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Home My WebLink AboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 09/23/2025Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes September 23, 2025 OTTER TAIL COUNTY-MINNESOTA BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES Government Services Center, Commissioners' Room & Via Livestream 515 West Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN September 23, 2025 I 8:30 a.m. CALL TO ORDER The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 23, 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 September 23, 2025, as presented. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Sullivan, second by Lahman and unanimously carried to approve the consent agenda items as presented: Page 1 of 17 1. September 9, 2025, Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes 2. Warrants/Bills for September 23, 2025 (Exhibit A) 3. Human Services and Public Health Warrants/Bills for September 23, 2025 (Exhibit A) 4. Warrants/Bills, as Approved for Payment by the County Auditor-Treasurer, for September 5 & 12, 2025. 5. Approval of the issuance of an Otter Tail County Purchasing Card, with a 30-day limit of $1 ,000.00, to Shaun Van Dyke, Deputy Sheriff as requested by Reed Reinbold, Chief Deputy Sheriff. 6. Approval of the issuance of an Otter Tail County Purchasing Card, with a 30-day limit of $2,500.00, to Natalee Yates, Public Information and Education Officer as requested by Chris McConn, Solid Waste Director. 7. Approval of the issuance of an Otter Tail County Purchasing Card, with a 30-day limit of $800.00, to Lucas Johnston, Child and Family Services Supervisor as requested by Jess Steinbrenner, Assistant Human Services Director. 8. Approval of an LG220 Application for Exempt Permit for Lawful Gambling for the Battle Lake Area Sporting Club for an event on February 21, 2026 at the West Battle Lake East Public Access, Battle Lake MN . 9. Approval of an LG220 Application for Exempt Permit for Lawful Gambling for the Perham Home Run Club for an event on November 14, 2025 at The Cactus in Perham Township. 10. Approval of an Application for a Temporary On Sale Liquor License for Outstate Brewing Company for the Acres of Eden Fall Farm Festival on October 4, 2025 located at 18951 170th St, Fergus Falls, MN 56537. Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes September 23, 2025 11 . Approval of a renewal application for an On Sale 3.2 Malt Liquor License for ES Ventures dba Oak & Iron Golf for the period of July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. 12. Approval of a renewal application for On Sale Wine License for ES Ventures dba Oak & Iron Golf for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH Health Educator Reese Ellison provided an update on the Partners for Suicide Prevention Coalition as the Month of September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The Coalition's mission is to create a safe and supportive environment and promote wellbeing for all people by offering hope, building support, and preventing suicide across all of Otter Tail County. Ellison spoke on the Coalition's history, vision, values, goals and strategies, and shared progress on continued outreach efforts for suicide prevention. SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION OTTER TAIL COUNTY RESOLUTION NO. 2025-89 WHEREAS, Suicide is a public health challenge that affects families and communities across every background regardless of age, race, ethnicity, nationality, or personal circumstances; and WHEREAS, Suicide causes immeasurable grief, fear, and confusion among individuals, families, and loved ones, creating a lasting impact that extends across communities and generations; and WHEREAS, In Otter Tail County, suicide continues to occur at disproportionately higher rates than in metropolitan areas, reflecting a concerning upward trend; and WHEREAS, People experiencing suicidal thoughts may feel alone, hopeless, or disconnected, and may not seek help because of stigma, fear, or limited access to resources and culturally responsive care; and WHEREAS, Otter Tail County has a growing suicide prevention network, including efforts to educate community members through trainings, building partnerships with local organizations to build capacity, and promoting local and national resources like the 988 Suicide and Crisis lifeline; and WHEREAS, Promoting health, wellness, resilience, and connectedness in our communities is vital to Otter Tai l County, and to the Partners for Suicide Prevention's vision to have an engaged community that is free from judgement and united in saving lives; and WHEREAS, Suicide is a complex public health issue that requires a comprehensive and compassionate approach involving every sector of society. It is also preventable, and with treatment and support, recovery is possible. