HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 12/09/19970
Call to Order
The Otter Tail County Human Services Board convened Tuesday, December 9, 1997 at 9:30 a.m.
at the Otter Tail County Courthouse with Bill Stone, Chair; Syd Nelson, Vice-Chair, Andy Lindquist,
Secretary, Malcolm Lee, and Virginia Partmann present.
Approval of Agenda
Motion by Lee, second by Nelson, and unanimously carried to approve the Human Services
agenda of December 9, 1997 as submitted.
Approval of Minutes
Motion by Partmann, second by Lee, and unanimously carried to approve the Human Services
minutes of November 25, 1997 as presented.
Caseload/Workload Reduction Funds
Court Services Director, Chuck Kitzman, reported that the Minnesota DOC is working on the
caseload reduction funding for fiscal year 1999. Mr. Kitzman provided a FY99 distribution handout.
FY99 includes new caseload reduction funds of $6,423 for Otter Tail County, however, State
Corrections Supervisor, Bruce Besse and Mr. Kitzman draft cooperative plans each year for the
entire dollars available. Mr. Besse is requesting the Department of Corrections use the $6,423 in
new caseload/workload reduction fund be applied to felony caseload management for FY99.
Motion by Partmann, second by Lee, and unanimously carried to follow the recommendation of
Court Services Director, Chuck Kitzman, and approve Mr. Besse's request to apply new funds
($6,423) for FY99 to felony caseload management.
Monthly Caseload Statistics
Mr. Kitzman provided adult-juvenile monthly statistics for 1985 through 1997.
Assisted Living Program
Diane Thorson, Public Health Director, reported on the Assisted Living Program at Riverview
Heights. She reported 27 current clients. The program provides $205,000 annually to cover direct
staff costs and some agency overhead. Ms. Thorson requested authorization to hire two part time
(15 hours per week) Home Management Aids with the same classification as the county's current
housekeeping staff.
The commissioners referred Ms. Thorson to the Budget Committee regarding authorization to hire
additional staff and further, referred Ms. Thorson to the Personnel Committee regarding Public
Health's overall budget and staffing.
Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners
December 9, 1997
Page 2
Dental Clinic Update
Ms. Thorson updated the board regarding a potential dental clinic for MA and MNCARE recipients.
The RTC is a potential site for the dental clinic. The University of Minnesota would staff the clinic
with dental students. Discussion continued regarding start up cost for the clinic, cooperation Q
between agencies, and health plan reimbursement rules for MA effective January 1, 1998.
Environmental Health Program
Public Health Director, Diane Thorson, reported that since the State of Minnesota will become the
licensing agent for the Environmental Health Program, she will send a letter from the Public Health
Department to vendors to explain the change and assist in the transition.
Technical Consultant Agreement
Motion by Partmann, second by Nelson, and unanimously carried to authorize the appropriate
county officials' signatures to execute the Technical Consultant Agreement for cholesterol testing.
The technical expertise is purchased from Lake Region Hospital.
Purchase of Service Agreement
Motion by Lee, second by Nelson, and unanimously carried to authorize the Public Health
Director's signature to execute a Purchase of Service Agreement between the Public Health
Department and Otter Tail County Human Services Department for Alternative Care, Elderly
Waiver and CADI programs.
Approval of Bills & Claims
Motion by Lee, second by Nelson, and unanimously carried to approve the Human Services bills
and claims as presented.
Information Provided
Tom Fawcett, Social Services Director, reviewed the 1996-97 county service levels for the Green
Thumb program.
Mr. Fawcett provided copies of a proposed amendment to the Family Planning Services portion of
rules governing medical assistance payments (Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0280).
Contracts Approved
Motion by Lindquist, second by Lee, and unanimously carried to authorize the appropriate county
officials' signatures to execute a 1998 contract with Productive Alternatives for an increase in per
diem rates for services.
Motion by Lindquist, second by Lee, and unanimously carried to approve a Host County Purchase
of Service Agreement between the Otter Tail County Department of Social Services and Catholic
Charities effective January 1, 1998 to December 31, 1998. The contract includes a 1% per diem
increase of $258.56 for residential day treatment.
Managed Care Survey
Mr. Fawcett provided a copy of the summary report and press release of the 1997 Medicaid and
MinnesotaCare managed care member satisfaction survey.
