.
The middle one-third of Wilkin County has experienced serious overland flooding over the past two
years resulting in very extensive crop and road damage. This area does not have an official
watershed. It contains nineteen legal ditch systems that total 157 miles of ditches to maintain.
Mr. Hovland explained that in 2008, the Wilkin County Board invited all township officials in the middle
one-third of Wilkin County to a meeting. A committee was formed and after extensive research with
the issues, the committee recommended that a watershed district would be the best alternative to deal
with the water issues. Mr. Hovland stated that due to recent heavy rainfall and flooding, there is
undue pressure on the Wilkin County Highway Department budget and he expressed a need for a
separate entity. Mr. Hovland listed the following potential responsibilities of a watershed district:
Protect public and private property from flooding
Protect agricultural land from flood damage
Improve water quality
Control and manage drainage
Ditch maintenance
Redetermination of assessment for benefits
Lengthy discussion followed Mr. Hovland's presentation including:
• Boundary of watershed districts
• The proposed area is approximately 273,000 total acres with about 75% of
the land in Wilkin County and 25% in Otter Tail County
• Representation on a watershed district board
• Process for appointment to a watershed district board
• Funding proposal -maximum that could be levied for this proposed district
is $250,000 with tax levied as a percentage of a resident's market value
• Grant funding possibilities for projects through an official watershed district
• Potential for the watershed district to become the drainage authority for
ditch systems
• Expertise in water management available through an official district
• The need to identify benefits vs. cost of an official district for the residents
affected
• Information and education process
• Negative side of watershed district may be additional permit(s) to obtain for
projects which could slow down projects and some loss of county control
Motion by Lindquist, second by Rogness, and unanimously carried to approve proceeding with an
exploratory and informational process regarding the proposal to create the Upper Red -Lower Otter
Tail Watershed District. Commissioners identified WOTSWCD Manager, Brad Mergens as Otter Tail
County's contact person for the proposal.
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
December 1, 2009
Page 3
Solid Waste Service Fee Increase
Solid Waste Director, Mike Hanan briefed the Board on current revenues (tipping fees & service fees)
for the disposal of solid waste. He explained that every Otter Tail County taxpayer is assessed a fee
for service by a point system. The following groups are assessed using different calculations:
residential, commercial, rural churches and town halls, apartment complexes and seasonal properties.
Mr. Hanan reported that the County's waste flow almost doubles in the summer and the waste
disposal facilities must be designed to handle maximum load during the highest times of the year.
He recommended an increased solid waste service fee be assessed to seasonal properties to ensure
enough revenue. Motion by Huebsch, second by Froemming, and unanimously carried to increase
the solid waste service fee for seasonal recreational properties in Otter Tail County from 3 points to 5
points ($42.50 per year) which is the same fee that is assessed to year around properties.
Solid Waste Tipping Fees
Motion by Froemming, second by Huebsch, and unanimously carried to approve the following Solid
Waste Fee Schedule effective January 1, 2010:
Items: County Fee State Total
Assessment
Mixed Municipal Waste/Household Waste:
Per Ton $ 61.11 $ 10.39 $ 71.50
Per Container (minimum} 2.14 0.36 2.50
Per Container (Standard sizes 20-35 gallons} 2.14 0.36 2.50
Per Baq (Oversized 35-45 qallon baqs) 2.78 0.47 3.25
Cubic Yard (uncomoacted) 10 08 1.72 11.80
Cubic Yard (compacted) 20.17 3.43 23.60
Unsorted Waste Hauler Loads:
Per Ton $ 122.22 $ 20.78 $ 143.00
Sortino Cost Per Ton 33.61 5.72 39.33
Unprotected Loads:
2.0 Times the Posted Rate
Demolition Debris:
Per Yard $ 8.00 $ 0.60 $ 8.60
Minimum (1/2 Yard) 4.00 0.30 4.30
Dump Truck (10 Yards) 80.00 6.00 86.00
Electronics:
Microwaves $ 9.00 N/C $ 9.00
Computer Monitors 9.00 N/C 9.00
Computers (CPU's, Small Printers etc.) 5.00 N/C 5.00
Large Printers (Conv Machines, etc.) 9.00 N/C 9.00
Televisions< 19" 9.00 N/C 9.00
Televisions 19" or qreater 12.00 N/C 12.00
Whitegoods:
Major Aooliances (stove, freezer, etc.} $ 9.00 N/C $ 9.00
Commercial Aooliances (freezers, coolers, etc.) 50.00 N/C 50.00
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
December 1, 2009
Page 4
Batteries:
Car/Boat/Motorcycle
Truck/Tractor
Commercial
Tires:
Passenaer Car/Pickuo
Semitruck/Trailer
Tractor (38 or smaller)
Tractor (Laraer than 38)
Flotation Tire
Miscellaneous:
Stuffed Chair
Sofa
Mattresses
Carpeting (oer yard)
Propane Tanks (5-20-40 pounds)
Scrap Iron & Metal:
