HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 12/19/2023Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes
December 19, 2023
OTTER TAIL COUNTY -MINNESOTA
BOARD OF CO MM ISSIONERS' MIN UTES
Government Services Center, Commissioners' Room & Via Livestream
515 West Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN
December 19, 2023 I 8:30 a.m.
CALL TO ORDER
The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened at 8:31 a.m. Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at the
Government Services Center in Fergus Falls, MN. Commissioners Wayne Johnson, Chair; Kurt Mortenson,
Vice Chair; Dan Bucholz, Lee Rogness and Bob Lahman were present.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chair Johnson called for approval of the Board Agenda. Motion by Mortenson, second by Lahman and
unanimously carried to approve the Board of Commissioners' agenda of December 19, 2023, with the following
additions:
Agenda Change: Swapped times for Item No. 9 & General Discussion
General Discussion: EMS Task Force
EGCI Committee: Contractor Email Regarding Land & Resource
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Rogness, second by Lahman and unanimously carried to approve the consent agenda items as
presented:
Page 1 of 16
1. December 12, 2023, Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes
2. Warrants/Bills for December 19, 2023 (Exhibit A)
3. Human Services and Public Health Warrants/Bills for December 19, 2023 (Exhibit A)
4. Approval of Human Services Contracts
5. Approval of the issuance of a Renewal 2024 Tobacco License Ben Oseien dba B&D
Foods Inc.
6. Approval of the issuance of an Otter Tail County Group Purchasing Card to the Otter
Tail Highway Department as requested by Krysten Foster, Otter Tail County Highway
Engineer. ($5,000 Limit)
7. Approval of the issuance of an Otter Tail County Purchasing Card to Thor Tollefson,
Lead Sign Technician as requested by Krysten Foster, Otter Tail County Highway
Engineer. ($800 Limit)
8. Approval of the issuance of an Otter Tail County Purchasing Card to Trent Harthun,
Lead Mechanic as requested by Krysten Foster, Otter Tail County Highway Engineer.
($2,500 Limit)
9. Approval for increasing the 30-day limit on Cristi Field's Purchasing Card from $1,000
to $2,500 as requested by Krysten Foster, Otter Tail County Highway Engineer.
Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes
December 19, 2023
OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUNDS YEAR-END REVIEW
Community Health Planner Leah Jesser and Health Educator Emily Frustol provided the Board with a year-
end update regarding opioid settlement funds for Otter Tail County. The County anticipates receiving
$3, 122,147.89 over the span of 18 years to be utilized for future opioid remediation activities. As of December
1, 2023 the County has received a total of $451,808.32. Jesser and Frustol reviewed the planning process
which follows the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Minnesota Cities and counties on how funds
from the settlements can be allocated. They presented on consultation, partnership, and collaboration with
county municipalities as well as reporting requirements.
GUARDIANSHIP CONTRACTS
Motion by Lahman, second by Bucholz and unanimously carried to authorize appropriate County Officials'
signatures to execute contracts between Otter Tail County Human Services and Prairie Support Services and
Presbyterian Family Foundation for guardianship services as presented by Human Services Director Deb
Sjostrom.
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS
Motion by Bucholz, second by Rogness and unanimously carried to approve a Preliminary Plat titled "Rose
Wood", owned by Larry Madson & Laurel Mahan, consisting of 3 Single Family Non-Riparian Lots and I Non-
Residential Non-Riparian Lot attached to a Riparian Lot, 1 Block, located at 48631 370th Avenue, Frazee, MN
56544, Section 22 of Hobart Township, Rose Lake (56-360) RD.
Motion by Mortenson, second by Lahman and unanimously carried to approve a Preliminary Plat titled
"Stabnow Second Addition to Clitherall Lake", owned by Jeffrey Stabnow, consisting of 2 Single Family
Riparian Lots, 1 Block, located in Section 1 of Clitherall Township, Clitherall Lake (56-238) RD.
Motion by Lahman, second by Mortenson and unanimously carried to approve a Preliminary Plat titled
"Folkedahl Acres", owned by Bruce & Connie Folkedahl, consisting of 3 Single Family Non-Riparian Lots 1
Block, located in Section 14 of Amor Township, Otter Tail Lake (56-242) GD.
Motion by Lahman, second by Mortenson and unanimously carried to approve a Conditional Use Permit for
"Leisuretime Ltd.", owned by Lonnie Ballweg, to convert the Commercial PUD to a Residential PUD, CIC No.
110, with conditions: 1) the septic system needs to be replaced/upgraded within 12 months from the December
13, 2023 Planning Commission meeting date, 2) provide documentation to Land & Resource Management as
to where the designated swimming area will be located, and 3) no increase in docks; maximum docks allowed
is 11. The proposal is located at 28507 County Highway 35, Underwood, MN 56586, Section 32, Maine
Township, West Lost Lake (56-481), NE.