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Contract Approved
Motion by Lee, second by Partmann, and unanimously carried to authorize the appropriate county Q
officials' signatures to execute a Purchase of Service and Host County Contract between Otter Tail
County Department of Social Services and Lake Region Halfway Homes, Inc. for the period of
January 1, 1998 to December 31, 1998. The contract increases the per diem rate to $40. 70 for
chemical dependency treatment services.
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Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners
December 9, 1997
Page 3
Motion by Portmann, second by Lindquist, and unanimously carried to authorize the appropriate
county officials' signatures to execute a contract for purchase of services between Otter Tail
County and Rural Minnesota CEP, Inc. for services authorized under MFIP.
Amendment of CY 1997 Purchase of Service Agreements
Otter Tail County Resolution No. 97-65
Upon a motion by Portmann, second by Lindquist, and unanimously carried, the Otter Tail County
Board of Commissioners adopts the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota, by legislative action and 1997 Statute, Chapter 203, has
mandated the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services to increase reimbursements or
allocation rates by five (5) percent for services rendered on or after July 1, 1997. County Boards
shall adjust provider contracts, as needed, for services provided under the following programs.
• Home and Community-Based Waiver Services for persons with mental
retardation or related conditions -M.S., Section 256B.501
• Home and Community-Based Waiver Services for the elderly -M.S.,
Section 256B.0915
• Alternative Care Services -M.S., Section 256B.0913
• Community Alternatives for Disabled Individuals Waiver Services -M.S.,
Section 256B.49
• Community Alternative Care Waiver Services -M.S. 256B.49
• Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver Services -M.S., Section 256B.49
• Nursing Services and Home Health Services -M.S., Section 256B.0625,
Subd. 69
• Adult Residential Program Grants -Minnesota Rules, Part 9535.2000 to
95355.3000
• Adult and Family Community Support Grants -Minnesota Rules, Parts
9535.1700 to 9535.1760
• Semi-Independent Living Services -M.S., Section 252.275
WHEREAS, 1997 Legislation affecting reimbursement and allocation rates for certain Home and
Community-Based Services is found in Department of Human Services Bulletin #97-57-3. (The
intent of the legislation is directed toward the compensation packages of staff within each service
area.
NOW, THEREFORE, Purchase of Service Agreements are hereby amended, effective July 1,
1997, to reflect the mandated adjustments. The following Otter Tail County contracted providers
are covered by this agreement:
• Lake Region Home Health
• Midwest Home Health
• New Dimensions
• Piper Home Health
• Public Health
• Lakeland Mental Health Center -Community Support Program
• Lakes Homes, Inc. -Waiver
• Lutheran Social Services -Waiver
• Homework Center, Inc. -SILS & Waiver Services
• St. William's Annex -Community Support Program & Rule 36 (Residential
Treatment)
Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners
December 9, 1997
Page4
• Productive Alternatives
• Regional Treatment Center -Waiver Services & North Country Options
• Synstelien Home -Waiver Services
• Vergas Care Center -Assisted Living
Adopted this 9th day of December, 1997.
ByrzJJ~~ By/'f/4~u??6
William Stone, Chair Thomas M. Fawcett, Social Services
Chemical Dependency Position
Mr. Fawcett requested authorization to hire an additional Chemical Dependency Counselor. The
County Board referred Mr. Fawcett to the Personnel Committee regarding this matter.
Adjournment
At 11 :05 a.m., Chairman Stone declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Human Services
Board a · urned until 9· 0 a.m. Tuesday, December 23, 1997.
By ______________ _
Thomas M. Fawcett, Social Services
Dated ;{)41,,_e,R/\ 1 o):J1 /927
Call to Order
The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened Tuesday, December 9, 1997 at 1 :01
p.m. at the Otter Tail County Courthouse with Commissioners Andy Lindquist, Chair; Syd Nelson,
Malcolm Lee, Bill Stone, and Virginia Partmann present.
Approval of Agenda
Motion by Partmann, second by Lee, and unanimously carried to approve the County Board
agenda of December 9, 1997 with the following addition:
Board of Adjustment Appointments for 1998 -Auditor, Wayne Stein
Approval of Minutes
Motion by Stone, second by Partmann, and unanimously carried to approve the County Board
minutes of December 3, 1997 as presented.
Highway Project Update
Highway Engineer, Rick West, briefed the board regarding highway construction and design
projects in Otter Tail County and provided a handout. Discussion followed.