Refer to Local Scrap Dealer
Minimum
Cubic Yard
Commercial (10 yards)
Brush: (accept 3"-4" in diameter or less)
Pickup/Trailer (level box)
Dump Truck (10 yards)
Per Yard
Non Otter Tail County Waste:
Non Otter Tail County Waste
Yard Waste:
Must be clean & free of contaminates
Haulers License Fees:
License Fee (base l
License Fee (oer truck)
Bond
Service Fee:
Per Service Fee Point
Unorotected Loads:
2.0 Times the Posted Rate
$ 1.00 N/C $ 1.00
4.00 N/C 4.00
10.00 N/C 10.00
$ 2.00 N/C $ 2.00
5.00 N/C 5.00
15.00 N/C 15.00
25.00 N/C 25.00
50.00 N/C 50.00
$ 5.13 $ 0.87 $ 6.00
10.26 1.74 12.00
10.26 1.74 12.00
0.85 0.15 1.00
4.00 N/C 4.00
1.00 N/C 1.00
2.50 N/C 2.50
25.00 N/C 25.00
5.00 N/C 5.00
20.00 N/C 20.00
2.00 N/C 2.00
3 times the countv rate
Free Free Free
$ 100.00 N/C $ 100.00
10.00 NIC 10.00
5,000.00 NIC 5,000.00
$ 8.50 N/C $ 8.50
Wadena County Agreement
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
December 1, 2009
Page 5
Motion by Huebsch, second by Lindquist, and unanimously carried to authorize the Chairman's
signature to execute the Service Contract for Solid Waste Management and shared Department Head
Agreement with language added to review the contract annually.
Joint Powers Agreement for Perham Resource Recovery Facility
Motion by Huebsch, second by Lindquist, and unanimously carried to authorize the Chairman's
signature to execute the Prairie Lakes Municipal Solid Waste Authority Joint Powers Agreement
(PLMSWA) as presented. The agreement is between the counties of Becker, Otter Tail, Todd and
Wadena for the ownership and operation of the Perham Resource Recovery Facility and cooperation
in other efforts of solid waste management.
Proposal for Cost Allocation Plans
Motion by Rogness, second by Huebsch, and unanimously carried to accept the proposal of
Government Management Group for the preparation of the County's 2009, 2010 and 2011 Cost
Allocation Plans, in the amount of $6,300 annually, as recommended by the Auditor.
Payment Approvals
Motion by Froemming, second by Lindquist, and unanimously carried to approve payment, in the
amount of $13,807.59, from the Otter Tail County Ditch Fund to Houston Engineering, Inc. for
services provided to Otter Tail County Drainage System No. 16 during the period of October 12, 2009
through November 22, 2009.
Fund Transfer
Motion by Rogness, second by Lindquist, and unanimously carried to approve a transfer, in the
amount of $136,361.44, from the Capital Improvement Fund to the Road and Bridge Fund for the
following expenditures previously approved by the Capital Improvement Committee:
2009 John Deere 624K Front End Loader
Garage No. 1 (Install New Roof)
$103, 166:44
33,195 00
Dog Bite Hearings
CB090818301005
090728301004
Motion by Froemming, second by Lindquist, and unanimously carried to approve the Findings of Fact
and Order for the dog owned by Rebecca Frazier as presented by the County Attorney.
Motion by Lindquist, second by Rogness, and unanimously carried to approve the Findings of Fact
and Order for the dog owned by Donny Lannes as presented by the County Attorney.
Recess
At 10:40 a.m., Chairman Erickson declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of
Commissioners recessed until 7:00 p.m., at which time, the Board of Commissioners will reconvene
for the 2010 Budget and Property Tax Levy Hearing.
Payable 2010 Budget and Property Tax Levy Hearing
The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners reconvened at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1,
2009 for the purpose of discussing and receiving public comment regarding the proposed payable
2010 budget and property tax levy. Everett Erickson, Chair, called the Budget and Property Tax Levy
Hearing to order with the following in attendance:
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
December 1, 2009
Page 6
Commissioners:
County Staff:
Daily Journal:
Public:
Everett Erickson, Roger Froemming, Doug Huebsch, John Lindquist, and
Lee Rogness
Steve Andrews, County Treasurer; John Dinsmore, Human Services Director;
Bernie Gamber, Veterans Service Officer; David Hauser, County Attorney;
Bill Kalar, Land and Resource Management Director; Chuck Kitzman,
Probation Director; Larry Krohn, County Coordinator; Bob Moe, County
Assessor; Wayne Stein, County Auditor; Rick Sytsma, Physical Plant
Manager; Diane Thorson, Public Health Director; and Rick West, Highway
Engineer
Lisa Kaczke, Reporter
13 individuals signed the attendance roster; however, the secretary estimated
that there were an additional 4 individuals in attendance who did not sign the
roster
Everett Erickson, Chair, welcomed those in attendance and made introductory comments concerning
the purpose and reason for this public hearing. The primary purpose of this meeting was to discuss
the County's proposed Payable 2010 tax levy and the County's proposed Calendar Year 2010
Budget. It was noted that this public hearing was not for the purpose of discussing market values
(estimated or taxable) and/or property classifications of specific properties.
