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Home My WebLink AboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 11/04/2025Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes November 4, 2025 OTTER TAIL COUNTY-MINNESOTA BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES Government Services Center, Commissioners' Room & Via Livestream 515 West Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN November 4, 2025 I 8:30 a.m. CALL TO ORDER The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 4, 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 Sullivan and unanimously carried to approve the Board of Commissioners' Agenda of November 4, 2025, with the following additions: Nuclear Energy Resolution Junk Yard Discussion APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Lahman, second by Bucholz and unanimously carried to approve the consent agenda items as presented: 1. October 28, 2025, Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes 2. Warrants/Bills for November 4, 2025 (Exhibit A) 3. Amazon Warrants/Bills for November 4, 2025 (Exhibit A) 4. Human Services Warrants/Bills for November 4, 2025 (Exhibit A) 5. Warrants/Bills, as Approved for Payment by the County Auditor-Treasurer, for October 24,2025 6. Sponsoring Agency LRIP Resolution No. 2025-107 -City of Henning OTTER TAIL WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT EXPANSION Motion by Lahman, second by Sullivan and unanimously carried to approve the Expansion of the Otter Tail Water Management District to include Parcel Nos. 02~000-99-0916-000, 02-000-22-0157-003, 25-000-99- 1285-000 and 02-000-99-0795-000. RECESS & RECONVENE At 8:35 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 8:40 a.m. FMLA POLICY UPDATES Motion by Mortenson, second by Sullivan and unanimously carried to approve updates to the Family and Medical Leave Act Policy pertaining to Section 520.15 12-Month Period, Section 520.40 Length of Leave and Section 520.55 Effect on Insurance and Other Benefits, with an effective date of January 1, 2026, as described by Assistant Human Resources Director Stephanie Retzlaff. Page 1 of 7 Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes November 4, 2025 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS TO THE OTTER EXPRESS PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION JOINT POWERS BOARD OTTER TAIL COUNTY RESOLUTION NO. 2025-108 WHEREAS, the Otter Express Joint Powers Board was established to coordinate and oversee public transportation services within Otter Tail County and surrounding area; and WHEREAS, the Otter Express Joint Powers Board has formally requested a transfer of funds in the amount of $25,000 to support start-up operational needs as reflected in the attached draft meeting minutes; and WHEREAS, the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners has previously committed to providing a total of $110,000 in county funding support for calendar year 2026; and WHEREAS, the requested $25,000 shall be considered an advance of and applied toward the County's previously committed 2026 contribution . NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners as follows: Otter Tail County hereby approves transferring $25,000 from the designated county account to the Otter Express Joint Powers Board; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the funds transferred shall be credited toward Otter Tai l County's $110,000 contribution previously committed for 2026. 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 with Sullivan abstaining . Adopted at Fergus Falls, MN this 4th day of November 2025. OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated: November 18, 2025 Attest: &(, C,,,o Lu-t t.ln_!V--- Nicole Hansen, Clerk SUPPORTING ASSOCIATION OF MINNE.SOTA COUNTIES PLATFORM FOR URGING REPEAL OF MINNESOTA'S MORATORIUM ON NUCLEAR ENERGY PRODUCTION OTTER TAIL COUNTY RESOLUTION NO. 2025-110 WHEREAS, while national, state, and regional electrical demand has been historically stable or declining, recent trends in electrification, economic development, and technology demand have resulted in projected increase in electrical power needs; and WHEREAS, reliance on carbon free-based energy production continues to increase and dependence on traditional fossil fuel-based energy production continues to decrease, despite significant concern over reliable baseline and peak demand energy; and Page 2 of 7 Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes November 4, 2025 WHEREAS, in 2023, Minnesota's Renewable Energy Standard statute was amended to include adding a carbon-free standard that requires electric utilities to provide 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040, leading the nation with such an ambitious goal; and WHEREAS; nuclear energy is uniquely positioned to address America's energy challenges through generation of carbon-free electricity, with a record of over 70 years of safe operation and storage -all with significant federal and state oversight; and