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Home My WebLink AboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 01/06/2026OTTERTAIL COUNTY -MINNESOTA Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes January 6, 2026 OTTER TAIL COUNTY -MINNESOTA BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES Government Services Center, Commissioners' Room & Via Livestream 515 West Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN January 6, 2026 I 8:30 a.m. CALL TO ORDER The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Government Services Center in Fergus Falls, MN. Commissioners Wayne Johnson, Robert Lahman, Kurt Mortenson, Dan Bucholz, and Sean Sullivan were present. CY2026 OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD CHAIR County Administrator Nicole Hansen opened the meeting and requested nominations for the Otter Tail County Board Chair for 2026. A nomination for Commissioner Robert Lahman was offered by Commissioner Bucholz. Nominations ceased and Commissioner Robert Lahman was unanimously recognized as Chair for 2026. CY2026 OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD VICE CHAIR Chair Lahman requested nominations for the Otter Tail County Board Vice Chair for 2026. A nomination for Commissioner Dan Bucholz was offered by Commissioner Sullivan. Nominations ceased and Commissioner Dan Bucholz was unanimously recognized as Vice Chair for 2026. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair Lahman called for approval of the Board Agenda . Motion by Mortenson, second by Sullivan and unanimously carried to approve the Board of Commissioners' Agenda of January 6, 2026, with the following additions: General Discussion: Conservation Committee Health & Wellness Committee: Child Care Updates & Volunteer Driver Program APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Sullivan, second by Bucholz and unanimously carried to approve the consent agenda items as presented noting a clerical correction that was corrected in the posted agenda on the website prior to the meeting to the supporting documents for item No. 5: 1. December 16, 2025, Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes 2. Warrants/Bills for January 6, 2026 (Exhibit A) 3. Warrants/Bills, as Approved for Payment by the County Auditor-Treasurer, for December 12, 19, 23, 26, & 31, 2025 4. Amazon Warrants/Bills, as Approved for Payment by the County Auditor-Treasurer, for December 23 & 31 , 2025 5. Additional Hauler License Renewal -Wadena Iron & Metal 6. Consultant Contract Renewal for Doug Walvatne 7. New York Mills Transportation Alternatives Application Sponsoring Agency & Maintain Facility Resolutions Page 1 of 13 Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes January 6, 2026 8. Approval of the issuance of an Otter Tail County Purchasing Card, with a 30-Day Limit of $2,500 for Elizabeth Mickelson, Deputy Administrator, as requested by Nicole Hansen, County Administrator. 9. Approval of the Renewal of a Tobacco License for the Battle Lake Standard, Licensed by Dale K Cameron, for the period of January 6, 2026, through December 31, 2026. 10. Approval of a new Consumption and Display Permit for Sunset Hill LLC for the period of January 1, 2026, through March 31, 2026. 11 . Approval of the Renewal of a Tobacco License for B & D Foods Inc for the period of January 6, 2026, through December 31, 2026. 12. Approval of the Renewal of a Tobacco License for Hillbillies One Stop, LLC dba Hillbillies One Stop for the period of January 6, 2026, through December 31, 2026. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING Motion by Johnson, second by Mortenson and unanimously carried to authorize appropriate County Officials' signatures to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Otter Tail County and Minnesota Teamsters Employees' Union, Local No. 320, representing the Facilities Maintenance Unit, for Maintenance Worker II staff, who are independently licensed to perform electrical work, to receive a stipend of $5.00 per hour to perform electrical work in county facilities as assigned by management. 