Everett Erickson, Chair, then turned the meeting over to Wayne Stein, County Auditor, for
presentation of the proposed payable 2010 budget and 2010 net tax levy. A copy of the presentation
is on file in the County Auditor's office. Wayne Stein, County Auditor presented and briefly discussed
the payable 2010 proposed net tax levy of $29,452,670. This represents a $1,907,203 increase or a
6.92% increase over the net tax levy for payable year 2009. It was noted that this amount excludes
the proposed levy for the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, as well as for the lake improvement
districts. The proposed payable 2010 net tax levy including these two special taxing districts would be
$30,019,110. This represents a $2,003,093 increase or a 7.15% increase over the net tax levy for
payable year 2009.
Wayne Stein, County Auditor presented and briefly discussed the proposed calendar year 2010
budget of $69,979,284. It was noted that this is the total budget for both tax levied and non tax levied
funds and includes inter-fund activities. This represents a modest decrease over the calendar year
2009 budget as originally adopted.
Wayne Stein, County Auditor, briefly discussed the increase in the net tax levy dollars, as well as the
general budgetary revenue and expenditure categories of the County. There was a review of the
outstanding long-term debt. There was a brief discussion of major items that are affecting the
proposed payable 2010 budget and tax levy and additional steps that would be taken before final
action would be taken by the County Board of Commissioners.
Everett Erickson, Chair, requested questions and comments from those in attendance. The following
briefly summarizes the comments shared:
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
December 1, 2009
Page 7
1. Concern was expressed regarding valuations and continually rising property taxes.
2. The sale study period to determine market values used for taxes payable in 2010.
3. What is the major property classification where rural vacant land is included?
4. What are the hours available to discuss individual property valuation and classification
concerns?
5. Consider refinancing/refunding of existing debt to take advantage of lower interest rates.
6. How much is the County's debt load and the amount of interest that will be paid in 201 0?
7. Consider cutting services and reducing costs instead of always increasing property taxes.
8. Forget the proposed tax levy and reduce the costs.
9. Are residents demanding more services and programs or are these programs being
created by bureaucrats?
10. The commissioners were encouraged to slow the growth of government.
11. Concern was expressed for retired individuals and those on fixed incomes.
12. The commissioners were encouraged to oversee the bureaucratic spending.
13. The continued increase in property taxes is making it difficult for individuals to retain their
property.
It was noted that the power point presentation would be made available to those individuals
requesting a copy. It was also suggested and recommended to contact county administrative staff if
you have specific questions relating to a particular parcel's market value, classification or property tax
increase.
Letters from the following individuals expressing concerns with classification, valuation and property
tax increase were received: Lorraine Flatau, Jason Ohmann, and Marcey Femling Schwarz
For the record, it should also be noted that the County Auditor's office received a call from
Suzanne Kay Greenwood expressing concerns with the tax increase on her property in Girard
Township. Ms. Greenwood had planned to attend the meeting to express her concerns, but was
unable to attend and therefore called to express her concerns.
Wayne Stein, County Auditor, noted that the tentative plan is to adopt the final payable 2010 tax levy
and payable 2010 budget at 1 :45 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15, 2009, however, certification of the
approved special levies from the Department of Revenue is necessary before the payable 2010 tax
levy can be finalized; therefore, it might become necessary to move final action to a later date.
Everett Erickson, Chair, requested additional questions and comments from those in attendance.
Hearing no other questions, concerns and/or comments, Everett Erickson, Chair, thanked those in
attendance for their participation.
With no further questions and/or comments, Everett Erickson, Chair closed the Budget and Tax Levy
Hearing and adjourned the reconvened meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners at
8:05 p.m. The next meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners is scheduled on
Tuesday, December 15, 2009.
