Board Minutes

for

December 18, 2001

 

REGULAR MEETING OF THE KOOCHICHING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Held on Tuesday, December 18, 2001; 9:45 a.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioners Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Chezick, Pavleck

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

OTHERS ATTENDING: Paul Mielke, Doug Grindall, Paul Nevanen, Terry Glowack, Susan Congrave, Randy Rehnstrand, Einar Sundin, Richard Lehtinen, Steve Shermoen, Vicki Giauque, Jim Kochevar, Norm Cote, Tom Letourneau, Martin Zallar, Terry Murray, Ann Coulombe, Cindy Ellefson-Oswald, Diane Windsnes, Julie Schumacher, Della Warren, Raoul Lufbery, Myrna Ahlgren, Bob Peterson, Judy Fuller, Ken Rohl, Deb Brown, Nancy Lee Schafer, Jim Eberspacher, Marybeth Tuey, Gordy Dault, Beth Parmeter; Reporters Terri Buller and Roger Jerome

2001/12-24 Motion by McBride, seconded by Lepper to approve the agenda with additions and deletions. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Chezick; absent for vote: Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/12-25 Motion by McBride, seconded by Lepper to approve the minutes of the December 11, 2001 special meeting with correction. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Chezick; absent for vote: Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/12-26 Motion by Chezick, seconded by McBride that upon approval by the County Coordinator, authorizing posting of Courthouse Union positions as they come open due to the posting of the Appraiser and Auditor Clerk positions. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Chezick; absent for vote: Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/12-27 Motion by McBride, seconded by Lepper to approve payment of the Highway bills in the amount of $82,597.70 with detail on file in the Highway Department, to approve payment to Rainy River Community College in the amount of $221.50 for personnel training expense with expenditure from the 2001 Personnel Budget, to approve payment to Griffith Law Office in the amount of $602.10 and to Kalina, Wills, Gisvold & Clark in the amount of $3,120.48 for legal work on Voyageurs National Park matters with expenditure from the 2001 Board Legal Budget and to approve payment of Community Service social service and financial claims and administrative expenditures as presented with detail on file in the Community Service Department. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Chezick; absent for vote: Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/12-28 Motion by Chezick, seconded by Lepper to approve On/Off/Sunday Intoxicating Liquor and Tobacco Licenses for Outdoor Resorts Inc. d.b.a. Rainy Lake Lodge for 2002 as recommended by the License Committee. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Chezick; absent for vote: Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/12-29 Motion by Chezick, seconded by Lepper to adopt the 2002 levy of $2,967,795 less HACA of $26,501 (less portion due to subordinate districts) with the following gross levy breakdown: General Revenue - $1,017,795; Community Services - $1,200,000; Public Health - $100,000; Road and Bridge - $400,000; Environmental Service - $150,000; Regional Corrections - $100,000. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Chezick; absent for vote: Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/12-30 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Chezick authorizing designation of the County’s General Revenue and Special Revenue Funds to recognize reserved amounts for the 2002 Budget. Motion further adopts the 2002 Budget and Budget Plan in the amount of $18,813,350. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Chezick; absent for vote: Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/12-31 Motion by McBride, seconded by Lepper authorizing the Board Chair to send a letter to Kevin Peterson, DNR Fisheries, thanking him for his stewardship in addressing the recent fish limit inadequacy and advocating for the area. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Chezick; absent for vote: Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 Commissioner Chezick informed the Board that ARDC is piloting a project with Koochiching County to set up census data in the GIS System for redistricting. A website has been established making census data available per census block. Eventually the program will total population per election district. The Coordinator stated that 1990 population should also be layered to be used as a population growth and decline tool and she will discuss this with ARDC when they meet this week.