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT WE , the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim the month of September 2025, as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and strongly urge the people, organizations, and communities of Otter Tail County to observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Month by sharing there is hope, that help is available, and by promoting resources and providing safe spaces for all. The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was introduced by Commissioner Mortenson, duly seconded by Commissioner Sullivan and, after discussion thereof and upon vote being taken thereon , passed unanimously. Page 2 of 17 Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes September 23, 2025 Adopted at Fergus Falls, MN this 23rd day of September 2025. OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated: October 14, 2025 Attest&! Uk~ Nicole Hansen, Clerk OTTER TAIL COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT OTTER TAIL COUNTY RESOLUTION NO. 2025-90 BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Otter Tail County Sheriff's Office will enter into a grant agreement with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, for traffic safety enforcement projects during the period from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. The Otter Tail County Sheriff's Office is hereby authorized to execute such agreements and amendments as are necessary to implement the project on behalf of the Otter Tail County Sheriff's Office and to be the fiscal agent and administer the grant. The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was introduced by Commissioner Bucholz, duly seconded by Commissioner Lahman and , after discussion thereof and upon vote being taken thereon, passed unanimously. Adopted at Fergus Falls, MN this 23rd day of September 2025. OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated: October 14, 2025 Atte~'ti)k,J..}a,vv Nicole Hansen, Clerk RECESS & RECONVENE At 8:46 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 8:50 a.m. PRAIRIE LAKES COMMUNITY HEAL TH BOARD JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT Motion by Bucholz, second by Mortenson and unanimously carried to authorize appropriate County Officials' signatures to execute a Joint Powers Agreement between Otter Tail County and Wilkin County to Establish the Prairie Lakes Community Health Board, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 145A and Minnesota Statute §471.59, effective January 1, 2026. RECESS & RECONVENE At 8:56 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 9:01 a.m . Page 3 of 17 Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes September 23, 2025 PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS Gregory and Marjorie Johnson Motion by Sullivan, second by Bucholz and motion carried with Johnson abstaining to approve a Conditional Use Permit, for Gregory and Marjorie Johnson, for the construction of a single-family home with a separate garage building and driveway with shoreland alterations consisting of 3,000 cubic yards of earthmoving with the condition that a pre-construction meeting must be held with the Land & Resource Management Office, as recommended by the Planning Commission. This proposal is located at Lot 1, Block 1 of Gergenbrech Addition, Section 29, Scambler Township, Pete Lake (56-941 ). Paul Halvorson and Alicia Kropuenske Motion by Mortenson, second by Lahman and unanimously carried to approve a Conditional Use Permit for, Paul Halvorson and Alicia Kropuenske, to open and operate a farm market store on the farm property which would be a direct-to-consumer store with the condition that the property owners adhere to the operational details outlined in an August 21 , 2025 email regarding hours of operation and lighting, as recommended by the Planning Commission. This proposal is located at 18266 County Highway 59, Vining, MN 56588, Section 19, Folden Township, Unnamed Lake (56-102) NE. Dale and Deborah Formo Trust Motion by Sullivan, second by Mortenson and unanimously carried to approve a Conditional Use Permit, for Dale and Deborah Formo Trust, to manufacture cannabis infused edibles with the following conditions: 1) this will be a manufacturing only facility, 2) there will be no retail sales, 3) no public access and 4) no exterior signage, as recommended by the Planning Commission . This proposal is located at 3110 Pebble Lake Road, Fergus Falls, MN 56537, Section 14, Buse Township, Unnamed Lake (56-830) NE. LAKEVIEW ESTATES PRELIMINARY PLAT Motion by Mortenson, second by Lahman and unanimously carried to approve the Preliminary Plat titled, "Lakeview Estates", owned by Jacob Sonnenberg, consisting of 8 Single Family Residential Riparian Lots and 4 Single Family Residential Non-Riparian Lots, 2 Blocks with a condition that the soil treatment areas for each lot's septic system must be clearly protected using iron posts and snow fencing and to remove the condition placed by Planning Commission which included extending the proposed dedicated road right of way to the southerly portion of the property. This proposal is located in Section 9, Dora Township, Kemp Lake (56-626) NE and Loon Lake (56-523) RD. SCHEDULE PUBLIC HEARING FOR OTWMD Motion by Lahman, second by Bucholz and unanimously carried to schedule a Public Hearing for the purpose of adding four (4) parcels to the Otter Tail Water Management District (OTWMD) to be held on October 28, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. during the regular Board of Commissioners meeting. CANNABIS REGISTRATION APPLICATION -WILDFLOWER CANNABIS Land and Resource Management Director Chris LeClair held discussion on a Cannabis Registration Application from Danielle Royer for a retail cannabis business in Pelican Rapids, MN. Discussion continued with the Board reviewing the requirements detailed in the County's Ordinance to Regulate Cannabis and Lower-Potency Hemp Businesses. Motion by Lahman, second by Mortenson and motion carried with Bucholz opposed to approve the Cannabis Registration Application "Wildflower Cannabis" from Danielle Royer for a retail cannabis business at 520 Broadway N, Pelican Rapids, MN 56572 as the location meets requirements for operation. Page 4 of 17 Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes September 23 , 2025 CANNABIS REGISTRATION APPLICATION -ELEVATED DISPENSARIES Land and Resource Management Director Chris LeClair held discussion on a Cannabis Registration Application from Scott Dahms for a retail cannabis business in Pelican Rapids, MN. Discussion continued with the Board reviewing the requirements detailed in the County's Ordinance to Regulate Cannabis and Lower- Potency Hemp Businesses. At 460 feet, this application does not meet the minimum buffer requirement of operation within 500 feet of a state, county or city park that is regularly used by minors. Discussion continued regarding the definition of "regularly used by minors". Motion by Sullivan, second by Bucholz to table the Cannabis Registration Application "Elevated Dispensaries" for Scott Dahms located at 40 2nd St, Pelican Rapids, MN 56572 to the October 28, 2025 Board of Commissioners meeting at 10: 15 a.m. to allow the Board time to clarify the language in Section 300.10 of the County's Ordinance to Regulate Cannabis and Lower- Potency Hemp Businesses to allow for consistency in the application approval process. CITY OF PELICAN RAPIDS TAX FORFEITED LAND OTTER TAIL COUNTY RESOLUTION NO. 2025-91 WHEREAS, on the 30th day of September, 2005, the City of Pelican Rapids acquired the following described tax forfeited parcels for an authorized public use: Parcel No. 76-000-27-0057-000 Section 27 Township 136 Range 42 Sublot L of NE1/4 SW1/4 State Deed No. 0200909 Recorded October 12, 2005, as Document 985887; and WHEREAS, on the 27th day of August 2024, the City of Pelican Rapids determined that the city no longer needed this parcel for the authorized public use and unanimously passed Resolution 2024-11 approving the reconveyance of the above-described parcel to the State of Minnesota; and WHEREAS, on the 21st day of October 2024 the Reconveyance of Forfeited Lands to the State of Minnesota by a Government Subdivision (PT Form 975) was recorded as Document 1311670; and WHEREAS, the City of Pelican Rapids previously submitted a request to the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners to be allowed to purchase the above-described tax forfeited parcel for a public purpose at less than market value, which the Board approved of in Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2025-26; and WHEREAS, the City of Pelican Rapids is required by the Minnesota Department of Revenue to identify the land use of the property; and WHEREAS, the above-described tax forfeited parcel is purchased by the City of Pelican Rapids for a public purpose at less than market value, for the purpose of drainage and storage of stormwater under a stormwater management plan. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners hereby approve the sale of the above-described tax-forfeited parcel to the City of Pelican Rapids for $1.00 plus fees in recognition of the City of Pelican's drainage and storage of stormwater under a stormwater management plan. The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was introduced by Commissioner Mortenson, duly seconded by Commissioner Sullivan and, after discussion thereof and upon vote being taken thereon, passed unanimously. Adopted at Fergus Falls, MN this 23rd day of September 2025. Page 5 of 17 OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes September 23, 2025 Dated: October 14, 2025 Attest: Jlc,·C,alt JJ,~ Nicole Hansen, Clerk SECURING STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDING COMMUNITY PRESENTATION County Administrator Nicole Hansen informed the Board about the "Securing State and Federal Funding for Your Community" event at Thumper Pond Resort on November 6, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. RIBBON CUTTING County Administrator Nicole Hansen noted that the Board is invited to a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on October 29, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. for