Board Minutes

for

March 27, 2001

 

 

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE KOOCHICHING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Held on Tuesday, March 27, 2001; 9:45 a.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioners Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Pavleck

MEMBERS ABSENT: Commissioner Chezick

OTHERS ATTENDING: Betty Mitchell, Einar Sundin, Carl Bowman, Doug Grindall, Walter Leu, Gus Peterson, Richard Koeneman, Blake Napper, James Palm, Dennis Hummitzsch, Susan Congrave, Terry Murray, Ann Coulombe, Cindy Ellefson-Oswald; Reporters Laurel Beager and Roger Jerome

2001/03-46 Motion by McBride, seconded by Lepper to approve the agenda with additions and deletions. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/03-47 Motion by Lepper, seconded by McBride to approve the minutes of the March 20, 2001 regular meeting. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/03-48 Motion by McBride, seconded by Pavleck authorizing internet and e-mail hookup for the Sheriff’s secretary per County policy. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/03-49 Motion by McBride, seconded by Lepper establishing an account and authorizing the County to act as a fiduciary to administrate proceeds from the sale of products for the local Sentence to Serve Program as requested, to authorize the City of International Falls to make payment out of their Sunset Cove Waterline Account with $1,629.41 to the City of International Falls, $8,442.63 to the City of Ranier and to authorize payment from the County’s Sunset Cove Account in the amount of $181.22 to the City of International Falls, to approve payment in the amount of $4,889.12 to Flaherty and Hood for lobbyist service with payment from the Legislation Budget, to approve payment of the Public Health bills in the amount of $18,239.09 with detail on file in the Public Health Department and to approve payment of Community Service claims for financial and social service programs and administrative expenditures as presented with detail on file in the Community Service Department. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/03-50 Motion by McBride, seconded by Pavleck to adopt the following resolution:

WHEREAS, the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, State of Minnesota, has been authorized to undertake a program to provide Family Homeless Prevention assistance; and

WHEREAS, KOOTASCA, Inc. has developed an application as an Administering Entity for the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, for the Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program; and

WHEREAS, KOOTASCA, Inc. has demonstrated the ability to perform the required activities of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for the Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that KOOTASCA, Inc. is hereby authorized as an entity to be charged with the administration of funds made available through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program, in the County of Koochiching. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/03-51 Motion by Lepper, seconded by McBride adopting the following resolution appointing and designating the Commissioner of Transportation as Agent for the County of Koochiching, hereafter identified as the Municipality, for the administration of FAA Funding:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT for the purpose of carrying out the following project: AIP 01-1-3-27-0043-12-01 to acquire two parcels of land, the Municipality does hereby appoint and designate the Commissioner of Transportation of the State of Minnesota as its agent, and authorizes him or his duly authorized representative:
1. To prepare and submit the Application for Federal Assistance.
2. To request and receive any monies, either public or private, on behalf of the Municipality, including money received from the State of Minnesota or from the federal government, and to deposit such monies with the State Treasurer.
3. To pay to the Municipality any amount of such monies received as may become due under the Municipality's contracts.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Municipality has reviewed and understands the Terms and Conditions of accepting the Airport Improvement Program Grants. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 The Board Chair cancelled the KDA and Special Board meetings scheduled for April 10 and rescheduled the KDA meeting prior to the April 17th Regular Board meeting. The Board Chair announced that a County Board meeting to seek public comment for a veterans memorial is scheduled for April 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the second floor courtroom.

2001/03-52 Motion by McBride, seconded by Lepper to authorize Board attendance to a “Check Into a Winning Life” presentation sponsored by the Rotary Club and Coca Cola Bottling Company. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/03-53 Motion by Lepper, seconded by McBride authorizing Board attendance as requested by the Chamber of Commerce to a meeting to discuss the Alexander Baker and Backus buildings on Thursday April 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn and that the Board Chair will ensure that at least one Board member attend. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/03-54 Motion by Pavleck, seconded by Lepper directing the Board Chair to send a letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce stating the devastating effects that imports on iron ore and semi-finished steel have on Northeastern Minnesota industries and the need for our government to enforce trade regulations that allow for fair competition. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 The Board received a meeting notice with Minnesota Planner Dean Barkley on March 29 to discuss the impact of the Governor’s budget on the County and to discuss the MPCA’s basin planning process. The Board received a report from their lobbyist explaining the County’s Enterprise Zone. The Board also received proposed legislation on transportation funding and utility tax exemption. The Board Chair stated that Board members have a meeting with Representative Anderson tonight in St. Paul to discuss legislative issues. Board members are attending the March 28 and 29 AMC Legislative Conference in St. Paul.

000 Commissioner Pavleck confirmed that the National Park Service is trying to solicit video footage from Saturday’s snowmobile event and questioned why they are expending funds to get proof when he would gladly tell them what happened. He again stated his concern that the National Park Service is trying to charge participants and by-standers, rather than the County Board where the issue should be directed. Work is still in progress to set a meeting with the Secretary of the Interior and Board members will be meeting with Senator Lessard tomorrow in St. Paul on this issue.

