Lake of the Woods County Commissioners Proceedings (0101)
Commissioner Proceedings
November 26, 2013
The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 in the Commissioners’ Room at the Government Center.
Call to Order
Chairman Hanson called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners Buck Nordlof, Ken Moorman, Ed Arnesen, Patty Beckel and Thomas Hanson. Also present were: Deputy Auditor Janet Rudd and Jon Hanson.
Approval of Agenda
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to approve the agenda with the following additions: Closed Session Union Negotiations, travel for Lorene Hanson, Brink Center Freezer, Certify 2014 Levy. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Consent Agenda
Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to approve the consent agenda as follows:
travel for Lorene Hanson to St. Cloud on December 11-12 for year-end payroll. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Approval of Minutes
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the minutes of November 12, 2013, regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
County Attorney
Paralegal/Legal Secretary, Dena Pieper met with the board requesting funding for Consultation Attorney Fees for future cases.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to allocate $5,000 for 2013 and $5,000 for 2014 budgets for Consultation Attorney Fees from the unallocated account. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Closed Session
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to closed the regular meeting at 9:10 a.m. and open the closed session pursuant to MN Statutes §13D.05 Subd. 2 (3) and (4), to discuss the private medical and health data of an employee. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
The following members were present: Commissioners Arnesen, Moorman, Hanson, Nordlof and Beckel. Others in attendance were: Human Resource Assistant Dena Pieper, Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler and Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to close the closed session and open the regular meeting at 10:08 a.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Social Service
Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler met with the board requesting approval of claims.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to approve the claims against the county as follows:
Commissioner Warrants $ 5,457.53
Commissioner Warrants $ 26,929.75
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
2014 Contract Approvals
Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler met with the board requesting approval to enter into the 2014-UCare and 2014 Medica Contract.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to approve the contract between UCare and Lake of the Woods County Social Services effective 01/01/14 for the provision of Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare services to eligible clients and to authorize Chairman Tom Hanson to sign. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the contract between Medica and Lake of the Woods County Social Services effective 01/01/14, for the provision of Care Coordination Services to Special Needs Basic Care (SNBC) clients, and to authorize Chairman Tom Hanson to sign. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Local Government Innovation Award
Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler informed the board that the County received the Local Government Innovation Award for Region II Mental Health Transportation Project and will be recognized at the AMC Annual Meeting.
AMEND AGENDA
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to amend the agenda and add Motor Vehicle Checking account and temporary Social Worker. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Temporary Social Worker
Social Services Director, Nancy Wendler requested to hire a temporary Social Worker for December, January and February.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler to hire a temporary Social Worker for the months of December, January and February at Grade 12 Step A. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Brink Center
Social Service Director, Nancy Wendler met with the board requesting funding to purchase a freezer for the Brink Center.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to authorize payment up to $3,500 for a freezer for the Brink Center with the funding from the Brink Center account. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
SHERIFF
County Coroner
County Sheriff, Gary Fish met with the board to inform the board that he checked with LakeWood Health Center on possibilities of a Doctor to fill the position of the County Coroner, they commented that at this time it would not work with their schedule. The board discussed the request from Dr. Dayer that he would continue as the County Coroner, if he would be able to get County Health Insurance. Pursuant to MN Statutes 390.005 requires the County to have either an elected Coroner or an appointed Coroner; MN Statute 390.111 requires that County Boards is responsible for reasonable and necessary compensation and expenses of the Coroner. The consensus of the county board was to offer family employee health insurance to Dr. Dayer effective January 2014.
Stonegarden Grant
County Board reviewed the Stonegarden Grants with County Sheriff, Gary Fish.
Airboat
County Sheriff, Gary Fish informed the board that they received a grant in the amount of $42,000 and will need additional funding for the cost of the Airboat is $65,000. The board will review this at a upcoming work session with the Sheriff’s Office.
Chief Deputy Sheriff
County Sheriff, Gary Fish requested that the board place Chief Deputy Sheriff, Daryl Fish from an exempt employee to a non-exempt employee. No action was taken and will discuss further at a work session.