2024 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE GRANT AGREEMENT Motion by Johnson, second by Sullivan and unanimously carried to authorize appropriate County Officials' signatures on the 2024 Emergency Management Performance Grant Agreement as presented by Emergency Manager Patrick Waletzko. RECESS & RECONVENE At 8:40 a.m., Chair Lahman declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners recessed for a short break. The Board of Commissioners meeting was reconvened at 8:45 a.m. COMMUNITY EXTENSION COMMITTEE MEMBERS REAPPOINTMENT Motion by Bucholz, second by Johnson and unanimously carried to reappoint Tammy Nordick and James Minten to a three-year term on the Otter Tail County Extension Committee effective January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028. ABATEMENT OF PENAL TY & INTEREST REQUESTS Motion by Johnson, second by Mortenson and unanimously carried to approve the request of Rodney L. Berg for the abatement of accrued penalty and interest on Parcel No. 71002991174000, in the amount of $61.41, for the late payment of second half 2025 property taxes as the reasons stated fall in line with the County's hardship policy. Motion by Sullivan, second by Johnson to approve the request of Lavonne Matson for the abatement of accrued penalty and interest on Parcel No. 52000140082004, in the amount of $41.44, for the late payment of second half 2025 property taxes. Discussion continued with Commissioners Sullivan and Johnson withdrawing the motion and second. Motion by Johnson, second by Bucholz and unanimously carried to table the request of Lavonne Matson for the abatement of accrued penalty and interest on Parcel No. 52000140082004, in the amount of $41.44, for the late payment of second half 2025 property taxes to the regular Board of Commissioners meeting on January 27, 2026 to allow for the Treasurer's Office to gather clarifying information on the request. Page 2 of 13 Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes January 6, 2026 CALENDAR YEAR 2026 TAX FORFEITED LAND SALE APPORTIONMENT RESOLUTION OTTER TAIL COUNTY RESOLUTION NO. 2026-03 WHEREAS, it is provided in Minn. Stat. 282.05 for the apportionment of proceeds from the sale of tax forfeited lands; and WHEREAS, the County Auditor shall apportion the tax sale proceeds to the taxing district pursuant to Minn. Stat.282.08; and WHEREAS, Minn. Stat. 282.08 (4)(b) provides that the County Board may set aside 20% of the proceeds remaining after the value of public improvements, special assessments and bond issues levied on the property have been paid, for acquisition and maintenance of county parks and recreational areas; and WHEREAS, Otter Tail County has a park and recreational area, which would benefit by such an apportionment. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the County Auditor retains 20% of the proceeds from the sale of tax forfeited lands for acquisition and maintenance of parks and recreational areas from the proceeds to be disbursed according to law. The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was introduced by Commissioner Johnson, 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 January 2026. OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated: January 13, 2026 By: -----/-,l~~~~~-:::p..a.e:.~_.L__ __ _ Attest: ~ I I oo~J+ {/4/1/1-..-! Robe ' Lahman, Board of Commissioners Chair Nicole Hansen, Clerk RESOLUTION REGARDING APPOINTMENT TO THE OTTER TAIL COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD OTTER TAIL COUNTY RESOLUTION NO. 2026-04 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 terms of two current Community Development Agency Board members are expiring; and WHEREAS, one of the expiring terms is one of the two members which must be held by County Commissioners; and WHEREAS, the other expiring term is held by a Board member who wishes to seek another six-year appointment on the Board; and Page 3 of 13 Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes January 6, 2026 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 Commissioner Sean Sullivan to a six-year term on the Otter Tai l County Community Development Agency beginning February 1, 2026 and ending January 31 , 2032 . -Reappointment of Val Martin to a six-year term on the Otter Tail County Community Development Agency beginning February 1, 2026 and ending January 31 , 2032. 