000 MnDot representatives presented the Board proposed 2002-2004 regional and local projects funded with federal TEA-21 transportation funds. Proposed projects are subject to the approval of the Area Transportation Partnership (ATP). Commissioner Pavleck stated his and the residents appreciation for paving the gravel section of Highway 65. Commissioner Lepper asked the status of the proposed Highway 53 Four Lane Project. The DWP bridge outside Virginia will be replaced with about one and one-half miles of four lane heading north from the bridge as the first step. From there we will push north to Cook. The EIS for a four lane road to Cook will be done this year and if things go smoothly, would look at letting a contract in 2005. Federal funding is needed for this project and U.S. Representative Oberstar is key to obtaining federal funding for this project. Carl Bowman asked the MNDot representatives whether there would be a change in the bituminous mix spec? Per Mr. Leu, MnDot is looking at a 23/50 light mix but they are still working out the bugs. He stated that a statewide spec does not work as different parts of the state have different conditions. Mr. Bowman agreed and asked that the State consider flexibility if changing the specs.

000 The Highway Engineer presented the Board five options for a Five-Year CSAH Construction Plan with option number 1 being the plan presented on January 9, 2001 to the Board. At the request of the Board, he drafted options that would spread out the bituminous work. Options four and five assume a one-time road construction grant being proposed this legislative session in the amount of $980,000. The Highway Engineer recommended waiting until the end of the legislative session to see if the one-time grant is approved and to see what other changes transpire before deciding an option. In the meantime, the Department will continue to move forward on planning the 2001 projects. Commissioner Pavleck stated that option three looked like the best option. He also stated his position that the Gold Shores road be let this year as planned. The Highway Engineer stated this is the plan but may change if he runs into right-of-way acquisition problems. The Board agreed to review the options after the legislative session ends. Carl Bowman asked the Engineer what spec he will use for bituminous mix for the five-year plan? The Engineer stated that for the Van Lynn project he will use the current bituminous mix spec as the plan needs to be completed soon to let the project this summer.

2001/03-55 Motion by McBride, seconded by Lepper to add a letter supporting BWSR’s wetland replacement funding to the agenda. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper; absent for vote: Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/03-56 Motion by McBride, seconded by Lepper directing the Board Chair to send a letter to our legislative representatives seeking their assistance in ensuring BWSR receives adequate wetland replacement funding so that counties and cities do not have to fund wetland replacements for road projects. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper; absent for vote: Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 Blake Napper representing the Forest Hill Cemetery Board submitted a request for annual funding to help fund maintenance crews for the cemetery. Organizationally, the cemetery is administered by a Board of six members and receives its funding from selling lots and contributions with $600 from the City of International Falls. The cemetery is public land and is outside the City of International Falls. The Association intends to contact the City of International Falls to request an increase in their funding and the City of Ranier for a contribution. He is meeting with the Sentence to Serve crew leader this afternoon to discuss what the crews can do to help with maintenance. His services through the winter months are volunteered and from spring through fall, he and two other individuals are paid for their maintenance hours. Commissioner Pavleck stated that he would support the cemetery funding as the Board has supported this in the past but would not support funding wages directly. The Board requested that the amount of contribution from the Cities of Ranier and International Falls be provided after the amounts are known. In addition, they want to see the budget, by-laws, and a written explanation of what work is being done now with cost and what work the Association wants done with cost if the funding is approved. The Board Chair deferred the request to committee and will schedule a meeting when the information requested is received.

000 The Land Commissioner reviewed the Trust Fund apportionment results, timber sale activity and other department activities for 2000. The Land Commissioner stated that due to staff shortage in 2000, the department was low in its sale acreage availability and will roll this amount to 2001. He also stated that due to a communication problem, the Department received no notice that the balm and hardwood markets opened which caused some short term problems for the department. He has asked that the department be given advanced notice in the future so we can prepare for this type of market shift. Commissioner Hanson requested a ten-year summary showing net revenue (receipts less expenditures).

000 The Land Commissioner reviewed proposed legislation pertaining to the State Payment-In-Lieu-of-Tax revenue authored by Senator Moe. Under the proposed legislation, the County would receive $1,623,306, double the amount provided under current legislation for 2001. The bill pushes the payment average back to 1980 for determining an inflation increase. The 1979 amount of 37.5 cents pre acre has been in existence since last year when the first increase was provided through legislative efforts. The Board agreed to lobby this additional increase when down in St. Paul at the AMC Legislative Conference.

000 The Public Health Director stated that the department again received short term tobacco dollars to head up youth activity and diversion programs but does not have available staff to head up the activities. The Director is requesting the approval of two service contracts for these grant programs.

2001/03-57 Motion by Lepper, seconded by McBride to approve a service contract with Sue Palm as youth activity coordinator and to approve a service contract with Wendy Sandstrom for youth activities and diversion programs using tobacco grant dollars to fund both contracts. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/03-58 Motion by Lepper, seconded by McBride accepting the following foster day care and day care licensing recommendations: case #35600 to relicense group family foster care for six children and group family day care for fourteen children; case #50779 to relicense for group family day care for twelve children and for foster care for four children; case #49155 to close home for family day care per provider’s request. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 Information was provided the Board on an A.E.O.A. grant for a web page, 2001 legislative priorities for Community Service programs and 1999 and 2000 costs of out-of- home placements. The Directorship provided additional comment on the out-of-home placements. The cost was down substantially in 2000 from 1999, which has to do with reduction in clients and facilities used. There is discussion at the State level to take over out-of-home placement and is being monitored by the Directorship to make sure the State uses a funding formula based on high cost years. Another option is to have the State give the counties funding but this usually comes with requirements, which may or may not be covered with the funding provided. Out-of-home placement costs are normally high during the first part of the year.

000 The Board Chair called for public comment at 11:50 a.m. No issues were brought forth.

2001/03-59 Motion by Pavleck, seconded by McBride to adjourn the meeting at 11:50 a.m. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.