the new Fergus Falls Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), an extension of the Fargo VA Health Care System. RECESS & RECONVENE At 9:53 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 10:03 a.m. MICA 2025 END-OF-SESSION BRIEFING Executive Director Nathan Jesson, Transportation Liaison Amber Backhaus, Health and Human Services Liaison Nancy Silesky, Environment Liaison Rachel Sosnowchik, and Corrections & Public Safety Liaison Emilio Lamba, all with Minnesota Inter-County Association (MICA), provided a 2025 End-of-Session Briefing for the Board. They provided a recap of the 2025 legislative session and county impacts, covered key county priorities, presented on end-of-session budget data and provided an outlook for 2026. ADOPTION OF PROPOSED BUDGET AND LEVY OTTER TAIL COUNTY RESOLUTION NO. 2025-92 Recommended Gross and Net Property Tax Levy for Payable 2026 Gross County Property Tax levy (Non Debt)- Gross Debt levy - 2020A GO CIP Bonds ighway Bonds-2019A Jail/Elevator Project -2017 A Total Gross County Property Tax Levy County Praoram Aid (Certified) Net County Property Tax Levy - GrossJNet ake mprOYement District evies - Pelican Group of akes P11e Lakes little Mc:Dooald, Keros & Paul Big McDonald South Turtle Total Net County evy Including ake Improvement Districts - Pair:able 2026 Pa~ble 202S 57,979.189 55 ,040.490 617,27 620,789 240.240 239,190 166,950 166,268 59,003,650 56,066.737 2,933,102 3,011 ,3,18 56 ,070,548 53,055.419 200,000 130,000 55.075 55,075 28,600 26,000 9,900 14.000 0,000 10.000 56,374. 23 53.290.494 Percent 5.34% -0 .57% 0.44% 0.41% 5.24% -2.60% 5.68% 53,85% 0.00% 10.00% -29.29% 0.00% 5.79% Page 6 of 17 ~ 9o!J,E~N!~~~ Special Taxiog District levy - Otter Tail County CDA Otter TaH County HRA Proposed Total Net Property Tax levy RECAP · Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes September 23, 2025 644 ,287 ,610.431 58,628 .841 644.287 1,610.431 55,545.212 0.00% 0.000/o 5.55% County Onty (Excludes Ubrary, Lake Improvement Districts, COA and HRA)· Gross Tax ev:,, (Tota0 County Program Aid Ne t Tax levy (Total) County Onl·y {Includes Library}• Gross Tax Lev:,, (Total) County Progra m Aid Net Tax Levy (Total) County, Library, Lake lmprowmant Districts, CDA and HRA - Gros,s Tax Lev:,, (Total} County Program Aid Net Tax levy (Total) 58.365,636 2,933,102 55,432.534 59,003,650 2,933,1()2 56.070.548 61 ,561,943 2,933.102 58.628,841 55,435,040 3,011 ,318 52,423.722 56,066,737 3,011.318 53.()65,419 58,556.530 3,011 .318 55.545,212 5.29% -2.60% 5.74% 5.24% -2.60% 5.68% 5.13% -2.60% 5.55% WHEREAS, on or before September 30, 2025 Otter Tail County may adopt a Proposed Budget for Fiscal/Calendar Year 2026 and must adopt and certify a proposed net property tax levy for Payable Year 2026; and WHEREAS, the Otter Tail County Auditor-Treasurer's office has accumulated the Departmental and outside agency requests; and WHEREAS, the Otter Tail County Finance, Property & License Management Committee has met to discuss and review in general terms levy and budgetary guidelines, as well as the proposed department budgets and various agency requests; and WHEREAS, the Otter Tail County Finance, Property & License Management Committee will complete additional review and discussion, as needed and required, of the 2026 proposed tax levy and budget prior to final adoption on December 16, 2025. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners of Otter Tail County, Minnesota, that The amount of $61,561,943 be adopted as Otter Tail County's Proposed Gross Property Tax Levy for the Payable Year 2026 representing a 5.13% increase from the Gross Property Tax Levy for the Payable Year 2025, and that the amount of $58,628,841 be adopted as Otter Tail County's Proposed Net Property Tax Levy for the Payable Year 2026 representing a 5.55% increase over the Net Property Tax Levy for the Payable Year 2025; and that Page 7 of 17 Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes September 23, 2025 The amount of $303,575 be adopted by Otter Tail County as the Proposed Lake Improvement District Property Tax Levies for the Payable Year 2026, representing a 29.14% increase from the Lake Improvement District Property Tax Levies as adopted by Otter Tail County for the Payable Year 2025; and that The amount of $1,610,431 be adopted by Otter Tail County as the Proposed Otter Tail County HRA Special District Property Tax Levy for the Payable Year 2026, representing a 0.00% increase from the Property Tax Levy as adopted by Otter Tail County for the Payable Year 2025; and that The amount of $644,287 be adopted by Otter Tail County as the Pay 2026 Proposed Otter Tail County CDA levy as authorized under the housing and redevelopment authority statutes representing a 0.00% increase from the Property Tax Levy as adopted by Otter Tail County for the Payable Year 2025. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the amount of $130,000,000 (includes inter-fund transfers) be adopted as Otter Tail County's Proposed Budget for the General Fund, for the Budgeted Special Revenue Funds and for the Budgeted Debt Service Funds for the Fiscal/Calendar Year 2026 (Expenditures/transfers/Other Uses). 