HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 05/06/2025Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes
May 6, 2025
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
May 6, 2025 I 8:30 a.m.
CALL TO ORDER
The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the
Government Services Center in Fergus Falls, MN. Commissioners Wayne Johnson, Chair; Bob Lahman, Vice
Chair; Kurt Mortenson, Dan Bucholz, and Sean Sullivan were present.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chair Johnson called for approval of the Board Agenda. Motion by Mortenson, second by Bucholz and
unanimously carried to approve the Board of Commissioners' agenda of May 6, 2025, with the following
additions:
Northern Counties Coalition
Law Day
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Lahman, second by Sullivan and unanimously carried to approve the consent agenda items as
presented:
Page 1 of 11
1. April 22, 2025, Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes
2. Warrants/Bills for May 6, 2025 (Exhibit A)
3. 2025 Contracts for Mobile Collection of Household Hazardous Waste
4. Approval of the renewal of Off Sale 3.2 Liquor License for ECR Assets, LLC dba
Lakeland General Store for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
5. Approval of the renewal of Off Sale 3.2 Liquor License for Lagos Collective LLC dba
Swan Lake Resort & Campground for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
6. Approval of the renewal of On Sale/Off Sale 3.2 Liquor License for Cozy Cove Resort
LLC dba Cozy Cove Resort for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
7. Approval of the renewal of On Sale Wine License for Cozy Cove Resort LLC. dba Cozy
Cove Resort for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
8. Approval of the renewal for an Off Sale 3.2 Malt Liquor License for the period of July 1,
2025 to June 30, 2026 for The Corner Store on Otter Tail Lake Inc. dba The Corner
Store on Otter Tail.
9. Approval of the renewal for an On Sale Wine Application for Lakes Inn LLC dba Lakes
Inn at Dunvilla for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.
Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes
May 6, 2025
10. Approval of the renewal for an On Sale 3.2 Malt Liquor Application for Lakes Inn LLC
dba Lakes Inn at Dunvilla for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
11. Approval of the issuance of an Otter Tail County Purchasing Card, with a 30-Day Limit
of $5,000 for County Assessor Department Office Card, as requested by Heather
Jacobson, County Assessor.
ADULT MENTAL HEALTH LOCAL ADVISORY COUNCIL (LAC)
Social Services Supervisor Megan Adams, along with LAC members Fonda Knudsen and Beth Rader
presented on the Otter Tail County Adult Mental Health Local Advisory Council. Knudsen reviewed their
mission in advocating for services for residents with mental illness and mental health needs and highlighted
recent outreach efforts. The LAC also presented two (2) new member requests for appointment to the Otter
Tail County Adult Mental Health Local Advisory Council. Motion by Sullivan, second by Bucholz and
unanimously carried to appoint Lawana Beebout and Somjai Miller to the Otter Tail County Adult Mental Health
Local Advisory Council with Lawana Beebout as a stipend-receiving member.
MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH AND MAY 8TH IS
NATIONAL CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS DAY PROCLAMATION
OTTER TAIL COUNTY RESOLUTION NO. 2025-42
WHEREAS, mental health is a part of overall health and well-being for all individuals; and
WHEREAS, Otter Tail County is proud to support this year's theme: Turning Awareness into Action; and
WHEREAS, addressing the complex mental health needs of children, adults, families, and communities today
is fundamental to the future of Otter Tail County; and
WHEREAS, one in five children under the age of five have a mental health disorder and addressing problems
earlier improves children and youth's quality of life and their chance to succeed; and
WHEREAS, one in five adults live with a mental health condition; and
WHEREAS, the need for comprehensive, coordinated mental health services for children, adults, families and
communities places upon our community a critical responsibility; and
WHEREAS, Otter Tail County has established pursuant MN Statute 245.466 subdivision 5 a Local Advisory
Council, made up of community voices that review, evaluate, and make recommendations regarding the local
mental health system; and
WHEREAS, Otter Tail County Health and Wellness Team and its many partners collaborate to care for the
mental health needs of children, adults, and families in our community; it is appropriate that the month of May
be set apart each year for highlighting and bringing awareness and active support toward the importance of
mental health and well-being.