Motion by Mortenson, second by Rogness and motion carried with Johnson abstaining to approve a
Conditional Use Permit for a Mobile Food Unit (food truck) to service boat traffic on Lake Lida during summer
months with addition of a patio of approximately 40'x20' to accommodate electricity as recommended by the
Planning commission with conditions: 1) the advertising sign be unlit and not exceed a size of 4'x8', 2) no
customer parking will be allowed for public access to the food truck, 3) with the amended condition that no
septic system need be installed if the water supply and waste water treatment meets Public Health licensing
requirements, 4) there will be a maximum of one (1) food truck, 5) the hours of operation be limited to half
hour after sunrise until a half hour before sunset, 6) the food truck be licensed by Public Health, and 7) a sign
be put up North of the marina that says no beaching South of the sign. This proposal is located at 23407 430th
Street, Pelican Rapids, MN 56572, Section 17, Lida Township, Lida Lake (56-747), GD.
Page 2 of 16 ~ 9o!J!=~.!~~
Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes
December 19, 2023
2024 DECEMBER BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE
Motion by Rogness, second by Bucholz and unanimously carried to approve changing the previously approved
December 10th Board Meeting and Truth in Taxation date to December 3rd due to scheduling conflicts with
the 2024 Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) Annual Conference in December.
2024 BOARD COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Motion by Bucholz, second by Lahman and unanimously carried to approve the 2024 Board of Commissioners'
Committee Assignments as presented.
LONG-RANGE STRATEGIC PLAN
Deputy Administrator Lynne Penke Valdes along with Assistant Human Services Director Jessica
Steinbrenner and Community Development Director Amy Baldwin presented the Board with a demonstration
of the County's webpages that highlight Otter Tail County's Long-Range Strategic Plan (LRSP) as well as
touched on managing and monitoring progress on projects in efforts to reach long term objectives. The LRSP
contains six elements supported by goals and strategies that guide decision making and serves as the
County's roadmap to prioritize initiatives, improvements, resources, operations, and projects. Steinbrenner
spoke on the Element of Resilience addressing mental health and/or addiction across the county, highlighting
the Community Re-Entry Program (i.e. Jail Social Worker). Baldwin presented on the Element of Economy in
relation to providing career development paths, highlighting the Youth Workforce Navigation Program. The
team is gathering feedback on how best to present information and measurable long-term progress to the
public through the website.
NAVIGATING THE ROAD AHEAD UPDATE
Community Development Director Amy Baldwin provided the Board with a brief update on the Navigating the
Road Ahead initiative that is funded through Federal American Rescue Plan dollars allocated to Otter Tail
County to support government coronavirus recovery efforts. Baldwin noted updates to funding, committed
dollars, and actions within programmatic investment areas including Housing, Business & Workforce,
Broadband & Other Infrastructure and Community Resilience.
RESOLUTION APPROVING SINGLE FAMILY TAX ABATEMENTS
OTTER TAIL COUNTY RESOLUTION NO. 2023-103
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Otter Tail County, Minnesota (the "County"), as follows:
1. Recitals.
(a) The County proposes to approve tax abatements in connection with the construction of single family
homes (the "Projects"), The County proposes to use the tax abatements for the Projects provided for
in Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.1812 through 469.1815 (the "Abatement Law"), from the property
taxes to be levied by the County on Parcel Identification Numbers 29000990971000,
50000230164000, 03000290217014, 03000290217900, 49000200131004, 32000990684000,
06000120084002, 39000330278000, 29000990284002 (collectively, the "Tax Abatement
Properties").
(b) The County proposes to approve tax abatements on a portion of the County's share of property taxes
on the Tax Abatement Properties in the amount of $10,000 for a term of up to five (5) years to finance
a portion of the costs of the Project.
Page 3 of 16
Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes
December 19, 2023
(c) The tax abatement is authorized under the Abatement Law.
2. Findings for the Tax Abatement. The Board hereby makes the following findings:
(a) The tax abatement is the County's share of real estate taxes which relate to the Projects being
constructed on the Tax Abatement Properties and not the real estate taxes that relate to the value of
the land (the "Abatement").
(b) The Board expects the benefits to the County of the Abatement to be at least equal or exceed the
costs to the County thereof.
(c) Granting the Abatement is in the public interest because it will increase the tax base in County.
(d) The Tax Abatement Properties are not located in a tax increment financing district.
(e) In any year, the total amount of property taxes abated by the County by this and other resolutions and
agreements, does not exceed the greater of ten percent ( 10%) of the net tax capacity of the County
for the taxes payable year to which the abatement applies or $200,000, whichever is greater. The
County may grant other abatements permitted under the Abatement Law after the date of this
resolution, provided that to the extent the total abatements in any year exceed the Abatement Limit
the allocation of the Abatement limit to such other abatements is subordinate to the Abatement granted
by this resolution.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Abatement is hereby approved. The terms of the
Abatement are as follows:
(f) The Abatement shall be for up to five (5) years anticipated to commence for taxes payable 2025 and
shall not exceed $10,000. The County reserves the right to modify the commencement date, but the
abatement period shall not exceed five (5) years.
