Board Minutes

for

August 28, 2001

 

 

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE KOOCHICHING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Held on Tuesday, August 28, 2001; 9:45 a.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioners Hanson, Lepper, Chezick, Pavleck

MEMBERS ABSENT: Commissioner McBride (scheduled appointment)

OTHERS ATTENDING: Vicki Giauque, Joe Gust, Doug Talley, Wayne Golly, Richard Lehtinen, Doug Grindall, Christy Bubloz, Terry Anderson, Dennis Hummitzsch, Gene Larson, Susan Congrave, Terry Murray, Ann Coulombe, Cindy Ellefson-Oswald; Reporters Laurel Beager and Roger Jerome

2001/08-16 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Pavleck to approve the agenda with additions and deletions. Voting yes: Hanson, Lepper, Pavleck; absent for vote: Chezick. Motion carried.

2001/08-17 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Chezick to approve the minutes of the August 14, 2001 special meeting. Voting yes: Hanson, Lepper, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/08-18 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Chezick accepting the recommendation of the Personnel Committee for a B23(2) Correctional Officer/E911 Dispatcher position description. Voting yes: Hanson, Lepper, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 The Board received notice of temporary hire in the Extension Office for help with the fairs.

2001/08-19 Motion by Chezick, seconded by Lepper to table the following motion until later in the meeting: Motion by Lepper, seconded by Pavleck to research the viability of the Extension Service in relation to cost and affordability for the County due to the proposed funding increase by the UOM for the service. Voting to table: Hanson, Lepper, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion tabled.

2001/08-20 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Pavleck to approve payment of the Highway bills in the amount of $131,603.18, to approve payment to Johnson, Killen & Seiler, P.A. for personnel legal service in the amount of $392.00 with payment from the Administration Legal Budget, to approve payment to Griffith Law Office in the amount of $1,627.21 for legal support with Voyageurs National Park matters and the Associated Loggers court case with payment from the Board’s Legal Budget, to approve payment of the Public Health bills in the amount of $21,950.58 and to approve payment of Community Service’s social service and financial claims and administrative expenditures as presented. Department payment detail is on file in the respective departments. Voting yes: Hanson, Lepper, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/08-21 Motion by Chezick, seconded by Lepper to approve the following 2001 Budget Adjustments: $8,000 from the Board’s Resource Management Budget to the Legal Budget and $12,300 from the Board’s Projects Budget to the Legislative Budget. Voting yes: Hanson, Lepper, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/08-22 Motion by Chezick, seconded by Lepper that as required under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-determination Act of 2000, Public Law 106-393, Koochiching County will continue to receive 25% of Forest Service receipts for lands within the Superior National Forest with variability in funding from year to year and is not interested in contributing any of its funding for the establishment of Resource Advisory Committees. Voting yes: Hanson, Lepper, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/08-23 Motion by Chezick, seconded by Pavleck that the Koochiching County Board of Commissioners agree to sponsor the Ridgerunner Snowmobile Club and Voyageurs Snowmobile Club in the MN Trails Assistant Grant-In-Aid Program covering the Caldwell Brook and Blue Ox Trails and the Hagerman, Voyageurs West and Lowman Trails. Sponsorship by the County requires that a Club/County Agreement be initiated. As sponsor, the County is accountable to the State for expenditures charged to the program; sponsorship does not require financial support or liability for cost from the County. County Board does hereby authorize the required County signatures to said Grant-In-Aid Agreement. Voting yes: Hanson, Lepper, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/08-24 Motion by Chezick, seconded by Lepper to approve a two-year Minnesota Lawful Gambling Premises Permit Application – LG214, for the Multiple Sclerosis, Minneapolis Minnesota Chapter, for the 19th Hole establishment as recommended by the License Committee. Voting yes: Hanson, Lepper, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 The Tax Coordinator informed the Board that programming required for the new tax reform will not be completed in time to mail TINT statements by the December 14, 2001 deadline. The Board commended staff for trying to meet the deadline and stated the Legislature put us in this position as the massive changes required in their tax reform coupled with the lateness of their decision on the tax bill made it very difficult for local governments to comply with this deadline.

