COMMISSIONER PROCEEDINGS June 28, 2022

COMMISSIONER PROCEEDINGS

June 28, 2022

PURSUANT TO MN. STATUTE 331A.01, SUBD. 10

THE PUBLISHED MATERIAL IS ONLY A SUMMARY AND THE FULL TEXT IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION

AT THE LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY AUDITOR/TREASURERS’ OFFICE

OR BY STANDARD MAIL OR ELECTRONIC MAIL

OR LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY

WEBSITE -www.lake-of-the-woods.mn.us

The Lake of The Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

CALL TO ORDER Vice-Chair Ed Arnesen called the meeting to order at 9:00a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Jon Waibel, Cody Hasbargen, Joe Grund and Ed Arnesen. Also present was County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson. Absent was: County Board Chair Buck Nordlof.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following changes: Add: Affirmative Action Plan Approval, Flood including: ARP Funds, Williams Fire Department, & Sandbagging. Remove: DNR Land Sale.

Set Meeting Date Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to set an Emergency Flood Meeting for July 5, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. to be held in the County Commissioners Room.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the minutes from June 7, 2022.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the minutes from June 14, 2022.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the Board of Equalization minutes from June 13,14,& 21 2022.

Social Services Claims Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $9,980.13; Commissioners Warrants $2,999.47; Commissioners Warrants $39,037.15.

Approval of Crisis Sub-Contract Sanford- Bemidji Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen to approve the purchase of service agreement for Mental Health Crisis Intervention and Stabilization Services for adults between Sanford-Bemidji and Lake of the Woods County.

Recorders County Recorder Sue Ney discussed a program available through Tyler Technologies called Document Alert. She is requesting approval to purchase the software in the amount of $3,900 in one-time fees and $600.00 in yearly maintenance costs to be paid for out of the Recorder’s Technology Fund.

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of the Document Alert program from Tyler Technologies, to be paid for out of the Recorder’s Technology Fund.

Northwest Angle- Public Access & Materials

The board discussed the public accesses at the angle that are being threatened by the flood and the possibility of getting materials to the Northwest angle to improve the public access and parking issues. Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve an amount up to $30,000 to assist the Northwest Angle and for County Engineer Anthony Pirkl to use the funding at his discretion for required improvements to public access areas.

Flood Update- Sandbagging, Volunteers, ARP, & FEMA The County Board of Commissioners, Emergency Management Director Jill Hasbargen-Olson, Sheriff Gary Fish, and County Engineer Anthony Pirkl discussed the on-going flood disaster and the need for volunteers. They discussed the possibility of using American Rescue Plan funding and/or funding from FEMA to continue to assist the community during this crisis. The need for volunteers is crucial in the efforts for sandbagging, however, they have been unsuccessful in getting enough volunteers.

Williams Fire Department Williams Fire Department Volunteer Officer Cory Estling joined the meeting by phone to discuss the fire departments concerns with the organization of the flood efforts. They are concerned that their volunteers may be pulled away from emergencies that require their assistance and that the funds are being depleted. They are willing to continue assisting with the sandbagging efforts but would like the process to be more organized and not rely on them to make the decisions.

Flood Sandbagging Volunteer Help Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve $30.00 per person, per hour up to an amount of $10,000 to volunteer sandbaggers to be donated to a Lake of the Woods County non-profit organization of their choice.

Add to Agenda Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to add GPS Survey Equipment to the agenda.

Public Works GPS Survey Equipment Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of refurbished GPS Survey Equipment in the amount of $7,323.29.

Build a Better Mouse Trap Award County Engineer Anthony Pirkl informed the board that two of the inventive ideas by Todd Fadness to improve equipment had received recognition from the State. An honorable mention and a 2nd place win for a quick attachment modified with drilled holes to improve ditch clean up and a shear attachment used to clip trees.

Phone Stipend Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve a phone stipend in the amount of $60.00 per month for Tim Aery effective July, 2022.

New Hire County Engineer Anthony Pirkl informed the board that they have been unsuccessful in hiring for a solid waste position that would need to be filled by September. They will advertise for the position again.

Human Bio-Solids Options County Engineer Anthony Pirkl informed the board that T&K Outdoors located in Bemidji was interested in the drop off, maintenance, and removal of dumpsters for Human Bio-Solids in the winter months.

Hauling Options County Engineer presented a formal letter drafted to Koochiching County about the possibility of hauling demolishing work beginning in 2025.

Move Ditch Authority Meeting Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to move the Ditch Authority- Petition for Partial Ditch Abandonment to the regular board meeting July 26, 2022.

IT/Maintenance Cold Storage Repair Maintenance Supervisor Shane Shaw requested approval from the board for the repair and improvement of the cold storage building in the amount of $3,000.00. The repairs would be done by Brian Swart. Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the hire of Brian Swart to repair the cold storage building in the amount of $3,000.00.

Fob Installation on New HWY Doors Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to install wiring on the new Highway Department doors for key fobs in the amount of $5,713.00.

Move Work Session Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to move the Maintenance Work Session to July 5, 2022 following the emergency meeting.

Auditor/Treasurer Correspondence County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson presented a thank you letter to the Board of Commissioner from the Lake of the Woods Senior Boating.