(g) The County shall provide the Abatement as specified in this resolution.
(h) The Abatement shall be subject to all the terms and limitations of the Abatement Law.
BE IT FURTH ER RESOLVED THAT, the Board hereby approves the Tax Abatement Agreements for payment
of the Abatement in substantially the form submitted and the Chair and Clerk are hereby authorized to execute
the Tax Abatement Agreements on behalf of the County.
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was introduced by Commissioner Rogness, duly
seconded by Commissioner Mortenson and, after discussion thereof and upon vote being taken thereon,
passed unanimously.
Adopted at Fergus Falls, MN this 19th day of December 2023.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated: January 2, 2024
By: _e,p:::::LJ:.t}l._/..~~4,,.,£_,::!:_~::::::::-~~-----
Board of Commissioners Chair
Attestvf / tt?L, , t/-[,l,rv,___,
Nicole Hansen, Clerk
Page 4 of 16 ~ ~!f!=!t!"~~
Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes
December 19, 2023
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMET AGENCY BOARD APPOINTMENT
OTTER TAIL COUNTY RESOLUTION NO. 2023-104
WHEREAS, the Otter tail County Board of Commissioners is charged with making appointments to the
Community Development Agency Board, as authorized by M.S. 469.1082, Subd. 8; and
WHEREAS, the Otter Tail County Community Development Agency Board is comprised of nine members, two
of which must be County Commissioners; and
WHEREAS, the term of one current Community Development Agency Board members is expiring; and
WHEREAS, the there is a vacancy on the Board due to the resignation of Greg Swanberg.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners hereby makes
the following appointments to the Otter Tail County Community Development Agency Board:
■ Reappointment of David Schornack to a six-year term on the Otter Tail County Community
Development Agency beginning February 1, 2024 and ending January 31, 2030
■ Appointment of Heidi Samuelson to fill balance of the term remaining in the seat previously held by
Greg Swanberg beginning January 1, 2024 and ending January 31, 2027.
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was introduced by Commissioner Lahman, duly
seconded by Commissioner Bucholz and, after discussion thereof and upon vote being taken thereon, passed
unanimously.
Adopted at Fergus Falls, MN this 19th day of December 2023.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated: January 2, 2024
By: ___r_&'=!..._.!_tJ...~·?i;_:_jt~i======---
Board of Commissioners Chair
Attest:L1:?' ('_,o/.u lJ~
Nicole Hansen, Clerk
ADOPTION OF FINAL BUDGET AND LEVY
Reeommended Gross and Net Property Tax Levy for Payablle 2024
Gross County Pn~perty Tax: Levy (Non-Debt) -
Gross Debt Levy -
Master Facility PJan Boflds -2012A at.a 2020C
2020A GO CIP Bonds
Highway Bonds -2019A
Jail/Elevator Project -2017A
Total Gross County Properly Tax levy
Page 5 of 16
Payal:lle
2024
52,494,986
1,086,540
267,096
243,128
165,428
54,257,178
Pa![!ble
2023
49,059,513
1,;281,210
297,441
241,290
164,430
51,043,884
Percent
7.00%
-15.19%
-10.20%
0.76%
0.61%
6.30%
Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes
December 19, 2023
County Program Aid (Certified}
Net County Property Tax Levy -
Gross/Net La'ke Improvement District Levfes -
Pelican Group oif Lakes
Prine Lakes
Little McDonald, Kerbs & Paul
Big McDonald
Total Net Goumy levy lnduding Lake ffmprovemel'll: Dislrids -
Special Taxing District levy-
OOer Tail Co111nly COA
Otter Tail Counly HRA
Pf'OllOSed Tola1 Net Pl"OllfflVTax Lew
RECAP-
County Only -
Gross Tax Lewy (Total)
County Program Aid
Net Tax Levy {Total)
County Only (Includes ubrary)-
Gross Tax Levy (Tot~)
Coonly !f>rogram Alid
Net Tax Levy {Total)
County, i1Libn1,y, Lake Improvement Dis1ricts, CDA and HRA -
Gross Tax Lewy (Total)
Coonly Program Aid
Net Tax. Levy {Total)
3,105,653
51:, 151 ,525
130,000
36,945
40,000
8000
51,366,470
541,800
1.513,TI1
53,422,041
53,625,481
3,105,653
50,519,328
54,257,17:8
3,105,653
51,151,525
56,527,694
3,105,653
53,422,041
2.412,579
48,631 ,305
130,000
8,6&5
70,000
9,900
48,849,890
541,800
1,309.725
50.701,415
50,412,187
2.412,579
47.999,60&
51,043,884
2,412,579
48.631 ,305
53,113,994
2,412,579
50,701,415
PAYABLE 2024 OTTER TAIL COUNTY
GROSS AND NET PROPERTY TAX LEVY RESOLUTION
OTTER TAIL COUNTY RESOLUTION NO. 2023-105
28.73%
5.18%
OJJO%
325.39%
-42.86%
-19.19%
5.15%
0.00%
15.58%
5.37%
6.37%
28.73%
5.25%
6.30%
28.73%
5.18%
6.43%
28.73%
5.37%
WHEREAS, the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners recognized the requirement to adopt, on or before
Monday, October 2, 2023, a proposed Payable 2024 Property Tax Levy and to select a date for a public
meeting for the purpose of discussing and receiving public comment regarding the Proposed Property Tax
Levy, which must be held during the period of November 25 through December 28, 2023; and
WHEREAS, the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, adopted Otter
Tail County's proposed Payable 2024 Gross and Net Property Tax Levy and selected Tuesday, December
12, 2023, as the date for the public meeting; and
Page 6 of 16
Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes
December 19, 2023
WHEREAS, the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 12, 2023,
held the required meeting; and
WHEREAS, the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners recognizes the requirement to adopt Otter Tail
County's final Payable 2024 Gross and Net Property Tax Levy no later than Thursday, December 28, 2023,