NOW, THEREFORE, We, Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim the month of May
to be Mental Health Awareness Month and May 8, 2025 to be Children's Mental Health Awareness Day in
Otter Tail County; and urge our citizens and all agencies and organizations interested in meeting children's,
adults', families' and communities' mental health needs to unite in observance of and join the important work
Page 2 of 11
Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes
May 6, 2025
occurring in our communities to address the needs of those experiencing and living with mental health or
substance use disorders and their families.
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was introduced by Commissioner Sullivan, duly
seconded by Commissioner Mortenson and, after discussion thereof and upon vote being taken thereon,
passed unanimously.
Adopted at Fergus Falls, MN this 6th day of May 2025.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated: May 20, 2025
FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER LEASE AGREEMENTS
Motion by Lahman, second by Bucholz and unanimously carried to authorize appropriate County Officials'
signatures to execute a lease agreement between Otter Tail County and the City of New York Mills and a
lease agreement between Otter Tail County and The Bridge Center in Pelican Rapids to provide facilities for
the operation of two area Family Resource Centers in Otter Tail County, effective May 7, 2025.
JAIL COMMUNICATIONS SUBSCRIBER AGREEMENT
County Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons and Jail Administrator Beth Carlson provided an update on the
communications provider for the Otter Tail County Jail. With the current contract expiring, the Sheriff's Office
will be switching to a new communications provider which will allow for more enhanced services including
classes, programs and video visitation for inmates.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST
Motion by Mortenson, second by Sullivan and unanimously carried to authorize reimbursement to the Road
and Bridge Fund from the Capital Improvement Fund for capital expenditures previously approved as outlined
below:
Survey Equipment -Receiver 2025
Two (2) Toro Zero Turn Lawnmowers (2024 Carry Over)
Provonost Snowblower (2024 Carry Over)
Total:
2025 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
$33,052.00
$24,242.58
$46.161.00
$103,455.58
Probation Director Michael Schommer provided an overview of the 2025 Comprehensive Plan for Probation.
A brief history was shared along with Schommer highlighting positive data trends in Otter Tail County showing
reductions in criminal activity and in violations along with decreased recidivism rates. Schommer also touched
on staffing needs and noted that few Department of Corrections staff transitioned to county employment
during the transition to the CCA delivery system which resulted in several vacant positions. The department
is actively working on filling those vacancies. Schommer expressed appreciation for the entire Probation
Department.
Page 3 of 11
Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes
May 6, 2025
ALL RISE NATIONAL TREATMENT COURT MONTH
MAY 2025
OTTER TAIL COUNTY RESOLUTION NO. 2025-43
WHEREAS, according to All Rise, treatment courts are the most successful justice system intervention in our
nation's history for reducing crime by addressing substance use and mental health disorders; and
WHEREAS, treatment courts save an average of more than $6,000 for every individual they serve; and
WHEREAS, treatment courts provide a range of economic benefits to a community, such as reduced costs in
court and prison expenditures, increased tax revenues, lowered foster care expenses, and decreased costs
related to victimization; and
WHEREAS, treatment courts combine accountability with evidence-based treatment; and
WHEREAS, treatment courts annually refer more than 150,000 people to lifesaving treatment and recovery
support services; and
WHEREAS, according to All Rise, treatment courts significantly improve substance use and mental health
disorder treatment outcomes and prevent fatal overdoses; and
WHEREAS, treatment courts facilitate community-wide partnerships, bringing together public safety and
public health; and
WHEREAS, there are now more than 4,000 treatment courts nationwide; and
WHEREAS, treatment courts demonstrate that when one person rises, we all rise; and
WHEREAS, Otter Tail County has joined in the support of treatment courts by implementing the DWI Court,
March 2008 and Adult Drug Treatment Court in March 2022.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Otter Tail County declares that Treatment Court Month be established
during the Month of May 2025 recognizing the significant contributions the Otter Tail County Treatment Courts
have made over the past 17 years toward ·reducing substance abuse, crime, and recidivism while saving
valuable resources.