WHEREAS, nuclear energy already generates roughly half of Minnesota's current carbon-free electricity, with nuclear plants safely operating in Minnesota for over 50 years, providing decades of carbon-free affordable electricity for families and businesses; and WHEREAS, a new generation of advanced nuclear technology offers enhanced safety features, flexibility in siting, and a smaller footprint, making them ideal for future energy needs; and I WHEREAS, thirty-three nations have now pledged to triple nuclear power by 2050, with America leading the charge, all while Minnesota -with a world-class engineering talent and manufacturing base -is the only state with an outright moratorium on all new nuclear reactor construction; and WHEREAS, lifting this 30-year-old moratorium is the first step in securing the affordable, clean, and reliable energy Minnesotans needs, especially as the state undertakes its energy transition to meet the 100% carbon- free electricity goals while ensuring reliable baseload power; and WHEREAS, under the umbrella of the Minnesota Nuclear Energy Alliance (MNEA), a diverse coalition of Minnesota governments, businesses, utilities, labor unions, and environmental advocates is calling on state lawmakers to lift Minnesota's 30-year-old moratorium on new nuclear power development; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners does hereby act to join the Minnesota Nuclear Energy Alliance (MNEA) and actively support the repeal of Minnesota's moratorium on nuclear energy production to ensure safe, clean , and reliable baseload energy for all Minnesotans, especially as the State advances its 2040 goal for 100% carbon-free electricity generation; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners urges the Minnesota Governor, State Legislature, and regulatory agencies to accelerate soonest reconsideration of the Minnesota moratorium, cognizant of advancements in available technology, increasing demand for reliable electrical power, and actions being taken by other states to locate and support new nuclear power generation facilities; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners respects Minnesota's Native American Community concerns regarding siting and operation of nuclear power facilities, and the safe storage of waste materials. The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was introduced by Commissioner Sullivan, duly seconded by Commissioner Bucholz and, after discussion thereof and upon vote being taken thereon, passed unanimously. Adopted at Fergus Falls, MN this 4th day of November 2025. Page 3 of 7 OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes November 4, 2025 Dated: November 18, 2025 Attest: \ k ( -CJD lct.kWJ/U Nicole Hansen, Clerk JUNK YARD/PUBLIC NUISANCE DISCUSSION County Attorney Michelle Eldien discussed generally the authority and limitations under statute for the county to enforce public nuisance or junkyard issues of private property. ADJOURNMENT At 9:07 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, November 18, 2025, at the Government Services Center in Fergus Falls and via livestream. OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Page 4 of 7 Dated: November 18, 2025 Attest&· CJJ U.-.4-CtnaL--- Nicole Hansen, Clerk Page 5 of 7 Vendor Name .ACCENT 'vVIRE-TIE ALEX RUBBIS & RECYCLING INC AMOR PORK APPLIED CONCEPTS INC ASSOCIA ION OF MN COUNTIES B . T MECHA ICAL LLC BEYER BODY SHOP INC BOLLAND FARMS BRAUN VENDING INC CHARL YS CLEANING SERVICES LLC CLEAN SVVEEP COMMERCIAL SERVICES cor t.OSSIONER OF ANS PORTATION cor PASS Ml ERALS .AMERICA I ,C cm PUTER !INFORMATION SYSTEMS INC COOPER'S OFFICES PPLY INC DACOT.AH PAPER CO ESRI ING F-M FORKLIF SALES & SERVICE INC FASTE AL COMPANY FERG IS FALLS AREA C Ar BER OF CO,./ FERGUS FALLS.ICITY OF FERG S Hrn E & H.ARD'-VARE INC FERGUS PO'W'ER PUt, P INC FIDLA.R TECH OLOGIES INC FIELD/CRISTI FOSS ARCHITECTURE & INTERIORS L TO FOT INFRASTRUCTURE & ENVIRONMH GALU\GHER BENEFIT SERVICES INC GALLS LLC GIRARD'S BUSINESS SOlU • IONS INC GUARDI.AN FLEE SUPPLY OMETOWN REPAJR INC OTSY MINNESO A HOUSTON ENGINEERING !INC JK OU DOORS LLC K SPORTS INC 0 NSONlAMY ONES LAW OFF1CE LAKE REGIO HEALTHCARE LAKES COUNTRY SERVICE COOPER.ATIV LARSO FU ERAL OME LEAF RIVER AG SERVICE Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes November 4, 2025 (Exhibit A) Amount 7,953.50 641.16 1,000.00 12,.9,84.50 175.00 2,550.95 7,090.22 1,000.00 1,200.00 300.00 525.00 7,,%5.24 18,602.03 31,932.69 26,735.58 768.53 56,700.00 2,017.93 1.54 792.00 31.00 1,728.98 11,410.00 17,748.2,B 3.24 1,16,2.00 7,579.78 166.67 516.44 1,143.00 10,265.93 87.28 455.95 6,[,45.25 549.99 47.00 41.00 115.00 495.50 252.00 1,050.00 2,780.35 Page 6 of 7 Vendor Name ll'BERTY TIRE SERVICES LLC LIND FAMILY FUNERAL HOME INC LONG \NEEKE SFORTS'<NEAR LU D ROOFING r...ct MINNESOTA MOTOR cm¥ PANY MN CONTINUING LEGAL ED ICA TION r OORE E GINEERING INC NORTHERN LAUNDRY SYSTEMS NORTHV1iEST IRO. FIREM.ti. INC NORTHWEST TIRE INC NOVA FIRE PROTECTION INC OK TIRE OF PERHAM INC OLSON FUNER.I\L