1998 Solid Waste Fees
Mike Hanan, Solid Waste Director, requested approval for proposed 1998 solid waste fees as
presented. Mr. Hanan explained that the fees are similar to the 1997 solid waste fees except for
additional state assessment.
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Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners
December 9, 1997
Page 5
Motion by Partmann, second by Stone, and unanimously carried to approve the 1998 solid waste
fees as follows:
Solid Waste Fee Schedule
Items County Fee State Assessment Total
Mixed Municipal Waste/Household Waste:
Per Ton 32.69 5.56 38.25
Acceptable Industrial/Non-Incinerated (per ton) 47.00 8.00 55.00
Per Container (minimum) 1.07 .18 1.25
Per Container (30 gallon) 1.07 .18 1.25
Per Container (50 gallon) 2.14 .36 2.50
Cubic Yard (uncompacted) 3.42 .58 4.00
Cubic Yard (compacted) 10.26 1.74 12.00
Demolition Debris:
Per Yard 6.00 .60 6.60
Dump Truck (10 Yards) 60.00 6.00 66.00
Whitegoods:
Major Appliances (Stove, Freezers, Etc.) 8.00 N/C 8.00
Minor Appliances (Microwaves, Etc.) 5.00 N/C 5.00
Commercial Appliances (Freezers, Coolers, 30.00 N/C 30.00
Etc.)
Batteries:
Car/Boat/Motorcycle 1.00 N/C 1.00
Truck/Tractor 2.00 N/C 2.00
Commercial 5.00 N/C 5.00
Tires:
Passenger Car/Pickup 1.50 N/C 1.50
Semitruck/Trailer 4.00 N/C 4.00
Tractor (38.00 or smaller) 15.00 N/C 15.00
Tractor (Larger than 38.00) 24.00 N/C 24.00
Rotation Tires (Terragator) 50.00 N/C 50.00
Miscellaneous:
Stuffed Chair 4.06 .69 4.75
Sofa 8.12 1.38 9.50
Mattresses 8.12 1.38 9.50
Carpeting (Per Yard) .64 .11 .75
Televisions 5.12 .88 6.00
Scrap Iron & Metals:
Refer to Local Scrap Dealer
Small Volumes (cars) 5.00 N/C 5.00
Pickup/Trailer (level box) 8.00 N/C 8.00
Commercial (10 yards) 25.00 N/C 25.00
Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners
December 9, 1997
Page 6
Brush:
Charge to Commercial Tree Services
MN DOT, Cities, Etc.
Pickup/Trailer (level box)
Dump Truck (10 yards)
Per Yard
Non Otter Tail County Waste:
Joint Powers Counties
Non Joint Powers Counties (F.A.)
Yard Waste:
Must be clean and free of contaminates
Haulers License Fees:
License Fee (Base)
License Fee (Per Truck)
Bond
Service Fee:
Per Service Fee Point
Unprotected Loads:
1.5 Times the Posted Rate
5.00 N/C
20.00 N/C
2.00 N/C
59.83 10.17
263.25 44.75
Free Free
50.00 N/C
5.00 N/C
5000.00 N/C
7.50 N/C
Stipulation for Entry of Judgment "
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5.00
20.00
2.00
70.00
308.00
50.00
5.00
5000.00
7.50
Motion by Lee, second by Portmann, and unanimously carried to authorize the Chair's signature to n
execute a Stipulation for Entry of Judgment in a tax appeal matter between the County of Otter Tail -.._;
and Michael J. Ebner (Court File Nos. C9-96-642 and C4-97-509).
National Association of Counties Deferred Compensation Program
Second Amendment to Restated Plan Document
Otter Tail County Resolution No. 97-66
Upon a motion by Lee, second by Nelson, and unanimously carried, the Otter Tail County Board of
Commissioners adopts the following resolution:
WHEREAS, Otter Tail County executed the above referenced Plan Document; and
WHEREAS, effective January 1, 1998, Otter Tail County desires to amend the Plan Document as
follows:
Article VII, Section 8.05 is hereby amended by deleting "$3500 or less" from the
heading. Additionally, the first sentence is amended by replacing "is $3500 or
less" with "does not exceed the dollar limit under Section 411 (a)(11 )(A) of the
Code."
Adopted this 9th day of December, 1997.