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was introduced by Commissioner Mortenson, duly
seconded by Commissioner Bucholz and, after discussion thereof and upon vote being taken thereon, passed
unanimously.
Adopted at Fergus Falls, MN this 6th day of May 2025.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Page 4 of 11
Dated: May 20, 2025
Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes
May 6, 2025
RECESS & RECONVENE
At 9:32 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 9:47 a.m.
NORTHERN COUNTIESLAND USE COORDINATING BOARD
Motion by Lahman, second by Bucholz and unanimously carried to appoint Commissioner Sean Sullivan to
serve on the Northern Counties Land Use Coordinating Board.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS}
Commissioner Wayne Johnson led a brief discussion about whether the County would provide direct funding
for EMS providers under statutory authority. Further consideration will be needed to determine the most
effective way to address revenue shortfalls that EMS providers are experiencing.
LAW DAY
County Administrator Nicole Hansen noted that Law Day at the Otter Tail County Courthouse on May 1st was
well received. Student groups and community members were able to join judges, courthouse staff and justice
partners for a day filled with opportunities to learn more about the justice system.
NUISANCE PROPERTY UPDATE
County Attorney Michelle Eldien, along with Land and Resource Management Director Chris LeClair and
Assistant Land and Resource Management Director Kyle Westergard, provided an update on the Schleske
Nuisance Property. The May 1st deadline for Mr. Schleske to install a chain link fence to standards, noted at
the March 11th Board of Commissioners meeting, were not met. Next steps will be for Otter Tail County to
execute the contract and purchase materials to have Oberg Fence Company erect the fence. Commissioners
were in consensus with next steps.
HOOK TRUCK PURCHASE
Motion by Bucholz, second by Lahman and unanimously carried to authorize the Solid Waste Department to
purchase a new truck from I-State Truck Center with a hook lift from Olympic Sales, in the quoted amount of
$219,360.00, as presented by Assistant Solid Waste Director Scott Bjerke. This purchase is included in the
· 2025 budget.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
Motion by Mortenson, second by Sullivan and unanimously carried to authorize appropriate County Officials'
signatures to execute the Professional Services Agreements between Otter Tail County and Barr Engineering
Co., in the amount of $104,300.00, for 2025 groundwater sampling, analysis and annual reporting for the
Northeast Otter Tail (NEOT) and Henning Landfills as outlined below:
SUMMARY OF COSTS
location Scope of Services Itemized Subtotals
NEOT Routine Annual Services $28,800 $28,800
HenninJi: Routine Annual Services $21,000
Henning Well Installation Professional Services $17,000 $75,500
Henning Well Installation Subcontractor $37,500
Total Cost $104,300 $104,300
Page 5 of 11
Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes
May 6, 2025
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
Motion by Mortenson, second by Bucholz and unanimously carried to authorize appropriate County Officials'
signatures to execute the Addenda to existing Master Services Agreement between Otter Tail County and
Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC, in the amount of $111,000.00, for 2025 annual reporting, financial
assurance and airspace calculations at the Northeast Otter Tail (NEOT) and Henning Landfills as outlined
below:
SUMMARY OF COSTS
Location
NEOT
NEOT
Henning
Henning
Henning
Fergus Falls TS
Recycling Center,
Battie Lake and
Pelican Rapids
Scope of Services
Routine Annual Services
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
Routine Annual Services
Permit Modification
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
Stormwater No Exposure Exclusions and
related Sampling
Total Cost
NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK
MAY 4-10, 2025
Itemized
$38,300
$10,000
$29,500
$6,000
$10,000
$10,000
$7,200
$111,000
OTTER TAIL COUNTY RESOLUTION NO. 2025-44
WHEREAS, small businesses are the backbone of Otter Tail County's economy, driving innovation, sustaining
families, and building strong communities throughout our region; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Small Business Administration has designated May 4-10, 2025, as National Small
Business Week, recognizing the contributions of entrepreneurs and small business owners across the country;
and
WHEREAS, Otter Tail County, Minnesota, is home to over 1,800 business establishments that contribute
meaningfully to our local character and economy; and
WHEREAS, nearly 30% of the approximately 30,500 individuals employed in Otter Tail County work in small
businesses, underscoring the vital role these enterprises play in supporting livelihoods and opportunities for
our residents; and
WHEREAS, small businesses in Otter Tail County contribute significantly to the county's economic success,
generating a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of approximately $3.14 billion in 2023; and
WHEREAS, supporting small businesses not only fosters entrepreneurship and innovation but also enhances
the prosperity, sustainability, and resilience of our communities.
