REGULAR MEETING OF THE KOOCHICHING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Held on Tuesday, May 07, 2002 10:10 a.m.

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

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

OTHERS ATTENDING: Terry Glowack, Ed Oerichbauer, Ann Coulombe, Duane Nelson, Phyllis Karsnia, Al Eggebroten, Rosemary Kucera, Christy Bubloz, Dennis Hummitzsch, Jennifer Hasbargen, Doug Grindall, Marty Gordon, Richard Lehtinen, Bob Peterson, Steve Nelson, Steve Fecker; Reporters Laurel Beager and Roger Jerome

2002/05-01 Motion by Pavleck, seconded by Chezick to approve the agenda with additions and deletions. Voting yes: McBride, Lepper, Hanson, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 The Complex Superintendent and a representative from the Heritage Committee provided the bid results for the historical restoration of the third floor courtroom to the Board. Work includes plastering, painting and purchase and hanging of chandeliers. Bids were received from Evergreen Painting Studio, Inc. in the amount of $94,650 and New Millennium in the amount of $213,150. The Complex Superintendent, Heritage Committee and Project Architect recommend low bid of Evergreen Painting Studio, Inc.

2002/05-02 Motion by Pavleck, seconded by Chezick accepting low bid of $94,650 from Evergreen Painting Studio, Inc. for the plastering, painting and chandelier work for the historical restoration of the third floor courtroom as recommended. Voting yes: McBride, Lepper, Hanson, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2002/05-03 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Hanson to approve the minutes of the April 23, 2002 special meeting with correction and the April 30, 2002 special meeting. Voting yes: McBride, Lepper, Hanson, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 The Board received notice of the part time hire of Danny Johnson and John Watkinson as E911/Correction Officers in the Sheriff’s Department.

2002/05-04 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Hanson to approve payment of the Auditor bills in the amount of $149,102.26 to include total and fund corrections as submitted by Accounts Payable, non-board expenditures in the amount of $49.64 and the April Board of Prisoners Claim. Payment detail on file in the Auditor’s Office. Voting yes: McBride, Lepper, Hanson, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2002/05-05 Motion by Chezick, seconded by Hanson accepting the Assessor’s recommendation to approve the following abatements: Parcel #91-04-06040 for Jerome Moe for value reduction and homestead credit, parcel #91-12-02160 for Sammy Joe Imbleau for homestead credit, parcel #97-02-04010 for the City of Northome for tax exemption, parcel #22-54-02190 for Helen Wallander for value reduction for taxes payable in 2001 and 2002, parcel #92-07-74200 for Vivian Etienne for homestead/disabled classification, parcels #51-98-11000 and #59-98-11000 for Pete McKenzie for tax exempt status due to expired lease, parcel #93-01-00242 for Debra Bahr for homestead credit, and parcel #93-29-06050 for Richard Johnson for homestead credit. Voting yes: McBride, Lepper, Hanson, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2002/05-06 Motion by Chezick, seconded by Lepper to approve 2002 Off Sale Liquor and Tobacco Licenses for Rainy Lake Spirits, LLC. from June 1, 2002 through December 31, 2002 pending receipt of required documentation as recommended by the License Committee. Voting yes: McBride, Lepper, Hanson, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2002/05-07 Motion by Chezick, seconded by Hanson to set a public hearing per Policy to receive public comment on an alley vacation request by Gene and Helen Wallander which adjoins Lots 8-22, Block 2, American Suburbs Company Third East Side Addition with said adjoining property owned by Mr. and Mrs. Wallander. Motion further directs that the City of Ranier and Sewer Commission be notified of the request. Voting yes: McBride, Lepper, Hanson, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2002/05-08 Motion by Hanson, seconded by Chezick authorizing the following as Board activities: Northland Alliance Meeting for initiating a pilot project to enhance a Northern Minnesota Land Use/Natural Resources Plan, the Governor’s Fishing Opener Events where public official’s attendance is requested, Rainy River First Nation’s Annual Event and KOOTASCA’s annual meeting. Voting yes: McBride, Lepper, Hanson, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2002/05-09 Motion by Hanson, seconded by Lepper to approve payment of a burial claim in the amount of $2,500 and directing the review of the rates in the County’s Burial Policy for burial of residents outside of the County. Voting yes: McBride, Lepper, Hanson, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2002/05-10 Motion by Pavleck, seconded by Hanson to approve a Mutual Assistance – Hold Harmless Agreement with Boise Cascade to use their HazMat Team to assist Koochiching County should there be a hazardous material spill in the County and further authorizing the Sheriff to sign said Agreement on the County’s behalf. Voting yes: McBride, Lepper, Hanson, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 The Sheriff informed the Board that purchase of a maintenance agreement for the defibrillators was overlooked and that the annual cost for the agreement is $1,190 which covers all the units. The Sheriff requested funding for the maintenance agreement as it is not covered in his 2002 budget. The Sheriff was told that the batteries for the units last approximately one year and that the price of the battery replacement is $220 per unit and a maintenance agreement per unit is $238. The Board agreed that if a battery needed replacement this year, the Sheriff would either find the funds in his budget or come back to the Board for funding consideration and that the request for the maintenance agreement be reviewed in the 2003 budget process.

000 The Sheriff informed the Board that as of this Friday security at the International Falls Airport is required one half hour before and after all flights and that he would be providing officers per an agreement with the Airport Commission. He was informed that federal funding is available to reimburse the County for this cost though in talking with other Sheriffs, reimbursement has not been received to date. The Board requested the Sheriff report back on this issue.