Dated: Oer.,, , Q,e N I (g. !9?7 I OTTER TAIL COUN
Attest~4{£
Larry ~hn, Clerk •
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Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners
December 9, 1997
Page 7
Extension to Enhanced 911 Consulting Services Agreement Proposal
Motion by Lee, second by Stone, and unanimously carried to authorize the Chair's signature to
execute an Enhanced 911 Consulting Services Agreement Proposal between the County of Otter
Tail and Robert Block effective October 1, 1997 through December 31, 1997 for enhanced 911
services.,
Otter Tail County Board of Adjustment Appointments
Motion by Lindquist, second by Portmann, and unanimously carried to reappoint the following
individuals to the Otter Tail County Board of Adjustment effective January 1, 1998:
2nd District
3rd District
4th District
5th District
Cecil Femling
John Everts
Craig Anderson
Randy Mann
Truth In Taxation Information
Auditor, Wayne Stein, provided tax handouts that will be available at the Truth In Taxation hearing
scheduled for this evening at 7:00 p.m. The handouts explained how taxes are calculated, the tax
process, and the 1998 levy and county budget.
Assistant County Attorney II
Larry Krohn, County Coordinator, presented a draft job description for the position of Assistant
County Attorney II.
Motion by Partmann, second by Lee, and unanimously carried to proceed with classification and
hiring of an Assistant County Attorney II as recommended by the Personnel Committee.
True County Assessor System
Otter Tail County Resolution No. 97-67
Upon motion by Portmann, second by Stone, and carried, with Nelson and Lee opposed, the Otter
Tail County Board of Commissioners adopts the following resolution:
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute §273.052 states that any county in the State of Minnesota is
authorized and empowered to provide for the assessment of all taxable property in the county by
the County Assessor; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute §273.055 states that the election to provide for assessment of
property by the County Assessor, as provided in §275.052, shall be made by the Board of County
Commissioners by resolution to be effective at the second assessment date following the adoption
of the resolution; and
WHEREAS, the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners finds that the assessment of all taxable
property under the supervision of the County Assessor shall result in a fair and true assessment of
property within Otter Tail County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners
hereby elects to provide for the assessment of all property in Otter Tail County by the County
Assessor, in accordance with Minnesota Statute §273.052, et. seq.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Board of Commissioners will review the True
County Assessor System after four (4) years to determine the system's effectiveness as provided
per Minnesota Statute 273.056.
Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners
December 9, 1997
Page 8
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the effective date of this resolution shall be the second
assessment date following the adoption, or January 2, 1999.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the offices of all township and city assessors in Otter Tail Q
County shall be terminated 90 days before the above assessment date and shall turn over all tax
records relating to property in Otter Tail County to the County Assessor at that time.
Dated: ,/1.,,...,,,.d,yu JG.. I 917 •
Attest: -,-~-----,3/~· -,-:.._~~1/~>6". §,-----
Larry Krohn, t~~
Update -Meeting at Cormorant Lake
Commissioner Lee reported on the recent meeting regarding releasing water from Cormorant
Lake. He reported that conditions for the 1976 outlet permit for Cormorant Lake will apply for the
current high water situation.
Recess
At 2:10 p.m., Chairman Lindquist declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of
Commissioners recessed until the Truth In Taxation public hearing at 7:30 p.m. this evening.
Public Hearing -Proposed 1998 Budget and Tax Levy
The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners was reconvened by Commissioner Andy Lindquist,
Chair, at 7:30 p.m. on December 9, 1997, for the purpose of discussing and considering Otter Tail
County's proposed 1998 Budget and Tax Levy.
In addition to Commissioner Andy Lindquist, Chair; Commissioners Malcolm Lee, Syd Nelson
Virginia Partmann, Bill Stone and the following staff were in attendance:
Steve Andrews, County Treasurer
Doug Cannell, Maintenance Night Supervisor
Tom Fawcett, Social Services Director
Mike Hanan, Solid Waste Director
Barbara Hanson, Assistant County Attorney
Chuck Kitzman, Director of Court Services
Larry Krohn, County Coordinator
Robert Moe, County Assessor
Mark Morris, Chief Deputy Sheriff
Kathy Ouren, Court Administrator
Mitzi Pederson, Financial Accountant
Wayne Stein, County Auditor
Dick Tamke, Detective Sergeant
Diane Thorson, Director of Public Health
Gary Waskosky, Detective Sergeant
Rick West, Highway Engineer
The following individuals from the public were in attendance:
Earth Bound Trust (Three Representatives)
' ·r.:,'! • ,~,.• Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners
December 9, 1997
Page 9
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'-Walt Bergerud
Duane Bohne
Roger Halvorson
Gary Johnson
Jim Morgan, Daily Journal
Russell Quernemoen
Leonard Sundberg
Roger and Jane Vie
· Casper Walvatne
Three additional people from the public were in attendance that did not sign the attendance roster
and were unknown to the clerk.
