REGULAR MEETING OF THE KOOCHICHING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Held on Tuesday, October 5, 2004; 9:30 a.m.

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

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

OTHERS ATTENDING: John McCarthy, Kallie Briggs, Einar Sundin, Dennis Hummitzsch, Richard Lehtinen, Rudy Schoolderman, Duane Nelson, Paul Nevanen, Steve Kluess, Julie Schumacher; Reporters Roger Jerome and Laurel Beager

2004/10-01 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Adee to approve the agenda with additions and deletions. Voting yes: Pavleck, Adee, Hanson, Chezick, Lepper. Motion carried.

2004/10-02 Motion by Hanson, seconded by Adee to approve the minutes of the September 28, 2004 special meeting with correction. Voting yes: Pavleck, Adee, Hanson, Chezick, Lepper. Motion carried.

2004/10-03 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Chezick to approve payment of the monthly Board expense claims in the amount of $9,749.61. Voting yes: Pavleck, Adee, Hanson, Chezick, Lepper. Motion carried.

2004/10-04 Motion by Adee, seconded by Hanson authorizing the Board Chair to sign a letter of support for the Convention and Visitors Bureau’s bid for the 2006 Governor’s Fishing Opener. Voting yes: Pavleck, Adee, Hanson, Chezick, Lepper. Motion carried.

000 Commissioners Pavleck and Adee provided information to the Board from an Open Meeting and Data Practices Seminar they attended. In addition, they reported on the AMC District meeting where the ISTS platform, gas tax increase for a bonding bill, and reinstatement of fees eliminated by the previous Governor were discussed. In addition members were informed of an initiative at the state level to increase short term offenders serving time in local jails from six months to one year. Health care costs and out of home placement costs were also discussed. AMC will be sending counties a resolution to support the gas tax increase for the bonding bill, however, Commissioners noted that support by the Governor is unlikely.

2004/10-05 Motion by Hanson, seconded by Chezick ratifying the final tracts of land presented by the Land Commissioner for the October 28, 2004 public auction. Voting yes: Pavleck, Adee, Hanson, Chezick, Lepper. Motion carried.

2004/10-06 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Adee authorizing the Auditor/Treasurer to place special assessments on commercial and exempt properties for their 2004 delinquent solid waste service fee plus a ten percent penalty for collection in 2005. Voting yes: Lepper, Adee, Hanson, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2004/10-07 Motion by Chezick, seconded by Lepper authorizing the Environmental Service Department to seek quotes for brush grinding service at the Transfer Station. Voting yes: Pavleck, Adee, Hanson, Chezick, Lepper. Motion carried.

2004/10-08 Motion by Hanson, seconded by Lepper authorizing the Environmental Service Department to seek bids for a new recycling trailer (aluminum) as recommended by the Environmental Service Director as part of the trailer replacement plan. Voting yes: Pavleck, Adee, Hanson, Chezick, Lepper. Motion carried.

2004/10-09 Motion by Chezick, seconded by Lepper tabling the Environmental Service Director’s request to seek proposals from engineering firms to assist with the renewal of the County’s demolition landfill permit until further information is provided to the Board. Voting yes: Pavleck, Adee, Hanson, Chezick, Lepper. Motion carried.

2004/10-10 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Adee denying the request by JD Trucking to amend the service contract for changes in fuel prices as this was a bid service. Voting yes: Pavleck, Adee, Hanson, Chezick, Lepper. Motion carried.

000 The Board was presented an overview of the draft Koochiching County Hazard Mitigation Plan by an ARDC representative and the Sheriff, which is a requirement under FEMA to receive funding for long-term pre-disaster mitigation measures, noting that the amount of dollars available to communities under this plan is not yet known. It is anticipated that in a second phase a mitigation plan will also be required in order to be eligible for disaster relief funding. The draft plan for the County was established by a steering committee of county-wide representatives which identifies possible hazards in the County and long term and short term preventive measures to be taken. The next step in the process is to allow public review and comment through a public hearing by the County Board.

2004/10-11 Motion by Chezick, seconded by Adee to set a public hearing to receive public comment on the draft Koochiching County Hazard Mitigation Plan for Tuesday, October 26, 2004 with the time to be determined and with the draft plan made available at the Administration and Sheriff Offices and the County’s website. Voting yes: Pavleck, Adee, Hanson, Chezick, Lepper. Motion carried.

000 The Board was provided a presentation on program and project activities of the Laurentian Resource Conservation and Development Council. The RC&D Program is a federal initiative starting back in 1962 providing resources for land conservation, water management, environmental enhancement, community development and unique development. The Program is a delivery system for rural development and a catalyst for federal, state and local governments for solutions and community project development. The Laurentian Program is directed by a Council represented by Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake and St. Louis Counties. The Coordinator for the Laurentian Program reviewed current initiatives including a program for promoting local products, Biomass generation, commercial plasma generation, conservation projects, and assisting the community group to find funding for the AB/Backus development. The Board expressed their appreciation to this organization as they have provided a great deal of assistance to Koochiching County.

000 The Board Chair called for public comment at 11:50 a.m. No comment was provided.

000 Julie Schumacher, representative on a task force to promote Broadband technology in the County, submitted a request for the County to support a Blandin Foundation Grant and allow their Information Systems Manager to serve on the task force. The initiative is to educate the public on the use of Broadband telecommunication services (cable internet, DSL, and wireless) over dial up services. The County has the Broadband technology but the task force determined much of the community is not aware of this more efficient and productive service. Rainy River Community College is taking the lead on the project.

2004/10-12 Motion by Hanson, seconded by Lepper authorizing a letter of support from the County for the “Get Broadband” initiative led by Rainy River Community College including a letter of support for the Blandin Foundation Grant. Motion further authorizes the Information Systems Manager to serve on the task force for this community initiative. Voting yes: Pavleck, Adee, Hanson, Chezick, Lepper. Motion carried.

2004/10-13 Motion by Adee, seconded by Lepper to adjourn the meeting at 12:00 p.m. Voting yes: Pavleck, Adee, Hanson, Chezick, Lepper. Motion carried.