and the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners is required to certify Otter Tail County's final Payable 2024
Gross and Net Property Tax Levy to the County Auditor-Treasurer's office on or before Thursday, December
28, 2023.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners hereby levies
for the payable year 2024, upon the taxable net tax capacity of the property of Otter Tail County, the following
amounts as detailed below:
Fund Breakdown -Net Tu Capacity Based
Lelies Gross Le¥)· CPA NetLery
General Re,•enne 2&,069,662 (1,713,900) 26,355,762
Pelican To Perham Trail 1,000,000 0 1,000,000
Debt Senice -
2010A GO CIP Bon& 267,096 0 267,096
Series 2011A (Courthouse/Jail) 1,086,540 0 1,086,540
Highway Bonds 243,128 0 243,12&
Series 1017A (Jail/Elentor) 165,428 0 165,428
Homan Senices -
Social Senices 8,966,067 (547,457) 8,418,610
Administration 2,259,368 (137,955) 2,121,413
Public Health 1,J.48,437 (70,ln) 1,078,315
Court Senices 1,907,871 (116,493) 1,791,378
Road and Bridge 4,358,319 (266,114) 4,092,205
Capital Improvement 4,153,565 (253,612) .3,899,953
Total County-Excluding Regional Library 53,625,481 (3,105,653) 50,519,828
Regional Library System 631,697 0 631,697
Total County-Including Regional Library 54,257,178 (3,105,653) 51,151,525
Lake Impronment Districts -
Pelican Group of Lakes 130,000 0 130,000
Pine Lakes 36,945 0 36,945
Little McDonald, Kerbs & Paul 40,000 0 40,000
Big McDonald 8,000 0 8,000
Total County -Including Lake Impronment Districts 54,472,123 (3,105,653) 51,366,470
Special Taxing District Tax -
Otter Tail County CDA 541,800 0 541,800
Otter Tail County HR.A 1,513,771 0 1,513,771
Grand Total -Otter Tail County 56,527,694 (3,105,653} 53,422,041
Page 7 of 16
Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes
December 19, 2023
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED, that the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners hereby
certifies the above amount to the County Auditor-Treasurer's office as Otter Tail County's Final Gross/Net
Property Tax levies for the payable year 2024 and directs the County Auditor-Treasurer's office to spread
these levies against the taxable net tax capacity of the property of Otter Tail County.
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was introduced by Commissioner Lahman, duly
seconded by Commissioner Mortenson and, after discussion thereof and upon voting being taken thereon,
passed unanimously.
Adopted at Fergus Falls, Minnesota this 19th day of December 2023.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
By: ---1-/4--_::::!._fln.'-J.rti~ttt_~-,.~~=-----------
Board of Commissioners Chair
Dated: January 2, 2024
Airest:~
1
~/1-(i,yJ_.,,
Nicole Hansen, Clerk
PAYABLE 2024 OTTER TAIL COUNTY HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT SPECIAL
TAXING DISTRICT (INCLUDING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION)
GROSS AND NET PROPERTY TAX LEVY RESOLUTION
OTTER TAIL COUNTY RESOLUTION NO. 2023-106
WHEREAS, the Otter Tail County Housing and Redevelopment Authority is a special taxing district under the
provisions of Minnesota Statute Chapter 469; and
WHEREAS, the Otter Tail County Community Development Association Levy is authorized under the powers
of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority; and
WHEREAS, the Otter Tail County Housing and Redevelopment Authority has requested a Payable 2024
Gross and Net Property Tax Levy of $1,513,771; and
WHEREAS, the Otter Tail County Community Development Association has requested a Payable 2024 Gross
and Net Property Tax Levy of $541,800; and
WHEREAS, the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, adopted for the
Otter Tail County Housing and Redevelopment Authority and for the Otter Tail County Community
Development Association, a proposed Gross/Net Property Tax Levy for Payable Year 2024 in the amount of
$1,513,771 and $541,800 respectfully; and
WHEREAS, the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners recognizes the requirement to adopt the special
taxing district's Payable 2024 Gross and Net Property Tax Levy no later than Thursday, December 28, 2023,
and the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners is required to certify Otter Tail County Housing and
Redevelopment Authority's final Payable 2024 Gross and Net Property Tax Levy to the County Auditor-
Treasurer's office on or before Thursday, December 28, 2023.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners, after
consideration, discussion and consultation with the Otter Tail County Budget Committee, the Otter Tail County
HRA Board and the Community Development Association Board, hereby adopts a final Payable 2024 Gross
Page 8 of 16 ~ <l!JJ=~.J~~
Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes
December 19, 2023
and Net Property Tax Levy for the Otter Tail County Housing and Redevelopment Authority and for the Otter
Tail County Community Development Association a final Gross/Net Property Tax Levy for Payable Year 2024
in the amount of $1,513,771 and $541,800 respectfully; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED, that the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners hereby
certifies the same to the County Auditor-Treasurer's office to be spread against the taxable net tax capacity
of the taxable property of the Otter Tail County Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was introduced by Commissioner Rogness, duly
seconded by Commissioner Bucholz and, after discussion thereof and upon voting being taken thereon,
passed unanimously.