Chair Lindquist provided the opening statements regarding the order of business, the purpose of
the public hearing, and topics for discussion and consideration at the public hearing. Chair
Lindquist noted that at the conclusion of the hearing, the Board would set the date and time at
which the final budget and levy would be adopted. Chair Lindquist then called upon Barbara
Hanson, Assistant County Attorney, to review the legal requirements of the proposed notices and
of the public hearing. Chair Lindquist then called upon Wayne Stein, County Auditor, for a
presentation of the County's proposed 1998 budget and tax levy.
Wayne Stein, County Auditor, presented for general education purposes a video entitled 13
Reasons Property Taxes Go Up and Down. The video discussed reasons why an individual
property owner's tax may vary from year to year. Wayne Stein, County Auditor, provided a brief
explanation of the three handouts provided at the public hearing.
The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, September 9, 1997 had previously
adopted a proposed 1998 net tax levy of $12,825,726 and a proposed 1998 budget of
$42,200,000. Additional information became available from the Department of Revenue that
caused the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners to reconsider the previously adopted net tax
levy and on Tuesday, September 23, 1997, the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners adopted
a proposed 1998 payable net tax levy in the amount of $12,536,335. This levy amount is the
amount upon which the proposed notices were calculated and upon which the materials prepared
for the public hearing were based.
Wayne Stein, County Auditor, then presented a proposed 1998 budget of $39,009,341 and a
revised proposed net property tax levy of $12,388,665. It was noted that this revision is based on
information received late this afternoon from the Department of Revenue. A brief explanation of
the budget and levy materials presented in the handouts was discussed. Historical information
and trends were presented. An overview of the proposed budget was presented with a very brief
discussion of changes in revenues and expenditures being noted. The County's overall net tax
capacity, market value, net tax capacity rates, and information concerning the long-term debt of the
County were presented.
Mike Hanan, Solid Waste Director, briefly discussed how solid waste and recycling activities are
financed in Otter Tail County. Mr. Hanan noted that a general property tax levy is not used in the
financing of these activities.
Q After the budget and levy presentation, Chair Lindquist opened the meeting to the public for
questions and comments:
Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners
December 9, 1997
... _. . . ..
Page 10
Michael Treis, Earth Bound Trust, spoke to the Board concerning the non-homestead classification
of his property. It was explained that both the classification and the valuation of an individual
property are topics for review and discussion at local boards of review and at the county board of Q
review, but are not topics for this hearing. It was also noted that a proper homestead application
would need to be presented before the County could grant a homestead classification.
Gary Johnson spoke to the Board concerning the increased cost of government. Mr. Johnson
questioned what benefits or improvements the public has or will be receiving from the increased
cost of government.
Leonard Sundberg had a question concerning the difference in the amount of a· property tax
increase noted between two properties within the City of Richville. It was explained that detailed
parcel information for comparison purposes was not available at the public hearing, however, the
Auditor's office would be more than happy to review and explain the differences between these two
parcels at a later time. Mr. Sundberg indicated that he would discuss this situation with the
Auditor's office.
Chair Lindquist requested additional public comments and/or questions. Hearing no further
discussion, comments and/or questions from the public the County's proposed 1998 budget and
tax levy, Chair Lindquist declared the public hearing closed for public comment at 8:40 p.m.
Upon motion by Commissioner Lee, seconded by Commissioner Nelson and unanimously carried,
the subsequenUadoption hearing was established for 2 p.m. on Tuesday, December 16, 1997. It
should be noted that at the subsequenUadoption hearing the final payable 1998 net tax levy and
1998 budget would be adopted. Q
Adjournment
Hearing no further business, at 8:45 p.m., Chair Lindquist declared the public hearing and the
meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners adjourned until 1 :00 p.m. on Tuesday,
December 16, 1997.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD O COMMISSIONERS
Attest~¥'-Larryrohn, Clerk
CB/kd
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