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 January 2026. OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS By: -----"~£)~---12:t~Z~· ~~=----. - Robe~ Board of Commissioners Chair Dated: January 13, 2026 Attest: \.,i:I. t.olc.A-.f-vn~ Nicole Hansen, Clerk SERVICE AGREEMENT Motion by Mortenson, second by Sullivan and unanimously carried to authorize appropriate County Officials' signatures to execute a Service Agreement between Otter Tail County and Widseth for an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the Ash Monofil Expansion at the Northeast Otter Tail Landfill. RECOMMENDATION OF AWARD AND CONTRACTS & BONDS Motion by Bucholz, second by Mortenson and unanimously carried to award the SAP 056-608-032 to Anderson Brothers Construction Company of Brainerd, LLC with the low bid amount of $970,665.85 and to authorize appropriate County Officials' signatures to execute the contract between Otter Tail County and Anderson Brothers Construction Company of Brainerd, LLC for SAP 056-608-032. RECOMMENDATION OF AWARD AND CONTRACTS & BONDS Motion by Mortenson, second by Sullivan and unanimously carried to award the SAP 056-676-010 to Marvin Tretter, Inc. of Pierz, MN with the low bid amount of $620,264.50 and to authorize appropriate County Officials' signatures to execute the contract between Otter Tail County and Marvin Tretter, Inc. of Pierz, MN for SAP 056-676-010. RESOLUTION FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS' MINIMUM SALARY OTTER TAIL COUNTY RESOLUTION NO. 2026-05 WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute §387.20, Subd. 2(b) provides that at the January meeting prior to the first date on which applicants may file for the office of County Sheriff, Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners shall set by resolution the minimum sa lary to be paid to the County Sheriff for the term next following; and WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute §388.18, Subd . 2, provides that at the January meeting prior to the first date on which applicants may file for the office of County Attorney, Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners shall set by resolution the minimum salary to be pa id to the County Attorney for the term next following; and Page 4 of 13 ~ 9or,:n=tt!~~~ Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes January 6, 2026 WHEREAS, Otter Tail County maintains a classification and compensation structure which includes classifying the County Sheriff and County Attorney as Executive Director level positions; and WHEREAS, the classification and compensation structure considers the position responsibilities and duties, tenure, and market salaries for similar positions in other counties; and WHEREAS, the minimum annual salary for both the County Sheriff and the County Attorney is $129,459; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the minimum salary as set by the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners for the elected position of County Sheriff and County Attorney for the next term is $129,459. 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 January 2026. OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS An -~-By: --~Ukb~-'-=----,,."----,--1'--'--'-------- Robert Lahman,oardofCommissrs Chair Dated: January 13, 2026 Attest: &1 'CoLc JU-C<,-y.,./ Nicole Hansen, Clerk APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR-TREASURER OTTER TAIL COUNTY RESOLUTION NO. 2026-06 WHEREAS, as set forth in Minnesota Statute §375A.1205, a Board may appoint an Auditor-Treasurer upon a vacancy of the Office; and WHEREAS, in making this appointment, it is recognized that Otter Tail County previously adopted a resolution that the office of the County Auditor-Treasurer shall be filled by appointment upon the vacancy in the office; and WHEREAS, Otter Tail County is restructuring the position of the Auditor-Treasurer to a Deputy Administrator that will oversee and ensure that the job responsibilities, obligations, and functions of the Auditor as set forth in Minnesota Chapter 348 and Treasurer as set forth in Minnesota Chapter 385 are fulfilled; and WHEREAS, Elizabeth Mickelson was hired on December 29, 2025, in a Deputy Administrator position that will oversee the Finance, Property and License Management Service Team; and WHEREAS, it is recommended that Elizabeth Mickelson is appointed to the functions and responsibilities of an Auditor-Treasurer, effective January 6, 2026. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, Deputy Administrator Elizabeth Mickelson is appointed to the functions and responsibilities of an Auditor under Chapter 384 and Treasurer under Chapter 385, effective January 6, 2026. Page 5 of 13 Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes January 6, 2026 The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was introduced by Commissioner Bucholz, 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 January 2026. OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated: January 13, 2026 Attest: & , t1ic.