HOME OTTER TAIL CO TREASURER OTTER T.A.IL POVVER COMPA Y OU DOOR RENOVATIONS LANDSCAPE & PLUNKETT S V ARMEN GUARD PRECISE MRM LLC PRO AG F.A.RMERS COOPERA IVE QUADIENT FINANCE USA INC QUICK'S NAP.A. ,4. TO PARTS SHER'NIN-VVILLIAMS COMPA Y INCffHE SIGELMAN STEEL & RECYCLING INC SIGN GUYS LLC SIGNWORKS SIGNS & BANNERS INC STEINS INC T &K TIRES TK ELEVATOR CORP VESTIS 'NIDSET SMIT NOLTING & ASSOCIATE: 'NILKIN CO HIGHVVAY DEPT \NM CORPORATE SERVICES .INC Final Total: Vendor Name AMAZO CAPITAL SERVICES I C Final Total: Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes November 4, 2025 (Exhibit A) Amount 27.42 1.53 685.00 2,945.00 14,239.80 1,698.00 255.25 99.00 5,578.75 2,028.31 1,508.00 104.35 985.00 37.45 775.00 197.24 79,512.73 100.00 224.00 3,060.00 150.00 387.29 8.79 263.74 893.40 260.00 350.00 1,157.07 180.00 9,483.56 269.03 492.50 5,380.69 47,667.13 453,338.12 Amount 1,433.1 2 1,433.12 Page 7 of 7 Vendor Name .4. AMSiMEGAN .4. TO FIX-· 0 ER AIL BURE4. OF CRIMIN.AL APP EHE "10 1NA DIAGNOSTICS CENTER INC FERG IS ALLS DAILY JOURNAL I TOXIMETERS INC KLOEKIASHLEY r, 10\NES MONITOR! G & SURVEIL4.NCE r. lLBECKiLINDSAY MILLS COUNTRY fl' ARKET r, INNKOTA ENVIRO SERVICES INC OTTER TAIL CO SHERIFF Q ALITY TOYOTA RUPPiMARY SCHMID iHEAT ER sr .. IT I/ALLISON Final Total: Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes November 4, 2025 (Exhibit A) Amount 19.00 766.56 600.00 87.00 12.9.00 227.75 158.29 2,108.06 31.48 2.79 234.00 67.60 136.22 10.74 15.9'1 94.56 4,688.96 Drainage Authority Meeting Minutes November 4, 2025 OTTER TAIL COUNTY -MINNESOTA DRAINAGE AUTHORITY MINUTES Government Services Center, Commissioners' Room & Via Livestream 515 West Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN November 4, 2025 I 9:08 a.m. CALL TO ORDER The Otter Tail County Drainage Authority convened at 9:08 a.m. Tuesday, November 4, 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 November 4, 2025 with the addition of Wadena County Ditch 2 and the Consent Agenda of November 4, 2025 as follows: 1. October 28, 2025, Drainage Authority Meeting Minutes RESOLUTION TO PARTNER WITH MN DNR FOR COUNTY DITCH 15/28 REPAIR OTTER TAIL COUNTY RESOLUTION NO. 2025-109 WHEREAS, Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners are Drainage Authority for County Ditch 15/28; and WHEREAS, Ditch 15/28 has a crossing consisting of a stone arch bridge, which was constructed as part of a drainage project; and WHEREAS, the said crossing is in disrepair and unstable condition, causing damage to the drainage system and benefittedlands; and WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has an interest in improving fish passage and aquatic ecology in the Dead River system and has collaborated with the Otter Tail County Drainage Authority on approaches to regrade and stabilize the ditch slopes, establish grade control therein, and provide fish passage at the Dead Lake outlet dam, and WHEREAS, initial engineering and design work is necessary for an anticipated collaborative application for implementation grant funding via Legacy Amendment programs, the latter to follow application for and enrollment in Board of Water and Soil Resources Riparian RIM conservation easements by the two affected and willing participant Ditch 15/28 landowners, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Otter Tail County Drainage Authority will partner with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and enter into a Joint Powers Agreement for the purpose of funding the completion of initial engineering and design work necessary to complete repairs and improvements Page 1 of2 9} <?o!Jf~NJ;~~~ Drainage Authority Meeting Minutes November 4, 2025 including but not limited to the removal of the stone arch bridge, regrading of in-slopes, and stabilizing the longitudinal grade of ditch 15/28, and implementation of fish passage at the outlet of Dead Lake. 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 4th day of November 2025. OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated: November 18, 2025 Attest: _jy_(_, -=-w~Lv=--4------={,:(Q--"---',.L-/.v~-- Nicole Hansen, Clerk WADENA COUNTY DITCH 2 Drainage Inspector Colby Palmersheim reported that Wadena County is currently conducting a Redetermination of Benefits on Wadena County Ditch 2. The benefitted lands will affect Otter Tail County as approximately 25% of the watershed is in Otter Tail County, approximately 38% of the benefits. Motion by Lahman, second by Bucholz and unanimously carried to proceed in joining a joint Board for Wadena County Ditch 2. Palmersheim will bring the Joint Powers Agreement to an upcoming Drainage Authority meeting for final approval. ADJOURNMENT At 9:14 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, November 18, 2025, at the Government Services Center in Fergus Falls and via livestream. OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated: November 18, 2025 Attest: ----'l'"'--1/--"---'-\ 1 -'-"-Gf)-'-L_{.L""""'"'\Co~Y1-:::>---- Nicole Hansen, Clerk Page 2 of 2