Adopted at Fergus Falls, Minnesota this 19th day of December 2023.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
By: __1)=:~-::..21,rl..wn'.....:J~l~-+-1~'~~~~---
Board of Commissioners Chair
Dated: January 2, 2024
Attestvt 'ta/_Jft<,,vz_._,
Nicole Hansen, Clerk
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE CALENDAR YEAR 2024 BUDGET
OTTER TAIL COUNTY RESOLUTION NO. 2023-107
WHEREAS, the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners recognized the requirement to adopt, on or before
Monday, October 2, 2023, a proposed Calendar Year 2024 Budget and to select a date for a public meeting
for the purpose of discussing and receiving public comment regarding the proposed Calendar Year 2024
budget, which must be held during the period of November 25 through December 28, 2023; and
WHEREAS, the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, adopted Otter
Tail County's proposed Calendar Year 2024 Budget for the General Fund, for the Budgeted Special Revenue
Funds, and for the Debt Service Fund, and selected Tuesday, December 12, 2023, as the date for the public
hearing; and
WHEREAS, the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 12, 2023,
held the required hearing; and
WHEREAS, the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners recognizes the requirement to adopt Otter Tail
County's final Calendar Year 2024 Budget for the General Fund, for the Budgeted Special Revenue Funds,
and for the Debt Service Funds, no later than Thursday, December 28, 2023, and recognizes the requirement
to adopt the final Calendar Year 2024 Budget after the adoption of the final payable 2024 Gross and Net
Property Tax Levy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners adopts the
amount of $142,259,688 as the County's Calendar Year 2024 Budget for the General Fund, for the Budgeted
Special Revenue Funds, and for the Debt Service Funds (includes inter-fund transfers and HRA/CDA levies),
as summarized, and as detailed in the budget documents filed with the County Auditor-Treasurer's office.
Page 9 of 16
Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes
December 19, 2023
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was introduced by Commissioner Mortenson, duly
seconded by Commissioner Lahman and, after discussion thereof and upon voting being taken thereon,
passed unanimously.
Adopted at Fergus Falls, Minnesota this 19th day of December 2023.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated: January 2, 2024
By: ___L_&.____::_____:___H.-'-------,. f,__._il==~---
Board of Commissioners Chair
Attest:\_j,/ td_,,, /.j.a-i,.,...._,
Nicole Hansen, Clerk
EXCESS COUNTY PROPERTY SALE UPDATE
County Auditor-Treasurer Wayne Stein provided a brief update on two (2) excess County owned properties:
Parcel No. 11-000-17-0111-002 in Compton Township and Parcel No. 37-000-99-1182-000 in Lida Township.
The County plans to move forward with the sale of these properties to the public.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) TASK FORCE
Discussion was held concerning statewide funding for Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Concerns
surrounding rural communities and service area continue to be at the forefront. The next state task force
meeting will be held in January and in the meantime the Board asks the public to write to their state
representatives about the struggles rural communities are facing regarding emergency medical services.
RECESS & RECONVENE
At 10:11 a.m., Chair Johnson declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners recessed
for a short break. The Board of Commissioners meeting was reconvened at 10:20 a.m.
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 2024 SALARY AND PER DIEM
OTTER TAIL COUNTY RESOLUTION NO. 2023-108
Commissioner Mortenson offered the following and moved its adoption:
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute §375.055 provides that County Commissioners may receive per diem
payments and reimbursement for necessary expenses incurred in performance of the duties of the office and
shall receive compensation of annual salaries, as set by resolution of the County Board; and
WHEREAS, the current annual salary for Otter Tail County Commissioners is $42,781.11 effective January 1,
2023;and
WHEREAS, the current per diem rate for Otter Tail County Commissioners is $90.00.