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 vote being taken thereon, passed unanimously. Adopted at Fergus Falls, MN this 23rd day of September 2025. OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated: October 14, 2025 Attest & • &/1.wJ CuJ4.,-.....- Nicole Hansen, Clerk SET PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED BUDGET AND LEVY Motion by Bucholz, second by Sullivan and unanimously carried to set the Proposed Levy and Budget Truth in Taxation Public Hearing for 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 in the Otter Tail Lake Room at the Government Services Center (GSC) in Fergus Falls, MN . RECOMMENDATION OF AWARD Motion by Bucholz, second by Lahman and unanimously carried to award the bid for Curbside Single Sort Recycling Collection for both Henning, MN and Battle Lake, MN to Steve's Sanitation, the overall lowest bidder for collection in both cities, in the amount of $98,910.25, and to authorize appropriate County Officials' signatures to execute the agreement between Otter Tail County and Steve's Sanitation, effective January 2026 through June 2027. GRANT OPPORTUNITY FOR SINGLE-SORT RECYCLING Motion by Lahman, second by Mortenson and unanimously carried to authorize the Solid Waste Department to submit an application for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Greater Minnesota Waste Reduction, Reuse, Recycling and Compost Grant and authorize appropriate County Officials' signatures on the MPCA Authorization Resolution. This proposal would support the startup of Curbside Single Sort Recycling in the Northeast Quadrant beginning January 2027. Page 8 of 17 Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes September 23, 2025 HOUSING TRUST FUND ORDINANCE Motion by Mortenson, second by Sullivan and unanimously carried to approve updates to the Otter Tail County Housing Trust Fund Ordinance as presented by Community Development Director Amy Baldwin. This ordinance rescinds the prior Otter Tail County Housing Trust Fund Ordinance. OCTOBER IS MANUFACTURING MONTH 2025 PROCLAMATION OTTER TAIL COUNTY RESOLUTION NO. 2025-93 WHEREAS, The manufacturing industry is a critically important part of Minnesota's and Otter Tail County's diverse economy; and WHEREAS, Manufacturing contributed $58 . 7 billion to Minnesota's economy in 2024, representing 12% of the state's gross domestic product; and WHEREAS, Workers took home $238.6 million in wages from Otter Tail County manufacturing jobs in 2024, the largest total payroll among private sector industries; and WHEREAS, Manufacturing in Otter Tail County pays an average annual wage of $61,516, which is 20% higher than the state's overall average private sector wage; and WHEREAS, Manufacturing provides more than 3,800 highly skilled, well-paying jobs, which significantly contribute to Otter Tail County's high standard of living and economic vitality; and WHEREAS, There are roughly 87 manufacturing companies in Otter Tail County, making a wide range of products that improve life, create solutions and bring joy here in Minnesota and around the world. NOW THEREFORE, The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim the month of October 2025 shall be observed as: MANUFACTURING MONTH in Otter Tail County. The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was introduced by Commissioner Bucholz, duly seconded by Commissioner Sullivan and, after discussion thereof and upon vote being taken thereon, passed unanimously. Adopted at Fergus Falls, MN this 23rd day of September 2025. OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated: October 14, 2025 Attest J(' d-o/.i~ Nicole Hansen, Clerk LAKES COUNTRY SPORTSMAN'S CLUB DONATION OTTER TAIL COUNTY RESOLUTION NO. 2025-94 Resolution approving the donation of a Fishing Station Pier Structure for Phelps Mill Park. WHEREAS, Otter Tail County (Recipient) will be receiving a brand-new Fishing Pier Structure donated by the Lakes Country Sportsman's Club (Donor) for the permanent installation and use at Phelps Mill County Park; and Page 9 of 17 Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes September 23, 2025 WHEREAS, The Donor as part of their donation to the Recipient agrees to pay for installation of and provide a brand-new Fishing Pier Station in Phelps Mill Park. The Fishing Pier Structure will be a 16' long by 8' wide aluminum structure equipped with railings on three sides and two benches. The Fishing Pier will be purchased from and professionally installed by Sheldon's Advanced Dock and Lift; and WHEREAS, The Donor will work with the County Parks and Trails Dept. to establish a permanent location for installation of the Fishing Pier Structure that will increase and improve opportunities for shore fishing within the County Park. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Recipient is willing to accept the donation from the Donor of one Fishing Pier Structure to include delivery and installation of said structure. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that relative to this donation, the Recipient, on behalf of the citizens of Otter Tail County whom it represents, hereby expresses its appreciation and gratefulness for the kindness and generosity of the Lakes Country Sportsman's Club. BE IT FURTHER UNDERSTOOD, that the Recipient authorizes the County Parks and Trails Director to sign and represent Otter Tail County in all transactions related to this donation. 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 vote being taken thereon, passed unanimously. Adopted at Fergus Falls, MN this 23rd day of September 2025. OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated: October 14, 2025 Attest Jn· {;,o /.u.lW)4.r Nicole Hansen , Clerk HIGHWAY & TRAIL MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT Motion by Sullivan, second by Bucholz and unanimously carried to authorize appropriate County Officials' signatures to execute a Highway and Trail Maintenance Agreement between Otter Tail County and the City of Fergus Falls, MN for highway and trail maintenance and repair on County State Aid Highways, County Highways and County Trails that run through the corporate limits of the City, as defined in the agreement, in the amount of $49,535.06 for 2026, with the payment amount to be reviewed annually. QUIT CLAIM DEED Motion by Mortenson, second by Lahman and unanimously carried to authorize appropriate County Officials' signatures on a Quit Claim Deed for Otter Tail County Fee Title to Gravel Pit #45 to John C. Schiele, Trustee of the John C. Schiele Trust, Parcel Nos. 36-000-09-0060-902 & 36-000-09-0059-000, which corrects legal description errors and replaces the 1986 Quit Claim Deed document No. 651546. This Quit Claim Deed is meant to relinquish any County interest in Gravel Pit #45 acquired by Warranty Deed Numbers 188935 and 191717 recorded in 1920. Page 10 of 17 Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes September 23, 2025 HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT UPDATES Engineering Supervisor Bob Ehlert provided the Board with Highway Department updates. Ehlert touched on construction updates, highway maintenance progress and winter prep, and cooperative and future projects. COMMUTING WITH COUNTY VEHICLES Motion by Sullivan, second by Mortenson and unanimously carried to authorize Highway Department Group Leaders and Supervisors, as specified, to use county vehicles for commuting for the remainder of 2025 through the 2025-2026 winter snow season. Commuting with county vehicles will: ) Help group leaders and supervisors be more involved at the garages they oversee. ) Provide quicker response to after-hours emergencies. ) Allow for efficient winter road checks. ) Provide additional support to law enforcement after hours. ADJOURNMENT At 11 :21 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, October 14, 2025, at the Government Services Center in Fergus Falls and via livestream. CLOSED SESSION At 11 :21 a.m., Chair Johnson declared the Board of Commissioners meeting closed to the public for discussion regarding labor negotiations authorized under Minnesota Statute 130.03, Subd. 1 (b). Present in the room were Commissioners Kurt Mortenson, Dan Bucholz, Wayne Johnson, Sean Sullivan and Bob Lahman, County Administrator Nicole Hansen, County Attorney Michelle Eldien, County Board Secretary Hannah Anderson and Labor Attorney Josh Heggem with Pemberton Law Firm. The closed session ended at 11 :55 a.m. OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated: October 14, 2025 Attest &• ool.u-l-t1n4.. Nicole Hansen, Clerk Page 11 of 17 Page 12 of 17 Vendor nme 160 DRIVING ACADEMY 210 TIRES & TOW'ING LLC A-1 LOCK & KEY A-OX VVELDI G SI P ·LY CO INC A&A RECYCUNG LLC ACKERSO JEFF ACORNS-OAK CO SULTING LLC ALBANY RECYCLING CENTER AMAZON CA ITAL SERVICES INC A ITO VAL E FERGllS FALLS AVENU INSIGHTS & A AlYTICS LLC AXON ENTERPRISE INC BAILL YlALAINA BARR E GINEERING CO BECKER CO HIGHWAY EPT BlADOlN/TINA BLOOM BAR LLCfTHE BLUFFTON TOVVNSHIP BRASEURY.4.N BRAUN VEN DING INC BRUTL4.GlSTEVE B Y-MOR PARTS & SERVICE LLC CHARM-TEX INC CHS INC CLEAN SWEEP COMMERCIAL SERVICES COLLEGE VVAY A ITO cm MISSIONER OF RANSPORTATIO COOPER'S OFFICE SUPPLY INC COSSETTE ELECTRI.C LLC CREIGH/SAM CULLIGAN OF ETROI L.A.KES CULLIGAN OF ELBOW L4.KE CULLIGAN OF WADENA D & T VENTURES LLC DACOTAH PAPER CO DAHUCOLT DAIKIN APPLIED DANIELSON/MANDY [lEM-CO MATERIALS RECOVERY LLC DENT/CITY OF DENZEL'S REGION 'NASTE INC DICK'S S AND.A.RD Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes September 23, 2025 (Exhibit A) Amount 5,200.00 75.00 "177.70 8,000.00 2,060.00 90.00 1,E.00.00 '1 ,768.41 4,098.18 ·t,929.49 7,42 1.45 19.20 291.90 3,487.00 4,415.78 431.70 225.00 3,744.00 1,368.60 58.00 72.57 10,691.6f; 86.83 1,676.40 525.00 63.00 7,776.90 1,630.76 2,635.59 25f!.00 55.75 36.7:E, 69.50 1,186.19 1,422.98 231.00 3,E,72.25 143.20 2,750.68 100.00 238.68 124.9:E, Page 13 of 17 