{,\-, Ck)~ Nicole Hansen, Clerk RECESS & RECONVENE At 9:21 a.m., Chair Lahman declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners recessed for a short break. The Board of Commissioners meeting was reconvened at 9:26 a.m. DEPOSITORY RESOLUTION OTTER TAIL COUNTY RESOLUTION NO. 2026-07 RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Otter Tail County, Minnesota, that all financial institutions in Otter Tail County, including Credit Unions, State and Federal banks be and are hereby designated as depositories of County funds. 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 January 2026. OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS By: ------=---A1~4:L~· c_,. ~--. ~=-- Robert Lahman, Board of Commissioners Chair Dated: January 13, 2026 Attest: \ .>b• l{iv J-t {/4'1/L--- Nicole Hansen , Clerk INVESTMENTS RESOLUTION OTTER TAIL COUNTY RESOLUTION NO. 2026-08 RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Otter Tail County, Minnesota, that the Otter Tail County Auditor/Treasurer, Otter Tail County Finance Director and the Otter Tail County Chief Deputy Treasurer be and is hereby given authority to invest County funds as available. 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 January 2026. Page 6 of 13 Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes January 6, 2026 OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS By: _R_o_.~ .... e-rt+,L.,_a_.h=m-a-+n~,"'-no.,,...a'-rd_,__o_f _C_o__,m-m-i=;--'--i-o-ne-r-:-~-·h_a_ir- Dated: January 13, 2026 Attest: &1 • C,ou., Ltwvt.--! Nicole Hansen, Clerk ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFERS RESOLUTION OTTER TAIL COUNTY RESOLUTION NO. 2026-09 WHEREAS Otter Tail County is authorized to make electronic funds transfers for the following as stated in Minnesota Statutes 471.38 Subdivision 3: (1) for a claim for a payment from an imprest payroll bank account or investment of excess money; (2) for a payment of tax or aid anticipation certificates; (3) for a payment of contributions to pension or retirement fund; (4) for vendor payments; (5) for payment of bond principal, bond interest and a fiscal agent service charge from the debt redemption fund, and WHEREAS, the authorization extends only to local governments that have enacted the following : (a) the governing body shall annually delegate the authority to make electronic funds transfers to a designated business administrator or chief financial officer or the officer's designee; (b) the disbursing bank shall keep on file a certified copy of the delegation of authority; (c) the initiator of the electronic transfer shall be identified; (d) the initiator shall document the request and obtain an approval from the designated business administrator, or chief financial officer or the officer's designee, before initiating the transfer as required by internal control policies; (e) a written confirmation of the transaction shall be made no later than one business day after the transaction and shall be used in lieu of a check, order check or warrant required to support the transaction; (f) a list of all transactions made by electronic funds transfer shall be submitted to the governing body at its next regular meeting after the transaction. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Otter Tail County, Minnesota, (1) that the Otter Tail County AuditorfTreasurer, the Otter Tail County Finance Director, the Otter Tail County Chief Deputy Treasurer and the Otter Tail County Deputy Treasurers (office staff) with the approval of either the Otter Tail County AuditorfTreasurer or the Chief Deputy Treasurer is hereby delegated the authority to have online banking access and the ability to make electronic funds transfers; (2) that a certified copy of this resolution will be filed with the disbursing bank; (3) that a record will be maintained of the initiator of each electronic transfer; (4) that the initiator shall document the request and obtain the appropriate approval before initiating the transfer; (5) that a written confirmation of the transaction shall be made no later than one business day after the transaction and shall be used to support the transaction; and (6) that a list of all transactions made by electronic funds transfer shall be made available to the governing body at its next regular meeting after the date of the transaction. Page 7 of 13 Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes January 6, 2026 The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was introduced by Commissioner Johnson, 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 January 2026. OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Robe~ersChair By: Dated: January 13, 2026 Attest: & • tciJ.