NOW, BE IT RESOLVED, that the annual salary for Otter Tail County Commissioners shall be established as
$43,960.67 effective January 1, 2024, which reflects a 2.75% Cost-of-Living Adjustment similar to increases
received by other employee groups.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the per diem rate for Otter Tail County
Commissioners remains at $90.00.
Page 10 of 16
Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes
December 19, 2023
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the annual employer contribution for benefits for
CY2024 will be set in accordance with the benefits structure previously adopted by this board on October 24,
2023.
Commissioner Lahman seconded the motion and YEAS and NAYS are as follows:
After discussion thereof and upon vote being taken thereon, the motion to approve the consent agenda
passed on a roll call vote as follows:
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS YEA NAY ABSENT ABSTAIN
Bob Lahman X
Kurt Mortenson X
Dan Bucholz X
Lee Rogness X
Wayne Johnson X
Adopted at Fergus Falls, Minnesota, this 19th day of December 2023.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated: January 2, 2024
Attest: &'~t/WYv
Board of Commissioners Chair Nicole Hansen, Clerk
SOFTWARE UPGRADE FOR HVAC SYSTEM
Motion by Bucholz, second by Mortenson and motion carried with Rogness absent to approve purchase in the
amount of $112,500 for Siemens Building Automation System Software and panel upgrades for the
Government Services Center (GSC), Courthouse, 505 Highway Building and Otter Tail Operations Center
HVAC system as presented by Physical Plant Manager Terry Hoff. This purchase is supported by the 2023
budget.
NEOT MINOR PERMIT MODIFICATION
Motion by Mortenson, second by Bucholz and motion carried with Rogness absent to authorize the Solid
Waste Department to sign and submit a minor permit modification of the NEOT Demo Landfill Final Cover
Design to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to revert remaining unclosed areas from a 4:1 to a
5:1 slope as presented by Assistant Solid Waste Director Steven Branby.
RECESS & RECONVENE
At 10:30 a.m., Chair Johnson declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners recessed
for a short break. The Board of Commissioners meeting was reconvened at 10:37 a.m.
OUT-OF-ST ATE TRAVEL
Motion by Mortenson, second by Lahman and motion carried with Rogness absent to approve the request for
out-of-state travel for County Engineer Krysten Foster to attend the National Association of County Engineers
(NACE) 2024 Annual Conference in Palm Springs, California, Riverside County from April 15-19, 2024.
Page 11 of 16
Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes
December 19, 2023
MNDOT DETOUR AGREEMENT FOR TH 59 AND TH 108 #1054926
OTTER TAIL COUNTY RESOLUTION NO. 2023-109
IT IS RESOLVED THAT Otter Tail County enter into MnDOT Agreement No. 1054926 with the State of
Minnesota, Department of Transportation for the following purposes:
To provide for payment by the State to the County for the use of County State Aid Highway No. 3, County State
Aid Highway No. 4, County State Aid Highway No. 21, County State Aid Highway No. 23, County State Aid
Highway No. 28, and County Road No. 113 as a detour route during the construction to be performed upon,
along, and adjacent to Trunk Highway No. 59 from 100 feet south of 5th avenue southeast to the south junction
of Trunk Highway No. 108 under State Project No. 5617-33 (T.H. 59 = 030); Trunk Highway No. 59 from the
south junction of Trunk Highway No. 108 to 1,480 feet north of Otter Tail County State Aid Highway No. 9
under State Project No. 5618-117 (T.H. 59 = 030); Trunk Highway No. 108 from 300 feet west of 9th Street
Northwest to Trunk Highway 59 under State Project No. 5625-19 (T.H. 59 = 229); Trunk Highway No. 108
from Trunk Highway No. 59 to 100 feet northeast of Anne Lane under State Project No. 5623-37 (T.H. 108 =
206).
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the County Board Chair and the County Board Clerk are authorized to
execute the Agreement and any amendments to the Agreement.
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was introduced by Commissioner Lahman, duly
seconded by Commissioner Mortenson and, after discussion thereof and upon voting being taken thereon,
passed with Commissioner Rogness absent.