County Recorder
County Recorder, Susan Ney met with the board pursuant to MN Statute 357.182, Subd. 6 requires the Recorder to present to the County Board a report detailing return delivery time of documents recorded in the office for the previous year. Susan reviewed the Turn Around Time Report with the board.
COUNTY ATTORNEY POSTION
Chairman Hanson informed the board that he left a message with the applicant and did not hear back from the applicant at this time.
TAX SYSTEM
MIS Director, Peder Hovland met with the board to discuss the cost associated with changing over to a new tax system. Peder informed the board that he contacted CPUI, Nemisis, Xerox and Manatron for the tax system numbers. Peder recommended purchasing the CPUI; cost associated with the change will be to bring back the AS400 system, but will re-coop cost due to no longer hosting with Beltrami County and savings in the CAMA system. Timeline will be to convert to new system in May 2014 and run both systems to the end of 2015; will need to purchase the 400 system in 2013 to save on costs of equipment; cost is $16,800 plus applicable tax; will need an additional $60,000 for new system commitment.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize the purchase of the CPUI and CPS system for the new tax system with $60,000 funding from 2013 unallocated account to the 2014 technology fund and order the AS 400 system in 2013 in the amount of $16,800 plus tax with the funding from the technology fund. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
REMONUMENTATION COST SHARE SETTLEMENT
Donn Rasmussen met with the board to discuss the re-monumentation cost share settlement that the board discussed back in May. Donn informed the board that this certificate of survey will be recorded, and will help in future surveying in this township; Baudette Township is one of the top priorities to complete and this survey, the section corners where the main work and will help in future surveys.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to reimburse Pierre Lafromboise for the recertification of survey that was conducted on his property in the amount $1,200 from the cost share program. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
LAND AND WATER PLANNING
Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund met with the board requesting authorization for Chairman Hanson to sign the MPCA 2012 County Feedlot Performance Grant Application.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to authorize Chairman Hanson to sign the MPCA 2012 County Feedlot Performance Grant Application effective July 1, 2013 in the amount of $1,073. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
County Auditor/Treasurer
Claims
County Auditor/Treasurer Mark E. Hall and Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson met with the board for approval of claims:
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to approve the claims as follows:
Revenue $ 46,427.38
Road and Bridge $ 15,051.74
Co. Develp $ 2,700.00
Solid Waste $ 4,554.05
EDA $ 4,377.60
$ 73,110.77
WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION
Warrants Approved On 11/26/2013 For Payment 11/27/2013
Vendor Name Amount
Lake Road Diesel Inc 2,495.95
LaValla Electric DBA/Ned 20,000.00
LOW Soil & Water Cons. Dist. 2,500.00
North American Salt Co 4,535.05
North East Technical Service,Inc 2,763.60
Northwest Community Action, Inc 3,096.50
Pb Distributing Inc 2,328.30
Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc 14,950.00
48 Payments less than 2000 20,441.37
Final Total: 73,110.77
Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants:
November 13, 2013 $ 4,996.74
November 13, 2013 $ 90,555.58 November 15, 2013 $ 405,716.27
$ 501,268.59
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
David Larson, Road Vacation
County Auditor/Treasurer Mark E. Hall informed the board that part of the Road Vacation process is to appoint a designee to consult with the Commissioner of DNR at least fifteen (15) days before the public hearing because the road vacation is adjacent to public waters.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to appoint Commissioner Beckel as the designee to consult with the commissioner of DNR for the David Larson, Road Vacation that is set for January 28, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Beach Ave and River Drive in Wheeler’s Point and Harris Addition, Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
December Payroll
County Auditor/Treasurer Mark E. Hall met with the board to discuss the last payroll for December and informing them that it falls on Christmas Day and requested that time sheets be turned in by 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2013 and will deposit payroll on December 23, 2013 which will be in employee bank account on the December 24. The board concurred with Marks request.