2001/12-32 Motion by McBride, seconded by Lepper to approve a Joint Powers Agreement with the State Department of Public Safety to allow access to the predatory offender registration database. The Agreement is required to safeguard internet access to the database. The motion further authorizes the Board Chair and Sheriff to sign the Agreement on the County’s behalf. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper; absent for vote: Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 The Highway Engineer reviewed options for improvement of a bridge on CSAH 29 over the Rat Root River. Regardless of the option decided, funding for the project would come from the State Bridge Replacement Fund. Bridge improvement options range from replacement at a cost of $300,000 to superstructure rehabilitation at a cost of $130,000. Time difference is three months for replacement and six weeks for rehabilitation. Boise Cascade supports replacement of the bridge as this route is used to access their landfill which will be utilized for the next twenty-five years and also because timber harvesting will continue on the forest roads that adjoin CSAH 29. The Highway Engineer requested direction from the Board.

2001/12-33 Motion by McBride, seconded by Chezick directing the Highway Engineer to replace the bridge on CSAH 29 over the Rat Root River contingent on State Bridge Replacement funds covering the expenditure. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 The Board was informed that the Airport Commission and KEDA agreed to a lease arrangement for the cold weather testing facilities, which require the approval of the City of International Falls and Koochiching County as owners of the Airport. One lease is for the test building and the other is for the land on which the cold box is located. It was agreed that the lease arrangement would be reviewed in one year and that revenue derived from cold weather testing would be deposited in a dedicated account for the City and County to decide its allocation. The KEDA will provide marketing, advertising and administration of cold weather testing.

2001/12-34 Motion by Pavleck, seconded by McBride to approve two leases between the KEDA and the Airport Commission whereas the KEDA will lease the entire test building and assume all operation expense of the facility at a monthly rate of $1,200 and whereas KEDA will lease land that the Cold Box occupies for $1,500 a year and assume all operation expense. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 The Complex Superintendent informed the Board that all ports for the new phone system are used and requested approval to purchase a card with sixteen ports at a cost of $2,150. For half the cost a card with eight ports could be purchased but the new system has room for only two more cards so getting more ports per card makes more sense. The Superintendent stated that as these new ports are used, we need to look at adding more trunk lines at a cost of $32 per month for each line as our current lines are at maximum use. Board members discussed how many of the current ports are being tied up with faxes or phones that are not being used or used very little. Rather than paying for more ports maybe we should look first at current hookups to see if they are necessary. In further review the number of ports that may become available with a needs assessment would amount to very little and would not be enough to support further office and technology expansion. However, if more trunk lines are needed due to the utilization of these additional ports, the Board will look first at port hookups before expending more money on truck lines.

2001/12-35 Motion by Lepper, seconded by McBride authorizing the Complex Superintendent to purchase a sixteen port card for the new telephone system to service the Courthouse, Highway and Law Enforcement Annexes with funding from the Sinking Building Account. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 The Tri County Director reviewed for the Board the 2002-03 Community Health Plan Update which was created from an assessment of the Comprehensive Community Health Plan. He stated that the success of the Community Health Plan comes with the required review process to indicate the successes and weaknesses of the original goals and to revise the plan to ensure current needs are met. The Community Health Plan is not only a blueprint for implementing needed health care in Koochiching County but also serves as a tool for seeking financial support for the programs and service provided. It is projected that Koochiching County will receive around $225,000 for next year but may be subject to change with the State budget deficit. Funding is a dollar for dollar match so fiscal control remains with the County.

2001/12-36 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Chezick adopting the following resolution relating to the Community Health Services 2002-2003 Community Health Plan Update and Subsidy Budget for 2002:

WHEREAS, the Minnesota Local Public Health Act of 1987 requires that participating
counties develop a Community Health Services Plan and annual budget in order to
qualify for State subsidies; and

WHEREAS, Koochiching County, in cooperation with Aitkin and Itasca counties, has
established through Joint Powers Agreement a Community Health Services Board to
develop and implement policy and procedures for the preparation of the Community
Health Services Plan and Budget; and