2001/08-25 Motion by Chezick, seconded by Lepper to request an exemption for sending out the Truth in Taxation statements due to the late date of the legislative session, lack of information and time to program the tax changes needed to produce the statements. Further authorizing the Board Chair to send a letter to the Commissioner of Revenue requesting a waiver for pay 2002 proposed tax notices. Voting yes: Hanson, Lepper, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/08-26 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Chezick authorizing the Board Chair to send thank you letters to area businesses and the Chamber/CVB for their contributions to the AMC Leadership Conference held in International Falls on August 15 through the 17, 2001. Voting yes: Hanson, Lepper, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 Wayne Golly of Environmental Solutions provided the Board a status report on the alternative wastewater treatment system installed at a residence in Ericsburg in 1999. The system processes waste from a septic tank to a treatment unit and pumps it to a dispersal field where it drips into sand soil at a rate of one-half gallon per hour from a specially designed drip line. This system can cost as much or less than a mound system. When the system was put on line in the fall of 1999 there were immediate problems, which was due to a design problem and corrected in the spring of 2000. From 2000 to 2001 the system worked fine until the spring of 2001 when the soil became saturated with the heavy rains and water went into the tank. Inspecting the system yesterday, he discovered the pump was broken and fixed it. From a technical point of view the system is doing what it should and it has experienced no freezing problems. This system treats to a level of 90% and a peat system will treat up to 98% but will cost more. The State requires treatment levels in the range of 50% to 60%. He informed the Board that to date he has not requested compensation for this project even though he has a large investment in it. He would like to conduct a seminar for the public, designers and installers to educate them on maintaining septic systems as this is vital to their operation. Commissioner Pavleck stated that NRRI installed five alternative wastewater systems which have been monitored and reported on over a period of time and asked the Environmental Service Director to review this report and look at installing and monitoring a peat system in the County. The Environmental Service Director stated that the original plan was to install a peat system but the plan fell through because of difficulty in finding a resident interested in installing the test system. He stated he would contact the company again and discuss installation of a test system.

000 The Board received a Certificate of Recognition from the U.S. Census Bureau for its contribution to the success of the Census 2000.

000 The Environmental Service Director informed the Board that the North East Waste Advisory Council of which Koochiching County is a member, received a National Association of Counties 2001 Achievement Award for best of category and best rural program for its Waste Reduction Art Contest.

2001/08-27 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Pavleck accepting the recommendation of the Planning Commission to approve REZ #0103 for Derek Mason rezoning from C-2 to AF-1 for property located just south of the Littlefork Airport and to approve PLT #0101, a six lot plat by George Nelson along Rainy River east of Birchdale with the condition that a Road Association be formed to assure long-term maintenance of the private road, which is not intended to be constructed to county road standards. Voting yes: Hanson, Lepper, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 The Board was informed of an unemployment award to a former Big Falls Canister Site Operator and that the County will be appealing this decision.

2001/08-28 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Pavleck to contact AMC and/or MCIT to research and provide assistance to counties on unemployment laws and independent contractors. Voting yes: Hanson, Lepper, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 MN Extension Northeast District Director Terry Anderson met with the Board to review the new funding formula for extension service in counties. In 1992 AMC assisted in establishing a uniform funding formula for counties share of extension expense and that during this time the funding formula became loose with some counties paying more and some paying less. Due to this and University funding cuts, AMC helped devise a new funding formula which proposes a flat 40% cost share of the Extension staff salary cost, (University pays 100% of benefit costs). He stated that some counties may not be able to afford this increase and will need to look at cuts in service or a regional service solution. The county, if agreeable to the formula, will need to approve a memorandum of agreement. Commissioner Lepper asked what would happen if the county did not agree to the new formula? Mr. Anderson stated that the UOM would readjust coordinator hours allocated to Koochiching County. The Board Chair informed Mr. Anderson that because of an upcoming coordinator vacancy in the department, this request for increased county contribution and the fact we are beginning work on the County’s 2002 Budget, there is a pending motion to research the viability of the extension service in relation to its cost and affordability to the County which will be voted on later today. Board members question today’s mission of the extension service. Historically its mission was agriculture but as time changed, service needed in this area has decreased. Today the service appears to be education but the Board feels educational resources are already available in the County. When looking at the cost of supplying an office and support staff for services provided, the Board wonders if these dollars could be better utilized. It was also stated that the UOM is also questioning extension’s mission. The Board stated that their position is not a reflection on staff as their performance has been very good but is a matter of service priority and cost. Mr. Anderson stated that the 1907 legislation establishing extension service set agriculture, horticulture, families, youth and community as its missions. Extension service is used to compliment functions, not duplicate them and is a great benefit and resource to communities. Mr. Anderson stated that all 87 Minnesota counties are involved with the extension program. The Board agreed that having access to the University resources is a benefit but wondered with today’s technologies why the County needs to staff an office to get these resources. The Board agreed to further review this matter in 2002 budget process. Mr. Anderson stated his willingness to meet with the Board during this time to provide more information.