Adopted at Fergus Falls, Minnesota, this 19th day of December 2023.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
By: ----1.M~t1.0.In~-~ll~{ ====:::...-----
Board of Commissioners Chair
Dated: January 2, 2024
Attest:J,f • ~
Nicole Hansen, Clerk
ADJOURNMENT
At 10:50 a.m., Chair Johnson declared the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners meeting adjourned. The
next regular Board meeting is scheduled at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at the Government
Services Center in Fergus Falls and via livestream.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
By: _.!........:,~=:....M,lle_.hd~~l:~~----
Board of Commissioners Chair
Page 12 of 16
Dated: January 2, 2024
AttestlJ,7 'W,_, J/U,r:r---"
Nicole Hansen, Clerk
Page 13 of 16
Vendor Name
41MPRINT INC
A&A RECYCLING LLC
ACORNS-OAK CONSULTING
ALBANY RECYCLING CENTER
AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES INC
APEX ENGINEERING GROUP lNC
AAAMARK
AUTO VALUE PERHAM
BARRY CONSTRUCTION INC
BERGREN/ELLIE
BEYER SOOY SHOP INC
BUY-MOR PARTS & SERVICE LLC
CANNELL/OOUG
CARLSON OIRTWORX LLC
CHARM-TEX INC
CHISAGO CO SHERIFF DEPT
Cf,AMA
CODE 4 SERVICES INC
COMPASS MINERALS AMERICA INC
COOPER'S OFFICE SUPPLY INC
CUWGAN OF ELBO'N LAKE
DACOTAH PAPER CO
oa-A-CON MATERIALS RECOVERY LLC
DIGINEER CONSULTING LlC
ELDIEN/MICHELLE
ELECTION SYSTEMS & SOF1WARE LLC
ENVIROTECH SERVICES INC
ERICA MARTIN COMPANY INC
FARMERS CO-OP OIL
FERGUS FALLS AREA a-tAMBER OF CON
FERGUS FALLS AREA FAMILY YMCA
FERGUS FALLS DAILY JOURNAL
FERGUS FALLS/CITY OF
FORCE AMERlCA OISTRlBUTING LLC
FORUM COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY
FRONTIER MARINE & POWERSPORTS
GALLSLLC
HAUKOS SALES LLC
HOUSTON ENGINEERING lNC
IHS PHARMACY
JEVNE/MICHELLE
JK SPORTS INC
Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes
December 19, 2023 (Exhibit A)
Amount
555.68
850.00
1,200.00
4,423.37
493.50
35,780.50
245.94
150.12
6,744.W
75.00
150.00
13.554.47
150.00
500.00
248.64
60.00
270.00
3,644.39
125.904.06
980.80
36.00
3,760.65
2,44024
250.00
327.54
247.85
8,800.99
500.00
1,518.90
75.00
504.35
1,165.36
5,165.00
1,033.54
169.28
219.08
247.84
436.60
9,297.06
478.33
14.66
2,539.20
Page 14 of 16
Vendor Name
JORGENSON/MJCHELLE
KNUTSON ELECTRIC REBUILDING
LAKES COMMUNITY COOPERATIVE
LEIGHTON BROADCASTING -DETROIT U
LEIGHTON BROADCASTING -FERGUS F..A
LITTLE FALLS MACHINE INC
LOCATORS & SUPPUES INC
LONG WEEKEND SPORTSWEAR
M-R SIGN CO !NC
MARKS FLEET SUPPLY INC
MCIT
MCKESSON MEDICAL-SURGICAL INC
MIDWEST MAOIINERY CO
MINNESOTA MOTOR COMPANY
MN CO ENGINEERS ASSOC
MN DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION
MN STATE COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL CC
MNCCCLOCKBOX
NORTH STAR WELDING
NORTHERN SAFETY LLC
NORTHWEST TIRE tNC
NUSS TRUCK & EQUIPMENT
OFF DUTY CHIEF LLC
OKTIRE
OLSON OIL CO INC
OLSON/BENJAMIN
OTTER ELECTRIC lLC
OTTERTAIL MINN-DAKOTA COACHES INC
OUTDOOR RENOVATIONS LANDSCAPE 8
PAW PUBLICATIONS LLC
PERHAM HEAL TH
PERHAM MACHINE & REPAIR INC
PLUNKETTS VARMENT GUARD
POWERPLAN om
PRAIRIE LAKES MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE
PRECISION WELDING & REPAIR LLC
PREMIER ELECTRIC INC
PRO AG FARMERS CO OP
PRO SWEEP INC
PSICK CAPffOL SOLUTIONS INC
QUAOIENT LEASING USA INC
RDO TRUCK CENTERS LLC
Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes
December 19, 2023 (Exhibit A)
Amount
172.50
571.05
329.04
297.00
325.00
6,348.48
326.86
2,420.00
9,363.32
54.98
2,500.00
108.99
1,848.70
625.64
225.00
900.00
150.00
23,283.00
64.00
3,000.00
111.43
1,694.77
3,500.00
20.00
66.00
246.03
6,901.84
1,825.35
1,101.25
247.50
346.00
1,630.12
224.00
13,600.97
14.00
597.00
811.18
148.96
930.00
3,500.00
7,476.48
12,582.90
Page 15 of 16
Vendor Name
REFRIGERATION HEATING INC
REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MN
SCHOOL DIST 544 -FERGUS FALLS
SCHOOL DIST 549-PERHAM
SCHOOL OJST 553 -NEW YORK MILLS
SERVICE FOOD SUPER YALU
STAPLES BUSINESS CREDIT
STEINS INC
STEVE'S SANlTATION INC
STONEBROOKE ENGINEERING INC
STRElCHERS
SUMMIT ARE PROTECTION