Vendor ame 10NOH0.1't IC ' .AEL OUBLE A CATERING DOUGLAS CO J.A.IL DSC COMMUNICATIONS EO'JVARDSiJEFF ELECTION SYS ldv S & SO· ~/ARE LLC EXTREME MA.RINE LLC FERG IS FALLS DAILY JOURNAL FERGUS FALLS./C ITY OF FERGUS OINER P ~ P INC FERG IS IRE CENTER JNC FERGUSON ASPHAL PAVING lNG FINKELSONffOD[l FISCHER/JUDD FOR! M COMt J ICA IONS COMPANY RAZIERlBRENT FRONTIER MARINE ,& PO'lv'ERSPORTS GALLAGHER BENEFIT SERVICES INC GALLS LlC (:ilRARD'S B ISINESS SOLU IONS INC GOVERNMENT FORfv S & SUP · LIES GRAINGER INC GROT EffO D G ARDIAN RFID H.AUGR D/BRIJCE HAVVES SEPTIC TANK PUMPING LLC HEAL • CARE E VJRONMENTAL SERVICE HELLERMAN UVlNG TRUST HILL YARD -HUTCHIINSON ClLL.lLJLUAN HOLLA. ZJ ASON & JESSICA HUBERT/MADISON INNOVATIVE OFFICE SOLUTIONS LLC t ,sTITUTE OF FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY 1 TERSTATE ENGINEERlNG INC AKE'S JOHNS LLC KSPOR S INC OHNSON/DENA ,OHNSONlKENT OHNSON/MARK T ,0 ES LAili/ OFF1CE KNUTSON ELECTRIC REBUILDING Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes September 23, 2025 (Exhibit A) Amount 391.10 388.25 2,657.73 62.00 72.10 92 1.15 878.80 634.45 44 ,842.5,8 22,435.00 27.00 221,479.65 76.18 273.80 854.50 296.20 48.99 333.34 4,771.48 2,656.00 261.13 49.13 172.90 269.15 13.17 160:00 463.27 500.00 3,173.72 99.40 500.00 :,17.10 163.44 1,509.75 11,571.30 340.00 108.00 233.20 119.00 398.10 160.00 339.6:, Page 14 of 17 Vendor Name OEHLER-TABERY/ANNA MARIE RESS/JEFF LAKES AREA TRUCK REPAIR INC LAKES COMMUNl1Y COOPERATIVE LANGLIEl'STEVEN LARSO FU ERAL HOME LA\o\i' ENFORCEMEN TRAINING SERVICE LEE PROPERTY CARE LEE/THOMAS LEGAL SERVICES OF NV~' MIN ESOTA LEROY MO ORSPORTS LLC LHB INC LOCATORS & SUPPLIES INC LOE/DORIS M-R SIG CO INC ry ARCO TECHNOLOGIES LLC MARK SAND & GRA'VEL CO MARKS FLEET SUPPLY INC tY ARTINl'VALERIE MCCONN/CHRIS OPHER MFSRC tY JOST.A. ES EQUIPMENT & SLIP PLY MIDVVES MACHI.NERY CO MINNESOTA MOTOR Coty PANY MINNKOTA ENVIRO SERVICES me MN DEPT OF HUMAN SERVICES MN DEPT OF RANSPORTATION "'ONROE owr ASTER LLC tY OTOROU\ SOLUTIONS INC NAPA CEN RA.L NELCO FIRST AID INC NELSO AU O CENI ER INC NEVv'VILLElDARRE NF FIELD ABSTRA.CT CO LLC NILSON/BRET NORTH CEN RAL INC NORTHLAND AREA SERVICES NORTHWEST TIRE tNC NUSS TRUCK & EO IPMENT NYHUS FAMILY SALES INC OFFICE OF MNIT SERV,ICES OK.TIRE OF PERHAty INC Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes September 23, 2025 (Exhibit A) Amount 25.1 7 208.60 57.24 ..:26.5-S 1,664.90 450.00 300.00 520.00 604.30 1,25-0.00 1,575.78 14,423.49 2,050.07 302.40 11,167.80 3,482.87 145,900.88 82.92 90.00 277.50 19,s_oo 35,164.44 102.40 2,372.44 156.00 1,946.99 100.00 192,020 .1 0 27,945 .05 3G9 .01 1134.22 144.37 562.30 95.00 195.30 7,330.00 2,710 .00 1,336.31 33,401.10 880.34 1,3!30 .80 2G5.08 Page 15 of 17 Vendor ame OK TIRE S ORE -MOTLEY OLSON FUNERAi!.. HOME OLSON OIL CO INC OLSON IRE & Ol'L OLSON.IBRENDA OTTER TA1L P0 1NER COMPANY OTTERTAIL i3LASS P,A.RK REGION CO OP PAW PUBLICATIONS LLC PEOPLEFACTS LLC PERFORMANCE PAVING & SEALCOATINC: PERHAtv HEA.L TH PETERSON/JOEL 1-HLLIPPI.IDR JAY PHOENIX SUPPLY PLUNKETTS VARME T GUARD P0'1NERPLAN rnB PRAIRIE LAKES rv U ICIPAt SOUD 1NASTE PRAIRIE SCALE SYSTEMS INC PREClSE MRM LLC PRODUCTlVE ALTERNATIVES INC PSICK CAPI OL SOLU IOINS INC OU.A.DIENT LEASING USA INC QLJ.INLIVAN & UGHES PA RAZOR BLADE COMPANY/T E RDO EQUIPMENT CO RDO TRUCK CENTERS LLC RICE/JO N ROOERlBETSY ROLUElW'!LLIIAM ROSENTH.AUGREGORY SALATHEl'KELVIN SAM!JElSONJHEIOI SC HMJTZ!DUANE SCHORN.ACK/DAVID SCHOU ENlDUSTIN SCHUL TZ.ITOrv SCHVVANTZ,'CHRI S OPHER SERVICE FOODS PER VALi SH OEMAKER/8 REN DA SIGN'NORKS S[GNS & BANNERS INC SlLKTIDE INC Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes September 23, 2025 (Exhibit A) Amount 433.3:i 845.00 163.4~ E,91 .50 123.60 24,305.68 400.00 216.1:i 750.5,B 32.90 600.00 2,000.00 189.00 475.00 2,918.00 605.68 18,752.59 17.50 1,769.80 2,980.00 66.78 3,708.33 10,067.67 357.50 356.38 295,398.43 7,803.82 273.00 90.00 330.40 245.70 218.40 236.00 400.00 236.00 6,000.00 228.20 200.20 30.35 228.33 975.00 7,073 .53 Page 16 of 17 Vendor Name Sf\i IE AffHOMAS SRF CONSUL ING GROUP tNC S EINS INC S EVE'S SANITATION INC S IGMAN/RYAN S ONEBROOKE ENGINEERING INC SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE LLC SUPER SEPTIC INC & IRES ENVN'I' THIS VVEEKS SHOPPING · E'NS -HOMSO REUTERS -VIJ ES TIT:\N MAC !NERY TK ELEVATOR CORP RANSPORTATIO COLLABORATIVE & R IENORTH STEEL INC ULINE L TIMA TE AUTO SAFETY 1:Nc VERGAS AUTO REPAIR LLC VERTEX lJNM.ANNED SOLIJTIONS LLC VES ,IS \/ES JS VIC OR LUNDEEN COMPANY WAASDORP/K.\ YLEE WADENA ASPHALT INC 'NADENA CO SOLID 'vVASTE 'NASSfDA \/ID F WEBER, ATTORNEY AT lA'NlDMVN WELLER'S G.4.RAGE 'vVELLPATH LLC 'vVESTlRIC'HARD WILSO l'NARREN R 'NINO A/CITY OF 'NM CORPORA. E SERVICES .INC WOODBRIDGElD'NAYNE ~VSB & ASSOCllffES INC INVV THOMPSO CONCRETE PRODUC S YALE MECHANICAL lLC ZIEGLER INC Final Total: Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes September 23, 2025 (Exhibit A) Amount 342.13 38,8.30.62 1,456.01 23,745.00 128.80 56,377.42 10,634.14 1,581.00 165.00 .