000 The Board Chair called for public comment at 11:35 a.m. No comment was received.

000 The Land Commissioner informed the Board that he would like to proceed with setting up the Advisory Committee for review of the Tax-Forfeited Land and Forest Resources Plan and requested procedural input from the Board. His plan would be to contact those serving on the last committee and if they were not interested, to have them suggest names for their replacement. He will also hire a facilitator for the group and will keep the review informal. Items related to the Management Plan, which the Board has requested review and recommendation, will be addressed in this process. The Board requested regular mailings of the review process.

2001/08-29 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Pavleck authorizing the Land Commissioner to establish the Advisory Committee and process for review of the Tax-Forfeited Land and Forest Resources Plan to include the hiring of a facilitator. Voting yes: Hanson, Lepper, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 The Land Commissioner reviewed the results of the August 8, 2001 timber auction with 15,506 cords sold for a total auction sale value of $485,998. In addition he reviewed information on pulpwood harvested by industry in Minnesota. There appears to be a push for harvest on private land, which raises concern as these private lands are outside any sustainable goals or guidelines for best forest management practices.

2001/08-30 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Pavleck to transfer title of the Land and Forest 1990 Ford Bronco to the Soil and Water Conservation District rather than sell the vehicle on public auction due to the need for a vehicle with the understanding that the Tax-Forfeit Trust Fund will be paid $2,600, Kelley Blue Book value, from the sale proceeds due the General Revenue Fund from the surplus auction if it is determined that the Trust Fund vehicle can not be donated. Voting yes: Hanson, Lepper, Pavleck; absent for vote: Chezick. Motion carried.

2001/08-31 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Chezick acknowledging receipt of the August 28, 2001 Professional Advisory Committee minutes. Voting yes: Hanson, Lepper, Chezick; absent: Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 The Public Health Director reviewed the Department’s Quarter 2, 2001 Financial and Statistical Report with the Board.

2001/08-32 Motion by Chezick, seconded by Lepper to approve the ENABL Contract for 2001-2002 with School District 361 for a county wide coordinator and PSI curriculum as recommended by the Public Health Director and upon review by the County Attorney. Voting yes: Hanson, Lepper, Chezick; absent: Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/08-33 Motion by Chezick, seconded by Lepper to approve CAC Waiver and CADI Waiver Contracts with River Oaks Home Health Care Agency as recommended by the Public Health Director and upon review by the County Attorney. Voting yes: Hanson, Lepper, Chezick; absent: Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/08-34 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Chezick to approve a service contract with Della Warren as the Koochiching Family Collaborative Coordinator for 2001 to 2003 as recommended by the Joint Powers Board and upon review by the County Attorney. Voting yes: Hanson, Lepper, Chezick; absent for vote: Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 The Public Health Director informed the Board that upon establishment of a second home health care agency in Koochiching County this fall, the Department will be in the position to provide home health care service on an as needed basis.

000 The Board took no action on the request for an increase in the on-call rate for nurses.

2001/08-35 Motion by Chezick, seconded by Lepper to approve the renewal of the AEOA and NEMOJT Employment and Training Service Agreements as recommended by the KCCS Directorship. Voting yes: Hanson, Lepper, Chezick; absent: Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/08-36 Motion by Chezick, seconded by Lepper to approve service agreements with the Ranier Roost, Papermakers Place, Falls Good Samaritan Center River’s Edge and ODC for chore services with a rate of $7.00 per hour plus sales tax. Voting yes: Hanson, Lepper, Chezick; absent: Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/08-37 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Chezick accepting the recommendation for case #73345 to relicense a group family day care for twelve children. Voting yes: Hanson, Lepper, Chezick; absent: Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 The Board received a letter from the MN Department of Human Services stating that Minnesota has again qualified for Food Stamp Program enhanced funding (federal) and that much of the credit for this achievement belongs to the front line staff who administer the Food Stamp Program at the county level.

2001/08-38 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Pavleck to research the viability of the Extension Service in relation to the cost and affordability to the County due to the proposed funding increase by the UOM for the service. Voting yes: Hanson, Lepper, Chezick; absent for vote: Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/08-39 Motion by Chezick, seconded by Lepper authorizing the Board members appointed by the County Board to represent them in Voyageurs National Park matters to travel to Washington D.C. to meet with officials on Park matters. Voting yes: Hanson, Lepper, Chezick; absent for vote: Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 The Board Chair adjourned the meeting at 4:00 p.m.