WHEREAS, the Aitkin-Itasca-Koochiching Community Health Board has adopted, and
recommended for approval, a Community Health Plan Update for 2002-2003 and a
Community Health Budget for 2002; and

WHEREAS, the proposed 2002-2003 Community Health Plan Update and 2002 Budget
have been developed in accordance with local needs and priorities of the 2000-03
Community Health Services Plan as approved by the Koochiching County Board.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Koochiching County Board does hereby approve the 2002-2003 Community Health Plan Update and the 2002 Community Health Budget and authorizes the submission of the Plan Update and Budget to the Minnesota Department of Health. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/12-37 Motion by Chezick, seconded by McBride to approve payment of the Health Department claims in the amount of $24,624.37 with detail on file in the Public Health Department. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/12-38 Motion by Chezick, seconded by McBride to renew the First Plan Blue Cross/Blue Shield Contract as recommended by the Public Health Director and contingent on approval by the County Attorney. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/12-39 Motion by McBride, seconded by Chezick acknowledging receipt of the Professional Advisory Committee minutes from their quarterly meeting of November 27, 2001. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 The Public Health Director informed the Board that the Department has been very busy with health emergency planning, education and training, including bio-terrorism and chemical warfare, and is ensuring that information is getting out to Community leaders and stakeholders. The Director also provided an update on immunizations for flu and pneumonia and stated that there is still vaccine available and that there is a shortage of tetanus and diphtheria vaccine so only individuals meeting certain criteria can get the vaccine.

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

000 Due to the presence of the full Board, discussion was held on setting a public hearing for the Jackfish Sewer Project. The Environmental Service Director stated that the $500,000 federal grant has been approved so all funding for the project is known at this time. He stated that the Corp of Engineers requires more of an environmental review to secure the federal grant but the cost and process at this time is not known. Even though some information will not be available for the first public hearing, the Committee recommends setting the hearing on January 15, 2002. Commissioner Lepper was not in favor of setting a hearing until more information is known. He stated that the environmental review and possible cost may impact the project moving forward and/or construction this spring and we should know everything we can before bringing the proposal to the public. Commissioner Chezick again expressed concerns with the consultant for not presenting these possible issues and costs beforehand. The Board Chair stated that the County wants to feel comfortable with the engineering and technology of the system proposed. The Board would like information on where this system is installed, how it is working and whether it is working in weather conditions similar to Koochiching County. Attorney Shermoen stated that the legal requirement under MN Statute 116A states that the Board has to hold a preliminary hearing to examine the feasibility of the project and then hold a final public hearing where detailed information is provided on the project. The first hearing is meant to gather information for further review and that the County Board can make a decision at any time in the process on whether the project will proceed based on criteria in the law. The notice for the first hearing requires three-week prior publication and that a copy of the hearing notice has to be mailed to each property owner in the area ten days before the hearing. The Board understood the legal steps but felt that some questions need to be answered at the hearing and that we need to be prepared at some level for the hearing. Commissioner Pavleck stated that the group is working to nail down costs and get answers to the questions raised to date. Cost and process information for the environmental review for the federal grant may not be available at the first hearing but a majority of the information will. Commissioner Lepper expressed concern with the timing of the hearing as many residents in the area are south for the winter and may not receive the public hearing notice. Again he stated concern with the process because of the many unknowns and questions at this point. Commissioner Pavleck viewed his responsibility as bringing the information to the public and letting them decide if it goes forward. To do that we need to hold the public hearings. Paul Mielke stated that the County has no documentation showing failed systems in the area so questioned the basis for requiring this expensive waste management system (noted that the aerial photos did not document failed systems). As a property owner in the area he has concern with the true cost of this project. Besides the bonded cost, what about costs for the grinder pump, hookup to the home, surveying, abandonment of the prior system, legal, easement, and running water to maintain the system. What about additional cost for the County if a petition is filed forcing the decision by referendum or legal cost for obtaining easements from unwilling landowners and what about maintenance cost from North Kooch Sewer District. Lastly, how do you prevent the flow from going into the lake when the line breaks when each homeowner is controlling their grinder pump? Mr. Mielke stated that if these questions are not answered he has enough signatures to force an environmental assessment of the project. When the project was first proposed everyone supported it because the cost was at $35 per household. Then it went to $50 and now is up to $70. He believes that the project will cost more than what is being estimated even now. Raoul Lufbery stated that the preliminary hearing is necessary to provide information and to gather the questions and concerns from the public. Commissioner Pavleck stated that the support and opposition to the project shows a need for a public hearing and that we need to nail down costs for the public. He also pointed out that bidding in the spring would bring in lower cost and is why the Committee is targeting that timeline. Commissioner Chezick suggested the Committee involve those who have concern or opposition to the project in their meetings to get the issues and concerns upfront. Judy Fuller asked who is responsible for the cost of maintaining the pumps and lines for those people who go south for the winter. If they do not maintain their part of the system will it impact my system? Ken Rohl stated concern with the blasting required with this project and the impact it may have on his well and other property structures. What guarantee do I have that damage will be repaired? Commissioner Chezick suggested that the fee schedule and policies of the East Kooch Sewer Commission be reviewed and reported on for the public.