~,00.00 116.40 5,732.46 4,305.90 1,243.00 8,310.00 308 .10 8,191.1 2 275.07 2,770.1 9 81.7"1 2,30.5.99 64.04 473.03 1,927.95 182.1 4 360.00 1,277.65 597.30 3,169.00 77.93 62,288.24 486.30 278.00 600.00 45,13.5.24 129.90 5,920.50 .e,28.52 150.00 1,216.86 1,585,348.96 Page 17 of 17 Arv .!J.2.0 CAPJTA:L SERVICES INC FORErv ,4.r,ur~ ICHELLE J DEPEN ENT CONTRI\C SERVICES OF KNUDSON.IFO NDA L M.4.HUBE-OHVA CAP INC ry E RO LEGAL SERVICES LLC r ID'vVES MONITOR!. G & SURVEIL4.NCE r INNESOTA MO ITORING ING ry I NESOTA MOTOR corv PANY tv INNKOTA ENVIRO SERVICES 'INC rv N EPT OF HUMAN SERVICES OTTER T.A.ll CO ATTORNEY S OFFICE OTTER T.4.IL CO SHERIFF OTTER TAIL CO TREAS I RER E ERSON.ITIM PREMIER BIOTECH INC PREMIER BIOTEC LABS LLC DUALITY TOYOTA REVv'IND INC SWITTERS/ ELSEY LSCHMIDillZA VAUGHANJK.\ YLEE WAG ER! AR.\ Final TotaI1: .. ~rv,!J.2.0 C.4.PITAL SERVICES INC FERGUS FALLS DAILY JOURNAL FERG S O'.VER PU~ P INC LAKE REGtO HEAL THC.A.RE PRODUCTIVE Al ERNATJVES INC SANOF,I PASTEUR INC Final Total: Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes September 23, 2025 (Exhibit A) Amount 56.49 29.00 618.83 45.00 38,~42.92 572.50 499.50 56.00 27 -UO 156.00 59,688.91 4,956.50 219.20 13,702.00 15.74 2,277.50 1,447 .60 789.6,e. 2,920.00 30.10 71.42 75.60 15.74 127,057.33 Amount 1,267.24 180.00 188.41 667.67 150.00 12,516.89 14,970.21 Drainage Authority Meeting Minutes September 23, 2025 OTTER TAIL COUNTY-MINNESOTA DRAINAGE AUTHORITY MINUTES Government Services Center, Commissioners' Room & Via Livestream 515 West Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN September 23, 2025112:13 p.m. CALL TO ORDER The Otter Tail County Drainage Authority convened at 12: 13 p.m. Tuesday, September 23, 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 September 23, 2025 and the Consent Agenda of September 23, 2025 as follows: 1. September 9, 2025, Drainage Authority Meeting Minutes DITCH 10 -REDETERMINATION OF BENEFITS Drainage Inspector Colby Palmersheim presented the Findings and Order, the H2OverViewers Benefits and Damage Statement and final reports for the adoption of the Redetermination of Benefits for County Ditch 10. Motion by Sullivan, second by Mortenson to adopt, as recommended by H2OverViewers, the Findings and Order Adopting the Redetermination of Benefits for Otter Tail County Ditch 10, and, after discussion thereof, and upon vote being taken thereon, the motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote as follows: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS YEA NAY ABSENT ABSTAIN Dan Bucholz X Wayne Johnson X Kurt Mortenson X Bob Lahman X Sean Sullivan X DITCH 11 -REDETERMINATION OF BENEFITS Drainage Inspector Colby Palmersheim presented the Findings and Order, the H2OverViewers Benefits and Damage Statement and final reports for the adoption of the Redetermination of Benefits for County Ditch 11. Motion by Bucholz, second by Lahman to adopt, as recommended by H2OverViewers, the Findings and Order Adopting the Redetermination of Benefits for Otter Tail County Ditch 11, and, after discussion thereof, and upon vote being taken thereon, the motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote as follows: Page 1 of 2 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS YEA Dan Bucholz Wayne Johnson Kurt Mortenson Bob Lahman Sean Sullivan X X X X X NAY Drainage Authority Meeting Minutes September 23, 2025 ABSENT ABSTAIN DITCH 31 -REDETERMINATION OF BENEFITS Drainage Inspector Colby Palmersheim presented the Findings and Order, the H2OverViewers Benefits and Damage Statement and final reports for the adoption of the Redetermination of Benefits for County Ditch 31. Motion by Sullivan, second by Bucholz to adopt, as recommended by H2OverViewers, the Findings and Order Adopting the Redetermination of Benefits for Otter Tail County Ditch 31 , and, after discussion thereof, and upon vote being taken thereon, the motion passed on a roll call vote as follows: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS YEA NAY ABSENT ABSTAIN Dan Bucholz X Wayne Johnson X Kurt Mortenson X Bob Lahman X Sean Sullivan X DITCH 16 -PRIVATE CROSSING REQUEST Drainage Inspector Colby Palmersheim reported on a request from property owner Mike Foertsch regarding the construction of a proposed driveway crossing on County Ditch 16 due to safety and congestion concerns along North Clitherall Lake Road. Discussion continued with the Drainage Authority and Palmersheim voicing concerns regarding disruption to the natural fish habitat, changes in hydrology affecting additional areas of the ditch and the lack of sufficient information as the property owner currently has access to an established road. Commissioners were in consensus that additional information would need to be provided prior to a decision. ADJOURNMENT At 12:32 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, October 14, 2025, at the Government Services Center in Fergus Falls and via livestream. OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated: October 14, 2025 Attest&!• CV<.ullun-<--:'. Nicole Hansen, Clerk Page 2 of 2