Forfeited Land Sale Update
County Auditor/Treasurer Mark E. Hall met with the board and informed the board the Wallace property that was forfeited contains water frontage of 150 feet or more on Williams Creek and would require special legislation under Minn. Stat. 282.018, subd. 1 in order to sell. The DNR would not object to legislation authorizing the sale of the parcel; also recommended to pull the Outlots off the sale as they are easement access to property owners; he is still waiting for the resolution from the City of Williams authorizing the county to sell the parcel within the city limits, when he receives the resolution he can continue with the next steps of the sale.
Motor Vehicle Checking Account
County Auditor/Treasurer, Mark E. Hall requested to update the signature card for the Motor Vehicle checking account to include Deputy Auditor, Janet Rudd, Deputy Auditor, Darren Olson and Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Stacy Novak.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to authorize Deputy Auditor, Janet Rudd, Deputy Auditor, Darren Olson and Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Stacy Novak to sign for the Motor Vehicle checking account. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
CLOSED SESSION MN Stat.§ 13D.03 Union Negotiations
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to close the regular meeting at 12:29 p.m. and open the closed session pursuant to MN Stat. §13D.03 for union negotiations. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
The following members were present: Commissioners Arnesen, Hanson, Nordlof, Beckel and Moorman. Others present: Human Resource Assistant, Dena Pieper.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Nordlof to close the closed session at open the regular meeting at 12:32 p.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moorman and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
UNION NEGOTIATIONS-Local 49 Union Solid Waste Department
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnesen to approve a one year contract with the Local 49 Union Solid Waste bargaining unit as follows:
The board agrees to pay a 0% cost of living adjustment.
The board agrees to pay union members a step increase where applicable.
Hours worked in excess of 8 hours a day shall be paid at the rate of 1 ½ time the hourly rate Monday thru Saturday.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Proposed Levy
The board discussed the MN Sales Tax that counties are now exempt from paying and the increase of the PILT payment the county will receive. The board felt that with the combined revenue savings of the two that the levy could be reduced from the 2% proposed to a 0% increase for 2014.
RECESS
The meeting was called to recess at 12:47 p.m. and reconvened at 6:01 p.m. as follows:
PUBLIC HEARING TNT
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Moorman to close the regular meeting and open the public hearing at 6:02 p.m. for the TNT hearing. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beckel and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Chairman Hanson welcomed everyone to the hearing. Chief Deputy Auditor, Lorene Hanson reviewed the proposed 2014 budget along with the levy and comparison information provided by Deputy Auditor/Treasure Stacy Novak. All comments and questions were addressed by the board and staff present.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Beckel to close the Public Hearing at 6:47 p.m. and opened the regular meeting. The motion was seconded Commissioner Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Chairman Hanson called for the resolution for adoption of the 2014 Budget and Tax Levy. He stated that the 2014 Levy will remain with a 0% increase to the Revenue fund versus the proposed 2%.
Resolution
The following Resolution was proposed and moved for adoption by Commissioner Ken Moorman:
Resolution Adopting
2014 Certified Budget and Tax Levy
Resolution 2013-11-03
WHEREAS, the Certified County Budget for the year 2014 has been reviewed by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following Certified Budget and Tax Levy is hereby adopted for the Lake of the Woods County for 2014:
Revenue Fund $ 1,334,803
Road & Bridge Fund $ 449,580
Social Services Fund $ 603,935
Economic Development Authority Fund $ 60,000
2013 Proposed Budget and Tax Levy $ 2,448,318
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following amounts be levied against the unorganized townships of Lake of the Woods County for 2014:
Twp Road & Bridge $ 437,555*
Twp Fire – Baudette $ 22,000
Twp Fire – Williams $ 31,072
Twp Fire – NW Angle $ 6,500
Total $ 497,127
2014
* $437,555 for Township Road & Bridge includes $12,000 which is specifically levied to Northwest Angle residents for Calcium Chloride (increased 2,000). (425,555+12,000=437,555)
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patty Beckel, and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
Recess
With no further business before the board, Chairman Hanson called the meeting to recess at 6:49 p.m.
Attest: Approved: December 17, 2013
____________________________ _______________________________
Janet E. Rudd, Deputy Auditor Thomas Hanson, Chairman of the Board