-r{,<,yl---- Nicole Hansen, Clerk TO USE ALTERNATIVE METHOD TO DISSEMINATE BIDS AND REQUESTS OTTER TAIL COUNTY RESOLUTION NO. 2026-10 WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute §331A.03 Subd . 3(b) allows a county to use its website or recognized industry trade journals as an alternative to disseminate solicitations of bids, requests for information and requests for proposals. NOW THEREFORE, the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners hereby resolves: BE IT RESOLVED, that from this day forward, the County of Otter Tail may continue to use the Otter Tail County website, https://ottertailcounty.gov/, as an alternative means to disseminate solicitations of bids, requests for information, and requests for proposals for transportation related construction and maintenance projects, as well as other County projects where published notice is required. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Otter Tail County website be designated as the official publication, as appropriate, for highway project advertisements for bids as authorized by Minnesota Statute 331 A.12 Subdivision 2. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any dissemination by alternative means must be in substantially the same format and for the same period of time as a publication would otherwise be required under Minnesota Statute §331A.03 Subd . 3. 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 January 2026. OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS By tft~ Ro 7rt L~an, Board of Commissioners Chair Page 8 of 13 Dated: January 13, 2026 Attest: &i , ~;QLJ.t Wl /1.- Nicole Hansen, Clerk Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes January 6, 2026 CY2026 PRINTING AND PUBLISHING BIDS Motion by Johnson, second by Mortenson and unanimously carried to designate the following papers for Otter Tail County's 2026 publishing and printing requirements with the exception of the official publication for highway project advertisements for bids, which will be posted to the Otter Tail County website, as appropriate, and as authorized by Minnesota Statute §331A.12, Subdivision 2: Legal Notices, Publications and Commissioners' Minutes: Daily Journal Annual Financial Statement: New York Mills Dispatch Perham Focus Delinquent Tax List: New York Mills Dispatch New York Mills Dispatch First Publication Second Publication First Publication Second Publication $ 25.04 per S.A.U. $ 25.04 per S.A.U. $ 16.54 per S.A.U. $ 25.04 per S.A.U. $ 16.54 per S.A.U. CY2026 (PAYABLE YEAR 2025) DELINQUENT PUBLICATION FEE Motion by Johnson, second by Sullivan and unanimously carried to set the cost assessed to delinquent real estate parcels, that are published in the 2025 Delinquent Tax List, at $69.00 per parcel. (Minnesota Statute §279.092) CY2026 APPROPRIATION APPROVALS Motion by Johnson, second by Bucholz and unanimously carried to authorize payment of the following Calendar Year 2026 monthly, semi-annual, and annual appropriations, with appropriations for West Central Initiative and Otter Tail Lakes Country Association pulled for additional discussion: Annual Appropriation Approval West Otter Tail Fair Association (01-505-000-0000-6950) East Otter Tail Fair Association (01-505-000-0000-6950) Minnesota Red River Valley Development Assoc (01-703-000-0000-6804) CDA (01-705-000-0000-6950) Monthly Appropriation (2026) Otter Tail County Humane Society (01-213-000-0000-6856) Historical Society (01-504-000-0000-6950) Historical Society (01-504-000-0000-6950) West Otter Tail Soil & Water Conservation District (01-603-000-0000-6950) West Otter Tail Soil & Water Conservation District (01-603-000-0000-6953) West Otter Tail Soil & Water Conservation District (01-603-000-0000-6956) East Otter Tail Soil & Water Conservation District (01-604-000-0000-6950) East Otter Tail Soil & Water Conservation District (01-604-000-0000-6951) East Otter Tail Soil & Water Conservation District (01-604-000-0000-6953) Page 9 of 13 Approved 2026 30,000.00 30,000.00 Annual 2026 82,944.00 110,000.00 47,170.00 139,520.00 37,080.00 88,000.00 90,000.00 61,800.00 25,000.00 1,800.00 200,000.00 Monthly 2026 6,912.00 9,166.67 3,930.83 11,626.67 3,090.00 7,333.33 7,500.00 5,150.00 2,083.33 Regular Appropriation Regular Appropriation Grants Regular Appropriation Ag Inspector Buffer Initiative/Riparian Buffer Aid Regular Appropriation Shoreland Specialist Ag Inspector ~' 9o!JJ=~N!