2001/12-40 Motion by McBride, seconded by Pavleck authorizing the Board Chair to set a preliminary public hearing on the Jackfish Sewer Project, per MN Statute 116A, on January 15, 2002 contingent on receiving a recommendation from Commissioners Pavleck and McBride (Committee meeting scheduled for December 19, 2001) that sufficient information is available to conduct the hearing and that the decision to set the January 15, 2002 hearing is subject to a Thursday noon (December 20, 2001) publication deadline. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Pavleck; voting no: Lepper; abstaining: Chezick. Motion carried.

2001/12-41 Motion by Lepper, seconded by McBride awarding low bid to Earl Boyum for a two-year MSW hauling contract as recommended by the Environmental Service Director. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/12-42 Motion by McBride, seconded by Lepper to approve an agreement between Koochiching County and the Commissioner of Health to prepare source water assessments for six resorts in Koochiching County drawing its drinking water from Rainy Lake with compensation of $500 per assessment. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 The Environmental Service Director requested action on Conditional Use Permit #0109 be deferred as information was not available at this time for Board consideration. The Board concurred.

000 Members of the Greaney/Rauch/Silverdale Fire Department met with the Board to request creation of a taxing district in their area to support fire service. The Department services both Koochiching and St. Louis Counties and that if this service is discontinued, property owners would be waiting at least twenty minutes for a fire truck. The Department submitted a request for a $22,000 levy for the first year, which includes purchase and replacement of needed equipment. The Tax Coordinator explained that we have no authority to tax parcels in another county so we can only focus on property in this County. The members stated that the area serviced is half in Koochiching County and half in St. Louis County so the levy amount is basically half for each County. The members stated that St. Louis Commissioner Mike Forsman told them to start with Koochiching County because the Fire Department is located in that county and that he would work with them on seeking support from St. Louis County for their portion of the taxing district. In viewing the map of the proposed area, the taxing district is to include 63-22 and 64-22 excluding portions in the Indian Reservation. The Tax Coordinator stated that taxing district policy includes entire townships but felt the exclusion of the Indian Reservation should not be an issue as there may not be any taxable property in this area. It was agreed that staff would gather more information on this proposal and review again with the Board and Fire Department representatives at a January committee meeting. If the proposal is found workable, Commissioner Pavleck will set a meeting with Commissioner Forsman to pursue the formation of a taxing district in St. Louis County to support the Greaney/Rauch/Silverdale fire service.