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim the week of May
4-10, 2025, as National Small Business Week in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, and encourage all residents
Page 6 of 11
Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes
May 6, 2025
to recognize, support, and celebrate the vital role that small businesses play in building a thriving local
economy.
The motion for the adoption. of the foregoing resolution was introduced by Commissioner Sullivan, duly
seconded by Commissioner Lahman and, after discussion thereof and upon vote being taken thereon, passed
unanimously.
Adopted at Fergus Falls, MN this 6th day of May 2025.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated: May 20, 2025
ADJOURNMENT
At 10:17 a.m., Chair Johnson declared the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners meeting adjourned with
a closed session to follow. The next regular Board meeting is scheduled at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20,
2025, at the Government Services Center in Fergus Falls and via livestream.
CLOSED SESSION
At 10:17 a.m., Chair Johnson declared the Board of Commissioners· meeting closed to the public. The closed
session is authorized under Minnesota Statute §13.D05, Subd. 3(c)(1) to discuss the sale or purchase of
property at 2001 W Lincoln Ave, Fergus Falls, MN 56537. Present in the room were Commissioners Wayne
Johnson, Bob Lahman, Kurt Mortenson, Dan Bucholz and Sean Sullivan, County Administrator Nicole
Hansen, County Attorney Michelle Eldien, Deputy Administrator Nick Leonard, Community Development
Director Amy Baldwin, Facilities Operations Manager Doug Cannell, County Board Secretary Hannah
Anderson and John Carlson with Hammers Construction. The closed session ended at 11:15 a.m.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated: May 20, 2025
Page 7 of 11
Page 8 of 11
Vendor Name
A-OX WELDING SUPPLY CO INC
ALEX RUBBISH & RECYCLING 1NC
ALVSTAD & ASSOCIATES
AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES INC
AMERICAN WELDING & GAS INC
AMP ELECTRIC INC
APPLIED CONCEPTS INC
AVERY, ATTORNEY AT LAW/JILL
BARR ENGINEERING CO
BATTLE LAKE STANDARD
BCA TRAINING
BOT MECHANICAL LLC
BELTRAMI CO SHERIFF
BEN HOLZER UNUMITED WATER lLC
BERG'S WELDING & REPAIR LLC
BEYER BODY SHOP INC
BURRIS/WARREN
BUY-MOR PARTS & SERVICE LLC
CANINE ACRES INC
CARR'S TREE SERVICE INC
CASEY/ROBERT
CHIPPEWA RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCI.A
CLEAN SWEEP COMMERCIAL SERVICES
CODE BLUE K9 LLC
COLLEGE WAY AUTO
COMMISSIONER OF TRANSPORTATION
COMPASS MINERALS AMERICA INC
COOPER'S OFACE SUPPLY INC
CUMMINS SALES & SERVICE
CURVATURE llC
D & T VENTURES Ll.C
DACOTAH PAPER CO
DAHLSADICHRISTOPHER
DAKOTA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS INC
DANIELSONIDAWN
DOUBLE A CATERING
DOUGLAS CO PUBLIC V./ORKS
EGGE CONSTROCTION JNC
ELITE METAL TOOLS
ERGOMETRICS INC
F-M FORKLIFT SALES & SERVICE 1NC
FARM & HOME PUBLISHERS L 1D
Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes
May 6, 2025 (Exhibit A)
Amount
7,984.00
641.16
854.00