~~~ East Otter Tail Soil & Water Conservation District (01 -604-000-0000-6956) Viking Library System (01-503-000-0000-6950) Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes January 6, 2026 56,000.00 4,666.67 Buffer Initiative/Riparian Buffer Aid 638,014.00 319,007.00 Semi -Annual Payment CY2026 APPROPRIATION FOR WEST CENTRAL INITIATIVE Motion by Sullivan, second by Bucholz to withdraw payment of the Calendar Year 2026 annual appropriation for West Central Initiative (01-704-000-0000-6815) in the amount of $30,000 and, after discussion thereof, and upon vote being taken thereon, the motion failed 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 Motion by Johnson, second by Mortenson to authorize payment of the Calendar Year 2026 annual appropriation for West Central In itiative (01-704-000-0000-6815) in the amount of $30,000 and, after discussion thereof, and upon vote being taken thereon , the motion passed on a roll call vote as follows: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS YEA Dan Bucholz Wayne Johnson Kurt Mortenson Bob Lahman Sean Sullivan X X X NAY X X ABSENT ABSTAIN CY2026 APPROPRIATION FOR OTTER TAIL LAKES COUNTRY ASSOCIATION Motion by Johnson, second by Mortenson to authorize payment of the Calendar Year 2026 monthly appropriation for Otter Tail Lakes Country Association (01-502-000-0000-6950) in the amount of $9,166.67, ($110,000.00 annual}, and after discussion thereof, and upon vote being taken thereon , the motion passed on a ro ll 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 CY2026 POCKET GOPHER BOUNTY Motion by Johnson, second by Mortenson to approve the CY2026 Pocket Gopher Bounty Resolution as presented. Discussion continued with Commissioners Johnson and Mortenson withdrawing the motion and second. Motion by Bucholz, second by Sullivan and unanimously carried to increase the proposed one dollar and no cents ($1 .00) paid out of the General Revenue Fund for every pocket gopher killed in Otter Tail County during the year 2026 to two dollars and no cents ($2.00), adopting the following resolution: Page 10 of 13 Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes January 6, 2026 CY2026 POCKET GOPHER BOUNTY RESOLUTION OTTER TAIL COUNTY RESOLUTION NO. 2026-11 RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Otter Tail County, Minnesota, that The sum of two dollars ($2.00) be paid out of the General Revenue Fund of Otter Tail County for every pocket gopher killed in said County during the year 2026. Paid only in those cases where the township in which the pocket gophers were so killed shall provide for the payment of at least an additional bounty of two dollars and no cents ($2.00) for each pocket gopher so killed. RESOLVED further that said payment of such County shall be made by the County Auditor-Treasurer upon certificates executed by the Chairman and/or Clerk of the Town Board of said Township setting forth that the township had issued and delivered to each claimant a payment for at least four dollar and no cents ($4.00) for each pocket gopher so killed. Adopted at Fergus Falls, MN this 6th day of January 2026. OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated: January 13, 2026 By: _UJ_lz;l;-----.,........1~_V __ Attest: \, i ' l;1JLcJ-f ~ Robert Lahman, Board of Commissioners Chair Nicole Hansen, Clerk SEPTIC SYSTEM LOAN SPECIAL ASSESSMENT CERTIFICATION Motion by Sullivan, second by Mortenson and motion carried with Johnson abstaining to certify the following Calendar Year 2025 Septic System Loans to the Payable 2026 tax rolls for a period of ten (10) years: CWO Loan SRF0357 -1.5% Interest -Start Assessment Pay 2026 (Code CWPLP25-0) East Silent Resort LLC 16-000-33-0184-001 $116,262.78 $11,626.28 Chad and Amanda Davison 60-000-99-0403-000 $23,600.00 $2,360.00 Cindy Nickelson 28-000-10-0071-000 $6,550.00 $655.00 LeRoy and Diane Nelson 40-000-04-0027-000 $7,500.00 $750.00 Todd and Debra Trygstad 39-000-18-0151-000 $14,491.28 $1,449.13 Robert and Nicole Cox 08-000-99-0535-000 $24,600.00 $2,460.00 Zach and Kelly Good 58-000-03-0015-901 $13,913.60 $1 ,391 .36 Dylan and Grace Sather 21-000-30-021 0-000 $24,570.00 $2,457.00 Robert and Linda Ehlert 1 0-000-31-0205-000 $6,565.50 $656.55 Christi Dickey 71-002-99-2115-000 $8,922.00 $892.20 Ann Olsen 4 7 -000-99-0480-000 $6,259.65 $625.97 Daniel and Danetta Mendenhall 10-000-03-0020-009 $18,644.00 $1 ,864.40 Deanna Pfeifer 45-000-04-0024-001 $6,000.00 $600.00 Mason and Cassie Bakken 55-000-30-0211-002 $24,580.22 $2,458.02 Kevin and Heidi Swenson 12-000-99-0463-000 $11,300.00 $1 ,130.00 Donald and Resa Bittner 16-000-99-0959-000 $11,650.00 $1 ,165.00 Kevin and Lauren Drotts 32-000-99-0377-000, 378, ,32-000-07-0055-005 $31,500.00 $3,150.00 David and Erin Swyter 30-000-25-014 7-001 $9,025.21 $902.52 Franklin and Barbara Funkhouser 22-000-99-0444-000 $9,300.00 $930.00 Alec and Rachel Spillum 46-000-99-1 006-000 $8,226.00 $822.60 Whispering Pines Resort/Bob Corbin 12-000-99-0371-000, 372,373,374,375,376 $133,737.22 $13,373.72 Chad and Lora Zerr 11-000-17-0110-001 i14,800.00 i1 ,480.00 $531,997.46 $53,199.75 Page 11 of 13 Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes January 6, 2026 PUBLIC HEAL TH NUISANCE ABATEMENT ASSESSMENT Motion by Mortenson, second by Sull ivan and unan imously carried to Assess Abatement Costs of $1,785.60 to Parcel No . 