2001/12-43 Motion by Pavleck, seconded by Chezick authorizing review of the request to create a taxing district in the Greaney/Rauch/Silverdale area to support fire service with another meeting to be scheduled in January, 2002. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/12-44 Motion by McBride, seconded by Lepper to renew the Pineview Center Primary Care and Extended Care Service Agreements with a three percent increase as recommended by the KCCS Directorship and contingent on the County Attorney’s approval. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2001/12-45 Motion by Lepper, seconded by McBride to approve an AEOA LIGSS Service Agreement as recommended by the KCCS Directorship and contingent on the County Attorney’s approval. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Pavleck; absent for vote: Chezick. Motion carried.

2001/12-46 Motion by McBride, seconded by Lepper to approve an Arc Minnesota Service Agreement to set up home service for one client in Koochiching County as recommended by the KCCS Directorship and contingent on the County Attorney’s approval. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Pavleck; absent for vote: Chezick. Motion carried.

2001/12-47 Motion by McBride, seconded by Pavleck authorizing Community Service to enter into a new lease agreement with Falls Office Supply for two Xerox copiers and one Xerox fax machine with down payment from the Food Stamp Enhancement Grant, resulting in no net increase in County dollars for the new lease agreement. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 The Koochiching Coordinator on Aging/SAIL Community Organizer provided the Board an activity report. At this time all senior committees have been consolidated to one committee of around thirty-five to forty members with a subcommittee for deciding allocation of funding. The Coordinator’s time is spent mostly with information and referral and home visits (60-70 visits per year). Programs provided include meals, caregiver training, senior companionship where one on one service is provided to get individuals to appointments, run errands or just visit, installation of emergency alert systems and chore service. The Coordinator stated that more help is needed in the senior companion and chore service programs. Transportation is another area where help is needed as bus service does not accommodate anyone who is not able or needs assistance to walk. In review of the GAPS Analysis Report, data shows that when the baby boomers age, there will be a twenty percent increase in the senior population in Koochiching County so we need to look ahead and provide more services to keep individuals in their homes. Commissioner Pavleck mentioned a program in St. Louis County where the Extension Service involved kids in the Chore Program and in turn for their involvement, received passes for Giant Ridge. The program was successful as it created a bond between the kids and the seniors they helped. The Board acknowledged the Coordinator’s efforts in bringing these services to the seniors and thanked her for the good work.

000 Members of the Family Service Collaborative met with the Board to present a proposal to hire three Family School Support Workers and one support staff to serve as a liaison between resource agencies, schools and surrounding communities to fill in gaps in services and provide prevention and early intervention services for students and families. If hired by the County, the positions would be completely funded by non-county dollars and the Collaborative will provide any funding shortfall up to $50,000 per year for two years. The administration support is needed to complete the paperwork and time studies and allow the support workers to do service work. The reason the Collaborative is providing only two years of funding backup is because these same positions in other counties become well established and financially supported in about this time frame. Per the KCCS Fiscal Supervisor, about fifty percent of this funding is provided in lump sum and the other fifty-percent must be earned. The Collaborative pointed out that Carlton County established six of these positions in 1995 and that they are very pleased with the results. The Board wanted to review contracting issues and discuss the impact of adding these positions with the KCCS Directorship. The Collaborative in their presentation showed contracting to cost $70,180 more assuming another agency provides the service. The Coordinator stated that the County could directly contract for each position rather than hire an employee. The Public Health Director stated that the level of supervision needed for these positions would not fit an independent contract. It was stated that space, supplies, phones and personal computers would be provided in the schools to reduce overhead expense. The Collaborative looked at this issue very hard and decided that the success of the positions depends on how and where they are created and it was agreed that having them in the Social Service Department was the strength. Currently there is one social worker in the Holler/Elementary School, one social worker in Backus, one social worker servicing Littlefork school weekly and one social worker servicing Indus and Northome schools and that the work done by these positions is different than what is needed in the new positions. Members of the Collaborative and representatives from the School Districts stressed the need to help the kids with no support and no means to get the support and that this support was needed yesterday. The Board agreed to look further into the request at the next committee meeting with the KCCS Directorship.

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