6,918.32
62.02
6,473.00
498.25
781.79
3,328-00
34.94
75.00
2,290.55
70.00
37.50
1,282.98
1,158.48
219.99
16,117.89
252.00
16,150.00
41.93
300.00
525.00
1,280.00
236.65
407.73
117.937.09
49.50
952.88
5,143.78
1,186.19
635.85
15.00
2,000.00
278.58
35.00
1,348.56
825.00
4,179.00
188.76
508.52
555.60
Page 9 of 11
Vendor Name
FARMERS CO-OP OIL
FASTENAL COMPANY
FERGUS FALLS DAILY JOURNAL
FERGUS HOME & HARDWARE INC
FERGUS POWER PUMP INC
FIDLAR TECHNOLOGIES INC
FISCHER/JUDD
FLEET SUPPLY
FORCE AMERICA DISTRIBUTING LLC
FORUM COMMUNICATIONS PRINTING
FOSTER/KRYSlEN
FOTH INFRASTRUCTURE & ENVIRONMEtl
FRANZ REPROGRAPHICS INC
GALLAGHER BENEFIT SERVICES INC
GALLSlLC
GENE'S SPORT SHOP
GLENDE-NILSON FUNERAL HOME
GRAINGER INC
GREWE/TUCKER
GREYSTONECONSTRUCTIONCO
HAWES SEPTIC TANK PUMPING LLC
HILL YARD -HUTCHINSON
HOMETOWN REPAIR INC
HOUSTON ENGINEERING INC
INNOVATIVE OFFICE SOLUTIONS LLC
JAKE'S JOHNS LLC
JH SIGNS & DESIGNS INC
JK SPORTS INC
JONES LAW OFFICE
KARVONEN FUNERAL HOME
KIMBALL MIDWEST
KORTLEVER/KENT
LAKE REGION HEALTHCARE
LAKES COUNTRY SERVICE COOPERATrv
LANGUEISTEVEN
LAWSON PRODUCTS INC
LEE/NICOLE
LEROY MOTORSPORTS LLC
LIBERTY TIRE SERVICES LLC
LIFTOFFLLC
LOCATORS & SUPPLIES INC
M-R SIGN CO INC
Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes
May 6, 2025 (Exhibit A)
Amount
1,492.16
484.49
482.74
12.56
21,575.00
3,295.00
500.00
22.32
775.70
31,432.47
543.18
2,424.11
59.67
499.98
667.95
775.00
1,200.00
4,769.66
15.00
42,740.75
160.00
327.20
135.14
17,989.75
92.80
340.00
520.00
921.00
230.00
1,157.50
558.07
227.19
985.00
672.00
823.20
109.88
1,079.92
465.82
5,406.50
146,586.90
513.82
1,726.16
Page 10 of 11
Vendor Name
MAGNET FORENSICS UC
MARCO TECHNOLOGIES LLC
MARCO TECHNOLOGIES LLC
MCCONN/CHRISTOPHER
MHSRCRANGE
MIDWEEK INCfTHE
MINNEAPOLIS FORENSIC PYSCH SERVIC
MlNNESOTA MOTOR COMPANY
MlNNKOTA ENVIRO SERVICES INC
MN CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION
MN DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION
MNCCC LOCKBOX
MONROE TOWMASTER LLC
MORRIS/JASON
NAPA CENTRAL
NELSON AUTO CENTER INC
NELSON/REBECCA
NEW YORK MILLS FIRE DEPARTtJJENT
NORTI-1 CENTRAL INC
NORTI-I.AND FIRE PROTECTION
NORTHWEST TIRE INC
NUSS TRUCK& EQUIPMENT
OLSON T:tRE & OIL
OTTER ELECTRIC LLC
OTTER TAIL CO PUBLIC HEAL TH
OTTERTAIL CO TREASURER
OTTER TAIL CO TREASURER
OUTDOOR RENOVATIONS LANDSCAPE &
OVERHEAD DOOR CO OF FERGUS FALLS
PACE ANAL YHCAL SERVICES INC
PARK REGION CO OP
PARKERS PRAIRIE SCHOOLS ISO 547
PEBBLE LAKE AUTO
PELICAN RAPIDS PRESS
PEMBERTON LAW PLlP
PIEPER/JORDAN
PRAIRIE LAKES MUNJCIPAL SOLID WASTE
PRAIRIE RIDGE HOSPITAL & HEAL TH SEF
PRECISE MRM UC
PRO AG FARMERS CO OP
PRO AG FARMERS COOPERATIVE
QUADIENT FINANCE USA INC
Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes
May 6, 2025 (Exhibit A)
Amount
2,980.00
123,869-03
97522
161.31
6,640.00
58.20
1,800.00
2,510.47
29.50
99.00
23,676.80
315.00
346.71
42.83
9423
27,215.00
27.02
400.00
659.49
548.00
1,050.65
37,526.94
585.00
3,812.15
920.00
808.43
1,488.76
6,866.25
225.00
10,685.31
7.5.00
4,992.60
840.96
72.00
2,421.00
12.13
359.78
833.78
1,576.75
163 . .52