Claims Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $90,740.55; Road & Bridge $146,186.47; County Development $560.00; Joint Ditch $240.85; Solid Waste $59,660.26; EDA $2,144.32.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION
Warrants Approved On 6/28/2022 For Payment 6/30/2022
Vendor Name Amount

Alternative Business Furniture 2,570.07

Cenex Co-Op Services, Inc. 17,241.11

Counties Providing Technology 3,972.00

Freeberg & Grund, Inc 5,932.50

Holen Electric 3,325.00

Integris DBA 9,910.70

Just For Kix 2,775.00

KGM Contractors Inc 20,601.67

Larkin Hoffman Attorneys 36,473.00

Lavalla Sand & Gravel Inc 29,261.00

LOW Highway Dept 3,846.05

North East Technical Service,Inc 13,290.31

Northwest Electric Inc. 9,900.00

Polk County Highway Dept 3,468.95

Rainy Lake Oil, Inc 4,543.37

T-C Lighting 26,171.11

U.S. Bank Equipment Finance 6,268.50

Voice Products 2,248.00
Wex Bank 2,923.79

WIDSETH 2,500.00

Ziegler, Inc 54,678.00

65 Payments less than 2000 37,632.32

Final Total: 299,532.45

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: June 7, 2022 for $30,000; June 8,2022 for $1,069,175.03; June 15, 2022 for $30,575.10; June 20, 2022 for $10,759.03.

Appointment of Arrowhead Member It was the consensus of the board to reach out to members of the community to find someone to appoint to the position.

Affidavit of Lost Warrant Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen to approve the Affidavit of Lost Warrant numbered 38385 in the amount of $255.14.

Liquor Licenses Border View Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the Liquor License for Border View Lodge.

Sportsman’s Lodge Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the Liquor License for Sportsman’s Lodge.

Approval of Affirmative Action Plan Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel to approve the Affirmative Action Programs for People of Color, Women and Individuals with Disabilities effective June 1,2022 and to authorize Commissioner Chair James “Buck” Nordlof to sign the same. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Attorney Client Privilege- Closed Session Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting and open the closed session Attorney Client Privilege meeting (Pursuant MN Statute 13D.05 Subd.3B).

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to close the closed session Attorney client Privilege meeting and open the regular meeting.

RECESS With no further business before the Board, Vice-Chair Ed Arnesen called the meeting to recess at 12:35 p.m.

Attest: July 12, 2022

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson

Vice-Chair Ed Arnesen

Publish July 20, 2022

COMMISSIONER PROCEEDINGS

July 5, 2022

Emergency Meeting - Flooding

PURSUANT TO MN. STATUTE 331A.01, SUBD. 10

THE PUBLISHED MATERIAL IS ONLY A SUMMARY AND THE FULL TEXT IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION

AT THE LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY AUDITOR/TREASURERS’ OFFICE

OR BY STANDARD MAIL OR ELECTRONIC MAIL

OR LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY

WEBSITE -www.lake-of-the-woods.mn.us

The Lake of The Woods County Board of Commissioners met in an emergency session on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

CALL TO ORDER Chair Buck Nordlof called the meeting to order at 9:00a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Buck Nordlof, Jon Waibel, Cody Hasbargen, Joe Grund and Ed Arnesen. Also present was County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the agenda.
FLOODING Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners, Emergency Management Director Jill Hasbargen-Olson, Regional Coordinator of Northern Areas from Homeland Security Heather Winkleblack, County Engineer Anthony Pirkl, Land & Water Director Josh Stromlund, and Sheriff Gary Fish met to discuss the ongoing flood efforts. Emergency Management Director Jill Hasbargen-Olson informed the board that the sandbagging efforts from the week prior went well and they did have volunteers come to help fill the sandbags. Ms. Hasbargen-Olson also updated the board on the cost of another sandbagger quoted at $2500.00. Commissioner Ed Arnesen felt from the meeting held in Warroad, MN on Wednesday June 29, 2022 that the need for a second sandbagger at the Northwest Angle was not as great as previously thought. Regional Coordinator of Northern Areas from Homeland Security Heather Winkleblack informed the board that Lake of the Woods County did meet the threshold for federal disaster relief and that the bill is awaiting a signature from President Joe Biden. Ms. Winkleblack also informed the board that the timeline could be up to a month before the document is signed. Ms. Winkleblack also suggests that moving forward Lake of the Woods County invests in water level gauges like the ones Red River uses. Concerned Citizens asked about what assistance they could expect because the federal assistance does not cover private property. Ms. Winkleblack informed them that flood insurance would be the main source of help for them, but there is the possibility of individual assistance after the water levels go down and damage is assessed. Commissioner Ed Arnesen stressed again the importance of documenting the damage and funds used to fix it. Land & Water Director Josh Stromlund informed the board on various damage he has surveyed and the damage to the islands of Pine and Garden. He will be giving a presentation to the regional management team with images of the current flood damage to show that storm surges and winds contribute to the damage and it is not just water levels alone. There have been many concerned about contamination of well water due to the floods. Well testing kits will become available to those who need them.The board discussed the 1925 convention and protocol treaty and questioned the datum points that are being used in current year. They will continue this conversation after reaching out to the Lake of the Woods Control Board for more clarity.

RECESS

With no further business before the Board, Chair Buck Nordlof called the meeting to recess at 10:00 a.m.

Attest: July 12, 2022

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson

Chair James “Buck” Nordlof

Publish July 20, 2022