65000990021000 per MS Chapter 145A.08 and Public Health Nuisance Policy. BOIS DE SIOUX WATERSHED DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER REAPPOINTMENT Motion by Mortenson, second by Johnson and unanimously carried to reappoint Ben Brutlag to an additional three-year term , effective May 1, 2026 through April 30, 2029, as Bois de Sioux Watershed District Board Manager. CONSERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING Commissioners Johnson and Mortenson will be attending the upcoming Conservation Committee meeting held on January 12, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Office in Fergus Falls, MN. ADJOURNMENT At 9:59 a.m., Cha ir La hman 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 13, 2026, at the Government Services Center in Fergus Falls and via livestream. OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS sy U rlZJ,__ Robert Lahman, Board of Commissioners Chair Page 12 of 13 Dated : January 13, 2026 Attest: & I , ~A) lG.LJ. (v]/\---" Nicole Hansen, Clerk Page 13 of 13 Vendor Narne .4.SSOCL4. ION OF MN CO Ut~TIES E[)AM Bl NATIO ,4.L .4.C.A,DEMY ASSOC.IATES IN FIDL.\R TECHNOl O(3IES INC GOVERNMENTJOBS.CClr INC GREATER r11 N PARKS & RAILS lAKES COUNTR SERVICE COOPERATrv' lDF MAAO REGION VII Mer ~v DRA rv N lNTE -COUNTY ASSOCIATtO MNCCC LOCKBOX r OWA rv ·POA NATIO ,.\L ,4,SSOCl1ATION OF COUNI IES NORTHLAND & COMPANIES SPl AS OP INC S AR TRIB UNE ALENTNEURON LLC TYLER TECHNOLOGIES INC SPCA INC Final Tot,ll: Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes January 6, 2026 (Exhibit A) Amount 38,:,00.00 575:00 145.00 4,85-0.00 13 /196.14 f,25.00 5,912.00 152.00 32.5.00 1.341,035:00 6.00.00 16,785.00 13,392.24 240.00 70.00 1,202.00 2,490.00 2,012.94 1,656.10 25,020:00 1,789.00 50.00 1,471,:322.42 Board of Commissioners' Meeting Minutes January 6, 2026 OTTER TAIL COUNTY -MINNESOTA DRAINAGE AUTHORITY MINUTES OTTERTAIL Government Services Center, Commissioners' Room & Via Livestream 515 West Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN COUNTY -MINNESOTA January 6, 2026 110:03 a.m. CALL TO ORDER The Otter Tail County Drainage Authority convened at 10:03 a.m. Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Government Services Center in Fergus Falls, MN. Commissioners Robert Lahman, Chair; Dan Bucholz, Vice Chair; Kurt Mortenson, Wayne Johnson, and Sean Sullivan were present. APPROVAL OF AGENDA & CONSENT AGENDA Chair Lahman called for joint approval of the Drainage Authority Agenda and Consent Agenda. Motion by Johnson, second by Sullivan and unanimously carried to approve the Drainage Authority Agenda of January 6, 2026 and the Consent Agenda of January 6, 2025 as follows: 1. December 16, 2026, Drainage Authority Meeting Minutes 2. Warrants/Bills, as Approved for Payment by the County Auditor-Treasurer, for December 23 & 31, 2025 ADJOURNMENT At 10:05 a.m., Chair Lahman declared the Otter Tail County Drainage Authority meeting adjourned with a closed session to follow. The next Drainage Authority meeting will immediately follow the next regular Board meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at the Government Services Center in Fergus Falls and via livestream. CLOSED SESSION At 10:05 a.m., Chair Lahman declared the Drainage Authority meeting closed to the public. The closed session is authorized under Minnesota Statute §13D.05, Subd. 3(b) for Attorney-Client Privilege for discussion on potential litigation related to County Ditch 31 . Present in the room were Commissioners Wayne Johnson, Dan Bucholz, Sean Sullivan and Bob Lahman, Deputy Administrator Nick Leonard, Drainage Inspector Colby Palmersheim, County Attorney Michelle Eldien, County Administrator Nicole Hansen, and County Board Secretary Hannah Anderson. The closed session ended at 10:47 a.m. OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dated: January 13, 2026 Attest ~ i' ult,J.\,[,ltyy.../ Nicole Hansen, Clerk Page 1 of 1