CB/kd
CB/ws
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
By~{IMilf P. ~~
Everett P Erickson, Board of Commissioners Chair
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
December 1, 2009
Attachment A, Page 1
WARRANTS APPROVED ON 12/01/2009 FOR PAYMENT 12/01/2009
VENDOR NAME
A-1 ENGRAVING
A'VIANDS LLC
JANICE AABERG
ADVANCED ENGRAVING INC
AMERICAN COMMUNICATIONS INC
AMERICAN RED CROSS
BATTERIES PLUS
CITY BATTLE LAKE
BERTS TRUCK EQUIPMENT OF MHD I
BLUESTONE TECHNOLOGIES INC
BOB BARKER COMPANY INC
HEATHER BRANDBORG
BRAUN INTERTEC CORPORATION
BRETZ HARDWARE
BRIGGS CORPORATION
BR31 US BEARINGS & DRIVES
BUMBLEBEE GIBSON INC
CDW GOVERNMENT INC
COMMISSIONER OF TRANSPORTATION
COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS
COMSTOCK CONSTRUCTION INC
COOK'S
DACOTAH PAPER COMPANY
CITY DALTON
CITY DEER CREEK
CITY DENT
CITY ELIZABETH
CITY ERHARD
FERGUS FALLS MEDICAL GROUP
CITY FERGUS FALLS
FERGUS POWER PUMP INC
FERGUS TIRE CENTER
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH
FOTH & VAN DYKE
GALL'S INC
GENERAL PARTS LLC
JACE GILBERTSON
GOVERNMENT FINANCE OFFICERS AS
NICOLE HANSEN
HEDAHLS HEADQUARTERS
CITY HENNING
HONEYWELL
JJ'S COMPANY EXCAVATING LLC
JK SPORTS
KELLY SERVICES INC
LAKE REGION DENTAL CENTER
LAKE REGION HEALTHCARE CORP
LAWSON PRODUCTS INC
LEITCH EXCAVATING
LOCATORS & SUPPLIES INC
LYLE'S WELDING & REPAIR
MARCO INC ST LOUIS
MARK AND BRENDA CONSTRUCTION I
STEWART MENSING
MN CO INSURANCE TRUST
MN STATE AUDITOR
MOORE MEDICAL LLC
AMOUNT
63.07
27.00
106.49
42.50
7,500.00
37.50
804.68
1,421.70
7.91
1,006.50
25.50
46.92
95.00
17.92
51.01
39.20
18,555.00
1,272.64
3,142.58
17,000.00
23,994.56
364.96
652.51
485.68
952.68
406.29
583.75
345.58
5,900.00
5,814.36
161.25
543.38
3,159.00
11,183.52
142.71
156.72
169.95
205.00
113.48
4.79
1,611.15
1,525.14
380.00
211.50
276.50
124.00
1,397.17
405.18
4,659.00
20.51
2,045.00
232.06
680.00
128.20
2,500.00
2,791.95
961.48
OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes
December 1, 2009
Attachment A, Page 2
ELDON MOREY PHD
NAPA FERGUS FALLS
NARDINI FIRE EQUIPMENT
NEIL DORNBUSCH & ASSOCIATES
NELSON BROS PRINTING
CITY NEW YORK MILLS
OFFICEMAX INCORPORATED
OTIS ELEVATOR CO
OTTER TAIL CO EMPLOYEES COMMIT
OTTERTAIL TRUCKING INC
CITY PARKERS PRAIRIE
PELICAN RAPIDS PRESS
CITY PELICAN RAPIDS
PENROSE OIL COMPANY
PEPSIAMERICAS
PERHAM CO OP CREAMERY
CITY PERHAM
PITNEY BOWES
PRODUCTIVE ALTERNATIVES INC
QUARTERMASTER
RDO EQUIPMENT CO FARGO
RDO TRUCK CENTERS
RELIABLE OFFICE SUPPLIES
THE RENTAL STORE
CITY RICHVILLE
CITY ROTHSAY
VICKI SCHWANKE
SECRETARY OF STATE
SEEBA'S SHOP
SIMPLEXGRINNELL LP
SOUTHTOWN C-STORE
SPRINT
SRF CONSULTING GROUP INC
STEINS INC
STOLPMAN LAW OFFICE
STRATEGIC EQUIPMENT
SUPER SEPTIC & EXCAVATION
TRADEHOME SHOES
TRANQUILITY BUILDING SERVICES
TRIMIN SYSTEMS INC
CITY UNDERWOOD
UNIFORMS UNLIMITED
CITY URBANK
CITY VERGAS
WEST GOVERNMENT SERVICES
WHITE BANNER UNIFORM SHOP
JAMES WILKUS
ZACK JONES & MAGNUS
•••• FINAL TOTAL. ..... .
420.00
6.62
1,329.41
1,736.72
120.20
1,335.62
63.74
113.04
153.00
7,660.00
642.13
210.00
2,451.20
1,923.75
453.87
367.14
3,618.99
1,435.00
84.28
126.83
3,393.28
1,147.19
162.74
42.75
527.71
518.37
55.00
200.00
209.11
635.91
287.54
662.70
2,217.30
1,349.11
842.00
37.67
150.00
39.99
454.22
2,505.99
546.39
99.95
625.78
873.29
84.70
119.00
14,395.00
90.00
$183,076.36 ••••