477.32
520.06
Page 11 of 11
Vendor Name
QUADIENT INC
RDO TRUCK CENTERS LLC
RED DOT PEST CONTROL
REUSE MINNESOTA
SANITATION PRODUCTS INC
SELAND'S
SERVICE FOOD SUPER YALU
SHERWIN-WILLIAMS COMPANY INC/THE
SHI INTERNATIONAL CORP
SIGN GUYS LLC
SILLERUDJDAVID
SQUEEGEE SQUAD
SRF CONSULTING GROUP INC
STACH/TRENT
STEINS INC
STEVE'S SANITATION INC
STONEBROOKE ENGINEERING INC
STONEFL Y INC
STORM TRAINING GROUP UC
STREICHERS
SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE LLC
SUPER SEPTIC INC
THIS WEEKS SHOPPING NE\IVS
lNTREPAIR INC
TOLLEFSON/DEREK
TOSSETT/KARMEN
TRANSPORTATION COLLABORATIVE &
TRI-STATE MANUFACTURERS ASSN
TRllES/DAVlD
TYLER TECHNOLOGIES INC
UHRICH/COREY
VANGUARD APPRAISALS INC
VERGAS AUTO REPAIR UC
VESTIS
VICTOR LUNDEEN COMPANY
VIKING COCA-COLA
VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTER INC
WARNER GARAGE DOOR INC
WELLER'S GARAGE
WILSONM'ARREN R
WM CORPORATE SERVICES INC
WULFEKUHLE/RANDY
Vendor Name
XYBIX SYSTEMS INC
Z!IEGLER INC
Final Total:
Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes
May 6, 2025 (Exhibit A)
Amount
14,063.00
6,416.88
255.00
200.00
1,964.45
3,620.96
94.90
116.07
52,571.80
374.00
264.14
820.00
4,562.50
12.13
2,200.79
17623
17,946.60
3,267.06
5.()00.00
1,388.99
8,920.32
396.00
232.80
99.54
22.00
155.40
9,574.00
350.00
434.50
66,536.70
149.76
38,064.50
1,126.40
269.03
598.45
312.00
3,127.84
3TT.62
366.15
300.60
34,390.68
38.10
Amount
75,325.10
87.09
'1,124,147.36
Drainage Authority Meeting Minutes
May 6, 2025
OTTER TAIL COUNTY -MINNESOTA
DRAI NAGE AUTHORITY MIN UTES
Government Services Center, Commissioners' Room & Via Livestream
515 West Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN
May 6, 2025112:29 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
The Otter Tail County Drainage Authority convened at 12:29 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the Government
Services Center in Fergus Falls, MN. Commissioners Wayne Johnson, Chair; Bob Lahman, Vice Chair; Kurt
Mortenson, Dan Bucholz, and Sean Sullivan were present.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA & CONSENT AGENDA
Chair Johnson called for joint approval of the Drainage Authority Agenda and Consent Agenda. Motion by
Lahman, second by Mortenson and unanimously carried to approve the Drainage Authority Agenda of May 6,
2025 and the Consent Agenda of May 6, 2025 as follows:
1. April 22, 2025, Drainage Authority Meeting Minutes
2. Warrants/Bills for May 6, 2025 (Exhibit A)
DITCHES 10, 11 & 31 RECONVENED ROB HEARING
Drainage Inspector Colby Palmersheim and Scott Henderson with H2OverViewers presented on the amended
reports for the Redetermination of Benefits for County Ditches 10, 11, and 31. This hearing date was recessed
to today from the March 25th Drainage Authority meeting as there were substantial watershed and benefit
changes on all three systems. Henderson reviewed each system and noted the proposed amounts as follows:
> Ditch 10 -Benefit amount of $79,468.03 with 172.96 benefited acres and $5.02 in damages > Ditch 11 -Benefit amount of $54,587.97 with 168. 77 benefited acres and $1,178.82 in damages > Ditch 31 -Benefit amount of $849,110.99 with 1,291.44 benefited acres and $1,610.68 in damages