000 The Extension Educator and three members of the Extension Committee met with the Board to request replacement of the Extension Educator/Coordinator due to an August resignation date and to hire a part-time 4-H Program Assistant using rebate dollars due the County for 2002 and 2003. The request includes immediate approval to hire a part time Extension Educator/ Coordinator to start on July 1, 2002 to allow the individual time with the current Coordinator/Educator before her departure in August. In August the new hire would become full time. This hire would not cost the County anymore than what is already budgeted for 2002. With regards to the 4-H Program Assistant, the County is due rebates of $3,250 in 2002 and $6,500 in 2003 due to layoffs and they requested this money be applied to the 4-H position to cover the County’s cost. Both hires are employees of the University of Minnesota. The Board members and Extension Committee representatives expressed their appreciation for the outstanding work and dedication of the current Extension Educator/Coordinator to the Extension Programs. Commissioner Hanson and representatives from the Extension Committee stated their strong support to continue this service for the rural areas. Commissioner Lepper felt the County Board needs to discuss their philosophy of Extension and decide what it is they want for the County. Commissioner Chezick agreed as members have different ideas, though it appears 4-H is strongly supported by all members. Commissioner Pavleck stated that the Board has to deal with limited funding in budget cycles and bases levels of service on the amount of funding. In addition, upcoming budget cycles will be more difficult because we are seeing a loss in revenue sources. The Extension Coordinator and Extension Committee representatives are looking for a fair share as they feel the Extension Department has been hit the hardest with staffing cuts.

2002/05-11 Motion by Hanson, seconded by Chezick that at the expense of the University of Minnesota, to approve the hire of a part time Extension Educator/Coordinator for Koochiching to job shadow the current Extension Coordinator until her departure in August, 2002 at which time the new hire will become full-time with no more cost to the County than the level set in the 2002 Budget and with the individual being an employee of the University of Minnesota. Motion further directs a committee meeting be scheduled to allow the Board to discuss their philosophy for the Extension Department before making any further decision on staffing request. Voting yes: McBride, Lepper, Hanson, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2002/05-12 Motion by Hanson, seconded by Chezick to authorize the Board Chair’s signature to the General Notice to Control or Eradicate Noxious Weeds for annual publication as required by law and as recommended by the Land Commissioner. Voting yes: McBride, Lepper, Hanson, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2002/05-13 Motion by Hanson, seconded by Lepper authorizing the Land Commissioner to hire an office clerk to service the Land and Forestry and Extension Departments (retaining a percent of time to service other departments in short-staff and emergency situations – reference Board Motion 2002/04-03). Voting yes: McBride, Lepper, Hanson, Chezick; voting no: Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 The Board Chair called for public comment at 11:30 a.m. No comment was received.

2002/05-14 Motion by Pavleck, seconded by Lepper accepting the recommendation of the Highway Engineer for awarding the following bids: riveted corrugated steel culverts to Johnston Fargo Culverts; spiral corrugated steel culverts to Contech Construction Products; polymer pre-coated spiral culverts to Johnston Fargo Culverts; concrete culverts to Elk River Concrete Products; arch concrete culverts to Elk River Concrete Products; concrete box culverts to Elk River Concrete Products and timber bridge material to Wheeler Consolidated, Inc. and Page & Hill Forest Products. No bids were received for road oil. Voting yes: McBride, Lepper, Hanson, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2002/05-15 Motion by Pavleck, seconded by Lepper approving the Environmental Assessment Worksheet for CSAH 138 (Gold Shores Road) and accepting the letter of recommendation from the Highway Engineer for a negative declaration regarding the need for an Environmental Impact Statement for CSAH 138 (Gold Shores Road). Voting yes: McBride, Lepper, Hanson, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2002/05-16 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Chezick to deny the request for an upgrade of an old township road which is located east of Pelland Junction as recommended by the Highway Engineer. Voting yes: McBride, Lepper, Hanson, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2002/05-17 Motion by Chezick, seconded by Pavleck to close session at 11:36 a.m. to confer with legal counsel on the Gold Shores Road condemnation proceedings. Voting yes: McBride, Lepper, Hanson, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried. Attending the closed session was the full Board, Highway Engineer, Assistant Engineer, County Coordinator and Attorney Jennifer Hasbargen.

000 Board Chair opened session at 12:00 p.m. and recessed the meeting for lunch.

2002/05-18 Motion by Chezick, seconded by Lepper to add to the agenda and authorize a public hearing for the Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan Update for 2001 to 2006 as required under law. Voting yes: McBride, Lepper, Hanson, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 The Board deferred consideration of funding and an archaeology study for the proposed Jackfish Bay Area Sewer Project to the next agenda at which time more information would be available on the project’s cost and the environmental reviews required for the project.

000 At the request of the employee subject to an investigation review and her legal counsel, the Board held an open session for preliminary consideration of discipline. After some discussion, the employee agreed to allow the Board to close session to continue review of the matter.

2002/05-19 Motion by Pavleck, seconded by Lepper to close session at 3:00 p.m. for preliminary consideration of discipline of an employee. Voting yes: McBride, Lepper, Hanson, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried. Attending the closed session: the full Board, County Coordinator, and the Board’s legal counsel via telephone.

2002/05-20 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Pavleck to adjourn the meeting at 3:50 p.m. Voting yes: McBride, Lepper, Hanson, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.