SUNSET LAW ENFORCEMENT LLC
SWANSTON EQUIPMENT CORP
THOMSON REUTERS -WEST
TOUEFSON/BRITTANY
TOLLEFSON/THOR
TOWMASTER
TURBO T(X)LS LLC
UNLIMITED AUTOGI..ASS INC
VICTOR LUNDEEN COMPANY
VIKING COCA-COLA
WADENA CO HIGHWAY DEPT
VIIEW:R'S GARAGE
WESTMOR INDUSTRIES LLC
WIDSETH SMffH NOL TING & ASSOC
lNM CORPORATE SERVICES INC
WSB & ASSOCIATES INC
ZIEGLER INC
Final Total:
Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes
December 19, 2023 (Exhibit A)
Amount
3,780.68
69,214.50
1,920.00
442.50
520.23
41.67
167.74
150.73
14,625.00
179.50
800.89
457.00
461.80
1,385.25
1,728.92
15.09
152.72
284,523.00
35.50
865.91
688.72
410.00
9,142.34
88.68
2,098.11
3,922.00
19,548.69
14,096.44
1,061.09
778,222.28
Page 16 of 16
Vendor Name
ADAMS/MEGAN
AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES INC
DAHLEN/HALLE
DNA DfAGNOSTICS CENTER INC
FERGUS TIRE CENTER INC
MOHS/MEGHAN KELtEY
NEXT CHAPTER TECHNOLOGY INC
OTTER TAIL CO ATTORNEY'S OFACE
POTTER/LELAND
SCHMIDT/MARK JAMES
SPANGLER/LISA
STEINBRENNER/JESSICA
WAGNERffARA
WAU<ER/CORNEL
Rnaf Total:
Vendor Name
AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES lNC
HENRY SCHEIN INC
l.E\l\'JS/JOOI
LYSNE CONSULTJNG & COUNSELING LLC
NURSE FAMlLY PARTNERSHJP
OTTER TAIL CO TREASURER
OTTER TAIL CO TREASURER
PACIFIC INTERPRETERS INC
VICTOR LUNDEEN COMP.ANY
FinaJ Total:
Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes
December 19, 2023 (Exhibit A)
Amount
14.80
93.66
26.74
81.00
27.00
1,837.50
22,500.00
2,300.00
45.00
236.85
2221
296.86
14.66
133.10
27,629.44
Amount
16.00
5,283.36
82.48
600.00
22,704.00
64.00
2,545.87
688.75
295.00
32,279.46
Drainage Authority Meeting Minutes
December 19, 2023
OTTER TAIL COUNTY-MINNESOTA
DRAI NAGE AUTHORITY MIN UTES
Government Services Center, Commissioners' Room & Via Livestream
515 West Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN
December 19, 2023110:53 a.m.
CALL TO ORDER
The Otter Tail County Drainage Authority convened at 10:53 a.m. Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at the
Government Services Center in Fergus Falls, MN. Commissioners Wayne Johnson, Chair; Kurt Mortenson,
Vice Chair; Dan Bucholz and Bob Lahman were present with Commissioner Lee Rogness absent.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA & CONSENT AGENDA
Chair Johnson called for joint approval of the Drainage Authority Agenda and Consent Agenda. Motion by
Mortenson, second by Lahman and motion carried to approve the Drainage Authority Agenda of December
19, 2023 with the addition of the upcoming County Drainage Conference and approval of the Consent Agenda
of December 19, 2023 as follows:
1. December 12, 2023, Drainage Authority Meeting Minutes
2. Warrants/Bills for December 19, 2023 (Exhibit A)
DITCH 12 -REQUEST FOR HEARING
Motion by Lahman, second by Bucholz and motion carried to adopt the Findings and Order to set a Public
Hearing for Amended Redetermination of Benefits for County Ditch 12, Parcel No. 24-000-02-0016-003, on
January 9, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. at the Government Services Center (GSC).
COUNTY DRAINAGE CONFERENCE
Motion by Bucholz, second by Mortenson and motion carried to authorize Commissioner attendance at the
Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) County Drainage Conference held February 7-8, 2024 at the
Arrowwood Conference Center in Alexandria, MN.
ADJOURNMENT
At 11 :01 a.m., Chair Johnson declared the Otter Tail County Drainage Authority meeting adjourned. The next
Drainage Authority meeting will immediately follow the next regular Board meeting on Tuesday, January 2,
2024, at the Government Services Center in Fergus Falls and via livestream.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
By: --------i•k-L______!_t1.e..__1..!...,;lrl::i.=-==-------
Board of Commissioners Chair
Page 1 of 2
Dated: January 2, 2024
Attest~ Jb'~
Nicole Hansen, Clerk
Page 2 of 2
Vendor Name
AMOR EXCAVATING
VERIZON W1RELESS
FmalTotal:
Drainage Authority Meeting Minutes
December 19, 2023 (Exhibit A)
Amount
5,500.00
40.01
5,540.01