Discussion continued regarding noticing property owners of the changes in watershed area and benefits.
Though procedure is to only notify property owners whose benefit increases, Drainage Inspector Colby
Palmersheim and the Commissioners were in consensus that due to the substantial changes to the
watersheds, all benefited property owners will be notified of the changes to the systems.
At 12:59 p.m., Chair Johnson reconvened the Public Hearing regarding Redetermination of Benefits for
Ditches 10, 11, and 31 with Commissioner Mortenson abstaining from discussion on Ditch 31. This Public
Hearing is continued from the original hearing on January 27, 2025 and a reconvened hearing on March 25,
2025. Chair Johnson asked for comments from the public. One property owner voiced surprise over the
changes to the benefits and asked for a continuation of this public hearing to a later date to give time for
property owners to look over the amended reports to better understand all the changes. A question regarding
who pays for this correction was also voiced. Drainage Inspector Colby Palmersheim stated that the
H2OverViewers contract is based on a dollar per acre of the watershed which is submitted as a final exhibit,
and that corrections don't necessarily mean an increased cost. A second property owner asked for clarification
on where Ditch 31 begins and ends and also made inquiries about maintaining the portion of the ditch that
runs through his property.
Page 1 of 3
Drainage Authority Meeting Minutes
May 6, 2025
At 1 :11 p.m., Chair Johnson called for a motion to recess the Public Hearing. Motion by Lahman, second by
Bucholz and motion carried with Mortenson abstaining to recess the Reconvened Redetermination of Benefits
Public Hearing for County Ditches 10, 11, and 31 to August 26, 2025 at 12:30 p.m.
DITCH 11 -PETITION FOR ABANDONMENT
Drainage Inspector Colby Palmersheim informed the Board about a Support Petition that was received for the
abandonment of County Ditch 11. Palmersheim noted that the petition does not meet the statutory
requirements for petitioning for abandonment. Motion by Mortenson, second by Lahman and unanimously
carried that the Support Petition regarding Abandonment of County Ditch 11 does not meet the statutory
requirements to move forward with abandonment.
ADJOURNMENT
At 1 :17 p.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, May 20, 2025,
at the Government Services Center in Fergus Falls and via livestream.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated: May 20, 2025
Attest~~
Nicholas Leonard, Deputy Administrator
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COUNTY -MINNESOTA
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Vendor Name
COLUMN SOFTWARE PBC
FERGUS FALl.S DAILY JOURNAL
KUGLER/DOUGLAS
OTTER TAIL CO TREI\SURER
Final Total:
Drainage Authority Meeting Minutes
May 6, 2025 (Exhibit A)
Amount
96.47
787.65
650.00
2,094.14
3,628.26